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

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The Steward Demonic Emperor #Chapter 193, Vicious Pill King's Reemergence - Read The Steward Demonic Emperor Chapter 193, Vicious Pill King's Reemergence Online - All Page - NOVEL NEXT

Chapter 193, Vicious Pill King's Reemergence

Zhuo Fan easily picked on the three's thoughts and jeered, "You should all lighten up and be thankful that all of you are unworthy of me ending you personally. Not with your meager strength. The one all of you shall have the honor of facing is our Pill House Elder!"

Zhuo Fan patted the elder's shoulder, "Elder Yan, they're all yours!"

"Ha-ha-ha, don't worry Steward Zhuo, these old goats are nobodies. I'm more than enough for them!" Yan Song laughed, bringing out the old Vicious Pill King's haughty demeanor back out.

Zhuo Fan nodded and chuckled before leaving.

The three elders' faces were pitch black. As the saying went, 'death before dishonor'.

Even though they were all far beneath Zhuo Fan's match, his utter disregard of them had their minds filled with nothing but rage.

By the way, who was this cocky uncle Zhuo Fan left them with? [We don't know what hole you crawl out of, nor do we care, but who do you think you are to talk to us like that? Zhuo Fan?]

The three stared daggers at Yan Song. The latter was quite relaxed and confident.

"Old coot, state your name. I do not kill without knowing my opponent's name!" You Laoliu coldly stated. The other two watched Yan Song with the same desire, to rip him apart.

Grinning, Yan Song's eyes glinted evilly, "Humph, I'm afraid of making you wet your pants if I do!"

"Oh? Do enlighten us please as to what other circus clown the third rate Luo clan has besides your freak, Zhuo Fan. Ha-ha-ha... "

The three's laughter dripped sarcasm.

Squinting, Yan Song's mouth curled in pride, "Then unclog your ears and prepare to be amazed. I am Yan Song!"

[What?!]

The three were dumbstruck, with bulging eyes and everything. Especially Pill King Hall's Yan Zhenglan. His eyes were as big as saucers.

They all knew Yan Song fell at the hands of Zhuo Fan in the chaos of Drifting Flowers City. How the hell did he end up here, and as Luo clan's Pill House Elder no less?

When Yan Zhenglan and Lin Rufeng came from their stupor, they looked at Yan Zhenglan. He was the only one here who was most familiar with Yan Song, being from the same house and all.

He should spot immediately if that man was the real Vicious Pill King.

After a long and hard scrutiny, Yan Zhenglan gasped, "Vicious Pill King, Elder Yan Song! It's really you!"

You Laoliu's heart trembled and his face grew solemn.

[No wonder this geezer mocked us.] While he was known as the Vicious Pill King, they were truly and utterly titleless.

"Why, Yan Song? Why did you betray Pill King Hall!?" Yan Zhenglan shouted.

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Yan Song had only mockery for him, "Vicious Pill King had followed the natural course and died in Drifting Flowers City from Zhuo Fan. And from his death, Yan Song was reborn. Tell me, where's the betrayal? Besides, with me out of the picture, isn't the Vicious Pill King title up for grabs? Humph, I'm not naive. Don't tell me the Pill King Hall didn't break out in celebration once they heard of my death."

Yan Zhenglan stammered in silence.

From his reaction, the others knew Yan Song told the truth. No wonder he betrayed Pill King Hall, he had nothing holding him there, no relation to speak of.

Scratching their nose, the elders' eyes exposed a fierce light.

With everything clear, any argument from them would do nothing in bringing Yan Song back. In that case, they had to go through Yan Song if they wanted to clear the array.

But Yan Song's old title still gripped their hearts in fear.

"Old Yan is an expert in poisons. It is my domain as well. I will hold him, while you two flank him from the sides. We have to end this swiftly. It will be hard to get to him once he hides behind his Rainbow Cloud Palm!"

Yan Zhenglan signaled the two as he whispered. The two nodded.

Yan Zhenglan then shot like an arrow for Yan Song with an outstretched palm.

A python made of purple miasma came out and threatened to bite Yan Song.

"High spirit ranked martial art, Shifting Cloud Palm!"

His mouth tracing a cold smile, Yan Zhenglan mocked, "Humph, Yan Zhenglan, an inept like you who can't use the Rainbow Cloud Palm dares to play with poison around me?"

Seven colored veils of mist flew from Yan Song's palms like dragons, forming a rainbow storm crushing the purple python and rushing for Yan Zhenglan.

"Humph, now, this is Pill King Hall's real skill, profound ranked martial art, Rainbow Cloud Palm!"

Yan Zhenglan focus sharpened and forehead started to ooze cold sweat. However, he was in no rush because he knew that he was going to be sacrificing himself.

Suddenly, You Laoliu and Lin Rufeng appeared left and right of Yan Song. Yan Zhenglan laughed, "Yan Song, you're done for! You're exposed before you hide in the Rainbow Cloud Palm's poisonous mist. I may not train in your martial art, but I know it like the back of my hand. And you will suffer dearly for it!"

You Laoliu and Lin Rufeng had vicious grins, thinking this win was in the bag.

When the grand Vicious Pill King fall under their attacks, who would anyone dare call them without a title in the future?

Although, Yan Song's face didn't seem particularly worried. As the two's palms inched closer, he made a hand sign and two dragon roars echoed out!

Suddenly, two groans came as two dragon tails jumped from the earth and sent the two men barreling. You Laoliu and Lin Rufeng were still trying to make sense of everything. They were just inches from striking down Yan Song when out of the blue, their bodies were flung about like garbage.

Just as they smacked the ground two hundred meters out, the rainbow storm engulfed Yan Zhenglan.

Boom!

Yan Zhenglan flew a full hundred meters as he spat black blood. His body was now filled with the deadly poisons of the Rainbow Cloud Palm.

You Laoliu and Lin Rufeng crawled back to their feet. They felt weary for some odd reason and looked down in shock. The green vestige on their body was evidence of poisoning.

"How?" The three roared at the same time.

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Yan Song snickered with an evil glint in his eye, "Yan Zhenglan, you aren't useful even as bait! You take me for a sitting duck if I'm not hiding in the Rainbow Cloud Palm mist? He-he-he, did you forget where we are? This here is a 5th-grade array, the Poison Dragon Array that I am able to control! Here, I can create all the poison mist I want. Your plan failed the moment you thought it out!"

Yan Song made another sign.

Roar!

Seven dragon roars were heard as seven hundred-meter-long dragons of different colors came from beneath his feet. Their maws were open and the poisonous stench was easily felt coming from their fangs.

If not crushed to death in their grip first, the poison would rip them apart from the inside out!

The three cried in alarm.

Yan Song alone was bad enough with his nefarious poison, but now, with this 5th-grade array, he was invincible.

Not even a Radiant Stage expert could escape him, least of all them!

The three's hearts sank as despair set in.

Yan Song cackled like mad, just as he did back in the Drifting Flowers City. That rampant Vicious Pill King was back.

Yan Song's ego even grew, if that was possible. Because he had the 5th-grade array, he was god. [Not even a Radiant Stage expert can take me on! Ha-ha-ha...]

...

In another place, Sun clan's father and daughter along with Cai clan's father and son finally came to Blackwind Mountain. Since flying was not an option, they had to rely on their tiny legs to run themselves into exhaustion.

But as they gazed upon the four light pillars, hope glimmered in their eyes.

"Cough, cough, congratulations 6th elder for your complete success!" Sun Clan Head panted then cupped his hands and bent his wais ninety degrees down angle.

Sun Yufei felt awkward, "Father, there's no one here. What are you doing?"

"Ha-ha-ha, foolish girl, the elders are cleaning up the Luo clan and would surely gain many contributions for this. As those experts move fast, I fear that my nerves may get to me when the time comes to congratulate them and my manners would slip. It's best I practice my performance for when it counts!"

Sun Clan Head smiled, "Yufei, let's do it together for a brighter future!"

Sun Yufei's mouth twisted in revulsion.

"Congratulations, Elder Li, in returning victorious!"

Suddenly, Cai Rong bowed as well as he mocked Sun Clan Head, "If you want a sponsor, you have to think big. Elder Li is a Regent Estate Venerable. Everything will be ours once we earn his favor!"

"He-he-he, Xiaoting, practice along!" Cai Rong patted Cai Xiaoting's shoulder. A chip of the ol' block, Cai Xiaoting's gesture was spot on like his father's. Sun Yufei felt more disgusted than ever.

Sun Clan Head sneered, "Cai Clan Head, you sure are ignorant! But what can you expect when you haven't been in touch with the seven houses and know nothing about them. A Venerable may be strong, but they ignore house affairs. Only elders hold the true power in a house.

"Your ass-kissing has more worth directed at an elder. They are the ones who can make you a vassal clan!" Sun Clan Head spoke with immense pride.

Cai Rong scowled and smoothened his beard as he sank in his thoughts.

Then, a lazy voice reached them, "Ass-kissing must be done in style. One wrong kiss and you'll get the gallows! I mean, won't you offend the Venerables if you only do it to elders? And if you flatter the Venerables, won't the elders feel irritated? What a dilemma. Why not both? You may get nothing, but at least you'll keep your heads!"

"Good point!"

Clan Head and Sun Clan Head looked at each other then bobbed their heads. Only then they reacted, [Who said that?] And turned to look.

It was better not knowing. They cried out with such fear, one may think they saw a ghost, "Z-Z-Zhuo Fan, why are you here..."

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Chapter 194, Total Victory

Who knew when Zhuo Fan got there? Surely not them. But his seamless interjection in their discussion unnerved them all.

"Ha-ha-ha, lighten up. I'm the same as you, I came here to welcome guests!" Zhuo Fan waved the awkwardness away with a smile.

Though his smile looked dreadfully cold to the rest.

It was practically common knowledge four houses, Regent Estate included, came here explicitly for Zhuo Fan's head. Yet, the four Venerables and the three elders were inside trying to break the arrays. All while he was standing just outside for the heck of it.

The Sun and Cai people looked at him, feeling his toying with the seven houses was worthy of applause.

Swallowing dryly, Cai Rong ventured a nervous reply, "Z-Zhuo Fan, I have always had the Luo clan's benefit in mind in all my actions. Hear me out please, and leave quickly. If the Venerables come out, you won't stand a chance!"

"Oh, I never knew Elder Cai would, after betraying the Luo clan, care so much for me. Ha-ha-ha, I'm touched!" Zhuo Fan raised a mocking eyebrow.

Cai Rong reddened, feeling the condescending tone, but he didn't snap back. His reply was one of genuine concern, "Zhuo Fan, Luo clan's misfortune has come because of you. Why did you come back? I am concerned for your wellbeing. Don't let your talent go to waste. Quickly escape!"

Cai Rong was very concerned but still urged Zhuo Fan to leave.

Even when facing the Demon Archon, who was such a thorn in the seven houses' side, this third rate clan's head was filled with uncertainty. Or he'd long since captured Zhuo Fan and handed him over.

The Sun Clan Head was thinking along the same lines.

But since youths were rash as usual, their kids couldn't see this logic. Cai Xiaoting stood with his chest out as he shouted, "Dad, he's only a 5th layer of Bone Tempering cultivator. Why waste time and just go deal with him alongside Uncle Sun? Get his head and the seven houses will hail us as heroes, ha-ha-ha..."

"Quiet, fool! You know nothing!" Cai Rong glared at his son.

Sun Clan Head sneered as well. He didn't know what Zhuo Fan did to get on the seven houses' bad side but the old fox in him knew something was up.

It was best to stand down until all was made clear, lest he wanted an untimely death.

Zhuo Fan raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Taking my head you say. That's a good plan!"

"No no no, that was never our intention!"

Gesticulating like mad, Cai Rong was on pins and needles, "Xiaoting is a foolish child. I promise you, we aren't your enemies. Please leave quickly. Leave before the Venerables are back!"

"Ha-ha-ha, them coming back?"

Zhuo Fan's tone was unbridled, "I set those arrays and know them like the back of my hand. If even one man escapes, my head..."

Bam!

With a loud noise, a figure flew from Poison Dragon Array, so poisoned that his body had seven colors on him. His mouth was tight yet black blood kept flowing from his lips, ears, and nose.

It was hard to figure out who he was, but Cai Rong knew as he cried, "Pill King Hall's Elder Yan!"

Zhuo Fan's cheek twitched. He just got into his role of showing off and then, this guy had to come out just to spite him.

Fuming mad, he stepped right before Yan Zhenglan.

The fearful Elder Yan was only thinking of escaping when he found someone just ahead. But then dread set in when he saw his face, "Z-Z-Zhuo Fan?"

"How did you get here?" Zhuo Fan's mouth trembled, but anyone could feel the coldness in his voice, the rage boiling deep within.

Yan Zhenglan shivered, "I-I took advantage of Yan Song not paying attention..."

"It would've been so much better if you died inside. Now, your corpse's going to be in pieces!"

Sighing, Zhuo Fan's Lightning Wings crackled and shifted into sickles.

Yan Zhenglan's shock was still prevalent on his face as he fell in six pieces, soaking the ground in blood.

Sss~

Gasping, the others were shocked out of their minds.

Now, they knew why the seven houses wanted to end Zhuo Fan so desperately. A Profound Heaven expert fell apart instantly thanks to Zhuo Fan's skill.

Even wounded, how could a Bone Tempering cultivator kill a Profound Heaven expert?

Cai Xiaoting felt weak in the knees, tumbling down. He hated himself for those brash words he spoke just now. Telling his dad to deal with this freak was the same as sending him to an early grave!

Cai Rong and Sun Clan Head were soaked in sweat.

At least, these old foxes had their wits about them from the start and weren't rash. If they had been anything else, their meat pile would soon be joining the elder's on the ground.

Whoosh!

Flashing before them, Zhuo Fan looked quite awkward, "Uh, just forget the last part. Alright?"

"Yep, you bet. Don't know what you're talking about Steward Zhuo. Ha-ha-ha..."

"Yeah, my ears must be playing tricks on me!"

The four of them shook their heads till they were dizzy. Zhuo Fan smiled.

With a second sound, another figure popped out of Poison Dragon Array, but this time, it was Vicious Pill King. He took in the pieces of Yan Zhenglan, and the cold faced Zhuo Fan, catching the gist of it all.

Scratching his head, Yan Song giggled, "Thanks, Steward Zhuo for helping me get rid of that one. It would've been much harder for me alone!"

"Elder Yan, you let one escape with your skill?" Zhuo Fan smiled coldly.

Yan Song's scalp felt numb, "Steward Zhuo, I was careless. He was also an alchemist, so..."

"Elder Yan, do you have any idea what I was just about to promise these guys? A head... ha-ha-ha. So tell me, whose head is it going to be?" Ignoring his words, Zhuo Fan's cold glare stared him down.

Shivering, Yan Song knew this time, it was serious.

Steward Zhuo was flaunting before these guys but then, his show deflated like a balloon, and so did his prestige. Of course he'd be pissed.

Swallowing dryly, Yan Song had a cruel smile for them, "Steward Zhuo, that's easy! Isn't it just some heads? Aren't there four heads lining up for the taking?"

"Good point. With them dead, no one will know about your blunder!"

"Yep, yep..." Yan Song smiled and nodded.

Cai Rong's group was scared out of their wits. They kneeled and begged forgiveness. While also cursing them inside, [What kind of damn unreasonable freaks are these people?]

What they didn't know was this vicious demon wouldn't have made a name for himself if he was reasonable.

Shaking his head, Zhuo Fan waved, "Forget it. Don't scare these shrimps. Elder Yan, what of the other two?"

"Dead!" Yan Song was solemn.

Nodding, Zhuo Fan turned to the four, "Alright, take these four in. I want to leave them for that snot-nosed brat to handle. And teach him how to be a Clan Head!"

"Understood!"

Vicious Pill King pointed in finger at them and the four were chained, soon flying behind him as he entered Poison Dragon Array.

Hum~

A ripple spread and the Blackflame Array in the South opened to reveal Luo Yunchang and the rest. Li Jingtian was leisurely walking behind them.

Zhuo Fan eased a breath seeing everyone safe. The battle was now over.

"Big bro Zhuo!"

Luo Yunhai cried and skipped over for a fierce hug. His tears soaking Zhuo Fan's clothes.

Zhuo Fan noded with a smile, feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Looking up, he found Lei Yuntian and Captain Pang looking at him with fervent gazes. The two nodded, and Zhuo Fan laughed, "Old Pang, I'm relieved to see you still kicking!"

Captain Pang knew what he meant and laughed as well, "Steward Zhuo, if I am to die, I will do it fighting for the Luo clan. Never will I waste away in training!"

Then Zhuo Fan turned to Lei Yuting with a smile, "Miss Lei, how are the people I asked you to train?"

Lei Yuting huffed and gave him a sound slap in return.

Zhuo Fan was stunned. [What did I say?]

But then he saw her teary eyes.

"Damn you, bastard! You finally came back and instead of asking if I was fine you went straight to business?" Lei Yuting wailed.

Zhuo Fan blinked, [That does make a lot of sense.] So he smiled, "Ha-ha-ha, Miss Lei, how have you been?"

Bam!

Then another slap graced his face. Zhuo Fan was now floored. [What the hell? I asked how you are so what's the problem? You want me to pay respects to your whole family?]

Lei Yuting glared instead, "Too little, too late!"

Reeling from the blow, Zhuo Fan was almost coughing blood at this point. [This girl's too fickle I can't make sense of her heart!]

The others smiled at his misfortune. Li Jingtian joined them, never having seen the cunning Steward Zhuo so soft hearted.

Shaking his head with a sigh, Zhuo Fan really couldn't get her. [It's best I don't talk at all.]

When they separated, Zhuo Fan looked to see Luo Yunchang fumbling towards him with a pale face.

Zhuo Fan frowned, "Young miss, are you hurt?"

Luo Yunchang only locked eyes with him, as if to see straight through his heart. Ice cold hands touched his face, as her eyes stared at him with emotion, "Zhuo Fan, welcome home!"

Luo Yunchang's eyes closed and collapsed in his arms.

"Young miss!" The others were worried.

Zhuo Fan stood there in a daze.

The Luo clan was considered his clan since rebirth. But he never once saw it as his home. When Luo Yunchang said those words, they struck a chord in his thawing heart...

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Chapter 195, Mean Steward

Translator: StarReader

Editor: Silavin

The warm glow of the morning sun spilled through the window and into the pink room. Luo Yunchang's eyes trembled open but the glaring sun's rays made her squint.

"Young miss Luo, are you awake?"

Luo Yunchang turned to see Lei Yuting's servant, Xiao Cui. She was happily bringing in piping hot stew.

Luo Yunchang weakly got up, as Xiao Cui placed the bowl on a nearby table.

Luo Yunchang nodded gratefully for her help, "Xiao Cui, where's sister Lei?"

"Miss and Steward Zhuo are in a meeting! She told me to watch over you. She also had me make this stew for you..."

"Zhuo Fan..."

She didn't seem to have heard her as Luo Yunchang shivered having recalled something. She then broke out in a wide smile, "Yeah, he's back. I'm going to see him!"

"Slow down, young miss Luo. You're still very much weakened. Please have this stew first. Steward Zhuo isn't running anywhere."

"I don't care. I want to see him!"

Luo Yunchang was so excited all the fatigue left her as she jumped out of bed. Xiao Cui sighed, left with following after her out of worry.

The two soon arrived before Blackwind Mountain's hall, hearing Zhuo Fan's familiar voice from within.

"Elder Lei, how is your cultivation?" Zhuo Fan asked as he browsed the books.

Lei Yuntian replied in disappointment, "I am muddled, and have not advanced one layer in two years. But I feel I will break through soon..."

"Muddled indeed!"

Zhuo Fan's cold tone cut his frail tone short. But his eyes were still checking the reports, "Thought it's not your fault. It is hard for someone as old as you to advance."

Lei Yuntian forced an embarrassed smile. [Steward Zhuo is so blunt, not sparing any feelings.]

Lei Yuting saw her godfather put on the spot and slapped the table in anger, "Zhuo Fan, where are you going with this? While you were gone for the last two years, we had to look after the Luo clan. And now that you're back, the first thing you do is point fingers."

"And you!"

Zhuo Fan threw a book before her as he spoke coldly, "When I came back yesterday you said I cut straight to business instead of greeting you. That I was cold! So I spent all day catching up with what you have been doing over the years. But today, I need to resume my role as the steward!"

Snapping his eyes on her, Zhuo Fan pointed at the book, "I told you to form a shadow corp before leaving to become our hidden ace as well as our eyes and ears in Tianyu. Why is it that all you managed to contact are some small towns and some villages? You didn't place anyone in the capital, not to mention the seven houses' cities!"

"Humph, you think it's that easy?" Huffed Lei Yuting, "Ten times I've sent people into Hell Valley's city, but they were seized every time. Thankfully, they were loyal to us and died rather than say anything. Or Hell Valley would've been upon us a year ago!"

"Oh, did you not see how it's done when I got into Drifting Flowers City?" Zhuo Fan raised a taunting eyebrow.

Lei Yuting spat through gnashed teeth, "Don't you even start. Just when I was close to forgetting. Steward Zhuo had gone out for the glory of the clan, but never forgot to spare certain someone his feelings, quite carefree I might add! If my men had even half your skills, they would have infiltrated the whole empire by now, even the palace."

"Uh, whatever you may think, I did it all for the clan!" Zhuo Fan scratched his nose.

Captain Pang grinned, adding his two cents to smooth things over, "Ha-ha-ha, young miss Lei misunderstands. Brother Zhuo's thinking is unfathomable. I'm sure Brother Zhuo had a good reason for letting those rumors appear. Look, didn't he bring back two experts like he promised?"

"And you, Old Pang!"

Zhuo Fan butted in before Lei Yuting could nag some more.

Captain Pang was startled, and swallowed drily, feeling cold sweat down his spine. Now it was his turn it seemed. None of them knew the refined Zhuo Fan, who planned to put the Luo clan back on its feet, would be so mean.

Because Captain Pang cultivated the Wraith Art, the vibe coming from him was that of a fiend. But before Zhuo Fan, he was nothing more than a mouse in front of a cat.

Although the two were like brothers, Captain Pang still shivered whenever he saw Zhuo Fan acting high and mighty. [Who knows what fault this kid will find now?]

"Uh, brother, I..."

"Done awesome!" Out of all expectations, Zhuo Fan beamed. He was happy as well, while the rest, sullen. [What did Captain Pang do that is so awesome?]

[Our efforts aren't lower than his!]

Zhuo Fan elaborated with a grin, "When I gave you the Wraith Art I didn't even think you'd survive. You not only survived but even exceeded my expectations."

[Then why the hell did you give it to me then?]

Captain Pang's face twitched, not knowing if he should be glad or enraged. [You gave it to me thinking I'd die?]

Knowing what he was thinking, Zhuo Fan patted his shoulder, "Ha-ha-ha, don't you worry now. You are reborn as one of Luo clan's pillars!"

Captain Pang nodded solemnly. Defending the Luo clan had been his aim all along...

Having talked with his men, Zhuo Fan looked at the small figure at the side.

The bored Luo Yunhai noticed his eyes and shivered. He felt danger in his gaze, as if a viper was out to get him.

"He-he-he, big bro Zhuo, I'm still a child. Cut me some slack!" Luo Yunhai opened his big naive eyes like an oversized kitten.

Too bad this trick didn't fly with a Demon like Zhuo Fan.

Grinning, Zhuo Fan looked like a ghost from the Underworld, "You rotten brat, how's your cultivation?"

[Why ask when you already know?]

Luo Yunhai felt a shiver down his spine, "Uh, big bro Zhuo, I'm in the 9th layer of Foundation Establishment. On the verge of breaking through!"

He also gave Captain Pang a sign, who added, "Steward Zhuo, young master Yunhai has only been cultivating for two years. To reach such a level is a feat worthy of a genius!"

"Oh, not bad indeed. How many hours a day did you cultivate?" Zhuo Fan nodded with a smile everpresent.

Luo Yunhai's eyes darted around then raised six fingers, "Six hours!"

Captain Pang was startled, then nodded, "That's right, young master Yunhai cultivated in earnest!"

"Good, then from now on you'll do it for 20 hours a day." Zhuo Fan's smile was wide as ever, causing the others to gasp.

Wouldn't the poor kid die of exhaustion training for so long?

Luo Yunhai was dumbstruck. He immediately shouted his complaints, "Big bro Zhuo, I'll die!"

"Hardly. By feeding you pills each day, death will long be forgotten! Plus, as the days pass you'll get used to it!" Zhuo Fan laughed.

He recalled how his master did the same for him.

His lower lip trembling, Luo Yunhai was on the verge of tears, "But that would leave me with only four hours to rest. What about playing?"

"Who told you you have four hours to rest?"

Raising an eyebrow, Zhuo Fan added, "Two hours is enough, while the rest is for reading books! How are you going to be a Clan Head if you're stacked in all the right places except in the head?"

Luo Yunhai's eyes rolled into his skull and slumped in his chair.

The others sighed secretly. Zhuo Fan wasn't mean to just them but even to children. No wonder he was called Demon Archon in the outside world.

Vicious Pill King and Li Jingtian were staying quiet, but hearing Zhuo Fan's verdict, even they shivered.

Then they looked at Luo Yunhai with all their sympathy. [Is it a blessing, or a disaster? No one can tell.]

The cruel steward set his eyes on the poor child. He was dead set on making him the Luo clan's next in line. Yet, his future wasn't as glorious as any true future clan head, but one of a miserable childhood.

But with Zhuo Fan's wicked planning and the kid's talent, his future was bound to be limitless.

This could be counted as his only blessing.

After a few more words, Zhuo Fan told them to withdraw, leaving only Vicious Pill King and Li Jingtian behind. As for Luo Yunhai, he walked out like a zombie, feeling like the whole world abandoned him.

Such a young child was showing such despair.

Zhuo Fan ignored him as he poured himself some tea, "Young miss, since you're already here, you might as well come in ..."

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Chapter 196, The Four Tigers of Tianyu

With graceful steps, Luo Yunchang gestured Xiao Cui to stay as she entered alone. Her softened gaze had been on Zhuo Fan all this time.

Zhuo Fan smiled as he rose, "Young miss, are you better?"

Luo Yunchang didn't speak, only nodded slightly.

Zhuo Fan took a deep breath out of awkwardness. He gestured to the other two and smiled, "Ha-ha-ha, let me introduce you Elder Yan Song. He will be Luo clan's Pill House Elder. The other is Elder Li Jingtian, the elder in charge of the arrays. As long as he operates the 5th-grade arrays, no one can break through them!"

Blinking, Luo Yunchang now realized there were two more people there and rushed to greet them.

The elders returned her greeting as well.

And yet, Li Jingtian still had pride in his eyes, while Vicious Pill King was downcast.

Zhuo Fan's face turned solemn, "Are you perhaps not satisfied?"

Vicious Pill King was the one who replied, "Steward Zhuo, the Luo clan you describe is not at all as we've seen! We just found out that the Luo clan has no elders and that is only around a second rate clan..." Vicious Pill King sighed.

What he thought to be a titan in hiding, stronger than the seven houses was more along the lines of a damn frickin' third rate clan!

Li Jingtian sighed as well. He could feel the loyalty of this clan, but the reality failed to rise to his expectation, by a huge margin.

Zhuo Fan glared at them, "I never said anything about the Luo clan's extent when I invited you in. You accepted my invitation of your own free will..."

"But Steward Zhuo, you said the Luo clan is the strongest clan in Tianyu..."

"Are you saying it's my fault?" Zhuo Fan cut Vicious Pill King off and scared him with his sudden reply.

Luo Yunchang bowed again, "Elder Yan, Elder Li, first of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for joining the Luo clan. I know we are a small clan, unfit of your greatness, but please believe me, With Steward Zhuo, and you, the Luo clan will become better and stronger. We, the Luo clan will not disappoint you. If you still want to leave, I will not stop you..."

Luo Yunchang's heartfelt words touched the two.

"You two old coots better goddamn suck it up!"

Then came Zhuo Fan's cold tone. While Luo Yunchang's words were that of a fairy, Zhuo Fan's were that of a demon wanting to feast on their flesh.

"You may dislike how weak the Luo clan is, but I promise you, in five years, I will make the Luo clan rise to the level of the seven houses. And in ten years, It will exceed them! If you want to leave, hump. Getting into the Luo clan is easy, but getting out will be done through the mud, cold and very much dead!"

Shuddering, the elders could feel Zhuo Fan's bloodthirst. Just looking at him, they knew he wasn't kidding.

If they tested Demon Archon's anger, today may very well be their funeral.

Sweating, Li Jingtian and Vicious Pill King dropped to one knee, "Young miss, Steward Zhuo, we were only joking. Don't take it to heart."

Luo Yunchang was shocked. She may be the young miss but how could she receive such gestures from the elders? Not to mention, one was in the Profound Heaven Stage and the other in the Radiant Stage.

She rushed to get them up, "Please rise elders, this isn't proper!"

But Luo Yunchang could do nothing if they refused.

Sneaking a glance at Zhuo Fan, they noticed his ever stone-cold face and lowered their heads. He may be quite courteous to them usually, but when it came to such principles, he was dead serious.

If they couldn't appease Zhuo Fan's anger, their lives were forfeited today.

Luo Yunchang turned to Zhuo Fan and said, "Zhuo Fan, you..."

Squinting, Zhuo Fan spoke, "I will let this matter rest here on account of young miss. But I better not hear of this again. Now, leave!"

"Thank you, Steward Zhuo. Thank you, young miss!"

Sighing, the two bowed again and ran outside. It seemed they had to get much closer with this young miss of theirs.

She may be frail, but she could keep that steward in check. [Our very lives depend on it!]

Luo Yunchang was left stunned at how quickly the two bolted. She had no idea Zhuo Fan could control a Profound Heaven expert and a Radiant Stage expert.

The two experts were like shy kids before Zhuo Fan.

What she didn't know was that if she could control the Bloodworm as well as he does, she'd receive the same treatment. Forget about whining, they wouldn't even make a peep!

Turning to Zhuo Fan, Luo Yunchang revealed a broad smile, "Zhuo Fan, why do I feel you're more amazing than two years ago? I almost can't recognize you. But weren't you a bit harsh on them? Sister Lei and the others worked hard all this time..."

"I know, and I am very pleased with their progress. They gave their all and exceeded my expectations!" Zhuo Fan's smile was no longer cruel.

Luo Yunchang was even more puzzled now, "Then why did you..."

"Ha-ha-ha, as leaders, one must mind both gratitude and show of power! I know how grateful you must have been for their hard work, so when I came back I showed them power! How else would they know who is the leader of the Luo clan?" Zhuo Fan's eyes were deep.

Luo Yunchang hesitated, "But they are family, going through thick and thin alongside us. Must we be so hard on them?"

"People change with time. If your power does not change, then you must be wary of everyone around you! Today, they may be your most loyal men, and tomorrow, your worst enemies. Just like how the seven houses were subjects to the empire at its founding, now they are a danger to it!"

Zhuo Fan grinned with cruelty. Luo Yunchang watched him long and stammered, "Zhuo Fan, you're truly frightening. Will there also be a day when you'll become our enemy?"

"Perhaps!" Zhuo Fan chuckled.

"I would rather die at your hand than see you as one!" Luo Yunchang's eyes flickered.

Zhuo Fan trembled and sighed, "Who can tell what the future holds?"

Silence swept the hall, bringing a morbid atmosphere with it.

It was now that Luo Yunhai rushed in tears to Luo Yunchang, "Sister, that's not important right now. Big bro Zhuo wants to kill me! Resting for only two hours is impossible..."

Startled, Luo Yunchang recalled how her brother was the most hardworking of them all, "Steward Zhuo, don't you think twenty hours a day is a bit..."

"You don't have to say it, young miss, I am doing it for his own good. A bit of sweat now will save a lot of bloodshed later! Or you can just stop him from following the wishes of your father..."

"Yunhai, stop complaining and follow Steward Zhuo's schedule!" Luo Yunchang snapped at the child.

Luo Yunhai's eyes rolled into his skull and passed out.

Before Zhuo Fan came, his life was still bearable. Now that he was here, he entered hell.

Zhuo Fan shook his head...

Meanwhile, at the foot of Blackwind Mountain, four tall and stout figures stood.

One was in a blue robe and cowl, with a twin mustache, and holding a light sword.

Another wore a scholar crest and waved a golden fan. His eyes were so calm as if even the world burning wouldn't affect his tranquility.

The third man was brash and big, with fiery hair and eyes holding sparks within. One look was enough to tell anyone he was a powder keg primed to blow.

As for the last, he was unlike the first three. He was twice as broad as a normal man. From his bulging muscles, one would instantly consider him a body cultivator. Yet his narrow eyes were quite delicate. Standing there, he looked no different than a firm mountain.

The four watched the four guarding arrays and their eyes shined in shock.

"No wonder godfather sent us thousands of miles here to their rescue! This place already houses an amazing figure!" The man in blue turned to his side to ask, "What do you think of these arrays?"

With a snap, the second man opened his fan and spoke calmly, "The intricacies of these arrays are hard to grasp. But as long as a Profound Heaven expert or higher is in control of them, not even the four of us can escape!"

"Blast it! Then we've traveled all this way for nothing? They clearly have their defenses up!" The red-haired man shouted.

The man in blue berated, "Third brother, orders are orders. And they were given by the Marshal himself. Whether this place is a volcano, or an impenetrable fortress, we still have to go in. Have you forgotten the taste of the Marshal's cane when you entered a drunken rave last time?"

The red-haired man stammered but remained silent.

The man in blue nodded, then cupped his hands towards Blackwind Mountain as he shouted, "The four generals under Marshal Dugu extend their respects to Luo Clan Head!"

His lofty voice traveled for miles, straight into Zhuo Fan's ear.

His ears piqued, Zhuo Fan's eyebrow rose, "Why has War God Dugu, second of the Four Pillars, sent his men all the way over here? Could it be..."

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Chapter 197, War God's Advent

"Young miss, take the kid to his training. I'll go take a look!" Zhuo Fan looked to Luo Yunchang.

She gave a nod then dragged Luo Yunhai out by the ear. The Marshall of Tianyu may have come, and despite the ever-present shock, Zhuo Fan was here to assuage all her worries.

Regardless of the magnitude of the coming storm, nothing could last long in the face of Zhuo Fan's meticulous planning. This belief had evolved into blind faith in the man, a faith deep-rooted in the hearts of all Luo clansmen.

Dragged away and through glistening eyes, Luo Yunhai's last cry at Zhuo Fan was, "Big bro Zhuo, you single-handedly ruined my life!"

"You twerp who hasn't ever grown hair down there, what ruin?" Zhuo Fan teased. He turned to look down Blackwind Mountain and took slow steps downhill.

Hum~

With a ripple, the Poison Dragon Array's miasma parted. Zhuo Fan walked before the four as he sized each one of them, "I am Luo clan's steward, Zhuo Fan. And sirs..."

"Oh, we are the four generals under Marshal Dugu. Hearing of the Luo clan's peril, he ordered us to rescue you. Greetings, I am Dugu Feng!" The man in blue cupped his hands.

The man with the fan did as well, "I am Dugu Lin!"

"Dugu Huo!" The redhead stout fellow rumbled a reply.

As for the last and the biggest man, "Dugu Shan!"

"Wind, forest, fire, mountain? The Four Tigers of Tianyu?" Zhuo Fan cried as he started making calculations in his mind.

(Starreader: reference to four phrases from Sun Tzu's The Art of War: "as swift as the wind, as gentle as a forest, as fierce as fire, as unshakable as a mountain.")

He had heard his fair share of stories regarding the renowned Four Pillars. Second of the Four Pillars, Dugu Zhantian, was married to his military career. He had no children, but four godsons of great bravery and power. Given their talent, they weren't the least bit lacking to the geniuses raised inside the seven houses. Perhaps even surpassing them.

The four had repeatedly rendered great military services that earned the people's gratitude in the form of the Four Tigers of Tianyu title.

Dugu Feng, the eldest, was swift as the wind and excelled in surprise attacks – nicknamed Storm Tiger. Dugu Lin, the second, was as gentle as a forest, knowing the art of war by heart. For his calmness of mind, he was known as Crouching Forest Tiger. Dugu Huo, the third, burned like fire, and was just as blazing in temper as well. For his boldness, he was known as Raging Tiger. Dugu Shan, the fourth, was as steadfast as a mountain, hard as stone. Proficient in defense, he was known as Mountain Tiger!

No endeavor the four had worked on ever failed. They were almost matching the God of War in their renown.

Many times, the emperor expressed his desire to lift them to the ranks of commanders, and joined Dugu Zhantian in becoming Tianyu's Five Marshals, only to refuse each time. They would rather stay as Marshal Dugu's tigers, rather than be alone as Tianyu Empire's four lion kings!

They were always inseparable from Dugu Zhantian. If the four of them arrived, then Dugu Zhantian...

Checking his surroundings, Zhuo Fan's obvious thoughts were easily noticed by Dugu Lin who tapped the fan in his palm, "Steward Zhuo, there's no need for you to look. We are the only ones here. Our orders carried us thousands of miles to rescue you all. Marshal Dugu and his forces are running a little late, I'm afraid."

"Oh, so Marshal Dugu is gracing us with his presence!" Zhuo Fan nodded and laughed, "I understand. Then I shall inform the young miss and young master post haste. You may return!"

Zhuo Fan waved as he left. The four were startled, even shocked.

The four of them were hailed as the Four Tigers of Tianyu everywhere in the empire, with even the seven houses bound to showing them some respect. But here, in this backwater Luo clan, not only were they not allowed entry, the door was slammed into their face. To top it all off, he even said he'd inform someone.

Wasn't this a little bit too absurd?

Rage had stirred in the hearts of the four. Dugu Huo, who had a notoriously fiery temper, cursed on the spot, "What kind of steward are you to act so unreasonably? We came all this way to help you yet not only you did not show any appreciation, you even slam the door behind you. That is no way to treat a guest!"

"Guest, you say?"

Zhuo Fan quirked an eyebrow, turning his head to give them a closer eye, "You're telling me you came to save us and I'm supposed to believe that? We just had a hard battle on our hands not a couple a days ago, with blood and bodies everywhere. Letting you in might drown the Luo clan in flames!"

The four gasped. So the steward wasn't slighting them, but was overly cautious. That reason was enough to dampen their rage.

Dugu Feng cupped his hands again, "We are Marshal Dugu's four generals. He has always been a frank and open person and we are under strict orders. We are not the enemy here. Are you perhaps doubting Marshal Dugu's integrity?"

"Marshal Dugu is a pillar of our empire, in charge of defense, which my clan admires him greatly. Our young miss and young master burn incense and pray every day for Marshal's health, to keep our nation safe!"

Zhuo Fan cupped his hands at the heavens, shouting with zeal, just like a true Dugu Zhantian fanboy. His action earned the nods of the four, even approval points.

[It's good that the Luo clan holds our godfather in such high regards. It makes our trip worthwhile.]

Then, Zhuo Fan flipped his tune out of the blue. His face was cold, his eyes accusingly, "And how am I to know you are the real Four Tigers of Tianyu? Have you seen how many copycats have cropped up nowadays?"

"Please look over Marshal Dugu's token!" Dugu Feng quickly offered a copper badge. But Zhuo Fan didn't even glance at it, only curled his mouth, "Like I said, there are many copycats around these days. If you yourself can't prove who you are, what good would a token do?"

"Hey, stop messing around, punk. Us Four Tigers of Tianyu have roamed the empire for so many years, but not once has there been a case of someone copying us. You only have your ignorance to blame for not knowing who we are. You won't let us in, is that it? Wanna see how I make my way through, breaking those arrays of yours?"

Dugu Huo barked, having reached his already short limit of his slight patience. Zhuo Fan staggered back, putting on a perfect fearful face, "See, see?! You now show your true colors and still dare pretend? Marshal Dugu's army runs under strict orders, bearing the love of the people. How can there be such brash people wanting to barge into someone's home in his army? You're no different from bandits!"

"You..." Dugu Huo gnashed his teeth.

Dugu Feng frowned and shouted, "Third brother, stop nagging. Are you going to stain Marshal Dugu's name by charging into one's home?"

Dugu Huo glared at Zhuo Fan with burning hatred, but his feet remained in place.

Dugu Feng bowed, "I apologize for my third brother's lack of courtesy. Please do not take it to mind, Steward Zhuo. Can you trust us now?"

"Trust? Humph, you almost had me there, but fortunately, I caught on to your game. Is that how Marshal Dugu's generals behave, playing the good guy bad guy routine?"

Flushing red, the four were left speechless. Even Dugu Huo found it so embarrassing that he forgot to complain.

Zhuo Fan snorted, "Didn't you say Marshal Dugu is on his way. We'll just have to wait for him to prove your identities."

With that said, Zhuo Fan vanished into the Poison Dragon Array, and the miasma blocked the four's sight.

They wanted to shout at him but he was already gone.

The four were left downcast behind.

Who'd ever seen it coming? They, who were revered even in the seven houses, were now forced to stand on the doorsteps of some backwater Luo clan.

And they couldn't complain either. The clan just went through a hellish battle and their nerves were taught. And best of all, the Luo clan was a die-hard fan of the Marshal. How could the four burst in and ruin their godfather's image?

Sighing, Dugu Huo turned to Dugu Feng, "Big brother, what do we do now?"

"What else? Stay in a Windgaze City's tavern."

"But how are we going to give a full report to Marshal when we can't even get in to assess the situation?"

"We'll report facts!" Dugu Lin shot Dugu Huo a glare, "Luo clan is more than it seems. It's best we wait for Marshal's personal intervention!"

The other's hearts chilled recalling the four 5th-grade arrays and nodded.

Putting aside this place having such astonishing arrays, the fact the order was sent for the four tigers to come here was proof enough of the real threat that the Luo clan was under.

Yet, even after going through such a gory battle, it was clear from their steward's appearance that the clan wasn't suffering so much. This pointed out that the Luo clan was more than met the eye.

Being generals themselves, the four could tell of this mysterious clan's power.

In another part, Zhuo Fan returned to the hall and convened with the rest. Great changes happened throughout the clan as entire rooms were thrown into chaos.

He made the four tigers back off just so he could make preparations. Since the Four Pillars were here, there was no way they were gonna miss this chance of leaning on a great mountain.

Yep, it was all about clinging to power. Although, different tactics were needed depending on the target. Zhuo Fan's methods weren't as crude and tasteless as those narrow-minded Cai and Sun clans.

He wanted Dugu Zhantian to be eternally tied to the Luo clan.

Luo Yunchang watched the people rush about as they were close to tearing down the whole of Blackwind Mountain. She turned to Zhuo Fan in puzzlement, "What... this..."

Zhuo Fan said before she could continue, "Young miss, you're just in time. Tell that kid to switch from cultivation and hit the books for the next few days!"

"Read, what?" Luo Yunchang was dazed.

Zhuo Fan grinned, "Just some matters of circumstances, like war books..."

Achoo~

Not a hundred mile out of Windgaze City, a wizen man rode his large horse when a sudden sneeze caught him off guard and a shiver ran through him, "Guard, how long until we reach Windgaze City?"

Everywhere around him was crawling with thousands upon thousands of soldiers. A general close by reported, "Marshal, we will arrive in three days!"

The old man nodded, but the frown never left him, "I have come out of countless battlefields with honors, so why is it that this small Windgaze City is putting me on edge..."

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Chapter 198, Welcoming

Three days later Zhuo Fan was in a small room, checking Luo Yunhai's progress in reading.

Suddenly, the earth began to rumble like a huge earthquake. Zhuo Fan raised a brow, focusing his attention outside, only to be shocked at what he saw.

[What an aura. He is indeed the God of War!]

Zhuo Fan rose to his feet and shouted, "Everyone to your stations! The Luo clan's safety for the next few years at stake here!"

"Understood!"

The men outside the room replied, having already gotten ready as they scrambled. Zhuo Fan turned to Luo Yunhai with his devious grin, "Kid, you're up now. You better had learned your part!"

Luo Yunhai's face sank, "Big bro Zhuo, do I have to?"

"What do you think?"

The room was soon engulfed in Zhuo Fan's evil cackling...

Outside Windgaze City, the Four Tigers of Tianyu were already waiting for the orderly and impeccable military procession marching towards them. It was like a dark cloud without an end.

The shaking of the mountains was due to the huge army. On the battlefield, any man, even a Profound Heaven expert would shudder in face of such might.

Leading the army was a huge man on a horse, his beard swirling in the wind. Despite reigning in his power, his mighty air and unbending nature were hard to conceal.

He was the second of Tianyu's Four Pillars, Marshal of Tianyu's armies, God of War Dugu Zhantian!

He was in the 6th layer of the Radiant Stage, yet the whole of Tianyu considered him the strongest. His four godsons were also peak Profound Heaven experts.

Just based on the loyalty of his million men, not even the Regent Estate would dare slight such a man! Despite Regent Estate having experts with higher cultivation than him.

Once Dugu Zhantian sent an order, his million soldiers were like an unstoppable flood of steel. Even Regent Estate's Venerables would have a hard time dealing with such a barrage.

To unite all these weak soldiers, to make them act as one, that was what it mean to be a true God of War!

For this reason, the seven houses were afraid of the Marshal, the head of the Four Pillars, Zhuge Changfeng!

Who told them to allow him to amass such power? In this case, drowning one with numbers couldn't be a more apt description!

"Generals welcome Marshal!" The four gave a deep bow.

Dugu Zhantian nodded, "What's the situation? Is the Luo clan safe?"

"The Luo clan is at peace!" Dugu Feng spoke heavily.

Dugu Zhantian nodded a sigh, "It's good we arrived in time. We did not fail His Majesty. Was there anyone making it hard on them?"

"Uh, before we arrived, it would seem that the Luo clan had suffered a sneak attack!" Dugu Feng mumbled.

Dugu Zhantian raised an eyebrow, his eyes staring back at him, "What? Then how are they? What are their losses? What about the attackers? Any prisoners? What of Luo Clan Head..."

Dugu Zhantian shot questions nonstop at the bitter looking four.

How could they know when the Luo clan had slammed the door in their faces? Dugu Feng braced for reprisal as he reported, "Marshal, we are in the dark..."

"What?!"

Dugu Zhantian blew his top, "Then what have you been doing over the past few days, idling? Feng'er, that's unlike you at all!"

They've been stationed at the borders for decades to prevent the Quanrong armies from invading. Yet, the emperor decreed him to go to Windgaze City's rescue. He knew this matter was of utmost importance.

So, on his march here, he sent his four most trusted generals ahead to provide timely assistance. Only to find them idling about these past three days, and knowing absolutely nothing!

And these were Dugu Zhantian's Four Tigers no less!

"Humph, you must have let the wine get to your heads and caused a scene. I'll settle your punishment later!" Dugu Zhantian flared, almost wanting to do it now if not for delaying his rescue operation.

Dugu Lin bowed flustered, "Marshal, please hear us out!"

Having been told the ins and outs of the matter, Dugu Zhantian was staring dumbstruck.

"There are four 5th-grade arrays in this backwater area?" Dugu Zhantian blinked and started scouting ahead with his soul sense. And sure enough, he found four arrays surrounding Blackwind Mountain blocking his search.

Dugu Zhantian was shocked, "No wonder the emperor told me to come in person. There must be a mighty figure among them."

Sighing, Dugu Zhantian turned to the four, "Now that you couldn't enter, I no longer blame you!"

"Marshal, who said we can't? If not for big brother stopping me, I would've torn down those damn arrays long ago!" Dugu Huo roared.

Dugu Zhantian berated, "You're a disgrace! How dare you charge into people's homes without an explicit order? If you had dared charged inside, I would've had your damn head for defying orders!"

"Uh, Marshal, I was only venting. Don't take it seriously..." Dugu Huo ducked his head in shame.

The other three secretly snickered.

Dugu Zhantian cut in, "Marshal, the Luo clan's steward said he will let us in after you arrived. He must mean for you to personally go inside!"

"Eh?"

Dugu Zhantian burst out laughing, "I have come at the order of the emperor to take a look at this Luo clan as well. But since there's a mighty figure inside, I would also like to meet him!"

He dismounted and strode towards Blackwind Mountain, "Pass my order. The army is not to disturb the people and are to set camp ten miles Southeast of here!"

"Understood!"

The entire army roared, while the four rushed to follow him.

Dugu Zhantian went next to Dugu Zhantian, "Marshal, that steward is extremely cautious. He will ask a ton of questions and will not hold a polite tone. Please do not get angry when you deal with him."

"Humph, you think my temper is short like you rascals?" Dugu Zhantian laughed and Dugu Huo grumbled inside, [Your rage is more explosive than mine!]

Dugu Lin slapped his fan, "Third brother, that steward didn't do it out of caution. He wants to see the Marshal in person. As to why, we shall soon find out soon."

"Ha-ha-ha, Lin'er is the most cool-headed among you, and can see things differently. He is right, the Luo clan must've wanted to see me. Then, I will just have to see for myself what's so great about this clan, ha-ha-ha..."

Dugu Zhantian walked with his domineering air, soon arriving at Blackwind Mountain.

"Tianyu's Marshal, Dugu Zhantian greets Luo Clan Head!" Dugu Zhantian bellowed.

Hum~

The Poison Dragon Array's miasma dissipated and Zhuo Fan came out. But this time he had a look of complete respect.

He bowed, "I am Luo clan's steward, Zhuo Fan. Welcome, Marshal Dugu, and the four generals!"

"Oh, so you're that steward? I heard you're quite cautious, not trusting even my token in the hands of my generals. Why then do you believe who I am at the mere sight of me?" Dugu Zhantian grinned, clearly mocking Zhuo Fan's earlier attitude.

But Zhuo Fan acted the fool, "Marshal Dugu is the God of War. Who'd dare impersonate you? Even if someone did, none could copy your aura honed after numerous victories, nor the thick killing intent on you for slaughtering countless men.

"Is there any other true man, a man old but holding strong still, in Tianyu? I could feel and hear from afar the might you possess. Only Marshal Dugu is capable of making my energy surge in my veins. My respect to you is like a flood, an unstoppable river, like a never ending sea, a mighty... "

"Fine, fine, I get it!" Dugu Zhantian cut his rambling short.

He wanted to test the kid and see his true intentions, but then, he saw him engage in this foolery, going as far as worshiping the ground he stepped on. It was so enrapturing, that even he felt a chill and had to stop it.

If this went on for any longer, he'd be hurling for days and nights.

The four were dumbstruck. None saw it coming. Zhuo Fan this time was a thorough ass kisser, blowing their wish of questioning out of their minds.

Dugu Zhantian had seen his fair share of fawners like Zhuo Fan, but never wasted time with any. Whenever they spoke, it was always followed by a long endless string of adulation.

Dugu Zhantian took a long look at him, "This backwater town has many experts it seems, even this young steward. I am in awe. Then, little brother, is it possible to see Luo Clan Head?"

"He's eagerly awaiting!"

Grinning, Zhuo Fan bowed and Dugu Zhantian strode forward.

The Marshal could see this was all arranged by that mighty figure. He could feel getting closer and closer to him. What he didn't know was that mighty figure was that young steward.

The four generals followed closely, with Dugu Huo jutting his chin and muttering next to Zhuo Fan, "Humph, now do you believe us?"

"Of course, I was too blind to see your greatness. I beg your pardon!" Zhuo Fan smiled.

Dugu Lin looked at him deeply but shook his head in the end.

He was Dugu Army's strategist and knew something was off about Zhuo Fan. But he just couldn't dare believe all of this was orchestrated by such a young pup.

Or he would be the second coming of Zhuge Changfeng...

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Chapter 199, My Godfather, My Rock

"Please, after you, Marshal!"

With Zhuo Fan as guide, they passed through the Poison Dragon Array, reaching the peak of Blackwind Mountain. Instead of a lavish clan dwelling, they were greeted by simple gates of a barracks.

They could even hear faint cries of kill from beyond.

Frowning, the five were quite puzzled. [What is the Luo clan up to now?]

With a smile, Zhuo Fan gestured, "Ha-ha-ha, please don't take offense, Marshal. We have just recently gone through a bloody attack and are still tense. Our guards especially, training day and night. Will God of War be willing to say a few words to our young blood? The whole clan would be most grateful." Zhuo Fan bowed again.

Dugu Zhantian nodded slowly. He first wanted to know what the Luo clan was cooking up, and second, to know how deep they hid their assets.

For the emperor to view them so highly and pull him from the borders in rescuing a nameless clan, he had to see for himself what they really were.

Following Zhuo Fan through the gates, the five arrived before Luo clan's manor. What had them all in shock was that there were no buildings around, only tents. They looked akin to an army ready for war.

That was Zhuo Fan's ingenious plan was all about. He tore down all buildings for tents to stir Marshal Dugu's sympathy and make him feel at home.

With how Dugu Zhantian spent years on end on the battlefields, he'd be more at home in a tent than between four walls.

This was also a form of flattery, to conform to one's tastes, covert as it was.

Sure enough, Dugu Zhantian trembled as he nodded. Zhuo Fan no longer spoke, having a sly grin on his face instead.

They soon arrived at Luo clan's training area, where Captain Pang was in the middle of practice with his guards. Most of them were still children, but their every strike was filled with zeal and their eyes burning with power. They look strikingly similar to veterans after decades of war.

Not even Dugu Zhantian could remain unfeeling seeing such a scene. Just what could those ten-year-olds have possibly seen to harden their gaze?

As an experienced commander, with decades of war behind him, he knew how to turn a batch of fresh recruits into dauntless warriors.

But never in his wildest dream did he expect to see this in a backwater clan. The world was filled with marvels!

He was now burning to know who was this great figure behind the Luo clan.

Unbeknownst to him, this burning zeal in the eyes of the youths was thanks to the Wraith Art they trained in.

As for those kids whose spirits were crushed, they lay dead, with bones crushed and bodies mauled. What he was seeing were those that came back from the brink of death, standing at the peak. How could they not be dauntless!

"Marshal, our third rate clan just went through a disaster and only the surviving few are training now. You must be thinking it's a sorry sight." Zhuo Fan sighed in feint modesty.

Dugu Zhantian shook his hand, "No no, hardly. The kids may not have cultivated, but their eyes are those of elites. If these are just your survivors, then your main guard unit that fell must've been a monster. How could such a mighty guard ever need rescuing?"

Zhuo Fan blinked and smiled.

[This Marshal is pragmatic. I see now why he is acclaimed as a God of War. He is an upright and just man.]

Zhuo Fan nodded secretly, having understood more about the Marshal's nature.

"Then Marshal, please feel free to point out some tips."

"No need! I would not dare show my meager skill before you!" Dugu Zhantian laughed, "Steward Zhuo, I only wish to meet with your Clan Head. Such a man has set four 5th-grade arrays, and still trained such young warriors. I'm truly eager to see him!"

The four behind him were shocked.

Marshal was the God of War, with countless figures wanting to meet him. But now, it was the other way around. It was he who wanted to see someone else.

Just who was guiding the Luo clan? How could the mere training of some guards move the grand Tianyu's God of War?

The four sighed as they turned to look at the guards again. These small few children were indeed far stronger than their own elites, it's no wonder...

Zhuo Fan's eyes flashed and grinned, "Since Marshal is so eager, please come with me. Our Clan Head is also waiting."

Zhuo Fan entered the biggest tent as the others rushed to catch up to him. How could they have known all of this was Zhuo Fan leading them by the nose...

"The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected. The art of war, then, is governed by five constant factors, to be taken into account in one's deliberations, when seeking to determine the conditions obtaining in the field. These are: The Moral Law, Heaven, Earth..."

(Starreader: excerpt from Sun Tzu's Art of War.)

A bright voice read.

Dugu Zhantian's faltered his steps, "That's the Art of War. Who is reading?"

"Oh, I almost forgot. Young master had been training for twenty hours. He needs some rest!" Zhuo Fan slapped his forehead and rushed in another direction. He was unconcerned about the others following him, though.

Dugu Zhantian's group followed either way.

They arrived at a small yard where a youth held a bowl on his head and in horse stance. His knees and hands also held a bowl, but the surface of the water was unperturbed.

What laid under his butt was a shining dagger. If his legs slacked for even a second, he'd tear himself a new one. Despite the danger, he was still reciting the Art of War.

Dugu Zhantian was puzzled, "Steward Zhuo, he..."

"Ha-ha-ha, Luo clan's young master, Luo Yunhai!"

Zhuo Fan chuckled, "From young to old, all of Luo clan admires Marshal Dugu. All of us adhere to military doctrine. Especially the young master, who is training while studying, hoping to one day to serve under the Marshal!"

Dugu Zhantian blinked, [Why is the Clan Head of this Luo clan with his impressive soldiers wish to be under me? Everything about this clan is mysterious. Just what are they after?]

Zhuo Fan probed with a smile, "Marshal, will you accept our young master?"

"Uh, of course. If the youth wishes to serve his nation, to enter the battlefield..."

"Perfect!"

Zhuo Fan's yell cut him off. He then pulled Luo Yunhai up, "Yunhai, don't just stand there, Marshal Dugu wants to take you in. Go and pour him tea!"

"Right away!"

Luo Yunhai ran like the wind, like a bird out of its cage. [Finally out of that damn position. I almost couldn't take it!]

Dugu Zhantian felt dizzy, [Wait, you're going to make me accept him here?]

"Uh, Steward Zhuo, that was..."

"Marshal Dugu needn't say anything. My Clan Head would be immensely pleased to know you showed such care for young master. He will be grateful for all his life. You may not know it, but this was our Clan Head's cherished dream..."

Zhuo Fan held Dugu Zhantian's large hand, with tears in his eyes. Dugu Zhantian wanted to refuse, but now he didn't have the heart to go through with it.

[Isn't it just a soldier? He isn't half bad either. Perhaps he'll earn some merits in the future. It's just taking one extra recruit anyway.] Sighing, he nodded in the end.

Then a screech came, "Marshal Dugu, it's actually you?"

Luo Yunchang appeared who knew when and was shaking from excitement.

Zhuo Fan's face was twitching. [Tone it down on the boasting!]

"Steward Zhuo, she..."

"Uh, let me introduce you. She is our young miss, Luo Yunchang!" Zhuo Fan brought her before Dugu Zhantian and explained what happened.

Luo Yunchang's eyes lit up, jumping in joy, completely out of her modest and virtuous character.

Zhuo Fan's mouth twitched as he whispered, "Alright now, don't push it!"

Luo Yunchang reigned in her excitement then apologized to Dugu Zhantian, who didn't seem to mind.

But the four generals looked particularly close at Luo Yunchang. Especially the third brother, whose eyes were practically burning.

Zhuo Fan laughed inside.

[Yep, she is no less than Diaochan. And Luo Yunchang is also a rare beauty.]

(Starreader: Fictional character in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Diaochan is one of the four beauties of ancient China. She is a maid of Dong Zhuo who charmed Lu Bu into assassinating him in 192. )

Zhuo Fan turned to Dugu Zhantian, "Marshal Dugu, taking young master in is the greatest joy that ever graced the Luo clan. Why not make it even better by becoming kin?"

Kin?!

Stunned by those words, the four generals looked at Luo Yunchang with blushes. Dugu Zhantian rubbed his beard and looked expectantly at her, "I don't know if Clan Head will agree..."

"No worries, dad would definitely agree. It is his cherished wish!" Luo Yunchang rushed a reply.

Dugu Zhantian saw his godsons bashful but hardly refusing. Dugu Huo had it worse, like a volcano ready to blow.

Dugu Zhantian recalled how his godsons had fought by his side for decades and thought it was time for them to start a family. So he nodded, "Since Clan Head agrees, then I'm more than happy to do it!"

The four generals clenched their fists, so excited they were trembling. But who was the one to marry this young miss?

Zhuo Fan's eyes flashed and showed a sly smile.

Luo Yunhai now came with the tea and saw Zhuo Fan nodding. He kneeled as he offered the teacup to Dugu Zhantian.

Dugu Zhantian's mind was filled with the joy of a wedding, taking the cup in passing.

But at that moment, Luo Yunhai's voice slammed into their ears, "Luo Yunhai greets godfather!"

Pff!

Dugu Zhantian staggered, as he spat out the tea he just drank...

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Chapter 200, I Want a Sister In Law, Not a Brother!

"W-w-what did you just call me?" Dugu Zhantian's old eyes bulged and pointed a trembling finger at Luo Yunhai with a shocked face. The four generals were dumbstruck as well.

Marshal only agreed to take him as a soldier. How did it jump from that to being a godson?

Luo Yunhai had a genial face as he cupped his hands in respect, "Is it wrong of me to call you godfather?"

"Yeah, ol' Marshal, didn't you say it yourself that you wanted to be kin? The grand Marshal Dugu is going back on his word over such a trivial matter?" Zhuo Fan secretly snickered.

Dugu Zhantian was bug-eyed. It took a while to get over his shock and turned from Luo Yunchang to Luo Yunhai.

[True, Steward Zhuo only spoke of being kin, not carrying to elaborate on its type.] For Luo Yunhai to call him godfather, was also a type of kin.

But since only Luo Yunchang was there at the time, they believed it could only be through marriage.

And the next thing they noticed was that Luo Yunhai was kneeling there, and offering the teacup. Wasn't his actions clearly done for a godfather ceremony? [Sigh, how could I be so careless?]

Dugu Zhantian rested his forehead, and said to Zhuo Fan bitterly, "Steward Zhuo, then what you meant by kin, was in fact..."

"Yes. Did Marshal perhaps think otherwise?"

"I thought..." Looking at Luo Yunchang, then at his four godsons, Dugu Zhantian sighed in resignation, "The same."

The four generals' faces crumbled with his last words. Zhuo Fan clapped with joy, "Ha-ha-ha, outstanding. Then young master, hurry and kowtow three times to your godfather."

"Yes!" Luo Yunhai shouted, more than eager in his obeisance.

Dugu Zhantian sighed bitterly with a shake of his head. He wanted to give his godsons a sister in law, only to end up giving them a younger brother instead.

He was left with no alternative, since he already accepted. If he were to switch facts now and say he wanted the girl instead, wouldn't it be the same as robbing the common people's women?

He was Dugu Zhantian, who had an illustruous military reputation, a man pursuing honesty and bravery as well as maintaining a strict order in his ranks. Was he just going to throw it all away just like that?

[Let it be. With his talent and Luo clan's elite army, in two years of training under me, he ought to turn up as another tiger, no?]

Dugu Zhantian looked on the bright side. His face then turned serious as he looked at Luo Yunhai, "Yunhai, today, you take me as your godfather, so you must follow the rules of the Dugu house. I am a man that separates private and public matters. Now that you are in the Dugu Army and if I am still in armor, you must address me as Marshal. Disobey any military rule and I will punish you according to the martial law, no exceptions. Your four brothers can attest to that."

"Yes, godfather. Uh, Marshal!" Luo Yunhai cupped his hands in glee.

Dugu Zhantian nodded pleased, [Clever boy., "Furthermore, as you are now my godson you are not to shame my name. Or your head shall fall!"

"Yes, Marshal!" Luo Yunhai grinned and shouted.

Zhuo Fan smiled and cupped his hands, "Congratulations, Marshal, for getting another bright godson. I am most certain our young master will not let you down."

He then turned to the four generals, his smile ever present, "Congratulations, generals, you have now an outstanding brother. Young master shall be indebted to you looking after him, ha-ha-ha..."

Turning from the beaming Luo Yunchang, a fairy upon this mortal world, to the grinning Zhuo Fan, the four looked bitter and depressed.

[Enough blabber! We have enough brothers as it is, millions in fact! We don't need more, all we wanted was a sister in law!]

Dugu Huo had it worse, feeling such disappointment that his eyes glistened with tears.

[Goddamn wretched Luo clan! You ignited our desires without us knowing and you give us a little brother instead?]

[I feel like crying! I've been in the field of battle for decades and now I don't wanna go back...]

Knowing exactly what they were grumbling about in their minds, Zhuo Fan gave Luo Yunchang a thumbs up as he laughed inside. [Who knew the young miss knew how to work her charms? She got the four of 'em hooked without so much as an eye batting.]

Luo Yunchang stuck out her head in womanly pride and returned Zhuo Fan an enchanting smile.

This only worked to fuel the lamentation in the four men's hearts.

"Steward Zhuo, now that I have Yunhai as godson, don't you think it's time I see your Clan Head?" Dugu Zhantian asked.

Shuddering, Zhuo Fan sighed a nod, "Indeed, I do believe Clan Head wished he could meet Marshal for a long time."

Luo Yunhai and Luo Yunchang showed sullen faces.

Dugu Zhantian's group was startled, following them in silence.

Not fifteen minutes later, they reached a large tent. Zhuo Fan allowed them to enter first. What they saw left them speechless.

On the table in the middle of the large tent stood a lonely spirit tablet. It was actually inscribed with Luo Clan Head's name.

"Clan Head, your most esteemed and revered Marshal Dugu has come to see you. You must be so happy." Zhuo Fan's knees hit the ground, wailing to high heavens.

Luo Yunhai and Luo Yunchang had tears streaming down their cheeks.

Unlike Zhuo Fan, theirs was no act, but genuine pain. The loss of their father happened two years ago and this spirit tabled was very much real.

How could they not feel sorrow when gazing upon the spirit tablet?

Dugu Zhantian's group was stunned. They never would've thought the battle of Windgaze City just now was so disastrous it robbed them of their Clan Head.

They had come too late.

Shaking his head, Dugu Zhantian and the generals felt their pain, paying their respects as well by burning incense. Their hearts were bleak thinking the Clan Head died not a few days ago.

"Steward Zhuo, if you don't mind me asking, are the four 5th-grade arrays outside due to Clan Head?" Dugu Zhantian asked after showing his respect.

Zhuo Fan jumped to his feet and held his head high, "It is indeed so. Clan Head was but a Bone Tempering cultivator, but that didn't stop him from reading the starry sky and the land's layout, grasping arrays and alchemy alike. Those arrays were personally placed by the Clan Head."

"Clan Head was a truly extraordinary man. I see why His Majesty sent me to your rescue!" Dugu Zhantian sighed.

Regarding the intricacies of a 5th-grade array, not even a Radiant Stage expert could claim to understand them fully. But as a mere Bone Tempering cultivator, the Luo Clan Head could set four 5th grade arrays. He had to be the genius of the millennium.

[A pity that he was only in the Bone Tempering Stage and was too weak to control the arrays fully and repel the stronger invaders.] Dugu Zhantian could even imagine Clan Head's last moments. He sighed, "A true pity. If only he was still alive, I would've asked him to join my army as general. He would've been a great help to my army in fighting back the Quanrong."

Zhuo Fan's eyebrow flickered and clicked his tongue inwardly. [Thank god I wasn't stupid enough to say I set them up, or they'd be hauling me to the borders. That would be dreadfully scary!]

"And who was the filth that dared attack the Luo clan, making you suffer so much, and even kill Clan Head?" Dugu Zhantian's killing intent spiked.

He was only sent here by the emperor to protect the Luo clan. As for the enemy, he had no idea who it was.

Zhuo Fan snickered inwardly, [Perfect.] and sobbed, "Marshal does not know how cruel and terrifying they were. We had a hundred thousand people on Blackwind Mountain, now reduced to less than ten thousand."

The sorrowful siblings jumped in fright, looking at Zhuo Fan with horror.

Nothing seemed beneath this guy, no act to foul, no ditch too filthy. The siblings thought to themselves. [When were there ever a hundred thousand men on this mountain? Better yet, we couldn't feed them even if there were!]

Dugu Zhantian was boiling mad, "Such bastards slaughtering common folk live in my country? Now that I've returned to court, I will make sure to uproot this evil from our nation and bring it to peace!"

"Please godfa-, Marshal, bring justice to the Luo clan!" Luo Yunhai bowed.

Luo Yunchang rushed to do the same, "Please Marshal, bring us justice!"

"Be at ease, I do not tolerate such meaningless slaughter. I will have them taste the fist of justice for you." Dugu Zhantian flicked his sleeve and roared.

Dugu Feng grabbed Luo Yunhai and Luo Yunchang's arms and helped them to their feet. But his eyes never left Luo Yunchang, "Ha-ha-ha, even if Yunhai wasn't my brother, The Four Tigers will never let such criminals live."

The other three were gnashing their teeth in frustration.

[That's eldest brother for you. Swift to act. How come we didn't think of it? But there's plenty of chance to pursue her, now that Luo Yunhai is our little brother.]

They then started crowding around her and extended their clutches, justifying it with sympathy. While their eyes glared at Dugu Feng as if to say, 'Let the girl go! It's my turn!'

But then Zhuo Fan passed through and took Dugu Feng's wretched hand as well as the three clutches with ardent passion, "We couldn't thank the four generals enough."

"Ha-ha-ha, it's only proper..."

Taking their hands back in annoyance, the four still had a smile, but their hearts were vexed. [We want to cope a feel of that young miss you got over there, so why the hell a rotten steward butts into our business?]

[Humph, such a killjoy!]

Watching them with a cold eye, Dugu Zhantian was pondering. [As their godfather, I have the final say in not only the peace on Tianyu, but to what lady fits them as well.]

"Steward Zhuo, who are they, where do they come from? I will immediately send my troops to flatten them all!" Dugu Zhantian bellowed with majestic power.

Zhuo Fan cupped his hands, "Marshal Dugu is a true God of War, in power and manners. I will be straight with you. One of those fiends was Hell Valley. I am certain that Marshal's army can uproot every single one of them, raze their nest to the ground, restore peace..."

"Wait wait wait, come again?" Dugu Zhantian stammered, his scalp numb as cold sweat trickled down.

Zhuo Fan held his head high and spoke clearly, "It was Hell Valley! Why, is it perhaps difficult, Marshal?"

Dugu Zhantian's face twitched

[Difficult, he says. That couldn't even begin to describe it! Since when was it so easy to act against the seven houses?] He was from the Four Pillars, but he couldn't just up and march on the seven houses! That'd start a civil war!

Dugu Zhantian held his forehead and sighed.

[I got too carried away with boasting!] Who'd have thought the reason why the emperor would send him over was to repel the seven houses? It was only natural, since only the Four Pillars could reign in the seven houses of Tianyu.

[Why didn't you say anything, Your Majesty? Now I can't go back on my word after boasting about it!]

Finding the hopeful gazes of Zhuo Fan, Luo Yunhai, and Luo Yunchang, for the first time ever, Dugu Zhantian flushed in embarrassment, trying to look elsewhere...

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Chapter 201, Foolproof

"Old Marshal, would it be possible for us to go with your army when you set out? To cheer you on!?" Zhuo Fan looked as guileless as a newborn blinking those big eyes of his.

Dugu Zhantian's face froze, slapping himself with his calloused hand, and stammering to find the right answer. He just had to go and brag about getting justice for Luo clan. Now, he got his just desert. Just what excuse was good enough to get out of this one?

Dugu Lin felt his godfather predicament and said with a roll of his eyes, "Steward Zhuo, are you sure it's Hell Valley? Do you have any proof? This is a very serious matter. Attacking the seven houses without a reasonable charge, the whole empire will rise up against us!"

"Right, that's my concern as well!"

Dugu Zhantian recovered quickly and stared on the steward and the siblings as he asked tense, "Do you have any proof?"

Looking at each other, Zhuo Fan and the siblings frowned. The three houses' elders and Venerables were wiped out. How would they get evidence now?

After muttering for a while, Zhuo Fan spoke, "They fled too fast and left nothing behind."

Dugu Zhantian sighed in relief, then gestured at Dugu Lin in appreciation for lifting that rock off his heart, "Since there's no proof, I..."

"Although..."

Zhuo Fan's interjection got Dugu Zhantian on the edge, "However fast they ran, their spies, the Sun clan and Cai Rong, our former elder, with his son, were left behind and are in our custody. That should be enough proof."

"Uh..." Dugu Zhantian hinted at Dugu Lin for help. Dugu Lin was the wisest and most level-headed among the Four Tigers. It now fell onto him to uphold the reputation of the Dugu Army, to let this matter die.

Dugu Lin shook his head, "A spy of no importance, that has absolutely no relation with anyone from Hell Valley, can hardly be considered proof."

"Exactly!"

Dugu Zhantian shook his head in dismay, "I'm not trying to avoid this, but my hands are tied without hard evidence. Or I would've set out with my army at once, trampling Hell Valley into the ground."

Roaring with such zeal, Dugu Zhantian sighed at the end, while giving Dugu Lin a thumbs up on the sly.

Dugu Lin gave a covert nod as well.

Their ol' Marshal was a military man, hating evil to the core, but not a hot headed one. He couldn't just attack the important seven houses on a whim.

Or it would ruin Tianyu!

While Zhuo Fan couldn't care less. The world could burn for all he cared, as long as his enemies perished in the fire. Seeing Dugu Zhantian not easily pushed to make an enemy out of Hell Valley, pointing out one lame excuse after another, Zhuo Fan frowned.

[What to do? How can I make Dugu Zhantian and those bastards get in a conflict? Even a minor skirmish is better than nothing.]

Zhuo Fan's plan was similar to what he did during the battle in Windgaze City. This time though, the grudge between the Luo clan and the seven houses would shift into the grudge between Four Pillars' Dugu Zhantian and the seven houses.

[That'll keep Luo clan safe and sound for a few years at least.]

Zhuo Fan saw it was far fetched to get rid of Hell Valley any time soon and didn't make all these preparations for that. He wanted Dugu Zhantian to be the face of Luo clan and let everyone know they'd have to go through Marshal before getting to them.

[But this old goat keeps skirting around instead...]

Zhuo Fan's eyes darted around in deep thought.

"Steward Zhuo, our scouts report three floating lights above Windgaze City. What are they?" Captain Pang burst into the tent.

Zhuo Fan raised an eyebrow and everyone went outside.

Up above, three light indeed spiraled in the sky. They had erratic movements, as if flies with no way home.

"That's a messaging jade slip!" Dugu Zhantian was shocked, "Feng'er, grab them and see who sent them."

"Understood!" Dugu Feng cupped his hands.

But before he acted, a figure flashed in the sky with a rumble. It caught the jade slips and was back in a flash.

Dugu Zhantian and the four generals were dumbstruck. Zhuo Fan was just a 5th layer of Bone Tempering cultivator yet, could fly as fast as a Profound Heaven expert.

And his Lightning Wings could turn in mid air, as if alive. It was shocking enough for Clan Head to set up the 5th grade arrays and no one was expecting such a skill from the young steward.

One had to wonder what faces they'd make when they realized his speed wasn't limited to match the Profound Heaven Stage, and that he had killed many renowned Profound Heaven experts in Tianyu.

But since they only now returned from the battlefield, they were still out of the loop as to how dreadful this devoted and fervent servant of the Luo clan was.

Chuckling at their reactions, Zhuo Fan took the lead to look into the three jade slips then he snickered.

"Marshal Dugu, weren't you looking for proof? Here it is, he-he-he..."

Dugu Zhantian took the three jade slips skeptical. But when he read them, his face darkened and cursed inwardly.

[Are these three houses packed with idiots? Couldn't they have taken these jade slip with them before leaving?]

These were Hell Valley, Pill King Hall, and Merry Woods' three house leaders sending their orders to their elders and Venerables.

When a messaging jade slip arrived, only their respective house elder could retrieve it through a specific gesture. In the case when no one was there to take them, the jade slip would float around for two hours before finally returning to the sender.

It was a pity that these important elders and Venerables in Windgaze City had long since kicked the bucket. The jade slips floated about idly and Zhuo Fan took them as the much needed irrefutable proof to set Dugu Zhantian into motion.

"Marshal Dugu, is this enough?" Zhuo Fan's smiled inside, but his face calm as ever.

Dugu Zhantian spoke with hatred, "Enough!"

"Is this proof, foolproof?"

"It is!"

"So when can we expect you to charge on Hell Valley?"

"Uh..." Dugu Zhantian's face was solemn, "I will need His Majesty's approval to move the army. Don't worry, I will take the proof to court and definitely bring justice to the Luo clan."

Zhuo Fan beamed, [As long as you do it., "Marshal, won't it be convenient to deal with Pill King Hall and Merry Woods as well since you're at it? Look, the foolproof also involves them as well..."

Dugu Zhantian felt a headache coming, [Hell Valley is bad enough, now you want those two dealt with as well? Why not repeat history and jump straight to a full blown war with the seven houses like the one a thousand years ago?]

Dugu Zhantian smiled dejectedly, "I will report to His Majesty and abide by his ruling!"

"Oh, that's also fine!" Zhuo Fan nodded. Then he recalled something, "But Marshal, since you're returning to the court, mind including one little thing in your report?"

"What, there's more?" Dugu Zhantian was speechless. [Just how many houses did you step on anyway?]

Zhuo Fan scratched his nose, "This might be a bit tricky though. We knew they were working behind the scenes, but there's no solid proof about them. It's up to Marshal if you wish to mention them."

"The one behind three houses? Who?" Dugu Zhantian's voice trembled.

Zhuo Fan smiled and spoke vaguely, "Ha-ha-ha, to Marshal it is no one important. But to us, a small clan, it is a colossus. Only under Marshal's wing can we survive."

"Who exactly are they?" Dugu Zhantian was growing anxious.

"Regent Estate!"

Sss~

Gasping, not just Dugu Zhantian, but even the generals were in complete shock. [Did the Luo clan poke the heavens or something? Not only offending the three houses, but even Regent Estate!]

Dugu Zhantian may not fear Regent Estate, but his losses would be disastrous.

His Dugu Army was the defense of the nation, how could it be worn down in civil war?

"What's wrong, Marshal Dugu?" Zhuo Fan blinked his large eyes.

Dugu Zhantian hurriedly walked away with his four godsons for fear Zhuo Fan could read his mood, "You guys sure are awesome, but I can't make a rash decision in this. I will return to camp and think it through. Oh, why do I suddenly feel so dizzy."

"Marshal Dugu, if you disregard us, what about the promise you made in front of Clan Head's spirit tablet to bring us justice?" Zhuo Fan shouted as he showed them out.

Luo Yunhai cried, "Godfa-, Marshal, you promised me..."

"Fine fine, I am a man of my word. However, let me wrap my head around it first. My camp is only ten miles from here. With me here, no one will bother you. Let's leave it at that, goodbye."

Dugu Zhantian cupped his hand in a rush, then ran away. The Four Tigers of Tianyu gave Luo Yunchang one last look then followed suit.

They vanished the next second.

Zhuo Fan grinned seeing them gone in a blink, "This Marshal Dugu may not want to contest with the seven houses, but he did promise us safety at least!"

"Big bro Zhuo," Luo Yunhai said, "Do I really have to join Marshal's army?"

"Of course. It is your fortune to be trained by Dugu Zhantian, the man who held the frontiers for decades, with Four Tigers under him."

"Why don't you do it then? Wasn't he fascinated by your arrays?"

Zhuo Fan snorted, "As the saying goes, a good man doesn't enlist. Why the hell would I go for?"

(StarReader: points at him being an honest to God, faithful and righteous man who does no evil. Or he's one hell of a smart guy to avoid enlisting.)

"Then what about me?"

Shooting him a look, Zhuo Fan spoke coldly, "You either go with Dugu Zhantian, or cultivate twenty hours a day."

"Army, here I come!" Luo Yunhai ran out in fear.

Luo Yunchang smiled, then muttered, "Zhuo Fan, what if... making him a godson fails? Would you have married me off to make a tie with Four Pillars?"

"Perhaps." Zhuo Fan spoke as if it was obvious, "In regards to political marriage, using you to get the Four Pillars on our side is as good a move as any. In fact, we'd be the ones truly winning here. We can even go a step further and get the best out of it by having you marry Dugu Huo. He is so impulsive and easy to use..."

"Go to hell!" Luo Yunchang glared at him and kicked him off the mountain before leaving in a huff.

Zhuo Fan ate dirt before he got to crawl to his feet and shouted behind her, "What the hell? Isn't it all for Luo clan? Besides, what difference does it make who you aren't even marrying... "

This only worked to fuel Luo Yunchang's rage as she stomped faster...

In another place, Dugu Zhantian's group descended the mountain post haste, in fear Zhuo Fan would go after them with more excessive demands.

Suddenly, Dugu Lin stopped with a frown, "Marshal, why do I have the odd feeling we've been played?"

The others stopped as well, now noticing something was very off about all this. In their trip to Blackwind Mountain, they didn't get anything cleared up, yet ended up with a godson and a heavy responsibility. At the end of the day, they were now tied with Luo clan.

To the point they'd be fighting four houses together!

[What's going on here?]

Dugu Zhantian and the tigers scratched their heads in complete loss...

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Chapter 202, Taunt

Translator: StarReader

Editor: Silavin

A fortnight later, Zhuo Fan was patiently cultivating, taking advantage of the short idle time he rarely could afford.

He had to handle every little matter in the Luo clan these few days. It was his duty as a steward to make sure everything ran smoothly. Adding to that, he had to look after the guards and shadow corp's cultivation. Thus, his own training suffered.

Since Luo Yunhai was now Dugu Zhantian's godson, he also had to constantly ferry this young master to Dugu Zhantian's camp and strengthen their relationship.

Their interactions were rocky at first, with Dugu Zhantian in a bad mood, but the kid was sharp and slowly started to grow on the old guy. Soon, Marshall began treating him like his favorite. Even though he was aware of Luo clan's intent, he nonetheless agreed to it in a moment of carelessness.

And they got so close that Luo Yunhai was staying at the Dugu Army camp ten miles out for two or three days sometimes. It was such a relief to Zhuo Fan to hear this.

[This pair of godson and godfather finally shows results...]

Suddenly, Zhuo Fan opened his eyes and grinned wickedly, "He-he-he, I was beginning to worry I'd have no excuse to get that old man to march on you. But who'd have thought you'd come instead. It doesn't get any better than this!"

"Old Pang!"

Zhuo Fan got out and shouted. Captain Pang rushed to him and cupped his hands, "Steward Zhuo, what do you need of me?"

"Go to Dugu Army camp and tell the old man, trouble has come to Luo clan!"

"What, enemy attack? Where? Can I go see?" Captain Pang was growing anxious in his rush outside.

Zhuo Fan flicked his forehead with a smile, "Stop using that excuse. Don't worry about that and just go ask for help!"

Captain Pang scratched his head, puzzled. But since Zhuo Fan said it, he'd have to follow his order. After all, Zhuo Fan's every move was meticulously made and surely had a good reason for this. As long as they followed his instructions everything would be all right.

Zhuo Fan smiled as Captain Pang ran like the wind. Then he also flew towards Windgaze City's gate.

At the same time, people started appearing nearby the entrance of Windgaze City, people from Veiled Dragon Pavilion, Drifting Flowers Edifice, and Sword Marquise Abode.

Chu Bijun looked beyond the gates with worry, "I wonder if the attack already started. I hope we're not too late."

"If there ever had been an attack, it had to have happened already with how quiet the city is. However..." Long Yifey muttered, "Windgaze City is forbidden to us from the seven houses. Shouldn't we scout it first?"

Everyone turned quiet.

They didn't know how Hell Valley and the rest infiltrated the city, but one thing was certain, they didn't just waltz in. If they go in and get discovered, adding to that the possibility of Luo clan being laid in ruins, they would be the ones to ultimately take the fall.

With the weakened imperial family, they wouldn't suffer much, but the Regent Estate wasn't that benevolent. They'd accuse them of rebelling with this excuse. They'd fall right in their trap.

But they wouldn't know the situation without going in first, and they also couldn't just stay here fiddling their thumbs either. It was hard no matter what choice was made!

Sighing, Chu Bijun tapped her golden dragon head cane, "One must do what he has to do! Let's go!"

She then led Iris and Peony Overseers to the gates. Long Yifey and Xie Xiaofeng nodded, not far behind either.

Grandmother may be known as the Lady of Steel, but these two men were just as bold as her.

They all disregarded the ban and any traps that may be about, going straight through the front gate into Windgaze City.

"Chu Bijun, stop!" A shout came from above and figures block their path. On a closer look, they were clearly people from Hell Valley, Pill King Hall, and Merry Woods.

Chu Bijun squinted, "Valley Lord You, what's the meaning of this?"

"He-he-he, we all know why we're here. Too bad, you're too late!" You Wanshan and Yan Bogong's group started laughing.

Chu Bijun frowned, "You mean you already..."

"Correct, we knew you'd come to help Luo clan. But no matter how fast you rushed here, could it be faster than the message jade slips? Humph, I will let you in on a little secret. If my calculations are correct, our forces hidden in the Windgaze City had long received our orders and assaulted the Luo clan two weeks ago. By now, the Luo clan should be nothing but a pile of corpses, ha-ha-ha..."

Yan Bogong laughed , soon joined by the rest. Chu Bijun and Long Yifey were unsettled.

It all bore down to imperial family's response. If they were any more passive, the Regent Estate's campaign would go unchecked, with these three houses as their very first targets.

In a blink, Drifting Flowers Edifice, Sword Marquise Abode, and Veiled Dragon Pavilion found themselves in an imminent danger.

But then, a carefree laughter echoed, "I do hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me. It seems we have sorely disappointed you. The Luo clan hasn't seen blood for over a month, not even a chicken's."

They turned in shock to see a youth with an evil grin plastered on his face, leaning on the city gates.

"Z-Zhuo Fan?"

They all cried in unison. Long Jiu's group was ecstatic. Since this kid was here, Luo clan's safety was a done deal. And by contrast, You Wanshan's group was filled with dread.

Except for Hell Valley's 5th elder, none of them saw Zhuo Fan before. But having seen the Hell Kill Order, they knew his appearance.

"W-weren't you supposed to be killed on your way back? How..." You Wanshan was overwhelmed.

Zhuo Fan snickered evilly, "Oh, you mean those dead bags of bones? He-he-he, they all died by my hands, no exceptions."

"That's impossible!" You Wanshan's group screamed, not daring to even believe such grievous news.

Hell Valley and Merry Woods each sent two elders in the 5th layer of Profound Heaven Stage, the cornerstones of their houses, even Regent Estate supplied with two peak Profound Heaven experts.

Not even a 9th layer of Profound Heaven cultivator could kill them all off, so how could it be possible for a 5th layer of Bone Tempering Zhuo Fan?

Zhuo Fan easily saw through them and smiled, "You call a 5th layer Profound Heaven expert and above strong? Ha-ha-ha, they didn't look like it. From the mental point of you that is!"

Zhuo Fan pointed at his noggin, with disdain, "Let's take it from the top. Merry Woods' elders were retards, no question about it. I mean, who the hell closes his eyes when laying an ambush? I had an easy time getting behind them and making sure their eyes forever remained closed. He-he-he, guess that's where Merry Woods excels at. All the merrying got to their heads till they went crazy! "

Pff!

Iris Overseer and Peony Overseer stifled their laughter, while Lin Rufeng was red as a crab.

Yan Bogong and You Wanshan threw him a condemning look, [Is that the kind of fools you should be sending?]

"As for Regent Estate, humph, they're too complacent, always looking down on me. You tell me, am I someone to be underestimated? As for the end of all arrogant elders, I'm sure you gentlemen can easily figure it out." Zhuo Fan flicked his nose.

They all approved in their hearts. If Regent Estate had a fault, that would be conceit. Although when taking their power into consideration, that wasn't much of a weakness really.

But before a freak like Zhuo Fan, they'd be no different than lambs to the slaughter.

"What of my 3rd and 4th elders?" You Wanshan barked.

Zhuo Fan snickered and dissed him, "Valley Lord You, chill, of course they died too. But you can't blame me for that. Who told them to be ponces? All I could do was fulfill their cherished wish and send them on their merry way together, to never part even in afterlife, he-he-he... "

"What?!"

You Wanshan trembled. He already knew this would be the case, but it was hard to accept this fact until Zhuo Fan had to spell it out for him.

Hell Valley's 5th elder, was boiling mad. Zhuo Fan already robbed his arm, and now two of his brothers. He was outraged, "Zhuo Fan, it's either you or me!"

"Tch, that's my line!" Zhuo Fan quipped in mockery.

Chu Bijun's group was filled with shock. This was their general reaction ever since they heard two elders from Merry Woods got killed.

After all, Zhuo Fan killed four and crippled one back in Drifting Flowers City, having long shocked the world.

But then, they heard how Hell Valley and Regent Estate's elders suffered the same fate, despite Regent Estate's elders being far stronger than Diamondback Ape.

This clearly pointed out the other two houses' elders were by no means weak.

And even with all that, he killed all six of them perfectly, coming out of it without so much as a scratch. This was the real reason for their shock.

Especially to Chu Bijun, who just woke up, finding it hard to cope to a world that changed so greatly so quickly. The revered seven houses were not only taunted but ridiculed to such a degree!

A storm was brewing one that would shuffle the ranks of the seven houses.

Chu Bijun's eyes trembled. Her gaze was fixed on Zhuo Fan, however, as they glinted...

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Chapter 203, Borrowing Power

"Zhuo Fan, you rotten punk, today I will bury you!"

Wailing like a banshee, You Wanshan glared at Zhuo Fan with bloodshot eyes. Yan Bogong and Lin Rufeng were also releasing their bloodthirst.

Long Yifey and Xie Xiaofeng held their guard up. Since Zhuo Fan was safe, of course they'd to jump to his rescue. The same thought ran through Chu Bijun's mind as well. For Drifting Flowers Edifice's benefit, Zhuo Fan had to come out unharmed.

It all became a stand off in an instant, as six house lords surrounded Zhuo Fan as they were on guard regarding each other's reaction; each out of their own selfish desire. Meanwhile, Zhuo Fan was peachy, taking but a light jump backward and through the city gates. He then pointed at You Wanshan in taunt, "You old farts, come and get me if you have the guts! You won't get to touch a single hair of mine regardless of where we'd been. That goes especially here, in my domain. Well, any takers?"

"Zhuo Fan!"

You Wanshan had long lost his patience with Zhuo Fan's taunts, roaring as he charged after him with the others.

With so many Profound Heaven experts burning to eat his heart out, even Zhuo Fan felt somewhat overwhelmed.

Chu Bijun's group rushed to block them, but You Wanshan's team were long since prepared.

"Rainbow Cloud Palm!"

Yan Bogong was the furthest behind, turning around and spreading his arms. The seven colored mists flew at Chu Bijun and others, making the stop and withdraw in panic.

"Split up!"

"Ha-ha-ha, quite clever!" Yan Bogong laughed with pride. But seeing the rest of You Wanshan's group going after Zhuo Fan, the anxiety ramped up in Chu Bijun.

Regardless how outstanding Zhuo Fan was, or how many Profound Heaven experts he got under his belt, none of them believed it to be from a head on fight, but earned through cunning and subterfuge. This time, You Wanshan's team was all going after him.

In this desperate situation, even with Zhuo Fan's godly skills, his chance at life would be slim at best.

Yet, for some odd reason, Zhuo Fan's was as relaxed as ever, even having time to throw them his trademark evil grin.

This sounded off an alarm in the enraged mind of You Wanshan. As to why, he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, with a booming sound, a bluish light landed smack in the center of Windgaze City's gates. You Wanshan's team was in mid flight when a wave of bluish power erupted from the light and sending them barreling.

When they recovered, they looked upon a ten foot long bluish crescent blade, having seven foot long hilt engraved with a blue dragon and a three foot long blade shooting blinding red rays. It spoke of its thirst of tasting the blood of everyone it touched.

And on the blade was a shimmering silver dragon image.

You Wanshan's team cried in fear, "6th-grade spiritual weapon, Dragonslaying Crescent Blade!"

"Ha-ha-ha, You Wanshan, I didn't think you'd recognize my trusted battle companion!" An aged voice boomed, followed by Dugu Zhantian floating next to the crescent blade.

Picking it up as if it was nothing, the blade started ringing out dragonic roars.

The Four Tigers of Tianyu brought Luo Yunhai to Zhuo Fan. They were glaring at You Wanshan's team, releasing their imposing auras all the while.

Scalp numb, You Wanshan never considered this scenario. For Tianyu's great Marshal, God of War Dugu Zhantian, to descend upon Windgaze City, a backwater town.

Chu Bijun's group were slackjawed from the sudden turn of events.

"Marshal, this is between us and the punk. I hope you won't meddle!" You Wanshan's brow trembled, his mood sinking dangerously low.

Making a half swing with the blade, Dugu Zhantian roared, "Ha-ha-ha, that's rich! The Emperor ordered me to defend Windgaze City, and you're implying your casual words carry more weight than His Majesty's? Humph, You Wanshan, the seven houses' prestige must have gotten to your head and forgot your place!"

"What, the Emperor's edict?"

You Wanshan shuddered, his face white as paper. The hearts of the other house leaders hit rock bottom.

The whole purpose of Windgaze City operation was to test the imperial family's bottom line. If the Luo clan fell to ruins and the imperial family gave a cold shoulder, then they'd ramp up their already obnoxious arrogance to swallow whole every other houses while completely disregarding the imperial family.

But now they met face to face with God of War Dugu Zhantian of the frontier. This was Emperor's warning to the seven houses, to stay in line.

This time, they really went and groped a tiger's butt!

You Wanshan sighed, filled with grievances. He didn't want to grope anything, but the Regent Estate made him.

Now that the tiger left the mountain, Regent Estate would shirk off the blame, falling in the background, while letting them take the fall. The emperor would then make a harsh example of these three houses.

The three house leaders looked at each other's eyes, ready to explode in tears.

Chu Bijun's group was elated at their misery. For the first time in a century, the imperial family stood their ground. This should curb Regent Estate's arrogance in the future.

At the very least, it would greatly delay their plan to swallow the seven houses.

Grumbling, You Wanshan cupped his hands, "Marshal, knowing that you stand guard at Windgaze City, I shall not cross into it. However, Zhuo Fan killed many of our elders and even crippled my 5th elder's arm. I ask that you hand him over for us to handle. This great favor will one day be repaid by our three houses."

Since goin in Windgaze City was out, ripping Zhuo Fan apart wasn't that bad of a trade off.

Frowning, Dugu Zhantian turned his incredulous eyes to Zhuo Fan, as if seeing him for the first time, "Is what he said, true?"

The Four Tigers of Tianyu, were also looking at him in amazement.

At first they were impressed such a youth could hold the position of steward in a clan. It was a rare occurrence indeed.

But who'd ever stop to think that this kid was so incredible, so outrageous, that he would kill so many of seven houses' elders.

Perhaps telling them now that Zhuo Fan didn't just stop at killing elders and went a step further in slaughtering Regent Estate's second young master, might perhaps cause their brains to stop working.

"Well..."

Zhuo Fan was caught in the middle. So he chose another path, that of pulling Luo Yunhai forward and cursing at You Wanshan, "What are you droning on about? Do you know how close we are with Marshal Dugu, uh? How dare you have such gall as to ask Marshal Dugu to hand me over? That is outrageous!"

All were too dumbstruck to even reply.

[Dugu Zhantian had lived his life by the blade, fighting day in day out on the border. You have no relation to him, zero! So how damn close could you possibly be?!]

Then came Zhuo Fan's laughter in response to their thought. He patted Luo Yunhai's shoulder, "Humph, bunch of ignorant fools is what you are! Our young master is Luo Yunhai, Marshal Dugu's fifth godson!"

Say what?!

The dull and shocked stares creaked towards Dugu Zhantian. The grand and mighty God of War, second of Four Pillars, Dugu Zhantian, just up and took a third rate clan's young master? Could this relation get any more inappropriate than this?

Despite being done in a not so honorable way and barely a half a month old, Dugu Zhantian was forced to nod.

What a shocker!

For Luo clan to hug such a big tree was like a pheasant turning into a phoenix. Regarding fame, Luo Yunhai would be no less than at the level of the seven houses' geniuses!

"Kid, don't push it!" Knowing where Zhuo Fan was going, Dugu Zhantian gave the brat a warning.

Zhuo Fan chuckled in response, borrowing the man's power to lay it down even thicker, "You Wanshan, you got any idea who I am? I'm the great Luo clan's steward, the trusted aid of young miss and young master. Asking for Marshal to hand me over is the same as asking for my young master, the same to having Marshal hand over one of his four generals. Now you tell me, will Marshal ever agree to that? Will young master? Will our million strong Dugu Army?"

That had the expected effect of driving fear into their very bones.

[Just how did a simple matter got a million warriors in the mix? How? This guy would stoop to anything!]

"Furthermore, you even dare ask Marshal to hand me over? Humph, how then are your houses going to answer for the slaughtering you did in the Luo clan not a few days ago?" Zhuo Fan held his chest with pain in his voice, he cried, and he sniffed, "Oh, my poor hundred thousand unfortunate souls of my clan, how could you maniacs have robbed them from us..."

Pff!

You Wanshan was holding back the blood threatening to come out. The Sun and Cai clans acted as his eyes and ears in Windgaze City, so he at least knew the basic facts about Luo clan.

[What hundred thousand men?! Your third rate clan never had them! Stop talking rubbish! Not even the Seven Noble Houses has that many people!]

The cheeks of every one there started twitching and dark clouds loomed over their faces. Even Long Yifey, who was the most friendly with Zhuo Fan, scratched his head dazed.

[I get you're framing them, but can't you be a bit more realistic?]

Oh, but Zhuo Fan was just getting started, raining charges on the poor blokes, "Outside of the vile and inhuman slaughter you've lowered yourselves to, your greatest crime is disobeying Tianyu's most brilliant, wises, amazing, and sacred holy Emperor. Our holy Emperor had explicitly stated this area banned for the seven houses, but you dare come throwing it in chaos. This is no longer disobedience, but plain insurrection!"

"Marshal Dugu, as the nation most esteemed patriot, how could you ever allow such conduct to take place before your very eyes? You must strike at once, take their heads and make them pay their crimes! The emperor would certainly not punish you for ridding the empire of this foul beasts!"

"Yeah, godfather, I shall go bring the soldiers here to crush Hell Valley and protect the sanctity of our holy Emperor, your patriotic heart, the people's hope." Striking while the iron was hot, Luo Yunhai cupped his hands and asked Dugu Zhantian for permission to go fetch the million head Dugu Army.

Dugu Zhantian felt like cursing right now, [How did these two brats' topic ended with sicking the army on Hell Valley? This isn't a joke, but the start of civil war!]

You Wanshan's team was dumbfounded. Their demand was perfectly reasonable, to settle their grudge with Zhuo Fan. How did it degenerate to making Dugu Zhantian going after them and even sending the million strong army for their heads?

You Wanshan looked at the rest and saw that everyone was sweating buckets.

If these kids spurred Dugu Zhantian long enough, those brats would really get to make him send the army to uproot the millennia long foundation of Hell Valley...

Silavin: Damn. I had a good laugh.

Though, it made me wonder, why on NovelUpdate, this novel is rated so low? Like 3.7? Are we even reading the same novel?

Well, maybe they were reading the MTL version shared online, which means, they don't even understand the humour.

Though, what do you guys think?

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Chapter 204, The Dispossessed

"Marshal Dugu, you mustn't go believing these brats' nonsense and look at things from another perspective. Civil war, people dying left and right. I'm sure you want to avoid that from happening."

You Wanshan rushed to cup his hands to Dugu Zhantian and spoke anxiously. The others from his team watched tense for any change in Marshal's expression.

If Dugu Zhantian was going to storm Hell Valley, then the next to follow would be their houses.

The atmosphere suddenly took a heavy tone, making it hard to even breathe.

Dugu Zhantian stroked his beard, and when Zhuo Fan saw him move his arm dismissively, he jumped in action, "Humph, Valley Lord You, the nerve on you, to dare command Marshal who to attack and who to hand over! You must already be taking those million soldiers as yours!"

You Wanshan sent all his hatred in his glare at Zhuo Fan. He would've long since jumped Zhuo Fan and kill this thorn in his side by now if Dugu Zhantian wasn't there to help it.

Funny enough, Dugu Zhantian's mind worked the same. He was clenching his fists wishing he could beat some sense into this egotistical parvenu for using his army. Only emperor's edict to protect Luo clan stopped him from chocking the life of this damn punk.

[My army is not Hell Valley's, and it's most certainly not yours. You damn steward, who do you think you are to represent my army when trying to show off? You even go as far as threaten the grand Seven Noble Houses! Are you dying to start a civil war?]

Thank god for Zhuo Fan, You Wanshan and Dugu Zhantian had no clue of the other's thoughts or they'd be shaking on it while putting an end to the kid's play.

You Wanshan took deep breaths to push down the anger and bring out the calm. He chose to relinquish his house lord's demeanor, and cupped his hands, speaking in a difficult tone, "Marshal Dugu, let us all just take a step back. Since you defend Windgaze City, we won't dare to intrude. As for Zhuo Fan, we don't want him. I am willing to do this for you and forget about today. What do you say?"

"Valley Lord, that punk killed..." 5th elder shouted, but You Wanshan snapped, "Quiet, can't you see Marshal Dugu is in charge here?"

th elder turned from Dugu Zhantian to the mocking Zhuo Fan and stormed away outraged.

Understanding where Hell Valley was going and not wanting to see this spiral further out of control, Dugu Zhantian sighed with a nod.

While all people there wanted love and peace, there was one who burned to see the two sides like oil and water.

So he butted in just as Dugu Zhantian was about to conclude this affair with a laugh, "Valley Lord You, you must be dreaming if you think you're getting away that easy! Have you forgotten the hundred thousand men you killed in my clan, those pitiful lost souls unable to find peace..."

"Shut up!

But Dugu Zhantian and You Wanshan snapped at him in unison. Reeling, Zhuo Fan knew when to quit, so he quietly stood there, not making even a peep, like an angel.

His action made other feel mortified.

[This kid will stoop to any low, uncaring of appearances, a true parvenu. His talent is a damn waste as a steward.]

Dugu Zhantian stammered. He saw Zhuo turned from a biting dog into an adorable kitty, as if all that brash talk was not said, and was lost for words. In the end he cupped his hands, "You Wanshan, then we shall let this matter rest here. However, I do feel the need of reminding you, Valley Lord You, this empire is under Yuwen ruling, not your backyard!"

"I shall keep in mind Marshal's counsel. Farewell!" You Wanshan gave one last salute and left with the others. Yet just a few steps after, his eerie tone came, "Marshal, on your way to Windgaze City, have you perhaps met some of my men?"

"Uh..." Dugu Zhantian was about to shake his head.

Zhuo Fan's eyes sparkles like stars and grabbed hold of this golden ticket with a snicker and stepped up, "Valley Lord You, Marshal's four generals are of immense valor, how could they waste time on nobodies? Ha-ha-ha, I urge you to got back and look after their families, and put a stop to your men's reckless behavior. Windgaze City isn't a place where you can come and go as you please."

Pff!

You Wanshan spurted blood, his eyes bloodshot.

[Dugu Zhantian, you are truly vicious. I will remember this debt...]

He only wanted to ask Dugu Zhantian what happened to his men hiding in Windgaze City. But the Marshal had came after the battle and had no clue what transpired.

Zhuo Fan picked up on his intention and cooked up an ingenious reply.

To Dugu Zhantian, this line was vague. He thought it was only a warning to You Wanshan to not make trouble when he had four strong godsons by his side.

However, You Wanshan's team heard of the implied meaning. The four generals' valor, of disregarding Hell Valley's men, were actually hinting at the fact that these four amazing godsons handled their men hiding in the city!

But the next phrase really took the cake, pointing it out that Dugu Zhantian commanded the execution of all of them.

The eyes of the three house leaders went bloodshot, their nails biting into their hands. Zhuo Fan predicted that the three men would pointedly shift their anger from Luo clan onto Dugu Zhantian.

How could any of them ever forget a heavy loss of three elders and three Venerables?

"Marshal, everything must be done within a limit. But you have grossly crossed it!"

You Wanshan snorted and shot into the sky, leaving his last words of hatred behind, "Dugu Zhantian, I pray we'll meet again soon. I doubt such a senile fool can be a God of War forever!"

"Hey, did you see, Marshal? You just let them go, and all they give in return is spite!" Zhuo Fan honked some more.

Dugu Zhantian and his generals were lost, not having a clue of being turned into patsies by Zhuo Fan.

[How odd, why is there a sudden grudge between us?]

Dugu Zhantian frowned but couldn't make sense of it and sighed with a shake of his head, "There are no longer men with any integrity around!"

"I knew that teaching them a lesson was better!" Dugu Huo roared.

"You're right, third brother. How about you lead the army and I accompany you in flattening them!"

"Alright, that's enough. Yunhai, what did I tell you? Don't use my banner to show off and pick on the weak!" Dugu Zhantian glared at Luo Yunhai then cursed, "Is the Dugu Army that easy to mobilize?"

Luo Yunhai lowered his head not daring to speak again. But that didn't stop Zhuo Fan's smile of respect, "Marshal is wrong here. How can the seven houses be considered weak when we are the ones being picked on?"

Dugu Zhantian was startled, [He has a point]. But then he reacted and glared, "And you, Steward Zhuo, it almost settled before you started speaking, always mocking and inciting them. You, the dispossessed, the weak, just angered the strong until they coughed blood!"

This launched everyone in a fit of giggles, especially Iris and Peony Overseers. They hid their smiles as they started recalling the fake Song Yu's acting in Drifting Flowers City.

Zhuo Fan shrugged and kept his thoughts to himself, lest he became the target of the ol' Marshal's anger.

Sighing, Dugu Zhantian calmed the rage in his heart, then cupped his hands to Chu Bijun's group, "I know that you are different then them, coming to resolve the situation and not make it bigger. But I am under imperial order and I can't let you in Windgaze City."

"We understand!" Chu Bijun returned the gesture.

Dugu Zhantian nodded and went to his generals, "Return to camp!"

"Hold on, Marshal. There are matters young master needs to tend in the Luo clan. Can he..."

Dugu Zhantian nodded to Zhuo Fan, "Alright, the kid got me in a foul mood so I will hand him to you for today. Humph, I don't want to see him right now!"

Then he vanished. Luo Yunhai's face sank, "Big brother, does godfather hates me?"

"Ha-ha-ha, relax fifth brother, Marshal is only putting a tough front but he's a softy inside. He just favors you too much to stay angry for long. Once his anger passes, it'll be fine!" Dugu Lin smiled in mid-air.

Luo Yunhai relaxed.

He had been robbed of his father early in his life and started to consider Marshal a father figure after spending so much time with him...

Ruffling his hair, Zhuo Fan drew him to Long Yifey, Chu Bijun and the rest, "Ha-ha-ha, people, long time no see. You've come to help us? You can rest easy now, since everything is fine!"

"With little brother Zhuo taking charge, the Luo clan will be forever safe, ha-ha-ha..." Long Jiu said then introduced, "Brother, let me present to you our Pavilion Lord, Long Yifey. And here is Sword Marquise Abode's Abode Lord..."

Zhuo Fan had Luo Yunhai pay respects alongside him as Long Jiu introduced.

When it was Chu Bijun's turn, Chu Bijun nodded before Zhuo Fan could bow, "Qingcheng was right about you, Steward Zhuo. A man mighty in pen and sword is worthy of being Drifting Flowers Edifice's son in law!"

Ugh!

Zhuo Fan shook his head bitterly seeing the odd looks in everyone's eyes...

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Chapter 205, Friend From Afar

"Grandmother, you can't be speaking so casually, some people might misunderstand!" Squinting, Zhuo Fan's tone dropped, "My trip to Drifting Flowers City was all for the Bodhi Jade Sap. It had nothing to do with Chu Qingcheng. Please refrain from speaking such falsities in the future."

Chu Qingcheng was startled. [Drifting Flowers Edifice isn't some scourge, so why do you insist on keeping your distance? And what's not to like about Chu Qingcheng? She is a worldly beauty that has countless men treating her like a goddess.]

Long Yifey and the rest were also puzzled. [You just got a hot wife thrown in your lap so why on earth are you stepping aside? You aren't fed poison anyway so what's with that huge reaction?]

Peony Overseer's temper flared, cursing him, "Zhuo Fan, Qingcheng's love is wasted on you. How can you be such a disappointment?"

"Humph, disappointment you say?" Zhuo Fan stuck out his chest and bellowed, "I was the one who saved all of Drifting Flowers Edifice, this old crone included. I owe you jack-squat!"

Peony Overseer was now shaking out of rage. His words were right and she had nothing to say despite wanting to.

Chu Bijun's face twitched. She had had her fair share of travels in her youth, but never once met someone so brazen to curse her in her face. Especially not by a young pup.

The Lady of Steel wasn't one to take that tone lying down even if they were from the seven houses. Letting a snot-nosed brat off without teaching him a lesson would let others believe the Drifting Flowers Edifice was a pushover.

But Zhuo Fan was different. Since she woke up, all she heard were endless dreaded rumors about this legendary youth. And today she saw him playing Hell Valley and Dugu Zhantian like a fiddle into jumping at each other's throat.

Getting on the bad side of such a sly and vicious fellow would end in disaster.

The wise Chu Bijun knew who was easier to push around and save her prestige and who was better left alone and bear the brunt instead.

It was crystal clear in what category Zhuo Fan fell into.

Her only choice was to bear it! Though she was quite curious to know what nerve did this topic struck to irk him into flaring up at any who mentioned it.

"Humph, heartless rat!" All the Peony Overseer could do was curse him. Zhuo Fan ignored her all the same.

Long Yifey let out a wry chuckle trying to mediate the situation, "We're all on the same side. Must we get angry over something so minor? We need to focus on the task at hand and remove the danger our four houses face!"

"Pavilion Lord Long is right. Please forgive my rude remarks, Steward Zhuo!" Chu Bijun smiled.

Zhuo Fan glanced at her and secretly nodded.

No wonder people started calling her Lady of Steel, she was quite amenable. The issue had nothing to do with her, but for Drifting Flowers Edifice's sake, she was willing to take one for the team in being first to extend an olive branch.

Zhuo Fan wasn't unreasonable either, bowing, "Please forgive my rash behavior as well."

Chu Bijun nodded, with a smile of praise. Although Peony Overseer was still too pissed to look him in the eye.

"Seeing everyone here today I can only assume you have agreed to join hands!" Zhuo Fan suddenly took a sombre tone, "That would imply us four houses' objectives have aligned. Or more aptly put, we have been pushed into a corner and forced to ally!"

"Precisely!"

Chu Bijun picked up where he left, "Pavilion Lord Long with Abode Lord Xie and myself have participated in the Seven Houses Gathering at Regent Estate. As Steward Zhuo had suspected, they wish to rule over all the houses, with Hell Valley and the others already standing on Regent Estate's side."

"Oh, Seven Houses Gathering you say? Do tell me the details." Zhuo Fan's eyes glimmered.

Chu Bijun started recalling the meeting in minute details. Whatever she had missed were supplied by Long Yifey and Xie Xiaofeng.

Having understood what transpired, Zhuo Fan paced around with a frown, "I was wondering why Regent Estate didn't come to Windgaze City. I see it now. Estate Lord sure is a man of character!"

"Humph, what character? Big bro Zhuo, sending Hell Valley and the rest instead paints him for the coward he truly is!" Luo Yunhai mocked.

Zhuo Fan laughed, "Rotten brat, guess I have to teach you a harsh lesson, lest you encounter an expert from which you'd suffer dearly!"

"As the saying goes, the cruelest are the regents! I killed one of his sons, yet, he did not fly into rage, only sending experts to kill me in Windgaze City. In this manner, he is rather calm. He did not seek revenge but planned to test the imperial family's limit. It is clear this man's ambition is great. This is how a man should act when he wants to look at things from perspective."

"Kid, you will become Luo Clan Head one day. I won't say anything about being strong or having a cunning mind, but one thing you must never forget, to give no quarter!" Zhuo Fan snickered and patted Luo Yunhai's head.

They all felt ashamed. Did anyone guide their young master in such a way in this empire? But one thing was certain, Zhuo Fan's logic made complete sense. In this cruel and harsh world, things like compassion would only drag one down.

Chu Bijun took a long look at Zhuo Fan, and nodded, more to herself.

Zhuo Fan pondered for a bit before saying, "Currently, the imperial family has shown their stance so we should be safe for now. While the Luo clan, having Marshal Dugu on our back, is in an even safer position, ha-ha-ha..."

Zhuo Fan cackled to the speechless audience who thought, [Just what rotten luck did this guy stumble upon to get Dugu Zhantian's support?]

"Brother Zhuo, when did you get so close to Dugu Zhantian? I've been in Windgaze City for years and never heard of this." Long Jiu's curiosity got the better of him.

"Hmm, how should I put this?"

Zhuo Fan jutted his chin, while Luo Yunhai's face beamed with pride. He was quite frankly the second coming of Zhuo Fan in this world.

The other's faces twitched, [He's posing again! And there's two of them now!]

"Ha-ha-ha, we only met Marshal half a month ago. Getting so close in such a short time is evidence in and of itself. That nothing is impossible for me!" Zhuo Fan snickered.

Luo Yunhai added with a creepy laughter, "That is because I am of unmatched talent. It was only a matter of time for one such as I to find myself as godfather's disciple, ha-ha-ha..."

The others felt dark clouds looming overhead, [Zhuo Fan is a bad influence.]

Be that as it may, the grand God of War had nonetheless joined their fold in but half a month. This was unprecedented.

Chu Bijun felt the brunt of the news the most. She had ties with every great clan out there but never had she succeeded in turning any of them into a strong friendship. Her impression of Zhuo Fan went up a notch.

[No wonder he became a steward. He knows the ins and out of everything. He considers everything when making a choice.]

[Perhaps not even Unwonted Contriver can match his meticulousness.]

[For a third rate clan to jump in the first rate category through a single connection is unheard of!]

[With Zhuo Fan as steward, the Luo clan will most definitely rise above the seven houses. A pity he is so set against marrying into Drifting Flowers Edifice!]

Chu Bijun lamented.

"Since Luo clan is so outstanding, then should we stop supporting the Luo clan?" Having enough of Zhuo Fan being a wise ass, Long Yifey decided to play a practical joke.

Ugh!

The snicker froze on Zhuo Fan's face. He then spoke in all seriousness, "To be completely honest, Luo clan is lacking in resources. What Veiled Dragon Pavilion provided us so far was just a drop in the bucket. In any case, we four are now allies. Will the other two houses be willing to lend a helping hand and get this third rate clan to rise above?"

"Haven't you taken a year's worth of income with the ingredients you took the last time you were in Drifting Flowers City? What more do you want?" Peony Overseer glared.

Zhuo Fan smiled wryly, yet not denying, "Those are just ingredients for alchemy. Besides, don't we deserve at least some thanks for saving your house? How can you call that support?"

"You damn rogue!" Peony Overseer huffed.

Chu Bijun chuckled, "Ha-ha-ha, with all four of us in the same boat, the Luo clan will be our biggest ally. Helping you is helping us. Drifting Flowers Edifice will henceforth settle the Luo clan's ingredient problem!"

"Grandmother, you are wise beyond your age!" Zhuo Fan gave a thumbs up.

Xie Xiaofeng smoothened his beard, "Sword Marquise Abode is specialized in tool refining and has many ores. Then we shall supply you with the items needed to make spiritual weapons and demonic treasures."

Zhuo Fan's eyes shined and laughed inside.

Luo clan had many guards, but no weapon or armor to fit them with. He had lately been thinking of who to rob and solve this little snag.

[Damn that Xie Tianyang. Did it hurt to not tell me this sooner? And you call yourself my brother?] Zhuo Fan cursed.

Long Yifey twirled his mustache and shrugged, "I guess Veiled Dragon Pavilion will handle the rest?"

"Oh please, who else is there? You're the best merchant in Tianyu!" Zhuo Fan perked the corner of his mouth.

That sent everyone into a laughing fit.

With this, they all began to see Luo clan as a dependable ally.

They were yet unaware what the Luo clan would grow into, but with Dugu Zhantian shading them, it was worth investing in them.

Luo Yunhai felt the clan would experience a golden age with how many resources were coming over and was laughing at the sky, "It's good to have friends coming from afar!"

Iris Overseer praised, "He is quite clever, knowing how to gauge a situation!"

While all smiled, Peony Overseer was snorting at Zhuo Fan, "True, he is a clever little child and with proper manners too. Unlike someone else we know!"

She then said to Luo Yunhai, "Tell me, do you know what that means?"

"Of course. Big bro Zhuo had made me study many books these few days to last a lifetime!" Luo Yunhai laughed as he explained, "The more brothers that come, the more I can exploit. A true joy-"

Ugh!

Zhuo Fan covered his mouth before he could finish. The other looked at him with dark faces, boring holes into him.

"Uh, I am just a steward and not good at teaching..." Zhuo Fan blinked his large eyes in embarrassment.

The other's faces twitched, "On the contrary, you're too highly qualified..."

One thing was certain, this young master was a lost cause having been through Zhuo Fan's rotten hands...

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Chapter 206, Leadership

After ironing out a few more details regarding the alliance, Zhuo Fan and the rest parted ways, taking Luo Yunhai back to Blackwind Mountain. When he stepped through the gates, he shouted, "Old Pang!"

Captain Pang just returned and was already rushing to Zhuo Fan, "Brother Zhuo, orders?"

"Call everyone handling clan affairs over. Also..." Taking a long look at Luo Yunhai, he whispered something in Old Pang's ear.

Old Pang nodded and went straight to it, leaving a clueless Luo Yunhai staring at Zhuo Fan.

Shortly after, Luo Yunchang, Lei Yuntian and the rest clan officials gathered in the meeting hall. Even Li Jingtian and Yan Song, who watched over the two of the four 5th-grade arrays were present.

Zhuo Fan was in the seat of honor with one leg over the other and sipping tea. They were all baffled. Why would this guy call everyone over? Did something happen?

Zhuo Fan's casual disposition clearly pointed to the opposite.

Snickering, his eyes roamed over everyone present, "I have summoned you all here today to bear witness to the official entitlement of the next Clan Head. It's been two years since the three clans have joined and Windgaze City ultimately coming under Luo clan's rule. We, the Luo clan, are destined to enter the seven houses. Now that there's infighting amongst them, it presents us with the best chance to rise. But a snake cannot live without a head, and today we shall settle this matter! "

"Aren't you the snake head? And now you want to make it official, going after a power play here?" Lei Yuting rolled her eyes.

In any clan, this line would've earned widespread shock, while in the Luo clan, only a chuckle.

Even Luo Yunhai and Luo Yunchang found it funny. They had absolutely no worry Zhuo Fan would snatch the Clan Head position all for himself.

After all, Zhuo Fan was the one who called the shots in Luo clan's affairs, and even brought two strong elders over.

If he'd ever wanted the job, he'd have done it when the Luo clan was at its weakest, at its most vulnerable. Why the hell would he wait till now?

As such, to the Luo siblings, everyone was a potential traitor to the clan, but never Zhuo Fan. Because everything he had been doing was all for them.

Tapping his teacup, Zhuo Fan smiled, "Ha-ha-ha, I don't fancy myself a Clan Head. I can't bear the thought of staying cooped up as one for my entire life. So I've asked for you to witness this kid's title as the next head be in effect!"

Zhuo Fan turned to Luo Yunhai, who was staring blankly.

At this point, Captain Pang brought four men into the hall, the four traitors of Windgaze City. Zhuo Fan had made sure they were kept alive just so Luo Yunhai would be the one to pass judgment.

"Kneel!"

Captain Pang barked and the four fell, "I never liked any of you since the moment I saw you, but this time you only got yourself to blame!"

Cai Rong and the other three shivered with heads lowered from dread.

Zhuo Fan waved and a steel essence great saber sank into the stone floor. The four flinched, so scared they almost peed themselves.

[Is Zhuo Fan planning on executing us?]

Chuckling, Zhuo Fan turned to Luo Yunhai, "Yunhai, as a future Clan Head, it is your duty to punish these traitors!"

The others jerked. Now they realized what Zhuo Fan was going for. He had Luo Yunhai handle Luo clan's traitors and show his valor as Clan Head. But was he really going to make a child kill?

They all felt restless and Luo Yunhai couldn't stop shaking. He had always stuck to Zhuo Fan, copying his demeanor, showing off all the same, but not once did he stop to think the day would come he'd soak his hands in blood. Not this soon at least.

"Zhuo Fan, you're too much! He is but a child. How can you make him do such cruel things?" Luo Yunchang rushed to hug her baby brother while looking at Zhuo Fan with reproach.

Captain Pang couldn't take it either, smiling wryly, "Brother Zhuo, is there a need for young master to handle these pests? Let me do it and spare young master for dirtying his hands."

"Quiet! Are you the next Clan Head? Cai Rong is a Clan Head himself, and only a Clan Head can settle him!" Zhuo Fan glared.

Captain Pang jerked back and kept to himself.

Everyone was clear what Zhuo Fan was doing, to establish Luo Yunhai's authority in the clan and start him on the path of Clan Head. It was high time for everyone to no longer think of him as a helpless child!

Li Jingtian and Yan Song slightly nodded. Zhuo Fan may be somewhat obstinate, but his every action was for the good of the Luo clan!

If Luo Yunhai, the nominal Clan Head, would have someone else solve all his problems, he would no longer need to even think and would waste away.

Zhuo Fan was doing all this so the Luo clan would have a worthy successor!

All understood how much thought Zhuo Fan put into this. Luo Yunchang's heart was bleeding but steeled herself, pushing Luo Yunhai towards Zhuo.

Zhuo Fan eyed him coldly, until the child swallowed dryly and sweated bullets.

"Big bro Zhuo, don't joke around. I'm just a kid..." Luo Yunhai laughed dryly. But Zhuo Fan's face was unchanging, pitiless, "A child without a parent has long stopped being a child. If you don't do this, I promise that you will one day go through the massacre you went two years ago. At that time, you will regret not grabbing power!"

Shuddering, Luo Yunhai was brought back to those cruel times of seeing his Luo clansmen murdered around him – the screaming, her sister scrambling for their lives – and his eyes gradually hardened.

Ding!

Luo Yunhai lifted the great saber from the floor with a ringing. Seeing him approaching, Cai Rong's group was scared witless.

Yan Song's Yuan Qi had the four rooted on the spot, unable to make use of their own cultivation. They were so powerless even a three year-old could take their lives!

They watched Luo Yunhai get poisoned by Zhuo Fan's guile and were filled with dread!

"Yunhai, listen to me. Don't you remember Uncle Cai taking care of you? Our clans are longtime friends. I even gave you shelter..." Cai Rong pleaded, appealing to the child's innocence.

Cai Xiaoting bobbed his head, "Yeah, don't you remember big brother bringing you so many toys when I visit your Luo clan? Don't do this to us..."

"Yeah, yeah, and sister..." Sun Yufei went with the flow, but no matter how much she racked her brains, nothing came out, only a mournful cry, "Shit, sister never met you. I'm done for..."

Sun Clan Head sighed as tears streamed down his face. Never had he imagined their mighty clan in Windgaze City would live to see the day when a snot-nosed brat would cut their line short.

All the other around them looked on with derision!

[These bastards have no shame, no morals. They're willing to stoop to any low as long as it keeps them breathing!]

Yet, Luo Yunhai was steadfast, bringing the blade behind them. The screeching echoing from the blade being dragged was their requiem, making their hearts shudder with its tempo!

Ding!

Finally behind them, Luo Yunhai lifted the great saber way up. They heard the whoosh of the blade and the fours felt a chill crawling down their spine.

[I'm dead!]

They knew Luo Yunhai brushed off their words. They could already imagine their heads falling, closing their eyes and gnashing their teeth in preparation!

Zhuo Fan watched everything coldly as Luo Yunchang turned her head away. The others were about to witness their Clan Head's first act of exacting punishment to traitors!

Whoosh!

A cold glimmer flashed and the four felt a chill, yet no pain at all, nor any blood was spilled. When they opened their eyes, they saw a strand of hair slowly floating from each of them.

Luo Yunhai's childish voice sounded with a hint of power, "Luo and Cai clans are friends. My ancestors taught us to be steadfast and righteous. You were never kind to us, but I cannot be cruel to you! I heard how the ancient people cut their hair instead and, with the power invested in me as the Clan Head, I have severed your threads. But henceforth, our clans shall be strangers. And the next time you bring harm to us, your heads will roll!"

"As for the Sun clan, I spared them on account of Cai clan, as you are joined by marriage. So stop treating the Cai clan with such contempt. He was after all an elder of our Luo clan, and I hope not to see them in a bitter state after being driven away! "

The hall was still grave. All watched Luo Yunhai incredulously. None saw it coming, that a child was capable of such integrity, speaking of justice and benevolence.

It struck a cord even in Li Jingtian and Yan Song's hearts.

His words may have been naive, but were spoken with resolve! But doing it like this was going against Steward Zhuo's decision!

The two hadn't been in the Luo clan for long, but it was obvious at a glance who was the real master here. They turned stiffly to Zhuo Fan to see him gloomy.

It was unbearable for one to see the new lord he raised to disobey him in the end, especially if you were one with power. And this was Zhuo Fan, a man who was unruly, snatching power as he wished. This act was no different than having his power challenged.

Li Jingtian and Yan Song looked at Luo Yunhai with a sigh.

[Even if you're the future emperor, as a kid, if you don't mind your tone and butt into the war between officials, you'll end up dead...]

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Chapter 207, The Velvet Glove and the Iron Hand

Sensing Zhuo Fan's unnatural disposition, Luo Yunchang smiled widely as she cajoled, "Zhuo Fan, Yunhai is still just a child. He can't be..."

A light flick of his hand cut her off. Zhuo Fan had his eyes fixed on Luo Yunhai, cold as ice, "Kid, is this your final decision?"

Even a Profound Heaven expert would feel his knees soften and scalp going numb when Zhuo Fan stared at him like a viper. Luo Yunhai was still wet behind his ears and the effect was even worse.

Despite hesitating, Luo Yunhai's nod was firm, "Big bro Zhuo can kill them if he wants. But I do not believe they should die by our hands!"

[Humph, naive!]

Li Jingtian and Yan Song chuckled.

Zhuo Fan squinted and turned to the traitors. His gaze sent shivers down their spines and made their hearts feel as if it would explode in their chests.

In the end, Zhuo Fan had the final say. The only good thing about the wimp Luo Yunhai was his title as future Clan Head – emphasis on the 'future'.

But out of everyone's expectations, Zhuo Fan nodded a sigh, "No choice then. I really wanted to waste them, but since Clan Head spoke, we shall do it as he decided. Elder Yan, release them!"

"En-, come again?"

Yan Song was dumbfounded, "Steward Zhuo, are you sure?"

Getting a nod, Yan Song removed their restrictions and the traitor found themselves free to move.

They cautiously watched Zhuo Fan while gazing at Luo Yunhai baffled. They were in denial, never believing the ruthless Zhuo Fan would defer to a wimpy kid.

Their hearts were in chaos, not knowing what to do. So they began kowtowing in thanks for having their lives spared, but no clue as to who to thank!

They were still baffled. Should they be thanking Zhuo Fan or the kid?

"Now that Clan Head spared you, take a hike! But Elder Cai, I still feel the need to stress something..." Zhuo Fan's eyes flashed as his tone dropped, "You will never get the chance to use the Luo clan to rise!"

Shuddering, Cai Rong understood his hidden meaning. He sighed, taking his son and the other two through the door.

Zhuo Fan's meaning was simple. The Luo clan was strong enough to fend off the seven houses. The Cai clan also had a stake in this powerful clan but, unfortunately, he was blinded by the seven houses' exaggerated renown and jumped aboard the wrong boat.

The Luo clan's future was going to be one of constant development and the seven houses could no longer look down on them. But this no longer concerned this father and son pair. They brought this on themselves!

Once the four were gone, all eyes were on Zhuo Fan, finding him unlike his usual self today. This was the very first time he relented the decision in favor of another.

To a kid no less!

Luo Yunhai was baffled as well. He recalled how every time he ever talked back when they were fleeing for their lives, Zhuo Fan would hit him good.

Zhuo Fan, a servant, took advantage of his master's plight and vented. But this time...

"Big brother Zhuo, you aren't yelling at me for going against your decision?" Luo Yunhai blinked.

Zhuo Fan smiled, "Kid, you are Luo Clan Head and I the steward. Any advice is just that, advice. It is up to you to follow it. There's no disobedience here at all. Moreover, I said you have to deal with them, not kill them outright. Letting go of a few ants would hardly matter!"

The others exclaimed in realization, while also admiring Zhuo Fan.

Zhuo Fan may be cunning and deceitful, but he always held the benefit of the Luo clan above all else. He could have easily taken control of everything, but he instead worked tirelessly to raise Luo Yunhai into handling the clan's affairs. This was a clear cut sign he was willing to relinquish his power.

What man in a powerful position would ever think of giving it all away?

What the others didn't know was that Zhuo Fan prepped everything ever since the clan's misfortune. He didn't want a puppet but a truly strong clan.

Otherwise, he would've been better off if he had made his own faction instead!

"Sigh, I am both assured and sad by your decision!" Zhuo Fan shook his head and sighed.

Luo Yunhai asked curiously, "Big brother Zhuo, how can you be both?"

"You may not realize, but I am assured since you gathered up the nerve to stand up to me. As for sadness, that is because you are walking a completely opposite path from mine. All my time teaching you had gone down the drain!"

Luo Yunhai looked to her sister for an answer, but everyone was a s clueless as he was.

Smiling wryly, Zhuo Fan elaborated, "Every single ruler, be it a king, sect leader, or a mere Clan Head, rises to their position through their own way. There are of course thousands, tens of thousands of ways, but they all can be narrowed down to two. One is ruling the people with a velvet glove, and the other with an iron hand! When I do things, I don't need a reason. While you, kid, started preaching about righteousness and loyalty. Sigh, our paths are indeed opposite! "

They all started smiling wryly, with Luo Yunchang teasing, "With the Luo clan always having Steward Zhuo around, everyone started shaking in fear every day. Fearing they'd slip up and get a tongue lashing from you. If Yunhai ends up like you, the clan would be done for!"

They all burst out laughing.

Li Jingtian and Yan Song nodded instead. One Zhuo Fan had these two experts bending a knee. Despite their elder positions, it mattered not when this guy was around.

If there were two Zhuo Fan, that would be a disaster! They'd end up as slaves!

They were immensely gratified that the future Clan Head, Luo Yunhai, would have a different path than the demon Zhuo Fan.

But not for the Luo clan, it was all in self interest, relishing a better future in the clan.

However, Zhuo Fan mocked with a shake of his head, "Women aren't as witty as their long hair suggests! All people respect ruling with a velvet glove, but it is used merely as a front while it's core is rotten! How many people in this world truly rule with a velvet glove? The large majority rule with an iron hand in a velvet glove! If the Luo clan truly wants to grow into a benevolent clan, humph, I won't give it two years before it suffers calamity again!"

"What? T-then I'd rather walked the path of the iron hand like you!" Luo Yunhai blurted, "Get those four back at once. I won't be as lenient..."

Luo Yunhai spoke with eyes filled with tears. The slaughter two years ago was still very fresh in his mind and his judgment was clouded by it. He absolutely couldn't let it happen again.

Zhuo Fan could see the struggle in his heart as well.

Shaking his head, Zhuo Fan rubbed the kid's head, "The world may change, but your decision is final! The reason for today's affair was to see if you had it in you to be a Clan Head. Ha-ha-ha, and you passed with flying colors. The second reason was to see your path. It is a bit disappointing, but no worries, you have me!"

"What you don't want to do, I will do it for you. You don't want to bloodshed, I will erect a bone tower and throne for you to stand on! You rule with a velvet glove, and I will sweep everything with an iron hand. All until there is no one around to defy your word!"

"Big brother Zhuo!" Luo Yunhai wailed as he threw himself in his embrace.

Luo Yunchang bit her lip, tears glistening, "Thank you!"

The others nodded with even more respect.

The Luo clan may have nothing, but with Zhuo Fan there, it was enough!

"Old Pang, take the brat to Dugu Army!" He patted Luo's back and smiled, "Had your path been the same as mine, I would've guided you in your cultivation. But now I see that that old Dugu is the best suited for the job."

Captain Pang pulled an unwilling Luo Yunhai away.

Zhuo Fan turned to the rest, "You may all return to your duties! Elder Yan, Elder Li, you two stay!"

The others left, leaving only Li Jingtian and Yan Song behind.

Zhuo Fan sighed, "Just how is this possible? I've taught him for half a month already!"

"He-he-he, is Steward Zhuo still not over it? That brat must be like a son to you!" Li Jingtian chuckled, but he couldn't hide the admiration, "But Steward Zhuo, I bow before you in true admiration. If it were me, I'd have long taken power in this wretched and weak clan for myself. I've never seen one as devoted as you! The Luo clan is indeed steadfast and righteous. You have my entire respect!"

"Yeah, Steward Zhuo may be doing everything with an iron hand, but you are treating the Luo clan with a velvet glove! Such deep emotions and ethical behavior! I wonder what great favor has the Luo Clan Head done to Steward Zhuo to earn such devotion into raising his children?" Yan Song cupped his hands in respect.

Zhuo Fan rolled his eyes. His relation with the former Clan Head was nonexistent. It was all that damned heart demon's fault! Although his course of action was no longer entirely because of it, as he started to care for the Luo clan. But when it was all said and done, everything was in self interest.

So when they said he was using a velvet glove, he had to chuckle.

"You two have roamed the land for many years. Do any notable experts in fire and water attributes come to mind?" Zhuo Fan suddenly asked.

They exchanged a glance and said, "Why do you ask,Steward Zhuo?"

Squinting, Zhuo Fan replied, "Luo clan is currently safe, but trouble will soon come knocking! Of the four arrays, the Poison Dragon Array in the East is handled by Elder Yan, and the Dazzling Gold Array in the West by Elder Li, a body cultivator. I still need two experts to control the Blackflame Array in the South and the Ice Shadows Array in the North! If an attack comes, the four arrays can fend it off and also correlate with each other in not letting anyone out once they enter!"

Frowning, Li Jingtian said, "Two names come to mind now that I know what Steward Zhuo is looking for!"

"Who?" Zhuo Fan asked anxiously.

"Raging Ancestor, Qiu Yanhai, and Ice Moon Witch, Xue Qingjian!"

"What, those two old monsters?" Vicious Pill King yelled and started shaking his head vehemently, "Absolutely not. Those monsters are stubborn as mules. They refused to leave their seclusion even when Regent Estate invited them. The Regent Estate ended up forcing their way to them only to suffer dearly. None disturbed them since."

"Oh, and how is their strength?" Zhuo Fan raised an eyebrow.

"5th layer of Radiant Stage!" Li Jingtian's eyes shined, "I once fought with them myself. If the fight was one on one, I would've won, but they were working together, water and fire combined. Not even five of me could endure their attacks for long!"

"Oh, they know how to combine fire and water? He-he-he, very good. It's settled then!" Zhuo Fan grinned, "We're off at sunup!"

"But Steward Zhuo, how do we invite them?" Yan Song blinked in worry.

Snorting, Zhuo Fan snickered, "What invitation? I have always used an iron hand in everything. Elder Li, do you still have the two Spring Pills?"

"Of course, it's such an amazing pill and can't bear to throw it. Ha-ha-ha..."

The three shared a glance and started snickering evilly...

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Chapter 208, Fire and Water Conflict

At the crack of dawn, Zhuo Fan started on his journey with Li Jingtian to find those two old monsters without so much as a goodbye. He left Yan Song behind.

Luo Yunchang was mad after she heard Yan Song tell her this. [He's leaving and going whenever like this place is a tavern!]

Lei Yuting was just as pissed. Because ever since his return, he has not once 'talked' to her. They only spoke about the affairs of the outside and the Luo Clan; never freely!

"Humph, that brat must be seeing someone outside!" Lei Yuting's jaw was in a vice, her knuckles white, ready to pounce like a tigress.

Three days later, Dugu Zhantian had received imperial summons to return. The Dugu Army left swiftly, taking with them Luo Yunhai, since he was his 5th godson.

At the moment of parting with the Luo clan, Luo Yunhai felt somewhat sad seeing that Zhuo Fan wasn't there to see him off. It was normal for Dugu Zhantian to go off to war for decades, and who knew when the two would see each other again. He started feeling down.

Luo Yunchang rubbed his head in an attempt to console him, but it proved useless. Zhuo Fan came and went as he pleased, though all knew he always had the Luo clan's best interest in every move.

But every time he does this, it leaves everyone with a cold feeling! [You could at least say goodbye to the child!]

But Zhuo Fan never even considered such trifles. He only had long term returns in mind...

Three months later, two men stood in front of a hundred mile long steep and winding mountain range. Not able to see the end of it caused Zhuo Fan to sigh.

The mountain before them was called Snowfire Peak. One half was covered in endless snow, while the other in towering flames that made the entire sky shimmer from the heat. It's scorching blaze burned everything in a ten mile radius.

What was curious about it, was the middle ground, where the ice and fire met. The transition was jarring, as if someone drew a line. One step you'd be in ice, the next in a furnace.

People couldn't help but sigh at the world's wonders!

But Zhuo Fan knew this wasn't made by mother nature but men!

This used to be a vibrant place full of life, not the Snowfire Peak what was called today! This happened due to two old monsters staying here. They up and started trading blows shaping the mountain range with every exchange into this, a hell of fire and ice!

"How long did they fight to change the place so damn much?" Zhuo Fan sighed. But in his mind, he approved of such actions. Even in the Radiant Stage, such power was impressive for these experts to have. They sure fit the bill for who he was looking for.

Li Jingtian laughed wryly, "Steward Zhuo, they are a couple that used to fight against Tianyu and caused fear at their mere mention! But their character is strange, to put it mildly. They each cultivate an opposing cultivation method, they are unreasonable and do not answer to anyone! In the end, they settled here and the empire calmed. Though they did ruin this fine place, into this, ha-ha-ha..."

"Since that's the case, how come Regent Estate couldn't get them?" Zhuo Fan raised an eyebrow.

Shaking his head, Li Jingtian sighed, "Steward Zhuo, this pair is bizarre to extreme. You need to look beyond their mere lovers' spat. Once an enemy comes, they both rise to meet it. Their cooperation is seamless. At the time, ten Radiant Stage experts were forced to withdraw beaten to a pulp and filled with anger!"

[I see. They look to be at odds, but their hearts are together. To protect each other!]

Zhuo Fan nodded.

Hum~

Then, a sudden soul ripple passed over the two. They realized on the spot they'd been spotted.

"Elder Li, you know what to do, right?" Zhuo Fan spoke coldly.

Snickering, Li Jingtian nodded, "Of course, outsmart our betters, ha-ha-ha... "

"Li Jingtian!"

With a whoosh, a man in red came from the burning side of the mountain range, bellowing with such rage that jarred the two's ears.

Zhuo Fan eyed him carefully. He was a bald man in his sixties, had vibrant eyes as if they could shoot out flames, and heat seemed to be coming from his body constantly.

Not thirty meters from him, Zhuo Fan could feel as the scorching heat was evaporating even his sweat. He reckoned that any closer would have him combust!

[His fire Yuan Qi is so pure!] Zhuo Fan admired.

Li Jingtian took a step in front of Zhuo Fan to shield him and shouted, "Qiu Yanhai, it's been ages, but more uncouth than ever, it seems. You even release such pressure in front of a junior!"

"Humph, uncouth? Were you and Regent Estate any different? There were ten of you and only two of us back then!" Qiu Yanhai mocked, his eyes staring at Li Jingtian, "Mad Dipper, why are you here? There's no way you can beat us alone!"

Snickering, Li Jingtian said, "Raging Ancestor, take it easy. I've not come as your enemy. It is this young master of ours who has a fire physique and the Imperial Tyrant Body Art isn't suited to him. I was tasked by the Estate Lord to bring him here so you can take him as a disciple."

"Disciple?"

Qiu Yanhai frowned, "Your Regent Estate has many cultivation methods. Why must you come for mine specifically?"

"Ha-ha-ha, you're absolutely right. Regent Estate has many cultivation methods, but none greater than Imperial Tyrant Body Art. This young master wants to go higher, and has to train in the best fire cultivation method in the empire. Which brings me to you. Everyone knows Raging Ancestor's Heaven Searing Inferno is second only to the seven houses' cultivation methods in the profound rank!"

Qiu Yanhai nodded, but the mere mention of Regent Estate stirred a raging fire in him. How could he take a disciple? He snorted, "Li Jingtian, you've become more yellow on the inside ever since you joined the Regent Estate. If you wanted to show some goodwill in wanting me to have this kid as a disciple, the Estate Lord should've come himself. But seeing you here instead, proves all of Regent Estate is only a den of dogs! "

Li Jingtian was starting to get angry.

[Humph, I'm the yellow bellied one? We'll see who has real guts once you swallow this thrifty little Bloodworm!]

"Raging Ancestor, enough bullshit. Will you take him, or not?"

"No!" Qiu Yanhai barked, "You dare ask me to take your young master as a disciple when your ten Venerables had us two surrounded back then? Li Jingtian, you think I'm as gutless as you?"

Li Jingtian gnashed his teeth, his patience wearing dangerously thin. He could only curse, [We'll see soon enough!]

But just then, an annoyed voice sounded, "Elder Li, your boasting of Raging Ancestor to high heavens barely convinced me to come take a look. And what do I see now that I'm here? Hardly anything to look at. He's even worse than our Profound Heaven elders!"

Qiu Yanhai looked to see Zhuo Fan mocking him and snapped, "Cut the crap! I once fought ten of your Venerables and didn't lose once. How dare you say that?"

"Isn't it?" Zhuo Fan pointed at the mountain range with childlike fascination, "Look, our Profound Heaven elders scorched a mountain so thorough that it can't freeze! But you are so weak, with little Yuan Qi, letting half of it freeze back..."

Qiu Yanhai was flummoxed. Did the Regent Estate have such an ignorant youth to not even know of the fight between these two great experts?

To save his own face, Qiu Yanhai was forced to preach to the child, "Kid, I don't quibble with ignorant youths. But you need to understand something, this wasn't a mountain set on fire, but the result of the bitter battle between me and my wife!"

"Wow, amazing!" Zhuo Fan exclaimed, "You caused all this just from the aftermath of your battles. Not even our Venerables can do that!"

Qiu Yanhai nodded pleased, "Sensible lad!"

But Zhuo Fan's next line had him close to spitting blood, "Old Qiu, your wife is amazing. She almost froze your fire!"

Pff!

Qiu Yanhai shuddered from rage, "Punk, stop your nonsense! That's absolutely ridiculous. It is my fire that melted her ice!"

Raging Ancestor, who fought his wife for all this time, hated to be told he was weaker than her. Zhuo Fan knew this and still did it just to spite him.

Zhuo Fan shared a glance with Li Jingtian and the two were giddy inside.

But before Zhuo Fan could irk the old man some more, an elegant voice rang, "Little brother is so adorable. Sister could just eat you up! Hear that, you old coot? Even this pup can see you're weaker, so just admit it!"

A white figure floated before them.

Zhuo Fan looked to see a seventeen year old delicate girl, with bright eyes and dazzling smile. But Zhuo Fan knew it fully well she was a hundred years old hag.

And when she started to call herself sister, it sent a chill right down to his core!

He just couldn't make sense of something. The higher one cultivated, the long one's life was and the stronger one got. But this woman fancied wasting some of her cultivation to keep herself young and fit, to look like a fetching lady!

If this part would've been used to improve her strength, she would've soared by now. Wouldn't she have beaten the old guy ages ago?

Zhuo Fan shook his head. It was simply beyond his understanding.

But that was normal. A pragmatic and cynical man who only saw gain would never understand why a woman dolled herself for her man...

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Chapter 209, Extreme Fire and Extreme Water

"You're so pretty, sister!" Zhuo Fan entered kid mode the instant he saw her, raining fake praises on her.

The woman started pinching Zhuo Fan's wittle cheeks with a smile of joy, "That's so sweet, you little rascal! Sister doesn't much like anyone from Regent Estate, but I'll make an exception just for you!"

Zhuo Fan nodded with a smile, pointing at Qiu Yanhai, "Sister, are you his granddaughter? You look nothing alike! He's just so damn ugly. How can that thing ever relate to someone as beautiful as you?"

The woman's charming laughter made the world seem vibrant. She then pinched Zhuo Fan's cheeks stronger, "You're so adorable, you scamp. Hi-hi-hi..."

The two spectators broke into a coughing fit.

Li Jingtian in particular, who was doing his best to signal Zhuo Fan.

[I say, Steward Zhuo, I won't judge if you do it without even realizing. But if you are doing it knowingly... sigh, have you no conscience?]

Qiu Yanhai stared a hole into Zhuo Fan and cursed, "Are your eyes for decoration? That hag is a hundred years old. Even while using some cultivation to keep up appearances, her aura is nothing like that of a young lass. You mean to tell me that in all your time cooped up in Regent Estate you've never even seen a girl?"

"Oh?"

The woman replied before Zhuo Fan could, with a biting remark, "Old fart, just where exactly do you see me as a grandma and not a lady? You want to be slapped?"

"Humph, I rest my case. What lady in her right mind would call herself grandma? You're so old, but ever shameless!" Qiu Yanhai mocked.

The women went red and huffed in anger as she sent a palm attack.

In a flash of white, even the shimmering heat around them started turning into ice crystals!

Qiu Yanhai was fully focused on fighting back. With a flick of his sleeve, a blaze erupted, blocking the white light, "Old crone, you want to go at it again?"

"And what if I am? Who told you to run your mouth before this child that this grandma is old?"

"Humph, so what if I call you old? You're so on in years yet still thinking of raising a cherry boy into your sugar daddy?"

"Shut your mouth, you old fart!"

"..."

The two snapped at each other at every chance they got. Zhuo Fan and Li Jingtian smiled inside. It was then that Li Jingtian shook his hands vehemently, "People, I came here for this child to get a master, not to see a lovers' spat. And since brother Qiu is very much against the idea, we'll be taking our leave!"

"Later, sister!" Zhuo Fan waved sadly at the woman.

The woman's heart softened and shouted, "Wait, I love this child dearly. I'll teach him!"

"You can teach shit! He has a fire physique and only my fire cultivation method fits him. Why are you butting in when you're just a water cultivator?" Qiu Yanhai retorted sourly.

The woman brushed him off as she puffed out her chest, "Grandma fought with you for so long that I figured out your Heaven Searing Inferno and know it like the back of my hand. Why can't I take this kid in?"

Qiu Yanhai paused for a moment, realizing the truth of it, but still ridiculed, "He-he-he, I am not the best fire expert in Tianyu just from my cultivation method, but also this..."

His hand was holding a rumbling scarlet flame.

Zhuo Fan's eyes widened in shock, "Heaven and earth spirit flame, Earth Erupting Firesea!"

"Kid, you've got quite the eyes!" Qiu Yanhai raised an eyebrow, then nodded in pride, "Precisely, if you were to be my disciple, beside the Heaven Searing Inferno, you will get a fragment of this Earth Erupting Firesea. That will make you my true successor!"

Zhuo Fan nodded.

Now he knew why Raging Ancestor was so strong to fend off ten Radiant Stage experts alongside Ice Moon Witch. They were not only in sync, but had the Earth Erupting Firesea as well.

Despite all being called heaven and earth spirit flame, some were better than others. Vicious Pill King's Bone Soul Truefire came from the bowels of a corpse deep in the earth, a yin but gentle flame. It was best used in refining, while falling short in combat.

As for the Earth Erupting Firesea, it came from the heart of a volcano, volatile to extreme. It was a yang and fierce flame that not only helped in refining but also an important asset in battle!

Zhuo Fan flicked his eyes on Li Jingtian.

[This guy got the upper hand on Qiu Yanhai back then, even when the other used the Earth Erupting Firesea. It is obvious how strong his body was. And that was only at the 7th stage of Imperial Tyrant Body Art.]

Now, he not only changed to the Wraith Art, but also had the three matching profound ranked martial arts. Who knew how far he could go? Mad Dipper was a martial fanatic through and through. He has a body of a refining genius. Zhou Fan truly struck gold when he had this old man join his gang.

Noticing his gaze and easily figuring out what he was thinking, Li Jingtian chuckled with his head thrown back.

"Uh, sister, he said I can get the heaven and earth spirit flame if I become his disciple. What if..." Zhuo Fan pointed at Qiu Yanhai with a bright smile.

Squinting, Ice Moon Witch wasn't about to back down just like that, "Child, don't be so hasty. What that old guy has, so do I! "

[Damn, the guy is a fire expert. Getting a heaven and earth spirit flame was a cinch for him. While you, a water expert, dare say you have one as well? Aren't you afraid it's gonna conflict with your cultivation method?]

But the next thing he knew, Zhuo Fan was staring into the Ice Moon Witch hand. She was holding a flickering and bright bluish fire.

Zhuo Fan's eyes twitched and shouted, "Holy hell, the Ice Heart Moon Soul?"

Correct. Among the rarest heaven and earth spirit flames, the one to match a water cultivator the most was this Ice Heart Moon Soul!

This fascinating flame came to be in the core of a ten thousand years old ice that had been bathed by moonlight for another ten thousand years. Its warmth was bliss, its nature one that brought inner peace while also doing wonders to one's cultivation.

But its most redeeming quality was that it could freeze any and every single thing in the world. No one could fend it off.

Taking another look at the two, Zhuo Fan now knew why these monsters could repel Regent Estate's ten Venerables.

With Earth Erupting Firesea and Ice Heart Moon Soul working in tandem, their power would explode. They were capable of drawing out the most of their power by joining hands. That was how they beat those ten Radiant Stage experts!

"Oh my, you sure know a lot, child! It is a rare heaven and earth spirit flame, but not many know of it. How is it you recognized the Ice Heart Moon Soul with just a glance?" Xue Qingjian eyed him inquisitively.

Zhuo Fan laughed wryly, "Something I picked up from an ancient book, ha-ha-ha..."

"Hey, the kid wants to train in fire. You're Ice Heart Moon Soul is pretty enough, but doesn't suit him! I advise you to stop butting in!" Seeing Zhuo piqued Xue Qingjian's interest, Qiu Yanhai shouted.

Darting his eyes around in thought, Zhuo Fan caught on to something. He grabbed Xue Qingjian's hand and started waving it around in his best childlike tone, "Sister, I really really want to train with you, but our attributes don't match. I can't use the Ice Heart Moon Soul either. Can you make the old man share his Earth Erupting Firesea with me?"

"Hey, punk, hands off the crone!" Qiu Yanhai was fuming mad.

Xue Qingjian raised an eyebrow and laughed, "Alright, I'll help you!"

She turned to Qiu Yanhai, "Old fart, are you up for a bet?"

"What kind?"

"Per usual. If you get even half a move over me, I won't take the kid as a disciple. If I get the upper hand, then you will give the Earth Erupting Firesea to the kid as a gift to my disciple. What do you say?" Xue Qingjian shouted.

Zhuo Fan hugged Xue Qingjian, "No, sister. I want to stay with you. I want no Earth Erupting Firesea!"

"No worries, child, this old geezer has never beaten me once!" Patting his head, Xue Qingjian giggled.

Qiu Yanhai was pissed off by the taunt, "Damn punk, didn't I tell you to lay off the crone?"

"No way!" Xue Qingjian and Zhuo Fan jutted their chests and replied at the same time. One could almost see steam coming out of Qiu Yanhai's head. But since he didn't dare flare at Xue Qingjian, he directed it all on Li Jingtian, "Old freak, you brought this pretty boy. After I finish here, I'll settle the score with you!"

Li Jingtian shrugged.

"Fine, it's a deal!" Huffed Qiu Yanhai, "Let's go to our old place!"

He vanished the instant he finished talking. Xue Qingjian laughed and followed, with Zhuo Fan shouting behind her, "Sister, I don't care about that fire. Just don't get hurt..."

But when the two were gone, Zhuo Fan flipped back to his calm and calculating face, "Have a pleasant flight, you two~!"

"Ha-ha-ha, Steward Zhuo changes faces quite fast. If I didn't know you any better, that innocent act of yours would've taken me in from the start, thinking you're just a naive kid!"

"Tone down the flattery!"

Zhuo Fan snapped his flickering eyes on Li Jingtian, "You think those monsters are that easily fooled? Humph, they were always on guard!"

"Uh, does that mean our plan is botched? They won't fight?"

"Hardly!"

Zhuo Fan snickered, "Oh, they will fight alright, and go all out as well. Because whenever the old hag wants a fight, the old guy will naturally assist her! But they will always be on guard, because of you!"

Li Jingtian frowned.

Zhuo Fan continued with a chuckle, "While disregarding me completely..."

Just then, a massive boom echoed, followed by the sky splitting in half. One side was filled with a raging inferno to burn the world asunder, while the other a fierce blizzard capable of freezing everything.

Zhuo Fan snickered, "One is extreme fire and the other extreme water, but neither can escape from my palm. I must have these elders..."

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Chapter 210, Mad Battle of Fire and Water

Boom~

With shocking explosions that reach the ninth heaven, all the clouds scattered. It felt as if the world was heading to the end and the earth quaking so hard it would crack open.

Zhuo Fan and Li Jingtian were spectating at the foot of the mountain nonplussed about it all. The battle went for three days. Despite the raging inferno towering on one side, it was unable to thaw the imposing glacier on the other side even a fraction.

Raging Ancestor and Ice Moon Witch went back to their usual stalemate.

Half a month later, their battle only escalated. So much so that even Zhuo Fan and Li Jingtian could feel in danger. They had to retreat a hundred miles.

Finally after a long two month raging battle, it showed signs of subsiding. Zhuo Fan snickered, "It won't be long now!"

After a constant three months racket, the place had finally become silent with one final boom. The flames swallowing half the sky retreated and the blizzard stopped.

Zhuo Fan smiled, "Elder Li, it's our turn to join the act. Let's see your performance!"

"Ha-ha-ha, ever since I switched to Wraith Art, my power has increased greatly over the months. I won't let Steward Zhuo down!"

Laughing, Li Jingtian grabbed Zhuo Fan's hand and flew to Snowfire Peak...

In the place where fire and water met on Snowfire Peak, Xue Qingjian was kneeling on the ice, gasping for breath. Scarlet blood dripped from her mouth yet her dagger stare never left her opponent, "Old fart, you finally went all out?"

"Old hag..."

Qiu Yanhai, just as weakened as her, was shying away from looking Xue Qingjian in the eye, "Forgive me, I ended up hurting you..."

Xue Qingjian squinted, "Screw your apology. Who knew you're such a faker to hide your strength. You lied to me all these years! Speak, what is your real aim?"

"Uh, Qingjian, don't misunderstand, I've joined with you so many times in fighting our enemies despite our differences. How can I have a nefarious aim?"

"Why else would you hide your strength for so long? Half a year ago, I still thought we're still in a tug of war. How come you're stronger all of a sudden? Humph, you faker!" Xue Qingjian flicked her head away.

Qiu Yanhai was panicking. He scratched his head and then sighed, "Qingjian, we've fought for more than a hundred times these past decades. And each time I could have won! You are too brash and quick to anger to accept this outcome, so I kept this from you..."

"Show off!"

But Xue Qingjian would have none of it, cutting him off with a glare, "Why stop now then?"

Qiu Yanhai was startled and said in a sad voice, "How could I not? If I lose now you'll end up taking that pretty boy in. A lone man and a single young-looking woman together, who knows what would happen..."

Xue Qingjian saw him all cold on the outside but quite warm and fuzzy on the inside, and burst out laughing. Qiu Yanhai was clueless.

"You big lug, you thought I didn't realize you were going easy all these years?" Xue Qingjian smiled, then she bore her hateful eyes in him, "Humph, I only used the kid as an excuse to make a bet with you. It was the only way to make you go all out, or you'd still be keeping this charade. I may be quick to anger, but not petty!"

Qiu Yanhai blinked then beamed, "You mean... you didn't fancy the pretty boy?"

"Uh, well..." Xue Qingjian showed a teasing smile, "May not necessarily be untrue. I could just eat that kid up from how adorable he is. But that'll depend on how you behave. If you dare lie to me again, I won't stop at just one..."

"I won't, I won't. In the rare case we fight again, I'll make sure to go all out and beat you silly..."

"What?!" Xue Qingjian glared at him.

Qiu Yanhai shrank back, smiling wryly as he scratched his head. Xue Qingjian couldn't help but laugh at his antics.

The pair's decades long spat had finally experienced closure...

Whoosh!

Suddenly, Li Jingtian brought Zhuo Fan over. Zhuo Fan was shocked to see Xue Qingjian hurt and ran over, "Sister, you're hurt! Here's a pill to help you recover!"

"Hey, brat, you're not allowed to get too close. The old hag lost!" Qiu Yanhai saw Zhuo Fan so concerned over her and jealousy won over him again.

Zhuo Fan took out a vial for her, "Sister, this Spring Pill can heal you and restore your Yuan Qi. Take it."

Xue Qingjian frowned. She had her guard up even towards this seemingly innocent youth.

Bam!

Suddenly, the vial flew from his hand. Zhuo Fan turned to see Li Jingtian watching them coldly, "What are you doing, Elder Li?"

"Young master, they are Regent Estate's enemies. Now that they're weak, it's the best chance to kill them!" Li Jingtian spoke with towering bloodthirst shining in his eyes.

Xue Qingjian and Qiu Yanhai paled, and Zhuo Fan panicked. He spread his arms in front of Xue Qingjian, "Stop, Elder Li! Aren't you here to help me get a master? Why..."

"Humph, that would've been perfect. But killing them would be so much better!" Snickering, Li Jingtian snorted, "Young master, step aside. I don't want to hurt you, or worse, kill you. I cannot bear such responsibility!"

"Li Jingtian, how dare you! My dad..."

"Not even the Estate Lord can save you. In fact, he may even agree to my actions! Exchanging a kid's life for two old enemies is totally worth it!" Li Jingtian glared at Zhuo Fan.

Zhuo Fan reeled two steps back in fear, unable to accept the cruel reality.

Xue Qingjian and Qiu Yanhai nodded at each other. This was more like Regent Estate's style!

"Oh, the pill!"

Zhuo Fan shouted. He started searching frantically for it, "Sister, take the pill and recover..."

Li Jingtian squinted and sent a palm attack around where the vial landed.

But a sudden figure blocked it, Raging Ancestor.

Xue Qingjian then picked the vial and said, "Little brother, is this pill that good?"

"Of course!" Zhuo Fan smiled in glee.

Li Jingtian shuddered, worried she was going to take the pill. He charged at her with another palm attack.

But Qiu Yanhai was there to block him again, using his Earth Erupting Firesea to launch a sea of flames.

Boom!

Earth Erupting Firesea was strong, but Li Jingtian had toughened up since before. And since Qiu Yanhai had fought for three months, he was no longer Li Jingtian's match.

Pff!

Fresh blood spurted from Qiu Yanhai as he flew into the air. Li Jingtian then shot for Xue Qingjian.

"Fire and water combine, Dragon and Phoenix!"

Xue Qingjian and Qiu Yanhai shouted at the same time. Their hand signs synced and a pair of fire dragon and ice phoenix formed behind them.

The fire dragon was made from the Earth Erupting Firesea and the phoenix from the Ice Heart Moon Soul!

The two pointed and the mighty creature fused their powers, charging for Li Jingtian. With the phoenix and dragon working in tandem, their powers were feeding off each other, growing tens of times stronger.

When they arrived before Li Jingtian, they were a thousand meters large.

Zhuo Fan clicked his tongue inwardly.

[This is a fire and water combining art that amplified each element's power geometrically. Even a 6th layer Radiant Stage expert will receive a heavy wound taking such an attack head-on.]

But that was regarding your run of the mill Radiant Stage expert. And Li Jingtian was anything but that!

Zhuo Fan didn't notice a snicker creeping on his lips. He was fully confident of Li Jingtian.

And sure enough, Li Jingtian didn't lose his calm in front of such an onslaught. With a shout, his entire body was covered in black energy, the Wraith Art!

Li Jingtian turned into a black diamond and charged the attack as a black dragon image formed behind him, "Wraith Style's first move, Soaring Demonic Dragon!"

Roar!

The wail threatened to collapse the skies.

A black dragon was facing off against a pair of fire dragon and ice phoenix. The impact affected even the Snowfire Peak. Despite being covered in ice and flames, it threatened to crumble in the aftermath.

Roar!

With another dragon roar, Li Jingtian saw he was caught in a deadlock and shouted, "Wraith Style's second move, Ghostly Dragon Claw!"

The fire dragon and ice phoenix were swept by a claw, exploding in wails. The shockwave even stripped the Snowfire Peak's ice and fire!

Rumble~

The rumbling continued as the wave spread across the entire mountain range, removing the ice and fire completely. Xue Qingjian and Qiu Yanhai were thrown back dozens of steps. They were looking in fear at Li Jingtian as if he was a demonic god.

Even exhausted as they were, they would've had no trouble fending off the old Li Jingtian. But it was clear that Li Jingtian wasn't the one of old. He was a true Mad Dipper now.

He was unlike his past self, now, he was like a living demonic god. Tens of times stronger than both of their weakened selves' attacks combined.

"That's no Imperial Tyrant Body Art. W-what freaky art are you training in?" Qiu Yanhai swallowed in shock.

Grinning, Li Jingtian was immensely pleased by his progress and also grateful to Zhuo Fan, "Humph, the dead need not know!"

The two jerked, knowing now Li Jingtian was not going to stop until either side was dead.

The way they were now, they were no match for Li Jingtian. That left them with one choice only...

Xue Qingjian looked at the vial in her hand, at the Spring Pill pill inside.

Zhuo Fan snickered secretly, [Hook, line and sinker...]

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Chapter 211, Two Spirit Animals

"Sister, run, I'll hold him off!" Zhuo Fan shouted. He threw himself at Li Jingtian to hold him back.

Li Jingtian barked, "Young master, what are you doing? Don't force my hand!"

"I don't care! You are not allowed to harm sister!" Zhuo Fan shouted, his eyes filled with resolve.

Xue Qingjian and Qiu Yanhai were moved. They looked in each other's eyes and nodded.

Xue Qingjian opened the vial and gave a pill to Qiu Yanhai, "I don't know if the pill will be of much help, but we cannot let the boy's efforts be in vain!"

"He-he-he, old hag, that pretty boy must've got under your aged but still pretty skin." Qiu Yanhai grinned.

Xue Qingjian snapped to hide her blush, "Old fart, you're still a wise ass despite being an antique. Hurry up and take the pill so we can live through this!"

Xue Qingjian stroked the ring on her finger and muttered, "Sweetie, come out and protect me!"

Shriek~

With a cry, a twenty meter long white falcon appeared overhead. It flew in circles above, releasing a cold wind that blew to form a barrier around her.

"5th level spiritual beast, Snow Falcon!" Zhuo Fan and Li Jingtian cried.

The shock was far from over, as Qiu Yanhai also shook his hand with a smile.

A roar echoed in everyones ears as a scarlet tiger with flaming wings came out of his ring.

The scarlet tiger circled Qiu Yanhai, it's ten meter long tail flicked at a fifty meter tall cliff, rendering it into rubble. Its fiery eyes staring daggers into Li Jingtian.

"5th level spiritual beast, Earthcore Flame Tiger!"

Li Jingtian's eyes trembled, as did his heart. He was in ever more awe of Zhuo Fan. It all went just as he said. This old pair may have fought each other till they went senile, but still had kept a hidden card to deal with him.

He didn't see such spirit animals the last time they fought, thus making them the couple's last card.

Zhuo Fan was also wide eyed, rather from excitement than fear. The more the old monsters had up their sleeve, the more he felt they were worth the effort.

"Young master, step aside! I have to settle them here and now!"

"No!"

Li Jingtian roared, but Zhuo Fan still held him tight. Irritated, Li Jingtian slapped Zhuo Fan, "Then you only have yourself to blame for what comes next!"

Despite the fierce palm attack, Zhuo Fan showed no fear. Xue Qingjian's eyes jumped but only shouted, "Kid, we will avenge you!"

Xue Qingjian and Qiu Yanhai swallowed a pill each without an ounce of hesitation. They sat cross-legged to absorb it as the two 5th level spiritual beasts stood guard.

Creak!

Li Jingtian's deadly palm grounded to a halt. Zhuo Fan snickered, easily slapping the palm away.

Pa!

Zhuo Fan straightened and eyed Li Jingtian with a wicked smile, "All that's left is for them to absorb the pill!"

"Ha-ha-ha, Steward Zhuo truly works in mysterious ways. You're far more cunning than that Unwonted Contriver. Those two actually took the so-called pills. They used to be so cautious about everything, only to fail in the end!" Li Jingtian laughed.

The two spiritual beasts were stunned. Their masters called them out to stand guard, but why was it that this old guy was taking his sweet time, with not even a measly intention to attack?

Zhuo Fan snickered, "Elder Li, easy on the flattery. There's nothing mysterious about my skills. I only guided them to this outcome. The more dangerous the moment, the easier it is for a cautious man to let his guard down. If he can see a thread of hope, he will grab it without fail. A bitter pill to swallow is quite the fitting description, don't you think? All I did was set up the stage for this peril to unfold and make them swallow a pill they had no knowledge off!"

Li Jingtian's eyes shined in admiration. [He is mighty in the pen and the sword. His methods are convoluted and impossible to see through them. He is the genius of the millennium!]

"By the way..." Zhuo Fan eyed Li Jingtian puzzled, "Elder Li, you said Regent Estate wanted to subdue this pair and even sent ten Radiant Stage experts. But didn't Unwonted Contriver Leng Wuchang pull any tricks?"

"Ha-ha-ha, of course he did. Only he lacked your Bloodworms. So his only plan was to surround the two with Regent Estate's forces. But it backfired instead, and the matter was dropped. The Estate Lord at the time wanted to force the pair into submission, but was forced to forget about this when they were just too stubborn and had no way to make them capitulate!"

Zhuo Fan nodded. It wasn't Leng Wuchang's fault for not succeeding, but the lack of means to do it. Without his Bloodworms, even Zhuo Fan would've gone home empty handed.

As they talked, the couple slowly opened their eyes and shot to their feet. But the view left them speechless.

Where did Li Jingtian's fierce bloodthirst go? Why was the kid safe and sound?

They recalled how the last image before closing their eyes was that of Li Jingtian's devastating palm coming swiftly on the kid's head!

Zhuo Fan easily saw through their doubt and bowed, "Seniors, let me reintroduce myself. I am not from Regent Estate, but Luo clan's steward, Zhuo Fan. I represent our Clan Head when I invite seniors into our clan as elders. Please allow us this boundless honor, seniors!"

"What?!"

The two were shell-shocked as they turned to Li Jingtian. He nodded with a laugh, "As you can guess, I'm no longer Regent Estate's Venerable, but Luo clan's elder. I was reminded of your impressive power and since you didn't belong to any house, we came to extend an invitation!"

The two's hearts shuddered from shock.

Who was this Luo clan to win over Li Jingtian, an astounding expert from Regent Estate? It wasn't just a taunt at Regent Estate, but making a hole in their defenses!

What's more, Regent Estate remained passive. Or they wouldn't have had the time to come here. Just what kind of house was this Luo clan to drive fear even into Regent Estate?

They may be shocked, but they were still as stubborn as a mule. Xue Qingjian laughed, glaring at Zhuo, "Little brother, I did say I will take you in, but I never mentioned anything about you having me!"

"Quite right, only I can have this crone, ha-ha-ha..." Qiu Yanhai laughed without shame, earning a blush and a glare from Xue Qingjian.

Zhuo Fan scratched his nose, "That's fine as well. My forte is that I do not like to force people. Though I may perhaps have a little loathsome fault. Whatever I set my eyes on, I must have it. And what I can't have, no one else can!"

Zhuo Fan made a sign before the two could react.

The air filled with the couple's wails as Xue Qingjian and Qiu Yanhai's head bled out along with the accompanying excruciating pain. The spiritual beasts were startled and flew at Zhuo Fan.

[This brat is the real menace, hiding himself to such extent!]

Zhuo Fan wasn't the least bit afraid, "You two better sit and behave or all you'll get is your masters' corpses."

Zhuo Fan made a hand sign and the couple spat blood. It then started pouring from every orifice of their head like a fountain.

The spiritual beasts stopped in panic, freezing in uncertainty. But their pitiful eyes bore into Zhuo Fan, begging for mercy.

Li Jingtian shook his head. With Zhuo Fan's mean streak, not even spiritual beasts could escape his grasp, least of all fellow humans.

Brushing past those two poultry's begging gazes, Zhuo Fan walked to the couple and flashed his most dastardly grin he could muster, "Seniors, why must you suffer so? As long as you agree to join the Luo clan..."

"W-what did you do to us?" Qiu Yanhai barked.

Helpless, Zhuo Fan started explaining to them Bloodworms' effect with a smile, "You shouldn't take candy from a stranger, much less a pill. Ha-ha-ha..."

The demonic cackle sent a chill down to their very core. They, who roamed the land for decades without anyone standing in their way, were played by a snot-nosed brat.

"This is the last time I'm asking. Will you comply?" Zhuo Fan said.

"Death before dishonor. We will never submit!" They both said in unison.

Zhuo Fan sighed, "I'm only asking you to be guarding elders in the Luo clan. There's no dishonor in it at all. But don't take my word for it, ask Elder Li."

"Steward Zhuo is always courteous and respectful!" Li Jingtian shouted, while cursing inside, [With the occasional bouts of cruelty in between!]

He could recall as if yesterday, when he and Yan Song voiced their complaints, Zhuo Fan flew into a rage. It was only thanks to Luo Yunchang that the two managed to calm his anger just by kneeling.

Who knew what'd he do to them otherwise?

Li Jingtian felt an odd sense of kinship with the pair in this regard. Luo clan's elders were perhaps the most miserable elders in the whole wide world. One's life didn't rest solely at Clan Head's whims, but more so at the steward's.

And before you'd even begin to consider Clan Head's whims, you'd first have to go with the steward's. [You tell me, is that what you call an elder? Even Regent Estate is better than this steward...]

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Chapter 212, Fire and Water Join the Fold

"No way in hell are we going to submit!" The two were very much thick in the head, shaking their heads at Zhuo Fan's every attempt to sway them.

Then the smile faded from Zhuo Fan's face.

"Since you are unable to face reality, you'll only have yourself to blame for what happens next!" Zhuo Fan spoke coldly.

A mere sign for him had the two writhing on the ground in wails of pain. Their limbs contorted and cracking was heard each time a bone shifted.

Blood pooled beneath them but not from any visible wound. It was akin to twisting a towel to squeeze all the water out.

This was one pain not even these two old veteran monsters could cope with. It stabbed their very core.

Li Jingtian rejoiced inwardly. [Thank heavens I switched sides so quickly. Who knows what untold suffering might have awaited me besides this one? This is inhumane!]

This time, he watched Zhuo Fan in fear.

The two spirit animals panicked at their masters' suffering. They once again flew at Zhuo Fan, but Li Jingtian jumped in defense.

All while Zhuo Fan held an uncaring hand sign.

A series of pops sounded as the couple's bodies went off like firecrackers as wounds opened all over them and setting them off into another round of even more heartrending wails.

Zhuo Fan turned to the two poultries, "Don't pets know how to obey? I told you to sit down and behave, or they won't get to live much longer!"

Their charge stopped, reduced to flying in circles from worry. They could neither withdraw nor retreat, forced to watch their masters in tears.

If they could talk, they'd urge their masters to give in. One should know when he's beaten!

But all they could do was cry out in sounds no human could decipher.

Zhuo Fan shook his head, "Your pets are worried sick. Why must you be so cruel to yourselves?"

"He-he-he, punk, don't look down on us. We may have fallen in your trap, but there's no way you'll make us submit. Get it through your thick head!" Qiu Yanhai cackled through the pain.

Xue Qingjian showed a mournful smile, "Ha-ha-ha, old fart, we've done whatever we wanted for so long, only to die at the hands of a child. We've lost all respect. My only joy is that I can die alongside you!"

"As am I, ha-ha-ha..." Qiu Yanhai nodded, determined to stare death right in the face.

On the brink of death, these two could still show a smile of joy. Even Zhuo Fan was touched, [These guys are the real deal, so goddamn stubborn!]

But the more they were like this, the more they tickled Zhuo Fan's fancy!

Whenever hearts came to mind, Zhuo Fan was an expert at striking where it hurt the most. Didn't he turn Li Jingtian and Yan Song on his side the same way? The reason for the couple's tough character was love. This was both a strength and a weakness.

Zhuo Fan deadpanned, "I had a fairly short time to know you but I can see how deep you love each other. Are you so set in watching the other die?"

"He-he-he, punk, how can a brat like you know what love is?" Grinning, Qiu Yanhai looked deeply into Xue Qingjian's eyes with a gratified smile, "As long as she is with me, I welcome death!"

Xue Qingjian nodded with a beautiful smile.

Zhuo Fan let out a cruel smile, "I don't know love, is it? Humph, then let me tell you of the love that I see!"

"First of all, you..." Pointing at Qiu Yanhai, Zhuo Fan sneered, "You fought with this old hag for all your life yet not won once? You both have the same cultivation, the same rare flame, but she used some cultivation to keep herself young. Of course she's the weaker one. How could you not beat her? It's clear as day you went soft on her each time!"

Qiu Yanhai only had a prideful smile in reply.

Zhuo Fan turned to Xue Qingjian, "And you, in this world might make right and you went and wasted some cultivation just on looks. The way I see it, you're clearly asking for death. It was fine if you were someone going out in public every day, but who will see you when you're hiding out in a mountain? Humph, of course I know you dolled yourself for your man. How could I not? But the way I see it, it was a complete waste..."

"What, Qingjian, you stayed young just for me?" Qiu Yanhai ignored Zhuo Fan's disdain, watching Xue Qingjian in gratitude, "I need to look closer then. I must've been blind to not appreciate you all these decades!"

Xue Qingjian blushed and pouted. She took Zhuo Fan's critique as a compliment.

Zhuo Fan didn't mind, since this was his aim. He wanted to spur their love to the highest possible point, only to smash it down to pieces.

"Humph, you must really think I'm singing you praises, right? Well let me tell you, love is your greatest weakness!"

"Bullshit! Our love is eternal. We live and die together and there's nothing you can do to stop it!" Qiu Yanhai mocked.

"Oh really?"

Grinning, Zhuo Fan grabbed Xue Qingjian's fair neck, Qiu Yanhai shouted in fear, "What are you doing? Take it up on me if you're a man and leave my woman out of it!"

"Don't fall for it, old codger. If one dies, the other will soon follow. Nothing he'll do will make a difference!" Xue Qingjian glared.

Qiu Yanhai nodded and relaxed.

Zhuo Fan, however, snorted, "You think it's that easy to die in my hands? Fret not, I won't kill you, though I have the nagging feeling you're going to beg me for it later!"

A black energy came from Zhuo Fan and seeped into Xue Qingjian as he began using Demon Transformation Art.

Xue Qingjian's Yuan Qi was sucked away and her body started to age, her hair whiting.

But that wasn't caused by Demon Transformation Art, but from having the Yuan Qi reserved in keeping appearances stripped away.

"Ha-ha-ha, old hag, so this is how you really look. You can no longer keep up your youth. Why don't you let your old man get a nice long look at you now!"

Zhuo Fan laughed, twisting Xue Qingjian's head towards Qiu Yanhai. He also put a mirror in front of her to see her true face.

Xue Qingjian shuddered at the aged, grizzled hair old woman. She wailed, "No~, old codger, don't look..."

"Ha-ha-ha, nice try, but your body is under my control. Shutting your eyes won't work. The old guy will now see how old and wrinkly you are!" Zhuo Fan cackled.

"No, don't look, don't look..." Xue Qingjian shook her head as tears flickered in her eyes. Qiu Yanhai consoled, "Qingjian, don't worry. To me, you are the most beautiful!"

Zhuo Fan smiled inside.

[Women doll up for their men, and this is the men's attitude? Humph, why would any woman do it if not to attract men? Especially towards the one they love, the woman will want to look at their prettiest.]

Even if the man spoke of loving her wholly. She never wanted to let him see her ugly side.

Zhuo Fan saw through it so he raised their love higher. Then made her return to her old and ugly appearance. He wasn't aiming at the old guy from the start, but the old hag instead.

First came the bashing of the old hag's mental walls, and later came the defeat of the old guy.

Zhuo Fan snickered, hopped on Xue Qingjian and mocked, "He-he-he, sister, you don't much look like a sister now, do you? More like a granny if you ask me..."

"Don't say it, please..." Xue Qingjian cried as she covered her face.

Qiu Yanhai cursed, "Beast, stop this instant or you'll be sorry!"

"Sorry? Ha-ha-ha... your lives are in my hands yet you dare take that tone with me?" Zhuo Fan snickered as his hand grabbed Xue Qingjian's sash, "You old pair of farts, do you believe me when I say that I can make this old hag look even more unsightly? Though I have no interest in seeing and let your old goat eyes feast on her alone. But I can't help but wonder, just how interested are you, old man, in this sister's fine body?"

Zhuo Fan punctuated by a light pulling.

"No!" Xue Qingjian cried, her eyes already rolling in her skull. Qiu Yanhai was tearing up, sobbing a plea, "S-Steward Zhuo, we submit. Please, just let her go. Don't shame us any more, I beg you..."

Qiu Yanhai, a mighty expert, was crying like a child, earning sympathy from any who would see him. Zhuo Fan turned to Xue Qingjian, to see the old hag nodding through her tears as well.

Zhuo Fan switched to a cheerful smile on the spot, "Was that so hard? You could've done this from the start and spare yourself the suffering. Please rise, elders. Oh~, how can anyone be so cruel to you, elders? I have with me some healing pills. Kindly take them, elders!"

Zhuo Fan suddenly turned bipolar, as if his previous demonic him was a different personality. He helped the two up with the proper respect and gave them a vial.

The old couple was scared witless. Seeing the vial they suddenly broke out in shivers. They recoiled and shook their heads vehemently. They dreaded any more of Zhuo Fan's pills.

But Zhuo Fan raised an eyebrow and snapped, "You dare refuse my pills?"

Shuddering again, the couple creaked over, and took the pills under Zhuo Fan's watchful eye.

Zhuo Fan beamed again. In this way, the Luo clan just got itself another pair of obedient elders.

Witnessing everything, Li Jingtian's heart shook to the core. [Steward Zhuo is an abomination to make these powerful experts crumble from his cruel ways in a matter of minutes. He is as demonic as it gets.]

He was grateful to high heaven for changing sides as fast as he did. Or with Steward Zhuo's cruel methods, who knew what boundless humiliation he would be showered with.

At that point he'd have no reputation to speak of, ran thoroughly through the mud...

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Chapter 213, Deterrence

After six hours, Qiu Yanhai and Xue Qingjian opened their eyes, having mostly healed their injuries. Xue Qingjian returned to her youth, to the beaming Zhuo Fan and Li Jingtian at the side.

Now that the couple got up, Zhuo Fan came to them with a friendly laughter, "I guess congratulations are in order, for your recovery. Now let us all return to the clan."

Shivering inside, the two staggered backward in fear.

"Uh, don't look at me like I'm the enemy here. We're all on the same side now, no?" Zhuo Fan shrugged and smiled at Xue Qingjian, "Sister, did you already forget how close we 'siblings' are?"

Swallowing dryly, Xue Qingjian scampered behind Qiu Yanhai, like a mouse afraid of the cat. But the eyes held an unmistakable hatred overshadowed by immense fear.

Glaring at him, Xue Qingjian spat, "Who's your sister? I must've been blind to not see you've got the demon in you!"

True enough, since she took Zhuo Fan as a naive child who barely opened his eyes to the world. Who'd have thought this pup was in control of the famous Mad Dipper.

He had no scruples and such vile schemes that had even this famed pair of monsters shiver in fear! How the hell was that a little brother? A demon from hell was more like it.

Xue Qingjian was regretting having been swept by Zhuo Fan's sweet smile and sophistry. She was itching to gouge his eyes out and squash them!

Zhuo Fan was becoming irritated. Qiu Yanhai saw his mood sink and urged, "Steward Zhuo, please calm yourself. My old hag is raving. Don't mind her!"

"Nevermind then, your lives are in my hands anyway. It's your choice if you want to get along with me. Now that you're Luo clan's elders, it's time we move!"

Zhuo Fan ignored them and unfolded his Lightning Wings as he took to the skies.

Seeing the demon take flight, the pair breathed easier, yet looked close to breaking down in tears.

They who lived free in a mountain, they, who fended off even Regent Estate's threats, how was it they had fallen so low, in the hands of a twerp?

They couldn't make one sense of it all...

Li Jingtian walked to them and mocked, "Didn't you laugh at me saying I have no guts, old man? Well, where's yours?"

Smiling dejectedly, Qiu Yanhai shook his head and sighed, "I was at fault before. I didn't expect you to be so powerful!"

"Ha-ha-ha, as long as you know!" Li Jingtian said, "But I am a man of immense willpower, and not under complete control of the Bloodworm. And the ones I ever followed never were ordinary! Try to look beyond Steward Zhuo's young looks. He does everything with calm and precision. Fierce tactics are a powerful man's tools. You won't lose out by following him!"

The two nodded after a long time.

"And since we'll be working together in the future, I'll let you in on the basics to survive in the Luo clan!" Making sure Zhuo Fan was far enough, Li Jingtian whispered.

The couple had their ears peeled, "Please tell us, brother Li! "

"Except for Steward Zhuo, anyone in the Luo clan are good people to get close to, especially our young miss. She is a must to win over. Steward Zhuo may be all about power play, looking down on all, but he is always devoted to the Luo clan. He will more often than not listen to young miss. So, if you ever get on his bad side, rush to the young miss and have her plead your case. That gets you off the punishment almost completely!" Li Jingtian patted Qiu Yanhai's shoulder, while giving the two a serious look.

The two were immensely grateful as they cupped their hands, "Thank you, brother Li!"

"It's nothing. We are all in the same boat, you can dispense the courtesy. Ha-ha-ha..." Li Jingtian waved.

Was he actually that caring? Of course not. The two were ignorant of the Luo clan's matters, but would figure it out easily in the first three days anyway.

He reminded them earlier since this favor came cheap and saw no reason not to have them owe him one.

[Just when did I begin turning into such a vicious man?]

He sighed and suddenly scratched his head, [Guess environment changes the man...]

At the gates of the imperial capital, Marshal Dugu was sitting astride his large horse and entering the city with his five godsons. The million strong army was stationed ten miles out.

The news of Dugu Zhantian's return, the second of the Four Pillars to the court, was soon on the lips of every citizen!

"Your Majesty, Marshal Dugu is seeking an audience!"

"Enter!"

In the golden palace of the imperial capital, the emperor was sitting on a lavish throne. Next to him was the man he often played chess with, Mr. Sima.

Dugu Zhantian entered with large steps and bowed, "Dugu Zhantian greets Your Majesty. May you have a long and prosperous life!"

"Ha-ha-ha, Marshal Dugu has come from far away. You must be weary, please sit!" With a chuckle, the emperor walked to Dugu Zhantian and helped him to a chair.

Any man would feel immensely grateful and honored. But Dugu Zhantian found it a matter of fact. He was after all a pillar of the empire. Wouldn't a man like him receive at least this much from the emperor?

"Marshal Dugu, how is the situation in Windgaze City?" Dugu Zhantian just took a seat and the emperor already started inquiring.

Dugu Zhantian sighed, "The circumstances are poor I'm afraid. I have rushed to the rescue per the imperial edict but I was late. Windgaze City had been under a terrible battle, in which the Luo clan lost a hundred thousand men..."

Pff!

Watching Dugu Zhantian speak in such a grave tone, the emperor's heart sank. Then he heard him mention Luo clan's 'losses' and spurted blood.

"Marshal Dugu, how can a third rate clan like the Luo clan have a hundred thousand men?" The emperor exclaimed, then cursed inside, [Even me, who has rarely been outside the palace knows it. How come you have no common sense!, "Marshal, did you see it yourself?"

"Uh, no, actually. But when Luo clan's steward reported it, I also found it odd.."

"That steward is Zhuo Fan!" The emperor's face twitched. [Of course it's him again. That brat is nothing but trouble. Speaking of so many casualties as if it's the order of the day.]

Dugu Zhantian nodded, "Your Majesty is wise. It is indeed Steward Zhuo who told me of Luo clan's casualties. I was also skeptical in trusting this man's careless talk. How can a small clan have so many people? Not even the seven houses have so many. But Luo clan's losses were indeed great in that battle, with even their Clan Head falling victim!"

The emperor held his head and sighed, "Marshal, Luo Clan Head is dead for almost three years now..."

"What?!" Dugu Zhantian was shocked, then he went beet red. [Damn those wretched brats, they played me! But that's not the issue here. The problem is they made a fool of me in front of the emperor.]

[Zhuo Fan, Yunhai, I will get you for this!] Dugu Zhantian gnashed his teeth.

The emperor shook his head, knowing he'd been had, "Never mind then. Please tell me what you can about the Luo clan, Marshal."

Dugu Zhantian was startled, then lowered his head in shame.

From the moment he entered the Luo clan, all he'd heard about it was from Zhuo Fan's mouth, not getting the time to do his own investigation. And when it came to reporting, Zhuo Fan's words didn't look as truthful now. He realized he knew next to nothing about the Luo clan!

Noticing his plight, the emperor didn't know whether to laugh or cry, [Why did you even go to Windgaze City for? Are you just as sloppy with your enemy's intelligence as well?]

"Nevermind then!" The emperor sighed, "Are the Luo clan's Luo Yunhai and Luo Yunchang alright?"

"Uh, they're completely fine!" Dugu Zhantian spoke.

"Then what of Captain Pang Yi, their elder Lei Yuntian and his goddaughter Lei Yuting..."

Dugu Zhantian started answering all the questions the emperor had regarding the Luo clan's higher ups. In the end the emperor nodded, "Since they are fine, the Luo clan suffered no losses! But this clan sure is capable, to still be standing despite the ever watchful eyes of Regent Estate and Hell Valley!"

"Uh, Your Majesty, outside Blackwind Mountain, where Luo clan is located, there are four 5th-grade arrays placed by the Clan Head. A normal expert would find it hard to infiltrate!" Dugu Zhantian added.

The emperor raised an eyebrow, then sent a shocking glance to Mr. Sima, "This Zhuo Fan kid is more and more impressive. I heard he could set arrays, but never imagined he could set four 5th-grade ones!"

"What, they were done by Zhuo Fan?" Dugu Zhantian cried out.

Sighing, the emperor only glanced at the old man, [Just what have you been up to in Windgaze City? I asked you here to give me a report, but why is it me explaining things to you instead?]

The emperor continued, "The Luo clan lost everything, even their Clan Head three years ago, leaving only the siblings, steward, and Captain Pang Yi behind. The current Luo clan has been brought about by Zhuo Fan. And it's this kid..."

The emperor began recounting Zhuo Fan's acts of troublemaking through the empire. Once he finished with the mess he left in Drifting Flowers Edifice, he added, "This kid is a rare talent, but a pity he's too volatile. He makes me like him and hate him all at the same time. Luo clan's problems are due to him. But it is also he who made the Luo clan stand tall. I just can't tell if this bizarre steward is a blessing or calamity for the Luo clan!"

Blinking, Dugu Zhantian was speechless. He never took Zhuo Fan as an array master! As for all the stunts he pulled, Dugu Zhantian couldn't care less.

[Hell, what soldier doesn't pull stunts? Skill is all that matters! I must have him in my camp.]

Dugu Zhantian's mind was set!

"By the way, Marshal, is there anything else you'd like to report?" The emperor had no expectation at this point, but still asked.

Dugu Zhantian rushed to say, "Yes, it involves the Hell Valley and two other houses' evidence of attacking the Luo clan. Please make a decision, Your Majesty. These three houses had tried going into Windgaze City while I was there!"

Dugu Zhantian took the three jade slips out. The emperor's eyes lit up and laughed, "With this evidence I'll finally take them down a notch! Did you see Regent Estate there as well?"

Dugu Zhantian shook his head, "Among the seven houses' house lords' group I saw in Windgaze City, none were from Regent Estate!"

"I see. That cousin of mine sure likes to hide all traces. He's sure to plan something insidious!" Throwing away the three jade slips, the emperor barked, "Humph, I will use these three houses as a testament to my power. Let all see who is the true ruler of these lands..."

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Chapter 214, The Dreaded Divine Dragons

Hell Valley was a place ever shrouded in thick and eerie mist. Today, however, was an exceptionally sunny day and cleared the view somewhat.

Despite the warm glow of the sun promised joy, the Hell Valley's denizens' hearts were in a haze!

In the meeting hall, You Wanshan sat in his chair with elders on either side. The empty seats among the rows of elders were a dead giveaway to their sombre mood.

They were grimly reminded of their losses!

It had been two years since their wisest elder, You Guiqi, was killed. In this time, the valley sent their best in getting revenge for such a heavy blow.

The irony was, instead of the corpse of their most hated enemy, Zhuo Fan, being brought, even more losses were added to the pile!

Putting aside their very first elder losses in Windgaze City, because of Zhuo Fan as well, after You Guiqi fell, the headcount slowly included 3rd elder, 4th elder, 6th elder. Even 5th elder didn't escape unscathed, having his arm ripped out.

Hell Valley was in a precarious situation, with half of their 12 elders gone and one crippled. All while Zhuo Fan was live and kicking. This was something hard to accept.

It was utter humiliation!

None foresaw they would take a blow as they did three centuries ago. Their thousand year old legacy, their seven houses dignity was poked and taunted at every turn.

Bam!

You Wanshan slammed the table, and all could hear his grinding teeth. Everyone was filled with the same hatred, especially 5th elder. He touched his wounded shoulder as fire threatens to escape his eyes every time he cursed one name over and over in his mind.

Zhuo Fan!

But they were now stuck. They pushed the imperial family too far and the latter summoned Marshal Dugu to drive fear into them. If they made one wrong move, they'd soon be seeing Dugu Zhantian's million army at their doorstep. And none could bear the brunt of such an aftermath.

Here they were, all wishing to charge into Windgaze City, to wring Luo clan and Zhuo Fan of their blood, but none had the nerve to do it.

Their very survival hanged in the balance!

This was their conundrum.

The Grand Elder looked around him and sighed. The atmosphere was stifling...

"I can't take it anymore. I have to put that bastard down for good!"

th elder was the one to break first. Eyes turned to him, but none replied, even though they all felt the same way. Anyone there knew the consequences of such an action.

Hum~

A sudden ripple brought with it the faint sound of a flute!

"Goddammit! Who dares be cheerful at such a wretched time? I'll rip him apart!" 5th elder was at a boil, and the music only helped to spur his anger further.

But before he could go on the hunt, Grand Elder lifted his hand, fear shaking his very core, "Wait, t-this is Divine Dragon Fang Qiubai's flute..."

"Jade Flute Divine Sword?!"

They were all started, with hearts in their throat. Even the enraged 5th elder slowly calmed down, his mouth hanging open from shock.

"Damn it all! What is that Jade Flute Divine Sword doing here?" 5th elder turned to the rest.

You Wanshan sighed, filled with bitterness.

[Humph, why frickin' else? Isn't it the emperor who stuck him onto us? Just why has the decades wretched imperial family up and grown a backbone all of a sudden?]

You Wanshan felt like crying, but he braced for the meeting as he signaled for the elders to follow him outside Hell Valley.

At the entrance, the figure of the imposing and mighty Divine Dragons Fang Qiubai was playing a melodious tune on his flute!

When the sound stopped out of the blue, Fang Qiubai fiddled with the flute in his hand as he spoke coldly, "By order of the emperor, Valley Lord You is to immediately attend court!"

You Wanshan was furious.

The seven houses and imperial family were at an impasse, with both sides handling Tianyu's affairs. Even when an edict came before to Hell Valley, it had always been presented with respect and courtesy.

It was clear that this time, the emperor sent the Divine Dragon with his edict. He even played the flute outside their valley to draw them out. It was a show of strength.

If they showed any fear, wouldn't the emperor take an even harder stand when he saw him? No matter how sound his reason was, he still had to go. He wanted to have a long talk with the emperor. Shielding Zhuo Fan had many implications. Was the emperor setting himself the seven houses with this?

You Wanshan was filled with sudden boldness, "Mr. Fang has toiled coming here with the edict. Unfortunately, I have caught a cold and can only attend the court in a few months. Please show compassion!"

[A damn cold? This load of bull can't get any more obvious than this!]

[Can a peak Profound Heaven expert even catch a cold? You're clearly putting the emperor on the spot!]

The elders gave You Wanshan a nod. [That's our Valley Lord! He'd use this excuse to tell that old goat we are Hell Valley of the seven houses! We're not his dogs to order around...]

Boom!

An explosion jarred the ears of everyone, even as they were in awe of their Valley Lord. It was then followed by a fierce wind that picked up the dust.

Once the dust settled, everyone gasped.

The mountain range on Hell Valley's side had vanished into thin air. In mid air, Fang Qiubai put away the jade flute, "You are to set out at once, Valley Lord You!"

The next second, he vanished, leaving the Hell Valley's elders and You Wanshan pale from fright. The disappearing mountains struck a chord in everyone!

[Is this Divine Dragon Fang Qiubai's power? It's too damn insane! He has the power to obliterate Hell Valley all by himself!]

Whoosh!

Suddenly, an aged man in gray robe appeared. You Wanshan lit up at his coming, "Venerable, you arrived. Do you..."

"Of course I know. I only dared come after he left!" The Venerable sighed, "Valley Lord, we really did it this time. The emperor may be a paper tiger, but his five Divine Dragons are savage beasts by themselves! I'm saying that you... just go to court and apologize. The Emperor can no longer be offended!"

You Wanshan nodded, feeling forlorn and on the verge of tears.

[What's wrong with us, Hell Valley? Someone barged in and yet we have to apologize...]

A week later, You Wanshan was punctual in his arrival to the imperial capital. A palace maid took him to a waiting room to await the emperor's summon. This never ever happened before. How was it that it suddenly turned to them waiting on the emperor now?

He was helpless. Just who died and put the emperor in charge? He could only sigh, following after the maid.

And to add insult to injury, You Wanshan found two old friends in there already, Yan Bogong and Lin Rufeng.

The two smiled wryly at You Wanshan's appearance.

The three were like children in detention, sitting there outside the director's office, waiting for the emperor's call!

"House Lord Lin, who came to Merry Woods?" With nothing better to do, You Wanshan started chatting.

Lin Rufeng shook his head and sighed, "Monochrome Chess Sage, Sima Hui!"

"Oh, the old guy plays chess all the time and cultivates his mind. His temper is the mildest among the five Divine Dragons. Jade Flute Divine Sword Fang Qiubai up and flattened the mountains on one of Hell Valley's sides!"

"Mild my ass!"

Lin Rufeng started ranting with a mournful look, "That old geezer didn't say a word as he entered Merry Woods and hurled chess pieces. Do you have any idea what that's like? Every single strike was like a meteor impact. Doing it a few times had leveled half of Merry Woods! Now we only have half a millenia legacy! Then he pulled out the imperial decree, stating his hand slipped just then. So don't go telling me he's mild!"

Lin Rufeng felt sour and tearful. You Wanshan never thought there was anyone having it worse than Hell Valley!

"Ai, you two lucked out compared to Pill King Hall!"

Yan Bogong sighed, as if all his energy left him, "The ones you saw can still be called humans. While my envoy was downright savage. The entire Pill King Hall lays in ruins, with all our pills and ingredients picked clean..."

"What, eating all ingredients..."

The two cried out in shock, fear shining in their glassy eyes, "Hall Lord Yan, you truly had it worse than any of us. For the emperor to really let out that reckless little freak out means he had reached the limit of his rage..."

Yan Bogong nodded, "So painfully true!"

The three looked at each other and the room was filled with laments, puzzling the hell out of the guards outside.

Weren't all seven house's lords filled with brashness and contempt each time they came to the imperial capital? Why was it that this time they were like lambs going to the gallows? All they heard from the tree were wails and sighs...

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Chapter 215, The Tiger Leaves the Mountain

"House lords, His Majesty is summoning you!" After a six hour long wait, a guard finally came to this remote room.

The three sighed as if going to their funeral and followed the guard without any dissent.

Soon they came upon the palace's gates. The guard bowed and gestured for them to enter. With a deep breath, the three slipped into the hall.

They saw the emperor dignified on his throne, with Sima Hui next to him. At the end of the stairs, in front of the throne, stood the tall and mighty Marshal Dugu.

The three swallowed dryly, feeling as if their hearts were in a vise when these men's gazes landed on them.

"Valley Lord You, Hall Lord Yan, House Lord Lin, greets Your Majesty!" They showed utmost respect to the emperor.

The emperor nodded with a winning smile, "House lords, can you guess why I have summoned thee?"

"Uh..." They all shook their heads, "Your Majesty, we do not."

Bam!

With a clang, three jade slips landed in front of them. The emperor tone dropped lower, "Humph, so you don't know? Then do you at least know these jade slips?"

The three started sweating like pigs as they shivered a nod.

"In that case, do tell me why are you explicitly defying my edict, going into the area I deemed forbidden? Not even you, the seven houses, founding fathers of the empire have such rights!"

The emperor slapped the armrest of his throne, making the three slump into pleading on the ground in their knees, "Spare us, Your Majesty!"

This was unprecedented. The seven houses, house lords were, for the first time, on their knees before the emperor. The emperor raised an eyebrow, feeling freer than ever. As if returning to the time of his ascension to the throne, when all officials showed him utmost respect.

As a matter of fact, he was far more moved than before.

When has there ever been a case in the long history of Tianyu Empire of an emperor getting the seven house lords kneeling before them? It may very be the very first time since this nation came together.

Such honor lifted him above all other emperors before him.

However, he couldn't let it show, or these three blokes would milk him for it!

So the emperor kept a hardened and cold face, though his tone sounded softer, "Thou are all ministers loyal to our nation. You are unlikely to resort to such disgraceful behavior without rime or reason. Please share with me your motives so I can judge if your actions were indeed unintentional mistakes!"

The three's eyes lit up. [Is the emperor giving us a way out? All that we've been doing is because of that Zhuo Fan! As long as that fool dies, Luo clan and Windgaze City are of no importance.]

But before they could explain, Dugu Zhantian barked, "Speak, who's behind you all?"

Shivering, the three choked on their words. They peeked at the emperor, only to see him sporting the same cold and calm face.

That was tantamount to saying Dugu Zhantian was voicing the emperor's intentions. Since he couldn't outright say it, he had Dugu Zhantian play his proxy.

The meaning was crystal clear. The emperor didn't care why they went to Windgaze City, only wanting to know by whose orders they marched.

The emperor was aiming for Regent Estate and they were the means to an end, mere pawns.

They instantly broke out in cold sweat.

The emperor, a tiger cooped up in the palace all his life, was ready to go out and maul someone. But the problem was, Regent Estate wasn't an easy target either, a fierce tiger on its own!

The three houses were now smack in the middle of the Regent Estate and the imperial family's power struggle. Their only fate, sacrifices!

[Curse it to high heavens! How did we end up in this mess? If only we hadn't listened to Regent Estate and attack Windgaze City. The imperial family would have no excuse to look for us.]

They now faced the heavy burden of choosing to let the emperor maul them or be used to maul the Regent Estate. But would the Regent Estate ever let them go afterward?

[Any choice promises death!]

The three were overwhelmed with regrets. They bit their lips, unsure what to say.

"Speak, who is behind you?" Dugu Zhantian barked and pressured them with his powerful soul.

If it were any other occasion, the three peak Profound Heaven experts could've stood firm, since they were on the verge of advancing to the Radiant Stage. But now, however, they were frightened, their spirit shaken. And this show of force broke through their mental walls, making their clenched jaws relax.

But then, a loud shout echoed.

"Regent Estate Lord, Huangpu Tianyuan and Prime Minister Zhuge Changfeng are requesting audience!"

Eyes widening, the emperor and the other two men were shocked.

For the Estate Lord to burst in at such a crucial time, his intention had to be premeditated. More importantly, why was he coming along with Zhuge Changfeng?

This spelled trouble.

The three house lords heard Huangpu Tianyuan was coming and re-tightened their jaws.

[Thank god Regent Estate was scared of getting involved in this so they came to the rescue. We'd been done for otherwise!]

You Wanshan breathed in and calmed his heart.

The emperor narrowed his eyes, "Let them in!"

"This damn tiger can no longer sit on his mountain!" Sima Hui muttered. The emperor nodded with a grave expression.

"Estate Lord Huangpu Tianyuan, Prime Minister Zhuge Changfeng, Regent Estate's Steward Leng, and Regent Estate's High Venerable Huangpu Fenglei greets Your Majesty!"

Four people entered the hall. Walking behind Huangpu Tianyuan and Zhuge Changfeng, were two more. One of them was an old yet stout man that made even Divine Dragon Sima Hui's eyes tremble.

[What is Regent Estate's number one expert, High Venerable Huangpu Fenglei doing here?]

Sima Hui gasped, feeling the peak Radiant Stage power the old man was releasing. His cultivation was not one bit less than the five Divine Dragons'.

Huangpu Fenglei noticed Sima Hui as well, giving a smile in return, one with mockery and taunt!

"Oh my, house lords, the seven houses have always been on the same footing as the imperial family. I know you all respect Your Majesty so, but there's no need for you to kneel! Others might grossly misunderstand and think His Majesty intends to suppress the seven houses, going against ancestor's rule and bringing him shame. Up up up, come now, you can't have His Majesty suffer such injustice!"

After bowing to the emperor, Zhuge Changfeng went to help the three house lords with a smile. The emperor clenched his fists and gnashed his teeth.

The emperor didn't allow them to rise, but Zhuge Changfeng dared help them out of his own initiative. His intentions couldn't be clearer. But since Zhuge Changfeng's reason was very sound, the emperor could do nothing to vent his anger.

This was how Zhuge Changfeng usurped the emperor's prestige, while raising the three house lords' by getting them to their feet. That was because they had the Regent Estate backing them, helping ease their fears.

At that moment, the emperor group's pressure exerted on the house lords went up in smoke. Using the same excuse again would no longer work.

[You're good, Zhuge Changfeng, I'll give you that!]

The emperor cursed inside but didn't let it show. He turned to Huangpu Tianyuan laughing, "Cousin, you've been away from the imperial capital for decades. What could have brought you here today?"

"Your Majesty, I have come to confess!" Huangpu Tianyuan bowed.

The emperor's brow shook. Despite not understanding, he added, "Cousin, I do not understand! Regent Estate is kin to the imperial family and always proper, defending the Caged Dragon City in the imperial family's stead. What possible reason is there for you to confess? What crime?"

"Your Majesty, your patronizing tone terrifies me so! "

Huangpu Tianyuan clenched his fists and said humbly, "The seven houses have assisted the imperial family for a thousand years and bring peace to Tianyu. But the three houses dared defy your decree, entering the area Your Majesty deigned forbidden and causing the people to lament. I, Regent Estate, the head of the seven houses, have failed in my duties and deserve to be punished!"

Crack!

The emperor's fingers let out a sudden sound, as his face only sank lower.

Since the founding of the empire, the seven houses and the imperial family had been at peace, but the duty of reining in the seven houses fell to the imperial family. But for Huangpu Tianyuan to dare utter such responsibility, he did no damn crime. He was overreaching in his power play to gain more status.

But over the millennium, the Regent Estate had been the head of the seven houses, a truth the emperor could not refute. His only choice was to stew in anger!

"Cousin this is too much of a burden for you. How can I let you take the three houses' crime onto yourself?" The emperor stated.

"Yeah, Estate Lord Huangpu. Regent Estate may stand at the top of the seven houses and should indeed take responsibility for them. But since lord wishes to take their crimes onto yourself, you'd be placing yourself in peril. Furthermore, the three houses' crime may not be as heavy for you to take it upon yourself!" Zhuge Changfeng revealed a wicked grin as he eyed the emperor.

Widening his eyes, the emperor smiled coldly, "Is the Prime Minister implying that I am wrong?"

"I wouldn't dream of it. Your Majesty is not wrong in the least. Just that this matter is so minor..."

Zhuge Changfeng's contempt was clear to all. The emperor was enraged, on the verge of blowing a fuse...

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Chapter 216, Exploit

"So according to you, Zhuge Changfeng, openly defying an imperial edict is a trifle?" Dugu Zhantian spoke coldly with a booming voice, "If everyone does it, what would become of the imperial family's dignity?"

Brushing away his outburst with a smile and a wave, Zhuge Changfeng shook his head, "Marshal, ease your anger. That is not what I meant at all. Defying the imperial edict has and always will be a serious crime. But in the case where the ruler is rash and tyrannical..."

"Say that again!?" Dugu Zhantian barked.

Zhuge Changfeng waved his hand with a dismissing smile, "Ha-ha-ha, Marshal need not be angry. I wasn't speaking of His Majesty. His Majesty is an upstanding ruler. Even more than that, right?"

The emperor's heart shivered, he and Sima Hui both snorting inside.

The three were putting the squeeze on the three house lords just to avoid this particular mess. Only so they could hold one over the Regent Estate. But now, Zhuge Changfeng had breached this topic and the emperor couldn't stay silent.

The emperor gave a curt nod for them to elaborate on the reason behind this mess.

The three house lords straightened their backs and cupped their hands, "Your Majesty, all that transpired is due to one man, Windgaze City's Luo clan's steward, Zhuo Fan."

You Wanshan then followed with painting Zhuo Fan in a gruesome way and with flourishing detail.

The emperor simply sat there in his throne. He long knew of Zhuo Fan's 'adventures' so why tell him again? Yet despite knowing, the emperor let Zhuo Fan cause all the trouble he wanted.

But now, all he wished was to avoid and bury this topic for good.

Once You Wanshan finished, Huangpu Tianyuan continued, "Your Majesty, this vile spawn defies the seven houses' dignity. I beseech Your Majesty to lift the ban on Windgaze City and allow us to exact capital punishment on this wretched beast, to show the nation how upright Your Majesty is! "

This time the emperor was in a real bind. Instead of having the three houses turn on Regent Estate, the latter got to strike against the Luo clan and ruin his plans!

Tap, tap!

The emperor rapped his fingers on the armrest in deep thought, "Due to the havoc the Hell Valley and Veiled Dragon Pavilion had inflicted on the people three years ago in Windgaze City, I have elected to turn it into a forbidden ground. But I see that overlooking one man has caused endless suffering once again. My heart is in pain."

They all knew where he was going with this, sporting large winning grins.

And sure enough, the emperor continued with, "I shall not look into your first offense, but you are not to step into Windgaze City again. If you want to catch that beast, you will have to wait for him to come out!"

"Your Majesty's heart is with the people. The empire rejoices in having you!" Huangpu Tianyuan's group cupped their hands in heartfelt admiration, but the sneer on their faces was plain to see.

This hidden battle between emperor and Regent Estate ended with the former's complete defeat.

Not only did he not seize Regent Estate's weakness, with the three houses getting away scot-free, what was worse, he was unable to defend his chess piece, Windgaze City, almost throwing it to the wolves.

The emperor's might faded, earning the ridicule of all!

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" You Wanshan bowed like the rest and then showed the same respect to Huangpu Tianyuan, "Thank you, Estate Lord Huangpu!"

The emperor felt he was choking on something where neither choice of swallowing or spitting out was any good. He resolved to just stare at them with all the anger his eyes could muster.

Huangpu Tianyuan simply ignored it and half bowed, "Your Majesty, we are most grateful for your mercy. We shall take our leave."

He didn't care if the emperor had other intentions, he simply turned around and left. It was a clear disregard of the emperor's position. And yet the emperor could only glare with hatred.

"Hold on!"

The people turned to see Monochrome Chess Sage stomping over, with fire in his eyes, at High Venerable Huangpu Fenglei, "It's been so long, Sir Huangpu. Would you care for a game of chess?"

Not letting the other respond, Sima Hui directly launched a chess piece at Huangpu Fenglei.

A great power suddenly pressed on everyone's shoulders.

The house lords were all peak Profound Heaven experts but just this meager chess piece had them all feel as if a mountain was bearing down on them. They couldn't even step back, blood draining from their faces.

Divine Dragon Sima Hui's attack was terrifying!

Yet Huangpu Fenglei simply stepped before them without fear. He extended two fingers and caught the piece as if it was nothing, dispelling the pressure with his gesture.

Squinting, Sima Hui didn't expect for Huangpu Fenglei to be so strong as to take his attack so easily!

With a grin, Huangpu Fenglei spoke, "Mr. Sima's chess skill is exquisite. How could a martial artist such as I compare with a chess sage such as you? I would only disgrace you by playing!"

Huangpu Fenglei then flicked the chess piece back.

A pressure far greater than before came down on Sima Hui and the emperor.

Sima Hui took a rushed step forward to protect the emperor and was going to use two fingers as well. But the power was too great and forced him to take a step back.

Looking aghast at Huangpu Fenglei, Sima Hui said, "After not seeing each other for so many decades, Mr. Huangpu's power has greatly increased! I'm afraid I may no longer be your match!"

"You're too kind. Mr. Sima is far more talented than I. Only, Mr. Sima indulges in chess while I merely work hard in my training!"

With a mocking laughter, Huangpu Fenglei gave Huangpu Qingyun's group a look. They all joined his laughter as they left this great symbol of imperial power that was the palace!

Sima Hui's brow had faint sweat watching them go. He looked down to see how deep an imprint his foot left when he withdrew.

Huangpu Fenglei's power was dreadful to force a Divine Dragon to leave such a mark on the floor!

Bam!

The emperor shot to his feet and knocked over a candle stand as he cursed, "These traitorous mongrels have gone too far! They come to my palace, asking for my obedience?"

"Calm down, Your Majesty!"

Sima Hui advised, "With Zhuge Changfeng here, our reasons are moot in front of a man with his oratory skills. That is why I tried going after Huangpu Fenglei to make them cower. But who'd have thought Huangpu Fenglei's power trumps mine, further diminishing your prestige. It was my miscalculation. Please forgive me, Your Majesty!"

The emperor didn't speak, his eyes shining with a dark look.

Dugu Zhantian smoothened his beard and sighed, "This plan was to use the three houses and strike a blow at Regent Estate's arrogance. Or at least drive a wedge between them. But now, Regent Estate came to their rescue, further making them stand with the Regent Estate. All our hard work was exploited by Regent Estate! Now that the Regent Estate is together with three houses, they will be even harder to deal with..."

Sima Hui nodded, while the emperor was pacing in deep thought.

Then the emperor's eyes shined, "Mr. Sima, isn't the Esoteric Debate around the corner?"

"Indeed Your Majesty. It shall take place in five years!" Sima Hui nodded, then started, "Your Majesty, you don't mean..."

Smiling, the emperor nodded, "Hasn't the Regent Estate flaunted being the head of the seven houses since he always took first place in the Esoteric Debate? If he comes short in any way this time, their dignity would take a heavy blow. And the seed of doubt would be planted in the other houses, that its power had declined!"

"But Regent Estate's every generation has been filled with geniuses. Especially this one, with even some freaks mixed among them! The other houses have their own fair share of talents, but none can compare. There's even rumors that one among them can break the shackles of Radiant Stage, becoming the peak of power in Tianyu. Just what junior could have such potential..."

Sima Hui's brow was locked, to which the emperor snorted, "Speaking of freaks, is there any little freak more rampant than that guy?"

"Your Majesty, you mean... Zhuo Fan?" Sima Hui and Dugu Zhantian spoke in unison.

The emperor nodded with a sneaky smile, "It's time for that brat and the Luo clan to pay back for sheltering them. They need to just cut the Regent Estate down a peg at the Esoteric Debate and I will declare the Luo clan as the eighth noble house to keep Regent Estate in line!"

Sima Hui and Dugu Zhantian were speechless.

Zhuo Fan had shocked them again and again, but the Luo clan's foundation was thin. This eighth house would find it hard to stay afloat when it was even weaker than Drifting Flowers Edifice, threatened to be swallowed by the other house. Yet the emperor was hoping to use it to counter Regent Estate.

None of them knew that Zhuo Fan had already made preparation to strengthen the foundation of this flimsy clan...

In another place, Zhuge Changfeng's group left the palace with scorn on their faces. Especially the three house lords, who were pushed into a corner by the emperor, were now wild with joy.

And just like the emperor, they were in complete awe of the Regent Estate and Huangpu Fenglei.

[Holy molly, how many are there that can push back a Divine Dragon?]

"Zhuge Changfeng, thank you for making all of this happen!" Huangpu Tianyuan cupped his hands.

Zhuge Changfeng smiled and spoke in the same cold tone, "Ha-ha-ha, there's no need to thank me. Wasn't it all planned by your steward, Leng Wuchang?"

Zhuge Changfeng then left with a smile. The Yin and Yang elders caught up to him, having kept their distance so far.

You Wanshan didn't quite understand, but Leng Wuchang's face changed, turning to Huangpu Tianyuan.

Correct, all was planned by Leng Wuchang, including the three house lords' detainment by the emperor. It was all done so he could save the three houses at the best moment, and become more reliant on the Regent Estate.

What was once a scheme privy to only he and Huangpu Tianyuan, it was seen through by Zhuge Changfeng in an instant.

Watching Zhuge Changfeng's shrinking figure, Leng Wuchang and Huangpu Tianyuan felt an odd chill. No wonder Zhuge Changfeng was the head of the Four Pillars, he was frightening...

Zhuge Changfeng himself was sporting a mystifying smile.

"Prime Minister must be glad!" The white-haired elder smiled.

Zhuge Changfeng nodded, "I just saw a bunch of fools getting happy having scored an empty victory! But, ha-ha-ha..."

The elders were puzzled.

Zhuge Changfeng was quite vague, "But, Yuwen has ruled these lands for a thousand years for a reason! To not even see through a chess player's unfathomable skill, he still dares to play with cloak and dagger? So this is the extent of Unwonted Contriver, ha-ha-ha... "

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Chapter 217, The Suicidal Life and Death Art

Four figures fell on Blackwind Mountain, Zhuo Fan and his three elders.

Qiu Yanhai and Xue Qingjian watched in awe the impressive sight formed by the mighty four 5th-grade arrays.

[Luo clan is outstanding to this extent that it's no wonder its steward is so cunning and able. But how come we never heard of it?]

The two looked at each other puzzled.

Zhuo Fan knew all too well what dwelled on their mind, but didn't dispel their doubts, only made a path through the arrays with a sign. He took the lead and the others rushed to follow.

Once back in the clan, Zhuo Fan called for a general meeting to introduce their newest elders.

The two elders were presented with the sight of people no stronger than ants. Knowing they could kill these people with their thumb, it instilled a deep sense of disappointment in the old couple.

Though after having received Zhuo Fan's cruelty, it curbed their characters so as to not let it show.

Only when Zhuo Fan introduced Luo Yunchang did their eyes shine. Recalling Li Jingtian's words, they showed utmost respect for Luo Yunchang. Xue Qingjian even held her shoulder, "Young miss you are the picture of beauty, like an angel from above. I can't help but rue the day a rotten punk would have you for himself, oho-ho-ho..."

Luo Yunchang blushed and shook her head, but her heart was grateful as she sneaked a peek at Zhuo Fan. She also found the two elders quite likable.

They were Radiant Stage experts yet so calm and mild, unlike the arrogant stereotype everyone knew.

Though clueless this was all brought about by Zhuo Fan's thorough and unyielding discipline.

The man in question was right now frowning. [Why are these two who always snapped back with how great they are in Tianyu suddenly fawning? And why at Luo Yunchang?]

Turning to Li Jingtian, he caught the latter looking elsewhere entirely. [This has nothing to do with me...]

"Now that introductions are out of the way, the others may return to their tasks." Zhuo Fan's clap left only Luo Yunchang and the four elders behind.

He turned to the couple, "You two will be watching over the Blackflame Array in the South and the Ice Shadows Array in the North. I will later tell you how to wield them! Working alongside Elder Yan and Elder Li's arrays, the Luo clan will never know defeat!"

"Understood!" Qiu Yanhai and Xue Qingjian cupped their hands.

Luo Yunchang was overjoyed knowing the four experts would turn the mountain into an impenetrable fortress. Not even a seven houses siege could make her worry now.

"Also..."

Zhuo Fan's hand flashed and offered a jade slip, "As you are now Luo clan's elders, I shall treat you as one of us. Here is the secret Life and Death Art. I find it quite suitable to you two!"

Qiu Yanhai took the jade slip, amazed by what it contained.

Knowing what they were gonna say, Zhuo Fan smiled, "This is no cultivation method or martial art, but a way to combine your strengths. A limitless improving method!"

"What?!"

Brushing off their shock, Zhuo Fan continued, "This Life and Death Art means treading the fine line between life and death on the edge of a knife. At the collision between two opposing forces, world destroying power lies! But once control over it slips, death becomes you. This leads to this art going by a more common name, the Suicidal Secret Art!"

"What are you doing giving it to them for? That's too dangerous!" Luo Yunchang spoke in their defense.

The couple was almost moved to tears.

[Li Jingtian didn't lie. Getting close to the young miss is a must if we want to live!]

But Zhuo Fan shook his head, "Young miss needn't fret. If others trained in this art, they'd have a fate worse than death. But I saw how the two elders' fire and water arts combine, how seamless they work together. They are able to conform to the other on the fly, understanding each other's hearts. In fact, they may understand the other even better than they do themselves. The two's attributes may be in conflict, but they are nevertheless able to control the clashing force between fire and water. There's a 50% chance they'll succeed!"

"Fifty?!"

The couple was nervous, and Luo Yunchang jumped in fright, "That's too little!"

Zhuo Fan shook his head, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained. The greater the danger the bigger the return. I'm sure you two know this fully well. After all, you fought Tianyu's experts off decades ago. I can also guarantee, this method has infinite growth. The greater your control, the more powerful you become. You can one day reach the point when you can face all five Divine Dragons together!"

Widened eyes and gasps of shock were heard all around!

Imperial family's Divine Dragons were the strongest in Tianyu. Not even if their cultivation matched could they defeat one, least of all five.

These were not false promises, as Zhuo Fan never was one for empty talk.

Li Jingtian snapped his excited eyes on the jade slip, his martial fanatic side rearing its head, "Uh, what if, suppose, I train it?"

"Elder Li, this was given to us by Steward Zhuo. So don't go against his decision!" Qiu Yanhai guarded the jade slip, watching Li Jingtian as if he was an archenemy to the couple.

The two loved each other, but having been in the martial world for so long, the promise of power could hardly be denied. Hearing the return of the Life and Death Art being so gargantuan, they'd take it even if it was just a third chance of success.

How could they have ever reached the 5th layer of Radiant Stage if they didn't have this bit of boldness?

Though Li Jingtian's eyes never faltered from the jade slip.

Zhuo Fan dismissed his fervent greed, "Elder Li, it's not for you. I'll be blunt. Train it, and die!"

"What nonsense is that? With my talent, my aptitude, my power, I am better than them in everything!" Li Jingtian rebuked.

Zhuo Fan shrugged and turned to the two.

The couple was now eagerly combing through the information in the jade slip. Fifteen minutes later, they looked dumbfounded, sporting an extra red face.

Li Jingtian was startled and impatient, "Well, spit it out, is the art so intricate not even you two can unravel? Give it here, let this old man have a look!"

"Beat it! It won't do you any good even if you do look!" Xue Qingjian glared at him. Qiu Yanhai lowered his head in embarrassment, "He-he-he, Steward Zhuo, just where did you pick a dual cultivation art? You're putting us on the spot!"

Dual cultivation art?

Li Jingtian's eyes bugged out as he stammered.

Zhuo Fan cracked up, "Ha-ha-ha, Life and Death Art needs two people that are closer to each other than their relatives yet of opposite cultivation methods. Only this can bring out its power. If your feelings are true, they will be conveyed and fruit will blossom. If all you have is lust, death follows! Elder Li, you and me are lone wolves, it doesn't suit us!"

Li Jingtian only smirked. The couple felt quite shy at this point, then blushed harder as they looked at each other.

"Steward Zhuo, we also... can't cultivate it!" Qiu Yanhai twiddled his thumbs, "Uhm, me and Qingjian never actually done... that."

Raising an eyebrow, Zhuo Fan asked, "You've never done it for decades yet are so in tune with each other? Then what are you waiting for?"

Luo Yunchang clapped, "It's been ages since we had a wedding in the Luo clan. Please let me arrange it all for the elders on a most auspicious day!"

The couple's faces went redder, acting like shy teenagers.

Zhuo Fan's eyes widened and shouted, "What auspicious, what arrangement? That's so quaint and cliche! Just get it on already and train that art! Blast it, for decades you've been around a belle, yet never tapped that fine booty. Shame on you! She even dolled up for decades for you in vain. So get your ass in gear already!"

Bam!

Zhuo Fan kicked Qiu Yanhai's ass, but the old geezer wasn't the least bit angry. He took Xue Qingjian's hand and left giggling, "Qingjian, it's Steward Zhuo's order. I don't have a choice. For the sake of the clan, we must bear through this hardship, ha-ha-ha..."

"Pervert!" Xue Qingjian rolled her eyes, yet left with her blushing head lowered.

Luo Yunchang watched the loving couple in envy. She turned to Zhuo Fan with a pout, "You say that, but you are no different!"

Zhuo Fan looked at her, oblivious.

Li Jingtian laughed, "Steward Zhuo, you shouldn't waste..."

Zhuo Fan's eyes snapped to him before he finished, scaring him from continuing.

[So you do understand. Young miss, I did my best to help you up to here.] Li Jingtian started looking elsewhere.

All of a sudden, Yan Song started flattering Zhuo Fan, ""Steward Zhuo, please give me an art too. I...

"Didn't I give you refining skills?" Zhuo Fan asked.

Yan Song scratched his head, "Ha-ha-ha, now that you mention it. But I'm a cultivator first, before an alchemist, one with dreams of greatness..."

"Fine fine, I understand perfectly!" Zhuo Fan offered a jade slip, "I am not too fond of poisons, but since you're with me, I will be sure to give you what you deserve. This here is a high profound ranked martial art, Nine Nines Fantasy Palm. It also contains the formula for making the world's 81 strangest poisons.

"Beside the myriad of palm attacks, it also wields 81 poisons, each with 81 variations. Each change conforms to any man, to any environment, ever evolving. In short, the poison's only cure is if you remove it yourself. It is thus named, Lord Over Life and Death. Take it and go!"

Yan Song took the jade slip with trembling hands and fervent gaze, "This is leagues above the Rainbow Cloud Palm. It's incomparable. He-he-he, Steward Zhuo, you are so amazing and grand. I knew I made the right choice following you!"

"Cut the flattery, just make sure to give your all in your tasks!" Zhuo Fan waved him off.

Li Jingtian stroked his chin. [What is up with today? Steward Zhuo is handing treasures left and right! Forget the odd couple, he's even given Yan Song something after just one word of pleading.]

[Should I also get my game on and act as cute as possible to squeeze Steward Zhuo of some goodies?]

But he shook his head in the end. He knew very well when to stop. It was better to do it after he trained Wraith Art to peak first.

But then, a sudden shout came from outside Blackwind Mountain, "Brother, I came to visit!"

Zhuo Fan raised an eyebrow and shook his head after knowing who it was...

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Chapter 218, Acting Bestowed Elder

Zhuo Fan ended the meeting with a shake of his hand, sending the elders into obscurity. He had no intention of showing the world Luo clan's experts.

He turned to Luo Yunchang with a smile, "Young miss, I would like you to kindly welcome our honored guest."

Luo Yunchang had no idea who dropped by, but since Zhuo Fan wished her to go, she would gladly do it. And of course, since she was a young miss, she had a role to play.

Her dainty hand raised, Luo Yunchang softly spoke, "Steward Zhuo, please help me to our guest!"

He rolled his eyes, [She's no disabled seventy year old hag, what help?]

Nevertheless, towards this silly request, Zhuo Fan didn't flare out, as to not receive this pampered miss' tongue lashing. So he took her outstretched arm.

It would never ever cross the past Zhuo Fan's mind to do such a thing. But now, Zhuo Fan found the rough edges of his character had smoothed over, somewhat. Particularly in the case of young miss, where he caved quite easily!

[Goddammit! How can I still be a Demonic Emperor?] Zhuo Fan cursed but wasn't that angry, quite happy in fact. As if enjoying the moment.

Luo Yunchang stole a glance at the forced Zhuo Fan and giggled a sweet laughter.

The two thus descended, passed the arrays and off the mountain. What greeted them was another mountain, uh, more aptly put, a mountain of a man!

Luo Yunchang and Zhuo Fan's eyes widened.

Not from being impressed by the newcomer's imposing manner, but from recognition. In fact, he was Zhuo Fan's brother who he liked a lot!

They were speechless because, [How can any human get so fat?]

Yes siree, the 'man' before them was the third prince of the empire, his sworn brother, Yuwen Cong. The man looked like a veritable wall blocking the view of the two, hoisted on two thick and trembling legs.

Today was sunny and warm, but Yuwen Cong's head was soaked in sweat, and kept on sweating buckets.

"Brother, you finally came! I almost... couldn't take it..." Yuwen Cong gasped, wiping his head again and again with a handkerchief, only to be dripping wet the next second. The servant rushed to replace it.

On his right was another familiar face to Zhuo Fan, Jade Flute Divine Sword, Fang Qiubai. Having long given up on this bloke of a disciple, Fang Qiubai was watching the four 5th-grade arrays in shock and awe.

The two were leading twenty yellow dressed elders. Their chests stuck out, their manners filled with power. They looked like no servants of the third prince, more like guards.

Zhuo Fan found his face twitching seeing the sweat soaked Yuwen Cong and sighed, "Oh please. It's your fault for running all the way here, fatty! "

"Can you blame me? I wouldn't have gone all out if it weren't for imperial father's edict!" The fatty sighed and started fanning himself with his hand, "Hurry and take me up the mountain. It's too hot here!"

Right then, around ten people came around him to lift him up after a strenuous effort, taking one toiling step after another.

And each step left behind a deep mark.

These servants weren't experts, just in the Qi Condensation Stage. But seeing how even they were having the worst time of their lives carrying the fatty, Zhuo Fan muttered, "Fatty, you're goddamn fatter!"

"Don't say it! Imperial father is in a bad mood. Every time that happens, he takes it out on me and leaves me suffering. I was too stressed to even eat or drink yet the next thing I know I'm up to 400 kg in weight. Oh, the horror!"

He sighed each time he slapped his belly. This act of his made the men below him stagger. Their bent backs were creaking.

Luo Yunchang couldn't bear to look a second more. Zhuo Fan was speechless.

[You don't eat from stress yet still gained so much weight? How damn fat will you be then if you're in a perky mood? How much will you eat?]

"You're a true marvel!" Zhuo Fan shook his head and sighed.

The fatty snickered, "Thank you, but you're just the same. We brothers are the marvels of the world! "

Zhuo Fan's mood sank, [Are you showing off or making yourself look goddamn better than me?]

So Zhuo Fan switched targets to Fang Qiubai, "Mr. Fang, it's been a long time. Do you perhaps not care what becomes of this fatty?"

"Not in the least!"

With a lazy wave, Fang Qiubai smiled, "A noble man has noble qualities!"

Zhuo Fan rolled his eyes, [I was wondering what made this fatty so feisty without caring about consequences. It's all because his master encourages it.]

[Truly, if the base is crooked, the top is out of whack!]

"By the way, Zhuo Fan, you've been stirring quite the storm lately, throwing the whole Tianyu in chaos!" Fang Qiubai eyed him, "But that's understandable. You can't survive without going out of line. There may have not been a Luo clan today if it weren't for you monkeying around!"

Raising an eyebrow, Zhuo Fan took a long look at him, feeling his words held another meaning.

But instead of continuing, he laughed, "Let's talk it out inside!"

Then he started flying up Blackwind Mountain. Finding the fatty way too slow, Fang Qiubai lifted him along with a wave.

The servants found themselves lighter and fell on the ground in bliss. They cursed, [carrying that damn tub of lard will get us killed!]

As for the elders in yellow, they followed as well.

Zhuo Fan and Luo Yunchang took the weary servants too. The servants finally had the leisure to not mind the weight.

At the peak of Blackwind Mountain, the fatty was working his damndest in wiping the sweat off himself under a pavilion. Fang Qiubai was at the side, with poise and grace.

Seeing Zhuo Fan coming up with the servants, the fatty beckoned, "Hurry up and fan me!"

The servants shook their heads and started working hard at the fatty's side.

Now the fatty was finally feeling like himself, letting the occasional cry of appreciation.

Zhuo Fan shook his head, [This fatty wasn't like this three years ago. Why is he so sleazy all of a sudden?]

What had him truly baffled however, [Why aren't the old guys joining in with the servants?]

Zhuo Fan pointed, "Fatty, aren't they yours as well? Why are they standing around idle?"

"How could they be? Do you know what their cultivation is?" The fatty eyes widened.

Zhuo Fan blinked, "Profound Heaven!"

"Yes, Profound Heaven experts. How could I have them do such a thing? It will be too humiliating for them." The fatty spoke upright.

Zhuo Fan thought so as well. He recalls how he would often insult the Radiant Stage experts when he beckons them but never asked them to pour tea for him. It was simply overkill. He found no point in respecting anyone whose talents were of no use.

[Am I not one to respect talents and make use of their abilities fully?]

[Ha-ha-ha, probably not.] Since he always saw others with a cynical eye and never showed any respect. Anyways, who in the mortal domain was worthy of the Demonic Emperor's respect?

Zhuo Fan shook his head, [With different statuses there are different attitudes!]

Just then, fatty struggled to walk to him and smiled, "Brother, to be honest, these Profound Heaven experts aren't mine, but yours!"

"Mine?"

"Uh, no no no, that's not right either. You're just Luo clan's steward. How can they be yours? I mean to say that they are elders who my imperial father offered to the Luo clan. Your clan just got a gift falling into your lap and it's rise is just around the corner. Well, are you happy? He-he-he..." The fatty laughed at Zhuo Fan's dumbstruck face.

Luo Yunchang's eyes shined in glee, "They will all be Luo clan's..."

Before she could properly enjoy this gift of twenty Profound Heaven elders, Zhuo Fan spoke dully, "Fatty, even if the Emperor bestows us these Profound Heaven elders, we will first have to see if they are fit for the Luo clan!"

The fatty was totally clueless what he was getting at.

Luo clan, a third rate clan, had a sudden windfall of twenty Profound Heaven experts and they should be wild with joy! Even a first rate clan would be dancing around and thank the emperor by now.

So why was this Zhuo Fan so cold, even trying to reject them?

If he only knew Zhuo Fan had three Radiant Stage experts in the bag, he'd probably take the twenty elders back that instant.

[Damn, how mortifying! We have Radiant Stage experts, so of course we'd outright refuse some Profound Heaven experts. Not to mention they are...]

Fang Qiubai eyed Zhuo Fan with a deep gaze.

Zhuo Fan walked before the elders and sized them up. He found they were quite strong, but nothing outstanding, while also detecting a great deal of pride.

The kind that hinted at, 'If I am second, no one dares say they're first!'

Zhuo Fan frowned, [What's there to be cocky about when you're not even in the Radiant Stage?]

Pacing around, he spoke, "As of now, you are Luo clan's elders. I am the steward, Zhuo Fan. You are to listen to every one of my instructions, besides young miss..."

"Humph, a puny steward minds me? Luo clan sure is an oddity!" One of them complained before Zhuo Fan finished.

Zhuo Fan's face went cold in a flash.

Luo Yunchang shrugged and turned her head, not in the least interested in their fates.

There was no cocky elder in the Luo clan, not one! That was because this place housed an even more outrageously conceited steward. You could offend anyone in the Luo clan, but may god help you if you stepped on the steward's toes. Humph, your funeral!

[You're on your own now. Zhuo Fan's power goes unchallenged here!]

They were oblivious to this iron rule, but they'd do it anyway even if they knew, since they came by the grand order of the emperor. Though, they were most certainly gambling with their lives at this point...

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Chapter 219, How Is That a Rule?

"Who said that? Step forward!" Zhuo Fan roamed the group with a critical eye.

A thin elder moved, sneering at Zhuo Fan, "Humph, you snot nosed brat..."

Pa!

Zhuo Fan instantly cuffed the man, making him stumble, "That's Steward Zhuo for you!"

"Y-you..." The elder was dumbstruck, too angry to even speak clearly. Forget about him being a Profound Heaven expert, just based on his age alone, receiving a slap from a brat was a downright disgrace!

The blood rushed to his head and charged Zhuo Fan, "You damn punk, you think you're great? I will teach you a lesson for daring to raise your hand against an imperial guard!"

But then he groaned and went bug-eyed. His breathing grew fainter and his head forever lowered.

His chest was now sporting an extra fist hole through his chest. Zhuo Fan glanced at his dripping bloody hand, painting a marvelous work of art!

Sss~

Gasping, the other elders watched Zhuo Fan in shock. How was this 5th layer of Bone Tempering kid able to kill one of them so easily??

Luo Yunchang yelped and covered her eyes. The fatty's face twitched and said, "Brother, I knew you were awesome, but these were bestowed to you. You can't just kill them!"

Fang Qiubai's eyes trembled, watching Zhuo Fan with an even more curious gaze.

This Divine Dragon had heard rumors aplenty regarding Zhuo Fan, but seeing was believing.

With Zhuo Fan's mere cultivation, the feats he pulled against others higher than him left people shocked.

Zhuo Fan frowned and ignored the other's unusual gazes as suspicion grew in his mind. [This geezer is clearly in the Profound Heaven Stage yet his speed and power are lackluster.]

He was planning on making an example out of this one for the rest of them, by leaving him a heavy wound. But it ended with him getting killed instead.

[It's as if he's...]

Squinting, Zhuo Fan's eyes shined faintly azure, releasing a short range soul scan to scour these acting elders while hiding from Jade Flute Divine Sword's notice.

Sure enough, these guys were all posing as Profound Heaven experts, while their power was far below the threshold. Just like Huangpu Qingyun's four porters in Drifting Flowers City.

If you'd must define these guy's power, that'd make them fake Profound Heaven experts.

But this fake stage was only privy to a Radiant Stage expert, while all others couldn't tell the difference. [In a nutshell, they're goddamn props!]

Sighing, Zhuo Fan barked, "Fatty, you tricked me! These are no Profound Heaven experts! You brought me fakes! Just take them away already!"

Fatty cried, "You know?"

"Cut the act. I am not blind enough to not see a real Profound Heaven expert from a fake." Zhuo Fan glared, "Are you looking to see me loose out when I'll be facing other houses with these fake Profound Heaven experts that are no more than some Bone Tempering pups?"

The fatty scratched his nose in embarrassment, "Uh, it's just so you can look the part. When others see these twenty men, they will be intimidated... "

"Spare me the nonsense, and give it to me straight. Where did you get these weirdos?"

The fatty scratched his face in silence.

Fang Qiubai chuckled, "Let me explain it. Their talents were meager, imperial guards with slim chances to even enter the Profound Heaven Stage. They couldn't even take two hits from a real Profound Heaven expert even if they did enter it. So the imperial family had a project to raise many of such people into Profound Heaven experts through pills. But it failed. They have the air of a Profound Heaven expert but not the power to back it up.

"But as Cong'er said, even these props have use. Two decades ago, Quanrong was about to invade Tianyu. His Majesty was scared of war, losing his subjects and wealth and pushed tens of thousands of fake Profound Heaven experts to the frontlines, scaring away the Quanrong. Ha-ha-ha, you have to admire His Majesty's wisdom!"

Face twitching, Zhuo Fan watched speechless. [No wonder he's the weakest in the empire's thousand long history. He doesn't do anything, he just poses.]

Though he had to admit, mixing lies with truth was an ingenious tactic. [But it has no damn use in a war between houses...]

Zhuo Fan threw the fake experts a look, then sighed, "Fatty, when you give something, make sure it has some use, alright? Even ten real Profound Heaven experts would do!"

"What, ten? We got none!"

Crying out, the fatty persuaded like a cheapskate, "Bro, real Profound Heaven experts are the creme de la creme in any clan. How can they be raised so easily? Veiled Dragon Pavilion has nine, and of Hell Valley's 12, you killed six. Our imperial family is also short on them. Imperial father can't dispense any!"

Zhuo Fan shrugged, "Then if he wants to bestow something, let him give something real. These fakers are not only cocky, they even start posing in my face. Take them back!"

"Uh, that's unlikely. How can we go against an imperial edict? If you really do this, I cannot bear the responsibility. Imperial father won't budge either. Also..."

Fatty turned to those fake elders and shouted, "Also, you! If you go back, your heads will fall!"

They instantly fell to their knees, pleading.

But Zhuo Fan shook his head still, finding it hard to accept, "They have no skills. With you here, of course they'll beg, but once you leave, they will return to their haughty attitude..."

"I see, brother. Don't worry, leave it to me!"

The fatty cursed at them, "You bunch of good for nothing bastards, you have been bestowed to the Luo clan as elders and must follow its rules to a fault, especially steward's orders. Also who are you to say no? You're just a bunch of fakers! Let me tell you, this brother of mine, steward Zhuo Fan, has fought Hell Valley, kicked around Drifting Flowers Edifice, punching and smashing any and all from the seven houses. The number of Profound Heaven elders from the seven houses under his belt exceeds ten!

"You must be wondering, how is he still alive? Power! If you had his power, of course you'd defy him. If you don't, then you better goddamn listen or just drop dead!"

The fatty's 'pep' talk did the trick and the fakes watched Zhuo Fan in shock.

Not once did they think this brat was such a monster, to openly defy the seven houses.

No wonder he acted so high and mighty with them, even daring to kill one bestowed by the emperor. The Luo clan's steward being powerful seemed valid.

They'd always lived in the palace and knew nothing of Zhuo Fan's exploits. So they instantly prostrated half into fatty's howling speech.

Of course they were nothing compared with such a man of power. What right they had to still act tough? Luo Yunchang was overwhelmed with emotion, but mostly watched Zhuo Fan in joy.

"What do you think, brother? They'll listen now!"

"Cough, Cough..." Ignoring the smiling fatty, Zhuo Fan faked a cough and stuck out his chest as he spoke to the fakes, "As you've been bestowed by His Majesty, and seeing how important it is to third prince, I will accept, albeit reluctantly, such fake Profound Heaven experts."

The fatty was over the moon, as were the rest. Their mission was now complete, and were exempt from the emperor's punishment.

"However..."

Zhuo Fan's tone turned heavy, "You are to abide by Luo clan's rules if you are to stay! First, the most important of all, only me, steward Zhuo Fan, is allowed to show off! Whoever dares to show off before me will find their life cut short!"

They all turned dumbfounded, [How is that a rule?]

The fatty's face darkened and twitched, "Young miss Luo, does the Luo clan really have such a shameless rule?"

Luo Yunchang bobbed her head and held her mouth, yet her stomach hurt from how hard it was to stop from laughing.

The fatty was speechless.

"Second, when you are outside the clan, I am the first and foremost who show off, and when it's your turn to do it, it must by all means be a cut below mine! Failure to comply means death!"

They all held their foreheads. [So this is the Luo clan? Is this how its steward acts? It's just so hard to fathom! Are these what you call rules?]

Luo Yunchang was laughing so hard she laid on the table. The fatty patted his fat cheeks helpless and Fang Qiubai watched it all engrossed.

"Third," Zhuo Fan continued, "You are to obey my every order without question. When I say you kill, you comply. Otherwise, death!"

They shivered when he reached this point and nodded.

They may have submitted, but Zhuo Fan could see the doubt in their eyes.

To someone like Zhuo Fan, it was this doubt that spoke of the problems ahead.

Zhuo Fan cracked jokes with his first two rules just to ease them into a false security. While the third rule was to test them.

And just as he saw, the third rule was accepted with some hesitation.

If they were indeed bestowed by the emperor, the latter would've ordered them to obey the Luo clan to the letter. So the third rule ought to have been received instantly.

But they hesitated. This proved they had a different aim being here, and this sudden rule caught them off guard.

Zhuo Fan showed a crafty smile, "This makes you Luo clan's elders. Grand Elder will take you now!"

"Elder Lei!"

Lei Yuntian flashed before Zhuo Fan and cupped his hands, "Steward Zhuo, orders?"

"These are elders bestowed by His Majesty. They will be under your care. You have to take good care of them!" Zhuo Fan grinned evilly.

Lei Yuntian was happy so many experts joined. But Zhuo Fan's 'good care' painted a very clear image as to Zhuo Fan's intention regarding these fakes. To not let them wander off and to keep his eyes on them.

Nodding, Lei Yuntian took the elders with a solemn look.

The elders were sadly mistaken that they were now in the clear, having entered the Luo clan, when in fact they would be under tight surveillance. What was more, neither the fatty nor anyone else there knew this would happen. The fatty then saw Zhuo Fan return to being seated at the pavilion along with him and the rest.

"Brother, besides the third rule, the first two will have me killed!" Fatty patted Zhuo Fan's shoulder laughingly.

Zhuo Fan spoke solemnly, "Without these two, how can there be a third rule, ha-ha-ha..."

Fatty joined in, thinking the first two rules were to establish Zhuo Fan's prestige for the third one. But then he looked at Zhuo Fan seriously, "Then let us get to the matter at hand. Luo clan's steward, Zhuo Fan, receive this edict..."

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Chapter 220, Esoteric Debate

"Long live the Emperor!" Luo Yunchang bowed, while Zhuo Fan remained still, "Speak!"

Fatty's fat face twitched helpless, "Brother, this is the imperial edict. Looking on with such contempt would have you labeled a traitor and your head chopped!"

"Whatever, only we are here anyway. With Mr Fang not looking to be a man indulging in gossip, if you won't tell it, no one will. Moreover, it won't matter even if you did. For the Emperor to issue me an imperial edict, that only means he needs me. How could he kill me over such trifles?" Zhuo Fan shrugged.

The fatty was lost for words, [Zhuo Fan is indeed a man who can see through anyone.] The emperor wouldn't do anything even if this guy lay in bed when receiving the edict.

But where would the imperial family's dignity be then?

The fatty looked bitterly at Fang Qiubai, "Master, how is this guy any good?"

"Ha-ha-ha, extraordinary people need to be handled extraordinarily. So you don't need to mind this empty courtesy!" Fang Qiubai caressed his beard.

Sighing, the fatty could only nod.

Luo Yunchang rushed to her feet and pouted at Zhuo Fan's side. He noticed with amusement this new side of the always serious young miss, "Young miss, with your temper, you can't be so frivolous around such an important event as receiving the imperial edict."

"Humph, what frivolous? What would be the point in kneeling if you don't? And you'll be dealing with anything that arises anyway!" Luo Yunchang snorted and stuck out her chin.

Zhuo Fan laughed and praised, "That's our young miss alright!"

This was the Luo clan Zhuo Fan wanted, the best clan in the world. They had to aim for the heavens themselves as well. How could that come to fruition if they'd buckle just from some yellow paper from some emperor?

The fatty was almost crying, [Zhuo Fan is ruining the Luo clan!]

When he came here three years ago, the Luo clan was filled with respect and saw the imperial family with reverence. But now, they were tough and stubborn, with even the ever cautious young miss acting like this. They didn't yet make the part to face the seven houses but they already started to show the same defect as them.

[Just how the Clan Head was, so too did the clan act. And just how their steward behaves now, that's what the clans will turn into.]

The fatty shook his head, dispensing with the courtesy as well, "Nevermind then, it's a verbal order anyway. I'll be straight with you. The Emperor intends to have you participate in the Esoteric Debate and take the Regent Estate down a peg!"

"The Esoteric Debate?"

Zhuo Fan raised an eyebrow. He looked at Luo Yunchang, finding her just as clueless as he was!

The fatty raised his bloated head and showed a cocky grin.

[He-he-he, you were so cocky before, so feisty, when you are in fact nothing but boors! It's now my turn to show off!] The fatty laughed and preened, "Esoteric Debate is held once a century, a gathering of the most elite clans. With the Luo clan not being even a third rate clan, a mere cannon fodder for all these years, it is perfectly normal for you to be ignorant!"

"Is that so? Then why is the Emperor inviting our small clan? Please report to His Majesty, third prince, that after hearing your words, Zhuo Fan feels sorely lacking and ashamed to participate in this grand summit. Tell him to find someone more worthy of his attention." Zhuo Fan flicked the nonexistent dust of his clothes.

The fatty caught Zhuo Fan's arm in panic, "Don't, brother! Imperial father will kill me if I go back like this! It is my fault for trying to show off. Right, I will definitely frame Luo clan's first rule on my wall to remind myself every day you will be the only one to show off. Please find it in your heart to forgive this foolish brother of yours... "

The fatty was begging Zhuo Fan in tears, his swag gone like the wind. Luo Yunchang giggled and Fang Qiubai shook his head.

"Fine, do continue!" Zhuo Fan was only playing around with the third prince. He knew when to quit.

The fatty sighed and no longer dared messed around, "Brother, to tell the truth, the Esoteric Debate is really not some place where elite clans gathered, but where houses bet on their honor to avail themselves. It is a slaughterhouse. A clan can rise to the top in one step, or fall to their ruins in another. Many first rate clans would find themselves worse than even third rate clans! Brother, you must be vigilant if you still want to go!"

"Oh, why do you say that?" Zhuo Fan frowned in doubt.

With a sigh, the fatty's green and beady eyes shined with a deep gaze, "This goes back to the founding of the empire, of the time when the seven houses were in constant conflict with each other. There was no open war between the seven houses, but none was willing to back down to anyone. To settle the disputes among them, Tianyu's founding emperor signed an agreement with them. Anyone below thirty years of age was going to compete in order to settle whose house would become the head of the seven houses. These youths would also one day represent their houses in the future. Their power predicted their houses' power under their rule!

"The seven houses thus no longer took arms and their ranks divided. This was the inception of the Esoteric Debate. Gradually, more and more outstanding clans who wished for greatness joined. They were chosen by the seven houses and imperial family to participate. This is how the current Esoteric Debate came to be.

"Yet, no matter how many clans joined, it was still the seven houses that came on top. The others would simply be fighting for the chance to be their vassals. It slowly turned into a bizarre situation. For the sake of their reputation, the seven houses weren't into this debate to the death, while the vassal clans fought to the bitter end for their masters. The survivors would thus be looked kindly upon by the houses, and also receive their support. While the rest would become mountain of bones for the other to rise on!"

The fatty's tone contained mockery, pity, but most of all anger.

The seven houses' existence robbed the rest of the clans their chance at greatness, reducing them to mere expendable pawns. The Esoteric Debate held each century left Tianyu stagnant, its power never reaching new heights.

While the seven houses' power kept on growing.

To him, the seven houses were Tianyu's cancer!

Zhuo Fan sensed his hatred and nodded, "Then what does the Emperor expect of me? Defeat Regent Estate?"

"Uh, that's hardly feasible for a fresh clan like yours. You're just too weak!" The fatty smiled wryly and dismissed his words, "Regent Estate dares call itself the head of the seven houses and harbors the ambition to swallow the other houses because it never once lost in the Esoteric Debates. Imperial father wishes for you to harass Regent Estate and throw them off their game. Regardless of which other house takes the head title, it would give Regent Estate a severe blow to their prestige!"

Zhuo Fan's brow trembled and shot the fatty a look, "Harass? You want me to lower myself in doing such a trifling matter?"

"Ha-ha-ha, brother, I know you're great. But you do not understand them. Even interfering would be a tough problem for many other people."

Chuckling, fatty gave him a yellow ribbon of silk, "This was the roster for the last Esoteric Debate. See for yourself."

Zhuo Fan looked at the names of the seven houses' disciples in shock. Especially since there were so many familiar names.

The fatty pointed out each one, "The seventh name, from Drifting Flowers Edifice, must be quite familiar to you. Grandmother Chu Bijun is renowned among the seven houses. But despite her bravery, she was too weak. Drifting Flowers Edifice was dead last among the houses in the last Esoteric Debate. As if to point out it would in fact become the weakest in this last century among the houses."

Zhuo Fan nodded. Watching the names, many issues started making sense. It showed the precise power of every house lord, extrapolated into the probable power each clan had in the near future.

"The 6th name, Merry Woods!" Zhuo Fan's eyes skipped it the moment he saw it!

[Humph, nothing notable about a claptrap spouting opportunist pre-copernican obscurantist with no backbone to speak of!]

"Fifth name, Sword Marquise Abode, led by Jian Suifeng..."

Zhuo Fan's eyes twitched and frowned. Since Sword Marquise Abode came in fifth, then its power was also in fifth among the houses.

The next name had him widen his eyes, "Fourth, Veiled Dragon Pavilion with Long Jiu and the other elders. Third, Hell Valley, with You Guiqi participating as well. Second, Pill King Hall's group led by Vicious Pill King. And first, of course, was Regent Estate.."

Zhuo Fan's heart sank.

All his allies were dead last while the top ranks were held by Regent Estate's loyal dogs. They were not only weaker than the head, but weaker than everyone else.

Picking up on his thoughts, the fatty laughed and patted his shoulder, "Ha-ha-ha, there's no need to fret, brother. Thanks to your evil ways, these houses' power is no longer what it used to!"

"What do you mean?" Zhuo Fan's eyes shined. He knew he wrecked Hell Valley, but what of Pill King Hall?

Fatty chuckled, "The ranking of the last Esoteric Debate is like this because of some amazing figures that appeared at the time. Hell Valley's third spot was all thanks to 5th elder. Diamondback Ape's power pushed back Veiled Dragon Pavilion's third elder in accordance with You Guiqi's master plan. Without these two, Hell Valley would be far weaker than Veiled Dragon Pavilion!

"Then there's Pill King Hall in second place. They had Vicious Pill King to thank for that. His poison was so deadly no one dared approach him. Without him, they wouldn't have gotten ahead of even Merry Woods..."

The fatty trailed off, but Zhuo Fan got the picture. Hell Valley and Pill King Hall's powers were mostly sapped, since their pillars were cruelly and mercilessly killed, or ruined, by Zhuo Fan himself.

So of course the two no longer were what they used to.

Fatty grinned, "There were many illustrious names in the last Esoteric Debate. You Guiqi, this mastermind, was publicly acclaimed as the first genius among the twenty Profound Heaven experts of the seven houses joining the debate. Then there was Vicious Pill King, the alchemist of the millennium. Uncle Jiu also showed great prowess as well, known for his Purple Lightning Gold Eye..."

Zhuo Fan nodded, secretly rejoicing.

It was great that his first Profound Heaven expert kill was You Guiqi, avoiding many future headaches.

With You Guiqi alive, plotting from the shadows, his head would've hurt like hell by now. But wasting You Guiqi was the same as cutting Hell Valley's power in half.

Thinking clearly now, his trip to Blue Expanse City was downright ingenious. [As for Vicious Pill King, he-he, I sure scored big...]

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Chapter 221, The Six Dragons and Phoenix

"Now that you have seen where the seven houses stand, you need to pay a closer look to your strongest opponents in the next Esoteric Debate!"

The fatty handed another yellow silk ribbon on a heavy tone, "These are the widely acclaimed geniuses of today from the seven houses. The Six dragons and One Phoenix!"

"Six Dragons and Phoenix?" Zhuo Fan perked an eyebrow. That thin silk caught his interest. He recalled having heard of this title in the Drifting Flowers Edifice, when he shelved that info for later. Only to now realize these were the candidates for top power holders in their houses for the next century!

Fatty continued, "The Six Dragons and One Phoenix goes back a thousand years. Along the course of history, these seven had always been the strongest talents at each debate. No matter how great the disciples of other sects and clans were, they still couldn't compare. In fact, they fell dreadfully short. In other words, the future of the seven houses is in their hands, their power reaching higher than their predecessor, and slipping ever so slightly out of the imperial family's control with every generation. This is why the Regent Estate is in a haste to unify the seven houses now. Any more delays would make this ambition too costly to achieve, if not impossible!"

Zhuo Fan nodded.

The seven houses' growth wasn't just a plague on the imperial family, but on Regent Estate as well. If this went on, Tianyu would find itself one day split in seven, with the imperial family still there only to keep up appearances. But among the houses, the statuses would change, one no longer being the head of the seven houses. With the empire divided, unification would hardly be achievable again.

Zhuo Fan watched the silk ribbon in earnest.

"The phoenix here is represented by Drifting Flowers Edifice's Edifice Lord, Ascending Ice Phoenix, Chu Qingcheng!"The fatty's finger rested on Drifting Flowers Edifice, "Some say Chu Qingcheng has the beauty to destroy nations and incredible talent as well. She was entrusted with the power of Edifice Lord since young. With her strong character, her aloof disposition gives the impression the men would only dirty her! Nevertheless, her power is very much real, surpassing many of the seven houses' elders... "

"You saw her?" Zhuo Fan interrupted him with a smile.

The fatty sighed, "You can say that I have and haven't. When she was 16, I once went to Drifting Flowers Edifice. That fine figure, the grace, the pose, are all otherworldly. Many years have passed since, but I still recall that view as if from a dream. Ah, such a pity her face was always covered. Despite staying for one short month, she only shot me a glance. She is truly deserving of being called an icy beauty!"

"Is that so? But I've seen her!" Zhuo Fan nodded.

Fatty nodded out of reflex, then froze and cried, "What, you did? You saw her, even... her face?"

"What else would I be seeing?" Zhuo Fan grinned.

The fatty threw him a look of envy as he rushed to ask, "How does she look? Do the rumors do her justice?"

"Ha-ha-ha, as if. Regardless if she's a fairy, an immortal, or even goddess, no amount of words are enough to encompass her visage. Your imaginations could never fathom the extent of her beauty!" Zhuo Fan was once again putting on airs as if it was his second nature.

The fatty swallowed dryly and glared at Zhuo Fan. [Why is it that this punk always gets the good stuff? How many men ever saw Chu Qingcheng's face? I didn' get the chance to see it, yet this darn kid could?]

Luo Yunchang was sulking with puffed out cheeks, "Zhuo Fan, is she that pretty?"

"Absolutely. I have the three days spent with her as testament of how accurate my description is!" Zhuo Fan nodded.

But it only helped fuel Luo Yunchang's anger while the fatty shouted out of envy, "What, you lived with her for three days? Doesn't she loathes men?"

"Uh, that... depends on the man. I mean, everyone is different. You can't go saying because she was cold to you when you met that she's an icy beauty. Brother, this may possibly be a little harsh, but take it from me. If I were a woman, even I wouldn't want to be seen with you!" Patting the fatty's shoulder, Zhuo Fan sighed.

The fatty was sullen, his mouth twitching, [Goddammit, can you not cut me so deep then make a joke out of it...]

"Although," Zhuo Fan's eyes sharpened, "Chu Qingcheng's talent truly is amazing, but it may not be as monstrous as you'd think. She couldn't even beat Huangpu Qingyun. If these Six Dragons One Phoenix are the same, I can handle them easily."

Zhuo Fan was pretty darn egotistical, yet the fatty didn't jump to criticize him. Since Zhuo Fan kicked a storm in Drifting Flowers Edifice and escaped unharmed still, he was entitled to some bragging rights!

It was now that the ever silent Fang Qiubai coughed, "Kid, if you really think so, you'd have the shock of your life five years later in the Esoteric Debate!"

"Oh, what makes you say that?" Zhuo Fan raised an eyebrow, his eyes snapped on the Divine Dragon.

Fang Qiubai squinted, "Having been to Drifting Flowers Edifice in person, you must know by now their situation. I've met that girl as well. Her talent is outstanding, but the chaos around her had stalled her cultivation, making her fall behind other houses' disciples. You said that she couldn't match Huangpu Qingyun, but let me tell you this. When Chu Qingcheng was twenty and fought Huangpu Qingyun, I happened to be the judge. How do you think it ended?"

Zhuo Fan frowned.

"Ha-ha-ha, Huangpu Qingyun suffered a total defeat in one move!" Fang Qiubai laughed, "I could see then that this girl's talent surpassed a Divine Dragon's. And the other houses' disciples are no different."

Zhuo Fan nodded, not daring to slight them again.

"Furthermore, with Drifting Flowers Edifice having regained Chu Bijun's support, that girl can now focus on cultivating. I am eager to see how far she can reach in five years time. But the other houses' disciples will most likely go even higher. I look forward to see this time's Esoteric Debate, ha-ha-ha..." Fang Qiubai laughed at the sky.

Zhuo Fan gasped, his gaze unprecedentedly hard.

[If there's any truth in Fang Qiubai's words, then these Six Dragons and One Phoenix will probably exceed my clan's elders by then.] He was going to face the same level of freak as him.

Fatty nodded seeing Zhuo Fan's dead serious face, "Among the six dragons, Merry Woods has the Forest Fleeting Dragon, Lin Xuanfeng. Merry Woods has the most uncanny speed among the houses. And Lin Rufeng's is even more so. He fleets about the trees like the wind, gone before you even know it..."

"From Sword Marquise Abode hiels Golden Armored Sword Dragon, Xie Tianshang. Sword Marquise Abode is an item refining house, also specialized in sword arts. Xie Tianshang is many times stronger than his younger brother, Xie Tianyang – a true sword genius. Sword Marquise Abode's sole profound ranked martial art, Flowing Space's Nine Forms is so intricate that many elders can't even grasp it fully their entire lives. Then they say that this kid had done it at nine, unconceivable..."

Zhuo Fan listened engrossed as the fatty got him acquainted with every dragon. When fatty reached Regent Estate, his hands trembled, his gaze hard.

"Brother, none of them can ever amount to the one I'm about to tell you next. Regent Estate's eldest young master, Heaven-shaking Dragon Lord, Huangpu Qingtian!"

Taking a deep breath to compose himself, fatty resumed, "His younger brother, Huangpu Qingyun, you've met. But if you compare the two, the younger brother looks totally average and the same goes for the five dragons. This is the true genius among geniuses, a freak among freaks."

"And it is this man we know the least about. But one thing is certain, the five dragons and one phoenix are not his match!"

Zhuo Fan's eyes widened, his heart jumped!

[Just now you said the five dragons and one phoenix are incredible, making me cautious, but then you go and tell me none of them can hold a candle to the sixth dragon. Just what kind of horror is that guy?]

The fatty patted Zhuo Fan's shoulder and sighed, "Now do you get it? Brother, it's not that easy to interfere with Regent Estate as you may think. Next to these freaks, the so-called demon Zhuo Fan everyone talks about falls short..."

Squinting, Zhuo Fan took a deep breath, "No worries. At the next Esoteric Debate five years later, you will see a brand new Zhuo Fan and Luo clan. But first, there are some things that require my immediate attention. I hope the imperial family can keep the Luo clan safe in the meantime!"

Eyes shining, fatty and Fang Qiubai shared a look and smiled a nod.

"Rest assured, brother. Train in peace and prepare for the Esoteric Debate. Leave the Luo clan's safety to us. Also, if you stand out enough in the Esoteric Debate, imperial father will use this chance to hail you to the rank of Noble House. Then, Regent Estate will find it much harder to touch you when it has to go through the imperial family first!" The fatty just promised any other clan's most cherished dream, but also entrusting him with a near suicidal mission no clan would ever want.

Zhuo Fan nodded and sighed.

[Fortune has always favored the bold. In the thick of danger, opportunity avails itself. And this Esoteric Debate is Luo clan's best chance to shoot straight for the moon...]

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Chapter 222, Thunder Swarm Mountain

The two had explained everything thoroughly to Zhuo Fan before leaving.

Seeing them go, Zhuo Fan's eyes shined, "Young miss, gather everyone. It is time we go to Windgaze City!"

Luo Yunchang looked at him deeply before nodding.

Not much later, they all gathered, except the Grand Elder, who was watching over the newcomers.

Luo Yunchang and Zhuo Fan took the main seats, overlooking them as they explained what fatty said.

Even though shocked, everyone was sporting a serious face. The imperial family's task was of monumental proportions. It wanted this fresh clan, not even a decade old, to fight against the seven houses with a thousand year old legacy, each.

This was a fool's errand!

Even Li Jingtian was frowning.

"Elder Li, you've been living in Regent Estate until now. What are, in your opinion, my chances with Huangpu Qingtian?" Zhuo Fan asked.

The others settled down, awaiting his answer.

Li Jingtian shook his head, "None whatsoever!"

The eyes of others widened, their hearts jumped, and Zhuo Fan frowned. Li Jingtian's assessment was undoubtedly reliable, giving Zhuo Fan further shock.

"Old Li, Steward Zhuo isn't your run of the mill. Wherever in Tianyu have you seen any other Bone Tempering cultivator kill a dozen Profound Heaven experts in Tianyu? You're saying that twerp Huangpu Qingtian still holds a candle to our great Steward Zhuo?" Xue Qingjian giggled a flattery.

However, Zhuo Fan shot her a glare, "Sister, sucking up has no place here. Please take this matter seriously, or I'll take what you said as wishing for my demise!"

Xue Qingjian zipped her mouth on the spot. She could feel the coldness in Zhuo Fan's tone.

This also made the others tremble. The usual rampant and obnoxious Zhuo Fan actually knew to be cautious at crucial times.

His act earned their admiration. He wasn't one influenced by some cheap words of flattery, keeping his cool when it was needed the most.

Li Jingtian secretly approved, "Steward Zhuo, to be blunt, third prince and Fang Qiubai didn't see the real him, only speaking based on mere hearsay. But even if they had seen him, they'd have the same impression. Poise of a king and a talent of a freak!"

Zhuo Fan squinted, "Go on!"

"As Elder Xue mentioned, Steward Zhuo's Bone Tempering cultivation is enough to kill Profound Heaven experts. But I feel the need to enlighten everyone here that Steward Zhuo isn't the first to have done this. Ten years ago, Huangpu Qingtian, in his 2nd layer of Bone Tempering Stage, easily defeated Regent Estate's Profound Heaven elders. As you all know, their elders are unlike You Guiqi and the others. Every one of them trained in Imperial Tyrant Body Art!"

"How is that possible?!"

Even Zhuo Fan couldn't help but cry out. His victories over Profound Heaven experts were thanks to his Lightning Wings and Diamond Sand body. He never thought it possible for a second method to exist into making another reach such power.

Li Jingtian read this from his reaction and smiled dejectedly, "They are the freaks roaming this world. It's as if they were born to trample everyone else under their feet. Before I left, he had always been under the High Venerable's tutelage and I am unsure of his progress. But no question about it, he is in the Profound Heaven Stage just as Huangpu Qingyun. At least in the 5th layer! His real power is hard to fathom... "

Up to this point, Zhuo Fan had been in a constant frown. He never once saw it possible for one man's exceptional talent to reach such an incredible level. Thus, he refused to believe one man's talent could be so monstrous!

"Taking into account Old Li's opinion, does this mean Steward Zhuo has not even a glimmer of hope in beating him?" Qiu Yanhai turned to Zhuo Fan in worry.

He was no longer hating Zhuo Fan for forcing them to join, on the contrary, he was completely grateful. Without Zhuo Fan, he and Xue Qingjian wouldn't have grown so powerful so quickly.

Zhuo Fan was their matchmaker and was worried for his safety.

Chuckling, Li Jingtian said, "That may hardly be the case. What I spoke of was in terms of strength. It just means Steward Zhuo is unable to face him head on. Others are clueless to Steward Zhuo's tricks, but which elder among us isn't clear on how he operates? Remember how every one of us joined the Luo clan!"

They all looked at each other and burst out laughing.

Indeed, the dread of Zhuo Fan wasn't based on power, but a shrewdness similar to You Guiqi's. It involved schemes hardly anyone could pierce!

Taking that into account as well, then Zhuo Fan's chances were through the roof...

Yan Song praised, "This Esoteric Debate may very well be the strongest since its inception. Thank my lucky stars I joined the one last century, or I may as well turn into cannon fodder in this one!"

The others cracked up again, to which Zhuo Fan just smiled. But one name carved itself in his heart, Huangpu Qingtian!

"Elders, do any of you know of a place with thick thunderclouds in Tianyu?"

One voice spoke, "Why does Steward Zhuo ask?"

With a flash, Zhuo Fan held a flickering egg. He smiled, "This is why!"

"6th level spiritual beast, Thunder Skylark's egg!" They all cried in shock.

Li Jingtian watched Zhuo Fan in envy, "He-he-he, Steward Zhuo has many hidden treasures, even a 6th level spiritual beast's egg. If it hatches, we will have a beast that will even give a Radiant Stage a run for his money!"

"Yeah, we toiled long and hard, yet only managed to get 5th level spirit animals. Who knew Steward Zhuo would hold a 6th level spiritual beast? This is a rare treasure even for a Radiant Stage. Steward Zhuo's methods are flawless!" Xue Qingjian and Qiu Yanhai admired him.

With a dismissive wave, Zhuo Fan smiled, "Please, enough with the buttering. I only obtained this egg through chance. And because it was damaged, I had to go to Drifting Flowers Edifice and use Bodhi Jade Sap to restore it. Then various things cropped up and had no time to mind it. Only recently I managed to restore it. But to make it hatch, I must find a place with thick lightning bolts!"

"Easy, just set up a thunder gathering array!" Xue Qingjian shrugged.

Zhuo Fan shot her alternative option on the spot, "The lightning will be too feeble and also costly! I want to incubate it in a natural thundercloud. This is all so its power will reach its peak!"

Li Jingtian and the rest nodded.

Incubating it with poor lightning bolts would only waste this grand 6th level spiritual beast's potential.

They knew what was on Zhuo Fan's mind. This was another ace up his sleeve in dealing with Huangpu Qingtian. The hatching of this spirit animal was of great import.

"If we're speaking of a natural place engulfed in thunderstorm all year round in Tianyu, only one place comes to mind..." Li Jingtian caressed his beard.

Xue Qingjian was frantic, "No way! That's a forbidden area! We already have our hands full with the seven houses. Isn't that enough trouble as it is?"

"What place are you talking about?" Zhuo Fan was quite piqued.

The elders exchanged a glance and said together, "Thunder Swarm Mountain!"

"Thunder Swarm Mountain? What's wrong with it?"

"As Steward Zhuo can imagine, it is a place where lightning strikes everyday, all day. It's skies blanketed with thick thunderclouds. This place had been like this ever since the founding of the empire!" Li Jingtian spoke.

Zhuo Fan's eyes shined, "Perfect. I'll have my egg hatch there!"

"You can't!"

Xue Qingjian cried in panic, "Since sixty years ago, one of the empire's three guardian sects, Demon Scheming Sect exiled four criminals there to receive thousands of thunder strikes a day. If we go there and release the four by mistake, we'll be offending the Demon Scheming Sect and suffer their wrath."

Zhuo Fan squinted, "Are you saying the four criminals are being guarded by the Demon Scheming Sect?"

"Uh, not at all! Demon Scheming Sect just left them there and ignored them ever since. They thought none would dare risk offending them and let the four out."

"What bloody reason is there to fear then? Even if we do let them out by mistake, we just have to haul ass out of there with none the wiser!" Zhuo Fan snickered.

Xue Qingjian was startled, [That's true. But won't that be too vile? If Demon Scheming Sect ever finds out, we're done for.]

But how could the bold Zhuo Fan be so cowardly? If he'd be panicking over every trifle, how could he have ever risen to be a Demonic Emperor?

Zhuo Fan slapped his thigh, settling on taking Li Jingtian to Thunder Swarm Mountain.

This used to be in preparation for Lightning Canyon, but now became a means to deal with Huangpu Qingtian as well.

But before he set out, he entrusted an unbelievable task to Yan Song and Lei Yuting. This task would decisively affect Luo clan's place in Tianyu...

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Chapter 223, The Abominable Four Scheming Demons

Whoosh!

Two figures flashed among the clouds. They were Zhuo Fan and Li Jingtian on their way to Thunder Swarm Mountain.

"Elder Li, how much longer?" Zhuo Fan rubbed his Thunder Ring.

Li Jingtian calculated, "By my estimates, we should arrive in three days!"

"Good!" Zhuo Fan flapped his wings and tripled his speed, "The faster we get there, the better!"

Hu~

Then, a sudden attack came at them in the form of a shadow. Zhuo Fan had no time to stop, about to smash into it.

Li Jingtian intervened, however, and grabbed Zhuo Fan's neck. He then placed Zhuo Fan behind him, but the shadow sped straight for them.

"Ghostly Dragon Claw!" Li Jingtian shouted.

Bam!

With a devastating sound, the shadow was sent flying while Li Jingtian stood unphased, tall and proud. Yet he couldn't stop his red hand from shaking.

"Elder Li, are you alright?"

Zhuo Fan looked on carefully, while Li Jingtian was frowning, "Don't worry. That item is a spiritual weapon, most likely a 5th-grade one. If not for being a body cultivator, I might've ended up dead."

Sighing, Zhuo Fan nodded, then breathed easier.

"Hi-hi-hi, you must be someone to have blocked my 5th-grade spiritual weapon, the bone staff with your bare hand. It looks like I caught myself a big fish!"

A creepy snicker accompanied the appearance of a man not hundred meters from the pair, holding a black item in his hands.

Under a closer look, Zhuo Fan could see that the black item was a two meter long black staff with a human skull at the ends. The wielder however was a hideous pygmy. The evil air wafting from him made one's nerves tighten!

"3rd layer of Radiant Stage!" Zhuo Fan's eyes widened as he and Li Jingtian cried at the same time.

The pygmy was excited all of a sudden and gesticulated in joy, "Hi-hi-hi, now you know how great I am so be good and surrender and I may be kind enough to spare your miserable lives!"

"Humph, a mere 3rd layer of Radiant Stage expert dares show off before me?" Li Jingtian stomped forward and released his mighty power.

The pygmy was cowered back again and again by the display and gasped, "What, you're in the 6th layer?"

"Ha-ha-ha, how the hell did you live so long to reach the 3rd layer of Radiant Stage when you attack without even scouting your opponent first?" Zhuo Fan mocked, "It's my turn to ask the questions. Who are you and why did you attack us?"

The pygmy cackled after sparing Zhuo Fan a second glance, "Ha-ha-ha, a puny 5th layer of Bone Tempering cultivator thinks himself worthy of hearing your grandpa's name?"

"You little shit that is neither human nor monster, dares to call yourself my grandpa?" Zhuo Fan's face was vicious as he glared, "Elder Li, no more questions. Deal with this midget and let's be on our way!"

"With pleasure!"

Li Jingtian had long found this pygmy's attitude annoying. [Zhuo Fan shows off because he is the steward of a clan, and he has both ambition and power within himself. While you, a filthy little shite, too ugly to even look at, and weaker than me to boot, dare do the same?]

[You have another thing coming!]

So Li Jingtian eagerly went on the offensive the instant Zhuo Fan gave the order. The pygmy wasn't scared by Li Jingtian's charge, however, and started twirling his bone staff.

Bang~

Metallic clashes rang all around. Li Jingtian didn't use a weapon, but as a body cultivator, he honed his body into a weapon in and of itself.

Every one of his strikes was no lesser than one coming from the bone staff.

And since the two of them were of different cultivation layers, the pygmy was on the retreat with every blow from Li Jingtian, despite holding the advantage with a spiritual weapon.

He wielded the black staff with uncanny movements, avoiding all attacks, but when his energy reserves were up, only death would welcome him.

"Blast it, I really hit a snag this time!" The pygmy started cursing from exhaustion. Then, clenching his teeth, he suddenly jumped to gain some distance.

But Li Jingtian realized his attempt at running aways so he shouted and struck the black staff fiercely with his hands. This time, however, as the the black staff danced, the pygmy was shrouded in black energy, while the bone staff started letting out eerie screeches.

The next second, the vile energy took the shape of a skeleton as it cackled at the two.

"This demonic cultivation method is beyond vile!" Zhuo Fan frowned. He never thought this weird pygmy would be a sinister demonic cultivator.

But he wasn't worried. When it came to sinister demonic methods, the Wraith Style used by Li Jingtian was by far one of the most wicked out there.

"Hi-hi-hi, you didn't expect this, did you? I am a dreadful demonic cultivator! With this low profound ranked martial art of mine, Demon Shadow Bone Staff, I will swallow your body and soul. Scared now? Ha-ha-ha..." The pygmy crackled from within the shadowy skeleton. Li Jingtian only grinned, "Moron!"

"What, you still dare take me on? Then die!"

The pygmy sure had a screw loose, though he had quite the sharp pair of ears on him. The mockery in Li Jingtian's words earned his rage, charging at him with the image of the skeleton.

But Li Jingtian only smirked without an ounce of fear, just as a black dragon image engulfed him.

"You blind little shit, let me show you true demonic martial arts. Wraith Style's first move, Soaring Demonic Dragon!"

Roar!

With a reverberating roar, Li Jingtian's power surged and charged at the skeleton image. In a totally anticlimactic way, the skeleton image up and vanished without even a sound.

Pff!

The pygmy spurted blood and was sent flying just as his staff snapped in two.

A 5th-grade spiritual weapon was broken by using brute force alone. The Mad Dipper combined with Wraith Art was a force to be reckoned with.

Looking at his broken black staff, the pygmy realized the error of his ways. He really kicked a wall this time. His eyes began to show fear.

"Wait, hold on, I give. Please let me go!" The pygmy started wailing and begging for his life.

Li Jingtian turned to Zhuo Fan for opinions, only to see him looking elsewhere and letting him handle it. So Li Jingtian looked at the pygmy with a cruel grin, "It's far too late now, you little shit!"

Li Jingtian laughed and slapped his chest. The pygmy wailed, "Brothers, your big brother is about to die. Come save me!"

"Who dares kill my brother..."

An ear-piercing cry resounded and startled Li Jingtian into seeing three shadows flying at him. They were on him in a flash.

The three launched attacks at the same time, forcing him to jump next to Zhuo Fan.

But the sight of them had Zhuo Fan and Li Jingtian slackjawed. Before there was one and now there were four pygmies. Though there were differences here and there despite how ugly they all were.

One was sharp, one was wretched, and the last was shy. Now that the three helped the first pygmy up, he regained his brash tone and started cackling, "Ha-ha-ha, so now you're scared since my brothers are here? Give yourself up and I may be inclined to spare your wretched lives!"

Zhuo Fan's face twitched and darkened.

[He definitely has more than one screw loose. He just had a harsh lesson beaten into him a moment ago but now he's back to showing off. Guess you can't teach an old dog new tricks.] It was fine if his backers were stronger, but Zhuo Fan could easily see they were of the same cultivation. Elder Li had no problem with one, so where did this tyke get all that courage from?

"Elder Li, for the sake of humanity, get rid of these little shits. I can't bear to watch!" Zhuo Fan sighed.

Li Jingtian however recalled something and turned grave, "Steward Zhuo, we may have hit a snag this time."

Startled, Zhuo Fan saw Li Jingtian cup his hands, "Are you perhaps the legendary Four Scheming Demons the Demon Scheming Sect placed in Thunder Swarm Mountain?"

Widening his eyes, Zhuo Fan turned to the four.

[Didn't the Demon Scheming Sect lock them up? What are they doing up and about?]

At his mention, the four assumed weird poses and shouted to the world, "Indeed. We are the demonic cultivator hero quartet, known to all as the Abominable Four Scheming Demons!"

The creepy display the four put on and their pygmy appearances was jarring to one's eyes. Zhuo Fan was even cringing.

[These four are grade A weirdos, one dumber than the next. I just can't figure out why in the world Demon Scheming Sect would take them in.]

"Elder Li, I still believe it's in humanity's best interest you deal with them, forthwith. Now I know why the Demon Scheming Sect threw them in the Thunder Swarm Mountain and forgot about them! Humph, not even I would want to spare one moment longer seeing these weirdos!"

But not only Li Jingtian was unmoving, his face only grew heavier, "Steward Zhuo, they are more than their 'exotic' appearance led you to believe. These four threw Tianyu in chaos when they joined hands back in the day!"

Zhuo Fan squinted and looked at them again. Since it was so, he was very much eager to see how...

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Chapter 224, Dreadful Unity Tactic

Translator: StarReader

Editor: Silavin

"Big brother, they look impressive. It's best we make a run for it!" One pygmy hunkered behind the other three and peeked his head out at Zhuo Fan in fear.

Zhuo Fan was stumped. [The hell, you balked after some hot air?] This never happened before, not once. [What are you doing posing around as our enemy then? Why not just scram in the first place?]

Another pygmy noticed this contradiction and cuffed the shy one over the head, "Coward, you're always cramping our style! We won't take you with us ever again. And our eldest bro was hurt by them. How can we let this slide?"

Zhuo Fan nodded, [That's more like it.] He was sensible to even neglect that part about their style. [This guy's reaction is more like it, that's a proper human response.]

But that thought didn't finish forming as the pygmy added another slap, "And even if we don't get revenge for old bro, how are we going to get compensation for getting his bone staff ruined? They have to pony up!"

The pygmy was then holding the halves of the black staff close to his heart, on the verge of crying.

Zhuo Fan's face twitched and darkened.

His previous thought was wiped clean off his mind. [I stand corrected, they're inhuman. You don't care about your elder bro's wound and yet you cry over some junk?]

[Even if it is a 5th grade spiritual weapon, how can Radiant Stage experts bawl over something like this?]

In the end, the eldest pygmy ignored his moronic brothers' senseless talk and shouted as he hit their heads, "Goddamn it! I didn't call you over to squabble, but to fight! I'll lead and you follow!"

He then charged at Zhuo Fan and Elder Li. But on his second step, his wounds flared and he spat blood. Even so, his eyes were fixed on Zhuo Fan.

"Attack, attack~" The last pygmy thought of making an even bigger scene and was now hopping and skipping from the side, egging them on. Though he showed not an ounce of intent to join the bustle.

Their eyes squinting, the other three turned to this pygmy and started raining kicks and punches on this cheerleader.

"Blast it all to hell! Every single time you stand aside and cheer but are the last one to help!"

"Yeah, third bro. If you don't charge first this time, we won't charge at all..."

"Uh, let's all calm down a bit. Old bro is wounded. It might be best if we make a tactical retreat.."

The cowering pygmy in the back earned a glare from the rest. Then the three started taking it out on him.

"Fourth bro, you butt in every single time and ruin our morale and make us lose!"

"Yeah, we wouldn't have lost the last time if you'd have charged with us! How else could the Sect Leader manage to banish us in that wretched place to suffer so many lightning attacks otherwise?"

The three were quite springy in giving the fourth a run for his money. Then the fourth thought of something and barked, "What of second bro? If not for him being so damn petty, going after the spiritual weapon the enemy dropped, we wouldn't have lost!"

In a blink, the three stopped and turned to the pygmy that wanted compensation. Now the fourth joined the squabble and the three ganged on the second bro...

Zhuo Fan's face was having a field day from all that twitching, [What the hell's wrong with these weirdos? What have they come here for, beat each other up?]

Their enemy was right across yet they were having the time of their lives smacking themselves instead. Zhuo Fan couldn't make out if they were mocking the two or plain dumb as a rock!

"Elder Li, are these guys even strong?" Zhuo Fan sneered.

Li Jingtian sweated, "Should be. I only heard rumors about them and never met them myself. They say these four are quadruplets and fit together like a glove. This is why the Demon Scheming Sect recruited them and taught them a unity tactic! They usually win by numbers, despite being weaker."

"That doesn't look united to me! How do they even fight if all they do is beat each other?" Zhuo Fan scratched his nose.

Li Jingtian laughed wryly, despite the four's fight getting more traction, and explained, "Steward Zhuo, just as you heard, this must've led to their banishment. They may be able to work together flawlessly in battle, but their characters are totally different and hard to reach a consensus!"

"Speaking of the first pygmy, he is the eldest among the Four Scheming Demons. Violent Demon! He is brash, rude, and very much brainless. No matter how strong the opponent he faces, he is the first to charge head first. If his brothers follow or not is another matter entirely. This is also why we didn't sense any soul ripple to scout our level and instead skipped to throwing the black staff at us!"

"Oh, I am well aware of his stupidity!" Zhuo Fan nodded.

Li Jingtian pointed at the pygmy getting a beating, "The one asking for compensation is the second brother, Scrooge Demon! He is the cheapskate of the four, narrow minded, and always forgoes long term profit in favor of short term pocket change. He is a typical case of strain at gnats and swallow camels!"

"That guy deserves to be beaten. He ignores his elder bro and laments the loss of a spiritual weapon. One look at him and it makes me want to smack him too." Zhuo Fan watched him get clobbered without remorse.

Li Jingtian chuckled, pointing at the cheering, yet the least one to do anything, like a mascot, "That is the third brother, Sly Demon. He is sharp and expert in sneak attacks. Rumor has it that each time the four fight, he always stands at the sideline doing nothing. But every time heads come rolling on the enemy's sides, it's all thanks to him. He's your typical opportunist!"

"This guy has at least a redeeming quality, hoodwinking his enemies. And yet he uses his smarts to steal the credit from right under his brothers' noses! At least he's much better than the first two!" Zhuo Fan nodded.

Li Jingtian pointed to the cowardly pygmy, "He is the fourth brother, Wimp Demon! In every fight, he stands behind his first bro. But some say, he is the strongest among the four. Many experts despise his nature and slight him, only to fall at his hands in the end."

Zhuo Fan nodded, "Elder Li, why don't you go and mess with them a bit. Force them to show their skills!"

Li Jingtian shook his head vehemently, "Steward Zhuo, don't joke about this. They may not look like much, but they're dreadful together. I heard that a century ago, they were only in the 9th layer of Profound Heaven Stage but killed a 2nd layer of Radiant Stage expert."

"Just think. Any Radiant Stage expert is hard enough to fight, but these four killed one when they were in the Profound Heaven Stage. Now that they're in the 3rd layer of Radiant Stage, I'm not confident I can come out alive!"

"What's that got to do with anything? Their eldest bro is wounded and their unity tactic's effect will fall sharply." With a snicker, Zhuo Fan got Li Jingtian to see things from a different angle.

Suddenly, Zhuo Fan pointed at Li Jingtian and yelled at the pygmies, "Hey, this old dude said your dad mated with a swine and ended up having you four weirdos!"

The four stopped fighting and turned their vicious eyes on Li Jingtian. Zhuo Fan chuckled and jumped back half a mile, leaving Li Jingtian their sole lone target.

Li Jingtian paled from fright and wiped the sweat of his brow.

[Steward Zhuo, you screwed me over!]

The four got to their feet and walked to Li Jingtian side by side. Their faces lost their dumb looks and eyed him with savagery.

Wimp Demon was no longer cowardly, Sly Demon no longer dodgy, and Scrooge Demon's eyes lost their greed. In that instant, the four became just like Violent Demon, releasing their vile power.

Zhuo Fan's brow shuddered and his eyes shined. All while Li Jingtian's mood sank and his eyes glittered with tears as he cursed Zhuo Fan in his heart to the ends of the earth.

[I may be the Luo clan's elder, but that doesn't mean you get to screw me over!]

But the deal was already done, and Li Jingtian had no choice but to face the music, "That's right. You're all eyesores, so come on!"

"Ha!"

The four howled and, with bloodshot eyes, jumped at him. The four figures merged in midair and caused this Mad Dipper to gasp as he took three steps back.

Overwhelmed with shock, Li Jingtian knew this was their unity tactic, but feeling it on his own skin was far more dreadful than hearing about it. The four's powers combined, but not merely additively, but multiplied.

Li Jingtian had no time to be careless, releasing his all in his next punch, colliding with their attack.

Boom!

With a loud noise, Li Jingtian was thrown a hundred meters into the air, feeling the blood in his heart boiling. Yet the four savage figures didn't stop for a second.

"Curses! You want to go head to head? Fine then, bring it!"

Li Jingtian held the four demons in fear, but once the fight started, his martial fanatic self reared its head. He was no longer afraid, but laughing, "Wraith Style's first move, Soaring Demonic Dragon!"

Roar!

A draconic roar echoed and Li Jingtian was enveloped by a black dragon's image. In his unparalleled state, he charged at the Four Scheming Demons.

This time, Li Jingtian, with the help of his profound ranked martial art, had gained enough power to overwhelm the four's combined vile energy.

The four's eyes widened, not expecting Li Jingtian to be so amazing, "Ah, we're finished...

Despite saying so, when they were about to collide with Li Jingtian, they snickered, "Hi-hi-hi, that's enough playing..."

In that instant, the strange united attack up and vanished before Li Jingtian, making his attack hit naught but air.

At the same time, figures appeared around him that escaped the detection of his Discerning Field. Only a creepy snicker reached his ears, as if to prove he was surrounded.

"This..."

Zhuo Fan's eyes widened from the side and trembled, "Something is definitely off about them..."

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