The Steward Demonic Emperor

by Little Merger

Zhuo Yifan was the Demon Emperor. One day, he managed to lay his hands on an ancient emperor’s book, the Nine Serenities Secret Records. As the book was coveted by many, he was targeted by experts and was even betrayed by his student. After his passing, his soul took over another’s body. Brought back to life, in the body of a family servant named Zhuo Fan. Because of the regrets of

3. 65

The Steward Demonic Emperor #Chapter 65, Insidious Demon - Read The Steward Demonic Emperor Chapter 65, Insidious Demon Online - All Page - NOVEL NEXT

Chapter 65, Insidious Demon

"Ha-ha-ha, kid, you're just like me. Selfish, cruel, heartless, and won't even hesitate to use your own men. Even I'm feeling a bit afraid of you!"

Boom!

The thunderflame gale prison blew away with a loud noise to reveal the sinister smiling seventh elder. Yet now he held another centipede chain in his hand, this one black.

The two chains formed a helix around him, sparing his life from the dreadful attack. But even so, his body was littered with burn marks, and one could even see the bone in some places as blood seeped out.

It was obvious that he survived because of these chains.

And that too against the true power of the Thunderflame Gale Array.

After spitting some burning blood, the seventh elder gasped, but his wicked eyes never left Zhuo Fan for a moment.

"Kid, I have always been quick to pick up on things related to my enemies everywhere I went, but today you almost had me killed! I have to admit, I never met such dreadful brat in my life."

Zhuo Fan looked over to see Xue Ningxiang unconscious at his feet. But she wasn't dead. Perhaps the chain helix protected her the same way it protected the elder.

But it wasn't like Zhuo Fan cared if she lived or died. He just kept staring at the black centipede chain, "You have another 4th-grade demonic treasure?"

"He-he-he, I used to have only one!"

The seventh elder joined the two centipede chains together to form a black and white chain, "This 4th-grade demonic treasure, Yin Yang Chains are of one body. I usually attack with the yang chain and use the yin chain to kill my enemy at the right time. But to save myself today, you forced me to reveal my yin chain. You should be proud of that. Even Profound Heaven experts only figure out the truth at the moment of their deaths!"

Zhuo Fan gnashed his teeth, "The Insidious Demon title fits you like a glove! You were willing to suffer a heavy wound just to keep this move hidden!"

"But of course!"

The seventh elder coughed blood twice but his face still retained the sinister smile, "With how the world is filled with lies and schemes, I prefer to keep my strongest move hidden. That is why my ploys always succeed while the ones against me fail!"

"But today is the exception!"

The seventh elder's eyes flashed and threw the yang chain at Zhuo Fan and the yin chain at Xie Tianyang as he roared, "Too bad you're out of tricks and can't beat me!"

"I beg to differ." Zhuo Fan smirked and made a hand sign, making a bloody light fly out of Xue Ningxiang towards the seventh elder.

The elder was seriously hurt and the chains were far away. Zhuo Fan watched him like a hawk just to find if he also had a defensive demonic treasure.

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This way he could put Blood Infant to good use.

In his sorry state, if Blood Infant was to get inside the seventh elder, he'd be refined without even a means to resist.

This was Zhuo Fan's true killing move. Even the thunderflame gale prison was only used as bait to reveal all the elder's cards.

Zhuo Fan refused to believe a man with the Insidious Demon fame had no hidden means to save himself.

"Demonic creature!"

On the other hand, the seventh elder was startled by the bloody light. He now figured out what Zhuo Fan really intended when he said Xue Ningxiang was the bait.

It wasn't just to trap him in the thunderflame gale prison but to also hide a killing move. With how close he was to her, he had no way of dodging.

Insidious Demon had to admire Zhuo Fan's cunning mind for beating him at every turn.

Zhuo Fan was expectant of victory as he smiled, "It's over, seventh elder. This fight is my win..."

Suddenly, the seventh elder's yang chain pierced through Zhuo Fan's chest. He felt his heart being crushed. A large hole was left behind on his body, with pieces of his heart here and there.

"This is impossible..."

Zhuo Fan was confident that the Blood Infant would gain control of the seventh elder once it entered him, also stopping the yang chain's attack.

But the truth was, the chain never stopped. Zhuo Fan even felt his organs withering and seeping life force.

This wasn't caused by the chain, but by Blood Infant's injury!

Puking blood, Zhuo Fan watched in shock as Blood Infant hung behind the seventh elder. A flash of silver revealed a needle impaling Blood Infant's chest.

"3rd-grade demonic treasure, Twisted Needle!"

The seventh elder sneered at Zhuo Fan and pulled back the Twisted Needle into his elbow.

Blood Infant collapsed and Zhuo Fan fell to his knees. His eyes were filled with dread. He couldn't believe he just lost.

Bam!

A sound was heard from the side, Xie Tianyang struggled for his life but the yin chain lashed over his chest and he was now spitting blood. It was thanks to his spiritual armor that he was still breathing!

Ignoring the rest, the seventh elder walked to Zhuo Fan calmly.

"Kid, I am known as the Insidious Demon. How can anyone outsmart me?"

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The seventh elder watched the dying Zhuo Fan, "You're good, real good. Your schemes even make me feel fear. In a decade or two, you will become an outstanding demonic cultivator! Not even the number one sage in Tianyu can compare to you. A pity you won't live so long, because I am afraid, afraid of what you'll become. You are the first to ever make me feel this way..."

He was about to land the finishing blow, "You might die at my hand, but do not feel bad. Our cunningness is about the same, but I am stronger. In front of true power, all tricks, all methods are moot... "

The seventh elder's palm came from above and Zhuo Fan could even hear the whistling wind.

He didn't want to die, but he had nothing left to fight with.

A loss was a loss, be it in power or cunningness. And the one to lose, died! But he had so many things he wanted to do.

So what? The loser never had a choice to begin with!

Closing his eyes, Zhuo Fan took one last breath and blacked out...

Roar!

A sudden roar shook the entire Allbeast Mountain Range and the seventh elder's palm stopped an inch above Zhuo Fan's head.

Along with the roar, a wave of flames came to engulf everything. It swallowed trees and left empty husks behind.

The seventh elder was startled.

Looking towards the third area, he said with uncertainty, "Why is this monster coming to the second area..."

Taking another look at the hopeless trio, he gnashed his teeth and fled, even disregarding the Diamond Sand.

A bird cry soon followed and the skies darkened. A huge bird wing trailed above, overshadowing the earth.

The spiritual beasts shivered in their caves.

The huge bird's wing burned blue, and each flap sent sparks everywhere. Wherever the sparks landed, flames torched all of it into nothing.

The previously lush forest was now reduced to ash after the bird passed. Not even bones were left of the 4th level spiritual beasts touched by the flames.

The huge bird flew for a while then left, but the forest beneath it was no more.

Zhuo Fan and the other two were lying unconscious among the ashes. Some spiritual beasts passed by but finding them dead, they left.

In fact, it was thanks to the Energy Concealing Pill that hid their auras.

Cough, cough, cough...

With a light cough, Xue Ningxiang strained her eyes open, but shock swept her heart. [Why is the forest gone and only ash remained?]

[The seventh elder couldn't have done this.]

She looked around in haste for Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang and saw them lying unconscious. Zhuo Fan had the most critical injury, bleeding from the hole in his chest.

He wasn't too far from breathing his last...

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Chapter 66, Guilt

"Brother Zhuo!"

Xue Ningxiang was on Zhuo Fan with a cry and turned him over to see the fist-sized wound in his chest which went all the way through his back. His face paled by the second and his temperature dropped.

Tears welled in Xue Ningxiang's eyes and fell along with her anxious voice, "Brother Zhuo, wake up, wake up..."

Perhaps it was the soft tears or the incessant shouts grating on his ears that made Zhuo Fan crack his eyelids.

"Brother Zhuo, you're awake!" Xue Ningxiang was glad.

Zhuo Fan moved his lips but was too weak to even let out words.

Watching her tear-stained face, Zhuo Fan took a deep breath and squeezed his last drop of energy into pointing, but his hand soon fell limp.

Xue Ningxiang caught his gesture and saw Blood Infant in a pool of blood.

"You want me to bring it over?" She asked.

Zhuo Fan blinked weakly, the only thing he could do in his current state. Xue Ningxiang thus marched to Blood Infant and was soon back with it in her arms. She then placed it on the hole in Zhuo Fan's chest.

Blood Infant flashed red and was back in Zhuo Fan's body. He let out a breath as his complexion started improving slightly.

His and Blood Infant's lives were shared, so much so that its wound was far more important than his own injury. As long as Blood Infant was fine, him suffering heavy wounds would matter little. But now Blood Infant's life hung by a thread. Without his blood essence, he could only keep it alive for a short while longer.

He was in a worse condition too and had no way to save it. But as Blood Infant was kept alive a bit of energy returned to him.

"B-blood..." Zhuo Fan whispered hoarsely.

Xue Ningxiang paused a moment, then cut her wrist with a dagger and brought her hand to Zhuo Fan's lips.

The girl's blood dripped in Zhuo Fan's mouth and he slowly recovered a bit more energy.

Xue Ningxiang let out a relieved sigh and even sported a faint smile.

But Zhuo Fan suddenly bit her wrist, sucking the blood out. Xue Ningxiang braced through the pain and let him have his fill.

Time passed but Zhuo Fan's appetite didn't drop. Xue Ningxiang's face paled and was even getting woozy.

She knew it was from the blood loss but she didn't stop him.

When Zhuo Fan finally let go and gasped for fresh air, he saw Xue Ningxiang's pale countenance and felt complicated.

"Thank you." Zhuo Fan now had the strength to speak, thanks to the blood. Xue Ningxiang smiled. She was feeling weak but her smile looked mesmerizing to Zhuo Fan.

Recalling his previous act, his heart began to feel guilt.

With a thought, a blue bottle flashed in his hand.

"Ning'er, these are 3rd-grade Heart Protecting Pills. Give me one, you take the second and give the third to the kid if he isn't dead."

Xue Ningxiang nodded and fed the first pill to him. She checked Xie Tianyang and found him alive. Excited, she fed him a pill but saved hers.

Zhuo Fan was laid on the ground but his heart was clear, "Ning'er, you are also hurt. Why aren't you taking it?"

Ning'er shook her head, "It's only a scratch. This pill is too precious and it's better used on you two."

"Ha-ha-ha, not in the least. It came from Veiled Dragon Pavilion anyway, so don't worry!" Zhuo Fan smiled. He came to Allbeast Mountain Range prepared, not only in spirit stones but also in pills.

Since the Imperial family and Veiled Dragon Pavilion were providing the Luo clan with stuff, he had everything besides the truly rare pills. Some of his pills were something not found even in the entire Tianyu Empire, refined by yours truly.

[I didn't think I'd use them so fast!]

"Ning'er, take it, it's yours!"

A snort came and Xue Ningxiang turned towards Xie Tianyang. He was also worse for wear, not life-threatened like Zhuo Fan, but he couldn't move still.

He would need 3-5 months to heal.

Zhuo Fan couldn't budge but neither could he. Even so, his fear of Zhuo Fan wasn't that high and said with a clipped tone, "Ning'er, this big brother Zhuo wanted to use you as bait from the start. This is his just deserts!"

When Zhuo Fan exposed his plan, she was already unconscious in the thunderflame gale prison explosion. But hearing it now, she was startled and looked at Zhuo Fan with the hope that he'd deny.

She refused to believe that Brother Zhuo, who stood by her side for over a month, would be so cruel as to throw her away.

She hoped this was a misunderstanding, that Zhuo Fan would refute Xie Tianyang's claims. But Zhuo Fan remained silent, and his cold eyes refused to meet hers for the first time.

With tears welling, Xue Ningxiang forced her sorrow down, but her heart felt like being stabbed with a knife.

She didn't realize when, but Zhuo Fan meant a lot to her. She didn't feel hate for being cast out, but pain...

Sensing her pain, Zhuo Fan hesitated, "Ning'er, I..."

"It's fine, you don't need to say anything."

Xue Ningxiang wiped her nose and forced a smile, "I know Brother Zhuo is brave and smart, that all went according to your plan. I'm sure it's a misunderstanding."

She whipped her head around and left, "I'm going to look for branches and make a stretcher. We can't keep staying here."

Watching her walk away like nothing had happened, Xie Tianyang rose an eyebrow, "Hey, Ning'er, you're going to forgive him just like that? He is hurt and can't move. Now's your chance for revenge."

Yet Xue Ningxiang didn't return...

Xie Tianyang wanted to yell again but then Zhuo Fan's snort came, "Zip it. If you want to die, just ask!"

"Humph, you have it worse than me, let's see you try!"

Xie Tianyang put up a tough front but fear gnawed his heart because of the naked killing intent laced in Zhuo Fan's words.

Seeing with his own eyes how Zhuo Fan had fought the seventh elder, he knew the horror Zhuo Fan could unleash. Despite losing, Zhuo Fan played with that Insidious Demon to such a state.

He felt both fear and hatred towards Zhuo Fan.

Hate for his unfeeling heart to his friends and fear from his cunning mind. But then a new feeling triumphed them both, something the genius disciple of Sword Marquise Abode never felt before, awe.

Xue Ningxiang was soon back with wood and made two stretchers. When she placed them both on each, Zhuo Fan wanted to apologize but swallowed his words when he saw her avoiding him.

Rumble!

With a thunderclap, the rain started pouring down on the ashen forest and helped the saplings grow.

Xue Ningxiang tied the stretchers with rope and trudged through the mud. Because of the heavy rain, the rough mountain path, and the blood loss, she fell down again and again.

But she pressed on like a machine, dragging them ever forward.

The three never spoke a word the entire time. Even Xie Tianyang's complaints about taking revenge fell silent.

The two felt worse and worse the more they saw Xue Ningxiang's pale face as she pulled them.

Xie Tianyang was the first to mention casting her away for being weak. Zhuo Fan went a step further by rejecting the idea in a dignified manner, only to throw her out as bait not much later.

And now, the two were in dire straits, useless for months to come. But Xue Ningxiang's heart remained steady and firm, never abandoning them.

The two felt heavy in their hearts from the huge debt they had for her. [How can we ever repay it?]

On the muddy and slick mountain road, a bump appeared and the Burrowing Mouse revealed itself. It ran towards Xue Ningxiang as soon as it came out.

Now that she saw the little guy, her smile came back on her face, since losing it when she found of Zhuo Fan's betrayal.

Afraid of critter suffering, she drove it away before their fight with the seventh elder. But now it came back.

The little guy was jumping around her leg in joy then skipped ahead of her.

Xue Ningxiang guessed that it was showing the way and dragged the stretchers to a cave.

Happy, she pulled the two people into the cave for sheltering from the rain and healing their wounds.

But Zhuo Fan looked around once and shouted in panic, "We can't stay here, we have to leave now!"

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Chapter 67, Heaven-shaking Roar

Xue Ningxiang turned to Zhuo Fan with a start.

Zhuo Fan spoke while gazing at the weeds around the cave, "That is Soothing Grass!"

"That's perfect, it can help relieve fatigue. What is wrong with that?" Xie Tianyang asked.

Zhuo Fan said annoyed, "That's true for humans, but for spiritual beasts, it has a calming effect that attracts nearby spiritual beasts."

Xie Tianyang was anxious, "That means... trap?"

Zhuo Fan nodded, "Yes, a trap made by predators. The Burrowing Mouse was drawn here and led us right to it!"

"Curses, you can just bury your head and run, but we'll have to suffer. Why had I taken you in any way?" Xie Tianyang snapped at the critter.

He wasn't as brash usually, but he was now hurt and powerless to resist an attack. In this grim state, falling in a trap was the last straw.

To escape from the seventh elder yet die in a beast's trap was something this genius disciple couldn't accept.

The Burrowing Mouse squeaked a few times with a lowered head.

Xue Ningxiang hugged it to her chest and spoke softly to Zhuo Fan, "What do we do now?"

She had ill-feelings towards Zhuo Fan but she always turned to him for help when the going got tough.

"What else?! Run!" Xie Tianyang cut him off.

Zhuo Fan asked hastily, "What time is it?"

Xue Ningxiang looked outside the cave, but the rain clouds blocked the sky. She shook her head, "I'm not sure, a day must've passed by now."

"Damn!" Zhuo Fan said gravely, "The Energy Concealing Pill must have worn off and we are now easy targets. I'm guessing beasts must be coming here in droves!"

"What?" Xie Tianyang jumped, "You said... droves?"

Zhuo Fan nodded, "The truly strong spiritual beasts don't stoop so low to use this trick. Only low-level spiritual beasts place traps and move in packs."

Just then, along with the sound of rain, roars of beast echoed, and several pairs of cruel eyes fixed on the cave's mouth.

A rough look would spot around a thousand heads.

"Bloodthirsty Wolves!"

Zhuo Fan sighed, "We're finished. Bloodthirsty Wolves are 2nd level spiritual beasts but with their numbers, they must have a 3rd level wolf king among them. Not even a 4th level spiritual beast would dare to mess with them."

Xie Tianyang saw the faint green eyes getting ever closer, "Woe is me! Heaven must be jealous of my outstanding talent and wants to pluck me."

Xue Ningxiang looked worried while Zhuo Fan had his trademark unflappable expression.

"Xie Tianyang!"

Zhuo Fan said, "Give your sword to Ning'er!"

"Ning'er?" Xie Tianyang didn't understand, "My Star Sword may be a 4th-grade spiritual weapon, but Ning'er is in the Qi Condensation Stage. It's not enough to deal with those savage beasts."

He spoke of the difference in cultivation and leveled his eyes at Zhuo Fan, "She isn't like you, fighting Bone Tempering and Profound Heaven experts while in Qi Condensation Stage."

Zhuo Fan smiled, "Ning'er won't be fighting the beasts, but escaping their encirclement."

He took out a bottle from his ring but didn't have the strength to lift it.

"Ning'er, take this Energy Concealing Pill."

Zhuo Fan spoke calmly, "Use it to leave Allbeast Mountain Range once you break the encirclement, but don't go to your clan. Leave the city."

Xie Tianyang now understood Zhuo Fan's plan. So he too took out his Star Sword.

Their debt to Ning'er was too great, and at this point, they were nothing but dead weights.

Seeing their firm gazes, Xue Ningxiang took the sword and ran outside.

Both Xie Tianyang and Zhuo Fan revealed a smile, feeling a weight being lifted off their chests.

"This way, we can repay her kindness. Even if we die, we can do it free of regrets!" Xie Tianyang mumbled.

Zhuo Fan spoke blandly, "I don't care about returning favors, just felt unwilling to die like this. I just don't want this girl to keep looking after me."

"Humph, how cold-hearted!" Xie Tianyang snapped.

After that short banter, the two were at peace, waiting for the Bloodthirsty Wolves to devour them.

But then wails came, followed by blood splattering on both of them.

When they looked towards the mouth of the cave, they were shocked to see Xue Ningxiang standing guard at the entrance. Some Bloodthirsty Wolves were circling around trying to enter but were cut down by her.

With her standing guard and this being the only entrance, the wolves were kept at bay.

"Ning'er, what are you doing?" Zhuo Fan shouted.

Xue Ningxiang slashed and three more wolves fell. She looked back with a shy smile, "See, with me standing here, they will never get in!"

"Idiot, those are nothing but cannon fodder. The wolf king wouldn't care if they died. He's trying to tire you out before killing you!" Zhuo Fan cursed, but his eyes were filled with worry.

Xue Ningxiang smiled, "That wolf king is a beast uncaring for his pack, but you are my most important friends. I won't abandon you."

She killed another two incoming wolves.

Because of the blood loss and the fatigue of carrying the two, she felt weak and pale. She was shaking with the wind and seemed like she might collapse any second. Yet her eyes were headstrong.

Xue Ningxiang slashed, again and again, piling wolf corpses at her feet in a pool of blood.

Her brows were drenched, her breathing haggard, her arms numb, but her back remained straight against the incoming storm.

Watching her frail body, Zhuo Fan's eyes filled with warmth.

He closed his eyes, not wishing to see the end as pain laced his heart.

"Zhuo Fan!"

Xie Tianyang yelled, "I just realized, we're both damn bastards."

"En!"

Zhuo Fan groaned a response. Xie Tianyang looked over to Xue Ningxiang braving outside and he also closed his eyes.

"Ah!"

Xue Ningxiang let out a cry as a wolf bit her wrist when her strength failed her. It then pinned her to the ground.

Then another wolf pounced on her other hand. She wanted to get up and keep fighting but felt too weak to move. She had surpassed the limits of her body long ago and was now powerless to deal with two weak wolves. She couldn't even feel the blood flowing out from the bite wounds on her hands.

Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang knew this was going to happen but kept their eyes closed. They wanted to be spared from the sight of the girl getting mauled.

While two wolves pinned her arms, the rest were closing in as Xue Ningxiang's breathing grew faint.

If they could, the two in the cave would've covered their ears.

In celebration of a successful hunt, the pack howled and the wolf king, three times bigger than the rest, strutted before Xue Ningxiang.

Licking its fangs, the wolf king howled and opened its maw to ravage Xue Ningxiang.

With her eyes blacking out, all she could see were vague shapes.

Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang still had their eyes closed.

Roar!

Just as the wolf king was about to bite her, a sudden roar echoed from deep within the Allbeast Mountain Range. Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang blanked out the moment it reached them.

The thousand Bloodthirsty Wolves pack collapsed one after the other, with only the wolf king staggering from fear.

But before it could retreat, a flame swept over the wolves, not even leaving ash behind.

Even the wolf king couldn't survive and disappeared from this world.

Unbelievable enough, Zhuo Fan's party survived unharmed, though unconscious...

"Zhuo Fan!"

Zhuo Fan vaguely heard someone calling him and opened his eyes.

[What is with this foggy place? Where am I?] He looked around.

But then it occurred to him, he was heavily wounded so how could he move?

Suddenly, two blue flames ignited. It fused together to reveal a burning blue-robed figure floating high above.

"Is your name Zhuo Fan? I heard the two kids call you as such!" The figure smiled. His voice fit a sturdy middle-aged man, but it wasn't clear from his appearance.

Zhuo Fan was suspicious, "Who are you?"

"You don't need to know." The figure replied, "This is my domain, and here, I ask the questions!"

"Zhuo Fan, why have you come to Allbeast Mountain Range?" the blue figure asked.

Zhuo Fan thought for a moment, "To capture a spiritual beast and make it my demonic creature!"

"What spiritual beast?"

"6th level spiritual beast, Thunder Skylark!"

"Why?"

Zhuo Fan's eyes swiveled, "Why else, to increase my power!"

Boom!

A loud noise resounded and Zhuo Fan felt like his head was about to explode.

"Ha-ha-ha..." The figure laughed, "Boy, we are inside your consciousness. It's easy for me to tell when you lie."

Zhuo Fan looked at the figure in fear.

He could enter other's consciousness on his own. Such power went beyond Radiant Stage, maybe even above the mortal domain.

"Are you... from the Sacred Domain..." Zhuo Fan gasped.

He never thought that it was possible to run into a Sacred Domain's expert in the mortal domain.

The figure was also surprised that Zhuo Fan knew about Sacred Domain and nodded, "You aren't normal to know of Sacred Domain, to apply ancient arrays, and refine the Blood Infant..."

Zhuo Fan was shocked to find that all his actions were monitored, this man even knew of Blood Infant.

Matters regarding Patriarch Blood Demon were decades old and very few people knew of them even in the Sacred Domain. If he hadn't stumbled upon the Nine Serenities Secret Records, he would be none the wiser.

But...

"W-who exactly are you?"

"I said it before, only I ask the questions here!" The figure replied coldly, "Why do you want the Thunder Skylark. Speak the truth!"

Zhuo Fan was pensive, but found no way out, "I want to go to Lightning Canyon and search for the Heavenly Emperor's remnant. For that, I need the Thunder Skylark to block the purple lightning!"

"What?"

The blue figure never anticipated such an answer, but laughed in glee, "Ha-ha-ha, good. Great even. That is a good place. You should definitely go!"

The figure vanished and popped right in front of Zhuo Fan's face. Zhuo Fan was startled but didn't pick up any bad intentions from him.

The figure then tapped Zhuo Fan's forehead and a blue flame seeped in. Zhuo Fan only felt gentle energy from his forehead.

"Ha-ha-ha, boy, we are fated so here's a gift. I hope you can help me in the future!"

The figure was gone but his words rang in Zhuo Fan's ears, "You can find the Thunder Skylark three thousand miles into the third area. Do your best to catch it..."

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Chapter 68, Between Life and Death

"Wait!"

Zhuo Fan sat up with a start. A ray of sunshine shone through the cave's mouth and forced him to cover his eyes.

To his surprise, he found that he could actually move.

Although still weak, he was mostly recovered. Inspecting himself in detail, he found the Blood Infant laying depressed in his Dantian but its life was no longer hanging by a thread. Even its eyes were trembling, on the verge of waking up.

Being shocked was an understatement. Zhuo Fan knew the expert he met last night was someone who rose above the mortal domain. Or he wouldn't have had the ability to heal his wounds overnight along with Blood Infant's.

"But... why did he choose me?"

Zhuo Fan rubbed his forehead, recalling that the man had planted something there. But his weak self didn't allow him to see clearly what it was.

He shook his head in the end, [It doesn't matter, anyway he saved me. Whatever his reasons are, I will figure them out sooner or later.]

With his current strength, what could he do against that man?

Mocking himself, he realized that he was overthinking things sometimes. It had to do with the fact that he was in the 6th layer of Qi Condensation with the heart of an Emperor Stage expert. [What a pain!]

So, his current objective was to boost his strength. The strong had the final say in everything.

He sighed as he looked at the incoming sunshine. Despite the somber feeling exuding from the burned trees, the sun brought a ray of hope.

A groan interrupted his musing and Zhuo Fan found Xue Ningxiang's weak figure in a pool of blood. He rushed to her and fed a Heart Protecting Pill.

A gentle Yuan Qi traveled within her body and Zhuo Fan breathed easy.

The girl's wounds were only skin deep. She had overused her Yuan Qi in her fight against the Bloodthirsty Wolves and needed just a few days to recover.

But the pale face of Xue Ningxiang brought another wave of worry in his heart. He then started to remove the dirt from her face.

Feeling his rough hand, Xue Ningxiang cracked her eyes open and showed a sweet smile.

"Brother Zhuo, are we dead?"

"Rest easy, we are alive and well!"

"Liar, how are you able to move when you were so hurt?" Xue Ningxiang mumbled, "But... at least we died together..."

And the girl faded into unconsciousness at the last word.

Zhuo Fan watched her peaceful expression and carried her inside the cave to lay her next to the Soothing Grass. It was the best item in relieving fatigue for humans.

Now he was standing beside the unconscious Xie Tianyang, with a not so friendly face.

"Yo, get up, up I say!

Zhuo Fan kicked him lightly, twice for good measure, but he was still as a rock.

Zhuo Fan sneered and swung his leg way back before kicking with enough oomph on Xie Tianyang's ass!

"Ah!"

A wail that shook the heavens and the forest was heard. It even frightened the spiritual beasts around.

[I say, what's with this ghastly yell? Trying to wake the heavens? The Allbeast Mountain Range doesn't lack dreadful monsters you know...]

Xie Tianyang shivered as he reined in his tears, "What is this place? What did I ever do to deserve such cruelty even in death?"

"Is kicking once cruel? You, a Sword Marquise Abode young master have seen nothing yet!" Zhuo Fan smiled at Xie Tianyang's shocked face.

Xie Tianyang was startled seeing Zhuo Fan, "Did you kick me? Why the hell... we clearly died together, so why can you hit me?"

Zhuo Fan grinned, "If we're dead, all of us would be equals. Too bad, we are alive and kicking. And since you weren't moving..."

"What, we're alive?"

Xie Tianyang stopped listening after that and laughed, "Ha-ha-ha, it's the same cave. We are alive!"

But then his mood soured, eying Zhuo Fan up and down before yelling, "Why are you able to move while I can't? You had it far worse than me and your cultivation is weaker too..."

Zhuo Fan shrugged and perked an eyebrow, exasperating the self-entitled genius disciple.

Xie Tianyang's lip quivered as he wailed in frustration, "Freak!"

Not for the life of him could he comprehend how Zhuo Fan was jumping around after having his life hanging by a thread just two days ago! Even he, a Bone Tempering expert, would need two months of recovery to be able to stand.

He was vexed enough knowing that Zhuo Fan was stronger than him, despite their realm difference, and better skilled than him, despite their differences in background. Now though, this damn punk showed a miracle, jumping back on his feet in no time at all.

[How can one even bloody compare? It's like being left light-years behind...]

"Zhuo Fan, tell me the truth. Who the heck are you?" Xie Tianyang spat.

Zhuo Fan lost his smile and patted Xie Tianyang's shoulder, "Human of course, though just slightly above-average!"

Xie Tianyang was pissed off by Zhuo Fan's attitude. But his bad state didn't help him vent.

And even if he could move, Zhuo Fan's array would just splatter him into pieces.

This made bitter tears flow down his cheeks. A genius disciple's pride was crushed completely!

Nonetheless, Zhuo Fan moving about had its upside. He could set up an array to defend them.

Xie Tianyang had nothing to say to that. It brought far more advantage with Zhuo Fan recovered than if it was him instead. His cultivation only helped protect himself in such a place, let alone others.

Spirit stones flew out of his ring and Zhuo Fan set up an ancient 1st-grade concealing array.

At that moment, the cave disappeared from this place and not even a 6th level spiritual beast would find it even if they passed through.

The trio could finally heal in peace.

Xue Ningxiang woke up three days later and was wild with joy knowing that they weren't dead.

Then she wondered where those wolves went and why they didn't eat the trio.

Xie Tianyang was unclear about this too but Zhuo Fan frowned, finding it tied to the expert he met in his consciousness.

It was in this manner the trio recouped for three months. Zhuo Fan was back to full health while Xie Tianyang could now exert 70% of his power. Xue Ningxiang recovered long ago and spent her time playing with the Burrowing Mouse.

Both of them were happy seeing her smile again, thinking of her like a little sister. Xue Ningxiang too started to feel more dependent on the two...

Whoosh!

A hundred meters away from the cave, Xie Tianyang hacked a rock as he smiled towards Xue Ningxiang not far away. He clearly recovered to 80%.

Xue Ningxiang clapped excitedly alongside the Burrowing Mouse.

Zhuo Fan walked over with a smile, "Nice power you have there. You should enter the 8th layer of Bone Tempering Stage soon."

"Didn't you also entered the 7th layer of Qi Condensation after your wounds healed?" Xie Tianyang clipped, "Besides, Zhuo Fan, how can your eyes be that good? To detect me breaking through before I do?"

Xue Ningxiang waved her hand to placate them, "Why are you always arguing when you meet each other? You weren't like this before!"

"Isn't it his fault?" Xie Tianyang stuck out his chest and cursed Zhuo Fan, "After all this time, I still can't forgive this brat for using Ning'er as bait! How can I not be pissed? What arguing, I'm itching to give him a beating."

"Pot calling the kettle black. Who was it that said to dump her and stall the seventh elder?" Zhuo Fan countered.

"I never..." Xie Tianyang was at a loss, but soon recovered his courage, "I didn't know Ning'er was so great, alright? Moreover, it's far better than being used as bait."

"I'm a demonic cultivator. It's normal to be more immoral than a righteous cultivator like you."

"Immoral? You're a bloody criminal by comparison..."

...

Seeing Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang quarreling over her, Xue Ningxiang gestured for them to stop, "Come on, don't argue, it's all in the past. I don't care anymore, so why are you bringing it up?"

"No, I want to give you justice."

Xie Tianyang grabbed her shoulders while glaring at the smiling Zhuo Fan.

"It's alright, we are friends who braved through life and death together. It's water under the bridge!" Xue Ningxiang showed a smile at the two and extended a pinkie.

Xie Tianyang smiled wryly and was hesitant in extending his pinkie, but he did nonetheless. He was followed by an indifferent Zhuo Fan. The three pinkies touched and they started to feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Finding a close friend in life was hard, but finding one to brave death alongside oneself was even harder.

From now on, they would never abandon each other, no matter what. Zhuo Fan suspected he'd be hard-pressed to find any closer friends in this life.

As they took back their respective fingers, Zhuo Fan smiled, "Now that we have recovered, we will each go our own way."

Startled, the two didn't understand why he'd say this.

Zhuo Fan shook his head, "Sorry, that was my mistake. I want to leave. Xie Tianyang, I'm afraid I can't take her out of the city. Help her in my stead."

"Brother Zhuo, where are you going?" Xue Ningxiang felt nervous.

Zhuo Fan replied with a determined tone, "The third area!"

"What?" Xie Tianyang and Xue Ningxiang shouted, "At first we wanted to avoid the seventh elder by going there, but why would you still want to go?"

Zhuo Fan's eyes flashed with guilt, "To be honest, it was my objective from the start. I wanted to go together because... you were useful..."

"Bastard, you wanted more baits?" Xie Tianyang cursed.

Zhuo Fan nodded, "Yes, so if you don't want to die, run along. The farther from me the better!"

As he replied, Zhuo Fan turned to leave.

"Wait!"

Xue Ningxiang pulled his hand with a shy smile, "Brother Zhuo, if you don't consider me as a burden, take me with you. Even if I were to become bait, it is alright as long as I can stay with you!"

Zhuo Fan was startled and his heart throbbed.

Xie Tianyang advised, "Hey, Ning'er, this guy's no good..."

But Xue Ningxiang's gentle eyes only had Zhuo Fan in them, and so Xie Tianyang also reluctantly chose to put his hands together with theirs.

Zhuo Fan raised an eyebrow, "You too want to follow me?"

"Yes." Xie Tianyang felt lifeless, "But don't misunderstand, I'm not coming to help you but to make sure you don't betray Ning'er."

Zhuo Fan smiled.

[With how smart you are, I might go and betray you both!]

But he didn't voice it, meeting the two of them could be considered as his fortune.

Friends in life and death were hard to find...

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Chapter 69, Savage Clash

The forest in Allbeast Mountain Range's third area was so thick it blotted out the sun. It was also packed with vicious spiritual beasts that roared at any passing moment. It painted such a gruesome picture that struck terror in any who were intent in setting foot inside!

Suddenly, a low bush stirred despite the lack of wind.

Zhuo Fan's party stuck to the ground as they crawled, making use of the bushes as cover. They did take Energy Concealing Pills, but unlike the previous areas, if any spiritual beast saw them here, it spelled doom.

As such, this was the only viable way to advance, moving at a crawl 3,000 miles inland.

With each roar and cry, fear struck, soaking their brows with sweat.

"Blast it! We'll never get anywhere crawling like this!"

After half a day of wiggling through ten miles, Xie Tianyang complained and sat with arms crossed, "I'm not doing it anymore. It's too lame! Besides, you think a 5th level spiritual beast lies at every corner?"

"Fool, get down before it's too late!" Zhuo Fan cursed.

Xie Tianyang smirked in disdain, "How will that help? With how tall the fauna is here, you think they'll spot us at a glance?"

Roar!

In reply to his disdain, a reverberating roar deafened the trio. They turned to see five towering trees being pushed to the ground.

A fifty-meter-tall black bear appeared. Seeing its meal, the black bear roared with bared fangs and bloodthirsty eyes.

"4th level spiritual beast, Mad Storm Bear!"Zhuo Fan cried as the trio shook in fear. Xie Tianyang was even rooted in place.

Before the bear could jump on its prey, a tail thick as a bucket coiled around its body. The bear was squeezed and thrown into the heavens above as its pitiful cry grew faint.

When it came back down, a maw opened wide and swallowed it whole. As the maw closed, blood sprayed in the surroundings forming a pool beneath it.

Even Zhuo Fan felt a shiver of fear.

That was a 30-meter-long python with a scarlet crest and rock-hard scales. Its cold eyes flashed, on the prowl for the next meal.

"5th level spiritual beast, Diamond Crest Python!"

"Run!"

Zhuo Fan yelled as he sped up his crawling and the other two worked to catch up. Even Xie Tianyang disregarded his sorry state and crawled with them.

He came face to face to the horrors of this area. One slip and he was a goner. It was plainly obvious why even a Radiant Stage expert would die here.

When the Diamond Crest Python ate the bear, because of its bulk, it didn't notice the trio and left after its meal.

"Damn you, Zhuo Fan! I must've been insane for agreeing to come with you to this hell!" Xie Tianyang worked his all not only to crawl but also to complain on and on, afraid he would soon lose his life without venting.

He was on the verge of tears. He had heard this place was savage, but not to this extent. If he'd try to even stand taller than waist height, he'd soon find danger setting its sights on him.

Zhuo Fan mocked, "No one told you to come. Why don't you crawl your way back?"

Xie Tianyang was looking at the sky.

[Curses, the sun is setting. Nocturnal spiritual beasts will be on the hunt soon, and crawling won't work against them. I'll be dead in a second!]

[Better stick to Zhuo Fan. He would set up an array and no spiritual beast would wander in.]

Annoyed, Xie Tianyang had an edge in his voice, "Since I'm in the same boat as you, once I wander back it will be plain suicide."

Zhuo Fan and Xue Ningxiang shook their heads.

Then the trio's schedule was crawling by day and ducking under an array at night. And after a month they finally crawled through 3,000 miles till their limbs and waist went sore.

The good news was that the closer they got, the fewer the spiritual beasts spotted. Zhuo Fan knew they entered the territory of those 6th level spiritual beasts, where no weaker beast would dare step a paw in.

In the third area, 6th level spiritual beasts were kings. If they found some oblivious beastie wandering into their domain, they'd chase it even for a thousand miles; all to preserve a king's dignity.

Especially if humans were involved!

Stretching and exhaling, Zhuo Fan felt a bit better. Despite his relaxed manner, Xie Tianyang had his eyes peeled as he cautiously rose to his feet, "We... can stand here?"

Zhuo Fan nodded with a smile, "On our way here, there were too many eyes and ears on the lookout for any movement so we crawled to avoid the spiritual beasts. Here though is the domain of 6th level spiritual beasts. Hiding will be much more effective than crawling in this place."

Xie Tianyang finally found safety for the first time in a month and smiled, "So it's much safer here than other places?"

Zhuo Fan arched an eyebrow, "You can say that, but we'll die even faster bumping into a 6th level spiritual beast!"

Xie Tianyang's smile vanished and his tone held some bite, "Then what the hell are we doing here? Tame them? How?"

Zhuo Fan smiled with confidence.

He had considered this point a long time ago. He came to such a deadly place as the third area with a plan. He only needed to slip a bloodworm into the Thunder Skylark and all was well.

But the problem was how.

Rumble!

Zhuo Fan was cooking up a plan when a sudden noise shook the world. The trio felt the earth shaking beneath their feet.

They blinked in shock.

This had to be from another devastating clash of spiritual beasts. But throughout their crawling, never had they heard a sound so loud. Not even when two 5th level spiritual beasts fought.

There could only be one answer...

"6th level spiritual beasts!" They shouted in unison.

"It seems to be coming from that direction!" Zhuo Fan ran straight for it while Xie Tianyang yelled nervously, "Those beasts will tear you to pieces!"

Zhuo Fan smirked.

If one of them was the Thunder Skylark, it'd be perfect. He'd lay in wait and make use of the perfect opportunity to strike.

Xue Ningxiang remained quiet and followed him closely. Wherever Zhuo Fan went, she would be close by. So, Xie Tianyang had no choice but to join them.

Fifteen minutes later, the trio heard a thunderclap in the sky and the roaring flames.

The three huddled behind a large rock in a small valley and peeked above. But the sight took their breath away.

Two spiritual beasts flew high up, both 6th level spiritual beasts.

One was a deep-blue colored bird with a 15-meter-long body and a wingspan of 20 meters. Lightning traveled along its body as it cracked the air.

Despite being smaller in size, even compared with a 5th level spiritual beast, its every wing beat covered the sky in lightning and wind blades that struck the rocks in the valley to pieces.

A 5th level spiritual beast would be crushed by such display.

"Thunder Skylark!"

Zhuo Fan squinted. [He didn't lie to me. Thunder Skylark's nest is here.]

He then turned to the other spiritual beast.

It was a flying lion wreathed in scarlet flames. Its mane was on fire and it had 30meter-long wings of flames, half as long as his body. A flap of its wings sent fire to engulf the skies and burn the whole valley to a crisp.

"6th level spiritual beast, Flaming Lion King!"

Zhuo Fan's heart tightened. The Flaming Lion King was as powerful as a 7th level spiritual beast, putting the Thunder Skylark at a disadvantage.

He had thought that if the Thunder Skylark was tangled with another 6th level spiritual beast, he'd play the fishermen and make the bird swallow a bloodworm during the confusion.

Pity that it was facing Flaming Lion King. The Thunder Skylark would likely be defeated and killed! But wouldn't that bore a large hole in his plans?

[No, I have to help it!]

[But how? This savage battle is no different than a Radiant Stage experts' fight. Getting involved will only get me killed.]

Boom!

As Zhuo Fan was musing a plan, the two beasts clashed again.

Flaming Lion King spat a fireball while Thunder Skylark sent a thunderstorm with a flap of its wings, intending to crush it.

But then, Flaming Lion King rammed its huge body into the frail Thunder Skylark.

The bird cried out and tumbled around in the air.

Zhuo Fan secretly sighed.

Sure enough, the Thunder Skylark was just as adept at using her attribute like the Flaming Lion King, but her body lacked power in contrast.

It would die if this went on.

"Big brother Zhuo, can you help the poor birdie?" Xue Ningxiang turned her puppy eyes to him.

Zhuo Fan was this close to spewing blood.

[Birdie? Well, it does belong to the swallow type, but it's a spiritual beast nonetheless. Regardless, just how exactly is that thing small?]

But Xue Ningxiang's pleas echoed his thoughts.

[The Thunder Skylark must survive!]

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Chapter 70, Divine Azure Flame

"Ning'er, we can't just interfere in a battle of 6th level spiritual beasts!"

Xue Ningxiang felt regret the moment she spoke up. Over these few months, Xie Tianyang never refused any of her wishes.

"Ignoring the fact that our strength is not nearly enough, just from how fiercely these 6th level spiritual beasts are clashing, one can tell it is not over food, but territory. You couldn't interfere even if they were people, not knowing who is wrong or right! We can't just risk our lives for them."

Zhuo Fan lifted an eyebrow as he gave Xie Tianyang a deeper look.

[In the end, he comes from the seven houses and knows what battles between great powers implies. If I didn't need the Thunder Skylark so badly, I wouldn't get involved either.]

"But..."

Xue Ningxiang's expression was filled with worry, "But that birdie isn't fighting over territory, it's to protect her young..."

Zhuo Fan looked again and saw a nest below the Thunder Skylark holding five huge eggs.

Flaming Lion King was powerful enough, but the Thunder Skylark's speed was astonishing. It could leave just like that if it wanted to, but the lion king caught it between a rock and a hard place, battering it again and again until it was filled with wounds all because it was worried about harming her eggs.

Now that Zhuo Fan got the whole picture, he hatched a plan to help the Thunder Skylark.

"She is one big mother." Zhuo Fan sighed, "Ning'er, worry not. See how I get that birdie out of trouble."

Xue Ningxiang became overjoyed while Xie Tianyang was skeptical, "Hypocrite, since when were you so selfless?"

[This guy has a callous heart and betrays his friends at a drop of the hat. Since when did he start sticking his head out for someone else, a savage beast no less?]

"Oh, Xie Tianyang, how can you understand me? I am in fact a man with love in his heart. Wait for a bit, I will need your help soon."

"Screw you! If you have love, I'm a saint!" Xie Tianyang retorted in derision, but then he said in shock, "I got it. You want the Thunder Skylark!"

Zhuo Fan perked an eyebrow and nodded, "Ha-ha-ha, you've started using your head more since teaming up with me."

"Curses! I almost got used by you, again." Xie Tianyang spat, "If you want to get the Thunder Skylark, leave me out of it."

Zhuo Fan shrugged then gave Xue Ningxiang a long look.

Xue Ningxiang nodded and showed her doe eyes as she shook Xie Tianyang's arm, "Big brother Xie, go with big brother Zhuo. The birdie and her young are so pitiful!"

Xie Tianyang felt like crying.

[The birdie is pitiful? One flap from it will tear me apart. Why aren't you feeling sorry for me?]

Lacking any choice in the matter, Xie Tianyang nodded. He was still feeling guilty for what happened to Xue Ningxiang and would agree to any of her requests.

At his nod, Xue Ningxiang exploded into a sparkling smile and Zhuo Fan grinned at the side.

"Zhuo Fan, watch it. If you throw me away, I will make you pay!" Xie Tianyang glared but Zhuo Fan just shook his head, "Take it easy, when I use someone I make sure they won't ever get the chance to come back to bite me."

"What?" Xie Tianyang exclaimed.

Zhuo Fan just laughed and patted his shoulder. After warning Xue Ningxiang to hide and not get discovered, Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang sneaked towards the eggs.

The two were able to sneak thanks to the Energy Concealing Pill. As the beasts raged, lightning and flames collided, rocking the valley like a boat.

Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang crept up cautiously below the raging storm. Each time the boom drew closer, it gripped their hearts in a vise and soaked their brows with sweat.

One stray fireball or lightning could become the end for them both.

Luckily enough, they reached the eggs without a scratch. Below the Thunder Skylark, it was both the most dangerous and safest place.

"What now?" Xie Tianyang looked above at the flashing figures engaged in a fierce battle.

Zhuo Fan explained his plan with a smile, "While the Thunder Skylark isn't paying attention we will hide the eggs. When it finds out that its eggs are gone, it will no longer fight and rush to search for its young. Since it is faster than the lion, we will thus save its life."

"Good plan!" Xie Tianyang spoke in a low voice and gave him a thumbs up.

Zhuo Fan then indicated to lift the nest together.

While the heavens were swept by a storm, two bandits were making away with the entire nest from right under everyone's noses.

Seeing this, Xue Ningxiang sported a wide smile.

Suddenly, Flaming Lion King gained altitude, breaking away from the bird while the Thunder Skylark kept a closer eye on its movements.

As Zhuo Fan was carrying the nest, he found that the shadows on the ground were much bigger and that the sky had turned silent. Startled, he stopped and looked up.

He was met with the large eyes of the Flaming Lion King. He also noticed that the lion's eyes were ridiculing him.

Zhuo Fan shouted in panic, "That savage found us, run."

"But the eggs..." Xie Tianyang was nervous.

"What eggs, just throw them."

Ignoring Xie Tianyang, Zhuo Fan tossed the nest and the five eggs to the ground. Since they were spiritual beast eggs, they wouldn't break so easily.

Startled by Zhuo Fan's yell, the Thunder Skylark looked in time to see her five young thrown on the ground and rushed in anger.

Boom!

Then, a ball of fire passed close to the Thunder Skylark. The Flaming Lion King wasn't aiming for it but the five eggs.

With a cry, the Thunder Skylark flew like lightning and used her body to block the fireball.

Zhuo Fan let out a mental sigh. Not for Thunder Skylark's sacrifice, but the lion's cunningness.

It knew that the Thunder Skylark was fast as lightning which proved it difficult to land a heavy blow. But those eggs couldn't move and were the perfect means to cripple the Thunder Skylark's speed.

Attacking what one defended was the best plan!

The Flaming Lion King laughed in glee and spat another ball of flame.

Thunder Skylark used her lightning to stop it but, with the eggs scattered, another ball of fire was closing in on another egg. Thus she was forced to fly all over to defend them.

The Flaming Lion King, which was hovering above, roared and sneered.

"We made it worse! We hastened the Thunder Skylark's end." Darting back to Xue Ningxiang, Zhuo Fan sighed. Despite not liking it, he spoke with determination, "Let's go. If we wait for Thunder Skylark to die, the crazy lion will come after us."

Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang grabbed Xue Ningxiang's arm, but she stood rooted to the spot, watching the Thunder Skylark darting to and fro as tears fell down her cheeks.

Zhuo Fan sighed, he had no way to help the bird now.

"Let it go Ning'er. We need to leave!" Zhuo Fan furrowed his brows and urged, but Xue Ningxiang shook her head.

Boom!

After fending off two dozen fireballs, the Thunder Skylark let out a mournful cry and fell tired and wounded in a large crater.

The Flaming Lion King charged with its claw aiming for the bird's throat.

"No!"

Xue Ningxiang broke away from the two's grasp and rushed to defend the Thunder Skylark. The cold wind from Flaming Lion King's attack fanned her fine black hair. But her eyes remained unwavering.

Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang rushed over, alarmed.

Both forgot that they would soon be two more corpses added to the pile, that it wouldn't make a difference. Even Zhuo Fan lost his calculative mind.

The three only knew to not abandon the other!

"Ning'er, I will accompany you in death!" Xie Tianyang roared as he threw himself in front of her.

Zhuo Fan flashed in front of the two but his eyes were fixed on the Flaming Lion King.

He was the Demonic Emperor. Even in death, he would stare down his enemy.

[Dumb humans, your flesh won't stop this king's claw!]

The Flaming Lion King opened its mouth and sneered. As its claw drew close, its killing intent made the trio shiver.

But just when the claw was about to touch Zhuo Fan's face...

An azure flame came out of Zhuo Fan's forehead and a shocking power shrouded the entire Allbeast Mountain Range. The spiritual beasts were left shivering and lowered their proud heads.

Even those fighting bent their knees.

Flaming Lion King stopped its claw and watched the swaying flame as it trembled in fear...

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Chapter 71, Got An Egg

The azure flame was as small as a candle's, flickering in the wind in front of Zhuo Fan's forehead.

But with each sway, the Flaming Lion King's eyes shivered, as if it saw its end.

It then took back its claw and sped away in the form of a ball of fire. It scampered off with speed rather than dignity, so much so that it was even close to falling at some point.

A 6th level spiritual beast, a king in the Allbeast Mountain Range, was now fleeing like a kitty while trembling from every joint.

Frowning, Zhuo Fan touched his forehead but the azure flame had already hidden inside.

He only felt a faint warmth and concluded that it was connected to the expert who had appeared in his consciousness and touched him there.

"Hey, Zhuo Fan," Xie Tianyang shook his arm as he questioned, "B-be honest with me, are you absolutely positive that you are human?"

"Cut the crap, what else would I be, a demon?" Zhuo Fan slapped Xie Tianyang's hand away.

"I've never seen a human scare a 6th level spiritual beast with just a look." Xie Tianyang took deep breaths to calm down and continued, "Did you see how scared it was when it saw you? As if afraid you would eat it whole."

"As brothers, you owe me an explanation. How many secrets are you hiding?"

Zhuo Fan rolled his eyes then turned to Xue Ningxiang, "We were never brothers!"

Xie Tianyang froze, then he showed an awkward smile. But he was becoming more and more curious about Zhuo Fan.

Coming next to Xue Ningxiang, they saw her tear-stained face as she looked at the Thunder Skylark. The lion didn't take its life but the birdie was too far gone to be saved.

Unlike Xie Tianyang, she ignored the fleeing Flaming Lion King and inspected the birdie's wounds.

"It won't make it." Zhuo Fan sent his Yuan Qi to check its state then sighed.

His plan on getting a Thunder Skylark went up in smoke.

"Big brother Zhuo, can you help her?" Xue Ningxiang looked at him with teary eyes but he could only sigh.

As a Demonic Emperor, he had plenty of ways, but the current him was weak.

Xue Ningxiang began crying her heart out, tears falling down the Thunder Skylark's face.

The bird opened its eyes and looked elsewhere.

Xue Ningxiang noticed and spotted an egg not too far. But the egg was burnt black.

The Thunder Skylark gave its all before but was incapable of stopping every fireball.

"It wants her young. Let's go find them." Xue Ningxiang cried.

Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang searched around and soon gathered four scorched and lifeless eggs.

"Wasn't there one more?" Xue Ningxiang nervously asked.

The two shook their heads. The last one was lost. They couldn't find it anywhere.

Xue Ningxiang was sorrowful, kneeling before the Thunder Skylark as she sobbed, "Forgive us, we are the ones who hurt you."

The Thunder Skylark was always watching the four scorched eggs with teary eyes. Then, her eyes flashed and moved her great body.

From below her, the last egg rolled out. It was intact but still had a few scorch marks on it.

Zhuo Fan looked long at the Thunder Skylark and secretly nodded.

Despite being forced to run around by the Flaming Lion King, it knew what it had to do. It made sure to protect one egg without anyone knowing.

And when it collapsed, it used its body to hide the egg. So that even if it was killed, the egg would survive. It gave its life to protect its young.

Thinking about this, Zhuo Fan developed a deep respect for the bird.

With a cry, the Thunder Skylark stared at Zhuo Fan or, more specifically, his forehead. Then it turned to its egg with a hopeful gaze.

"You want me to take it?" Zhuo Fan assumed.

It nodded, eyes filled with warmth for the egg.

Zhuo Fan picked it up and sighed, "It is badly burnt and, even if it hatches, it won't live for long. Unless.."

He whispered the rest into the Thunder Skylark's ear. It was first startled then nodded in gratitude.

Turning to her young, the Thunder Skylark closed her eyes in peace. She could now rest easy knowing Zhuo Fan would look after it.

Xue Ningxiang saw its life fade away and was crying her heart out.

Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang sighed. They didn't foresee her being so compassionate even towards a spiritual beast.

They would, at most hold some respect, but never be so heartbroken about it.

"Uh, Ning'er, it won't come back. Don't feel too sad about it." Zhuo Fan consoled.

"Yeah, I never knew you'd be so compassionate towards this Thunder Skylark just after meeting it once!" Xie Tianyang laughed dryly and scratched his head, not knowing how to comfort the girl.

Xue Ningxiang wiped her tears and nose, "Y-you guys misunderstood. It is a sad birdie but I'm not crying for it. I was reminded of my home. Her appearance made me recall my dad protecting me every step of the way, taking care of me... "

The other two smiled dejectedly.

[It seems this girl was reminiscing. No wonder she was so touched.]

"Uh, since it's not for the bird, then I will take the Thunder Skylark's body." Zhuo Fan felt awkward as he stashed the body in his ring, but Xue Ningxiang just nodded.

Xie Tianyang however, was aflame in anger, "Hey, why do you get to have a whole 6th level spiritual beast's body?"

A spiritual beast was a treasure in and of itself. The 6th level spiritual beast bodies, in particular, made for great refining materials. Even the seven houses seldom got such an item and Xie Tianyang regarded it greatly.

Looking askance at him, Zhuo Fan stated, "You saw it giving me its egg. Its body is the same. You stay here with Ning'er, I'll be right back."

He left before Xie Tianyang could argue. Xie Tianyang wanted to follow Zhuo Fan but seeing Ning'er, he stayed. He was worried for her safety, leaving her all alone in the woods was not wise. Though it made little difference if he was there too.

Whoosh!

In a secluded spot, Zhuo Fan took out the egg, the Thunder Skylark's body, and some black rocks.

He began circulating his Yuan Qi and his hand burned scarlet.

This was a cultivator's most basic Yuan Qi flame. Weak in battle, but useful in refining. And those black rocks were spacial stones used in making storage rings.

These rocks were very rare even with all the spacial rock mines in control of the seven houses and the Imperial family. But thanks to Veiled Dragon Pavilion and Imperial family endorsing the Luo clan, he got his hand on a few.

And right now, he was planning on refining a beast holding ring.

It was far more complex to refine than a storage ring and the great sects had a tight lock on any refining methods regarding them. Furthermore, it could even store spiritual energy.

As spiritual beasts were nurtured by the spiritual energy of the world, they were the best ingredient for refining items.

Case in point, this egg came from the Thunder Skylark, and its spiritual energy would help it recover. If not for this, Zhuo Fan was unsure if he could even hatch it.

Now that the Thunder Skylark was dead, he desperately needed to hatch the egg and make it his demonic creature in order to enter the Lightning Canyon.

For this, Zhuo Fan spoke a few words to the dying Thunder Skylark. And it agreed once it knew its broken body could help her young live.

Either way, this was Zhuo Fan's way of showing his respect for the mother. Also, he would've taken this course of action regardless of her decision.

Zhuo Fan pointed and the flame towered, fusing the ingredients with high-speed hand-signs and a smile of satisfaction.

He was close to fulfilling his objective.

In the dead of night, stars glittered with Xue Ningxiang and Xie Tianyang watching them bored out of their mind. As this was Thunder Skylark's territory, no 6th level spiritual beast would wander here. It was the safest place for them.

A sound broke the silence and Zhuo Fan appeared next to them.

Xue Ningxiang ran to him in glee as Xie Tianyang looked him up and down, "What did you do with the corpse?"

Shrugging, Zhuo Fan was blunt, "Tore it in eight and used it."

Xue Ningxiang was startled by his reply and Xie Tianyang rushed to placate her, "Ning'er, it's alright. The bodies of spiritual beasts are handled like this. But I don't know what he refined using it."

Xie Tianyang knew Zhuo Fan was an array master and an alchemist, so being a refiner on top wasn't that far fetched. As Zhuo Fan was gone for a day, he assumed Zhuo Fan had refined something.

"Hey, did you know today is Ning'er's 16th birthday? She was reminded of her family when the Thunder Skylark protected her egg and it made her cry."

Zhuo Fan took a long look at Xue Ningxiang, who was blushing with a lowered head.

"Ha-ha-ha, since it's her birthday, then I will give her a present." Zhuo Fan revealed a ring that had lightning running across it. Then he took Xue Ningxiang's hand and inserted the ring on her finger.

"This is the storage ring I refined from the Thunder Skylark, Thunder Ring. I have one and you the other. They both are made as one, and are connected with each other."

Zhuo Fan raised his hand and sparks flashed across his ring.

Xue Ningxiang was overjoyed inside and blushed as she extended her fist with the ring on it. Zhuo Fan did the same with his hand and the two rings let out crackling sounds.

Xie Tianyang was filled with envy and roared, "Zhuo Fan, g-give me one too."

"I'm out!" Zhuo Fan deadpanned, "Is it your damn birthday too?"

"No, but you have to give me one! Or... the two of you... a pair of rings." Xie Tianyang's face burned hot. He no longer cared about the value of the Thunder Ring, but that Zhuo Fan and Xue Ningxiang wore a unique pair of rings...

Seeing through him, Zhuo Fan sighed inwardly, "We've been through thick and thin together, so of course, I have one for you."

Zhuo Fan then tossed him a ring. Xie Tianyang put it on in glee then made a fist bump with Xue Ningxiang.

Each of them got a Thunder Ring which would only react when another was around.

Zhuo Fan spoke seriously, "What gift did you give Ning'er?"

Xie Tianyang started and scratched his head from having nothing of value on him. Suddenly, he turned to the Burrowing Mouse and pointed, "Ning'er likes playing with it, so I'm giving it to her."

"Get lost, it has long stopped being yours." Zhuo Fan jabbed.

Xie Tianyang snapped in anger, "Isn't it all your doing?"

The two began quarreling while Xue Ningxiang stood content at the side with a smile. Absentmindedly looking at the Thunder Ring, she wished the time would stop so that the three of them would stay worry-free.

After a long night, they began their trek back first thing in the morning.

But ten thousand miles out, a huge bird had its eye on each and every movement of theirs. Blue flames wreathed its body and with every flap of its wings, it flew deeper into the Allbeast Mountain Range...

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Chapter 72, Xue Clan Patriarch

The trio returned to the second area using the same method as before. Then they soon arrived at the first area.

With the first step into safety, their hearts started easing up. Their Thunder Rings flashed with lightning from how close they were.

"All that's left is to leave Blue Expanse City and we'll be safe." Zhuo Fan looked in the city's direction with a smile.

Although he didn't obtain the Thunder Skylark, he earned much more, its egg and two dear friends in life and death moments.

Xue Ningxiang however was frowning, worry plaguing her heart, "But we offended the seventh elder. Won't he set a trap for us?"

"Unlikely." Zhuo Fan stated, "He must've spared our lives because another greater danger was looming overhead forcing him to flee. He must be thinking we've died at the hands of that scary thing."

"Thing, what thing?" Xie Tianyang asked.

Zhuo Fan only shook his head. He was out like a light at that time and was unclear what happened. But when he woke up he saw the destruction around him and came to this conclusion.

As for why they were luckily spared, ask heaven!

"In any case, sneaking out of the city is easy." Zhuo Fan smiled, "Ning'er, what will you do after we leave?"

"I don't know."

Xue Ningxiang turned gloomy, but then she looked up at Zhuo Fan, "Big brother Zhuo, I'll just go with you."

Zhuo Fan started while Xie Tianyang became flustered and said, "Ning'er, how about you come with me, to Sword Marquise Abode. Not only will your clansmen not come for you, but even Hell Valley's people wouldn't be able to take you from us."

Xue Ningxiang happily nodded, "Alright. Big brother Zhuo, why don't you also come? I've never seen the strong Seven Noble Houses of the Tianyu Empire."

Xie Tianyang wasn't too pleased about it but since Ning'er was happy he also relented, "Zhuo Fan, for Ning'er, I will extend an invitation to visit my house as a guest."

Zhuo Fan looked at them for a moment and shook his head, "I cannot. I have other places to be. If fortune smiles, we will see each other again."

The two were startled and hesitant about parting.

Though Xie Tianyang and Zhuo Fan were like fire and water, arguing every day, they went through hell together and came out as brothers.

"Hey, I truly welcome you to my house. Think of your brother, me, and come."

Zhuo Fan snickered, "I already said, we aren't brothers!"

"Sigh, how can you..."

As Xie Tianyang was about to laugh it off, a crack was heard and a sudden pressure pushed down on them, "No one is allowed to leave!"

Whoosh!

A black figure appeared with long black and white hair. His long goatee fluttered in the wind, and his eyes flashed as they landed on the trio.

Profound Heaven expert!

Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang were startled and protected Xue Ningxiang with their bodies.

"Is it an elder from Hell Valley?"

"I've never seen him."

Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang whispered. What was certain though, this old man wanted to wring them dry.

But then, Xue Ningxiang jumped out from between them and walked cautiously towards the man, "Grandfather!"

Xie Tianyang was stumped while Zhuo Fan asked with a frown, "You're Xue clan's only Profound Heaven expert, Xue clan's Patriarch, Xue Dingtian?"

Turning a blind eye to the rotten kids in front, Xue Dingtian looked over Xue Ningxiang, "Ning'er, where did you run off these months? I looked all over for you."

Xue Ningxiang hung her head in guilt and mumbled, "Sorry for worrying you, grandfather."

Xue Dingtian sighed and tousled his dear grandchild's hair then spat, "Did any of these runts misbehave?"

Xue Ningxiang knew where this was going and was embarrassed, "Grandpa, what are you saying!"

"Humph, then all is good!"

Xue Dingtian rolled his eyes over Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang, "Who was it that hurt my grandson, Xue Gang?"

"Him!"

Xie Tianyang didn't miss a beat in exposing Zhuo Fan, "I only met Ning'er after. I never saw your grandson."

Rolling his eyes, Zhuo Fan could only blame his poor luck in friends, "I didn't know he was Ning'er's brother, so... please forgive the offense, senior!"

"Then... you eloped with Ning'er?" Xue Dingtian questioned Zhuo Fan.

"What, elope?"

Xie Tianyang cried with a start and grabbed Zhuo Fan by the clothes, "Zhuo Fan, explain it to me! Since when were you so close with Ning'er?"

Xue Dingtian glanced at Xie Tianyang and turned towards his granddaughter. [Who is that kid, to be even more pissed than me?]

Xue Ningxiang glared at her grandpa, then hid her flaming cheeks with her hands.

[Grandpa is getting old, how could he mention something like that out of the blue?] She was complaining inside but her eyes sneaked a peek at Zhuo Fan.

"Wait, don't misunderstand. I only asked Ning'er to show me the way and nothing else!"

Zhuo Fan gesticulated while shouting. Only then did Xie Tianyang stop.

Xue Dingtian stared down Zhuo Fan but seeing no lies, he spoke, "Good, in that case, I won't be hard on you on account on your time with my granddaughter."

"Come, Ning'er, let's go home." Xue Dingtian pulled her. But Xue Ningxiang turned to the two behind her. Xie Tianyang was getting anxious, wanting to stop them.

"Wait!" Zhuo Fan shouted.

Xue Dingtian spoke in a cold tone, "Is there something else, runt?"

"You can't take Ning'er." said Zhuo Fan with a stony expression, "And I advise you don't return either."

Xue Dingtian frowned, "What do you mean by that?"

"I'll be frank. We offended the seventh elder of Hell Valley and he recognized Ning'er. I can guess he's now getting rowdy in the Xue clan. If you go back now, you will die."

Xue Dingtian was startled, then looked to see Xue Ningxiang nodding shyly.

As if thunderstruck, Xue Dingtian trembled and stumbled backward before falling.

Xue Ningxiang started crying and rushed to her grandpa, "Grandfather, forgive me..."

Xue Dingtian tightened his fist as rage swallowed his heart. Then his killing intent filled eyes landed on Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang.

"It's you who brought this disaster upon us. As long as I take you to the seventh elder, he will spare us."

Saying so, he slapped towards Zhuo Fan.

Zhuo Fan's foot moved a bit making two of his phantoms appear near him. Then they immediately retreated in different directions. Xue Dingtian scattered the three retreating figures to dust with a wave of his hand but the real one wasn't among them.

The next moment, Zhuo Fan came from behind Xue Dingtian and attacked with a bloody hand.

Blood Palm!

Startled, Xue Dingtian felt his blood vessels boil. He now felt it on his own skin why his son and grandson had lost.

Zhuo Fan wasn't only strong enough to skip stages, but also cunning and hard to fathom.

Too bad he wasn't in the Profound Heaven stage like the old man.

Xue Dingtian vanished before the Blood Palm could hit him, shocking Zhuo Fan.

At the same instant, a powerful strike came from behind, and Zhuo Fan, who was unable to dodge in time, spat blood while flying.

Xue Dingtian was about to pursue when a mystical sword intent came at him. It was Xie Tianyang wielding his Star Sword to strike Xue Dingtian's chest.

As he looked at the approaching sword, the sky seemed to have calmed and he could only see the glittering sword moving.

Profound ranked martial art?

Xue Dingtian moved his foot slightly and disappeared, only to attack from Xie Tianyang's side with a palm.

Xie Tianyang spatted blood and flew due to the impact. It was thanks to his spiritual armor that he wasn't heavily wounded.

Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang staggered to their feet. A Profound Heaven expert's power wasn't to be taken lightly. Without an array, they had no chance.

That brief exchange from before lasted but a breath and the outcome was a forgone conclusion.

The two couldn't even touch a Profound Heaven expert.

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Chapter 73, Cauldron

"Stop!" cried Xue Ningxiang.

Xue Dingtian turned towards his granddaughter and was startled to see her in tears with a dagger at her neck.

"What are you doing, Ning'er?" Xue Dingtian became nervous.

Xue Ningxiang spoke between sobs, "Grandpa, let them go, they're my friends."

"If I do, then our Xue clan will be no more!" Xue Dingtian stepped towards Zhuo Fan with hatred and killing intent.

"Grandpa, take one more step and I will be leaving this world before you!" Xue Ningxiang nervously pushed the dagger closer to her throat.

Blood began to trace the blade.

"Don't!" Xie Tianyang was frightened, but Xue Dingtian gnashed his teeth and pressed on. However, Zhuo Fan noticed the tears in the old man's eyes.

Zhuo Fan laughed, "Ha-ha-ha, Xue Dingtian, you've gotten senile. You think taking us to the seventh elder will save Xue clan? It will only hasten your downfall."

"What are you saying?" Xue Dingtian stopped and stared at Zhuo Fan.

Sneering, Zhuo Fan turned to Xie Tianyang, "Do you know who this is? He's from Sword Marquise Abode! By handing him over to the Hell Valley, you will make one of the seven houses into your enemy. Do you think you can handle their wrath and prevent the downfall of your second rate clan!"

Xue Dingtian became apprehensive, he spoke while scrutinizing Xie Tianyang, "Impossible, you are trying to play me. I would've known by now if someone from Sword Marquise Abode came to Blue Expanse City!"

"Seven Noble Houses' disciples wander the world, so why should they report to you? Clear those muddy eyes of yours and take a closer look at his spiritual weapon, his martial arts! Are they common? Even in the seven houses, such a masterful disciple is rare."

A chill shook his very core and Xue Dingtian staggered back a few steps.

He knew that was a 4th-grade spiritual weapon and the kid was using a profound ranked martial art. Who could wield both if not a man from the seven houses?

Having Xue Dingtian right where he wanted, Zhuo Fan drove in the last nail with a sneer, "You want to take us back to Hell Valley when it's uncertain if they'll even accept us. But if they do, will the Sword Marquise Abode just let you go?"

Plop!

Xue Dingtian lost all his nerve and collapsed in a shivering mess.

The Xue Clan was under Hell Valley, but never would they think to step between the conflicts of the seven houses. If it ever happened, the Hell Valley would toss them in front as cannon fodder.

Xue Dingtian began to feel mournful and lost.

[This year is a disaster for Xue clan. Do we have no other choice but to die at the hands of one of the seven houses?]

He could take these runts with him, but he wouldn't want them now even if they landed in his lap.

"Y-young m-masters, forgive this old man's rash behavior. I was blind to young masters' identity!" Xue Dingtian squeezed through clenched teeth and crouched before them to kowtow three times.

Everyone was dumbfounded, while Zhuo Fan just took it all in with a critical eye.

Xie Tianyang couldn't quite accept it and rushed over. Forgetting the fact he was Ning'er's grandfather, just being an aged Profound Heaven expert was enough to make Xie Tianyang unable to receive such a gesture.

Would the Profound Heaven experts, elders in title, back at Sword Marquise Abode had to kneel too?

But Zhuo Fan's hand barred his way.

"If you want to save Ning'er, show off your status." Zhuo Fan whispered, to which Xie Tianyang nodded with a bit of startle.

"Grandfather, get up!"

Xue Ningxiang had never seen her grandfather so humiliated and rushed to help him up. But then Zhuo Fan yelled, "Who told you to get up?"

Xue Dingtian shivered and was back on his knees with a red face.

"You..."

Xue Ningxiang was angry, but Xue Dingtian pulled her back. Zhuo Fan strutted before the old man and said in a clipped tone, "Do you know of our young master's eminent identity in the house? You hurt him today and us, the Sword Marquise Abode, will not let this go unpunished."

"Yes, I was ignorant in my offense." Xue Dingtian hung his head which was already full of cold sweat.

"Humph, then we will take Ning'er. If you want to get her back, have the Xue clan or Hell Valley come for her at Sword Marquise Abode."

"Wait!"

Zhuo Fan was about to leave when Xue Dingtian grabbed his ankle, "It doesn't matter if Ning'er offended the seventh elder, but she cannot leave. Or the Xue clan will be dead for good. I cannot accept it even if it means offending Sword Marquise Abode's young masters."

Frowning, Zhuo Fan eyed him thoughtfully and saw the staunch resolve in his eyes.

[Maybe... Ning'er...]

Zhuo Fan's eyes flashed with killing intent. He snatched Xie Tianyang's Star Sword and stabbed at the old man's chest.

"No!"

Xue Ningxiang panicked and threw herself before Xue Dingtian, stopping Zhuo Fan's attack just in time.

"Damnable and crazy punk!"

Xie Tianyang came to and took his sword, "I thought you were just scaring the old man, not being serious. He is Ning'er's grandfather!"

Zhuo Fan spoke coldly, "If you were to choose who dies, who will you pick among the two?"

"Of course it's..." Xie Tianyang hesitated as he got caught in a dilemma. Xue Ningxiang didn't understand what was going on between her grandfather and Zhuo Fan.

"Xue Dingtian, what do you need Ning'er for?" Zhuo Fan spoke harshly.

Xue Dingtian sighed, "I know that young masters like my granddaughter, but she is already betrothed to Hell Valley's young master. When she is 16 years of age, I will have to take her to them. Because of this, she has tried to run from home so many times. With how the time is nearing its end, if I don't take her, our whole clan will perish."

Xie Tianyang asked, "Ning'er, is this why you ran away?"

Xue Ningxiang nodded sadly.

Zhuo Fan watched Xue Dingtian's wrinkled face for any lies but found none, "So even you do not know for sure. If it's marriage then it's fine, but..."

"But what?" Xie Tianyang snapped, "Ning'er can't marry some random guy from Hell Valley. Come, follow brother to Sword Marquise Abode."

"Xue Tianyang, this marriage is fake!" Zhuo Fan shot him a glance then spoke to Xue Dingtian, "If it was about Hell Valley's marriage they would've come for her ages ago. But have you seen any girl getting married off to them coming back alive?"

Xue Dingtian pondered then shook his head, "Hell Valley is one of the seven houses, with proper rules and manners. Marrying with our second rate clan already deserves heartfelt gratitude. What other reason can there be? She is ready to be wed to someone, and it's no longer our place to ask."

"Ha-ha-ha, that's exactly what they want." Zhuo Fan cackled, "If I were to tell you that all the girls who got married to the Hell Valley's people died, what will you do? Will you still let Ning'er go?"

"What? Impossible!" Xue Dingtian refuted, "Why would they do that? We've always been loyal to them."

"It is because you are so devoted that they chose you to raise a cauldron!" Zhuo Fan declared.

Everyone asked in shock, "What cauldron?"

Zhuo Fan answered calmly, "There are some demonic cultivators who train in a cultivation method that utilizes ghosts of the people dying gruesome deaths. But too heavy grievance would lead to an imbalance in the yin and yang, this would increase the risk of oneself getting devoured by the ghosts. Therefore, the purest soul is needed as a foundation to train in it. And 16-year-old maidens are the best materials."

"You're saying they want Ning'er to train some art?" Xie Tianyang looked at Xue Ningxiang with worry.

Zhuo Fan nodded, "Most likely. Do you remember the seventh elder's martial art? That profound ranked martial art wasn't trained to completion and was weak because the cauldron was lacking. You think he'd go easy on us on purpose?"

They all gasped at the cruelty of Hell Valley which was using people as materials to practice arts.

But Zhuo Fan couldn't care less. Demonic cultivators were selfish, not cruel or humane. Anything that killed one's opponent was most welcomed.

He recalled that one time back in the Sacred Domain when an Emperor Stage expert cultivated this demonic method and killed ten thousand cultivators, the expert provoked the entire Sacred Domain's cultivators into an uprising against him. Even demonic cultivators rose the flag of righteousness, vowing to wipe such filth from the world.

That was one of the rare occasions in which the two paths joined.

Luck had it that Zhuo Fan was among them, witnessing this force on the move. He learned then not to incur public hatred if he wasn't the strongest.

That was also why he trained in the dark after getting the Nine Serenities Secret Records. Even now, despite having the Demon Transformation Art, which could raise his cultivation without a limit, he wasn't slaughtering left and right.

If he'd get found out, he'd be the next target of both paths!

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Chapter 74, Flowing Metal Body Refining

The silence was deafening!

It was so quiet that only cawing was heard. And even this noise only worked to darken the mood.

"Ning'er!"

Xue Dingtian turned serious as he said, "If what this young master said is true, it's best if you leave."

"Grandfather..." Xue Ningxiang looked at him in tears.

Xue Dingtian smiled, "Don't worry, I'll go back and find out the truth. If it isn't like what this young master said, then I will come back to get you and proceed with the marriage."

He ruffled her hair and flew away.

Watching his departing figure, Xue Ningxiang sniffed in tears.

"Big brother Zhuo, will my grandfather be alright?"

Zhuo Fan's conjectures were always spot on and Xue Ningxiang wished to know her grandfather's fate.

She wanted him to say her grandfather would be fine, that her clan would be fine. But Zhuo Fan shook his head.

"I'm sorry, if he doesn't return, your clan still might live for a while. But now, all of them will die."

Xue Ningxiang was shocked to the core and tears never stopped falling.

Xie Tianyang began cursing to hide his sadness, "Hey, you're not that damn Insidious Demon's match in reading people, so how can you say they'll all die if he returns? I think a Profound Heaven expert would make the Insidious Demon think twice."

"Humph, that is where you're wrong. I may not be as sharp as him when it comes to picking up one's intentions, but we are all humans, and I can tell a thing or two of his actions. First, we offended him, and since he determined the identity of Xue Ningxiang during our fight, he would think that the Xue clan betrayed Hell Valley. He is bound to kill them to the last woman and child. But at that time, old man Xue came to find Ning'er. In this case... "

Zhuo Fan paused then sighed, "Until he knew the whereabouts of the Profound Heaven expert, he would keep them alive to draw your grandfather. Once old man Xue returns, there will be nothing holding him back."

"Bullshit! A Profound Heaven expert is an elder in the seven houses. I don't believe he has such nerve to slaughter a Profound Heaven expert's entire clan." Xie Tianyang saw Xue Ningxiang's expression turn darker and darker and roared at Zhuo Fan.

Zhuo Fan shook his head, "Exactly because Xue clan has a Profound Heaven expert he would wait for Xue Dingtian to return before wiping them all off. In addition, you're wrong about something. A Profound Heaven expert is not strong at all, but a free one is."

"Why do you think he kneeled before us? He didn't do it for the two of us, but for the Sword Marquise Abode behind you. He didn't kneel for himself either, but for the Xue clan. If he were a rogue cultivator, free of responsibility, killing us would be a matter of fact."

"But..." Xie Tianyang wanted to retort but found nothing to refute him with. He knew of this all too well, but the sorrowful look on Xue Ningxiang pushed him to find her some solace.

But Zhuo Fan's words stabbed Xue Ningxiang's frail heart like a dagger.

At this point, Xie Tianyang wanted to punch him. [Can't you have some sympathy for Ning'er?]

"Alright, stop fighting."

Xue Ningxiang shouted, "Big brother Zhuo, I know what you said is reasonable. Tell me then, if I go back as a cauldron, can I save my clan?"

Xie Tianyang was appalled, "Ning'er, don't!"

Zhuo Fan looked her in the eye but all he saw was an unwavering will and nodded, "Even the magnificent and grand seventh elder of Hell Valley has no other way to train in that martial art. From this, it is obvious how much the Hell Valley lacks cauldrons. Doing this is likely to work, but..."

"There is no but as long as it works!"

Xue Ningxiang waved and breathed out as if to get out all the worries off her chest. She was smiling, but the two felt their hearts heavy from the tears flowing down Xue Ningxiang's cheeks.

"Big brother Zhuo, big brother Tianyang, thank you for taking care of me these past months. We shall part ways, just that..." Xue Ningxiang sniffed, "I've never once gone outside the city, never seen Sword Marquise Abode. It's my only regret."

She waved with a smile and left.

Xie Tianyang's eyes were tinted red. They both knew what this girl was about to do.

"Ning'er!"

Xie Tianyang stepped forward, but Xue Ningxiang's delicate voice reached them before he could take a second, "Please don't try to use force. I know I am not your match, but I will hate you for all my life and will never listen to you two again."

Xie Tianyang fell to his knees and watched her distancing figure in pain.

"Hey, Zhuo Fan, Ning'er left. Can she save Xue clan?" He asked gloomily.

"For some time." Zhuo Fan shook his head, his face serene, "Once Ning'er's use as cauldron expires, Xue clan would've outlived its usefulness."

"Why did you let her leave then?" Xie Tianyang bit his lip until he drew blood as his words were spoken with an edge.

Zhuo Fan stared him in the eye, "At least... Ning'er will leave this world at peace, believing her clan will be kept safe."

"Bastard!"

Bam!

Xie Tianyang stood up and punched Zhuo Fan's face and sent him ten meters flying, "You betrayed Ning'er again."

Roaring, Xie Tianyang rushed after Xue Ningxiang.

"What are you going to do?" Zhuo Fan wiped the blood from his mouth and stood up.

"I'm going to save her!" Xie Tianyang was dead serious.

"Just you?" Zhuo Fan jabbed, "How can a Bone Tempering cultivator fight against a Profound Heaven expert? You saw what happened just now. You know the difference between the Bone Tempering Stage and Profound Heaven Stage. It's not just about being unable to fly but also about speed."

"So what?" Tightening his fists, Xie Tianyang spat, "It's better than doing nothing like you. We clearly had the chance to end that Insidious Demon last time..."

"Last time we had the element of surprise and an array in place. In an array, no matter how fast he is, we can deal with him. But how will I set an array now? Are you telling me to set one right under his nose, then ask him to kindly step inside?"

Xie Tianyang understood the meaning behind Zhuo Fan's words but couldn't accept his manner. Ning'er fought through life and death with them and now Zhuo Fan was just going to sit there and do nothing.

"Zhuo Fan, I always knew there was no worth in trusting you. But as a man, good or bad, they are duty-bound to fulfill their promise. You promised to take Ning'er out, and if you don't, you'll be nothing more than a coward!"

Roaring, Xie Tianyang sped up in his rush.

"If you go you can only watch, powerless to do anything!"

"I will still go. I would rather die than be a coward!"

Watching Xie Tianyang chasing Ning'er, Zhuo Fan tightened his fists and muttered, "Who said I'm any different..."

Then he turned around and entered the forest.

In a cave, fifteen minutes later, Zhuo Fan set up a concealing array then drew an odd pattern on the ground and placed spirit stones at key locations. Then he spread Diamond Sand across the entire pattern.

Finally, his hand flashed and a pair of wings with streaks of lightning across them appeared in the center of this pattern.

This was a secret body refining art from the Nine Serenities Secret Records. It would make use of Demon Transformation Art to refine the ingredients and transform one's flesh into Diamond Body.

This was far crueler than the Wraith Art he gave to Captain Pang. Wraith Art was a cultivation method for humans to refine their body, but this secret art treated the human body as a medium in refining it just like a demonic treasure.

The results were outstanding of course, invincible and tough as steel. But the process was excruciating, a thousand times more miserable than the Wraith Art.

To imagine, this process involved cutting one's body inch by painful inch if one wanted to refine his body with ingredients suited for demonic treasures. It was so dreadful that one would find death a blessing.

In the past, before he even found the Nine Serenities Secret Records, Zhuo Fan wouldn't train in Wraith Art even if he had it. Because it was too inhuman, too brutal, despite how much strength it gave back.

And here he was using a method even more excruciating and dangerous.

But this was also the only way he could improve his strength in a short time. If he wasn't stronger than that cunning and deceitful Insidious Demon, his success wasn't certain!

With his heart at peace, his eyes filled with resolve, Zhuo Fan made a hand sign.

In an instant, the strange pattern shined brightly and started to churn. As it spun, the Diamond Sand trickled towards a small vortex in the center and entered inside the cross-legged body of Zhuo Fan...

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Chapter 75, Spirit and Body Refining

Speck by diamond speck sunk into Zhuo Fan's body as the array turned. The sand acted like minute needles boring through his muscles and drawing blood.

All Diamond Sand that touched him pierced his body, with no exception. One or two specks, he could bear, but a hundred, a thousand... they were beginning to take its toll on him and all this while he could only gnash his teeth.

When the number reached millions, his whole body was soaked in blood. And this blood all came from pin-sized holes left behind by the diamond speck, akin to a very fine sieve.

Looking closely, the Diamond Sand had ruined his muscles, turning them to mush.

And this was only the beginning, yet the pain was so excruciating, worse than any torture; death by a thousand cuts, quite literally.

However, to speed up his increase in power, Zhuo Fan still bore through it with clenched teeth, unwilling to utter even a grunt. Fine sweat ran over his body, testament to the pain. Even the mighty Demonic Emperor was reduced to a shivering mess.

"AHH!"

Then, Zhuo Fan's eyes narrowed as he cried out, unable to endure another million specks piercing his skin and muscles.

He yelled and howled from the pain, but knew he had to stop and soon closed his mouth shut.

In his heart he knew, this body refining method would remake his entire body, from the inside out, replacing his all with Diamond Sand. So much so he would become an unbreakable diamond.

But before that, he would have to endure this agony.

Yet this was just the flesh, it would soon be followed by the bones and inner organs.

Zhuo Fan could only grit his teeth and follow through. If not for wishing to save Xue Ningxiang, he wouldn't have chosen this path no matter how amazing the result!

Too cruel!

The strange array never stopped revolving, feeding Zhuo Fan's body with Diamond Sand. After two long hours, his muscles were broken down to the last fragment, then the Diamond Sand continued on to pierce his bones.

"Ugh..."

Zhuo Fan shook from the pain and a grunt escaped his clenched teeth.

Yelling would only amplify his suffering until he could take it no more. To avoid his demise, he forced his mouth shut while his eyes bulged out of his blanched face.

[Damn rotten decrepit senile Nine Serenities Emperor. How the hell did you come up with this insane refining method?]

The moment the Diamond Sand entered his bones, Zhuo Fan spasmed. He couldn't even speak, so he cursed the first Demon Emperor of ages past in his mind.

Had the Demon Emperor heard, his reply would be mockery, "Did I push your hand? Who lied to you that a meager thing like you can succeed?"

Suddenly Zhuo Fan's body seized up one second and laid limp the next. His skeleton was turned to dust in that instant.

Such pain filled his eyes with tears, but he was now nothing more than a pile of mush. And all he could do was lie paralyzed on the ground.

[There's also the last step... body remodeling...]

Zhuo Fan was sweating bullets as he sucked in a deep breath through gritted teeth.

With his skeleton nothing more than a bone meal, the Diamond Sand burrowed deep into his organs. It didn't wait to stick to them like before but punched right through them.

Zhuo Fan's organs were shredded and he was spewing blood mixed with flesh again and again.

The blood seeped into the strange array and fused with it. Yet despite the constant flow of blood and the sweat and the pain, his lips curled into a sinister grin.

[I have prevailed. Now only body remodeling is left...]

Zhuo Fan's smile was wiped away by a wail.

"AHHH!"

It didn't go as planned. The Diamond Sand finished with his organs and went for his brain.

Be it a mortal or cultivator, the brain was the weakest for both, as it was the place that housed one's soul.

Diamond Sand was raining havoc in his very soul, his mind. Once it was gone, his death would be final.

He felt as if thousands of ghosts were assailing him, a pain down to the bottom of his core. It was thousands of times crueler than the first step. But unlike before, when his mind was clear, the pain was now eating away at his consciousness.

His soul was slowly being spent and was on the verge of shattering. And all he could do was wait for his demise.

"Ha-ha-ha, for me, the grand Demonic Emperor, to die at my own hands! How ironic! If only I knew how wretched this body refining method was..."

Zhuo Fan chastised himself as he grew weaker.

All this while, the strange array never stopped spinning, and the remaining Diamond Sand on it was soaked in his blood, but he was too far gone to even care. He was hanging by a thread, one that thinned by the second.

What struck him as odd was, why did he have to refine his body through this hellish torture?

"I must've gone insane. Why did I use this deviant secret art..."

Zhuo Fan shut his eyes with a trace of regret, as his life flashed before his eyes.

Since he became a demonic cultivator, he overcame all trials baring his path, becoming the leader of the Eight Emperors in the Sacred Domain, the first below a Saint; a path filled with glory. Then he gained the Nine Serenities Secret Records, bringing him further joy, and though his disciple sold him out, he was reborn in the Luo clan, as a steward. Then he met Xie Tianyang and Xue Ningxiang...

"Xue Ningxiang... Xue Ningxiang..." Zhuo Fan's lips cracked open, muttering her name in his delirium. Then he flashed his eyes open and yelled, "Ning'er!"

He recalled why he chose this path. It was to save her.

At that moment, the strange array spun faster and faster, encompassing everything in it in arcane power.

Zhuo Fan's forehead released a blue flame that turned into tendrils and enveloped his body, to ultimately fuse into the strange array.

Zhuo Fan had no clue that this secret body refining method didn't just refine the body, but one's spirit too. Its purpose was to unearth all potential of a cultivator.

If only the body was refined through this method, failure was guaranteed and death was a certainty.

When Zhuo Fan was nearing death, he woke up to the reason behind his choice and his will to live thrummed with power. It resonated with his soul and allowed the blue flame in his body to fuse with the array.

It was only now that this strange array displayed its true power.

The array spun so fast that it kicked up a storm. It soon turned blue from the flame and melted the Diamond Sand before fusing it with Zhuo Fan's blood, flowing throughout his body.

Golden blood soothed Zhuo Fan's lacerated body, breathing life into his muscles, bones, and organs. The blue flame returned to his forehead once the process was complete and fused with his soul.

Zhuo Fan kept his eyes closed, unaware of what happened outside. He only felt his life renewing and growing with every passing moment.

All this time, Blood Infant sat cross-legged in his Dantian. Seeing the incoming golden blood, it was filled with ecstasy, swallowing as much as it could.

It began to alternate between fading in and out of reality, to ultimately turn into a golden infant. It opened its eyes and they flashed golden, filled with vigor.

Thanks to the blue flame, the pair of wings which streaked with lightning, were turned into liquid and entered Zhuo Fan. In a blink, an image of a pair of blue wings appeared on his back with lightning flashing across them.

Deep in the Allbeast Mountain Range, high up a mountain, laid a cave. And from this cave came the shocked voice of a strong middle-aged man.

"Eh? How come the azure flame I gave the kid is now gone? Did he remove it, or did he take control over it?"

Then laughter came from deep within the cave, "Ha-ha-ha, I must be getting old. For that kid to erase it is already impossible, so how could he refine it? Not even a Saint Stage expert can receive my azure flame."

"Although, if he really removed it, how will I find him? Well, he'll come around sooner or later, ha-ha-ha..."

The man laughed in his cave, and the sound traveled for hundreds of miles, but there was no spiritual beast around to hear it...

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Chapter 76, Diamond Body

Blue Expanse City, Xue clan's entrance.

When Xue Dingtian landed, he noticed that the place was eerily quiet. There weren't even guards around, it made his heart nervous and he rushed inside.

He soon arrived outside the main hall. As he looked inside, he saw a familiar figure in the seat of honor, Hell Valley's seventh elder, You Guiqi.

The seventh elder was leisurely nursing a cup of tea.

"I wasn't aware the seventh elder graced us with his presence. Please forgive me for not welcoming you!"

The seventh elder's presence here intimidated Xue Dingtian but he forced himself to show proper respect as if all was normal in the world.

You Guiqi sipped his tea then smashed it on the table.

Plop!

And Xue Dingtian's heart sank with it.

Giving him a cursory glance, You Guiqi broke out in an insidious grin, "Xue Dingtian, you've been under Hell Valley's care for a century now. We've always been kind to you."

"Without a doubt! Thanks to Hell Valley and seventh elder assisting us, Xue clan reached today's glory!" Xue Dingtian forced his anxiety down, hiding it behind a smile.

You Guiqi nodded and stood up. He strolled before Xue Dingtian and patted his shoulder with a warm smile.

"It's great that you think so, then..."

As he spoke, You Guiqi's face twisted and clawed at Xue Dingtian's shoulder as he thundered, "Why did you collude with outsiders and steal Hell Valley's Diamond Sand?"

Xue Dingtian was shaking in fear and fell on his knees to kowtow, "Seventh elder! This is a misunderstanding! The Xue clan has been nothing but loyal to Hell Valley. We would never do such a thing!"

"Ha-ha-ha, there was a time I thought the same, that you wouldn't be taking advantage of our kindness then move behind our backs. But that time has long passed!"

Grunting, You Guiqi slapped the table to splinters and barked, "Where is your grandchild, Xue Ningxiang?"

Xue Dingtian stammered for a response, but words left him.

"Humph, I will tell you. She and two runts stole my Diamond Sand and they now lie dead in Allbeast Mountain Range." You Guiqi's brow shook as he recalled the dreadful howl he heard at that time. If he had stayed a moment longer, he'd be a goner.

Despite not finishing the trio off, he assumed the monster would've finished the job with how wounded they were.

He thought ruefully about this event. Xue Ningxiang was of use to him, but now she was gone. He came back empty-handed too, no Diamond Sand and neither a cauldron.

Sighing, You Guiqi placed his rage on the Xue clan.

"Men, bring them in!" You Guiqi clapped and three Bone Tempering experts pulled three people in chains.

Xue Dingtian was filled with sorrow and tears fell as he looked at them.

They were Xue Wanlong and his sons, Xue Gang and Xue Lin. Heavy hooks dug deep into their shoulders, locking their clavicles in place and sealing their cultivation. From the bruises and wounds all over their bodies, it was clear how close they were to breathing their last.

"Seventh elder!"

Xue Dingtian bellowed and stared down the smirking You Guiqi with bloodshot eyes, "Xue clan sacrificed its all this past century for Hell Valley in defending Blue Expanse City. Is this how Hell Valley repays its vassal clan's hard work?"

"He-he-he, your second rate clan is nothing but garbage. Hell Valley can have as many as it wants. To me, you're no vassals, but somewhat useful watchdogs."

"We throw you a bone, a reward, and you should be skipping around in joy. When a dog starts raising questions to his master about getting credit for its hard work, it must be put down!" You Guiqi cackled.

Unable to bear You Guiqi's mockery any further, Xue Dingtian clenched his fist and unleashed his fury.

Exerting his pressure as a Profound Heaven expert, he pushed back the three Bone Tempering experts around him while You Guiqi just watched on with naked killing intent.

"It seems that the watchdog wants to take a bite out of its master, he-he-he... Then it's time to replace it!"

"You Guiqi!"

In his entire life, this was the first time Xue Dingtian uttered the seventh elder's taboo name out of sheer rage, "Let me ask you. Isn't Ning'er's marriage just a cover to use her as a cauldron and practice martial arts?"

You Guiqi looked at him in surprise before laughing, "Ha-ha-ha, I used to look down on you every time, but look at how smart you are. We've been at it for so long yet you're the only vassal clan that figured it out. So that's why you defected, it's all for a silly girl!"

"Bastard!"

Xue Dingtian's fury exploded and rushed with his entire Yuan Qi laid bare, "I'll kill you!"

You Guiqi sneered, sidestepping Xue Dingtian's palm and delivering an attack of his own.

Bam!

The hit on his chest upset his blood flow and Xue Dingtian spat blood as he tumbled backward.

You Guiqi made use of Xue Dingtian's prone condition and delivered two more palm attacks.

Xue Dingtian felt his chest burning and he spurted blood like a fountain.

"Ha-ha-ha, Xue Dingtian, you think you have what it takes to kill me? You're nothing but a greenhorn Profound Heaven Stage cultivator that just broke through, while I am in the 3rd layer. You are at the bottom and I am at the peak. You will never overcome this chasm!"

You Guiqi then dealt another palm attack with bloodthirsty eyes, "Old coot, die! But go in peace knowing that your son and grandsons will follow you!"

Powerless to do anything, Xue Dingtian closed his eyes awaiting the final strike. Such an ending, he never wished for his Xue clan. But at the very least, his dear granddaughter escaped this calamity.

Xue Dingtian was relieved that You Guiqi assumed her to be dead and wouldn't search for her...

"Stop!"

A high pitched cry was heard and You Guiqi stopped his attack midway. Looking ahead, he saw Xue Ningxiang at the gate, holding a dagger to her neck.

"You're alive?" You Guiqi was in shock. His sole reason for coming to this clan was to have her as a cauldron.

Xue Ningxiang took in the sight of her suffering family, her grandfather beaten to a pulp, and her eyes teared. She only had hatred towards You Guiqi for his cruelty.

Dagger inching at her throat, Xue Ningxiang threatened, "If you still want me as a cauldron, release them! Or I will take my life right here and now!"

You Guiqi mocked, "He-he-he, Ning'er, get off your high horse. We do need you to practice martial arts, but you aren't irreplaceable. You have nothing to bargain with."

Xue Ningxiang was startled and worry gnawed her heart, but she recalled Zhuo Fan's analysis and showed her white neck as she mocked, "Seventh elder, you can't lie to me. I know Hell Valley lacks cauldrons, I know of my value. Since you do not care, then I will die along with my family."

Xue Ningxiang then traced her dagger along her neck and blood trickled.

"Ning'er, no!"

"Stop!"

Xue Dingtian and You Guiqi cried at once. Xue Ningxiang looked down on You Guiqi, "Seventh elder, it seems to me that you're not yet ready to let me go!"

You Guiqi's ruthless eyes flashed, "Is that runt still alive?"

Xue Ningxiang avoided his gaze. She knew who he was talking about, "He died in Allbeast Mountain Range and you can go look for his body if you want to. But I'm afraid spiritual beasts would've devoured it by now."

"Humph, don't try to lie to me!" You Guiqi's sneered, "I have many enemies, but that runt was the first to bring me to such a state—coming back empty-handed and heavily wounded."

Chuckling, You Guiqi continued, "Girlie, don't take this the wrong way, but you do not have what it takes to see through me. That runt must've told you."

Xue Ningxiang only stared back, to which You Guiqi shook his head, "In any case, I will have to take a step back. Since you put me on the spot, I will not take your family's lives."

"Really?" Xue Ningxiang was about to go help her grandfather in joy, but You Guiqi shook his hand and a hook bit into Xue Dingtian!

"Ah!"

A wail of agony resounded and Xue Dingtian blacked out. His chest was soaked in blood and his clavicle was pierced, just like his son's.

"You Guiqi, you..."

"I said I won't kill them, but your grandfather is a Profound Heaven expert. I have to make sure he falls in line. I will, of course, let them go once we're at Hell Valley."

"You better honor your word!" Xue Ningxiang stared at him.

Nodding, You Guiqi snickered, "How could I lie when you're so valuable!"

"Men, take miss Ning'er to rest, we will return to Hell Valley on the morrow!"

An elegant youth arrived next to Xue Ningxiang along with two servants. Zhuo Fan would've recognized him in an instant. He was You Ming, who infiltrated Blackwind Mountain as Yang Ming and later escaped Windgaze City.

Standing next to Xue Ningxiang, You Ming snickered, "So you are the cauldron for my seniors' use? I have to say, you sure are pretty."

Xue Ningxiang snorted and turned to look at her family as she left accompanied by the servants.

You Ming shrugged then went to You Guiqi, "Master, what would you like us to do in regards to Luo clan? We have suffered greatly at the hands of their steward, Zhuo Fan!"

Xue Ningxiang's pace faltered at the name.

"Did you tell anyone else that he killed two of our elders?"

"No!" You Ming was cautious, "Even if I do, no one would believe me."

"Ha-ha-ha, I didn't believe it either. But a few months back, I met a freak of nature that countered everything I threw at him. With how large the world is, there are bound to be some monsters out there."

"Master, then..." You Ming spoke softly.

Shaking his head, You Guiqi's eyes flashed with killing intent, "We will deal with this runt first, then think of a way to end that Zhuo Fan. Or these two whelps will one day be Hell Valley's nightmare."

Xue Ningxiang was worried sick at his words and picked up the pace.

She was worried since You Guiqi had set his eyes on Zhuo Fan because of her. Yet none of them knew that the two whelps were one and the same...

The night seemed endless to Xue Ningxiang as her heart was unable to find peace.

At dawn, the first rays of sunlight washed over the unusually quiet Xue clan's small courtyard. A dozen servants were already tending to Xue Ningxiang's preparations.

Meanwhile, a shockwave passed through the first area of Allbeast Mountain Range and exposed a pitch-black cave.

A naked man staggered outside in the gentle sunlight, giving his body a golden shine.

His every step left deep prints in the earth, and even the rock crumbled to dust.

He sheltered his eyes from the sunlight and looked around. He took another step and rested his hand on the cave wall for support.

But his small action destroyed the stone wall completely and he fell to the ground.

The man stood up among the rubble, however, the rock he was on also turned to dust.

Taking a moment to adapt, his face now showed resolve. At a closer look, it was clear this man was Zhuo Fan.

Just that his every line and features were as if sculpted, exuding sharp power. When he opened his eyes, streaks of lightning sparked.

Zhuo Fan got a feel of his body and revealed a manic grin. Everywhere he touched let out a metallic sound.

He was immensely pleased with his body, which was now completely refined with the Diamond Sand and was as tough as a 5th-grade spiritual weapon.

He then touched his forehead and a blue flame drifted out.

This was the flame that the mysterious expert gifted. He couldn't control it until now. But through the strange array's refining, it fused with his soul and became his Soul Flame. He could now use it any way he wished.

Thinking of this made him burst out in laughter.

The refining process was hellish, excruciating, and deadly, but the result was astounding. He was now reborn with an unbreakable Diamond Body. Even a Profound Heaven expert wouldn't be able to make a dent in his body.

With but a thought, a pair of wings with lightning flickering over their surface, burst from his back and lifted him ten meters in the air.

They were the wings of Thunder Skylark, a creature who's speed was incredible even against a Profound Heaven expert. This was why he chose to refine them into his body.

With them, he became a freak, a true monster!

Putting on new clothes, he flashed towards the Blue Expanse City like lightning...

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Chapter 77, Round Two, Start

"Young miss is marrying!"

Outside Xue clan's gate, an obese granny yelled as Xue Ningxiang was led outside by two servant girls. The entire Blue Expanse City gathered around to witness the event.

You Guiqi and You Ming sported a faint smile.

Everyone was happy towards Hell Valley's show of gratitude. Some people were even tearing, imagining it was their family's daughter getting married.

Xue Ningxiang walked before the shocked masses. If before they were amazed by Hell Valley's power, now they were in awe by her beauty.

Xue Ningxiang was dressed in a common wedding gown but lacked the heavy makeup other brides had. Yet solely from this, her appearance evoked a feeling of genuine beauty, not a fake one from excess preparations. Pure as an orchid, making people afraid of marring!

Only this beauty deserved to be married into the seven houses!

The crowd gathered to see her smile, to wish her blessings.

But their best wishes and kind thoughts only worked to burden Xue Ningxiang's already heavy heart.

Everyone here envied her second rate clan for their marriage with one of the seven houses, unaware of the hell that awaited her.

Slanting her head towards You Guiqi, Xue Ningxiang asked in a cold tone, "Will seventh elder accompany me?"

"Ha-ha-ha, but of course. It is my duty to protect miss Ning'er and Hell Valley's disciple's wedding, to safely deliver you to Hell Valley."

The crowd was once again in awe of their kindness.

However, Xue Ningxiang only showed a smile of disdain, [What safeguard, it's clearly for monitoring us.]

[At least once You Guiqi leaves Blue Expanse City, big brother Zhuo can escape.]

Before she could breathe easy, You Guiqi saw through her and said with a cold smile, "Oh right, miss Ning'er, I sealed off Allbeast Mountain Range, even your secret tunnel. Those rats won't be able to escape from my palm."

"You..."

Xue Ningxiang flared as her face blanched. It was her clan's secret and You Guiqi must have pulled it out from her father and brothers.

Zhuo Fan's means of escape was now cut off.

"Seventh elder, I want..."

"No need to say it!" You Guiqi cut her off with a cold smile, "Your life was exchanged for your family, nothing more nothing less."

"Miss Ning'er, after you!" He then shook his sleeve.

A lavish palanquin was before her with fifty Bone Tempering experts around it.

Xue Ningxiang frowned as she lifted her leg only to put it back down. She wanted to save Zhuo Fan but You Guiqi had her family's lives in his hand. She had nothing to bargain with.

Suddenly, Xue Ningxiang's Thunder Ring flashed and her heart seized in panic.

"Don't come!" Xue Ningxiang shouted at the sky, startling the onlookers.

No one except You Guiqi understood the reason behind her reaction. With a sinister flash in his eyes, he patiently waited for his prey.

"Ning'er, I have come to save you!"

In response to Xue Ningxiang's shout came another. It was Xie Tianyang piercing forward with Star Sword at You Guiqi.

Sword intent made the crowd gasp as they scattered.

You Guiqi just mocked, "Humph, so you want to die. A mere Bone Tempering cultivator would find their death close at hand against me!"

You Guiqi, unafraid of the 4th-grade spiritual weapon, struck back with a palm.

Against the wind pressure of the palm, Xie Tianyang's sword tip trembled and the sword intent scattered.

He was shocked but didn't use the sword to defend and added more power to it.

A golden sword light flew from the sword tip and pierced the mighty palm, then it continued towards You Guiqi.

"Space Rupturing Form!"

You Guiqi's heart tightened and he vanished from his spot. The sword light struck the palanquin and turned it into splinters.

"Sword Marquise Abode's profound ranked martial art, Flowing Space's Nine Forms?"

You Guiqi appeared behind Xie Tianyang and spoke with derision, "You're from Sword Marquise Abode. How can a boy wield its legacy? Are you... "

"Humph, none of your business!"

Xie Tianyang snorted and stabbed backward.

This time, the sword no longer had the imposing might. But everywhere it struck, it made space stagnate and You Guiqi was slowed.

"Empty Net!" Xie Tianyang bellowed.

"Humph, you don't know when to quit! Even with a profound ranked martial art, the gulch between Bone Tempering Stage and Profound Heaven Stage cannot be overcome."

Snorting, You Guiqi vanished, only to appear in front of Xie Tianyang.

Xie Tianyang was startled but could do nothing as You Guiqi's palm slapped him into the air. When he landed, six Bone Tempering experts surrounded him to make sure he didn't get up.

"Humph, disgraceful runt! If not for Sword Marquise Abode, you would've died by now!" You Guiqi mocked him.

Xie Tianyang spat on his face and responded as if to spite him, "I dare you to kill me! But can you take responsibility for the war that follows? Ha-ha-ha..."

Wiping his face, You Guiqi's tone turned colder with killing intent, "Damn kid, you think I'm scared? You made a mess in my city, so the Sword Marquise Abode won't say anything even if I kill you."

You Guiqi slapped at Xie Tianyang's chest.

Xue Ningxiang cried, "No!" But You Guiqi was dead set on killing him.

"Stop!"

An aged voice echoed and a golden sword wave hacked down!

You Guiqi wasn't about to receive it. This attack was unlike Xie Tianyang's, it was backed by the power of a Profound Heaven expert.

He stopped his attack and jumped six meters back.

Boom!

When the dust cleared, a meter wide hole was in You Guiqi's previous position; its depth unknown.

A white-haired old man drifted next to Xie Tianyang and fanned the Bone Tempering experts away.

"Eighth elder!"

The old man looked frail, his eyes cloudy, a stark contrast to the true expert he was. Even his right hand was missing three fingers, yet this hand was bony and showed its blue veins clearly. Proof he was a seasoned swordsman.

Xie Tianyang cried in joy while You Guiqi sneered, "Jian Suifeng, fifty years no see. How have you been?"

"Fine, until you came to ruin my mood!" The elder spat through gritted teeth. His cloudy eyes seethed with bone-deep hatred.

"Eighth elder, thank god you're here. Help me save Ning'er!" Xue Ningxiang pulled Jian Suifeng's sleeve.

But Jian Suifeng shook his head, "Tianyang, this is Hell Valley's affair. We cannot get involved."

"Youngster, there'll be hell to pay if you poke your nose in other's business." You Guiqi snickered, then turned to Jian Suifeng, "Case in point, you lost your three fingers due to the same reason."

Jian Suifeng's eyes trembled from rage as he stared You Guiqi down, "You think I would've fallen for your scheme if not for being young at that time?"

"Ha-ha-ha, it would've been better if you had stayed quiet!"

You Ming laughed, "I heard from my Master about senior's matter, of the so-called undistinguished elder with rotten youth. At that time, if senior hadn't lusted over a girl from one of Hell Valley's vassal clans, why would you force your way in her town, only to finally end with you ransomed by your glorious Abode Lord with three cities? Too bad about those three fingers; you had to leave those behind."

Gritting his teeth, Jian Suifeng was so enraged that veins popped, "You Guiqi, don't take it too far."

"Or what, you'll attack?" You Guiqi made a sinister grin, "Five decades ago you couldn't beat me. And that hasn't changed even now, when we're just one layer apart. You best run along and call for your seventh elder instead."

He continued to ridicule Jian Suifeng, "I am in awe of the Sword Marquise Abode's 13 sword elders fame shaking the empire. But you're the only eyesore among them, not worth a dime!"

"You..." Jian Suifeng clenched his fists and shouted, "Tianyang, we're leaving!"

"But eighth elder, you must at least fight for the honor of Sword Marquise Abode even if we can't save Ning'er. Leaving like this..."

"Quiet! Can't you tell he's goading us? This here is Hell Valley's domain. Winning or losing here will put Sword Marquise Abode at a disadvantage."

He glared once more at You Guiqi and said to Xie Tianyang, "Tianyang, remember You Guiqi's title and how cunning he is. Next time you meet him, make sure to face him with ample preparation."

Xie Tianyang looked at Xue Ningxiang not far ahead, and said in a determined tone, "I know that. But if I don't save her today, I will regret it for the rest of my life."

"Ha-ha-ha, such is youth, ignorant of the world's dangers! Since Sword Marquise Abode's young master is so entertained by the idea of a hero saving a damsel, I will oblige by giving you a chance. Save not only her but also her clan, letting her feel ultimate gratitude towards you."

You Guiqi clapped and four Bone Tempering experts pulled four large crosses, with the entire Xue clan nailed on them, from old to young.

"Grandpa, dad, brothers!"

Xue Ningxiang wailed and glared at You Guiqi, "Seventh elder, what are you doing?"

"Acting my role as a villain."

You Guiqi then sent a grin towards Xie Tianyang, "How will the young master play the hero otherwise?"

He then twisted his face and howled, "Attack!"

The Bone Tempering experts took out hooks and clawed them into the Xue clan's members.

Blood fell like rain and their howls rang in the air. They even found the strength to shout their lungs out when the hooks came out of their bodies. Not even Xue Dingtian, who was a Profound Heaven expert, was eased from this suffering.

Xue Ningxiang was crying her heart out and yelled, "You Guiqi, stop or I will kill myself!"

"Then I will kill them all." You Guiqi roared in return.

Xue Ningxiang was rooted to the spot, powerless to alleviate the painful cries of her family. Her knees softened and she collapsed, as did her mind.

Snickering next to her ear, You Ming reveled in her pain, "Girlie, get off your high horse. You're in no position to demand anything from my Master. He is Insidious Demon, the number one sage of Hell Valley. So many people from the seven houses have fallen to my Master's ploys, and you think you can best him at that?"

"Ha-ha-ha, I'll have you know this too. It's because you angered him that he chose this course of action. You might have a bargaining chip, but too bad, you're too naive. And don't forget he has a bargaining chip too, rather close at hand."

Xue Ningxiang lifted her head but all they conveyed was emptiness and tears.

Despair and agony!

She sacrificed herself to save her clan, but she was far from being able to win against this cunning fox. It instead earned his ire and now he was venting it all on her clan.

"It's all my fault!" She blamed herself for everything.

"Who will save me now?" Xue Ningxiang mumbled while looking at the sky in tears, "Who can save us?"

"Humph, idiot!" You Ming mocked her but then shrugged, "Idiot or not, a cauldron still has its use."

Xie Tianyang saw Xue Ningxiang losing herself and his heart was in pain. Jian Suifeng stopped him from charging over with a shake of his head and a hand on his shoulder.

"The farther we are from You Guiqi, the better."

"But eighth elder..." Xie Tianyang's words faltered as Jian Suifeng's hand squeezed his shoulder harder, afraid the kid would make a rash decision.

Plop!

Xie Tianyang collapsed to his knees, his spirit broken, his pride as a genius turned to nothing but tears of humiliation. The girl he liked was suffering before him and he was powerless to do anything.

Then he suddenly recalled Zhuo Fan's words.

[If you go you can only watch, powerless to do anything!]

It all went out just as Zhuo Fan had said. Xie Tianyang believed there was nothing he couldn't do, but now he realized how meager and weak he was.

"It seems that I was the coward all along!" He muttered under his breath.

"Zhuo Fan, you bastard, where the hell are you?" Xie Tianyang then raved through his manly tears and punched the ground until his fist inflamed.

Jian Suifeng understood the kid's pain but couldn't help him.

Suddenly, Xue Ningxiang's and Xie Tianyang's rings sparked. Only this time it was much stronger, similar to the time when the three Thunder Rings were close together.

"He's here!" Xie Tianyang looked around with hope.

Xue Ningxiang shivered and her eyes began to regain clarity. She muttered looking at the Thunder Ring, "B-big brother Zhuo..."

Rumble!

Suddenly lightning streaked across the sunny sky. It struck down among the crucified Xue clan members and blasted out the Bone Tempering experts there in all directions.

The dust rose as lightning still flickered within and everyone was now trying to perceive through it.

When the dust settled, it revealed Zhuo Fan sporting his manic grin.

"You Guiqi, I lost the previous round. But the second round starts now!"

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Chapter 78, Terrifying Power

"Who is he?"

Asked Jian Suifeng when he saw Zhuo Fan through the dust while being shocked by the feeling of dread the youth exuded.

He was experienced enough to notice that Zhuo Fan had just entered the Bone Tempering Stage, and yet the aura and power the kid released held a threat to a Profound Heaven expert's life.

This contradiction made it all feel bizarre.

Xie Tianyang felt the same. Zhuo Fan's face, which was radiating golden, added an extra feeling of pressure.

It was unlike that from a Profound Heaven expert but felt like raw power was seeping in Zhuo Fan and threatened to destroy his last vestige of life.

Everyone felt as if they were standing in front of a savage beast that was ready to pounce on them.

"He is a friend most untrustworthy, but also most dependable!" Xie Tianyang smiled wryly as his body shivered. Not from fear, but excitement.

He grasped the possibility that this new Zhuo Fan could save Xue Ningxiang.

Jian Suifeng looked at Xie Tianyang in amazement.

It was his first time seeing this arrogant and genius kid show such confidence and dependence on someone.

Jian Suifeng turned to watch Zhuo Fan, to witness what made him so special.

"Ha-ha-ha, you not only survived but broke through!"

You Guiqi sensed Zhuo Fan's entirely changed aura but dismissed it. The way he saw it, this was merely confidence from entering a new realm.

[He would learn on his own skin how weak a Bone Tempering cultivator was in the face of a Profound Heaven expert, and his confidence will deflate like a balloon.]

One thing did strike him as odd though. He and Zhuo Fan last met a few months ago when the kid was in his 6th layer of Qi Condensation, and on his last breath. Yet here he was less than half a year later, unharmed and even advanced to Bone Tempering Stage.

His speed sent shivers even down You Guiqi's spine.

[How did this happen?] You Guiqi thought, [This runt is a freak, and must definitely be put down for good!]

You Guiqi snorted, "Ming'er, go and end him for me."

Zhuo Fan rose an eyebrow in ridicule, "Oh, so it's you. That's fine, last time you ran away and left me with regret, but I will be extra careful in making sure to end our grievance this time around!"

"What, you two know each other?"

You Guiqi jerked back at You Ming, only to see his prideful disciple shaking in his boots. Even his face was twisted, pale beyond belief.

"Useless! Even with me having your back, you're still this scared?" You Guiqi spat at his disciple's cowardice.

It was fine if no one else was around, but with the two from Sword Marquise Abode here, it made quite the embarrassment.

[A damn lily-livered punk threw all of Hell Valley's name into the ground.]

Jian Suifeng wasn't one to overlook the chance to laugh at their expense, "Ha-ha-ha, a brilliant disciple matching a renowned master. Today I've seen Hell Valley's disciple's staunch will!"

You Guiqi was turning green and kicked You Ming who faceplanted into the ground, "What a disgrace. He just broke through, while you're in the 2nd layer of Bone Tempering Stage!"

Stumbling to his feet, You Ming took a short glance at Zhuo Fan. But Zhuo Fan's wicked grin seemed to spell death and so he threw himself at You Guiqi's feet with a wail, "Master, h-he is Luo clan's steward, Zhuo Fan! Elder Jian and Elder Yun died because of him!"

You Guiqi froze a second then flitted a long look at Zhuo Fan.

He finally seemed to understand.

Zhuo Fan's power wasn't limited to setting up 5th-grade arrays. He also had a cunning mind that almost made him pay with his life. [It's no wonder the two elders died by his hand.]

In Hell Valley, elders were seen as figures of respect and worshiped by disciples, unrivaled in the world. But You Ming witnessed the death of two and now fear gnawed his heart like a demon.

He will never muster the courage to face Zhuo Fan in this life regardless of his advantage over him.

With You Ming in the 2nd layer of Bone Tempering Stage, he should have no trouble dealing with the newly advanced Zhuo Fan. But was this notion still valid? Just look at him shivering!

You Guiqi sighed and patted You Ming's shoulder.

To remove his disciple's heart demon, his disciple had to kill Zhuo Fan himself.

He stated coldly, "Anyone willing to capture him will receive my reward!"

"Elder, I will do it."

A large man cupped his hands. He was in the 6th layer of the Bone Tempering Stage. Dealing with an early Bone Tempering cultivator was easy pickings.

The other guards were sad that they missed such a chance. Zhuo Fan was an easy contribution that just flew away.

You Guiqi nodded and turned You Ming's head towards Zhuo Fan, "Ming'er, watch. This runt is only good with arrays. Now that he has no chance of setting one, he's done for. The guard will soon bring him over and you can kill him yourself to remove your heart demon!"

You Ming nodded and looked ahead.

Jian Suifeng frowned, "You Guiqi sure lives up to his title. He instantly figured out his disciple's state and a way to help him overcome it. Tianyang, your friend is in danger."

Xie Tianyang looked at the always composed Zhuo Fan and smiled, "That punk never batted an eyelid. He will be fine."

Such a reply rose Jian Suifeng's curiosity.

[The difference between the two is of 5 layers, so the outcome should be clear as day.]

The large man thundered towards Zhuo Fan with a cackle, "He-he-he, you are a heaven-sent gift for me. I can't wait to receive my reward from the seventh elder once I hand you over."

"People die from greed, while birds die from hunger. It all depends on you if you can defeat me." Zhuo Fan snickered.

"Ha-ha-ha, you sure have a big mouth for one who is about to die. One fist is enough to make you behave."

The large man's punch was as fast as the wind and as strong as a mountain!

Yet Zhuo Fan didn't look like he had time to react.

The boom shook in everyone's ears.

Xie Tianyang's smile was gone, now replaced with shock that Zhuo Fan wasn't even able to dodge.

[He was able to contend equally with me when he was a Qi Condensation cultivator, so why didn't he move?]

Xue Ningxiang's face fell, "Big brother Zhuo!"

Seeing that Zhuo Fan took the punch head-on, Hell Valley's guards started sneering.

"He-he-he, I knew he was done for, but never thought it'd be over so quickly."

"Did he really kill two of our elders? If he did then I am first under heaven, ha-ha-ha..."

"Curses, that moron got all the reward. Now I want to know what Valley Lord's gift will be!"

...

As the people started chattering, Zhuo Fan's threatening atmosphere soon disappeared from their hearts.

Only You Guiqi frowned, looking left and right.

"Ah!"

A wail pierced the noise of the crowd, and the large man was seen clutching his hand as he stumbled back.

His hand was now a twisted and broken mess.

Turning to Zhuo Fan, nothing seemed to have changed about him, still the same grin and the same demeanor.

"This is impossible!"

Jian Suifeng cried, "A 1st layer Bone Tempering cultivator broke a 6th layer's hand with his face?"

Xie Tianyang's eyes bulged out. He knew Zhuo Fan always moved with a plan in mind, but even he found this new strength of this youth borderline perverse.

[With him like this, he'll have no trouble even against Profound Heaven experts!]

The crowd now lost their mocking gazes and were instead rooted in place by fear and shock.

Zhuo Fan never paid them any heed as he strolled before the large man. The large man was groaning while holding his bleeding hand.

Before he could react, his chest was then punched through by Zhuo Fan's fist. It all seemed so easy, as if he punched through paper.

Zhuo Fan then flicked his hand and the large man splashed on the ground after a wide trail in the sky.

The people watched in abject horror the bulging eyes of the man, his vacant expression.

[Where did this kid come from? His power is obscene...]

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Chapter 79, Human Weapon

Yes, obscene!

This was the only apt description anyone could think of. Zhuo Fan's power far exceeded the common understanding and only this word could encompass the height he reached.

It was common knowledge that Bone Tempering Stage was the best period in a cultivator's life to temper one's body. Even a Profound Heaven expert could, at best, destroy a Bone Tempering cultivator's organs. A far cry from what Zhuo Fan did, running one through.

On top of that, Zhuo Fan just broke through, making this even unprecedented throughout history.

"Monster!"

It first began as a whisper, but this word grated everyone's ears and they all agreed to this adequate assessment.

Fear was painted vividly on their faces.

Hell Valley's Bone Tempering guards were no longer envious of the 'lucky' man, instead, they felt sympathy for him.

[What rotten luck! Not only didn't he earn merit but threw his life away instead.]

Whoosh!

Zhuo Fan was suddenly caught off guard by a white and black pair of chains as they coiled around him.

You Guiqi smirked, holding the other end of the chains.

"Damn, even with the kid's insane talent, he'll be mincemeat soon as he is locked by the 4th-grade demonic treasure." Jian Suifeng sighed.

He was in awe of Zhuo Fan's ability, of his bright future, but... [A pity he'll die at Insidious Demon's hand.]

Xie Tianyang's heart tensed. He didn't foresee a Profound Heaven expert like You Guiqi resorting to sneak attacks on a newly promoted Bone Tempering cultivator.

Although the person in question was a freak of nature, it was still despicable.

Xue Ningxiang was happy at first but then turned worried.

Zhuo Fan eyed the familiar demonic treasure and said, "Using such underhanded moves from the get-go, that too against a junior. Seventh elder, seems like you do not care about Hell Valley's name."

You Guiqi laughed dryly, "You're smart to notice my intention from a look. There is hardly anyone compared to your caliber in the Tianyu Empire. You are one outstanding devil that not even I dare to neglect."

"Ha-ha-ha, I truly admire the seventh elder's cautious nature. In any case, this junior came without any plan or scheme prepared, only to end you myself. Yet you're so prudent regardless."

You Guiqi's mood darkened.

Reading between the lines, he knew Zhuo Fan mocked him for his yellow-bellied attitude. Even he had his limits, especially when humiliated in front of such a crowd by a Bone Tempering junior.

"Runt, say that again and I'll make sure there won't even be a corpse left of you."

"Am I wrong?"

Zhuo Fan cocked his head and laughed, "With your character, the faster you kill your opponent the better. Yet the first thing you did when I arrived was to send your disciple to test the waters, only to have him reduced to a shivering mess from fear to the point he ignored your orders. And left with no choice, you sent that buffoon to his death in the name of curing your disciple's heart demon."

"There's no need to even mention winning, but just in case he failed, it wasn't that much of a loss since it offered you the perfect timing to blindside me when I finished him off. And this is the result!"

Zhuo Fan enlightened everyone and even Jian Suifeng was startled so much that his fear for You Guiqi grew.

He wasn't You Guiqi's match and if he were in Zhuo Fan's stead, You Guiqi would've succeeded in his devious plan.

[You Guiqi is ruthless and cunning to the extreme. Yet that Zhuo Fan isn't any better, discovering his ploy in an instant.]

The Insidious Demon showing such an extreme caution against a Bone Tempering cultivator not only shocked him but everyone present.

On the other hand, Zhuo Fan wasn't in the least beneath You Guiqi in cunningness.

Thinking about this let Jian Suifeng hold Zhuo Fan in higher regard.

"Hi-hi-hi, aren't you caught in my web despite seeing through it?" You Guiqi snickered with killing intent, "I just need to twitch my arm and you'll turn putty!"

Zhuo Fan rose an eyebrow and laughed, "Say, how did a sinister old coot like you turn so stupid? You think it's that easy to trap me since I saw through you?"

Zhuo Fan's eyes gleamed and lightning cracked.

Bam!

You Guiqi couldn't even react before the chains were thrown away.

Zhuo Fan now sported a pair of ten-meter long wings streaked by flashing lightning!

"Thunder Skylark's wings?" Xie Tianyang cried.

Zhuo Fan had appropriated the Thunder Skylark's body for himself. But Xie Tianyang didn't expect him to refine its wings into a demonic treasure.

Since the Thunder Skylark was a 6th level spiritual beast, adding the Diamond Sand into the equation, the refined demonic treasure would also be 6th-grade.

Xie Tianyang was in glee. [No wonder this punk barged right in here, he had such an awesome item. This will increase his chances of victory against You Guiqi greatly.]

"6th-grade flying demonic treasure?" You Guiqi's tone was grave, "With it, you can match a Profound Heaven expert's speed, however..."

As he spoke, he flicked the Yin-Yang Chains. The chains moved individually from opposite directions to seal Zhuo Fan's escape.

"...A Profound Heaven expert's advantage over Bone Tempering cultivator isn't just limited to speed."

"I know that all too well!" Zhuo Fan didn't care about the chains, "A Profound Heaven expert relies on his quick moves in melee, not something a flying demonic treasure can overcome. Although..."

But then, the chains were about to strike Zhuo Fan, one aiming his head and the other his chest.

Whoosh!

The pair of wings moved like independent arms and swatted the chains away.

You Guiqi and Jian Suifeng jerked in shock, "This can't be possible!"

There was an ancient story that spoke of flying demonic treasures that could change shape at the wielder's will and launch attacks. But a demonic treasure was inanimate, so how could it do that?

The people there watched Zhuo Fan as if they were looking at a monster. He sported a faint smile as he spoke at leisure, "But when did I say it's a demonic treasure?"

While demonic treasures were refined as tools, Zhuo Fan refined the wings into his body.

In other words, they were part of his body. He could let them out at will and make them move as he wished.

He was no longer your average human being, but a human weapon. If the wings were a 6th-grade demonic treasure then his body had become a 5th-grade demonic treasure refined through the method of Diamond Sand tempering!

This wasn't something You Guiqi and the rest could fathom when not even the denizens of Sacred Domain couldn't.

The only ones who could comprehend this were those ancient talents who held the Nine Serenities Secret Records and were aware of the deviant secret method to refine materials into their human body.

"Damn freak!" Even the calm You Guiqi had to curse through gritted teeth. His eyes were bloodshot and his hands were poised to strike.

The two chains flitted everywhere and soon became two, then four, then eight... Numerous chains approached from every angle like a rain of death, all aiming for Zhuo Fan.

He wanted to beat Zhuo Fan to a pulp.

But Zhuo Fan smiled fearlessly as he stood his ground. His eyes flashed and the wings moved like lightning.

Only the sounds of cracking lightning and grating metal were heard, while not even a trace of the chains nor the wings was seen.

But the flickering lightning was proof enough for everyone to know of the bitter fight the two were in.

This was a Profound Heaven expert's speed.

This gave a shock to the audience and let them know how weak they were against a Profound Heaven expert. But Zhuo Fan was the one who agitated them the most.

A Bone Tempering cultivator had such power...

Xie Tianyang watched numbly with incredulous eyes at how deep the gap between them was. Even more so when Zhuo Fan of yesterday was a far cry from today.

"Eighth elder, what can you see?"

Xie Tianyang saw Jian Suifeng standing there in a daze without blinking. He never saw his elder so astonished in his life.

"You Guiqi is pushing hard with his attacks but Zhuo Fan is blocking them all. It is unclear as to the outcome, but You Guiqi seems to have the upper hand!" Jian Suifeng stated so, but his eyes never left the fight, afraid of missing anything.

Xie Tianyang was despondent. His and Zhuo Fan's gap was now even bigger.

Zhuo Fan of before won with arrays while now he relied only on himself.

In merely a single day, their positions switched so much that Xie Tianyang was left far behind in the dust...

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Chapter 80, Face Slapping

Whoosh!

The metallic and lightning sounds came to an abrupt stop. Zhuo Fan's expression was one of focus as he halted his wings while You Guiqi was nowhere in sight.

A sound broke the silence and Zhuo Fan's heart seized, he instinctively bent his wings.

Ding!

His wings blocked the sneak attack of the chains from behind but a cold needle was speeding at his back.

It was You Guiqi with his 3rd-grade demonic treasure, Twisted Needle!

"He-he-he, runt, what are you going to do now?" You Guiqi snickered.

Zhuo Fan's wings were occupied with the Yin Yang Chains. The 3rd-grade demonic treasure's attack came at an impeccable timing, right when Zhuo Fan's movement was sealed.

Not even You Guiqi could get out of this one if he was in Zhuo Fan's place.

But Zhuo Fan only muttered, "Mystifying Phantom Step!"

Whoosh!

He vanished from his place and the chains along with the Twisted Needle lost their target, throwing You Guiqi off-balance.

Then Zhuo Fan came from behind using his wings as axes aiming for You Guiqi's neck.

Ding!

With a crisp sound, the wings and Yin Yang Chains clashed again. But this time, their roles were reversed.

The situation flipped in a blink, with Zhuo Fan now pressing his advantage!

Even Jian Suifeng was affected by this sudden turn. Hell Valley's number one sage, You Guiqi, was driven to a corner by a youth.

"Seventh elder, how does it feel to be on the receiving end of a sneak attack?" Zhuo Fan's wings pushed against the Yin Yang Chains until You Guiqi leaned backward, "If I also had a 3rd-grade demonic treasure, you'd be dead by now. Yet despite your efforts and the golden opportunity, I'm still alive and kicking, so to speak."

You Guiqi's face flushed and was gasping heavily to ease the rage within him.

Zhuo Fan's words were an affront to his title.

You Guiqi wasn't powerful because of his cultivation, but because of his title as Insidious Demon, the number one sage of Hell Valley.

Yet Zhuo Fan was mocking his pride. The same as saying [If I were you, I would've long killed my opponent with a sneak attack and wouldn't need to waste time chatting them up!]

This was the worst humiliation You Guiqi ever suffered.

One may mock his character, his devious nature, yet he would take them all as badges of honor. But never ever would he allow one to insult his intelligence. That was where he drew the line.

Anyone who mocked him for a fool, he would make sure to give them a fate worse than death.

Yet Zhuo Fan had him beaten at every corner and kept mocking him, with him powerless to prevent it. This brought a never felt feeling of resentment.

"Don't get too cocky, damn runt!"

You Guiqi's anger reached a breaking point. His Yuan Qi exploded, flinging Zhuo Fan's wings aside.

Then, he swirled his chains at Zhuo Fan leaving behind afterimages.

You Guiqi was at peak speed and with the added effect of the Yin Yang Chains, he reached a new height.

Zhuo Fan remained calm as he laughed. His figure darted around with the help of Mystifying Phantom Step and his wings, moving even faster than You Guiqi.

The people were once again bearing witness to afterimages and metallic sounds clashing with streaks of lightning, but never a clear image of any of the two's bitter fight.

They flashed across the entire plaza, one moment to the east, the next to the west. Flashing in every direction possible and even around the Bone Tempering guards.

But since the people could only hear them and not see, they stood there in fear. One slip, one errant move from their part and only pieces would remain of them.

"Eighth elder, how does it look?"

When You Guiqi and Zhuo Fan were at a standstill with demonic treasures, Xie Tianyang could grasp some of the situation. But as the matter devolved to such a state, he was unable to see them and had to defer to Jian Suifeng's assessment.

Jian Suifeng however gestured for Xie Tianyang's silence as he focused his all on the fight.

After one huge boom, two figures reappeared.

Zhuo Fan crossed his hands casually, standing in the same spot, while You Guiqi was gasping for breath. Zhuo Fan's nonchalant attitude left not only him but also Jian Suifeng, in shock.

"W-who won?" Xie Tianyang knew but still couldn't help ask.

Jian Suifeng was solemn, "Soon you will know."

Thunderous booms echoed and a score of Bone Tempering guards were struck down by lightning. It burst their heads and liquefied their organs.

The other guards fled for fifty meters in anxiety while You Guiqi and Zhuo Fan stood across each other, having known of this long ago.

"W-what's happening?" Xie Tianyang darted his eyes to the corpses in fear.

Jian Suifeng's eyes never left Zhuo Fan as he spoke in a grave tone, "Tianyang, your friend is terrifying. I've never seen anyone like him. That You Guiqi, he has never suffered as much as he has now."

Xie Tianyang didn't understand, but Jian Suifeng continued, "In their clashes, You Guiqi was giving his all. They attacked each other again and again and made me believe Zhuo Fan was also fighting with everything. Then suddenly, his speed jumped. But..."

"But what?" Xie Tianyang seemed impatient.

Jian Suifeng revealed an imperceptible smile, "But instead of ending this battle, he dragged You Guiqi around, killing guards right under You Guiqi's eyes."

Xie Tianyang was startled, "Why do this? Why didn't he finish the old man off if he had the chance?"

"Ha-ha-ha, this is where the kid is truly terrifying."

Jian Suifeng's eyes shook and he turned serious, "He did it to mock that old fool. An elder was led by the nose by a snot-nosed brat, killing a score of his men yet powerless to stop it. You Guiqi, known as the Insidious Demon, was played around by a Bone Tempering kid as a cat plays with a mouse. Will there be any pride left in him after this?"

"Zhuo Fan and You Guiqi are the same. Offending such a person would invite a world of suffering. Because their revenge isn't limited to killing you, but robbing you of all you hold dear, including pride. Death only comes after there is nothing left to plunder."

Jian Suifeng suddenly laughed, feeling all his grievances get washed away, "Only evil can fight evil! You Guiqi was despicable in his ways for too long, and today he met his match in a little demon who has a heart just as black as his! How refreshing!"

Jian Suifeng's laughter rang in everyone's ears and jarred You Guiqi's. The later was burning with rage and was close to spewing blood. He felt miserable every time he saw Zhuo Fan standing smug.

Zhuo Fan's power exceeded his predictions by far.

In the first move itself, he discovered that Zhuo Fan had surpassed him. He not only treated this fight as a spar but also had the leisure to kill his men.

Zhuo Fan left him powerless. Especially when it came to schemes, where Zhuo Fan was at his level, if not higher.

You Guiqi felt his head hurt, feeling weak and feeble for the first time.

[No, this can't end like this! If this gets dragged on for long, he will kill me. I need to end it in one blow!] You Guiqi had a plan in mind but didn't know if it would work, especially in Zhuo Fan's case. But he was left with no choice.

His eyes flashed and flung the chains at Zhuo Fan.

"This thing won't work on me." Zhuo Fan smirked, readying his wings.

But the Yin Yang Chains veered off from him at the last minute, aiming for Xue Ningxiang.

Xue Ningxiang was rooted in fear, but Zhuo Fan appeared before her in a flash of lightning and flung the chains with his wings.

"Ha-ha-ha, I see it now!"

You Guiqi laughed hysterically, "Zhuo Fan, oh Zhuo Fan, I found your weakness. In the Allbeast Mountain Range, you ingrained a deep fear in these old bones with your constant attacks, so I thought you came this time seeking revenge. But now I see it was all for her."

"And you think this changes anything? You will die just as well." Zhuo Fan stated.

"Humph, if you bore the same ruthlessness you showed before, I would have some misgivings. But you care for this girl and placed victory in my grasp, ha-ha-ha..."

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Chapter 81, Instant Kill

You Guiqi jumped in the air and performed a double hand sign.

A demonic face appeared, twisted in malice and pain.

"Hell Valley's profound ranked martial art, Demonic Face Seal!" Jian Suifeng shouted, "This martial art is focused on striking at one's soul, it is undefendable. Even Radiant Stage cultivators will find it hard to cope with such an attack. The lightest injury is dizziness, while the worse would be death."

His words traveled to Zhuo Fan's ears as a clear warning.

You Guiqi noticed this but laughed instead, "Damn runt, if you dodge, the Demonic Face Seal will kill the girl. If you try to take her, you won't make it!"

"Big brother Zhuo, forget about me and leave. I can die in peace knowing you will save my family." Xue Ningxiang urged.

Zhuo Fan looked back with a smile, then spoke coldly at You Guiqi, "She is mine. As long as I'm here, you can't harm her."

"Then I will kill you, ha-ha-ha-ha..."

You Guiqi pointed and the demonic face wailed on its way towards Zhuo Fan. Xue Ningxiang was nervous and was about to jump in front, but Zhuo Fan stopped her with his wing.

Boom!

The demonic face smashed on Zhuo Fan and thousands of gray tendrils of energy wrapped around him. The cries of lamentation, similar to that of a being starved for centuries and finally finding food, were heard all around.

Xie Tianyang turned towards Jian Suifeng in anxiety, but the latter only sighed.

Even a Profound Heaven expert was powerless in the face of such an attack, least of all a Bone Tempering cultivator.

Xue Ningxiang couldn't hold back her tears.

"Hi-hi-hi, damn runt, lust is your downfall. A demonic cultivator should be ruthless, yet you let emotion cloud your judgment and make you weak." You Guiqi cackled as he turned to Xue Ningxiang, "Wench, his death is on you."

Xue Ningxiang watched Zhuo Fan become gray and her cries became heartrending.

If not for saving her, he could've lived.

"Big brother Zhuo, forgive me, it's all my fault!" Xue Ningxiang sobbed.

"Ha-ha-ha, foolish girl, don't let that old goat see you cry. You're only bringing him satisfaction!"

Suddenly, Zhuo Fan's voice came from within the ball of gray tendrils. The crowd was shocked.

[Wasn't Zhuo Fan wreaked with pain inside there, how is he so calm?]

You Guiqi cried in fear, "This isn't possible! His soul should have been swallowed whole!"

"Ha-ha-ha, you want to kill me with a parlor trick? Aren't you a tad bit naive, Insidious Demon?"

An azure flame flashed from within the gray tendrils. The gray energy retreated every time the flame moved.

As the gray energy withdrew, Zhuo Fan was soon revealed before the crowd with an azure light coming from his forehead.

Zhuo Fan muttered, "Demon Transformation Art!"

Suddenly, the gray energy wailed as they were devoured by the azure flame. And Zhuo Fan felt his soul growing stronger as result.

Demon Transformation Art was originally used to absorb everything to promote one's cultivation. The reason he couldn't absorb souls so far was because his own wasn't strong enough. It would only be a detriment if the result would've harmed him instead.

But since he refined his soul, it grew in power, akin to Radiant Stage cultivator's level. And having the strange azure flame as a protector, this measly amount of vengeful ghosts were nothing more than a snack after the flame removed the waste.

Eying You Guiqi in the air, Zhuo Fan mocked, "Is that it? If you have no trick up your sleeve, guess I'll have to get serious."

"Get serious? He-he-he, stop showing off. Are you saying you've been playing around all this time?"

You Guiqi was both angry and startled. Startled that Zhuo Fan could dismiss such a strong attack and angry from his contempt.

But that was how Zhuo Fan treated him, with naked contempt.

Wasn't he Insidious Demon of Hell Valley, their number one sage?

Despite all that, fear grew inside him. This was a foreign feeling to him since he always grasped his opponent's weakness before striking them down.

But when he looked at Zhuo Fan, he only felt powerless despite everything he threw at the kid. Furthermore, he had a nagging feeling that all his moves were within Zhuo Fan's calculations.

Zhuo Fan played him like a fiddle, leaving him without a shred of dignity. This fear he had was the worst he ever felt.

Chuckling, Zhuo Fan mocked again, "Seventh elder, I wonder, do you remember what you told me a few months back in the Allbeast Mountain Range? Against true power, all schemes are moot."

You Guiqi's eyes dilated, his heart sped up, and a bad feeling crept its way down his spine.

"Today, I throw this line right back at you!"

Grinning, Zhuo Fan pointed at the sky, "In just one move, I will have your head."

"Bullshit!"

You Guiqi could no longer take it and snapped.

He now realized, Zhuo Fan's end goal this time was revenge against him while he was only saving Xue Ningxiang in passing.

From the moment Zhuo Fan showed up, he smacked the old man's face at every corner, to show him how useless his Insidious Demon moniker was before true power.

[My intelligence is laughable when it comes face-to-face with raw power. My cunningness falls short to his.]

Zhuo Fan wanted to crush his pride as an insidious person, to die in pain.

"What a dreadful kid, far worse than even You Guiqi!" Jian Suifeng felt overwhelmed with shock.

[He is even more terrifying than Zhuge Changfeng.]

This thought helped Jian Suifeng understand Zhuo Fan's actions so far. [It is unknown if he will one day be friend or foe. Observing him now is for the best!]

Ignoring the gazes around him, Zhuo Fan stared down You Guiqi with delight in his eyes.

Perhaps all demonic cultivators were at their happiest in the throes of slaughter.

Zhuo Fan laughed, "You Guiqi, ready? It's time you see what real power looks like."

He jumped the next moment.

Bam!

He shot for You Guiqi like a rocket.

You Guiqi attacked with his Yin Yang Chains. But with a flap of his wings, Zhuo Fan slipped right past them.

Yin Yang Chains couldn't even touch him and he was already punching at You Guiqi.

"Ha-ha-ha, got you!"

You Guiqi laughed and a black and white chain flew at Zhuo Fan's chest. But Zhuo Fan only said, "Oh, so you had another set of chains besides those two!"

"But so what? With my power, all your plans are moot, including all you've hidden so far!"

Zhuo Fan's eyes flashed and a golden light flew from his body. It was the Blood Infant after being refined with Diamond Sand.

The Blood Infant, which was comparable to a 5th-grade demonic treasure, charged at the black and white chain.

The chains couldn't last even a second as Blood Infant tore through it along with You Guiqi's arm.

You Guiqi was shocked to find that the golden light, which passed by his ear, had taken away not only the chain but also his arm.

He only now woke up to the validity of Zhuo Fan's previous words, so much so that Blood Infant's power scared You Guiqi.

He had no time to feel the loss of his arm when Zhuo Fan's punch was right at his face.

"Damn runt, you think you can kill me in one move?"

He knew his death was sealed, but he wasn't about to let Zhuo Fan determine how he died.

Or he really would never rest in the afterlife. The only reason he still fought was for his honor.

Whoosh!

rd-grade demonic treasure Twisted Needle flew from his sleeve towards Zhuo Fan's fist.

As long as he stopped the fist, he wouldn't die in one blow. Such was the glorious mind of the number one sage in Hell Valley reduced to after fighting with an equally insidious demon.

Zhuo Fan was here to make sure he would be left without a scrap of honor.

The punch still moved without hesitation, meeting with the Twisted Needle, to the joy and hope of You Guiqi.

But the crisp sound that resulted from the contact revealed that the Twisted Needle broke in two. The fist was unaffected in the slightest as it bore into You Guiqi's chest.

You Guiqi watched in horror and muttered, "W-what kind of damn monster are you?"

"Humph, I don't mind telling you. My body is as strong as a 5th-grade demonic treasure. Yours was only a 3rd-grade demonic treasure! And as for why I'm such a freak..."

Zhuo Fan's eyes flashed as he recalled the endless anguish and torment he had to live through, "Isn't it all your fault?"

Roaring, Zhuo Fan threw his fist and flung You Guiqi into the ground, smashing a few buildings.

Blood flew from You Guiqi's mouth as he watched Zhuo Fan in the air with shock and loss.

[How does your freakish change have anything to do with me?]

With this final thought, You Guiqi's head sagged and breathed his last. His eyes were wide open, never to find peace...

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Chapter 82, Shocking Fame

Zhuo Fan spread his wings among the clouds and hovered like a god towering above the ants. In his hand, he was clutching a still-beating heart which was dripping blood.

But the owner of this heart had long met his end and was no more than a stiff corpse, never again able to find peace from the horrors he endured.

The onlookers raised their heads in shock but witnessing the majesty of Zhuo Fan, they even forgot to breathe. Fear was almost palpable among the Hell Valley's guards.

In just a single blow, the notorious Insidious Demon, the number one sage of Hell Valley, You Guiqi died.

Xie Tianyang was in denial of what he witnessed, even Jian Suifeng was swept by fear as he gazed upon the youth hovering in the sky.

"A true monster!" Jian Suifeng muttered.

Zhuo Fan simply relaxed his grip and the heart dropped down to the ground with a splat.

But this casual action seized everyone's hearts.

As Zhuo Fan's cold stare roamed among the people, they lowered their heads in fear; horrified that the demon would set his gaze on them.

Zhuo Fan, however, only laughed, "That guy must've run off to his house. He actually slipped away again."

He suddenly swooped down, alarming the people into scattering. But he went by Xue Ningxiang and held her.

Xue Ningxiang let out a short cry before being carried into the clouds. They both then disappeared in a lightning flash.

In a clearing outside Blue Expanse City, lightning sparked, revealing Xue Ningxiang and Zhuo Fan landing. As he eased her onto the ground, she looked at him in puzzlement.

Zhuo Fan had a faint smile, "I said that I will take you out of the city, and I have. Now, I have fulfilled my promise."

"Is this the outside world?"

Xue Ningxiang darted her eyes around and breathed in, a smile playing on her lips, "This is the first time I'm walking outside the city."

"I'm finally out!"

Xue Ningxiang laughed and blushed, "Thank you, big brother Zhuo!"

"It's nothing. We shook on it, didn't we?" Zhuo Fan said, "Ning'er, this might be the right time to say goodbye."

"You're leaving?" Xue Ningxiang jerked her head up, her eyes fixed on Zhuo Fan, "Where to?"

He sighed as he said, "I don't know. There are still so many things I need to do."

The most pressing matters were finding the Lightning Canyon, Heavenly Emperor's remnant, and searching for experts to strengthen the Luo clan. Despite having no clue where to start on any of them, he had to keep looking.

Xue Ningxiang saw his mind was set and spoke softly, "Big brother Zhuo, c-can I come with you?"

"No!" Zhuo Fan denied, "With your strength, you will be in too much danger."

Xue Ningxiang lowered her head in defeat. She knew she'd be just a burden to him if she went.

Zhuo Fan tousled her head with a smile, "And you still have your clan to look after. Xue clan offended Hell Valley and needs to find someone that can protect it. The Sword Marquise Abode is a good choice. From Xie Tianyang's sharp mouth, he must be quite high placed. If he vouches for you, Sword Marquise Abode is sure to take you in."

Xue Ningxiang raised her head then nodded.

Now was the time to look for a safe place for her clan. It would be too cruel of her, and selfish, to go with Zhuo Fan and leave her father and brothers in danger.

She was embarrassed but still felt reluctant to part with him.

"Ha-ha-ha, bye, little sister!"

Zhuo Fan ruffled her head one last time and left with a smile. Tears formed in Xue Ningxiang's eyes as she shouted, "Big brother Zhuo, when will we see each other again?"

"When the Thunder Ring flashes!"

Zhuo Fan waved as he walked away, the Thunder Ring on his and Xue Ningxiang's fingers flashing...

In another area, Jian Suifeng was looking down on You Guiqi's corpse, the enemy who robbed him of his three fingers. He recalled You Guiqi's wretched death and his mood livened.

"Oh, You Guiqi, what a tragedy befell you, one of the great men of Tianyu Empire!"

Jian Suifeng found that the Hell Valley guards Zhuo Fan routed were now scrambling away from this place, abandoning even their elder's body.

Only a cold wind blew over the white hairs on You Guiqi's body which was lying there on the cold and hard ruble. His eyes were wide, despited losing their light.

Xie Tianyang was still looking at the sky, in Zhuo Fan's direction, but then spoke in a sour tone, "Damn bastard, good for you killing You Guiqi, but what are you playing at taking Ning'er?"

"Tianyang, help the others down, we'll rush to Sword Marquise Abode to heal them. The Xue clan will become Sword Marquise Abode's vassal clan." Jian Suifeng indicated towards the crucified Xue clansmen.

Xie Tianyang jumped and smiled, "That's my intention. Eighth elder, who knew we thought alike? I was also going to save Ning'er's clan."

"Humph, who is like minded with a brat?"

Jian Suifeng snorted, "You've seen what that little monster is capable of. Only time will tell how far his strength will reach. Since he went out of his way to save these people, it won't hurt to earn his favor. We might even become friends in the future. And in case we stand on opposite sides, we can use these people as hostages to deal with him."

Xie Tianyang only smiled wryly at his elder's reasoning.

[Humph, so you're not saving Xue clan because of me but because of that prick Zhuo Fan. Just who is a Sword Marquise Abode's core disciple here anyway?]

[If this gets out, my name will be dragged through the mud!]

Although secretly cursing, he still went to work. Since this was his aim all along, to help Xue Ningxiang.

Yet none was the wiser as half a mile out, You Ming was curled up in shivers.

His fear of Zhuo Fan grew out of proportion, to such a scale that he might never overcome this heart demon.

[Bastard, this is the third time! What did I ever do to you? Everywhere I go, you come killing! Last time you killed two elders and this time you killed my master.]

[Abomination!]

You Ming cursed Zhuo Fan to high heavens. But when Zhuo Fan's cold face resurfaced in his mind, shivers wreaked his body...

A month later, in the Emperor's gardens of the Imperial capital.

Two old men were playing chess beneath a pavilion. One of them was dressed in a golden gown and had white temples and cloudy eyes, he was the Emperor of Tianyu Empire.

The other elderly had a long beard, white hair, and exuded an imposing aura. Whenever a guard looked his way, their eyes were filled with respect.

Among the melodious chirping of the garden birds, the chess pieces being moved made for a calming rhythm.

Suddenly, a wail broke the blissful peace, "Lord Father, something big just happened..."

A two hundred kilo round ball of flesh rolled next to the emperor. He shook the very earth he stepped on and threw the chess match into a mess.

Rubbing his forehead, the emperor smiled dejectedly at the other man, who only smiled understandingly.

"Cong'er, didn't I tell you to face all events with calm? And haven't you noticed that I am playing chess with Mr. Sima?"

"Y-yes, I know my wrongs." Yuwen Cong rushed a bow to the emperor and the elderly, then wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"Speak, what is the matter?"

The emperor held on to another chess piece, not minding his son.

Yuwen Cong forced his excitement down and said in a grave tone, "Reporting to Lord Father, Hell Valley's Seventh elder was killed a month ago!"

The chess piece in the emperor's hand clanked on the board and he looked at the frowning Mr. Sima.

"Who did it?" The emperor then turned his hardened face towards Yuwen Cong.

Seeing no one around, Yuwen Cong whispered, "It is someone from the clan we are currently endorsing, Luo clan's steward, Zhuo Fan. A month ago, something got into him that he killed the seventh elder of Hell Valley in Blue Expanse City under everyone's eyes. It was also revealed that he was the one who killed Hell Valley's two other elders in Windgaze City and used Veiled Dragon Pavilion as a patsy."

"What? A brat killed Hell Valley's three elders, their precious You Guiqi included? What guts!" Mr. Sima said to the emperor, "Your Majesty, how should we handle it?"

The emperor evoked a faint smile and kept playing chess, "If it only involved the seven houses, it would've posed a headache. But as matters stand, You Wanshan won't have the cheek to complain to me. Don't let them snuff out the Luo clan. This pearl of mine is about to reveal it's splendor, ha-ha-ha..."

Bam!

The emperor slammed the chess piece with delight.

Yuwen Cong looked long at the emperor then bowed and left.

Prime minister's residence in the Imperial Capital.

Prime Minister Zhuge Changfeng laid on a rocking chair with half-closed eyes, swaying gently. Suddenly, a black shadow whispered in his ear.

"What?"

Zhuge Changfeng flashed his eyes open in shock, then sighed, "The balance between the seven houses is now askew. I will need to make ample preparations for the aftermath."

And he resumed his previous state, gently swaying on the rocking chair.

High Priest's residence in Imperial Capital.

A white-haired elder was reading through some information delivered by one of his men. As he read through, a frown appeared on his forehead and he signaled his men to withdraw.

With shaking steps deigning his old appearance, the elder walked into the observatory and looked up towards the sea of stars, "The star of war is near and turmoil is on our doorsteps. A spark is enough to light this powder keg! The ruler is about to change, I only hope the people can weather the storm."

Veiled Dragon Pavilion's headquarters.

Pavilion Lord Long Yifey and some elders were in a meeting, but two young people were also present, Long Jie and Long Kui. Because of their efforts and brilliant conduct, seven days ago, Long Yifey officially allowed them to participate in the elder council, pleasing the two to no end.

"Recently, Xiao Kui and Xiao Jie have displayed impeccable conduct. I propose to send them to cultivate under the Grand Elder and learn the house's profound ranked martial art."

Long Yifey smiled looking at the two and spoke with pride.

Third elder commented with a hardened look, "These two kids progressed well, however, they are only average by contrast with the other houses' genius disciples."

"How? Third elder, don't underestimate us. We are on the verge of breaking through to the Bone Tempering Stage." Long Kui protested while Long Jie was in accord, "Third elder is right. I heard rumors that Sword Marquise Abode's Xie Tianyang became a Bone Tempering expert three years prior. We are still far behind him."

"Xiao Jie is so modest! You will do great deeds in the future!"

Godeye Long Jiu nodded with satisfaction, a black crow perched on his shoulder; the Soul Devouring Crow he got from Zhuo Fan. Looking at the bird, Long Jiu couldn't help his expression softening.

"If you two brats were half a man my brother Zhuo is, you'd be training our passed down profound ranked martial art by now."

"Humph, Uncle Jiu, why bring him into this?" Long Kui always became irritated whenever she heard Zhuo Fan's name, "He is cocky, brash, and doesn't want to join Veiled Dragon Pavilion. Even if he has a smidgen of talent, that doesn't make his rise guaranteed. We will undoubtedly surpass him."

A man suddenly barged in while shouting, "Urgent report, Pavilion Lord!"

Third elder waved him away after taking the report and read it. The next moment, his hand froze and the paper drifted to the floor.

"What's wrong, third elder?"

Long Jiu picked up the paper in worry, never having seen third elder so spooked. But the contents left his sole eye in tears.

"Good brother, I owe you again."

"What is all this about?" Long Yifey was inquisitive like the rest of the people present and took the paper.

His brows shook and his voice betrayed his excitement, "Hell Valley's You Guiqi was killed by Zhuo Fan in Blue Expanse City!"

"What?!"

Everyone was dumbstruck.

Who hadn't heard of You Guiqi? He was the greatest headache of everyone, especially for Long Jiu, who had his eye stolen in You Guiqi's ploy.

Yet this dreadful man was killed by Zhuo Fan. Their shock was understandable. Even Long Jie and Long Kui had heard of You Guiqi's infamy, after all, he was a man feared by all elders of the Veiled Dragon Pavilion.

They instantly felt how far behind Zhuo Fan had left them.

"Ha-ha-ha, well done!" Long Yifey burst in laughter, "I was right in my decision. This kid is a dragon among men. Increase our support to the Luo clan and send some men to safeguard their clan. I'm sure we all can agree on that."

It was a unanimous decision. Not even the elders who were against Long Yifey proposing an alliance with Zhuo Fan showed any complaint.

After all, none of them here could do what Zhuo Fan did, sending that You Guiqi to his grave.

And the Veiled Dragon Pavilion was just the beginning. The continent's clans soon came to know of this affair. Among the shocks and cries of joy, Zhuo Fan's name was etched in the minds of many clan leaders.

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Chapter 83, Hell Kill Order

In a lone valley, sieged by mountains on three sides and a narrow trail on the fourth, the sun's warm glow barely reached this place throughout the year. Being shrouded in mist, this place was a cesspool of poisonous insects and rats.

Yet this particularly strange environment led to the development of some of the rarest herbs the world had ever seen. To gathered such ingredients, men braved many dangers through the valley, where the mortality rate was incredibly high and the ghosts of the fallen exacerbated the gloom.

People came to call it, Hell Valley.

A thousand years ago, a powerful group stumbled upon this odd place and established a foothold. They even set up a 5th-grade array to safeguard from the gruesomeness of this valley.

This group was the You house, one of the Seven Noble Houses of Tianyu Empire. With time, people came to call this valley as the strongest house that could oppose the Imperial family.

Until now.

In Hell Valley's meeting hall, Valley Lord You Wanshan was in a poor mood as he sat on his throne. Out of the 12 total seats, 9 seats were occupied by elders. Each time he glanced at the empty seats, his eyes turned savage.

"You Ming!"

You Wanshan bellowed, "Do you mean to say that three of Hell Valley's elders are dead because of a single kid?"

Kowtowing on the ground and shivering uncontrollably, You Ming replied, "I wouldn't even think of lying to Valley Lord. Elder Jian, Elder Yun, as well as my master, Seventh elder, were indeed killed by Luo clan's steward, Zhuo Fan!"

"Useless wench!" You Wanshan slapped the table, "You knew he killed two elders before so why didn't you report this sooner?"

"Spare me, Valley Lord! It was my master who forbade me. Master found it too weird and ordered me to keep it to myself. He told me that he will find the opportunity to deal with Zhuo Fan. But before he could, Zhuo Fan broke into our city and..."

At this point, You Ming's voice was choked with sobs.

The rest of the elders snorted.

[All demonic cultivators are cruel and cold, so why is this punk getting so worked up?]

Throwing such a show would make them despise him instead.

The elders were all clear this wasn't his fault yet refrained from pardoning him. If they'd trade places, they would do the same. If not, they'd be accused of rash thinking and that would be used as an excuse by some others to remove them.

Who would believe that a fresh Bone Tempering kid could kill a Profound Heaven seasoned expert if not for it happening before countless eyes?

"Valley Lord, You Ming might have erred, but he had no control over what happened. Our first priority is to deal with the aftermath."

This was spoken by the first elder on the right as he stood up, "Tianyu Empire's mighty clans have set their sights on us. If we let that kid go unpunished, what will the people think? We will become the laughingstock of the empire and our vassal clans will abandon us."

You Wanshan frowned, his eyes filled with cruelty, "Grand Elder is right. We cannot let that punk get away with this! Wasn't he some steward of Luo clan? We'll make the Luo clan answer for his transgression!"

"Valley Lord, you mustn't!"

A deep and worried voice traveled from an old man with raven hair, seated on the opposite side of Grand Elder.

You Wanshan snorted, "Second elder, what are you trying to say? Do you think it's alright for someone to kill our people, shame us, and then walk away? What will others think of Hell Valley?"

"Valley Lord, I am not stopping you from settling this debt. Only..."

Second elder muttered something before resuming, "Valley Lord should remember the ban the Emperor enacted a year ago on the seven houses which was against stepping foot in Windgaze City. If we breach it openly, it will give the Imperial family the excuse to strike."

"Second elder makes a fair point. This is not the time to move in the open. And there are also reports that the Imperial family and Veiled Dragon Pavilion's experts are patrolling nearby Windgaze City. We will fall into their trap if we go!" Grand Elder urged.

Eying the two most respected elders, You Wanshan hesitated for a while before spatting through gritted teeth, "We can't do this, we can't do that! What else can we actually do?"

Even the elders turned silent.

You Wanshan sighed, "This wouldn't have been such a headache if the seventh elder was here. Blasted punk, he managed to rob me of my wisest adviser. When I get my hands on you, I will skin you alive!"

Seeing them all pensive, the kneeling You Ming darted his eyes left and right before making a tentative remark, "Valley Lord, may disciple be so bold as to convey a solution?"

"Humph, the elders meeting is not something you can join. Get the hell out!" You Wanshan barked without even looking at You Ming. But Grand Elder's gesture detained him, "Valley Lord, the kid can be considered as seventh elder's successor. Why not give him a chance?"

You Wanshan conceded when he heard the Grand Elder's reason.

You Ming's heart burst with joy as he rushed to explain, "Valley Lord, this disciple's humble opinion is to ignore the Luo clan. From my observation, Luo clan is relying on Zhuo Fan. With him around, even if we remove the Luo clan, it will only make it worse for us. But if Zhuo Fan is out of the picture, then the Luo clan will fall from grace. They will have no hope of replacing us, Hell Valley!"

You Wanshan's eyes flickered, "Go on."

"Yes!" His mouth twisted in a smile, You Ming said, "We cannot approach Windgaze City, but Zhuo Fan is nowhere near it either. We just need to focus all our efforts in dealing with him."

"And how will we find him?" You Wanshan questioned.

"Issue the Hell Kill Order and have the empire corner him!" You Ming revealed his savage side, "We will then know where he is going, and before he returns to Windgaze City, we can just ambush him."

You Wanshan cackled, "Good, that's what we'll do!"

"Men!" He then shouted orders, "In my name as Hell Valley's leader, I declare the Hell Kill Order on Zhuo Fan. Anyone who provides clues to his location can become a vassal to Hell Valley. Anyone who brings me his head will become Hell Valley's number one vassal, ruling above all others!"

You Wanshan's sinister laughter echoed, to which You Ming followed up with a vile smile.

[Zhuo Fan, you abomination! I won't dare face you but now you have the whole empire after your head, he-he-he...]

Grand Elder smiled, [As I thought, this kid is still thinking about revenge.] But the elder didn't care since Zhuo Fan was the enemy of Hell Valley...

Grand Elder stated, "Valley Lord, even if we declare Hell Kill Order on Zhuo Fan, since he killed seventh elder, the weak clans won't be his match. I think we will have to act if we want to end him after all."

"Then all elders move out, kill that bastard!"

"Wait!"

Grand Elder gestured, "He killed seventh elder, elders below seventh won't be of any help. From Ming'er's retelling of him, he must be a body refining demonic cultivator. The only ones who can stand up to him are the first five elders. Furthermore..."

He turned to a red-haired elder, "Fifth elder, you refined your body with the Scorching Demon Flame. Your unbreakable body is the perfect match for that kid!"

"Don't look at me!" Yet the man in question shook his hands again and again while smirking, "I am about to join Drifting Flowers Edifice's Hundred Pill Meeting. I don't have the time to run around after some snot-nosed brat!"

"Humph, what's so great being invited by women to a meeting to discuss about pills? Is going there more important than taking revenge for the house?" You Wanshan snapped.

Grand Elder lightened the atmosphere with a smile, "Valley Lord, the Drifting Flowers Edifice may be made up of women, but they are still one of the seven houses. Establishing a close relationship will only work in our favor. They extended an invitation to fifth elder since they took an interest in his fire attribute cultivation method, in hope of refining new pills."

"Humph, how did a bunch of skanks climb up to our position? One day I will personally go and take over their domain." You Wanshan said viciously.

Grand Elder shook his head, "Valley Lord, I would like to have You Ming participate in seventh elder's place in our future elder meetings."

Staring at You Ming, You Wanshan nodded, "Fine, raise him well, as the next Insidious Demon, ha-ha-ha..."

You Ming was overjoyed in his bowing!

Meanwhile, in Blackwind Mountain, Captain Pang was cultivating by sitting on 36 blades. His body was riddled with scars. While cultivating, black tendrils of energy would leave his body, drift around the blades, and return back to him.

But as each black tendril went back into his body, a new bloody scar adorned his wreaked body, making him frown.

Suddenly, a shadow grew before him and Lei Yuting came from behind.

Cracking his eyelids, Captain Pang stood up with a smirk, "Miss Lei's Elusive Shadow Art is becoming more and more outstanding. I didn't even notice you were coming."

"Humph, your Wraith Art isn't any less impressive, reaching Bone Tempering Stage in just a year. You're making those clans' geniuses jealous."

"He-he-he, it's all because of brother Zhuo!" Captain Pang laughed and peeked next to him. Not five meters from him, a 15-year old was braving above other blades as sweat marred his brow and trailed along his scarred body.

But around him were corpses riddled with wounds, as if hacked by countless edged weapons.

"Damn it, what kind of vile method are you cultivating?" Lei Yuting cursed.

Captain Pang replied with indifference, "Of the 20 kids you sent, only one barely made it. Send me another batch."

"With just one survivor you want more?" Lei Yuting raised her voice in shock.

Captain Pang smirked, "It's actually quite a good result. For fifty to die while training in this art is normal. But for Luo clan, everything is worth it."

"Humph, you are hard at cultivating, and what is that brother of yours doing?" Snorting, Lei Yuting fetched a paper, "He killed Hell Valley's seventh elder and they've issued a kill order."

"What?" Captain Pang burst into laughter, "Brother Zhuo truly does incredible things, shaking the world everywhere he goes."

Then he patted Lei Yuting's shoulder, "Miss Lei, don't be too worried. With brother Zhuo's skills, Hell Valley's order won't affect him."

"Humph, who the hell cares about him." Lei Yuting muttered through gnashed teeth, "He just went and provoked Hell Valley over a girl. Since when was he so goody-goody?"

Captain Pang grinned, "So that's what it was, ha-ha-ha. Sometimes, brother Zhuo quite likes striking a heroic figure."

"Hero? My ass! You think I don't know him?" Sighing, Lei Yuting turned into a shadow and vanished.

Captain Pang shouted the next moment, "Don't mention this to young miss, especially the last part."

But Lei Yuting's response didn't come. Captain Pang sighed, "Ah, women..."

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Chapter 84, Wraith Style

Atchoo!

"Who's badmouthing me behind my back?"

In a secluded forest, Zhuo Fan scratched his nose and set his eyes on a 100-meter-tall rock.

He suddenly flexed his legs and jumped, with the wings behind him flashing with lightning.

"Wraith Style 1st move, Soaring Demonic Dragon!"

Roar!

A black draconic image flashed with him at its center. The dragon intertwined with the lightning and smashed into the rock.

Boom!

The rock crumbled like a stack of cards and Zhuo Fan came out with a flash. Then he turned around and unleashed a black claw at the rubble.

"Wraith Style 2nd move, Ghostly Dragon Claw!"

It was lackluster compared to the previous thundering explosion but it made up for it with visual impact, turning the rubble to sand.

The tremors even frightened the birds away. Zhuo Fan gasped as he continued sweating, but his hands kept dancing through gestures, aiming for the flock of birds.

"Wraith Style 3rd move, Necro Dragon's Screech!"

Roar!

The sound was eerie, akin to a demon. Zhuo Fan's wail even made ripples through the air as it swept the flock of birds.

The birds froze mid-air, their eyes blanked, and fell dead. One look would spot thousands of dead birds.

Zhuo Fan was now reduced to a gasping mess, crouching down with a downcast look.

This low profound ranked martial art matched the Wraith Art. Each strike held enough power to shake the earth and kill instantly. Although ranked low, it was nonetheless strong as a mid profound ranked martial art.

The problem was the high requirement these moves had on the body, making it viable only to Wraith Art cultivators. But with Zhuo Fan's refined body, he long surpassed it.

In theory, these moves should've been easy for him to execute.

Yet the fact remained, only after training in them for a month did he realize that he didn't lack in the body department, but in the soul. He was in the 1st layer of Bone Tempering Stage and using profound ranked martial art almost exhausted his Yuan Qi.

The last move, in particular, Necro Dragon's Screech, was a soul attack that could only be trained when one was in the Radiant Stage.

With his body and soul refined, his soul power shot up, and even with the added benefit of the azure flame, he just barely succeeded. But it didn't stop him from feeling his vision swoon and collapse.

"Goddamit! These moves will be the death of me. If I don't kill my enemy with these, he will kill me."

Zhuo Fan sighed and sat cross-legged to recover his Yuan Qi.

Killing You Guiqi stirred up a hornet nest. He was bound to stumble on a far stronger opponent and needed to protect himself by training powerful martial arts.

As a consequence, he hid for over a month in the mountains to practice, yet the outcome wasn't in the least bit reassuring.

Half a day later, Zhuo Fan stood up with a rosy complexion, having recovered.

His hand flashed and was now holding a large egg. He looked at the singed marks on the egg with worry.

The Thunder Skylark egg was still alive thanks to its mother's spiritual energy. But this only put a delay on things. If he wanted to hatch it, he'd first have to restore its vitality.

[Just where am I supposed to look for the needed spiritual herbs in this vast world?]

The egg wasn't fully developed yet and common herbs wouldn't do any good. He'd need those rare treasures capable of snatching a man's life from the jaws of imminent death.

Zhuo Fan couldn't help but frown at this thought.

"Song Yu, hand over the Body Tempering Pill if you know what's good for you."

A sudden shout interrupted Zhuo Fan's musings. His face darkened and walked over.

[Who's the bastard that dares disturb my peace?]

Pushing a branch aside, Zhuo Fan saw a man and a woman driving a carriage. The man was around 20 with fine features and at 1st layer of Bone Tempering Stage cultivation, while the woman was of similar age, charming complexion, and in the 2nd layer.

They were surrounded by six men, of who five where in the 8-9th layer of Bone Tempering Stage and the last one, an old man, was in the 6th.

The pair was now staring daggers at the old man.

"Humph, the Body Tempering Pill was made by us, the Song clan, through a secret formula to join in the Hundred Pill Meeting. You think I'm just going to give it away?" The man snorted and a 1st-grade spiritual weapon appeared in his hand.

Zhuo Fan smiled in derision.

The Body Tempering Pill was a 4th-grade pill, useful in tempering one's bones, and also useful in aiding a 9th layer Qi Condensation cultivator in breaking through to the Bone Tempering Stage. The only downside was that it could only be used once.

For the genius Zhuo Fan, who was worry-free about breaking through to Bone Tempering Stage, this pill was garbage. [And this crappy pill was made from a secret formula; what a bunch of weaklings.]

But the bloodshot-eyed old man thought otherwise.

"Ha-ha-ha, Song Yu, Song Qian, aren't the two of you in the Bone Tempering Stage at such a young age thanks to it? Your third-rate clan, which seized the secret formula for a 4th-grade pill, is being too greedy. It's best if you just hand it over."

"Humph, we would rather die!"

Song Qian and Song Yu charged at the old man who did the same.

Bam!

From just a single palm attack, both of them drew wide arcs in the air trailed by their blood. Despite being in the same stage, the difference of 5-6 layers wasn't something they could overcome.

"He-he-he, miss Song Qian, is this necessary? Be good and hand the pill and its formula. Are you going to force this old man into patting down the both of you?"

The old man eyed Song Qian's enticing curves and let out lascivious laughter.

Song Qian glared with hatred but then sighed and looked at her brother, "Are you scared?"

"I am not!" Song Yu's steeled himself.

"Then let us die together. At least the clan's formula won't land in that old bastard's hands." Song Qian made a downcast smile and raised Song Yu's spiritual weapon to their necks.

This scene stirred Zhuo Fan's heart, his mind drifting to the siblings in the Windgaze City. [They would've had the same ending if I wasn't compelled by the heart demon at that time.]

Sighing, Zhuo Fan shot a leaf at the pair.

Whoosh!

Just when it was about to slit their throats, the weapon fell off her hands.

"Who's there?" Both the siblings and the old man shouted anxiously.

"Is it really necessary to kill them over a 4th-grade pill?" Zhuo Fan stepped out of the tree line. The old man laughed, "Here I was nervous who might come, and it's only a brat fresh into the Bone Tempering Stage." He mocked Zhuo Fan.

"Kid, aren't you a demonic cultivator? Everyone knows demonic cultivators are the most savage and ruthless bunch out there, and you have the cheek to preach me on mercy?"

"I'm not preaching mercy, but power."

Zhuo Fan sneered, "Now that I have witnessed this matter, you can't kill them."

"Humph, with just you?"

The old man's eyes glinted with malice as Song Qian shouted anxiously, "Little brother, run! Save yourself and forget about us!"

"Run? Too late."

While Song Qian was urging him, the old man charged at Zhuo Fan with a snicker, "Kid, you only got yourself to blame for poking your nose where it does not belong."

The siblings could only close their eyes to be spared of the horror.

Yet with a crisp sound, Zhuo Fan stood unfazed while the old man fell in a pool of blood, headless.

The laughing old man was dead in an instant and despite the others having smiles on their faces, their eyes were filled with terror.

They clearly saw how Zhuo Fan made a casual attack and popped the old man's head.

"Monster!"

A scream echoed and the others ran for their lives. Zhuo Fan didn't care about them and turned to leave.

"Wait!"

Song Qian called. Her eyes were in shock of Zhuo Fan's immense strength despite similar cultivation levels.

It was as different as heaven and earth...

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Chapter 85, Hundred Pill Meeting

"What is it?"

Zhuo Fan asked as he turned slowly. He noticed the elegant beauty, yet he didn't bat an eyelid. Song Qian was the one to be affected by his gaze instead, blushing and lowering her head.

"I have yet to know little brother's name. One day, the Song clan will repay you for saving our lives!"

"No need!" Saying so, Zhuo Fan started leaving.

Startled, Song Qian felt somewhat discouraged in her heart. All males in a hundred miles of Song clan would be speechless in her presence, yet Zhuo Fan gave her the cold shoulder. This led to the rising discontent inside her.

She skipped before Zhuo Fan and stopped him by raising her hand.

But he just frowned, "Is there anything else?"

[This fool!] Song Qian was cursing inside but showed an enticing smiled on the outside, "Little brother, where are you planning on going?"

"None of your business!" Zhuo Fan bypassed her with a snort. Song Qian's mouth was twitching as she shouted, "We are on our way to Hundred Pill Meeting. Why not join us?"

Zhuo Fan paused, then turned, "Drifting Flowers City, the home of Drifting Flowers Edifice, one of the Seven Noble Houses?"

"Exactly!" Nodded Song Yu as he rushed over, "Drifting Flowers Edifice holds the Hundred Pill Meeting once a decade. It is a gathering where famous alchemists from clans around the empire compete over their refining method. If luck would have it, the Drifting Flowers Edifice would take notice of you and take you in as a vassal clan!"

Zhuo Fan scratched his nose. [Hundred Pill Meeting is bound to have plenty of rare ingredients and the chance is high for me to find the treasures to restore the egg.]

He made a lopsided grin, "You're words caught my interest. I would very much like to see the Hundred Pill Meeting."

"Great! Let's go together." Song Qian jumped in joy.

Zhuo Fan smiled, [Asuming another identity while entering one of the seven houses isn't a bad idea.]

The Song siblings were glad he agreed. With Zhuo Fan's strength, nothing would stop them from reaching Drifting Flowers City.

"Oh, what do I call little brother?"

"Uh, Luo Fan!" Zhuo Fan scratched his nose.

He could no longer risk giving his real name, not since Blue Expanse City. He figured the entire Tianyu Empire was privy to his name by now. Then again, he was Luo clan's steward, and using their name was perfectly normal.

"Song Qian, Song Yu!" The two introduced.

Zhuo Fan then followed the sister and entered the carriage, which had various ingredients strewn about, while the younger brother drove it.

But Zhuo Fan didn't even spare these plain items a glance.

Song Qian kept making eyes with Zhuo Fan, but seeing her efforts hit a wall, she turned awkwardly to look out the window.

But then she burst into a giggle with a red face.

Seeing this, Zhuo Fan rolled his eyes, [She either lost it or is smitten. I wouldn't have gone with them if I knew.]

Throughout the trip, Song Qian treated him like a rare breed, eying him at every chance. He tried his hardest in switching places with Song Yu, but the kid turned him down and he was forced to endure the doe eyes from Song Yu's sister.

After a long half a month, the carriage slowly approached a city's gates. Song Yu laughed, "Brother Luo, sister, we're here!"

"About freakin' time!" Zhuo Fan stepped out in a rush from the red hot gaze of the other passenger. But then he cursed when he noticed the gate, "How in the hell is this Drifting Flowers City? Why did you even stop here?"

The plaque above the gate read: Orchid City.

This wasn't under any of the seven houses' jurisdiction, but the Imperial family.

"Ha-ha-ha, brother Luo, calm yourself. An old friend of my father stays here. We've come to Orchid City to buy ingredients from him before setting out to Hundred Pill Meeting."

Hearing this, Zhuo Fan could only sigh. [Will my suffering ever end?]

Song Qian stepped out and glared, "Do you hate being around me?"

Zhuo Fan just shrugged.

But Song Yu laughed and revealed a vulgar smile, "Brother Luo, I know exactly how you feel. I am the same, itching to get to Drifting Flowers City. They say the 15 Overseers of Drifting Flowers Edifice are like fairies, and the Edifice Lord an outstanding beauty, proclaimed as the number one beauty in the empire. If I can see her once, my life is fulfilled."

Song Yu wore an intoxicated look. It was as if he could really see them, but then he woke up and noticed his sister looking glum and disdained, "But even my sister's beauty is hard to come by. Although, how could a man pick just one, when the world is filled with ravishing beauties?"

"Xiao Yu, what did you say?" Song Qian heard him and her glare sent him shivering. Zhuo Fan just shook his head.

[They're a pair of clowns, one love-struck, the other a moron. I need to get far away from them or I'll find myself at their level soon.]

"Qian'er!"

Their conversation was interrupted when they heard a shout. Song Qian stiffened, knowing who the person was.

It came from a finely clothed young man, who looked casual and confident in his demeanor. He was around 20 years old and in the 4th layer of Bone Tempering Stage. Song Qian however seemed not too eager in seeing him, giving an awkward greeting, "Brother Tianlei!"

Song Yu also stiffened, whispering to Zhuo Fan, "He is Qi Tianlei, Orchid City's top clan's young master. The Qi clan is an old friend of ours, but they are a second-rate clan and they always make a point to show it. Also, Qi Tianlei is crazy for my sister..."

Zhuo Fan sighed, already feeling regret following this pair.

The Luo clan and Song clan were similar, but the former had the privilege of Demonic Emperor gracing them with his presence, elevating it to a first-rate clan.

[Similar people, different fates!]

"Qian'er, who's he?" Even as Qi Tianlei was caressing Song Qian's fair hand, he was always watching the other two. But while his eyes were filled with contempt for Song Yu, it revealed only hostility towards Zhuo Fan.

"H-He is Brother Luo, our friend." Song Qian was fearful of Qi Tianlei, but even with a tremor in her voice, she tried to protect Zhuo Fan. She then rushed to change topics, "Tianlei, how did you know we're coming today?"

"I received Uncle Song's letter and estimated when you'd arrive." Qi Tianlei spoke casually then marched before Zhuo Fan, pushing aside Song Qian who blocked his way, "Who are you to Qian'er?"

"Brother Qi, he is my friend..."

Bam!

Qi Tianlei slapped Song Yu away, "I wasn't asking you!"

He turned toward Zhuo Fan with a wild look, "Speak, what is there between you two?"

Zhuo Fan saw Song Qian helping her brother. Looking at their terrified states, he knew they were oppressed by this young master of the Qi clan.

"On our way, we ate together and slept together. We practically never left the carriage. You tell me if there's anything between us!"

Song Qian was shocked, knowing he did it just to spite Qi Tianlei.

And Qi Tianlei's eyes were now bloodshot as he unleashed his power.

"Wretched filth, I will have your head!" He declared as he threw himself at Zhuo Fan.

But Zhuo Fan remained calm and unmoving.

Then, a sudden sound was heard and a ripple spread from Zhuo Fan's chest.

Ice-cold killing intent swept everyone's minds, freezing them. They were scared as rabbits, powerless to even resist it.

Qi Tianlei looked as if he was seeing a demon from hell, shivering all the while. As for his fury, it vanished into nothing.

Killing with intent was a Radiant Stage expert's absolute power.

Zhuo Fan was no Radiant Stage expert, but his soul was strong enough to train in the Wraith Style's Necro Dragon's Screech. It was far from being able to kill with intent, but enough to scare.

This was a feat not even a Profound Heaven expert was capable of, yet a freak of nature like Zhuo Fan could...

Strolling before the shivering Qi Tianlei, Zhuo Fan whispered in his ear, "The next time you try showing off before me, I will end you!"

Qi Tianlei hit the ground with a thud and couldn't stop sweating.

While the Song siblings stood shell shocked...

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Chapter 86, Murder Fest

He scared them into submission without lifting a finger. Just how was he a Bone Tempering cultivator?

Song Qian and Song Yu saw a whole new Zhuo Fan and their hearts started racing.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a figure landed before Qi Tianlei. He checked the young master and became enraged finding him unconscious.

"Who did this?" The newcomer whipped his head back and roared, his eyes flickering with flames of rage. But then he noticed Zhuo Fan and all of a sudden his anger diffused.

Zhuo Fan frowned and took a much closer look at him.

The man was around 40 years old, with a beard and at peak Bone Tempering Stage. From the fine clothes he was wearing, it was clear he was a Clan Head.

Song Qian, who was roused from her shock by the shout, began apologizing with tears welling in her eyes, "Forgive me, uncle, it's all my fault. Take it out on me."

The man's eyes then noticed the Song siblings and his gloomy face cleared up with a laugh, "Ha-ha-ha, so it is Qian'er. I was wondering why this brat ran so fast to the city gate, seems like it was to welcome honored guests. So it was all a misunderstanding."

"Come, follow me to our home. You've come a long way to Orchid City, it must have been tiring. As your host, I'll do my best to make you comfortable!" The man overlooked Qi Tianlei's situation and simply shouldered the unconscious fellow as he took the lead.

The way he switched tunes real quick, and how he took sideway glances on and off at Zhuo Fan, the later felt it as a warning.

"What was all that about being looked down on by Qi clan? You were clearly trying to fool me." Zhuo Fan smirked, "This uncle of yours cares for you even more than Qi Tianlei, ignoring even his scared silly son."

"Why would he? He is Qi Ganglie, the Qi Clan Head, and not once did he look kindly on us." Song Yu said confused, "But today he's like a different person. Qi Tianlei is his only son, the apple of his eye. Something odd is going on for him to ignore his son's plight!"

"Yeah, baffling!" Zhuo Fan scoffed.

Song Qian watched Qi Ganglie leave then turned to the other two, "What's so strange? He must be in a good mood today, so don't make assumptions. At least he didn't pursue it, or we would've been worse off."

"Just him?" Zhuo Fan sneered.

What could a peak Bone Tempering cultivator amount to when not even a Profound Heaven expert was a match for Zhuo Fan? As his strength grew exponentially, he felt the return of his confidence as the Demonic Emperor.

But anyway, the Song siblings were clueless to his strength.

Song Qian walked to him with quick steps then rolled her eyes, "I know you're great, but that's within the Bone Tempering Stage. Could you handle a Profound Heaven expert? If you get on their bad side, not even we can help you."

Zhuo Fan scoffed.

Song Qian shook her head but her eyes never left Zhuo Fan. His haughty and condescending attitude stirred her maiden heart.

In fact, she felt oddly safe next to him, something she never felt with anyone before.

The Qi clan welcomed the trio in their residence, and before they could leave to purchase any ingredients, the Qi Clan Head's message came that he wanted to reminisce with the siblings.

Without a choice, Song Qian and Song Yu went to see Qi Ganglie while Zhuo Fan was left alone in the guest house. [Now I can finally get some cultivation done in peace and quiet.]

Six hours later, the door creaked open. Zhuo Fan sitting on his bed, saw the Song siblings tip-toeing inside.

"Did you finish your talk with Qi Ganglie?"

Song Qian and Song Yu jumped in fright, then nodded woodenly, their eyes full of fear.

"What's up? Was that old coot hard on you?" Zhuo Fan asked with suspicion.

They both denied.

The more Zhuo Fan looked at them the more he felt his suspicion grow. Song Qian laughed dryly, "Zhu-, uh, brother Luo, Qi Clan Head is holding a feast in our welcome. Come join us."

Zhuo Fan smiled, "Since it is for you two, I won't go as I don't know him!"

"You can't!"

Song Yu exclaimed, but tried to save the situation and dispel Zhuo Fan's doubts with a forced laughter, "Brother Luo, this is the Qi clan's residence. The Clan Head even threw a welcoming feast for us. It would be crass of us if we are not present."

Zhuo Fan raised an eyebrow, "Do I have to?"

"Yes!" They both nodded.

Zhuo Fan stood up with a sneer and said, "Lead the way. We must join the festivities if he went so far as to invite us, even if it ends up a murder fest."

His words had the two siblings shivering and looking guilty.

Arriving at the hall, they saw Qi Ganglie seated on the main seat with a smile while nine other Bone Tempering elders flanked his sides at a round table.

Looking closely, the table had three lone empty seats in the furthest corner of the hall, with walls on either side of them.

Zhuo Fan secretly mocked them, [It's ridiculously obvious that they want to attack me. The fact my seat is in the worst possible position proves it.]

[Can't you be any more obvious?]

He let out a faint smile and didn't let it get to him. [Even if they attack together, their end is still the same.]

Zhuo Fan and the siblings arrived at their seats with a fake smile.

"Qian'er, Xiao Yu, I am most pleased with your visit to our city. Uncle shall toast to you, for your success in the Drifting Flowers City and joining the Drifting Flowers Edifice." Qi Ganglie laughed as he drank.

The others followed suit and the Song siblings were no exception. Yet Zhuo Fan only brought the cup to his nose and then sported a wide and ineffable grin before placing it on the table.

Qi Ganglie frowned a bit as the atmosphere grew tense.

"Ha-ha-ha, little brother is called Luo Fan, right? Qian'er told me about you, how you looked after them on your journey. I shall toast in gratitude."

Qi Ganglie drank another cup, yet Zhuo Fan was as still as a rock.

This time, the people around the table eyed Zhuo Fan viciously.

Qi Ganglie gave them looks to calm down and said, "Brother Luo, I am the Qi Clan Head and am offering you a toast. Aren't you going to reply in kind?"

"As wine takes a heavy toll on one's body, I have learned to abstain from drinking." Zhuo Fan grinned, "And I'd recommend Qi Clan Head do the same. Who knows what mistakes one can make in their drunk haze? You might earn the ire of someone you should not and end up destroying yourself and your clan."

His knuckles white on the cup, Qi Ganglie felt the sweat trickling down his brow. The others were also growing anxious.

Taking a moment to calm his nerves, Qi Ganglie continued with a fake smile, "Little brother is wise beyond his age. I understand now how you could become a Bone Tempering cultivator at such a young age. But a youth should be more impulsive and learn to live in the moment, enjoy the simple pleasures of life."

Qi Ganglie laughed, hinting at the cup before Zhuo Fan. The latter shook his head, "Life is enjoyable as long as you have it. I am young and don't plan on leaving this wonderful world just yet!"

Losing his patience, Qi Ganglie rose from his seat and shouted, "What do you mean by this?"

"Ha-ha-ha, cut the act. You know who I am, else you wouldn't have set up such an obvious trap!"

Zhuo Fan lifted his glass and tipped it. The wine touched the table and sizzled in white smoke before eating through it.

"Hundred Bane Pill, refined from a 4th-grade spiritual beast, the Scarlet Poisoned Python's venom!"

With a mocking grin, he stared at Qi Ganglie, "Most of all, these Bone Tempering experts must be your elders. Even for a junior's welcoming feast, this is too much of an honor."

"Sigh, Clan Head, it was really hard to fake overlooking it, you know? Ha-ha-ha, can you be any more obvious?"

Zhuo Fan's mockery had Qi Ganglie flushed with anger and gasping in an attempt to calm himself down.

"Damn it! Since it fell through, then I'll cut to the chase." Qi Ganglie roared and his power froze the Song siblings in their seats.

"Zhuo Fan, you messed with Hell Valley and they issued the Hell Kill Order on you, making you the number one target of the empire. Rather than let others have you, I'll take your head and claim the Hell Kill Order's reward for myself!"

"Elders, attack!"

Chapter 87, Betrayal

At Qi Ganglie's order, the nine elders pounced. The tremendous pressure had the Song siblings frozen in panic, unable to move an inch. Yet Zhuo Fan smiled as he flipped the table.

Boom!

Among the splinters, there was no shadow of Zhuo Fan around.

The elders looked around in a daze.

"He-he-he, here I am!"

The ridicule came from behind. They didn't even have time to turn as an elder's skull blew up in a spray of blood and gore.

Zhuo Fan dusted a piece off his hand as he jeered, "The first!"

The elders were speechless from the show of strength Zhuo Fan displayed. He was in the same stage as them and was attacked from every direction, yet he still managed to pull off a kill.

"The rumors were true, you really are a monster. No wonder seventh elder died at your hands." Qi Ganglie's eyes shivered as he watched Zhuo Fan in fear.

Zhuo Fan looked down on him with a smile, "And you chose to attack anyway! Hell Valley can't hold me and you think you have what it takes?"

"He-he-he, fortune favors the bold. The bigger the danger, the greater the reward." Qi Ganglie grinned as he charged with a crazed look. An image of a tiger appeared behind him as he charged.

"Mid spirit ranked martial art, Tiger Fist!"

Roar!

The tiger's image superimposed on Qi Ganglie's movements, but Zhuo Fan stood there with a sneer and punched out.

Bam!

The noise was jarring to the ears and the Song siblings were forced to curl up on the ground while hugging their heads.

The tiger pushed Zhuo Fan ten meters back, his legs leaving two trails in the floor while the tiger itself turned into golden motes of energy and died out.

Then a blood-curdling scream resounded as Qi Ganglie's hand was split open.

"Clan Head!" The elders cried out in panic, yet the man only had eyes for Zhuo Fan, watching him in fear.

[God dammit, what kind of freak is he? How is he so damn hard?]

From their exchange, he knew he had the upper hand in terms of Yuan Qi, but Zhuo Fan's body was as hard as a rock as if it was freakin' refined to be a spiritual weapon!

"What the hell are you?" Qi Ganglie panted, "You're no human!"

Smirking, Zhuo Fan's eyes gleamed with savagery, "Regardless, it doesn't concern you."

He then took a step forward, Mystifying Phantom Step!

He appeared before three elders and struck before they could react, burying his fist into their chests.

The elders were still baffled as to what happened to their Clan Head's hand, but now they finally figured out this little devil was inhuman.

Where could one find a man who could casually punch through three Bone Tempering experts?

The Song siblings were dumbstruck. Although they had some semblance of knowledge about Zhuo Fan's abilities, this went beyond their wildest imaginations. Zhuo Fan's power allowed him to be in control despite surrounded by experts, even squashing them like bugs.

This was absolute power!

Everyone present there looked at him with grave faces and terrified minds.

"Zhuo Fan, I was rash and overconfident in provoking you. Please, on account of Qian'er and Xiao Yu, let us go and we will never cross paths again."

Qi Ganglie knew the matter was only going to get worse and capitulated. However, Zhuo Fan wasn't someone who was soft when it came to punishing his enemies. He mocked, "Qi Clan Head, I warned you to think twice about the consequences. And as for those two..."

Zhuo Fan turned to the siblings, "Since when do traitors have any value? Qi Ganglie, are you looking down on me, or do you really expect too much from them?"

Song Qian and Song Yu felt deep regret.

"Luo, uhm, no, brother Zhuo, we were forced to do it, please..."

"Talk is cheap." Zhuo Fan cut off Song Qian with his frosty tone, "Actions are louder than words. Leave! And make sure we never meet again."

Pursing her lips, Song Qian hung her head in regret while Song Yu sighed.

Qi Ganglie saw Zhuo Fan unwilling to compromise and blew a gasket, "Zhuo Fan, you will regret pitting yourself against my entire clan!"

"Oh, I'm looking forward to it. Can you take me down with you?" Zhuo Fan sneered.

Qi Ganglie's face alternated between green and white, spatting through gritted teeth, "Elders, altogether!"

"Yes, Clan Head!"

The remaining five elders jumped at Zhuo Fan in unison, each of them resigned to death, executing their best moves.

Zhuo Fan knew they wanted to exchange their lives for his, but it mattered little. With a crackle, lightning flashed and his wings unfolded, flying around them.

The five elders' moves hadn't even finished before they were split in two, splattering the ground in blood and painting it red.

"Humph, barely worth the effort." Zhuo Fan scoffed.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a faint streak of blue rushed at Zhuo Fan.

Zhuo Fan discovered Qi Ganglie sporting a sly grin. He used the elders as bait in releasing his true killing move, this dagger.

[You think you can beat me with this lousy trick?] Zhuo Fan sneered as he flew. Yet just then, a tender cry followed by a graceful figure came right before him.

"Watch out!"

Following a grunt, blood splattered, and Song Qian struggled to stand with black blood flowing from her mouth.

"Sister!"

With a wail, Song Yu rushed to catch her weak body. But Song Qian only had eyes for Zhuo Fan, working hard to muster the strength to look at him.

"Forgive us, we didn't want it to come to this!"

Zhuo Fan just sighed.

"Damn bitch, you ruined everything! I will kill you!"

Having his plan thwarted, Qi Ganglie flew into a rage and charged at the siblings.

Snorting, Zhuo Fan's wings flickered like swords.

In a blink, Qi Ganglie stopped and fell to pieces, with blood and viscera oozing.

The Qi clan experts were vanquished!

Zhuo Fan then started inspecting Song Qian's wound. He noticed the dagger stuck in her shoulder, and black blood seeping around its blade.

He pulled it out and frowned, "It's poisonous."

"Poison?" Song Yu grew frantic and was close to tears, "It must be one of the Qi clan's poisons. I will check their stores to see if they have an antidote. Sister, you must hold on."

Song Yu wiped his tears and left.

"Wait!" Zhuo Fan jumped to his feet to stop Song Yu but a frail hand caught his arm. He looked down at the pale Song Qian.

"Don't go!" Song Qian's faint voice came.

Zhuo Fan gave a curt nod and steadied her by placing his palm on her back, "Uh, I only wanted to tell your brother this poison can be removed with Yuan Qi."

"Ha-ha-ha, he is always impulsive, unlike you..."

A faint smile adorned Song Qian's wane face and her delicate hand touched his. A pair of glistening eyes locked his own in an unshakable gaze that unnerved Zhuo Fan. He felt as if they were back in the carriage.

Worried about her state, he rushed to clear the poison.

However, when his Yuan Qi entered her body he found a problem, "Why can't I find its source?"

This hardly ever happened. Based on his experience, there were two reasons. One, because she never got poisoned, and two, this type of poison couldn't be sensed with Yuan Qi.

He found Song Qian's health deteriorating and came to a decision.

Since Yuan Qi was useless, the second method implied drawing out the poison.

But the wound's close position to her chest made it hard not to encroach upon her dignity.

[This will make it terribly awkward...]

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Chapter 88, Trap

"W-what is it?" Song Qian found Zhuo Fan making an odd expression and asked.

After muttering to himself, Zhuo Fan spoke, "Uhm, that is, the only choice is to suck the poison out..."

Song Qian understood from his hesitation and her pale face was tinted pink.

"Then, sorry to trouble you..." Song Qian's soft voice rang hard in his ears. The delicate and charming look would stir anyone's sympathy.

Licking his dry lips, Zhuo Fan ripped her clothes around the wound and exposed her fair skin.

Song Qian shuddered as she closed her eyes with a red face. She knew what was about to happen, but when her clothes tore, she still gasped.

"Then, a thousand pardons, miss Song." Zhuo Fan forced a smile in this awkward situation and neared his mouth to the wound, beginning to draw the poison out.

But the longer he sucked the more doubts sprouted. [Why is the blood spicy? Why is Song Qian's blood normal, as if she wasn't poisoned to begin with?]

However, he pushed aside all conflicting thoughts and kept sucking to make sure she was out of harm's way, that is, until her blood turned scarlet again.

"I've taken most of the poison out, so there should be no problems." Zhuo Fan let out a breath he was holding, but his eyes were clouded with more doubts.

Then, a smoking hot body hugged him and two tender arms curled around his neck.

Zhuo Fan was startled, "Miss Song, what..."

Song Qian's hot breath entered his ear, "Zhuo Fan, do you know? I liked you the moment I saw you."

Zhuo Fan's eyes darted left and right, his tone wavering, "Miss Song, your brother will be here soon..."

"Never mind him." Song Qian's tongue left a trail on his cheek, making him feel as if a bolt of lightning had struck him, "I only want you next to me!"

She didn't give him the chance to put up any resistance as she drew his head into a hot kiss.

As his eyes grew lost, his heart was thoroughly shocked and his mind blanked.

He reached the Demonic Emperor level because he always had cultivation in his mind, taking into account every step, every detail. So much so, he had overlooked the matters between a man and a woman.

When Luo Yunchang and Lei Yuting stole a peck, it floored him, but this time, his mind was literally blown.

[Damn it, I was born twice and a virgin each time, but never did I come upon such a battle!]

Then, Zhuo Fan's eyes flared with irritation and pushed Song Qian away, "What did you just give me?"

In his daze, he could still feel something entering his mouth and dissolving.

Song Qian cried as she hit the ground, then a burst of laughter echoed around him, "Ha-ha-ha, something marvelous, I'm sure."

A black figure appeared and threw a large transparent bell over Zhuo Fan.

Zhuo Fan exclaimed, "4th-grade defensive spiritual weapon?"

"Ha-ha-ha, indeed. This is the Qi clan's treasure, Violet Canopy!"

The black figure landed in front of Zhuo Fan and revealed itself to be an aged man. His eyes were filled with glee and rancor.

"You're the Qi clan's Profound Heaven expert?" Zhuo Fan tried to get up but his head swooned, falling back to his knees.

"What's going on? Am I poisoned?"

"Ha-ha-ha, that's a powerful toxin of the Qi clan, Soul Devourer!" The old man mocked, "It targets one's soul and no one beneath Radiant Stage can last more than two hours. Even they will die three days later without our antidote!"

Zhuo Fan frowned.

The old man saw through him and cackled, "You must be wondering how you got poisoned? He-he-he, let me tell you. The dagger wasn't poisoned, it was only dabbed in something to change the blood's color. The true poison was on Qian'er's shoulder, which you were more than happy to suck out."

Two more figures walked next to Song Qian at this moment, Song Yu and Qi Tianlei. Song Qian and Song Yu appeared to be eaten by guilt, avoiding Zhuo Fan's eyes. But Qi Tianlei stared right at him through the cover he was in, with deep-seethed hatred.

"You killed my dad. I will tie you to horses and have you ripped to pieces."

"Humph, I've seen my fair share of dishonorable old goats, but your Qi clan's elders take the cake." Zhuo Fan jeered, "If I'm not mistaken, Qi Ganglie was the bait from the start, expecting me to kill him. In other words, you've all given up on him from the get-go."

Having been exposed, Qi Tianlei was left speechless.

But no matter how true it was, none of them would dare speak of it. Else he would earn the world's unanimous hatred and reviled gazes when word got out that a rotten son like him threw his father to the wolves all so he could snatch a bounty.

"Humph, who are you trying to deceive?"

Zhuo Fan sneered at the old man, "You sure know how to play a big hand, using the Clan Head and nine elders as small fries."

The old man disregarded Zhuo Fan's jab with a laugh, "And? I gave up my son, but I still have a grandson. It's all worth it for your head. Once we become Hell Valley's number one vassal clan, we can have as many elders as we want, we will be stronger than ever. This little loss is nothing compared to the future glory of the Qi clan!"

"Ha-ha-ha, that's how the ambitious act, shameless." Zhuo Fan praised, then derided them, "But in the end, that old mind of yours is too narrow. You're paying such a heavy price only to become Hell Valley's number one lap dog. You're bound to fail. If it were me, I would become the ruler of the continent with what you paid!"

[Is this kid nuts? Can you even grasp how large the Tianyu Empire is, not to mention the continent?]

[Just another loud mouth!]

The old man sneered, "Now I know why you are so reviled, so set against Hell Valley. You're clearly insane! How can one common man possibly rule the entire continent?"

"Humph, what does an ant know of the human stepping on it?"

Zhuo Fan shook his head and asked, "Oh, I forgot to mention, but I do dab in alchemy myself, you know? If her shoulder had poison on it, I would've known."

"He-he-he, I heard you killed You Guiqi. This speaks volumes of your own twisted mind for having fought him. You think we'd use common poison when dealing with you?"

The old man took on a haughty tone, "Soul Devourer is a combination of two different medicines. One was on Qian'er's shoulder and the other was the one you just swallowed."

"Was that what she made me take when she kissed me?"

"Precisely! That was also for her own safety. If she hadn't fed it to you, she'd be the one dying."

The old man let out a manic grin, "To end you, I have scoured every bit of rumor and information about you, most of all about you sticking your head out for a little girl and offending Hell Valley. I know you're just one big softy inside. How ironic this came to be your downfall."

Zhuo Fan mocked himself, [Who knew my fight with You Guiqi was twisted into a hero saving a damsel.]

[Then again, it is true. Also, saving a woman was the first thing I did after I rebirthed, wasn't it?]

Shaking his head, Zhuo Fan was this close to labeling himself a lecher, "Hey, old goat, you sure employ vicious schemes, no less than You Guiqi."

"Why thank you." The old man stuck his chin out in pride, "You Guiqi only had the luck of the draw in being born in one of the seven houses. If I had such privilege, my achievements would've dwarfed his. Do you know what I'm called? Steel Fettering River, Qi Weilin, he-he-he..."

Zhuo Fan had a grin himself, "Steel Fettering River, neither good nor bad. The one in your clutches can't beg for life, nor can die!"

"Precisely!"

Qi Weilin laughed, speaking as if to a close friend, "You see, this is the first time you've heard of me and you can already appreciate my title. No wonder you could beat You Guiqi. I would hate to remove that pretty head of yours, but too bad it's worth so much."

"Think you have what it takes to reap my head?" Zhuo Fan mocked as his glabella lit up.

Whoosh!

An azure flame revealed itself along with a black smoke drifting out from it.

The Soul Devourer was reduced to nothing before the power of this flame.

Zhuo Fan took his time getting back to his feet and surveyed the people with killing intent, "I told You Guiqi something when I killed him, and now I shall repeat it for you. In front of true power, all schemes and ploys are moot!"

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Chapter 89, Cold-blooded Slaughter

Translator: StarReader

Editor: p4553r

How could this be?

Zhuo Fan's casual rise to his feet left everyone astonished, especially Qi Weilin.

The Soul Devourer passed on through generations, a Radiant Stage expert killer, was dealt with just like that?

"W-what is that?"

Qi Weilin now noticed the azure flame on Zhuo Fan's forehead and exclaimed, "Did that thing remove the poison?"

The flame vanished the next second and Zhuo Fan had a wicked grin plastered on his face, "Ha-ha-ha, the dead needn't worry too much."

All of them were startled and took a step back.

They saw the terror Zhuo Fan could unleash and his words only worked to unnerve them.

But Qi Weilin gathered his courage when he noticed the Violet Canopy was still around Zhuo Fan, "There's no need to worry, the brat is trapped under my spiritual weapon. There's no way..."

Roar!

He didn't get the chance to finish his flimsy reasoning as a dragon roar echoed and a black light ran through his chest.

With a jerk, Qi Weilin was left bleeding from his mouth.

"What... just happened?" As Qi Weilin wiped the blood away, he felt his body growing colder. His life was seeping away yet he couldn't understand why.

He looked towards Qi Tianlei and the Song siblings only to find them staring at his chest. Qi Weilin looked down and discovered a fist-sized black hole spurting blood.

He noticed an identical hole at his back too. It was as if something had burrowed through his chest.

"How did... this happen..." Qi Weilin couldn't comprehend what had happened even on the brink of his death. But when he looked at Zhuo Fan, his eyes narrowed.

Zhuo Fan was gasping beneath the Violet Canopy after using close to half of his energy, but his hand was still in the form of a dragon claw.

It just so happened that there was also a fist-sized hole in the canopy, aligned with his chest.

Only now did the horror and dread of what transpired got to Qi Weilin, "Monster! To force your way through a 4th-grade spiritual weapon... with only... your... body strength..."

Bam!

His body hit the ground hard, his eyes were still shocked and incredulous of what came to pass.

Zhuo Fan killed him in an instant despite being trapped!

Not even a Profound Heaven expert could display such power if they were in Zhuo Fan's place.

[He... is an abomination that will end my clan...]

Along with the fear Qi Weilin felt, there was now endless regret...

"Ah!" Song Qian cried in terror while fleeing. Qi Tianlei and Song Yu's knees softened, shivering all the while they ran alongside her.

Gasping, Zhuo Fan showed a vile smile of delight.

Wraith Style 2nd move, Ghostly Dragon Claw!

Among the profound ranked martial arts, Zhuo Fan could only employ one move fully, yet it still sapped half of his strength.

[But the power makes it all worth it!]

The Wraith Style was suited to a body cultivator, the stronger the body, the more outrageous the blows. However, the end result exceeded Zhuo Fan's imagination. It was a perfect match for his 5th-grade demonic treasure body!

At first, he only thought of giving it a shot in breaking the 4th-grade spiritual weapon. Yet the result showed that the spiritual weapon was like paper in front of the Ghostly Dragon Claw.

"He-he-he, I was right in my course of action. Since my freaky body refining worked, a stronger martial art was only fitting." Zhuo Fan revealed a radiant smile.

Then, his wings whipped out with a flurry.

Rumble!

The broken Violet Canopy turned to pieces and Zhuo Fan eyed the trio in the distance with coldness. His wings flapped and he was on them in seconds.

He then blocked their retreat and the trio stumbled to the ground with pale faces.

"Go ahead, run!" Zhuo Fan's vile smile was a prelude to the horror that followed, "Let's see who's faster, me or you?"

"Y-young master Zhuo, the Qi clan was blind not to see your greatness. You killed my grandfather and my dad, please let me go."

Qi Tianlei was so scared by Zhuo Fan's twisted grin that he was pounding the ground with his forehead, all the while shedding bitter tears.

Zhuo Fan gave a faint smile and hoisted him by his neck, "Now that you said it, it's best I kill you too, to accompany them in death."

Black tendrils left Zhuo Fan and burrowed into Qi Tianlei. In but seconds, Qi Tianlei was turned to dust, scattered to the four winds.

The Song siblings were close to having a mental breakdown witnessing such a gruesome murder.

Zhuo Fan smiled, "Is there anything you want to say at this point?"

In the end, it was Song Qian who spoke through trembling lips, "Brother Zhuo, we were compelled. The Song clan is a minor clan and can't offend even the Qi clan. Let my life douse your anger, but please leave the Song clan our last heir."

"Sister!"

Song Yu's tears flowed unabated as Song Qian looked at him with tenderness.

Zhuo Fan shook his head with a mutter, "You are just like them, with your clan in dire straits, and compelled to lower yourself..."

He then turned around and looked at the wide sky with a sigh, "I wonder what they are doing right now? Wonder if my actions brought them more hardships..."

"Are you speaking of... Luo clan?" Song Qian ventured.

Zhuo Fan smiled, "Indeed. You are so much alike that it makes it hard for me to do this..."

The siblings broke out a faint smile, but then came Zhuo Fan's cold tone, "Such a pity, there is one part you are different in..."

Whoosh!

Zhuo Fan's wings whipped and the siblings' heads traveled through the air before plopping on the ground.

What made it even eerier was the faint smile of forlorn hope.

"You two are far shrewder." Zhuo Fan jeered, "You two knew from where I come from and enacted such a heartfelt play thinking I was a moron. This is where you diverge from their demeanor, ha-ha-ha..."

Zhuo Fan left, uncaring of the corpses or the consequences, not even of the wails coming from the Qi clan's home.

A month later.

Three figures landed in the Qi clan's manor. They were dressed in gray and their leader was Hell Valley's second elder.

He watched everything with a calculative eye and muttered, "How come the Qi clan is so quiet?"

"Humph, they have the nerve to say that they have clues about the runt and when we come, there's no one here at all." Another elder curse, "What is a mere second-rate clan trying to pull?"

Second elder huffed and then shouted, "No, there's something wrong here. Third elder, Fourth elder, check the surroundings."

Moments after they left, a cry came from the back of Qi clan's manor, "Second elder, third elder, come and take a look at this."

Both of them appeared in a blink, but the sight left them speechless.

What used to be a garden was now a cemetery housing a thousand dead bodies in a towering pile. The rot assaulted their noses and painted an even gruesome picture with the swarm of flies around it.

"That punk is savage. He killed the whole Qi clan." Second elder spat.

The other two were overwhelmed by the image of a kid ripping apart fleeing people and came to realize they were a far cry from his level when it came to viciousness.

Such cold-blooded slaughter of an entire clan only came from offending the Tianyu Empire or the seven houses.

Second elder grew frantic, "Elders, handle the corpses so that no one finds out about this."

"Why?"

"Fool, if anyone comes to know of the dread this runt can instill, who else will muster the nerve to search for him?" Second elder cursed, "Humph, Qi Weilin liked to flaunt himself as an equal for our seventh elder. He must've planned on taking the kid down all by himself and earning the reward. Look at what greed does to people."

"Overconfident fool!" Scoffing, second elder left as a towering flame rose behind him. It swallowed the manor and the corpses, leaving only the ashes of the renowned Qi clan.

An elder gazed upon the raging fire and asked, "Second elder, what now?"

"We separate!" The look in second elder's eyes hardened, "The three of us will go different ways. One of us is sure to be on the right track."

"What about the fourth direction?" The elder frowned, "If not for Grand Elder being in seclusion, the four of us would have been enough."

Second elder shook his head, "There's no need to concern ourselves with that direction. It leads to Drifting Flowers City. If the brat dares to step foot in it, he'll have to face the fifth elder."

Then he flew away. The other two elders also picked a direction and left.

What was left behind was a desolate and eerie place, void of people. So came to pass the number one clan in Orchid City, destroyed to the roots...

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Chapter 90, Scapegoat

"The spring breeze rustles the shore's willow,

I am riding in search of pills.

One does not know the one he is facing,

All because he can't gaze beyond his nose!"

This was the singing voice of a youth, who was driving his cart slowly on a road. If the Qi clan's recently departed ghosts were here, they'd be shocked to the core.

Wasn't this their carriage? Wasn't the youth Song Yu? Didn't he die?

However, there was one thing out of place. This youth had a devious grin on his face, enough to scare the most wretched ghosts.

His smile closely resembled that demon who annihilated their entire Qi clan.

"Hooo!"

The youth reined in the horses as he gazed to the distance, at the three words emblazoned on the gate, Drifting Flowers City!

"I'm here at last. I hope this place has life-saving herbs, or it would be a true waste of time coming here." The youth grinned as he snapped the reigns.

But a shout delayed him, "Stop!"

Following the yell, six people appeared around him. The youth gave them a once-over and rose an eyebrow, "Hell Valley?"

"Oh, quite perceptive. You recognize us?" The leader scrutinized the youth in amazement, "From the way you look, you seem like some clan's young master. State your name."

The youth asked in puzzlement, "Shouldn't Drifting Flowers City be managed by Drifting Flowers Edifice? Why..."

"Cut the chat!" A cursing voice cut him off, "Hurry it up before I lose my patience. If this place didn't belong to Drifting Flowers Edifice, I would've killed you just from you being so slow on the uptake."

The youth frowned, his eyes flashing with killing intent before suppressing it, "I am Song Yu and hail from Nightrain City's Song clan. Father commanded me to participate in the Hundred Pill Meeting, this is my clan's seal."

He fished out an engraved jade from his bosom. The leader looked over it and nodded. Meanwhile, his men rummaged through the carriage and they too nodded.

"Fine, you can go. But if you catch sight of this man, notify us at once." The man gave the youth a sidelong glance as he handed over a roll of paper before leaving. Once the men were out of sight, the youth regarded the unfolded paper with a sneer.

It was the Hell Kill Order on Zhuo Fan along with an impeccable drawing of his features. On the bottom of the paper, rewards were stated. Anyone who provided clues to his whereabouts could become a vassal to Hell Valley, and whoever brings his head could become the foremost among all of Hell Valley's vassal clans.

"Humph, they really can't see beyond their nose. How can you find someone you don't even recognize?" He mocked as he rolled the kill order into a ball before throwing it away.

Indeed, this youth was Zhuo Fan!

After damning the Qi clan, he was aware that everyone in the Tianyu Empire would be privy to his face. So he refined a little pill that turned him into Song Yu and resumed his way to Drifting Flowers City.

This would work wonders in searching for treasures unperturbed by narrow-minded fools. And wearing the Song clan young master's identity would also leave Hell Valley grasping straws.

As he entered the city he realized how grand it was, a perfect match for the headquarters of Drifting Flowers Edifice. It was a city, true, but it was ten times more expansive than an average city.

By contrast, Windgaze City and Blue Expanse City looked like towns. Especially when it came to the people on the streets. There were many young masters of clans wondering about, but the difference was they were all from first-rate clans. These young heirs were more important than the Clan Head or elders of a third-rate clan.

This made the third-rate young master, whom Zhuo Fan was impersonating, look like a beggar.

With a bitter smile, he snapped the reins for picking up speed. He'd best find lodgings fast or he'd feel dwarfed in this crowd.

He assumed that posing as Song Yu was a walk in the park. But now that he got here, he knew that third-rate clansmen were a rarity as most of the people in the city were from the second and first-rate clans.

[Instead of blending in, I became the odd one out!]

Zhuo Fan's carriage creaked down the street before finally stopping in front of a tavern.

"Owner, do you have a room available?" Zhuo Fan asked the man at the counter. The man looked up, then returned to counting his profit.

[Hey, now you really aren't looking beyond your nose!]

Zhuo Fan was getting irate fast and slapped the counter as he roared, "Do you have a room or not? You think I don't have the coin for it?"

Looking up at him again, the owner said in a laid-back manner, "Show me the clan seal."

Zhuo Fan was a bit shocked at this. [Even a shop owner asks for it now?] But he still chose to take it out.

The owner got one look at it and jeered, "Yeah, just the Song clan, a third-rate clan."

"And what's wrong with that? Didn't you open this establishment to make money? Are mine unwelcome here?"

Shaking his head, the owner patted Zhuo Fan's shoulder, and impersonating a wise sage, he counseled, "Young man, there's a run-down hut three miles out. It won't charge you a dime!"

Zhuo Fan blinked in shock, then rage burned in his eyes, "Owner, even I know those are the slums. Even if I come from a third-rate clan, I am still a guest in your tavern and should be treated as one."

The owner sighed but didn't pay him any more heed.

Then sudden laughter drifted over.

"Ha-ha-ha, Song Yu, you hick! You came for the Hundred Pill Meeting without even knowing the rules of Drifting Flowers City?"

Zhuo Fan's heart seized, [How come the first place I visit, someone ends up recognizing Song Yu?]

He saw a flashy young master coming down the stairs with four elders in tow, Bone Tempering experts. That person himself was at the 5th layer of Bone Tempering Stage.

On his left was a cute young lady, not a beauty but one worthy of appreciation. But the lady only looked at Zhuo Fan with despise.

Zhuo Fan narrowed his eyes as his mind was going a mile a minute in his curses, [Damn brat, you got what you deserved. I spent half a month traveling with you yet you didn't say anything about the ones you know here. I should've seen this coming.]

In any case, the young master saw Zhuo Fan keyed up and laughed, "Brat, are you still a scaredy-cat? No wonder my little sister doesn't like you!"

As if on cue, the lady snorted.

Zhuo Fan licked his dry lips in embarrassment and said, "Uh, brother is quite right. Since you do not welcome me, I shall leave."

"Hey, wait!"

Just as Zhuo Fan was planning on leaving, the young master called out to him, his face tinted in suspicion, "Strange, something is off with you today. What brother this and that, why are you calling me in such an odd way?"

Zhuo Fan secretly cursed his bad luck, thinking he was exposed. If that happened Hell Valley would come storming in and his plans would go up in smoke.

All the more reason he was itching to snap this punk's neck.

"Oh, right." The young master interrupted his inner cursing by coming up with a seamless explanation, "Don't tell me you're still mad that Wan'er turned down your marriage proposal and ruined your self-esteem. Are you so petty to be still brooding over it after all this time?"

When he heard this, Zhuo Fan's eyes sparkled and his heart leaped. It was as if he was grasping straws while drowning and finally found purchase.

He instantly changed his demeanor and faked anger, "Humph, don't mention it then! We are done here! I don't want to see you guys ever again."

"Sigh, this is where you are wrong. Why are you dragging me into yours and my sister's problems?"

The young master shook his head, then his eyes shifted as he said in an understanding tone, "Don't forget, we are close as brothers, lifting our spears together and together... he-he-he..."

This, Zhuo Fan understood perfectly. [The way he looks, he must be a second-rate clan's young master. How did Song Yu get to befriend him? And by the looks of things, they're buddy-buddy too.]

[Then again, this might not be so bad.]

Zhuo Fan's lascivious smile mimicked his, "He-he-he, a real man doesn't boast about his past glory. You don't need to say it!"

"What? I last longer than you by far. I can take eight rounds while you only five..." The young master then made an obvious gesture towards Zhuo Fan. If not for his sister's presence, he'd be going in much more gory details, "Sigh, those three days and three nights were a bliss."

Zhuo Fan saw his intoxicated face and adjusted accordingly. Though the lady there stated her disagreement with her disgusted reply, "Gross!"

She then proceeded to walk out of the tavern and let the two perverts to their vile imagination...

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Chapter 91, Chit-chat

Translator: StarReader

Editor: p4553r

Zhuo Fan and the young master were like best pals now, chit-chatting what all young men talked about those days. This worked to Zhuo Fan's advantage, finding all the particularities regarding Song Yu's past.

Dong Tianba belonged to an average-sized town's leading clan, considered a second-rate clan in the empire, but far stronger than the Song clan.

Not too long ago, Dong Tianba's father sent him on business to Nightrain City, where this young master hit it right off with the dastardly Song Yu. The moment Song Yu found that his friend was from a second-rate clan, he took it in stride, drinking and going to pleasure houses, not forgetting to act the haughty part that deigned his new position, and all of this alongside his friend. It went so far that Dong Tianba was even planning on giving his sister's, Dong Xiaowan, hand in marriage to Song Yu.

Song Yu was close to going crazy from joy as that was the greatest gift any from the Song clan would want. As all was set and done, he went straight to proposing.

Unfortunately, Dong Xiaowan was the only daughter of the Dong clan, the apple of her grandfather's eye, so how could he let Dong Tianba decide her fate? As a result, when his grandfather found Song Yu's social standing, his dastardly moral talent, the grandfather catapulted him out of his home and even rebuked his grandson.

As for Dong Xiaowan, she never forgave her dear elder brother for bringing up such a proposal. [I am your sister and you want to throw me to that pig?]

[He is a greedy slacker!]

While the Dong clan saw Song Yu for what he was, a sorry excuse of a man, Dong Tianba found him as his dearest of friends, going out with every chance he got.

[What greedy slacker? He is true to himself, unlike those hypocritical gentlemen.] Dong Tianba recalled that encounter with a smile, feeling he let down his dear friend in Nightrain City.

It was also thanks to him for having notified the Song clan of the Hundred Pill Meeting that they sent Song Yu to the gathering. He hoped Song Yu would use this chance to climb the ranks and dismiss the Dong clan's despising glances.

With a bit of luck, the Song clan would be under Drifting Flowers Edifice's care and the Dong clan would have nothing to say if he asked for Dong Xiaowan's hand again.

Zhuo Fan gave a bitter smile at the side. [This is one odd elder brother! The rotten Song Yu just invited him to a drink a couple of times and he is ready to throw his sister in the former's lap. If I were the Dong grandfather, I would've tanned his rear to a paste.]

[Furthermore, how come you push your sister on others you like while you yourself are unmarried?]

Zhuo Fan shook his head, worried over the happiness of the Dong clan and Dong Tianba's sister. Even the four elders behind them were red-faced with humiliation from having such a weirdo for a young master.

They even looked around at times to make sure no one heard him!

Zhuo Fan sighed, [Birds of a feather flock together.]

"Bro Song!"

Dong Tianba beckoned him with a strange smile, "Where's your sister?"

Zhuo Fan replied, "She left after bringing me here. I made sure to personally see her off."

He had an ineffable smile when he said 'personally'. But it went over Dong Tianba's head who was downcast.

"And I really wanted to gaze upon miss Song one more time. I would've long sent the dowry if not for my old man refusing to have anything to do with your clan."

"Ha-ha-ha, the world houses countless beauties, bro Dong needn't 'hang' on just one." Zhuo Fan smiled, "My sister doesn't deserve you. Look around, there are countless girls in Drifting Flowers City to feast your eyes on."

"Sigh, bro Song, you wouldn't understand. You can't touch any of the girls here!"

Dong Tianba made sure no one was around before whispering, "Don't you know that the Drifting Flowers Edifice is unique among the seven houses for only having women? For a thousand years, they had men marry into their house. This is a place where women reign."

"Does that mean you can't even chase girls?"

Dong Tianba had a deep look this time, "Bro, how come I feel like I know you less and less? Don't you know chasing and harassing have different meanings?"

Zhuo Fan laughed in dismay, "Yeah, you're absolutely right. Bro Dong is a genius."

"Ha-ha-ha, we both are. Didn't we use to swap pointers? How could you forget? Must be from the blow my sister's refusal gave you that you succumbed to your vices."

Zhuo Fan nodded repeatedly. Dong Tianba was an oddball, but quite true to others. Talking with him all this time made Zhuo Fan feel at ease.

"By the way, brother Dong, what other rules are there? Like this tavern..."

"Almost forgot." Dong Tianba spoke in a heavy tone, "Because of the massive influx of people throughout the Hundred Pill Meeting, the Drifting Flowers Edifice has laid some rules regarding lodging. The third-rate clans are to stay in the poor district, the second-rate clans in the taverns and the first-rate clans are welcomed by the 15 Floor Keepers. The Seven Noble Houses..."

"There are people from the Seven Noble Houses here?" Zhuo Fan raised a question.

Dong Tianba nodded, "That is only natural. The seven houses might be plotting and scheming among each other, but Drifting Flowers Edifice is neutral. It is expected for two-three houses to be here, welcomed personally by the Edifice Lord. At the very least, Hell Valley is certain to be here."

Zhuo Fan gasped.

That explained the Hell Valley's disciples at the gate. They weren't purposely placed in every city for searching him in particular, but because they followed someone important from their house to participate in the Hundred Pill Meeting.

The one who must be representing Hell Valley had to be an elder, or maybe their Valley Lord...

"Who came from Hell Valley?" Zhuo Fan asked frantically.

Wrinkling his brows, Dong Tianba shook his head. But then a man burst through the door huffing, "Young master, the young miss is in trouble!"

Dong Tianba jumped to his feet and rushed with the four elders. Zhuo Fan was right behind them!

They arrived at a market. There were many people standing at the sideline in silence.

A fine and charming lady stood in front of a stall, holding a delicate piece of jewelry. Her phoenix eyes darted towards the crying woman on the ground.

Dong Xiaowan's cheeks were swollen as tears streamed her stinging face. Anyone there would realize she was slapped, and not just once or twice.

Dong Tianba hurried to help his sister as he roared, "Xiaowan, what happened? Who did this?"

"Brother, let's just go!" Dong Xiaowan held in her sobs while taking a side-glance at the stuck up lady in red.

"Who said you can leave?" The lady said with malice. Her sharp eyes stabbed like swords and made Dong Xiaowan shiver, "I told you to slap yourself a hundred times. Aren't you skipping some from thirty?"

"No matter who you think you are, I can make your whole clan burn if I want to!"

Crestfallen and shivering, Dong Xiaowan started slapping herself and her already swollen face began growing redder and bulgier along with the tears of humiliation.

Dong Tianba grabbed her hands and snapped, "Xiaowan, stop! Why are you doing this?"

"Brother, it's all my fault." Dong Xiaowan cried, "I wanted to buy that item, but she..."

Dong Tianba heard it clearly even if her voice trailed off. He turned his flaming eyes of rage to the lady in red, "I get that you wanted to take the jewelry from my sister's hand, but why do you have to be so heavy-handed?"

"Ha-ha-ha, I asked her politely, but she kept being rude to me and didn't know what's good for her." The lady mocked and threw the jewelry to the ground in spite, "Now I lost all interest in it. So how can I not teach her manners for this?"

The lady's naked contempt made Dong Tianba spit words through gritted teeth, "Bitch, I will make you regret this, or my name isn't Dong Tianba."

He then went charging over. With how the lady was but in the 9th layer of Qi Condensation, his power was more than enough to deal with her.

Unfortunately, a gale stopped him as a white figure flashed in front of him.

Bam!

The noise echoed around as Dong Tianba was sent flying into the air and in his previous place landed a handsome youth in white, fanning himself; 7th layer of Bone Tempering Stage.

Such a disciple was considered the cream of the crop among the seven houses.

Zhuo Fan's eyelid trembled and his feet moved.

Dong Tianba and his four elders were nowhere near enough to deal with the newcomer. If he was impassive, this pair of siblings would experience a world of hurt today.

But if he did act, he would earn a world of trouble, affecting his plans.

But this bitch was too ruthless, she was asking for a beating. Not even he, a Demonic Emperor, could take this lying down.

When all was said and done, some things couldn't be held in. This was his demonic path...

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Chapter 92, Only a Game

Translator: StarReader

Editor: p4553r

"Dandan, what happened?"

The white youth turned a blind eye to Dong Tianba and focused on the red lady. She, on the other hand, had only naked disdain for the Dong clan, "Nothing of importance, just some blind dogs yapping at my feet."

"Oh, they must be truly ignorant to offend Peony Edifice's grand miss Xiao, ha-ha-ha..." The youth mocked.

His words caused widespread shock, especially to Dong Tianba, "What? The Peony Edifice? Belonging to the Drifting Flowers Edifice?"

Dong Tianba looked towards his terrified sister in a daze.

That was why his sister was so set on bearing this humiliation. No one from the Seven Noble Houses could be offended, or one's entire clan would go extinct.

"Wan'er, how..." Dong Tianba sighed at his tear-stained sister, feeling how wronged she was.

Xiao Dandan couldn't care less for their plight and glared at Dong Tianba, "Weren't you about to hit me? Well, what's stopping you?"

Dong Tianba's body shivered and started to regret his transgression, "I was at fault for not noticing your grandeur and offending miss in my rash action. Please pardon me!"

"Pardon, how are you guilty?" Xiao Dandan sneered, "You just said that I coveted your sister's item and then humiliated her. Sticking out for her is only normal, but do you have the strength to back it up?"

Gnashing his teeth, Dong Tianba cupped his hands, "Miss' lesson is that I am powerless and still dared to strike!"

He then slapped himself six times and his face swelled. The people around shook their heads. Stumbling upon any from the seven houses was bound to bring humiliation to your entire clan.

"Humph, such filth, not in the least bit entertaining."

Xiao Dandan grinned, "Why are men such cowards, lacking the basic mettle to stand tall?"

Then, she came up with a great idea that brought a smile to her lips, "Brother Tianyu, why not have some fun with him?"

"Dandan, what are you suggesting?" The youth in white smiled.

With a sweet smile, Xiao Dandan replied, "This kid must be quite fond of his sister. You're quite able in martial arts and such an understanding character, so this should be convenient for you. If you can shred that girl's clothes under the protection of those five Bone Tempering experts, she's yours to indulge in. The Drifting Flowers Edifice will even turn a blind eye."

What?

Dong Xiaowan shivered and Dong Tianba's eyes were bloodshot!

This was no longer picking on others, but disgracing. Even if they were from the seven houses, this was something the common people wouldn't stand for.

Yet the youth in white waved her proposal off, "Dandan, you've gravely misunderstood me. I come from Merry Woods, but that doesn't imply that I'm lecherous. You're making it hard for me to accomplish your request, ha-ha-ha... "

"Your expression doesn't seem to be saying so. Fine, I don't mind it at all. So what are you worried about? I'll be yours next July anyway. You'll still get to join the Drifting Flowers Edifice regardless."

The youth in white rose an eyebrow then turned an appreciative eye over Dong Xiaowan, "He-he-he, since Dandan requests it, I must comply. But keep in mind, this is only a game, so don't go settle the score later."

"Despicable!" Xiao Dandan rose the corner of her mouth.

The youth in white walked towards Dong Xiaowan, who shivered at each of his steps.

"Ha-ha-ha, I am Lin Tianyu of Merry Woods, a future son-in-law of Drifting Flowers Edifice. As you heard, I'm not lecherous and an insufferable bully, it is you who offended my future wife and have to be punished for your transgression."

"Young master Lin!"

Dong Tianba said in pain, "I am well aware of miss' game and I would like to know if, by some fluke, we can stop your advance."

Lin Tianyu just let out a mocking laughter and Xiao Dandan replied instead, "If you can, then this matter will end here and we shall never have anything to do with each other."

"Then please forgive this offense!" Dong Tianba roared and his eyes were filled with fighting spirit, having heard what he wanted.

Yet Lin Tianyu's contempt only grew, "Good eyes, but..."

Whoosh!

A figure flitted by and Lin Tianyu was already behind Dong Xiaowan. His hand even held the delicate clothes of the latter.

"Too bad you're so weak!"

"Ah!" Dong Xiaowan cried as she covered her shoulder in tears. She was wearing five articles of clothing, and one was gone just like that, revealing the white and delicate skin beneath.

Dong Tianba turned in shock.

Lin Tianyu's speed was incredible!

But Zhuo Fan only smirked. [This kid is in the 7th layer of Bone Tempering Stage but his power is only in the 6th layer. His focus must be on speed.]

This was a typical case of putting the cart before the horse. No matter how fast you were, if you couldn't harm your opponent, it was useless. And he was already weaker than others by one layer.

The more he'd advance the more the gap would widen. To Zhuo Fan, such a cultivator was no different from a cripple.

No wonder the Merry Woods sent him to marry into Drifting Flowers Edifice.

However, this was privy to an expert's eyes alone. Dong Tianba was nowhere near that level as he was even standing around scared from the display of speed.

"Elders, surround my sister!" Dong Tianba shouted at the four elderly. They immediately formed a circle with Dong Xiaowan in their center, their eyes fixed on Lin Tianyu.

With a vicious smile, Lin Tianyu said, "It's no use. The five of you won't even see my shadow!"

A series of booms were heard and Dong Xiaowan cried out once again. Her second article was removed, even under heavy guard.

Dong Tianba couldn't accept this outcome.

They were both in Bone Tempering Stage, yet there was such a gap between them.

"Ah, what a soothing perfume!"

Lin Tianyu sniffed hard at the clothing in his hand and was intoxicated by the fragrance, "If the second clothing is so refreshing, I'm eager to know how miss' underwear is like!"

Dong Xiaowan let out a shiver and cried in fear, "Brother!"

"I will definitely protect you!" Dong Tianba mustered his courage with a roar and set his eyes on Lin Tianyu's every move.

Although he wished to marry her off to the useless Song Yu, it was because he knew the later wasn't evil. However, anyone who dared to harm his sister would earn his wrath.

"Are you done? Hurry it up!" Seeing Lin Tianyu showing his true colors, Xiao Dandan spat with revulsion. Lin Tianyu nodded while tucking the clothing in his chest and vanished.

The next moment, his hand was holding another piece of clothing. And with it, Dong Xiaowan was shamed even further.

Plop!

Dong Tianba fell to his knees, powerless and helpless. [He is so fast that I can't even see him.]

"Wan'er, forgive me, your brother is unable to protect you." Dong Tianba sobbed.

Dong Xiaowan watched him in sorrow and closed her eyes, resigned to her fate.

The four elders were also aggrieved. In this game of cat and mouse, they were left without any dignity. It would've been better to die than suffer like this.

Then, sudden footsteps were heard and a figure overshadowed Dong Tianba.

He looked up, only to find Zhuo Fan looking at him.

"Uh, bro Dong, how about you leave the last try to me?"

"Who are you?" Xiao Dandan cut Dong Tianba off before he could speak.

Scratching his nose, Zhuo Fan pointed at Dong Xiaowan, "Ha-ha-ha, I'm her husband!"

"What?"

Seeing the widespread shock, Zhuo Fan rushed to explain, "Uh, no, she is my wife."

"What's the difference?!" The crowd exclaimed.

Scratching his head, Zhuo Fan mused a bit and explained, "Well, I did go to her clan to propose but was refused. Does that make me an ex-husband?"

[What ex? You were clearly kicked out!] Everyone looked at him in contempt.

Xiao Dandan even mocked, "Fine then, another Bone Tempering moron won't change a thing. Plus, seeing your dearly beloved ravaged before your eyes is even more appealing."

"Ha-ha-ha, I don't mind as long as Dandan doesn't. One more would hardly matter!" Lin Tianyu boasted.

Standing back up, Dong Tianba looked at Zhuo Fan gravely, "Bro, you don't need to involve yourself in this."

"Ha-ha-ha, bro Dong we aren't strangers, but close pals. Of course, I'll help you."

This earned a nod of approval from the people.

"I knew you are a good man who knows loyalty." Dong Tianba was moved to tears.

Zhuo Fan then gazed at Dong Xiaowan with a smile of reassurance, "Don't worry, he won't touch you ever again."

She thought Zhuo Fan was using this chance to take advantage of her, but his clear eyes evoked unknown feelings in her heart.

Zhuo Fan now turned to Lin Tianyu and stuck out his hand, "Come!"

Lin Tianyu's smile of mockery froze on his face and was soon replaced by rage. He felt Zhuo Fan was looking down on him...

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Chapter 93, Speed

Translator: StarReader

Editor: p4553r

"Damn punk, what a load of gall you have! Once I'm through with her, I'll deal with you."

Lin Tianyu stared down Zhuo Fan with killing intent. As a man from the Seven Noble Houses, everywhere he went all he saw was respect and envy.

So a person like Zhuo Fan, who had only contempt, had to be put down. This was an unwritten law of the Tianyu Empire.

Dong Tianba sensed his killing intent and sighed at Zhuo Fan's fate.

"Ha-ha-ha, bro Dong shouldn't waste time with a clown." Aware of the change in the atmosphere, Zhuo Fan still sported a casual smile.

It was spoken low enough to seem nonchalant, but loud enough to let everyone in on his words.

Everyone knew who he was hinting at, but none saw it coming from a 1st layer of Bone Tempering cultivator.

[Only a fool would mock the Seven Noble Houses.]

The people started to pity Zhuo Fan's imminent and gruesome death.

"Ha-ha-ha, brother Tianyu, a fool just ridiculed you." Xiao Dandan felt the atmosphere was lacking so she added oil to the fire.

Lin Tianyu was now filled with hatred for Zhuo Fan, "Humph, a retard's words won't affect me. I'll just swipe him away once I'm done with the girl."

He then stepped forward.

A fierce wind blew and vanished, but his laughter never stopped banging on the others' ears, "Ha-ha-ha, only the last article remains and then I will get to truly appreciate this lady."

Dong Xiaowan was curled up in fear, her hands tightened on her last shred of dignity.

Dong Tianba and the four elders made a tight circle around her. However, Zhuo Fan stood there impassive, as if it had nothing to do with him.

Suddenly, Lin Tianyu appeared before Dong Xiaowan and reached for her last article with a grin.

"He-he-he, I won!"

"Think again!"

A snort reached his ears.

He didn't even get the chance to react when a fist smashed into his pretty face.

He went tumbling through the air and smacked the pavement before he could get his bearing. When he got up from the ground his cheek was already swollen.

"What just happened?"

The two were so fast that the onlookers didn't see a shadow. They only heard two loud sounds and then came Lin Tianyu kissing the ground. Zhuo Fan also appeared, his hand outstretched above Dong Xiaowan.

"You... got him?" Dong Tianba was stunned. When not even himself and his four elders could save his sister, this kid managed to save the day?

Putting aside the fact that his 1st layer Bone Tempering cultivation held more power than a 7th layer, his speed alone was inconceivable.

In a casual manner, Zhuo Fan rubbed his presumably sore fist, "Something just came towards my fist. Owie, it stings."

His words startled everyone, and Dong Tianba even began to laugh, "Ha-ha-ha, great! Bro, how did you do it? I couldn't even see him!"

"Do you even need to see?" Zhuo Fan rose an eyebrow and sported a vague smile, "Isn't his target obvious? If you build a wall next to her, he's bound to bump into it."

It was so obvious now that everyone could think of it.

They were so focused on Lin Tianyu's speed mastery that they were led by the nose. But even with his impressive speed, his target was Dong Xiaowan. All they had to do was keep their eyes on her.

This simple reasoning almost made them tear up.

"Amazing!" An elder praised Zhuo Fan, "Young master Song is really a genius worthy of our young master's admiration."

"Ha-ha-ha, see little sister? Don't I always say bro Song is a man of ethics and talent? If it wasn't for him, you'd never have escaped this predicament." Dong Tianba laughed as he lifted the weight off his heart.

Dong Xiaowan blushed as she conveyed her thanks and appreciation to Zhuo Fan through her eyes.

Waving it off, Zhuo Fan made eye contact with Dong Tianba, "Bro Dong, can you stop, it's not up to you how it ends."

Picking up on his gesture, Dong Tianba walked before Xiao Dandan with a smile, "Miss, we were lucky to have stopped this youth. I'm sure a disciple from Drifting Flowers Edifice wouldn't cross her word, so let us end it here. I will be taking my sister now."

With a deep bow, Dong Tianba was about to leave.

"Wait!"

Xiao Dandan eyed the crowd and gave a lopsided grin, "I will forgo this matter, of course, but too bad brother Tianyu isn't too fond of that idea."

"Humph, in all my life, I've never been punched so hard." Lin Tianyu stared with killing intent, "I am not one to pick on people but this game has yet to entertain me enough. I would have to ask you all to keep me company throughout the end."

[What?]

While the others were lamenting inside, Dong Tianba shouted in anger, "And when will the game conclude?"

"It'll be over when I say so." Lin Tianyu sneered.

This came as a terrible shock to the Dong clan. Wasn't it the same as saying it wouldn't end until they'd have no dignity left?

[You're too freaking petty to even take a loss!]

Zhuo Fan scratched his nose and tightened his fist, [Seems I can return this with courtesy.]

He didn't want to blow this matter out of proportions any further, but this rotten couple didn't know when to stop!

"Ha-ha-ha, this barbaric game is fun! Let me join too!" Zhuo Fan laughed.

He attracted the eyes of everyone, and also Dong Tianba's confused look.

Zhuo Fan, however, didn't care about them, "I used to play such a game with bro Dong not too long ago. I ripped his woman's clothes while he ripped my woman's. The first to finish got the woman."

"Right, bro Dong?" Zhuo Fan hinted. Dong Tianba quickly woke out of his stupor and nodded.

"But it seems this game isn't completely fair. You get to tear my woman's clothes, while I have no target."

Lin Tianyu mocked, "You think you are all-powerful just because you landed a lucky punch? Ha-ha-ha, wishful thinking!"

Zhuo Fan spoke flatly, "Young master Lin, are you scared, or perhaps whipped?"

Chuckles resounded all around, Xiao Dandan's included. Despite being fearful of the seven houses, everyone cursed them behind their backs.

Lin Tianyu was livid but still deferred to Xiao Dandan by looking her way.

Frowning, Xiao Dandan spoke plainly to Zhuo Fan, "It seems besides Zhuo Fan, there are more and more people cropping up who slight the seven houses. But, do you have what it takes? If you can take even one article of clothing from me, I will kick brother Tianyu out and marry you instead!"

Xiao Dandan's challenge first came as a shock, then forced laughter spread as everyone came to realize the gap between the two. The seven houses reviled those beneath them. How could they even entertain the thought of accepting a nobody into their house, as a groom no less?

With an evil smile, Zhuo Fan blinked, "Miss Dandan, be careful of what you say, lest you'd end up crying."

"You're the one who's going to wail!" Xiao Dandan stuck out her chin.

"Alright, enough talk. Get ready, I am about to start!" Lin Tianyu roared over their conversation.

Dong Tianba was getting into position but Zhuo Fan waved him off, "Ha-ha-ha, since I talked about fairness, only I will be defending Dong Xiaowan, lest he'd use it as an excuse to be even more shameless."

"Bro!" Dong Tianba cried, but nodded in the end, "I'll leave my sister in your care."

He then took his elders to the side.

"Miss Dong, do you trust me?" Zhuo Fan stared at Dong Xiaowan.

She jumped, but nodded in the end, realizing the repulsive lecher from before was replaced by a reliable young man.

Zhuo Fan grinned, "Great, enjoy the show!"

But just then, a cackle came into their ears, "Ha-ha-ha, the last article is mine!"

Dong Xiaowan curled up in fear, but Zhuo Fan was as calm as ever. He even had a mocking smile on his face.

Bam!

A crack resounded and Lin Tianyu didn't even get to touch Dong Xiaowan as he was sent tumbling in the air before hitting the pavement again. He was filled with shock, "You could see me?"

As he turned around, Zhuo Fan's eyes were cold.

Whoosh!

With a crack of thunder, Zhuo Fan appeared behind Xiao Dandan. His hand flashed and her dress was torn apart!

"You call that speed?"

Zhuo Fan's mockery shocked the crowd.

[This kid is an expert!]

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Chapter 94, What Goes Around, Comes Around

[How could this be?]

Xiao Dandan watched the drifting cloth in shock.

How could she not know her future husband's strongest point? Merry Woods was known as the wind house, known for having the fastest speed in the empire.

Not to mention, Lin Tianyu chose to abandon power for even more speed. He reached such a mastery that even a peak Bone Tempering expert would be left in the dust.

However, a low-level Bone Tempering brat did the unthinkable and managed to surpass him.

Not only was Xiao Dandan incredulous, but so was Lin Tianyu. His face was frozen in shock as no words could leave his mouth.

As for Dong Tianba's group, they were slackjawed. Particularly young master Dong, who knew Song Yu for ages. Never once had he displayed such outstanding features. Yet, here he was, a third-rate clan's member winning against a seven houses' disciple.

Everyone became silent, with all eyes focused on the proud Zhuo Fan, their words stuck in their throat.

Grinning evilly, Zhuo Fan sniffed and said with satisfaction oozing from his voice, "Miss Dandan, you truly are an amazing beauty, evident from this fragrance. I will never forget this soothing smell for as long as I live."

Xiao Dandan stared at him with a red face. Lin Tianyu was turning green, his heart bleeding from hatred.

[Bastard! You dare harass my wife in my presence? Do you take Merry Woods for nothing?]

Taking a side glance at Lin Tianyu, Zhuo Fan grinned inside and flashed before Xiao Dandan. She then cried in panic when Zhuo Fan hugged her.

She tried to resist but was a moot effort against Zhuo Fan's cultivation.

"Damn brat, what do you think you're doing?" Lin Tianyu roared.

Zhuo Fan watched the red-faced Xiao Dandan and raised an eyebrow in challenge, "Miss Dandan, I'm not as flimsy as that weak lord. I've always learned to take the initiative with a woman. My actions were a bit rude to you, miss. So, you can hit me or curse me, but I'll still do the same."

Xiao Dandan was glaring at him, yet her heart stirred. Zhuo Fan's pushy attitude was worlds apart from Lin Tianyu's flattery.

This feeling was so new to her that she didn't know where to place it.

"Rotten brat, let go or you'll be sorry!"

Zhuo Fan was courting his woman before his eyes and even before the public. Something that Lin Tianyu could not bear any longer.

But Zhuo Fan was far from done. He pulled her closer instead, eliciting a charming cry from Xiao Dandan.

It made any male on the scene feel their pulse quickened, swallowing dryly, and sporting wide and nasty grins. Meanwhile, the women around blushed.

Lin Tianyu's face was ashen, wishing to tear Zhuo Fan limb by limb.

Snorting, Zhuo Fan raised a taunting eyebrow, "Brother Lin, isn't this a game of your own accords? Since time immemorial, the winner receives everything while the loser ends up with nothing. If brother Lin wins, you'll have two women. If not, well..."

Zhuo Fan patronized, then turned to blow his hot breath in Xiao Dandan's ear, "Miss Dandan, if I win, please be so kind as to kick this man out and make me your guest."

His tone was soft, yet his words traveled far, particularly stabbing into Lin Tianyu's ears.

However, this wasn't what struck his core, it was Xiao Dandan's blushing and faint nod.

Zhuo Fan had given another wave of shock to the crowd and many were now eyeing him with envy.

[Damn rotten bastard! He snatched a Drifting Flowers Edifice's girl right out of that flimsy Merry Woods' disciple in minutes! His skill is worthy of being a pioneer in the sacred art of chasing skirts. If I had such skill, I would also take a Drifting Flowers Edifice girl for myself!]

Lin Tianyu trembled, his lips leaked a trail of blood.

"Bastard, you've taken this too far!"

"Ha-ha-ha, what of it? What goes around comes around. Next time, if you're lucky enough to win, then speak." Zhuo Fan's wicked grin wasn't in the least bit heroic or worthy of his conquest, but it made everyone's heart shiver. While the women were swooning.

Lin Tianyu had a belly full of hatred. Zhuo Fan's incessant mockery was trumped by stealing his woman. This exceeded his bottom line long ago, "Son of a bitch! Once I peel your girl's clothes, I'll finish you off."

Lin Tianyu appeared before Dong Xiaowan.

She cried in fear but Lin Tianyu's evil clutches didn't arrive. A slap cuffed him over the ear into the ground. When he looked up, Zhuo Fan was back next to Xiao Dandan, continuing to mock, "Miss Dandan, that limp noodle lost again, I'm afraid I will have to relieve you of another article."

A rip was heard and an article left Xiao Dandan's body more exposed.

Zhuo Fan lifted her chin, "Miss Dandan, please, don't blame my uncouth act."

Her charming eyes rolled and her face turned rosy, playing coy, "Can't you be more gentle?"

"Ha-ha-ha, I am uncouth and unmannered, this is something that won't change for as long as I live." Zhuo Fan shook his head. Lin Tianyu's eyes were bloodshot and looked as though we was about to spit fire, "Rotted bastards, both of you!"

Lin Tianyu went for Dong Xiaowan again with the same result. Zhuo Fan made sure to even slap him five times for good measure.

And it resulted in Xiao Dandan's turn to loosen her clothing. Yet the lady hardly cared, making Lin Tianyu's coals of anger burn hotter.

With but one flimsy and thin piece left on miss Xiao Dandan, Zhuo Fan's grin turned maniacal, "Brother Lin, final chance! If you fail now, miss Dandan is mine."

"Wretched filth, you dare mock the seven houses?" Lin Tianyu spat, the ire in his heart having grown out of his control. Yet oddly enough, he was clear headed enough to understand Zhuo Fan's speed overwhelmed him, so he chose another angle, using Merry Woods' name.

But why would Zhuo Fan care when he even had the nerve to kill Hell Valley's elders?

As a result, Lin Tianyu words only worked to goad Zhuo Fan further, who, under Lin Tianyu's rage-filled eyes, landed a kiss on Xiao Dandan's check, "Ha-ha-ha, I'm about to be Drifting Flowers Edifice's son-in-law, why the hell would I be afraid of your goddamned Merry Woods? Isn't that right, my lady?"

Xiao Dandan was so far gone, accepting anything he was throwing at her, that she nodded without remorse.

"Ah!"

It would seem Lin Tianyu had had enough and charged at the couple. He even went as far as cursing at his revered Xiao Dandan, "Bitch, you are both a bunch of dogs. I will send you both to hell!"

He made a hand sign and a green gale gathered around his legs. The sharp whistling spoke of its deadly power as he kicked at them.

He had forgone using his prized speed in favor of stealing victory by force.

"Mid spirit ranked martial art, Razor Kick!"

Xiao Dandan cried in shock, "Lin Tianyu, the gall of you, to try to kill me right in Drifting Flowers Edifice's city!"

"Humph, for a skank like you, I will do the world a favor by killing you both!"

Xiao Dandan was now afraid after noticing the killing intent in his eyes. She was only in Qi Condensation Stage, while Zhuo Fan was in his 1st layer of Bone Tempering Stage. It was not possible for him to take on such an attack.

However, Zhuo Fan just mocked, "Brother Lin, is this your final struggle? Oh, how pathetic!"

Zhuo Fan's arm snaked around Xiao Dandan's waist while his other acted as a shield.

Bam!

The green gale lashed at Zhuo Fan's arm, but the sounds coming out of it was that of screeching metal.

The kick didn't even scratch his arm, though his sleeve did turn to shreds, revealing an all glorious and perfectly chiseled arm.

"This can't be!"

Lin Tianyu seemingly crazy as he muttered, "You're a body cultivator? How can you be so fast?"

With a mocking smile, Zhuo Fan simply replied, "Who told you that we can't also train in speed? Trading off power for such measly speed will only be done by a dumbass like you."

Zhuo Fan's eyes evoked killing intent that turned Lin Tianyu into a shivering mess.

He didn't get to react as Zhuo Fan kicked him on the head.

Blood spurted and Lin Tianyu felt a sharp pain digging its way into him. He let out one final wail before his eyes lost their light and slumped on the ground.

None of the people could believe their eyes. A simple kick finished a Seven Noble Houses' disciple, who had a 6 layer advantage over his opponent.

The fight ended not in praise of power or speed but rather mockery towards Merry Woods.

"Miss Dandan, did you see that? I don't discriminate, I am as uncouth and rude to men as well. If your fiancée lives, he still won't see reason. I hope you do not blame me for this."

Zhuo Fan acted like his crime never happened and resumed flirting with the lady.

Xiao Dandan watched him enamored and blinked in joy, "You've done perfectly! With you around, why would I need that trash for? Don't you worry, you'll soon join Drifting Flowers Edifice and Merry Woods won't be able to lay a finger on you."

"Ha-ha-ha, thank you miss Dandan for your care, just that..." Zhuo Fan eyed Xiao Dandan's last vestige of dignity, "According to the rules, for your fiancée to lose, I'd have to pry out the last article!"

With a coy and blushing face, Xiao Dandan wrapped her soft lily-white hands around his neck, "Brother, I am soon to be yours. If you want my body, you'll have to wait till tonight. Or do you want the people to see everything?"

"Ha-ha-ha..."

Zhuo Fan scratched his nose after looking at her delectable body. Then, Zhuo Fan's eyes turned sharp and startled the flirting woman.

"Humph, weren't you listening? What goes around comes around. This goes for you too."

Zhuo Fan reached for her last piece and Xiao Dandan was filled with fear.

Would she have any face left to walk into Drifting Flowers Edifice if she went naked in the middle of the city?

Suddenly, a loud shout came, "Stop!"

And two blue silk ribbons drifted over.

Zhuo Fan's hand froze in shock, "a Profound Heaven expert!"

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Chapter 95, Bewitching Whispers

Translator: StarReader

Editor: p4553r

Two blue silk ribbons shot towards Zhuo Fan. He thought of dodging, but he dismissed that idea.

Despite not unfolding his wings, his speed was beyond the Bone Tempering Stage, thus allowing him to one-up Lin Tianyu.

This was a shock to everyone, but not unlikely to happen.

In the case where his speed was to match a Profound Heaven expert's, that would label him a monster. Across the vast world, he might be the sole person with such a deviant degree of body refining.

It was tantamount to telling everyone who he was.

[I'll have to gamble!]

One ribbon tightened around him and made any movement impossible. There, he reminded himself.

[I just need to showcase how strong I am but within limits. Unlike that known deviant, Zhuo Fan, who could kill a Profound Heaven expert.]

The other wrapped Xiao Dandan in a protective embrace.

What followed next was the arrival of the owner of the ribbons. The people lowered their heads in respect, as did Dong Tianba and his sister.

Zhuo Fan only gave her a rough glance. She was a lady in her thirties, wearing a thin veil over half her face, yet incapable of hiding her grace.

And with how high her cultivation was, it garnered even more respect.

While she walked with light steps, her eyes were solely focused on Xiao Dandan. She extended a dainty finger and tapped Xiao Dandan's forehead.

Yuan Qi entered Xiao Dandan's body and made her shiver, while also taking away the redness in her cheeks.

"What, where am I?" Xiao Dandan looked around in confusion, but when she saw Zhuo Fan it all came back in a flurry of images. She cried in shock and her face went beet red.

"H-how could I have done that?"

"Silly child, you can't even tell when you were tricked?" The woman in blue shook her head, then her eyes snapped to Zhuo Fan.

"Little brother, if you are intent on chasing after Drifting Flowers Edifice's girl, you can chase them using your skills. But don't you think using Bewitching Whispers is demeaning and vile?"

Zhuo Fan praised her in his heart, [She's quite perceptive].

Bewitching Whispers affected a person's mind so that the user could lead his victims to do whatever he wanted. This was how Zhuo Fan got hold of Xiao Dandan so easily.

This little trick wasn't a demonic cultivator's secret skill, but not anyone could employ it. First of all, the user's soul had to be strong, which made most of the demonic cultivators beneath Profound Heaven Stage unable to use it.

And because this skill had limited power, most demonic cultivators did not train to use it. Ergo, the number of people aware of Bewitching Whispers were few and far in between.

Yet, here was one woman who knew its effect.

Zhuo Fan grinned, "Lady, I have no intention of chasing miss Dandan. This is only for the sake of teaching her a lesson."

"Senior aunt, don't listen to this runt. He dared to humiliate me and looks down on Drifting Flowers Edifice." Xiao Dandan was raging as she recalled the scandal she partook in. Even tears started swelling in her eyes.

However, the blue woman eyed her coldly and shouted, "Quiet, haven't you had enough of disgracing yourself?"

Then turned to Zhuo Fan, "I would've long ago put you in your place if not for knowing you had a good reason for using that foul skill to charm a woman in Drifting Flowers City."

The woman then turned her attention to Dong Xiaowan and spoke in apology, "Miss, Dandan was spoiled by her master. I will make sure to punish her. Please don't take it to heart."

"Ah, I would never..." Dong Xiaowan was startled.

The lady in blue smiled as she flew, and two ribbons took Xiao Dandan and the unconscious Lin Tianyu. But Xiao Dandan didn't forget to glare at Zhuo Fan with loathing.

Zhuo Fan, though, did not care, he was thinking of the blue lady's last brief look she gave him.

Thanks to Zhuo Fan's strong soul, he managed to sense it.

[Was I just found out?] Zhuo Fan frowned as he watched her leave.

"Brother!"

Dong Tianba came with the rest to Zhuo Fan to express his gratitude, "Thank you so much. If it weren't for you, the Dong clan's name would've been sullied. Dammit, none of the seven houses' domain is safe to linger for long."

"Big brother Song, thank you..." Dong Xiaowan tightened the thin clothing on her body and spoke shyly.

Not paying attention to any of this, Zhuo Fan spoke with a frown, "Bro Dong, who was she?"

Dong Tianba's tone was grave, "Drifting Flowers Edifice's 1st Overseer, the Iris Edifice's Qin Caiqing! Haaa... such luck that the one we met was the Iris Overseer. She is honorable and kind. She is known to never pick on clans and other disciples. But if it were Peony Overseer, with her fickle personality, she would've released her wrath on us!"

"I see, with her cultivation, it is no wonder she is an Overseer."

Zhuo Fan took a deep breath and ripped the ribbon to shreds.

"Bro, how are you so strong? That was Iris Overseer's ribbon imbued with her Yuan Qi. How did you break out of it?"

Dong Tianba watched Zhuo Fan as though he was viewing a monster, "I feel like I don't know you anymore."

Laughing, Zhuo Fan waved it off and took out a small bottle, "The Song clan is third-rate, but we have our ways. Look, this is our Body Tempering Pill. It's all thanks to this that my body is so strong."

"As if! Body Tempering Pill is only a 4th-grade pill. It's not outstanding enough to make you stronger than a 7th layer Bone Tempering cultivator and break out of a Profound Heaven expert's restriction!" Dong Tianba's expression remained impassive.

Zhuo Fan smiled, "It wouldn't be a secret method of the Song clan if anyone could refine it. You think I'd join the Hundred Pill Meeting if it weren't for this?"

Dong Tianba was starting to believe him after hearing Zhuo Fan continue to praise the pill.

But what they didn't know was that these were only lies made up by Zhuo Fan.

Meanwhile, Zhuo Fan was feeling vexed. He could not understand why Qin Caiqing did not expose him if she knew who he was? Did she go to call for help thinking she could not defeat him?

[If that is the case, then staying here would be all the more dangerous. She could be asking for backup.]

Zhuo Fan said frantically, "Uh, bro Dong, I have some urgent matters to take care of. Let's talk at a later date."

"Sigh, I haven't given my proper thanks, how can..." But before he could finish, Zhuo Fan was already meters away waving his hand as he left.

Dong Tianba was startled but sighed in the end, "Bro Song truly is husband material. Wan'er, you must be regretting your refusal by now."

"Brother..."

Dong Xiaowan rolled her eyes, but still peeked at Zhuo Fan with clear and emotion-filled eyes...

Meanwhile, at the Drifting Flowers Edifice, in the guest hall.

A charming and enticing woman in red sat in the lounge. She wore a thin veil, obscuring her most prominent features.

But it couldn't hide the fire in her eyes that could stir the coldest heart.

She was a true vixen!

On her left was a middle-aged man, with even whiter hands than hers. He was stroking his goatee, but his eyes rested on her every curve.

The woman in red rolled her eyes and smiled, "Elder Lin, do I have something on me?"

"Cough, Peony Overseer must be joking."

The old man faked his cough and showed an embarrassed smile, "I can't help but wonder, why isn't the exalted Edifice Lord present and it is the Peony Overseer who is welcoming me instead."

"Hee-hee-hee, is Elder Lin not satisfied with me?" The lady fluttered her eyes at him.

Her gesture almost stole the elder's soul away, finding it difficult to reply, "Uh, Peony Overseer is very considerate and kind, and, ha-ha-ha..."

"Humph, I came here to join the Hundred Pill Meeting, not to see you two flirt."

An angry snort came from Peony Overseer's right, a red-haired elderly, "Since the meeting hasn't started, I'll be leaving. I have important things to take care of."

"Hell Valley's fifth elder, why are you so vexed?" Peony Overseer smiled, "The meeting will commence upon the Edifice Lord's order. The great houses have yet to gather, so it is only natural for it to take a while longer."

"Peony Overseer, don't listen to this old goat grumble. These days, Hell Valley was sacked of its three elders by a mere brat. They lost all credibility, so how could they have the patience to participate in the Hundred Pill Meeting? Right now, fifth elder must be thinking of new and ingenious ways to skin that punk alive. Or maybe the anxiety of having his poor little elderly life in danger got him wound so tight he has been jumping in his sleep! It must be torture, ha-ha-ha!"

"Lin Zitian, screw off! I wonder how many elders Merry Woods would lose if they met that brat!" Fifth elder slapped the table and glared at the middle-aged man.

Lin Zitian also stood up and returned a glare without fear, "Wanna fight?"

Their power was on full display and sparks could fly at any second!

But laughter interrupted their staring contest, "Ha-ha-ha, how rowdy! If you guys want to fight it off, count me in!"

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Chapter 96, Vicious Pill King

Translator: StarReader

Editor: p4553r

Those words were made by a man in a green robe entering the guest hall.

His hair was green, his eyes were green, and even his beard was green, painting a particularly strange image.

He had a violet gourd strapped to his waist. His appearance caused Elder Lin and the fifth elder to show respect.

"Master, you are amazing beyond words. Not even Hell Valley and Merry Woods dare utter a sound in your presence, ha-ha-ha..."

A youth in his twenty came following behind the elder, he was at peak Bone Tempering Stage. Yet, his tone lacked the respect and manner one should have when talking to the three other people present there.

The trio's faces turned ashen, their anger was slowly rising, but they held their tongue.

This scene would shock anyone. Three Profound Heaven experts were mocked by a Bone Tempering pup. And they didn't even retort, despite the rude tone.

Fifth elder, who was known for his quick temper, was also silent. A scene that even his disciples would find it hard to imagine.

"Elder Yan, you should mind your disciple, he doesn't seem to have any manners. Is this how a junior speaks to his elders?" fifth elder said unhappily.

Yet, the elder in green caressed his beard with a smile, "Hell Valley's fifth elder, why argue with a child? It doesn't befit your status, ha-ha-ha..."

"Exactly, you're totally not acting as a senior should. So, why should I treat you like one?" The youth's brash voice was tinted with mockery.

Fifth elder shivered and his face turned red, itching to pry this fool's head from his body. But he forced his anger down and resumed to clenching his fists.

With a crack, a piece of the table was vaporized.

Lin Zitian eyed the fifth elder's anger and secretly sighed. He had some reservations when looking at the elder in green as he forced a laughter, "Ha-ha-ha, I'd never guessed such a small meeting will bring together four of the seven houses. With Elder Yan attending, the meeting will run smoothly!"

"He-he-he, Lin Zitian, you don't need to give me lip service. I know none of you see me eye to eye. But who told you to name it as the Hundred Pill Meeting? You think it's worthy of the name 'Hundred Pill' if I, Vicious Pill King, is missing in attendance?"

The elder in green didn't give Lin Zitian any respect and even mocked him to the point Lin Zitian turned his head away.

Peony Overseer was livid, but on top of her anger lied a deep seething hatred.

"Elder Yan Song," Peony Overseer spat, "Drifting Flowers Edifice doesn't seem to have extended Pill King Hall an invitation. So why have you graced us with your uninvited presence?"

"Ha-ha-ha, Peony Overseer, you're as fiery as ever!"

With his eyes flashing green, Yan Song snorted, "In the Tianyu Empire, I can go wherever I want with no one daring to oppose me! Now that I'm here in your Drifting Flowers City, are you going to kick me out?"

"You..."

She was poised to attack, but Lin Zitian stopped her, "Peony Overseer, calm yourself."

Eying Yan Song cautiously, Lin Zitian sighed as he gave her a look, "Before Edifice Lord comes, be careful of devolving the situation!"

Peony Overseer snorted, turning her body away, easing Lin Zitian's worry.

"Ha-ha-ha, Peony Overseer is like a lass, so spiteful. So, it is a wonder to me how you still became an overseer? Master, you were right. A bunch of broads can never accomplish anything. Drifting Flowers Edifice is the worst of the seven houses by far." The youth ridiculed.

The eyes of the three turned sharply. [Vicious Pill King is too arrogant and his disciple belittles anyone he sees.]

Their 'friendly' conversation was interrupted when a sound came from outside the door.

"Little brother, Drifting Flowers Edifice may have only women but it has stood strong in Tianyu Empire for a millennia. It has its own principles, it is not something anyone can criticize."

A beauty in blue floated in, the Iris Overseer, Qin Caiqing!

"Senior sister, you're back!" Peony Overseer cried, regaining her confidence, "Where did you go? We have someone barging uninvited and I am powerless to stop them."

Peony Overseer's eyes snapped to Yan Song but Qin Caiqing simply smiled, "Shouldn't you be taking care of your precious disciple instead? I once told you to raise your disciple better, not to disgrace Drifting Flowers Edifice's reputation."

"Who did she offend?"

Shaking her head, Qin Caiqing simply clapped.

Two female disciples brought Xiao Dandan who was still wrapped in the blue ribbon. With her curves full-on display, she earned the youth's fiery gaze.

Then two more disciples brought an unconscious Lin Tianyu.

"Tianyu!"

Lin Zitian jumped next to him, then his look was filled with murderous desire, "Who hurt him?"

The youth cut her off before she could reply, "Master, is that kid's injury grave?"

"He-he-he, that's putting it mildly. If not dead then a cripple. The culprit sure had no restraint." Yan Song enjoyed others' misfortune.

The youth laughed in ridicule, "Merry Woods' disciple can't even take a hit. And his master is no different either."

Lin Zitian gnashed his teeth, glaring at the youth.

Qin Caiqing smiled, "Little brother is wrong. The one he met was an even younger man, whose strength is above all the seven houses' genius disciples. Little brother is Elder Yan's disciple, but even you will meet the same fate."

The youth frowned, filled with rebuke. Qin Caiqing secretly smiled.

"Senior sister, why didn't you bring him? Is he stronger than you?" Peony Overseer jerked.

Shaking her head, Qin Caiqing said, "Perhaps not, but you know how I am, staying outside others' affairs. If someone messed with my disciple, I'll intervene, but..."

Qin Caiqing sighed as she looked at Xiao Dandan, "Dandan, you explain. And be honest. I already know everything that transpired."

"Yes, senior aunt!"

Xiao Dandan sobbed a nod, then retold the events.

The people there sighed at the conclusion. Not for the humiliated Dong clan though, since none of the seven houses gave a damn about these people. They were considered slaves in their eyes.

And their disciples were of the same mind. Some might be even more ruthless than Xiao Dandan. It was only thanks to the Drifting Flowers Edifice's restrictions on their disciples that made them far more restrained.

What was on everyone's mind was Zhuo Fan's conduct.

Not only did he end the humiliation the Dong clan received but turned the humiliation back at Xiao Dandan and her fiancée. With such a savage method.

Fifth elder couldn't help associating him with a familiar figure.

Didn't his actions resemble that of Zhuo Fan who killed the seventh elder?

He stroked his beard as he stated, "Ha-ha-ha, what is wrong with the Tianyu Empire? With Zhuo Fan as the origin, many more are starting to belittle the seven houses, assaulting our disciples again and again. If we don't keep them in check, none will fear us."

"He-he-he, isn't it all because of Hell Valley's incompetence? You have yet to find that insolent brat too. You're making us, the other six houses, look bad!" Yan Song mocked.

Fifth elder wasn't angry as he turned to the youth behind him with a smile, "Yeah, it's all our fault. But for an elder to step into a disciple's conflict, isn't it more shameful? Lin Zitian, too bad you didn't bring another disciple to take revenge for Tianyu and save that Dandan girl's reputation."

The youth jumped in front of Xiao Dandan before Lin Zitian could reply, and took her arm, "Come with me, I will avenge you!"

And with that short declaration, the two were gone, causing the fifth elder to show a broad smile.

"Insolent! That brat has no manners at all. He even ignored my presence and took my disciple away!" Peony Overseer's lip trembled in rage.

Yan Song waved his hand as he walked off, "Ha-ha-ha, in this world, a woman's fate is to land in a man's arms. Drifting Flowers Edifice wouldn't have lasted so long without this!"

When Yan Song was gone, the fifth elder's eyes squinted as he too took the initiative to leave. "That old fool must have also sensed it..."

Peony Overseer was confused, "Why is everyone leaving?"

Lin Zitian frowned, eying Qin Caiqing with a profound gaze, "Iris Overseer, are you certain that troublemaker isn't that demon Zhuo Fan?"

"What? He's Zhuo Fan?" Peony Overseer jerked.

Qin Caiqing's eyes showed a peculiar light, "I am unclear. The kid is outstanding, but not enough to kill Profound Heaven experts!"

"Maybe he is faking it..." Lin Zitian then laughed, "I see now why even Vicious Pill King is impatient to watch the fight. If he really is Zhuo Fan, his disciple is as good as dead! At that time...

"Yan Song will make a move. However..." His lips traced a cryptic curve. Qin Caiqing finished, "It is unclear if Zhuo Fan can kill a man viler than even You Guiqi. After all, he is called the Vicious Pill King for a reason!"

Lin Zitian nodded with a mutter, "I just hope he is Zhuo Fan..."

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