I Am Supreme Chapter 1 - 20

I Am Supreme / Chapter 1: Men Who Wield Swords, Command Brotherhood

Chapter 1: Men Who Wield Swords, Command Brotherhood

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Men who wield swords, command brotherhood!”

Yun Yang murmured, raising his goblet for a toast and gulped the crimson wine, his gaze cold and thoughtful.

He lazed on a chair, dressed in purple, under the orchid roof of the courtyard. His eyes seemed to be looking at the canopy of orchids, yet his dazed, faraway look was as if he was staring into another dimension.

His features were delicately sculpted; perfectly arched eyebrows framed a pair of deep black orbs, and a straight chiseled nose sat atop lips akin to a budding rose.

His face was a perfect piece of jade, with raven black hair tied carelessly on his head and a fringe which hung loosely, framing both sides of his face. His whole being exuded otherworldliness, the kind that was tinged with lonesome exclusivity.

His beauty was parallel to that of a maiden.

Even so, 99% of girls in the world would not have features as delicate.

Yet the combination of such features brought about a cold and distant feeling, like a deity above the clouds that was dismissive of mortal emotions.

Although he was rather thin, and his face was too pale, those added a melancholic charm instead.

Yun Yang seemed to enjoy repeating the saying, “Men who wield swords, command brotherhood!”

Then he offered a toast once more, as if inviting someone, and emptied the cup.

An unmistakable sadness swept across his face, with abysmal agony sitting deep in his dark pool of orbs.

Suddenly, his gaze turned sharp like shards of glass.

The piercing gaze came and vanished in a flash, but several blossoms of orchids in front of his eyes trembled and fell, withering before they touched the ground.

Yun Yang’s gaze turned a little dull, wondering how long it would take before he could recover his own cultivation base1. He had too many things to be done yet not a single ounce of his cultivation base remained.

Footsteps came from behind him.

“Young Master,” an elder stood behind him respectfully.

Yun Yang did not turn his head, merely asking, “What is it, Lao Mei?”

The old man stood straight behind his young master in reverence. Although his young master was yet to heal from his injuries, his cultivation base was all gone and he could do nothing about it. His intimidating dignity and honor still could be felt despite his weak state.

It was a strange feeling, seeming to come from nowhere, but its existence was concrete.

“There are two matters.” Lao Mei said in a brief manner, “First, the military had raided the houses of President of the Censorate2 Wu Wenyuan and a few censors3 without notice. I’ve also heard that it was a direct order from Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan. Wu Wenyuan’s whole family had also been captured while Wu Wenyuan himself was arrested, and is now held behind bars.”

Yun Yang listened without saying anything.

It was nothing out of the ordinary – just a downfall of an influential official from the imperial court. This would not be worthy of Lao Mei’s personal report so he knew that there was something more.

And Lao Mei would divulge the details.

“We’ve had our eyes on Wu Wenyuan for half a year now. This servant4 has made slight arrangements during the raid and found a secret chamber within Wu Wenyuan’s secret chamber. When the officials left after the raid, this servant had personally gone over to retrieve what was in the secret chamber.”

Yun Yang was not even the least bit curious about the fact that Lao Mei was able to enter the zone during the military capture of the imperial official, to find and retrieve what was said to be the most secure and obscure secret chamber.

Lao Mei continued, “There was an authorization tally5, a jade pendant, a medicinal pill6, and a beast pill7.”

Yun Yang frowned.

Lao Mei quickly followed, “On the authorization tally, ‘the best time of the year is spring’ was written! On the pendant, it wrote ‘tenth of the first month’. The medicinal pill is a revival pill from Hall of Pills while the beast pill was a mystical pill made from a sixth grade mystical beast, the green-head hawk.”

“Mm… Wu Wenyuan is now being charged with… treachery, and is alleged to be involved in the War of the Nine Supremes at Tianxuan Cliff,” Lao Mei finished.

Yun Yang was still silent, but Lao Mei could see the obvious shudder when his young master heard the words ‘Tianxuan Cliff’.

Lao Mei felt the reducing temperature – a chill coming right from the heart permeating the courtyard, as orchids dropped without the existence of wind, forming a shower of petals.

After some time, Yun Yang said, “Bring Wu Wenyuan over, I’ll question him myself!”

With Wu Wenyuan now jailed in the Ministry of Justice’s prison, how could he possibly be fetched over?

Yet Lao Mei promised without hesitation and continued, “Young Master, I’ve heard that the military plans to pay homage to the Nine Supremes, with Wu Wenyuan and a thousand heads of the betrayers.”

Hearing ‘Nine Supremes’, Yun Yang paled, his heart panged as if stabbed with a dagger. He said, “I have my ways.”

Lao Mei replied, “Yes.”

“What’s the second matter?” Yun Yang then asked.

“It’s that… we have no more money.” Lao Mei said awkwardly, “We still have ten thousand silver taels, but my estimation tells me that they can only last us till tomorrow night.”

Yun Yang nodded, saying, “I understand.”

“Lunch is ready.”

“Got it.”

Lao Mei then went away.

A sliver of malice surfaced in Yun Yang’s expression, “Year! The best time of the year is spring! Tenth of the first month… You guys are finally coming out?”

A faint smile appeared.

It was one that would frighten anyone who saw it, as the faint smile was wicked and murderous, as if haunted with souls of the unrest!

The dining table was full of mystical beasts’ meat, they were aromatic but too much to go around.

There were at least 40 to 50 catties8 of meat.

Yun Yang sighed and began to eat.

Lao Mei turned his head away with a cough.

This was a daily moment that he was most reluctant to watch – his usually elegant young master who seemed to come out from a painting, had to finish so much meat alone!

Although his meal etiquette was impeccable, there were still…at least 50 catties of meat!

How big of an appetite was needed to consume them all?

His young master’s appetite had increased to an insane amount ever since he came back bearing injuries a year ago.

Each of his meals must be served with at least several dozen catties of mystical beasts’ meat, and each serving of meat for a meal would cost 8 thousand taels of silver.

This was unsustainable, especially on top of other large expenditures.

What really happened to his young master?

Just as he was engrossed in his thoughts, his young master spoke, “Send invitations to Ma, Liu, Zhang, Qin, and Ling. I’ll host a banquet tonight at White Cloud Restaurant.”

The corner of Lao Mei’s lips quivered before he said, “Yes.”

Soon after, Yun Yang ate the last piece of meat and swallowed the revival pill from the Hall of Pills easily, before popping the mystical pill made from the seventh grade mystical beast into his mouth as well.

Just the value of the last two items alone were already close to being priceless.

“Just about full,” Yun Yang said.

The corner of Lao Mei’s lips quivered a bit more violently.

The invitation had evoked furious wails in the courtyards of all seven different young masters!

“I’m not attending!”

“I have no money!”

“Whoever goes is a son of a b*tch!”

“Bastard, a banquet again? Oh my god…how could this be?”

“Oh god, oh earth, kill him with a lightning strike please… this vampire… he hosts a banquet the very moment I have money…”

“Father, give me some money, Yun Yang is hosting a banquet again…”

“...F*ck.”

Yun Yang went on his way as night came.

Lao Mei followed him, with cautious steps.

Yun Yang’s robe seemed to change colors under the rays of the sunset; cold and distant in black with hints of mysterious navy when he walked, yet there seemed to also be a glimmer of elegant purple.

His stroll on the street was elegant, yet naturally at ease.

His pace was slow as his internal injuries caused burning agony within him with each step he took, but a smile hung on his lips regardless.

It seemed that the searing pain allowed him to remember something, allowing him to imprint it in his mind. Only then would he feel better. Lao Mei, who was behind him, looked at him, feeling the otherworldliness of his young master.

White Cloud Restaurant was the most luxurious restaurant in the Empire of Yutang’s capital, Tiantang City.

The workers of the restaurant were rather surprised.

Seven young masters who dressed lavishly were in the hall, all of them regular patrons of White Cloud Restaurant. There was never a moment that they visited without much joy and pride, but this time round...

All seven young masters wore the same haughty look, some sighing while some cussing; discontent filling the air…

What happened?

Just as the workers were wondering, a shadow had already stood by the door.

Everyone widened their eyes in amazement when a lantern light illuminated the person’s face.

Only half of his face was lit up by the light, yet it was enough to stir marvel within all that were present.

A few waitresses lowered their heads bashfully, eyes radiating and hearts thumping, with their cheeks flushing a rosy pink.

This young master… is really handsome! If only I could…

The figure by the door sauntered in, with his robe in all sorts of elegance and mystery, with the ever-changing dark purple and navy.

“Haha, all my good friends came indeed.” Yun Yang smiled, “Please, please enter. We haven’t met in a long time, we must have a good round of drinks this time round.”

One of the young masters then said with gritted teeth, “Young Master Yun, there’s no need for drinks. Let’s be straightforward, how much do you want this time?”

Yun Yang smiled as he tilted his head, replying in a friendly manner, “Why, Young Master Ma, are you not honoring or even obliging me? Not even having a sip, are you?”

Young Master Ma paled, quickly defending himself, “No, no, not at all. Who dares disregard Young Master Yun? Haha…”

As he spoke, he kept signaling others with his eyes.

“Right, right. Young Master Yun’s reputation is higher than the sky. Drink, we must drink.” The few young masters nodded in agreement, with forced smiles and humorless laughter.

Yun Yang smiled gently, “If so, please.”

“You first!”

“Please!”

The young masters replied in an equally eager manner, walking upstairs harmoniously but when they turned around, all their faces were close to tears…

God, drinking this time? There was no such pleasant treatment the last time…

They wondered how much this goblet of wine would cost…

Everyone sat in their respective seats; Lao Mei stood behind Yun Yang, with a straight and unmoving face.

“A long time ago, there lived a rabbit. Once, it got drunk and actually assaulted a bear…” Yun Yang joked in a light tone. The joke was not even the least bit comical, but all seven young masters roared in laughter as if they had heard the world’s most hilarious joke.

“Young Master Yun, this is the ultimate joke… Hahaha, I’ll live depending on this joke for the next half of the year…”

“Ah, the laughter, my stomach hurts…”

Yun Yang nodded smiling, “Looks like everyone welcomes me, huh?”

“Of course!” Young Master Zhang spoke quickly, “If anyone failed to welcome Young Master Yun, that’d be really… really tactless!”

All the other young masters nodded like pecking chickens. “That’s right, that’s right. Anyone who doesn’t welcome Young Master Yun is a bastard.”

Their eyes met, all of them thinking, “Damn it, all six of you are bastards! Me too… Anyone who welcomes this character… that person is a bastard!”

Wine and dinner was served.

Yun Yang coughed and said, “Since all my brothers are here, Yun Yang has something to say, but he is also quite embarrassed…”

Young Master Ma spoke, close to tears, “Young Master Yun, please speak.”

“Yes, since everyone welcomes me so much, I’ll be straightforward then.” Yun Yang chuckled abashedly and continued, “I’m strapped for silver taels recently, so I’d like to… seek for a way out of this, possibly with the help of you guys.”

All seven young masters’ expressions turned bitter, “How much would Young Master Yun need?”

Yun Yang looked at the dishes on the table and exclaimed, “The meal today is not cheap…”

Before he finished, Young Master Qin had already interrupted him, “It’s just a meal, how can we let Young Master Yun spend on us? Let me do the honors!”

Yun Yang nodded, “Young Master Qin is indeed sensible, I’ll be disrespectful if I decline.”

Young Master Qin’s face was sour, “Oh, don't mention it, we’re all brothers.”

“Mm, I told a joke before the meal. Everyone felt that it could last for a year's worth of joy.” Yun Yang said, “I don’t need much this time, 7 million silver taels. I think, that would last till the next joke…”

All seven young masters were ashen-faced.

7 million taels? 1 million taels per person?

What joke would be worthy of this much silver taels?

Young Master Ma spoke with a frown, “Young Master Yun, it’s not that I don’t want to help you out, but currently... the family business is not doing so good, each branch is suffering losses…”

Before he could finish, Yun Yang smiled at him, “2 million taels of silver from you.”

“I…” Young Master Ma had his expression frozen, “This…”

“Is 2 million taels too little?” Yun Yang continued, “Then 3…”

“Not at all, not at all…” Young Master Ma interrupted him immediately, “2 million taels it is then. Young Master Yun, let’s make a toast.”

He gulped the wine as soon as he raised the goblet, the wine tasting bitter in his mouth.

He felt stupid. It was 1 million taels, why did he say anything more?

The other six people looked at him sympathetically, with a gloat.

Damn! Speak more, would you?

“Young Master Ma is just the kind of friend I like, forthright and noble!” Yun Yang complimented, “Who would think such friends are too many to have?”

Young Master Ma looked like he had just gobbled down feces, while the other six relished in his expression.

“Then, my 6 other brothers, I don’t think you would think that 1 million taels would be too little?” Yun Yang asked chuckling.

“Not little, not one bit little,” they said, exasperated.

This joke today was expensive.

They knew it would cost them an arm and leg to attend this time, but nobody would have known that it was much more merciless than the previous times!

Translator Notes

1 Cultivation base (修为 xiū wèi): the possessed Qi of a cultivator by practicing and/or cultivating.

2 President of the Censorate (左都御史zuǒ dōu yù shǐ): the Censorate was a high-level supervisory agency in ancient China headed by two Presidents, another of which was called 右都御史 (yoù dōu yù shǐ).

3 Censors (御史台官员yù shǐ tái guān yuan): officials of the Censorate.

4 This servant/laonu (老奴lǎo nú): literally means old slave; used as first person pronoun to humbly refer to oneself.

5 Authorization Tally/Fu (令牌lìng pái): a tally made of bamboo, metal (gold, silver, bronze) or jade used as a proof of authorization

6 Medicinal pill (丹药dān yào): miracle drug/medicine with various effects, often for immortality, boosting cultivation, antidote, etc.

7 Beast pill (兽丹shoù dān): miracle drug/medicine with various effects, often for immortality, boosting cultivation, antidote, etc. with beasts as one of its ingredients.

8 Catty (斤jīn): traditional Chinese unit of mass; 1 catty = 500 grams.



Chapter 2: Blood Over Four Seasons

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
It was a fruitful trip for Yun Yang.

He exited the restaurant joyously as seven other young masters escorted his leave, “Take care, Young Master Yun. Let’s meet again next time…”

The seven people finally let out a sigh of relief after losing sight of Yun Yang’s figure.

“I'll eat! Eat all I can!” Young Master Ma gritted his teeth. “How much do I have to eat to get back my 2 million silver taels?”

The other six young masters rolled their eyes, reveling in his pain, as there was at least someone unluckier than they were!

Merely thinking about it made them feel delighted. “Come, come, let’s not return before we’re drunk! Boss, serve your dishes! Damn it, I’m going to eat up the portion I deserve!”

Then, they entered the restaurant once more.

Young Master Qin who was footing the bill, paled and exclaimed, “You guys want to overstuff your stomachs? Get out!”

He scurried in to stop them.

…

Lao Mei followed Yun Yang with his arms full of newly acquired wealth, but the questions in his head were more than the fortune he had in his hands.

All these seven young masters were insolent brazen characters who did nothing good, so why were all of them so obedient? Just this year itself, they have already been blackmailed twice by his young master, let alone the years before.

What kind of authority did his young master have on them?

“Use the 6 million taels in the few places generously.” Yun Yang instructed as he walked, “You know what to be cautious of.”

Lao Mei replied seriously, “Don’t worry, young master. I understand.”

Yun Yang nodded.

As they spoke, they had already arrived at the gates of Residence of Yun.

Yun Yang lifted his head to look at the four words on the metal plate, smiling in depreciation before he entered.

‘Cloud Transcending the Heavens1’.

The golden words hung above the entrance of Residence of Yun. They were personally written by the current emperor; an ultimate sign of respect towards Marquis2 Yun, that very much resembled a dragon.

The doors closed.

Far away, some place outside the residence, a person’s voice could be heard chanting, “Nine Supremes of Yutang, heroes of the world, the nation mourns, warrior souls sent, ninth of the third month, knights by the altar, behead the cunning and wicked, homage to the souls of heroes, the souls of warriors shall forever be, their great spirits shall forever remain…”

Countless of heavy hearted people were out; officials, military commanders, soldiers, civilians alike… Everyone was heading towards the flower and incense shops…

All candles and incense were sold out that afternoon in Tiantang City.

Faint sobs arose.

Today was the eighth of the third month. Tomorrow would be the day to pay tribute to the heroic souls.

Yun Yang leaned against the door of Residence of Yun, listening to the rise and fall of the chants in agonized longing.

“Nine Supremes shall forever be!”

Yun Yang spoke softly, his eyes determined, “Because I’m still here!”

…

Residence of Yun.

Secret Chamber.

Yun Yang was dressed in a purple robe, standing and watching Wu Wenyuan in front of him with crossed arms. A murderous glint flashed across his orbs as he spoke softly, “Censor Wu, I’ve long heard of your name, but never had the chance to meet you. Hence, I especially invited Sir3 Wu over today to have a good chat.”

Standing opposite him dressed in a prisoner’s uniform was Wu Wenyuan. He chuckled, “Young Master Yun, I’ve only thought of you as the young master of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds4, but never paid any attention to you before. It looks like you’re one unpredictable individual in the Empire of Yutang.”

He laughed, “To have easily brought me here from the prison gates, Young Master Yun seems to have exceptional tactics.”

Yun Yang looked at the President of the Censorate. He could see no hint of nervousness nor fear in the latter’s eyes.

This was a person prepared for death.

Yun Yang made a decision in his heart and briefly smiled, “Just simple methods, please excuse them.”

Wu Wenyuan spoke, “I wonder what it is that Young Master Yun wants to talk to me about, to have brought me out here from prison?”

Yun Yang smiled casually, “I’d like to play a game with Sir Wu.”

“What game?” Wu Wenyuan questioned.

“Hmm, a game of asking questions.” Yun Yang laughed. “You’ll ask me a question and I’ll ask you one in return.”

Wu Wenyuan chuckled as well, “You may be able to answer my questions but I may not want to answer yours.”

Yun Yang smiled, speaking gently, “According to my knowledge, Sir Wu’s entire family has been captured, including your old mother, your wife, two of your consorts, your three sons and a daughter.”

Wu Wenyuan’s gaze turned cold, “What are you trying to say?”

Yun Yang continued gently, “Sir Wu has already dismissed life and death, of course you shan't need to care about anything anymore. It’s just... would Sir Wu dismiss your family’s lives as well?”

Wu Wenyuan narrowed his eyes. “You mean…?”

Yun Yang said lightly, “If you answer my first question, I can grant you an easy death. This is the first bonus.”

Wu Wenyuan said mockingly, “Would you let me live even if I didn't answer any of your questions?”

Yun Yang lifted his head slightly. “How you die matters, Sir Wu must understand this too. If you don’t answer my questions, not a single family member of yours will live, but you, Sir Wu, you’ll have to live forevermore right here.”

He grinned, revealing a row of pearly whites. “Sir Wu, what do you think?”

Wu Wenyuan was prepared to die. but he still had shivers running down his spine.

To live forevermore...

This auspicious term of longevity was connoted with a sickening dread coming from Yun Yang. Of course Wu Wenyuan could not fathom how he could ‘live forevermore'.

He was silent for a moment before saying, “Did you mean that my family can still live?”

Yun Yang replied, “Naturally. Answering my second question guarantees your wife’s life, the third question is for your mother's life... The fourth, your daughter. The fifth question, guarantees the life of your least favorite youngest son, and the last question, your entire family - except you - can live, and live as free men that is.”

Wu Wenyuan closed his eyes in anguish. “And if I don’t answer one of the questions?”

Yun Yang answered easily, “For example, if you don’t answer the fourth question, I’ll let your daughter live, but in a brothel. And I’ll make sure each customer knows she’s Sir Wu’s daughter. Hmm, each question represents one person in your family.”

Wu Wenyuan glared with widened eyes as he hissed, “You’re vicious!”

Yun Yang smiled. “It’s not me, it’s you. It’s your refusal to cooperate that has led to such a tragedy. Instead, as a son, a husband, and a father, you could have provided them with a better living environment.”

Wu Wenyuan shut his eyes, despair filling his heart.

His preparation to succumb to his death vanished without a trace.

Yun Yang had gotten his Achilles’ heel right when he spoke.

“Young Master Yun indeed.” Wu Wenyuan smiled dryly.

“What do you want to know?”

Yun Yang placed both his arms behind him and spoke softly, “The first question, the best time of the year is spring. This is a good saying, but to uncover the meaning within, I’d like Sir Wu to explain further.”

Wu Wenyuan’s face was of defeat, he seemed to be struggling for a while before he replied, “It’s the Four Seasons Tower… four seasons in a year. This means to have Hall of Spring take action…”

Yun Yang nodded. “Very well, as a bonus for answering this, you can die with ease now. Second question - tenth of the first month, what does it mean?”

“I’m the tenth of the first month.” Wu Wenyuan had his eyes closed, as he answered listlessly, “Each season of the Four Seasons Tower has three halls; each hall is named after a month and contains thirty people, from the first to the thirtieth.”

“Congratulations, your wife stays alive.” Yun Yang continued with a grin, “Third question, who’s Mr. Nian5?”

Wu Wenyuan met Yun Yang’s eyes and said, “I don’t know.”

Yun Yang frowned, staring into the man’s eyes for some time before relenting, “Okay, let me change the question, who’s the head of the Hall of Spring?”

“I don’t know that either.” Wu Wenyuan laughed humorlessly, “You really don’t have to keep asking me this. We’ve been using a single-way contact all along so nobody knows who the other party is. I don’t even know who is the ninth and eleventh of the first month, let alone the head of the hall!”

Yun Yang exhaled, he did not look pleased.

“The President of the Censorate in the imperial court is but only a day in the four seasons of the year without any duties… Four Seasons Tower, what a colossus!”

Yun Yang chortled but the chill within gave Wu Wenyuan goosebumps.

“Since you don’t know anything…” Yun Yang went on with a frown, “Then, who are the people involved in ambushing the Nine Supremes at Tianxuan Cliff during spring last year?

Just hearing about the ambush on the Nine Supremes at Tianxuan Cliff was enough to crack a spasm on Wu Wenyuan’s facial muscles. “I’m only a planted agent, the one responsible for implementing the plan has always been the head of Hall of Spring. I don’t know who’s involved.”

Yun Yang nodded. “Other than you, there must be other planted agents. Are they from the military?”

Wu Wenyuan answered, “The ninth and eleventh who’ve contacted me felt like military generals, but I don’t know their exact positions and I’m not sure of it either.”

Yun Yang continued, ”Alright, I’ve finished asking my questions. You can begin asking me now, should you have any.”

Wu Wenyuan shuddered before asking louder, “Why do you only ask these questions? Since you’ve asked about the incident at Tianxuan Cliff, you should have more to ask!”

Yun Yang answered coldly, “Because I know the answers to the other questions. Besides, if I go on asking and you manage to successfully answer, I’ll have to release your son, and I’m not willing to do so.”

Wu Wenyuan was angered and shouted, “But you’ve already asked me four questions!”

His anger was met with a flat tone, “You didn’t manage to answer the last two questions, so I’ll be kind and count that as you answering one. Thus, in total, you’ve answered only three of my questions. The first question grants you an immediate death, the second question lets your wife live, and the third saves your mother. Don’t worry, leave that all to me!”

Wu Wenyuan’s body went limp; hopelessness evident in his heart.

This person gave him hope by betting on life & death questions, but cut it off at the most crucial moment – the most important person whom he cared the most about, was still unable to escape his fate of dying.

He looked at Yun Yang’s fiendish expression and asked abruptly, “Who are you really?”

An extreme grief swept across Yun Yang’s face as his gaze stayed frozen in midair while he slowly uttered word by word, “I am Supreme Yun!”

I am Supreme Yun!

Ever since his last battle and his return to Tiantang City with severe injuries both physically and emotionally, an utmost grief and pain filled his entire being each time he thought of his own identity.

He could finally utter these four words by himself after a year!

Because I’ve found the first clue, I can finally have a slight wave of peace when I think of my brothers.

Wu Wenyuan’s face was of intense shock, looking at Yun Yang, dumbfounded. The shock had rendered him speechless. He could only hear Yun Yang continue proclaiming word by word, “I am… Supreme Yun of the Nine Supremes!”

“You didn’t die?!” Wu Wenyuan hissed, “You’ve died!”

A strange expression appeared on Yun Yang’s face; his voice agonized, “The Nine Supremes will never die!”

Wu Wenyuan snickered distractedly, “So be it, so be it… You haven’t died…”

He whispered the line to himself a few times, his eyes losing glow and his soul seemed to have left him. “Who would have known… the central figure of the Nine Supremes is actually alive… This, is this fate?”

Yun Yang’s face was distant but his gaze was as deep as the ocean.

With such pools of darkness, no one could see what a rollercoaster ride his inner thoughts were experiencing.

“Sink the clouds in the sky, whirl the winds on the earth, startle the lightning and thunder, secure the vault of heaven.” Wu Wenyuan murmured, “the golden ray shines, the dragon rises and soars up high, to infinity it achieves, prairie fire burns, traces of water lost to blood of the heroes, and for eternity it nourishes! Nine Supremes, there’s still someone alive…”

Yun Yang’s gaze was set ablaze as he heard the lines; he mumbled softly, “Indeed, I’m still alive. And since I’m alive, countless people must die!”

“All who were involved in the incident of Tianxuan Cliff… must die!”

“The blood debt that so many of my brothers seek…” Yun Yang lowered his head and spoke gently looking at Wu Wenyuan who was in front of him, “You’re the first.”

Translator Notes

1 Cloud Transcending the Heavens (天外之云 tiānwài zhī yún): literally means cloud that is higher than the sky/heaven; used to mean the superiority of Yun Yang’s family – a word play using his family name ‘Yun’.

2 Hou (侯 hóu): equivalent status of a marquis, that is a nobleman of hereditary rank in imperial China.

3 Sir (大人dà rén): Chinese suffix (prefix after translating to English) used to address an official or a person of authority.

4 Marquis of Heavenly Clouds (天外云侯 tiānwài yún hóu): lit. Marquis of the Clouds outside the Heavens. Seemingly a title bestowed upon the head of the Yun Family.

5 Mr. Nian (年先生 nián xiān sheng): a person referred as ‘year’ as halls were named after months and people in it were referred to in day 1 to day 30.


Chapter 3: Birth of the Lotus of Fate, Endless Divine Art Descends

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Yun Yang was fully submerged in his thoughts, as he gazed at Wu Wenyuan’s decapitated torso, lying still in a widening pool of blood. Staring at the corpse, his expression twisted as he felt an unusual breeze envelop and penetrate his being – almost as if springing from the death of Wu Wenyuan.

It was an exhilarating feeling. His dantian1, parched and meagre since he sustained those injuries a year before, began to awaken and bloom. Tentatively, like a child with his first steps, Yun Yang began to probe and control his flow of Qi2, feeling the whispers of energy start to flow through his long inexistent meridians3 - his eyes snapped open with a radiant glow; recovery was a possibility after all!

Despite being unsure of the entirety of what was transpiring, Yun Yang was more than satisfied to have even arrived at this conclusion.

“Such are the rewards for answering my doubts,” Yun Yang looked down at Wu Wenyuan’s lifeless form and murmured, “I won’t renege on my word. Although you proved to be a traitor to the Empire, wicked and treacherous... I shall keep my promises.”

“Because this is the Nine Supreme’s promise.”

With that epitaph, Yun Yang walked out of the room without looking back.

“Send both the body and head back to the prison, then save Wu Wenyuan’s wife and mother and release them.”

By the time his final words dissipated, Yun Yang had disappeared; to be replaced by Lao Mei who had appeared, as silent as an apparition.

When Yun Yang returned to the canopy of orchids once again, the moon was already waxing bright in the velvet sky. He stared at the moon in silence, a mournful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. A series of revelations flashed through his mind.

“Brothers, I know now who they are. The Four Season’s Tower!’

“Mr. Nian is the mastermind of the Four Seasons Tower.”

“4 seasons in a year, 12 months and 365 days. They represent 365 people.”

“There’s hope for my ability to recover!”

“Don’t you worry, I will live well.”

Like a mantra, Yun Yang chanted these in his heart, the pain and sadness crushing him like a relentless vice, causing his hands to tremble with rage.

After a long while, Yun Yang exhaled, his anger tinting his puff of air crimson in the moonlight. Just as he was about to arise, the sliver of weak Qi in his dan tian finally reached it’s breaking point, having chugged through his meridians for the entire day. Any martial arts practitioner worth his salt could have their Qi flow through their meridians a few times in a single breath – even the most novice of them could do so – but Yun Yang’s Qi had taken him almost two full hours to journey an entire round through the meridians. It was a clear indication how clogged his meridians were.

Just as his Qi was about to complete a loop, Yun Yang felt a sudden surge in his mind, the clap loud enough to shatter his soul. Feeling his mouth fill up with blood, the last thing Yun Yang could recall was the landscape turning blurry, before he collapsed on the floor, unconscious.

Lao Mei, hurrying over to him, was astounded to see the green glow emanating from the young master’s body. It was filled with so much life energy that Lao Mei, who had seen many things before, was shocked.

While he extended his arms towards the supine man, the green glow bloomed as bright as the sun, and Yun Yang’s body began to shake. With a gasp, Lao Mei felt the energy wind its way towards him, picking him up like a rag doll, and flinging him clear across to the gates. Crashing bodily into the metal bars, Lao Mei was rendered immobile and barely able to stand. The impact was so great, he could feel his internal organs collapse, and his bones shatter into mush.

Lao Mei’s eyes bulged as exquisite pain wracked his body. How could this have happened? His cultivation base qualified him as the top five known experts in Tiantang City. How could a brief contact with the gentle green glow hurt him so horribly? Picking himself up with great effort, he saw that the glow around Yun Yang’s body had begun to fade.

Rubbing his eyes in disbelief, Lao Mei peered incredulously at the young master – there was nothing unusual, nothing to indicate that he had unknowingly lashed out with enough force to harm innocents around him. “Utter madness...” Lao Mei muttered angrily to himself, “Could I have imagined it? Caused myself harm? Why would I even do that?”

Yun Yang was… somewhere else.

An emerald light, not unlike an azure sun, rotated in the sky, and Yun Yang’s body and soul alike, felt oddly at ease. Almost as suddenly as he had arrived, however, he felt a heart-stopping jolt, and his consciousness, mystified as it was, was wrenched back into his mortal coil. Immediately, his olfactory senses kicked in, and an overpoweringly pungent scent almost caused him to retch. He began to feel the coarse bed under his back, the air vile enough to possibly suffocate an entire town’s population. An unmentionable epithet passed his lips as he leaped out of the bed and rushed out to escape the odour, only to realize that it emanated directly from him.

Staring in horror at his arms and body, a slick covering of slime covered his entire torso, and seemed to fill every orifice, even his nostrils. Working on pure instinct, he held his breath and made a grand leap straight into the pond in the middle of the courtyard. The resultant splash drenched the sides of the pond and revealed a pair of frightened eyes that materialized right in front of the beleaguered Yun Yang.

It was Lao Mei, whom, after attempting to attend to his master, failed utterly when faced with the noxious stench. Having nowhere to hide from the terrible fumes, and seeing that his master was in no real danger, Lao Mei had also decided upon the pond as a suitable getaway. To his horror, not only did he fail to escape the horrendous odours, the source of it had found him again.

“I have braved the dark underground of martial arts, and cheated Death countless times. I have faced enemies terrible beyond comprehension, and I have never faltered, not even once! None of that, however, compares to this abominable smell!” Lao Mei was beginning to sway dizzily. “What’s worse, it follows me wherever I go, and it reeks of maggots and corpses... I give up!”

With his eyes rolling all the way back into his head, Lao Mei collapsed into a dead faint.

Yun Yang was already scrubbing mightily at the slime, trying to cleanse himself of it. It wasn’t long before he began to see shapes start to emerge all around him. Blinking in speechless amazement, he could only chuckle as the fishes in the pond bellied up and floated in a macabre ring.

After a gruelling two hours of scrubbing, Yun Yang finally began to feel live was worth living again. He was exhausted, and the faint glimmer of dawn marked the beginning of a new day. Lying down in the pond, the reluctance to move at all threatened to send him right under its surface. Lao Mei, who had finally regained consciousness after his fainting spell, was still somewhat tongue-tied.

“Young master, your skin…” The words came out crookedly. “Is this how natural jade is meant to look like?”

Transformed. Yun Yang’s face was smooth and clear, resembling the perfection of a jade carving. Fair and rosy, with an ethereal translucency, he practically glowed with an inner light. He had always been a dashing man, marred only by battle scars that would never disappear, most prominent of which was the one earned during a near fatal encounter.

His face was now smooth as alabaster, the scars that marked him vanished like an old moon.

“Cleansed of impure meridians! Natural golden jade!”

Lao Mei exclaimed in awe. What had happened to his young master? How was it that this phenomenon that all martial artists sought for entire lifetimes, happen so suddenly and unexpectedly?

Yun Yang extended his sense to probe his body, a hint of delight blossoming in his mind. Aside from his cultivation base that had yet to recover, his body now was akin to a newborn’s – healthy and flawless!

“Once the injuries in the meridians’ heal, it was only a matter of time before the healing energies of the cultivation base began to manifest itself.” Yun Yang was happy with his condition now, despite not entirely understanding how it had occurred.

Yun Yang was nothing, if not pragmatic. The lack of information did not overly bother him; the fact was that it had happened, and he was the better for it. He would find out how it happened soon enough, but of utmost priority was to recover his abilities with all haste! As it was, his strength had been sorely depleted since the horrendous battle a year ago.

Suddenly, his eyes narrowed in consternation.

Where was the frost jade that had adorned his wrist?

After performing his ablutions, Yun Yang gingerly returned to his room, all the while

escorted by Lao Mei and his intense scrutiny. Flipping his sheets over, he made himself comfortable on the soft mattress, and began his search for answers. Entering a mental state of fugue, a dense mist began to collate before his eyes, and amidst the swirling clouds was a rotating lotus seed, pulsing with golden light.

A green aura surrounded the seed, and as he inhaled, he caught a whiff of a rather wonderful fragrance.

The top of the lotus seed had cracked.

A tiny seedling surfaced; its green stalks were fresh and translucent like that of jade. Anyone whose eyes laid rest on it immediately felt at ease. Swaying slowly, the seedling literally gave out waves of a strange energy.

“What on earth was this?” As Yun Yang attempted to digest this new sight, an implosion of dizziness washed over him, as a surge of information flooded his psyche all at once. The agony almost caused him to blackout, and his head throbbed with pain.

Faintly, a swivel of shiny, golden words appeared in his mind.

“Chaotic wuji4, it is the birth of all things; it comes out of nothing, and grows into infinity… It absorbs the air of the wronged, soothes the injustice of the innocent, and conducts oneself in clear conscience. The bitter heart of the lotus forms the foundation of life; intention serves as its blade, severing all evil… and within the massacred evil, a lotus seed sprouts. Brilliance shines across the land, dissolving impurities and dispels it to light…”

“Endless Divine Art.”

A mystical revelation consumed him, right at that very moment. Yun Yang snapped his eyes shut. After a time which could have been moments or an entire eternity, he reopened them, and the brilliance of epiphany shone clear in his eyes.

“So this is it…”

“I finally understand…”

His meridians were suddenly cleansed, rid of impurities and corruption. Understanding finally dawned, but with it, came intense agony.

If I had known… If it had occurred earlier, my brothers wouldn’t have had to die…

So, it was because of this… that I didn’t die. It was because of this, that I managed to crawl out of the hill of corpses during the battle at Tianxuan Cliff.

I suffered from a myriad vital injuries, 17 in total, any of which would have killed a normal man... but I lived…and it was because of this.

That tiny bead of a lotus seed.

Yun Yang closed his eyes in sorrow; his thoughts chaotic as they brought him back through time, rifling away through his memories.

He had just joined the Nine Supremes, and had just fought three gory battles that very day. In the midst of battle rage and war fire, something, he could never tell what, descended upon his head, and he had ceased to remember anything after.

It was his eight brothers that had saved him.

Later, he realized that the object that had hit him, causing him to slip into unconsciousness was a lotus seed. A tiny lotus seed, which lodged itself deep inside his skull, causing no end of amusement for his brothers, who mocked him ceaselessly.

“The youngest of the Nine Supremes was laid low by a lotus seed!” His brothers’ laughter still echoed in his ears.

Yun Yang, flustered, attempted to extract the lotus seed from his head, with every intention of smashing it to bits. The oldest of them told him with a loud guffaw, “Ol’ninth, keep it with you. Anything could happen on the battlefield, keep this as a reminder to always be cautious of everything. You must know, even a lotus seed could knock out one of the Nine Supremes!”

Everyone exploded in bales of laughter, but he took the suggestion seriously, as he kept the lotus seed and hung it around his neck with a string of silk.

In his idle moments, he would pull it out on it’s tether, and take good, hard look at it.

Even a lotus seed can lay low a hero.

From then on, he became more cautious; from being the youngest among the nine, he gradually became the core and the brains behind the Nine Supremes. Even the oldest of them exclaimed that he had somehow grown up all at once after the undesirable incident. Although everyone still laughed when the matter was brought up, the brothers no longer looked derisively at it; not after the number of times that Yun Yang’s attention to detail and infallible planning saved their lives and brought them success beyond their belief. The brothers even thought that Yun Yang would be a notable figure in the Tianxuan Continent if he kept up with his progress!

Yun Yang himself could feel the vigilance that the lotus seed had endowed him. It improved his clarity of mind by leaps and bounds, making him all that more appreciative of the seed, and increasing his reluctance to remove it.

In his quieter moments, Yun Yang had even sworn to do all he could to revive this lotus seed when world peace had been achieved, and he could trade his armor for a plowshare. Then, he would build a large pond for this seed to allow it to grow and germinate into a pond full of lotuses. As for him, he would build a small hut by the lake and spend the remainder of his mortal life there.This very same seed – it was the lotus seed in his subconscious mind.

Now, it had bloomed in his own subliminal thoughts, and to top it all off, it even whispered it’s name gently in the inner parts of his being, where peace and tranquility fought a balance with clarity and boundless energy.

It called itself, “Lotus of Endless Fate”.

Translator Notes

1 Dantian (丹田 dān tián): the part where a cultivator’s Qi is concentrated and stored in their body, usually somewhere in their lower abdomen.

2 Qi (气 qì): an energy that exists in all things in the world; regular appearance in the novel as cultivators cultivate Qi.

3 Meridians (经脉 jīng mài): Channels for Qi to flow, similar to what blood vessels are for blood.

4 Wuji (无极 wú jí): the state before Taiji where yin and yang are not yet distinguished.



Chapter 4: The Change Within a Night

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
A lotus was growing in his subconscious mind.

How extraordinarily peculiar!

“To think that such a strange phenomenon could exist in this world!” Yun Yang was astounded. In his lifetime, he was reasonably confident that such an event had never taken place in the known universe.

Improbable as it was, it had happened. And it had happened to him.

“Does this bode disaster? Would I be controlled, or morph into some form of demon? Or is this the calling of the heavens, and I am to answer it, losing my mortal relations in the process?”

In the entire ordeal, Yun Yang had remained as calm as any man could be expected to, given the circumstances. He was aware that there would be a rationale behind such an occurrence - it only remained to be seen if it was an event of great fortune or unparalleled mishap! Resigned to his fate, Yun Yang breathed a sigh of contentment. “Be it fortune or disaster, I will accept it with open arms,” he exclaimed with a smile. “So long as I can complete my brothers’ unfulfilled wishes, and seek vengeance, I will cherish this opportunity that I have been presented, and shoulder the misfortunes that fate decides to deal.”

As what little of the mystical Qi residing in his body began to flow, a look of quiet yearning dawned on Yun Yang’s visage. It was slow going and would consume a few more hours of valuable time before it completed a full cycle. Yun Yang was a patient man, however, and as he waited for its completion, weariness took over. Gradually, his eyes began to droop, and before long, the labors of the day took its toll, and Yun Yang dozed in peaceful serenity.

In his subconscious mind, the seedling suddenly began to move. Wriggling was the closest approximation to describe this movement, and in its quaking, shards of pain began to lance through Yun Yang’s body. Seething in agony, Yun Yang awoke, the pain climaxing until it became almost unbearable. He was close to the edge, when abruptly, he felt a tearing sensation, almost as if a barrier had been ripped away from the top of his head. He began to experience a new sensation, akin to a flow of cooling energy recycling through his soul. It was the Qi, entering and egressing through the peak of his body, churning powerfully as it came and went.

“Awakening of chakras1!”

Yun Yang gazed into an endless horizon, wide-eyed, almost fainting from the ecstasy that coursed through him. This Endless Divine Art could give rise to such an amazing experience! Being a skilled member of the Nine Supremes, how could Yun Yang not have known the difficulty in awakening chakras? Not everyone had the potential for its cultivation; even if one were fortunate enough to possess it, it was still a far cry from gaining mastery over it. Everything about being innately gifted was undeniably true, especially in the different levels of the world of martial arts practiced in Tianxuan Continent.

From one level of Qi mastery to another, the differences and gaps were vastly and distinctly unique. It was the lifeblood of martial artists to cultivate chakras – tail chakra2, sacral chakra3, perineum chakra4, core chakra5, crux chakra6, medial chakra7, crown chakra8, third-eye chakra9, and occipital chakra10.

Their cultivation was divided into three levels, Foundation Qi11, Spirit Qi12, and the highly vaunted Mystical Qi13. Of course, there were those of even higher levels, but they were rare, few and far in between.

Foundation Qi martial artists possessed at most one or two innately awakened chakras (the sacral chakra and core chakra) or none at all; their strength predominantly arose from rigorous training while their energy came from expending and exploiting their physical potential. Their cultivation of Foundation Qi came from expending their own vital Qi. They were, however, doomed to reach only limited achievements, regardless of their best efforts.

Spirit Qi martial artists – martial artists with internal strength14, possessed three innately awakened chakras; the power of yin15 contained within them could be used to inflict destructive damage upon others. They could cultivate their dantian and obtain spiritual Qi from Heaven and Earth, all through meditation. Those with higher cultivation could harness enough energy to split entire monuments and crack rocks, as well as unleash their maximum potential strength in a violent and intense manner.

Mystical Qi martial artists, the elite of the lot – possesses six innately awakened chakras. Spiritually one with Heaven and Earth, they could cruise through the seas and reach for the skies given the amount of power they held in their hands. Those whose cultivations were at their peak could melt gold and even convert metals from base materials, climb mountains and wade through rivers like they were walking on flat ground. These masters could perform feats beyond the human imagination, and defy the laws of physics, stopping short of bending reality.

Yun Yang, being possessed of six innately awakened chakras, was considered one of the most gifted individuals in Tianxuan Continent. That was all the more reason he knew the difficulty in awakening chakras, a nigh impossible feat. To awaken one’s chakra, it would not only depend on one’s effort alone but was subject to a terribly large dose of luck and fate. If one was born without any awakened chakras, there wasn’t much that one could do to elevate one’s self beyond normalcy. To some extent, it was said that awakened chakras could not be developed, it could only be ‘bestowed.'

Yun Yang’s awakened chakras were his tail chakra, sacral chakra, perineum chakra, core chakra, crux chakra, and medial chakra; these were innate. He thought this was all he could be his whole life – at best, a practicing expert somewhere, with no hope of becoming a legend. Who would have known that he was capable of awakening another chakra in such a short period after cultivating the Endless Divine Art?

Crown chakra!

The impossible had happened, and he was now a being with seven awakened chakras.

This divine oddity would make him one in a million in the history of the Empire of Yutang. Although it was only an extra chakra, the impact it would lend to his physical attributes could only be described as the contrast between the heaven and earth.

Where his soul was once dead and buried, now Yun Yang felt like it could soar gleefully in the skies. He could already distinctly decipher the mystical power of the Endless Divine Art, and with further cultivation, he could even increase his capabilities– this was a godsend indeed! With the birth of the crown chakra, spiritual Qi sourced from both heaven and earth began to pour into him. With mystical hands, Yun Yang moved the Qi to each crevice and corner of his physical body, cleansing and cleaning his meridians of all the impurities and corruption that begat the mortal form.

As he continued to perform the ritual, he was unaware of the implications that his actions were having on the spiritual plane. High above in the sky, spiritual Qi from all across began to dissipate and wane, becoming increasingly weak and sheer. Martial artists who were cultivating nearby began to experience a sense of alarm, as they felt the absence of spiritual Qi as keenly as a man struck blind feels the absence of light.

What was happening?

With swoops of wind, silhouettes began to appear on the roof, one after the other as they looked around in a daze, feeling the odd change of spiritual Qi between heaven and earth.

They stared at each other at a loss; the same incredulity reflected in every pair of eyes.

“Which grandmaster is it, who has arrived at Tiantang City?”

Only a grandmaster of legendary stature could claim enough spiritual Qi from heaven and earth to exhaust the entire pool. Only the grandmasters of old could have conjured such a phenomenon, and how many of them with such an elevated level of power still existed in the whole Tianxuan Continent?

What would such an appearance in Tiantang City portend?

Near the palace, a silhouette appeared high in the air as his eyes were filled with shock, gazing straight ahead towards the southwest towards the direction of the aura.

“Who is it that has come?”

Another silhouette shot up and landed beside him, his face grim. They looked at each other, their own eyes reflecting each other's bewilderment.

“Whoever this individual is, he is immensely powerful.”

“But it’s coming from the slums…”

“So who is it?”

The silhouette that was first to arrive forced a smile terrible to behold, “Whoever it is, it’s someone we can’t afford to provoke.”

Within Yun Yang’s subconsciousness, the tiny seedling of green was wriggling and seemed to be expanding little by little. A pure form of vitality was emitted from the earth, from the very sky. Wild plants and living flora in Tianxuan Continent welcomed the same vigorous growth in the very same instant as well, blooming in into miraculous flowers and giant trees.

Indeed, everything within the human realm seemed to have changed within a single night.

“My purple jade ginseng, how did you bloom within such a short span of time?” An old man looked at his newly born flower that was emanating a crisp fragrance, dumbfounded in his courtyard. He had been taking meticulous care of this purple jade spiritual ginseng for twenty years, but the plant had never made even the slightest progress, let alone bloom.

With a suspicious mind, the old man had initially thought that someone had switched the purple jade ginseng for another while he wasn’t looking.

In the borderless forests, a handful of hunters aroused from their slumber and looked at their surrounding in stupefaction. Just the previous night, they were worried that wild beasts would attack them in hopes of obtaining the warm flesh they so desired, so they made the extra effort to build their sleeping area atop a large tree branch. Come the morning, however, they found themselves surrounded and wrapped in a canopy of tree leaves.

“What’s going on?” a hunter exclaimed in confusion, “We just fell asleep not too long ago. This canopy of tree leaves looks like it has seen years of growth! Ah, look at the two trees beside us. I chopped two large branches yesterday as a support, but how… how can these two trees grow so fast? Exactly where I’ve cut the branches, new ones are growing, and even larger than before!”

He grabbed the closest person to him in panic, “Brother, brother, how long have we stayed here? I just got married to Yan’er last month, and I can’t possibly be going back to meet a wrinkled version of her!”

Within a night, everything had changed.

It was now dawn.

Yun Yang exhaled lightly, feeling the vitality of his body that was like that of a newborn’s; a smile hanging loosely on his lips.

“Lotus of Endless Fate; a leaf of infinity, when the bud bloomed, there was the world; evanescence of time, years that lost count, the day the golden lotus blooms, echeveria16 cleanses all; the supposed creator of the world, awaits the fate that binds; now that fortune has arrived, your destiny is laid.”

Yun Yang squinted his eyes, uttering softly, “Lotus of Endless Fate.”

After giving it some thought, the passage was easy to comprehend.

‘When the bud bloomed, there was the world’ meant the first time the lotus seed budded, it created the universe and the world. On the second occasion when it budded, it blossomed into the echeveria of fortune; and the existence of echeveria gave birth to a new destiny. What Yun Yang was fortunate enough to experience this time, was the third budding of the Lotus of Endless Fate!

‘Now that fortune has arrived, your destiny is laid.’ The words were almost prophetic in nature.

Yun Yang tried suppressing the excitement he felt but failed miserably. Almost immediately, he returned inward into his subconsciousness to gaze upon the green seedling again, to gain a closer connection to the plant. He realized that the Endless Divine Art was only the first reward that the Lotus of Endless Fate had brought him. Only when he had completed the prerequisite of basic skills and when the first leaf had grown, could he begin to endeavor for more, with the growth of the second leaf.

Yun Yang frowned. How could one hasten the growth of the Lotus of Endless Fate?

In all the teachings, there was never any clue or hint on how to accomplish this. He rested his chin on his palm and began to ruminate on the problem.

“The lotus seed fell from the sky and knocked me out. I then hung it from my neck all this time. Nothing had changed before that deadly battle. I was supposed to have perished during the fight, but I returned fully alive, and the terrible wound I bore on my chest had healed as well. The lotus seed was missing at the time. Could it be possible that the lotus seed had entered my body, and bonded with my blood?”

Stroking his chin, perplexed, Yun Yang continued to ponder, “But it had only gone in, and nothing else had happened… I have not been recovering from my injuries nor have my cultivation base been replenished… until today. I felt a surge of energy when I killed Wu Wenyuan and stood over his dead body.”

“With this energy, only then did I realize the sudden appearance of the lotus seed.”

“Then my dantian revived and my energy returned, and so I began cultivating the Endless Divine Art…”

A hint of morbid enlightenment flashed across Yun Yang’s eyes. He thought about the maxim, “Chaotic wuji, it is the birth of all things; it comes out of nothing and grows into infinity… It absorbs the air of the wronged, soothes the injustice of the innocent, and conducts oneself in clear conscience. The bitter heart of a lotus forms the foundation of life; intention serves as its blade, severing all evil… and within the massacred evil, a lotus seed sprouts. Brilliance shines across the land, dissolving impurities and dispels it to light…”

“Comes out of nothing, grows into infinity… air of the injustice… massacres evil, the lotus seed sprouts…”

It began to fall into place. “Must I kill to obtain energy from the Lotus of Endless Fate?”, Yun Yang mumbled to himself. ”While… massacres evil could mean… to destroy the wicked? As for ‘absorbs air of the wronged, soothes souls of the innocent,' that’s easier to understand now…”

A voice cut through Yun Yang’s ponderings and brought his thoughts to a halt. “Young master, today is the ninth day of the third month. The memorial ceremony for the Nine Supremes has begun.” Lao Mei was outside, voice tinged with concern for his master. “Today is the anniversary of the heroes’ sacrifice. The emperor and the bureaucrats will arrive at the heroes’ graves in another two hours.”

Yun Yang catapulted back from his subconscious, into the dreary physical realm once again; an agonized look of loss flashed across his eyes.

“Young master, will you be going?”

“Yes, I will.” Yun Yang inhaled deeply; countless scenes and memories of his family flashed through his mind, as he bit his lips in sorrow.

“How could I not send my brothers off? I will attend even if I’m dead!”

Translator Notes

1 Chakras (窍穴 Qiào xué): cultivators aim to awaken them to receive energy from the universe, these points are usually situated near glands in the body; not to be mistaken as acupuncture points, they are energy focal centers in the esoteric traditions of Indian religions.

2 Tail chakra (尾闾窍 wěi lǘ Qiào)

3 Sacral chakra (气海窍 qì hǎi Qiào)

4 Perineum chakra (会阴窍 huì yīn Qiào)

5 Core chakra (命门窍 mìng mén Qiào)

6 Crux chakra (绛宫窍 jiàng gōng Qiào)

7 Medial chakra (夹脊窍 jiā jí Qiào)

8 Crown chakra (顶窍 dǐng Qiào)

9 Third-eye chakra (意窍 yì Qiào)

10 Occipital chakra (神窍 shén Qiào)

11 Foundation Qi (元气 yuán qì): lowest cultivation level among martial artists; 元气 itself already means energy/Qi, but ‘Foundation’ is added to allow distinction among levels.

12 Spirit Qi （灵气 líng qì): intermediate cultivation level among martial artists; spiritual Qi can be obtained through Heaven and Earth through meditation.

13 Mystical Qi (玄气 xuán qì): highest cultivation level among martial artists; masters of mystical Qi can perform feats beyond human imagination.

14 Internal strength (内劲 nèi jìn): cultivated energy in a martial artist’s body that could be used for a variety of purposes including healing wounds and expelling poison.

15 Yin (阴 yīn): part of yin-yang, that is duality existing in all things of this universe; yin is the soft counterpart to yang.

16 Echeveria (玉蝶 yù dié): Echeveria is a large genus of flowering plants in the Crassulaceae family, native to semi-desert areas of Central America, Mexico, and northwestern South America.



Chapter 5: When Would the World’s Atrocities End?

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Tiantang City, the capital of the Empire of Yutang. If a city were the crown jewel of a country, then Tiantang City would be the heart of the entire Tianxuan Continent. The city boasted a population of around 3 million citizens, with walls strong and high enough to deter even the most fervent of marauders. Fortified crenellations and numerous arrow slits made it a defender's dream and an attacking party's nightmare.

At this moment, funeral music could be heard drifting on the wind in a quiet melancholy; denizens from every corner had come out, forming a long queue that headed towards the center of Tiantang City, where the Tiantang Square was located.

The square was acknowledged as the largest square in the city within the Tianxuan Continent. Built under the supervision and commission of the Empire of Yutang's founding emperor, it served as the militia's training field, but on occasions such as these, was made avail to the general public.

The founding emperor had once said, “All the warriors who train in this square - now, and in the future - will forever be heaven’s guests, even when they have perished in the battlefield. Their brave souls shall never be forgotten, and will live on for eternity!” Thus, in the very early days, it was called “Heaven’s1 Square”. As the years rolled by, it gradually came to be referred to as Tiantang Square. The original name of the city, “Wu An City” was also slowly replaced and became Tiantang City.

A mass of bodies poured into Tiantang Square. Everyone was either wearing white flowers or had a strip of black silk crepe tied around their arm. In their hands, they carried either fresh flowers or candles, amongst other items for a memorial, their faces expressing the deepest respect and honor.

Today was not just any memorial. Today, the entire nation came together in remembrance of the sacrifices that these noble souls had made, especially those by the Nine Supremes. The Nine Supremes were the most unlikely combination of heroes, with names akin to a mystery. Nine mystical paragons, they were nameless and without faces, yet everyone knew that they were the Empire of Yutang's best-kept secret, its patron saints. The Nine Supremes had always been involved in the largest and most critical wars in the Empire’s history. Each time they appeared, a battle doomed to be lost would take a blessed and unexpected turn. Just their very presence was assurance of victory on the battlefield!

The ninth of the third month last year – a date that the Empire of Yutang’s people would never forget.

That was the day that they had lost the Nine Supremes.

The Nine Supremes had led 800 warriors to execute a secret mission when they were ambushed and killed at Tianxuan Cliff. There had been no survivors among the 809 brave individuals who partook in the mission.

It had been an undertaking of the highest secrecy, but somehow, news of it had leaked out, resulting in the deaths of the Empire’s finest. The Empire of Yutang had thrown all of its vast resources to hunt down the culprit for over a year now, with little to show for its efforts.

In the square, many generals and veterans looked towards the center of Tiantang Square with tears welling in their eyes. There, nine tall monuments stood proudly side by side – resembling the towering legends that they were built in memoriam after. These brothers had fought together when they were alive, and even in death, they would still stand steadfastly together. Ragged sobs could be heard from the crowd northwest of the square, where the veterans were bunched together. Having survived the wars by paying the price of limbs and longevity, these old and crippled warriors who could barely walk, stood up to pay tribute. Even those who had lost their legs sat upright; facing their heroes and saviors with their hearts brimming with reverence. A vision of the Nine Supremes charging through the battlefield appeared before them; valiant, brave and inspiring all at once.

Dragons of soil thrash the earth, burying their enemies; as the Supreme Earth demonstrates his might.

Flames spout high and mighty, as the Supreme Flame arrives.

Turbulent waves churn the sea, as the Supreme Water moves.

Wind, cloud, thunder and lightning split the tranquil sky, as the Supreme Wind, Supreme Cloud, and Supreme Thunder manifests themselves.

The Nine Supremes!

These were the litanies engrained in the monuments of the Nine Supremes. Those who had come to the square would stare long and hard at them, both saddened and agonized by the majesty of those words.

Borderless earth rages like dragons – Supreme Earth.

Refined gold in his hands, the pack caves in – Supreme Gold.

Monstrous waves, churning majestically across the world – Supreme Water.

Towering wood, standing indestructible – Supreme Wood.

Rising flames of invincible victory – Supreme Flame.

Thunder roars, intimidating the world – Supreme Thunder.

Blood of the heroes, adversities await – Supreme Blood.

The wind in the vast sky, justice with the kind – Supreme Wind.

Heart of the Nine Supremes, clouds that could sink the heavens – Supreme Cloud!

The names of the Nine Supremes were carved onto the monuments; briefly, the sight of nine masked heroes standing tall before powerful enemies, while calmly saying, “Rally forth!” seemed to greet everyone’s eyes again. The throng of people stood upright in front of each memorial, looking at them in tribute, with their heads raised high. There was an unusually large crowd that gathered in front of Supreme Cloud and Supreme Earth’s monuments. Supreme Earth, the leader of the Nine Supremes, had been the eldest. Supreme Cloud, on the other hand, had been the youngest of the Nine Supremes but was also the brain and heart of the team.

…

The sun rose in slow cadence.

Before long, the emperor arrived, surrounded by his bureaucrats, signaling the official start of the ceremony.

Yun Yang stood silently in the corner, just another observer in the multitude of people.

“Young master, do you need me to go over with you?”

“There’s no need.” Yun Yang shook his head.

“This… Now your…”

“There’s no need.”

“As you wish, young master.” Lao Mei’s voice was tinged with disappointment.

Yun Yang had rejected Lao Mei’s company, not because he knew he would embarrass himself by being overwhelmed by emotions, but because he did not want anyone to know his true identity as one of the Nine Supremes! Until he had avenged his brothers, he did not deserve to announce his mantle to the world. Besides, the enemy was all too powerful, and knowledge of his true nature would put him at significant risk.

He stood in silence, watching the nine monuments with heartache and longing in his eyes.

Brothers, I am here.

I’m here to see all of you.

It was as if he was invisible, standing quietly in the dark.

The smell of candles and incense filled the air; the emperor read the funeral oration in an agonized voice, as quiet sobs came from the people.

Yun Yang stood far away, his body ramrod straight and eyes dark as the night. People walked past him, but none of them seemed to realize that there was someone who was alive and breathing, standing in the shadows. The Cloud Veil was a spell unique to the Supreme Cloud of the Nine Supremes, one that rendered him invisible, a formless soul. He stood there silently and motionless; the breeze blew against his dark purple robes, while an air of loneliness swept over him.

Dusk came creeping in.

The ceremony had long ended.

Fresh flowers covered the ground, the smell of candles wafted to the heavens. Warm blood drenched the space in front of the Nine Supremes’ memorial; the crimson red belonged to Wu Wenyuan and his cohort.

The crowd bore no hint of sympathy for them, no tears of remorse towards their kin, even after witnessing the bodies being mutilated further after the execution.

Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan had kept a straight face throughout the event.

Just yesterday, Wu Wenyuan had mysteriously disappeared from his prison, but just as suddenly, his dead body had reappeared at the stroke of midnight. It was also about then that they noticed Wu Wenyuan’s wife and mother’s disappearance. These events had angered the old marshal. The military's defense was impenetrable; the prison was guarded with utmost security, trained professionals keeping a close eye on the perimeters. How could such things possibly happen without a single hint of who had done it?

The marshal would become the world’s laughing stock. He had already switched out three batches of prison guards in light of these events. The punishment served had already broken several dozen paddles, but it was too late to make any difference.

Finally, the crowd at the square dissipated; the large space gradually cleared and silent once more. Yun Yang stood unmoving in the shadows, his gaze depthless and stern.

This life was one of battles and deaths by warhorses; he wished his brothers a lifetime of safety and happiness in the next realm.

The night breeze blew cold, and the entire Tiantang Square was cloaked in darkness. Yun Yang remained standing where he had stood the whole time, with his eyes closed and his senses extended outward. He could faintly feel the echoes of the past; he was standing beside hundreds of thousands of his comrades. The feeling of countless suits of steel armor felt incredibly real; he could almost hear the words as he and his brothers engaged in idle chatter. The breeze ruffled his stray hair, blowing it back from his well-defined visage. He resembled a delicate statue in the night, calm and secure, yet lonesome and melancholic at the same time.

Soft sobs could be heard, as a young woman in white approached with weak steps and a tear-stricken face. Clutched tightly in her embrace was her young daughter, and by her side, an equally bereaved elder who supported her as she walked. Stumbling like a drunk, her mourning heart had apparently drained her of her energy, and she walked like one of the dead.

“Wang Zhuang, we’re going home.”

The young woman mumbled, her gaze and expression emotionless and numb. She passed by Yun Yang, close enough to touch him, but without noticing his presence. The latter had his eyes shut tight and remained motionless, but the corner of his eyes twitched as the deep grief hidden within surfaced once again.

Assistant General Wang Zhuang’s wife.

Yun Yang remembered Wang Zhuang – the man had only been married for two years when he was deployed a year ago; his daughter had just turned one. However, he had never returned from his stint. The warriors who gave their lives for their country did so with no regrets, but what about their families?

It had already been a year, how was Wang Zhuang’s family faring after losing their pillar of support?

The trio went on their way, slowly distancing themselves from Yun Yang.

He sighed inwardly.

A frown quickly followed the sigh. Something did not feel right. He opened his eyes and caught sight of four silhouettes appearing behind the trio. The dark shadows materialized into the shapes of four burly men; their gazes were lustily engulfing the weary woman walking ahead. Hiding carefully in the darkness, they continued to tail the woman from a distance, unknowingly passing by Yun Yang.

A dangerous, murderous intent flashed across Yun Yang’s eyes.

As if sensing the impending menace, the men shuddered, feeling as if a ghost had crept up on them.

“This place is indeed a bit uncanny…” one of the men rubbed at his goosebumps that had appeared all over, as he murmured.

“Agreed. Let us go back quickly; there are too many dead souls here. I’m feeling uncomfortable…” another man murmured softly.

Yun Yang’s gaze turned icy.

Were there too many dead souls?

For daring to utter such a phrase, the price would be death.

“But Wang Zhuang’s death could not have come at a better time! The mule has been dead for over a year, and I’ve also been waiting for just as long. Now that the memorial ceremony is over, everything should have toned down…” the round one who was most likely the leader chuckled in relish.

“Yeah, this dead mule, we couldn’t do anything when he was alive; he still died in the end, and became a lonesome ghost… hee-hee”, the thug chortled.

“Hmph, we were bullied when Wang Zhuang was alive, now the tables have turned.” The leader whistled, “I must say, the bastard Wang Zhuang’s wife certainly looks gorgeous… especially with her teary doe-eyed look - it just makes her all the more attractive! Coupled with that small, soft body…” the words trailed into a lustful sigh.

“Hee hee hee…” the other three laughed lewdly as they ventured past Yun Yang.

Yun Yang took in a deep breath and looked towards the square; it seemed like countless pairs of eyes were staring back at him. He nodded, pressing his lips together as he turned quietly; his purple robe billowed as he began to follow these thugs and their unwary prey.

The road he took became increasingly deserted. They were moving towards the outskirts of Tiantang City, and their surroundings were turning eerier with every step they took.

The young woman and her ward kept walking aimlessly, not having anywhere to go nor having a destination in mind. If it weren't for the elder who was supporting her, she would probably have fainted away a long time ago.

They approaching a building; there was a soft lantern light glimmering just a short distance away.

That was her home.

But alas, is a home without a husband still a home?

It’s been a year, Wang Zhuang. Are you alright down there? If it weren't because I had to take care of our daughter, I’d have gone down to meet you long ago…

Did you know, how hard it is to live alone like this?

Just as the trio was turning into an alley, discordant laughter erupted from their backs.

“Oh, little lady, don’t walk so fast…” A repulsive voice said, “Turn around and let me have a look at that body of yours…Tsk, tsk, how alluring you are!”

The woman continued walking as if she had not heard anything. The four burly men had finally caught up and moved ahead to block their way, smirking in triumph and anticipation.

“Oh… I can’t quite see clearly in the dark… Isn’t this General Wang Zhuang’s little missus, Juan’er? Tsk tsk… it’s no wonder I can feel your allure. Hee hee, Juan’er, how have you been? Why is there a white flower on your head? I’ve heard that our valiant General Wang Zhuang is now a dead soul? What a terrible shame that must be!” The entire monologue was spoken in the most lecherous manner possible.

The trio faltered in their steps.

The elder who was supporting the woman trembled in rage, “Wang Bao! What do you want? Let us pass!”

The head of the thugs, Wang Bao, chortled, “Give way? Why should I? Oh, sure, I had to give way when Wang Zhuang asked me to, because of his reputation. But now that he has been a spirit for over a year, why should I give way?”

He laughed, and in a salacious voice, he exclaimed, “Still, I have to say… Juan’er’s dressing certainly looks enticing... My heart aches just to look at her eyes, all swollen from crying. Juan’er, Wang Zhuang can’t care for you anymore, so why not just let me…”

The elder stood in front of the young woman, and practically screamed at the thug, “Wang Bao, Juan’er’s husband, Wang Zhuang died in a war for the Empire of Yutang. He protected the country by giving up his life, and he died a national hero. The things you’ve said, do you not have a heart at all?”

The beefy Wang Bao chortled again, “Hero? Who asked him to fight in the war? Certainly not I! He didn’t die for me, and I have no idea what you are talking about. To me, it’s all just a bag of wind!”

“Wang Zhuang, that idiot, restricted us from doing so many things when he was alive. I’ve wanted him dead for so long; it warms my heart to know he’s finally gone! Hee hee, I’ll admit that he was a spectacular bloke when he was alive, but he’s been dead for a year! Now that he’s buried six feet under, it's time for me to have some fun with his wife. Is he going to stand in my way?”

With a glint of lustful menace in his eyes, Wang Bao began to advance on Juan’er.

Translator’s Note

1 Heaven (天堂 tiān táng): Shares the same phonology/pronunciation as Tiantang.



Chapter 6: No Mercy Under My Sword

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
These miscreants had always lusted after Juan’er, renowned for her beauty, but while Wang Zhuang, enforcer, and avenger of justice, was alive, no one even dared to glance sideways at her.

It was almost unbelievable that the bastard had finally died. What a good way to go, passing on in a blaze of glory while on the battlefield!

Wasn’t the memorial ceremony for the fallen men already over? Weren’t the culprits already caught and executed? Most honest men would already be on their way home, not lingering around like vagrants.

These bullies were then definitely up to no good.

The elder was enraged, “Have you no shame? Wang Zhuang sacrificed himself for the country, and here you are, harassing his widow! Wang Bao, the end to your life will not be a peaceful one!

Wang Bao laughed maniacally, licking his lips, “Old Jia, don’t you worry about how I’ll die. Wang Zhuang though, he didn’t die a real death, I must say. Old Jia, I’m warning you, I’ll beat you up as well if you don’t get out of my way!”

He then took a step forward and stroked Juan’er’s face, “Juan’er, tell me, darling, what did you enjoy most about marrying poor Wang Zhuang? Not only was the man a pauper, but he’s also dead now… If you had married me long ago, you wouldn’t be a widow today! My heart has always belonged to you, for all these years…”

Juan’er looked at the burly ruffian with hatred, speaking through gritted teeth, “Wang Bao, you will die a horrible death!”

Wang Bao laughed, “I wasn’t able to do as I please with you, back then. But now… I’ll die a horrible death, you say? If so, I’ll make sure you die in pleasure tonight!”

Just as he laughed sleazily, a deep, bold voice cleaved from the darkness, “Wang Bao, I’ll have all of you die in pleasure tonight!” Yun Yang emerged from the shadows, a vengeful god in his purple robe. He placed himself right in front of Juan’er, blocking her from Wang Bao’s nasty ogle. His gaze was icy and merciless. Yun Yang was furious; his bloodlust was nearly uncontrollable. The blood of the warriors had been smeared over the battlefield, and lives had been lost for the country. Yet, some people could still bring themselves to speak ill of the dead to their families and kin, despite all their sacrifices!

Such inconsiderate vermin deserved to be exterminated.

Wang Bao and his three subordinates met Yun Yang’s menacing glare as they lifted their heads; the latter’s murderous aura trembled with the power to summon a thousand spirits from the netherworld.

The four bullies felt like they had just caught a vision of hell; their souls frozen with death’s chill touch. One of the men even cried in fear, as warm droplets trickled down his thighs; he had lost control of his bladder under Yun Yang’s demonic glare. His entire body quivered with terror.

Yun Yang stood silently; without uttering a word, his intent to kill them was as clear as day.

The four large men paled as they took several steps back; that murderous aura generated from a soul that had fought countless wars and battles was not something they were able to face; it was akin to mice looking up at a vicious fox waiting to devour them.

A sliver of shock ran up Wang Bao’s spines. He wanted nothing more than to turn tail and flee. However, his legs seemed to possess a mind of their own – they refused to move, rendered immobile under Yun Yang’s stare.

But as he looked closely at Yun Yang’s face again, something he saw in it lent him calm. Yun Yang’s face was pale, and his steps were uncertain – a definite sign that he was either sick or severely injured. Besides, he looked so young. Wang Bao’s tattered confidence began to knit itself back, as he mustered enough courage to ask, “What did you say?” The sensible part of his mind screamed in disbelief as he asked the question; only regaining some of his senses after managing to utter those words.

Yun Yang smirked when he heard Wang Bao’s question. He raised his arm, and an unseen palm landed right across the latter’s face.

“Slap!”

The loud, resounding smack spun Wang Bao’s large body several rounds in midair before he landed with a loud thud, several meters away.

Coming to his knees, Wang Bao spewed blood; along with the gush of crimson liquid and a dozen broken teeth.

The seemingly ordinary slap had flung this man, who weighed nearly 200 catties, several meters away.

Yun Yang strode over and placed his foot right on Wang Bao’s face. A sharp snap was heard; he had his nose broken under Yun Yang’s weight.

“You didn’t hear what I said, did you?” Yun Yang ground his foot harder on Wang Bao’s bleeding face. The small, popping sounds of fractured bone were heard as he whispered calmly, “Should I repeat myself?”

“No… No… ohhhhh….. ughhh” Wang Bao’s world was ablaze in agony. He could not stop moaning in torment, yet the sharp pain did not allow him to lose consciousness just yet.

He wanted to beg for mercy, but as his whole face was trampled beneath Yun Yang’s foot, his words came out muffled.

Even as he writhed in discomfort, a detached part of his mind curiously pondered as to where this prideful young man had come from. How had the situation turned out like this?

With his foot still on Wang Bao’s face, Yun Yang waved his hands, beckoning to the other three men, “Come over!”

Hearing him summon them, the thugs were petrified. Although they were all too familiar with committing crimes around the city, they had never experienced this level of cruelty that was being displayed right before their very eyes.

Their legs had almost given up on them when they heard Yun Yang calling for them. One of the men cried out in terror and turned around to run.

Yun Yang snorted, “Brave fool, do you have the courage to flee?”

Hands whipping in a blur, he flung a small piece of silver towards them – it struck the man’s thigh in a lightning-quick motion. Everyone watched in horror as the man pitched onto the floor, moaning and writhing in pain. After only taking two steps, his leg had been twisted bizarrely, and his bones snapped out of their joints, at painfully perpendicular angles.

The other two crooks exclaimed in horror, their thoughts fluttering like trapped butterflies; Death had finally come for them… was it to be in the form of a great master?

Incessant cries of pain could be heard, as the man with the broken thigh thrashed around aimlessly.

“Are you coming over or not?” Yun Yang’s foot was still on Wang Bao’s face, as he cajoled the other two men, “What will it be? Do you both want me to strike your legs as well?”

The two crooks shuddered upon looking at the two pieces of silver that had appeared in Yun Yang’s hands. Both of them dropped to their knees immediately, “Great... great knight… my humble… my humble self… begs for mercy…”

“Mercy?”

Yun Yang responded with the dispassionate tone of a vengeful god, “If I let the both of you go, how will I be able to face my late brothers?”

Wang Bao groaned in pain, his voice trembling as he pleaded, “O’ great knight, please have mercy… We, we are from the Green Snake Clan, everything… and anything can be brought to a discussion…”

“Green Snake Clan?”

Were they in a clan? Yun Yang’s eyes glinted, “Stand up, follow me! Do enlighten me, as to what exactly a Green Snake Clan is!” He turned around and nodded at Juan’er, “Please return home, this has does not concern the rest of you.”

Juan’er looked at him in shock; her expression aghast, apparently taken aback, “You’re… you’re… Wang Zhuang’s brother?”

Yun Yang hesitated a moment before responding, “My lady, you need not fear. There will no longer be a single soul that would dare harm this family of warriors anymore.”

Deliberately ignoring her question, Yun Yang turned away and hastened all four thugs to a deserted courtyard where he threw them to the ground and slammed the doors shut.

“Green Snake Clan? Who is the clan master? How many people are there? Where is your base located?” Yun Yang’s tone brooked no opportunity for deviation, and they could see what would happen to them if they lied.

Wang Bao and his gang immediately answered his questions, as they were still suffering from agonizing pain. They were entirely certain that if they hesitated in their responses, this demon would inflict even more grievous injuries upon them.

This man confronting them was the devil incarnate!

Yun Yan’s smile began to grow wider as he gathered the information he needed, “Green Snake Clan. Phew, it doesn’t matter if you are from the Green Snake Clan or even if you are the crown prince. Only death awaits you if you ever harm any family member of the warriors!”

His intentions for bringing the thugs to this deserted courtyard were simple – to avoid causing further trouble for Juan’er, and to gather information regarding the Green Snake Clan. Now that he had achieved his goal, well, there was nothing else stopping him from doing what he desperately wanted to do since he had first set eyes

Yun Yang bloodlust was unleashed with terrible efficiency; a swift slash of his blade drew a brilliant line of silver across the courtyard.

Blood splattered everywhere, as four heads dropped onto the floor with wet thuds.

Yun Yang’s voice was soft and sinister as he whispered,

“If the world’s atrocities will never end; there will be no mercy under my sword.”

“Brothers in war share life and death as comrades, for we are family;

Having me killed is like killing my father;

Humiliating me is like humiliating my mother;

The laws for high treason restrictive, the civil laws inadequate;

Sword in hand, kin in heart;

Kill on sight, have no mercy!

No regret in drawing your sword, no qualms in living this life.”



Chapter 7: “Even Though the Law of Majestas Allows You to Live, I Won’t.”

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The blood of heroes had already soaked the battlefield, their families had earned the right to a life free of oppression and troubles. Yun Yang would never compromise on this, and as he had told Juan’er earlier, he would not allow anyone to harass the families of these warriors anymore.

If he had to, he would be ready to kill anyone who did.

Gazing at the heavens, Yun Yang inhaled deeply. “Big brother, I finally know what you meant all this while. I understand why you brought me back to serve as an enforcer, working outside the limits of the law. This world still bears witness to so many atrocities, and the vaunted official law of majestas will never be able to banish them all...”

“Heroes may bleed, but they should never shed a single tear.” Yun Yang mumbled, “You were absolutely right, big brother. Don’t worry, I will remember your words.”

And just as Yun Yang was about to depart, he paused when he felt a shudder wrack his body. Glancing across at the corpses of Wang Bao and his cohorts, he could feel a weak tug as a miniscule amount of Qi energy flowed from their bodies to his own.

“Just as I thought.” Yun Yang looked inward into his subconscious, and saw the tiny swaying lotus. Was it just his imagination, or had it grown just a little bit bigger than it was before?

“My assumptions were correct. Absorbing the air of injustice hastens the growth of the lotus leaf.” Yun Yang thought, “Does this mean that the more criminals I kill, the faster the Lotus of Endless Fate will grow? Will the Endless Divine Art develop as quickly as well?” His thoughts were coming hard and fast now.

“There’s such wonder in this world, a skill that matches my intentions!”

“Even if this were not the case, I would still be out there removing these scum on my own. Having this effect is just a bonus thrown into the hat!”

With this amazing revelation, Yun Yang dusted off his blood-speckled robe, and faded away into the deepening night.

“If Wang Bao is an example of the members of the Green Snake Clan, let us see what kind of filth the others are made up of. If they were as vile, I would have to wipe them all out, starting from the very roots.”

“Besides, my Lotus of Endless Fate needs a little… fertilizer.”

…

Their faces were brutish, under the illumination of the dim yellow light. The headquarters was nothing more than an abandoned courtyard, conveniently occupied by these men.

“Now that the war is over, the nation will take better care of these soldiers and distribute pensions; this would make up a great portion of our income!” The scar on Green Snake’s face wriggled animatedly as he spoke, “We won’t be able to rob the strong and train in martial arts, but if we went back to our old ways and take from the disabled and weak… Don’t tell me we can’t overcome those poor, crippled fools? The empire might as well hand their fortunes directly to us!”

The glimmer of avarice was replicated across the eyes of all those that sat there. They were no strangers to taking advantage of the weak, and it was indeed a simple task!

“These crippled veterans, they have already received plenty of silver taels upon returning home,” Green Snake was practically foaming at the mouth from excitement, “From what I know, the pension this year should be distributed within a few days… We will make our move then, when they have gotten their silver taels.”

“Big brother is far sighted!” The other clan members were all delighted with his brilliance and greed. There was nothing complicated about robbing a few disabled men, especially those with broken legs… after all, they couldn’t even catch up even if they let them! It was a brilliant idea.

“Li San’er, find out how many disabled men are in your area; Du Tou, Sun Wu, both of you too. We’ll begin shortly. Swap areas, you’ll take his and he’ll take yours to avoid suspicion,” Green Snake ordered.

“Okay. We’re gonna’ be rich!”

“Wang Bao, that son of a bitch, why is he still not here?” Green Snake complained with a snarl, “He’s still out fooling around at such a critical moment! Mark my words, that idiot is going to die at the hands of a woman sooner or later.”

“Bang!”

The doors blew apart with a resounding crash; following in its trail, a figure in black walked in like a vengeful spirit in the dead of the night. Clutched in it’s hand, a sword glinted with a cruel chill.

Recoiling in shock, Green Snake and his cohorts scrambled up, screaming, “Who the hell are you?! Bastard, if you wish to pick a fight with me, you must be seeking your own death!”

Yun Yang had arrived just in time to hear the last few sentences of Green Snake’s dastardly plan, but he had been angered enough to burst into action. Never mind that these bastards were neither respectful nor grateful towards those who were handicapped fighting in the war for their country, but to think about robbing them! They were practically the scum of society. With these thoughts furiously running through his mind, he slammed upon the doors with enough force to completely destroy it.

“Get him!” Green Snake hollered.

Two of the men by the door charged him with matching growls.

Yun Yang strolled forward without uttering a word, his gaze cold; lips curled into a cruel smirk as they barrelled towards him.

A quick flick of his sword and two heads fell, blood spurting from their necks like a twin pair of fountains. Yun Yang kicked the bodies aside and continued strolling forward.

Each step he took sounded like a death knell to Green Snake.

The blood in his face drained away as the others trembled, looking at the black-clothed man in fear.

Who was this ruthless man? He entered the courtyard and started killing indiscriminately without so much as a single word!

“Who are you?” Green Snake was terrified, backing away like a frightened mouse, “Great knight, I’m sure we can talk it out… I… I don’t know how or when I may have offended you…”

Yun Yang continued walking without making a sound; his murderous rage becoming palpable with every step he took. Another two men standing by the door attempted to escape, but with another flash of that wicked sword, two more heads came falling off. It happened so quickly that their headless bodies managed to take a few steps before they fell over and crashed onto the floor.

Green Snake’s bowels failed him at that point, releasing itself in intense fear, “Great knight… great knight… What is this all about? Who are you? Why do you do this?”

Yun Yang was silent as he continued forward, his sword leaving a trail of crimson blood behind him.

“Drip, drip, drip…”

It was the sound of blood dripping from the blade; to the remaining crooks, it sounded as if the king of hell had summoned them. The three men remaining cried in terror as they dropped to their knees, “Great knight have mercy… have sympathy... this lowly one still has an 80-year-old mother and a 3-year-old child…”

Unmoved, Yun Yang waved his sword almost negligently – and three heads rolled off.

There was only Green Snake left in the room.

Yun Yang had already killed seven people from the moment he stepped into the room, without saying a single thing. From his knowledge, the Green Snake Clan had a total of 12 members. Including the four who had succumbed in his hands earlier, he had executed the whole bunch; the only one left alive one was the clan master himself, Green Snake.

“Thump, thump.”

Yun Yang footsteps rang clear as made his way to Green Snake, step by step.

Green Snake was paralyzed with fear; he still did not know when and what he had done that had offended this killing machine, this demon who had yet to utter a word as he separated the heads of his men clean from their bodies.

Glancing down, he saw Yun Yang’s shoes that were right in front of him, and he knew there was no way out for himself. Like a cornered rat, he went berserk with fear.

Yun Yang’s sword was already raised.

“Hold!” Green Snake shouted, “This... This is Tiantang City, and we practice the majestas law! Although I’m no saint, the crimes I’ve committed don’t call for capital offense! You, who are you to defy the law of majestas, slaughtering people with no regard?”

Law of majestas?

Yun Yang almost rolled his eyes, but managed to keep his expression constant.

He raised his sword even higher.

Green Snake was near tears, “You… even if you want to kill someone, even if you want to kill me, you have to at least give me a reason! Why? Why!?”

“Why?” Yun Yan paused, and finally spoke with an air of dignity, “You have a subordinate called Wang Bao, correct?”

Green Snake stared, his eyes wide enough that they seemed as if they were about to fall off his face. “Yes… that is correct.”

“Wang Bao harassed a widowed mother and child. So I’m here to see if everyone in his clan is the same type of scum.”

Green Snake froze, despair evident in his eyes as he shouted, feeling wronged, “This… this Wang Bao harassing a widowed woman… so you’re killing me?” He cried hysterically, “What… what does that have to do with me?!”

“I’m innocent! I...”

Before he could finish his protest, his head was already rolling on the floor; his eyes wide open in terrified uncertainty. As his body slumped to the floor, Green Snake’s last thoughts were that of confusion.

Why was he killed, just because Wang Bao had harassed someone else?

And then there was nothing that remained.

Yun Yang wiped his sword clean on the body and sheathed it. He looked at the dead bodies that littered the floor with a chilling gaze.

“Law of majestas… these scum want to talk about the law... with me.”

Yun Yang murmured, “The nation’s crisis has dampened, taking away the conscience of these crooks’. Their offenses don’t call for capital punishment according to the law, but they should be killed for oppressing disabled veterans! Must be killed!”

Looking at Green Snake’s headless corpse on the floor, he said, “You’re right, and there is the majestas law in this city. It's true that you didn't have to die for your offense according to the law.”

“However, even though the law of majestas allows you to live, I won’t.”

Yun Yang turned to leave and as he departed, he felt the mystical energy being absorbed into his body once more.

His subconscious gave a slight quake. The small seedling of the Lotus of Endless Fate was growing rapidly as it swayed, much to Yun Yang’s surprise.

“Unforgivable heinousness and the extermination of it by the sword, followed by the absorption of the air of injustice, completes a leaf of the Lotus of Endless Fate.”



Chapter 8: Thousand Illusion Monkey

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Yun Yang had never felt more alive.

A jade-green lotus leaf grew in his subconscious, slowly growing into the size of a fan, and now, the budding tip of another leaf could be seen as well. A plethora of information surged through Yun Yang’s mind, and the intensity of it rendered him drunk and insensate. Straightening up, he quickly started making his way back to the Residence of Yun, while his mind possessed enough clarity to remember the way there. Due to the air of vitality that the Lotus of Endless Fate exuded, the entire sight of Tiantang City was painted in chaotic lucidity as he began his trek home.

…

Among all the creatures in the universe, none were more sensitive to the ebb and flow of spiritual Qi than the mystical beasts on the Tianxuan Continent. The higher the level the creature was, the more perceptive it would be towards changes in the mystical Qi and the refined air of vitality.

Tiantang City, being one of the top three cities on the continent, contained all sorts of crouching tigers and hidden dragons1; mystical Qi experts, professional martial artists, renowned schools and clans… there were countless numbers of them. Among these people, it was not uncommon for them to own a mystical beast or two. Of course, these beasts were not regarded as pets, but as battle partners or familiars. These mystical creatures possessed an impressive array of combat skills, and it was widely known that the combat skills of a ninth level beast was equal to that of a grandmaster.

Of course, ninth level beasts were extremely rare, and were more likely to be found in legends and stories shared by bards. Third to sixth level creatures, however, were plentiful in Tiantang City, and it was not entirely impossible to find seventh level mystical beasts as well. Right at this moment, all the mystical beasts in the entire Tiantang City were abuzz with anticipation...

…

In Sky Room No.1 of Tiantang City’s Soaring Cloud Tavern, a young lady dressed entirely in black rested her face in her hands as she played with her pet happily. It was only by being in front of her little friend that she could be this relaxed and at peace.

The creature stood approximately 3 feet tall, with a pair of jade-like horns on its head and lively crimson eyes; there were actually three tails on its back, its fur as smooth as silk. It was lounging on the bed cozily.

Anyone who had an inkling of what it was would have exclaimed, “Thousand Illusion Monkey!”

Mystical beasts were rare, but what was even rarer were their offspring! Any mystical beast hunter worth his salt could kill a mystical beast, but the magnificent creatures would usually take the lives of their own offspring first before succumbing to death. It was preferable that their offspring perished than to live on as slaves to humankind. This practice was especially true for the higher leveled creatures.

In the case of the Thousand Illusion Monkey, it was even more so, hence, the word ‘invaluable’ would be a poor way to describe the value of a young Thousand Illusion Monkey!

Thousand Illusion Monkeys belonged to the Eight Mysterious Beasts, the highest ranked in the food chain among all known mystical beasts in the Tianxuan Continent. Furthermore, Thousand Illusion Monkeys could be leveled up; an extremely rare occurrence but not an impossible one.

If the people had known that there was actually one now in Tiantang City, it would definitely cause a great deal of commotion and talk. At this moment, with the owner looking at it, the monkey suddenly straightened up; ears perked and crimson red orbs glowing. Something had made it so agitated that even the horns on its head seemed to be glowing!

“Lingling, what is it?” The girl was surprised as she gasped, “Lingling, what are you doing? Hey, where are you going? Come back!”

Instead, the Thousand Illusion Monkey stood up and with a wag of all three tails, shot out from the open window. It was a tall, eight-storied building, but height was nothing for the monkey as it scampered into the dark. The girl shouted for help, but realized that there was no one for her rely on since she had run away from home.

Without giving it a second thought, she hopped off the window as well.

…

Yun Yang finally felt at ease and was only plagued by a slightly pulsing headache as the flow of information continued to rush into his mind. He had no time to inspect his thoughts, however, and continued to hurry back home.

The Residence of Yun would be around the next corner. As he was about to take the turn, an odd noise arose from somewhere in front of him in the gloom, and in the next moment, a dark shape charged towards him like lightning. Its speed was impossibly fast, and within a blink, the dark shape coalesced into a discernable shape before his very eyes.

At first glance, it looked like a small, golden-furred monkey squatting in front of his feet obediently, its lifted head looking at him earnestly with a pair of bewitching eyes.

“…” Yun Yang was speechless.

A monkey had materialized out of nowhere, right in front of him.

“What is this? It’s looking at me like we’re familiar with each other. What a friendly gaze! I’m sure this is the first time we’ve encountered each other though.”

Yun Yang was tempted to look around to see if he was still in Tiantang City or if he had been magically transported to the mystical beast forest.

The little beast was eagerly hopping up and down like all monkeys do, and would not put up with being ignored by Yun Yang. Scratching its head, it clung onto his legs and looked up, as if asking for Yun Yang to carry it. It was the scratching, however, that revealed its pair of tiny horns, further surprising Yun Yang. “Dragon’s horns on its head, several tails on its back; jade white as bones, crimson eyes; a mystical beast... Could it be a Thousand Illusion Monkey?”

Upon closer inspection, there was no doubt that the creature in front of him was actually a baby Thousand Illusion Monkey.

“This is strange…” Yun Yang began to scratch his own head as well, “A Thousand Illusion Monkey coming to me to seek shelter on its own… My luck today knows no bounds!”

Looking at the young monkey’s pitiful look, Yun Yang’s heart softened as he spread his arms to scoop the money up.

The monkey nestled itself cozily in Yun Yang’s embrace, it’s thin arms spread, purring in comfort as its eyes closed, seemingly about to fall asleep. All three of its tails coiled up and it began to curl into a ball of fur. Yun Yang was left in a daze.

This was the Thousand Illusion Monkey of the Eight Mystical Beasts!

Although this was only a three-tailed baby, its intelligence was still high; legends had it that Thousand Illusion Monkeys were aggressive, ill-tempered, powerful and ever-changing creatures. How was it that this one could be so approachable?

“I didn’t do anything, but it jumped right into my embrace the first time it saw me?” It looked completely at ease as well, obviously contented with where it was, curled up in Yun Yang’s arms.

“Perhaps this baby monkey is daft…” Yun Yang peered at the monkey in his arms with a critical eye.

At the moment, his senses tingled and he sensed a chilling aura surrounding him; it was piercing, with a murderous intent. It was as if he could feel a sharp sword pointing at himself; any rash or sudden movement could cost him his own life. With his abilities that had been depleted and barely replenished, he could do nothing to ward himself against the aura.

“Thief! What are you doing?” A cold and crisp voice ordered from the gloom, “Let go of my mystical monkey!”

Yun Yang lifted his head, seeing a slim figure appear from the swirling night mist. There was no sword in her hands, but the distinct feeling of a sharp blade did not diminish. A faint fragrance not unlike orchids but also resembling musk pervaded the air. As the slim girl stood amidst the mist, she looked like a fairy among the clouds, holy and elegant. Yun Yang was unaffected, however. No mystical beast or ravishing beauty was worthy of his attention right now.

He lifted his head slightly, speaking in light tones, “This Thousand Illusion Monkey belongs to you?”

The girl’s face remained concealed in the dense mist but her voice was cold, “Could it be yours then?”

Yun Yang replied, “It’s does not belong to me, but I am no thief, so please, recant your accusations..”

Although this girl was mysteriously enigmatic and had a strong cultivation base, it was still unforgivable behaviour. “What is this, your monkey came to me on its own. I had no chance to chase it away, and now you call me a thief?”

The girl moved forward then, in anxiousness and impatience. Her pretty eyes widened along with her mouth as she looked disbelievingly at the tiny monkey lounging comfortably in Yun Yang’s embrace. If it were not for the heavy mist concealing her face, Yun Yang would have seen how astonished she was. Even then, she still stumbled in shock, and her steps faltered.

“What am I seeing?

It’s the Thousand Illusion Monkey! I’ve been at its beck and call for three months and it’s never been that close to me. It meets this man for the first time, but it’s already lying so obediently in his arms!”

It was becoming glaringly obvious that this man had not done anything forceful, and that the Thousand Illusion Monkey had been nothing but willing in all this! Seeing that she was here, the creature actually nestled further into the man’s embrace, its head going into the man’s robe as it directed its rosy bottom towards its owner.

The girl calmed down a little. “I apologize, this creature ran out on its own. I was distraught and overly rash. Please pardon me for my harsh tone.”

It was Yun Yang’s turn to be surprised.

This girl’s cultivation base was stronger than he had expected from such a young woman. Pride had always come hand in hand with youth, but she could surprisingly control her temper well and even managed an apology, albeit one spoken in a cold tone.

This was such a rare occurrence. Girls like this were usually spoiled, and acted all high and mighty.

Since she had apologized, Yun Yang backed down as well, “Since this belongs to you, please take it back.”

A Thousand Illusion Monkey was a spiritual creature of heaven and earth but at that moment, Yun Yang could barely be concerned about it.

He had not been impressed with a full-grown Thousand Illusion Monkey, what more this young one? He estimated that it would take at least another 70 to 80 years for the little fellow to grow up into a seven-tailed beast, and he would be a decrepit old man by then.

An old man with a monkey by his side? That would be a sight to see.

“Hello little one, your owner is here.” Yun Yang grabbed the monkey’s head, “Quickly, go back to her!”

If it was possible, the girl’s eyes widened even further. He had dared to grab the enchanted fur on the monkey’s head? This was considered taboo; not even their owners or partners that had spent years together dared to touch that tuft of hair at the cost of enraging the monkey!

It was what happened next, however, that left the girl dumbstruck.

Translator’s Note:

1Crouching tigers, hidden dragons (卧虎藏龙 wò hǔ cáng long): Idiom to mean hidden talented people, concealed talents not yet discovered.


Chapter 9: A Destiny of Sabers

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The man had lifted the Thousand Illusion Monkey by the tuft of fur on its forehead, causing it to curl up into a ball, its flailing limbs vainly trying maintain an iron grip on the man’s robe. It cried out in distress, fat tears rolling out of it’s eyes, not in anger, but in supplication and obvious reluctance to leave this callous man’s embrace. As the owner, the girl naturally intuited that the monkey’s actions carried a meaning as clear as day; “Please don’t make me leave, I want to stay right here!”

“You’re not mine, so what’s the point of clinging onto me?” Yun Yang said impatiently as he tried to shake off the clingy creature. He managed to toss the monkey back to the girl which he finally noticed was dressed in green, but not before landing a solid smack across its buttocks.

The girl caught hold of the monkey purely by reflex, but before she could even get a proper grip on it, it was already squirming mightily, trying to claw it’s way back to the man. The girl quickly clamped a firm hand on it as she spoke, “Thank you young master, would it be too much to ask for the pleasure of your name?”

This man had to be either be a legendary beast trainer, or possess some sort of gem to have charmed the monkey to such an extent. As her question left her lips, she allowed her powerful senses to reach out to the man, conducting multiple delicate probes which eventually left her puzzled.

She could sense nothing at all!

His depleted cultivation base was only slightly stronger than an average person; he was no expert, and definitely not a trainer either. What then, had happened to the Thousand Illusion Monkey? For all the time that she had been taking care of it, it had never behaved as lovingly to her as it did to this total stranger.

“Not at all, I’m Yun Yang.” Yun Yang nodded.

“Since I’ve returned it to its rightful owner, I shall be taking my leave.” With that, he turned and left without a second glance, vanishing into the dark all at once without fanfare or commotion; as if he encountered fairy-like beauties and mystical beasts every other day. Normally, if such a wondrous vision had asked your name first, logic dictated that you also ask for hers in return.

However, Yun Yang was no normal man. He behaved as if being distracted by a beautiful woman would cause him to be slower, to lose focus.

The girl dressed in black continued to stare at Yun Yang’s silhouette, although it had long disappeared. Blinking rapidly, she recited softly to herself, “Yun Yang… Nineteen this year, the only son of the Empire of Yutang’s Heavenly Marquis1; he had arrived at Tiantang City 5 years ago and nothing is known of his past. Throughout that five years, only a handful of events that the young master was involved in had been documented. Was it because he stayed at home most of the time? Or was he even home at all? Although Yutang’s Heavenly Marquis had always been a mystery, his real identity should be Absolute Swordmaster Seven Stroke Death2; otherwise known in the underground martial arts scene as Yun Xiaoyao. Since when did Yun Xiaoyao have a grown-up son? That was the type of news that the world wouldn’t have missed.”

The young girl frowned, confused.

It was supposed to be normal. A son of the Heavenly Marquis. But somehow, there seemed to be a cloud of mystery around it.

It made sense in every direction but at the same time, there were also questions in every direction.

“What a strange character.” The girl shook her head and laughed, “A young lady coming to Tiantang City alone, bringing an extremely rare mystical beast’s offspring. Anyone else would have acted with malicious intent, but this guy was not fazed at all! I suppose he could be considered an odd sort of fellow. Furthermore, this Thousand Illusion Monkey that has always been aloof towards anyone was bizarrely intimate towards this young master…”

The monkey also dolefully looked towards the direction Yun Yang had left with falling tears as if saying, “Why did you abandon me? Why didn’t you bring me along? I want to follow you, I don’t want to go back to my owner!”

“This Young Master Yun…” The girl’s eyes glinted, “Looks like I’ll have to get to know him better…” Her voice was faint as she began to dissolve into the fog, becoming translucent and ethereal.

When the breeze blew and the mist dissipated, the girl was nowhere to be found.

…

Yun Yang had arrived back at the Residence of Yun where Lao Mei was waiting anxiously for him.

His young master had gone to the memorial ceremony alone, still bearing the pain of severe injuries. The ceremony had long ended while the night’s sky deepened to the darkest black, and yet, he still had not returned, until now.

“Young master, where have you been?”

“Why did you only return after so long?”

“It’s not a good time to be out now, it’s dangerous outside!”

Lao Mei’s complaints were ceaseless, and had yet to stop since Yun Yang first stepped foot into the house. Comforting him with some mumbled assurances, Yun Yang halted Lao Mei’s rants and entered his room impatiently, closing his door with a bang.

The first leaf of the Lotus of Endless Fate was already fully grown, and he could not wait any longer to find out what he would get. The changes in his body had buffeted him like strong winds since he had massacred the Green Snake Clan, and he was unable to stay calm or patient. To add to the delay, he had been waylaid by a mystical monkey and an equally mysterious girl. He had managed to get rid of them after some pestering, but he was already burning with impatience at that point. As soon as he entered his room, he sat down, folded his legs and delved into his subconscious mind.

Purple fog immediately enveloped him, the large lotus leaf floating in mid-air and glowing an emerald green. The vitality contained in the viridescent light would make anyone looking at it feel at ease and delighted. The energy in his subconscious then entered his meridians, making Yun Yang feel as light as a feather. The grown lotus leaf trembled twice before it dropped off the Lotus of Endless Fate, floating towards Yun Yang. He extended his arm mechanically and the leaf landed on his hand. Where the leaf originally was, a small silhouette of a leaflet appeared; it was only half the size of a palm but its veins were clear as day.

All around him, his subconscious rumbled loudly, and Yun Yang was withdrawn from it unwillingly. He was again sitting on his bed. Slowly opening his eyes in a daze, he only lowered his head to look at his hands when he felt a comfortable, cooling sensation emanating from his palm.

“Yah!”

Yun Yang cried out in surprise. In his hand, he held the jade green lotus leaf!

The leaf, large as the table that sat in front of him, glowed softly, and a faint violet-gold sparkle could be seen glimmering in between.

Violet-gold glimmer?

Yun Yang squinted to take a closer look, and as he did, he could see rows of tiny words written on it. As he saw the words, the rows of writing lifted up from the leaf in a whirl, and turned into a pulsing golden light before entering the space between Yun Yang’s eyebrows.

“… comes out of nothing, grows into infinity… eradicates ten sinners, lotus grows in a pulse; matches the destiny, follows the heart…”

Yun Yang finally understood the mechanics of the seed.

The first leaf of the Lotus of Endless Fate could only complete its growth when ten sinners were killed and the resulting air of injustice was gathered. His first kill had been Wu Wenyuan, followed by Wang Bao and the three men. Eight more of the Green Snake Clan had also been claimed by his hand, bringing it to a total of thirteen people. That was sufficient for not only the growth of the first leaf, but for the budding of the second as well.

“… Destiny Lotus Leaf, goes with the heart; Destiny like saber, eternal saber.”

Yun Yang was deep in his thoughts, studying the lotus leaf.

This Destiny Lotus Leaf would be the first gift bestowed by the Lotus of Endless Fate. It was obvious from the literal connotations that it would turn into your heart’s desire; basically, into whatever you wanted it to become.

“Since destiny is like saber, let’s have you turn into a saber then,” Yun Yang looked at the lotus leaf gleaming in green on his palm. Being sound of mind, he was rather skeptical about how this leaf would go about turning itself into a saber of steel.

However, with the words barely out of his mouth, he could suddenly feel his hand being weighed down by an unknown object. Incredulously, he raised his arm, only to find that the lotus leaf had been replaced by a saber, gleaming with cold conviction.

The moment Yun Yang laid his eyes on it, he knew that this saber would be irrevocably his.

The entire saber was violet in color, a budding lotus formed the pommel; and the grip felt like a lotus stem with tiny bumps protruding from it. Oddly enough these bumps did not feel like a hindrance when Yun Yang held the saber; they improved his grip instead. It felt light in his tight grip and a cooling sensation emanated from the very saber itself.

He somehow knew that no matter how much blood or sweat drenched the grip, the saber would not slip from his hands as long as he held it.

The cross-guard was a small jutting oval-shaped piece with a slight concave that formed an efficient angle; it could prevent the enemy’s blood from flowing as over his hands, as well as offsetting the resistance of his strength perfectly.

The blade was icy and thin like a cicada’s wing; the fullest part of the blade was a bit thicker, the edge as long as 2 feet and 7 – 8 inches, while its point was sharp and longer than most sabers by at least two fingers’ length. The blade glittered as if all the stars of the universe had been captured in it’s mirror-like surface; it should have looked bumpy but it was smooth and shiny even upon closer scrutiny..

Streamlined and flawless, every angle of the saber was perfectly sculpted. Even with Yun Yang’s considerably complex and demanding tastes, he could not point out any flaw on the saber!

“Divine Edge!”

These two words blazed across Yun Yang’s mind. It could not have been formed by anything other than God’s will; it was impossible for even a master weaponsmith to forge such a perfect saber!

Divine Edge. Yes, it was certainly deserving of the name.

“Destiny like saber, saber of destiny, kill with the saber, kill for God!”

Yun Yang held the saber reverently, slowly entering his subconscious. In his mind, a figure was slowly practicing with the saber.

“Saber Truth: Destiny Blade3, Destiny’s First Form.”

“Grip the hilt in concentration, watch the injustice without emotion; those rampaging and those who sinned, Destiny Blade will show no mercy!”

“One form, two styles. First style, Merciless Saber. Second style, Merciless Dao4!”

Yun Yang felt that he had entered an intriguing martial arts world; this Saber Truth: Destiny Blade, had exceeded all of Yun Yang’s expectations of forms and styles; and it was only the first form! Yun Yang couldn’t help but imagine that if he had a sufficient cultivation base, no one in this world could escape from his saber!

It was unfortunate that his cultivation base had only recovered, at most, one-tenth of his initial cultivation base. He had to start all over again.

Time passed slowly…

Yun Yang had already memorized technical nuances of Destiny’s First Form by heart. Although it was only one form, he had to incorporate his body, mind and steps together in perfect unison for it to work.

Although Yun Yang practiced with the lotus leaf consistently in his room, he could still feel the lack of power even as he was drenched in sweat and filled with exhaustion..

“Looks like I can only practice and understand it slowly from now on.” Yun Yang sheathed his saber and thought, “I can only unleash half of the effect of this first form with my current cultivation base and it’s already taken up all of my spiritual energy… the power of Destiny’s First Form is not to be taken lightly!”

He looked at the violet saber in his hand that was glowing like the night sky and smiled gently. Slowly, he drew the blade across his wrist, letting his blood drip onto the blade. He wiped the crimson liquid across the blade, speaking softly, “Divine Edge, henceforth, you shall be my eternal partner. Allow me to banish all the injustice in this world with you in my hands!”

The battlefield was filled with blood, and fire seemed to burn bright in his eyes.. Countless warriors charged into the fight while smoke rose and flames danced across the plains.

First, the faces of his eight brothers flickered through his vision, faces that he would never forget.

Then it was the battle at Tianxuan Cliff, the event that would be forever etched in his soul.

The families of the heroes came next, the harassment and hardships that the knight’s family had faced. His vengeful aura arose, gaining strength and purpose as the memories of injustice and wrongness flashed across his eyes.

Divine Edge began to vibrate in his hand with a wild keening, and the blade pulsed with a radiant glow. It was like the constellations had fallen from the sky and landed among men, or an explosion of numerous rainbows. After some time, the blade quaked, right before sucking all the radiance of the stars and rainbows alike like a thunderous maelstrom!

Translator’s Notes

1 Heavenly Marquis (天外侯, Tiānwài hóu) lit. Title: Marquis Beyond Heaven. Yun Yang’s yet-unnamed father was first mentioned as 天外云侯,Tiānwài yún hóu, which had the additional character 云, yún, which means cloud. As such, he was previously called Marquis of Heavenly Clouds. We believe that Heavenly Marquis is a more general term for a specially ranked marquis of the empire while Marquis of Heavenly Clouds is the special title assigned to Yun Yang’s father.

2 Absolute Swordmaster Seven Stroke Death (超级剑道高手七步杀生, Chāojí jiàndào gāoshǒu qī bù shāshēng) lit. Extreme Swords Expert Seven Step Kill. This name was a pain to translate. Regardless of how you play around with it, the name remains just as long. We considered removing the Absolute Swordmaster part or Seven Stroke Death part hoping it could make the name much more concise and readable. However, due to recent circumstances involving readers complaining about the inaccuracy of translations, we now try to alter as little as possible.

3 Saber Truth: Destiny Blade (天意刀法, Tiānyì dāo fǎ) lit. Heaven’s Will Saber Law.

4 First style, Merciless Saber. Second style, Merciless Dao (第一式，刀不容情。第二式，道不容情, Dì yī shì, dāo bùróng qíng. Dì èr shì, dào bùróng qíng!) Had to make a TL note for this as well, notice that the first phrase contains dāo which is the Chinese character for single-edged curved swords a.k.a. sabers. The second phrase contains dào which is what most readers understand as the concept of the Dao. Basically, the author Feng Ling Tian Xia is playing with words that are pronounced the same (except for the sound), which we are unable to convey by translating the meaning of the words.



Chapter 10: A Good Family Name, and a Great First Name

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
While Yun Yang did not pass the night peacefully, another soul in another place was equally disturbed. In the residence of the old marshal, Qiu Jianhan’s brows were locked together in a tight frown.

“Who was it that spirited Wu Wenyuan away, and sent his lifeless body back?”

“Who was it that rescued Wu Wenyuan’s mother and wife?”

The old marshal had difficulty trying to put a name to these two questions. If one had intended to do away with Wu Wenyuan, why bother saving his mother and wife? If this mysterious figure could do that, why not save Wu Wenyuan’s children as well? It was simply bewildering.

What greatly distressed the old marshal was that this figure was capable of not only removing a person from a guarded facility, he or she could also return the body and make away with another two other prisoners with apparent ease. It was a prison! How someone could perform such a vanishing act in one of the most secure places in the capital was beyond him.

By the marshal’s side stood a man, dressed in the ways of Confucianism. He had a serene look about him, as if the world’s problems were merely clouds, gently passing by.

“Marshal, I believe this is not an entirely important matter. After all, it could be said that the victim was somewhat deserving of his fate.” The man smiled, “There is, another issue that may warrant your attention.”

“Hmm?” Qiu Jianhan frowned in confusion.

“Killing Wu Wenyuan, returning his body, saving his wife and aged mother…” the Confucian scholar continued, “It is obvious that the individual or organization that undertook this does not side with Wu Wenyuan; as accomplices, they would not have killed him.”

Qiu Jianhan hummed in agreement.

“My guess it that they killed Wu Wenyuan but saved his wife and mother as conditions of a bet.” The scholar smiled, “That sounds entirely reasonable..”

“They further demonstrated their animosity towards Wu Wenyuan by leaving behind his children, so as to prevent his lineage from surviving.” The scholar said, “This was why they did something so inexplicable. After a while, I am inclined to think that this person is on our side; friend not fiend. Although his actions were a tad over the top, and contemptuous of the law, it was understandable.”

Qiu Jianhan gave a slow nod, “If so, what is this other matter that you speak of?”

“The other matter…” The middle-aged scholar spoke slowly, “Although Wu Wenyuan was convicted with concrete evidence, he had to have been backed by some formidable foes, as his other identity has not been exposed even until now! Has the marshal managed to look at the city gate’s record after the memorial ceremony today?”

For once, a slightly worried expression marred the scholar’s pleasant expression, “There are many underground martial artists entering Tiantang City from everywhere, and through all the four gates. A lot of these individuals were among the experts, but their names were not on any of the records. I believe that these people’s identities were all fabricated at the point of entry. So many people coming into Tiantang City with concealed identities, at a time when Wu Wenyuan was just executed? This would be too coincidental to be genuinely unrelated. I’m afraid that this mysterious organization has come for revenge. Or perhaps, they have some other malicious purpose in mind.”

The scholar concluded, “I just wanted you to be aware of this.”

Qiu Jianhan nodded grimly.

“It’s just, I still think…” Qiu Jianhan kept up, “The incident in the prison is still a little strange.”

“I feel that…”

After a moment’s hesitation, the scholar continued, “This incident is rather similar to when the Nine-Day Decree was ordained. In that particular year…”

He frowned uncertainly as his voice lowered, “There was the familiar feeling of an unstoppable tide, a series of incidents which we could do nothing about. It was as if someone had a hand in these events...”

“Who?”

Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan shot up from his seat, his eyes glinting brightly, “The Nine Supremes!”

…

It was barely dawn, but Yun Yang was already up and practising his swordplay. He was reluctant to use the Divine Edge just to familiarize himself with saber forms, so he held a practice saber instead.

The saber was now cleverly camouflaged as a purple lotus on the sleeve of his robe. For a magical weapon with such an ability; it would be tactically unwise to reveal all his cards so early in a fight. As for wearing it on his hip, well it would just be plain foolish to do so.

“First style, Merciless Saber.” Yun Yang rotated the ball of his foot and his knee moved along with the rotation of his calf to his hip, his body swiveled half a loop as the practice wooden saber in his hands slashed the air from top to bottom. He had been practicing this routine for a hundred or perhaps even a thousand repetitions.

From afar, Lao Mei looked on with tightly pursed lips.

This form… While it looked very impressive; it was too gaudy to be of any use in real-life combat. Yet, his young master had put in his all on the practice grounds.

“Hu!” Yun Yang dropped to the ground with weariness when the last of his energy had been used up, clothes soaked through with sweat and dust.

He kept his mouth closed, struggling to breathe with only his nose so as to cause the tiny amount of spiritual Qi in his dantian to flow through all his meridians through the use of the Endless Divine Art. He almost suffocated, but he flatly refused to breathe in through his mouth as that would nullify all his hard work this morning. Just a short while later, Yun Yang recovered his breath; his pale face gradually turning rosy again.

Lao Mei went from skepticism to grudging respect; not everyone could be so harsh on themselves. Since his young master had begun practicing and regaining his breaths, he had broken through the human body’s physical limits a dozen times; a feat which would become the driving force behind Yun Yang’s advancement in life – for he had chosen to train the hardest in his most exhausted moments!

“Young master will definitely become a great man in the future. It’s just…” Lao Mei had a question bothering him for too long, “Young master has always been cautious in doing things. Never rash, always planning before making his move. Beyond that, he is exceptionally intelligent and has always managed to avoid danger. What was it that had caused him to be injured so severely? To the point of losing all his cultivation base?”

“Young master, what have you gone through?”

Despite being the faithful manservant for three whole years now, Lao Mei felt like he had never really understood his young master. It seemed that a cloud of mystery had always surrounded the young man. Moreover, it was puzzling that all the jade the young master kept on his person were gone. Yun Yang had loved Frost Jade a lot, as it could invoke a sense of calm, but he carried none of them on him now.

Where had it vanished to?

Loud, resounding knocks came from the door.

“May I know if Young Master Yun is home?” a clear voice rang out.

Both Yun Yang and Lao Mei were equally startled. A visitor? This was a highly unusual occurrence. The Residence of Yun closed its doors to visitors, and had never entertained any social contacts; this was an arrangement everyone in Tiantang City knew of. It had been at least four to five years since they had someone come a-calling, and out of of the blue, there were guests at the gates once again!

“Chi! chi!” an excited chattering could be heard from doors.

A golden-furred monkey bolted into Yun Yang’s courtyard and hopped right into his surprised embrace, wearing an incredibly ecstatic look on its simian features.

“…” Yun Yang’s expression was the very definition of perplexion.

Had he not left this monkey behind yesterday? Why was he holding it in his arms again today? Do monkeys really like me that much?

While he looked at the small creature in his arms, it crawled around in his embrace and shot up his shoulders then slid down from his back. It then crawled through the space between his legs and scuttled back up into his arms.

Yun Yang rolled his eyes.

A breeze wafted in from the doors, bringing with it a soothing fragrance. There, a beautiful lady stood, smiling at Yun Yang. She had a beautifully proportioned body. The ordinary black clothing she wore looked as if it was made for a queen, as she had an air of elegance that was unlike any average person.

The face, however, was a little too commonplace.

Of course Yun Yang did not think for a moment that this was the real face of the lady.

“Pardon me for the impromptu visit, Young Master Yun,” the girl’s melodic voice was a pleasure to the ears.

“Not at all. It’s my pleasure to have you pay a visit to my humble home.” Yun Yang smiled gently, “Please come in.”

“Thank you.” The lady entered, her eyes glittered merrily upon seeing the monkey that had not left Yun Yang since it got in.

“Pardon my impoliteness last night, it slipped my mind to ask for your name,” Yun Yang spoke with an apologetic tone.

The lady in black was tempted to roll her eyes, thinking, “If I didn’t come today, you probably wouldn’t have thought of this for your entire life. My sudden visit would have served you well as an excuse for an opening line!” This was the perfect example of a man who looked intelligent, but was actually not and did not care for what a girl would think!

“My family name is Ji1, Jimou2’s Ji,” the lady answered in response.

“What a wonderful family name!” Yun Yang clapped, his expression and tone dramatized with a hint of sarcasm as he loudly laid on praise, “Just this one word makes me think of people from ancient times up till the present, all of which successful because of utilizing tactics. Ji, this is the foundation of society; nothing is ever achieved without… Ji!”

“The young master has flattered me too much,” the lady in black finally gave in, and rolled her eyes. If it were not for the Thousand Illusion Monkey and something regarding her own hidden agenda, she would have left immediately.

You have mockingly complimented my family name, and with such glaring insincerity! Such temerity deserves a solid punch in the face!

Yun Yang pinched his nose. “May I ask for your full name, as well?”

The lady almost let out a groan, “It’s a single first name, Ling3.”

“What a great first name!” Yun Yang praised loudly once again, “All Ji (tactics) have to be Ling (effective)! You have a amazing name! The saying goes, Ji Ling Ji Ling (effective tactic); Ji that is not Ling is not a Ji (tactics which are not effective are not tactics), only Ji Ling is a Ji (the only tactic is an effective one). Good name, a good name indeed! It represents the means behind every success…”

“…”

Miss Ji Ling only felt blinding anger building up in her mind, so tempted was she to flip the table over and leave! If it were not for the impropriety of using foul language as a lady, she would have cursed him with all her might! Certainly, she knew she was not welcomed, but did he have to be such a boor? After all, she was still a woman, could this cretin not show at least a little bit of chivalry?

Lao Mei, standing beside and listening to the entire tirade, heaved a sigh of exasperation.

“Young master, it’s no wonder you’re still alone even though you have seen nineteen summers. Despite your fine features, just listen to your conversation with this lady! At this rate, it would be a miracle if you could ever get married!”

Translator’s Note:

1Ji (计jì): used as family name in this chapter; the word on its own also means tactic or scheme.

2jimou (计谋jì móu): tactic, scheme or plot.

3Ling (灵líng): used as first name in this chapter; the word on its own also means lark; effective.



Chapter 11: A Whole Lot of Trouble

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The conversation had turned irreparably awkward.

Yun Yang was clearly unconcerned about his boorish behaviour, while Ji Ling seethed with rage inwardly, a hair’s breadth away from bursting out in anger. Lao Mei, for all his dry laughter, was internally picking his young master to shreds for his lack of civility and emotional quotient. The young master and the lady sat across each other at the tea table in a moment of awkward silence, broken only by a stifled cough. No, the awkwardness was all from Ji Ling; Yun Yang was completely oblivious to the tense atmosphere. In all her years, she had never come across such a situation!

“I apologize.” Yun Yang sounded contrite.

“My humble home is extremely lacking. It has been far too long since a guest came, so we no longer have any more tea in the residence… Please pardon my lack of courtesy.”

Lao Mei felt faint.

Who said our house has no tea?

Ji Ling looked at Yun Yang’s flawlessly handsome face, and was completely dumbstruck. “Heh, heh, heh…” Ji Ling forced a chuckle, and shook her head, “I don’t mind the joke, this is Ji Ling’s first time encountering such treatment since birth; or should I say, the only time in my life.”

Yun Yang straightened up, “You’re wrong, miss.”

Ji Ling stared at him in confusion.

Yun Yang continued, “Whatever it is, once there is a first, there will inevitably be a second time! This is the law of the world. Today may be the first time that you have encountered such treatment, but mark my words, you’ll get the chance to be treated similarly in the future.”

He smiled, “In time, you’ll eventually realize that I’m actually right.”

Ji Ling’s large eyes stared unblinkingly at Yun Yang’s face, with skin so smooth that even women would be envious of it. Her thoughts, however, were entirely focused on keeping her hands from lashing out and tearing that insufferable grin from his countenance.

“I have never met such a terrible man.” Ji Ling spoke through gritted teeth. While she was generally more well bred than most of her peers, just a short encounter with Yun Yang had her contemplating murder.

“You’ll meet more in the future.” Yun Yang said slowly, “How many gentlemen are there in this world? Sooner or later, you are bound to come across those who aren’t.”

Ji Ling sneered coldly, “Looks like Young Master Yun is aware that he is not a gentleman himself.”

Yun Yang’s expression was curiously composed. “Miss, please do not insult me.”

Ji Ling replied, “Having admitted that you are no gentleman yourself, how can you accuse me of insulting you?”

In a serious tone, Yun Yang said, “What I meant was, do not mock me with the term ‘gentleman’. I do not deserve that title, regardless of whether you believe it of me or not..”

“…”

Ji Ling was astounded. It was ironic that this man could speak of righteousness so unashamedly. Admittedly, there weren’t many people like him. She remained silent for a while before breaking out in laughter, leaving Yun Yang somewhat bewildered.

Should this woman not be angered and leave? Why was she laughing?

Ji Ling continued chuckling as she spoke, “I am aware that Young Master Yun does not welcome me, but curiosity has gotten the better of me. May I make a few inquiries of Young Master Yun?”

Yun Yang answered guardedly, “What would you want to know, my lady?”

“Before last night, we have never met. As such, I am puzzled.” Ji Ling asked with unfeigned interest, “The young master wants me to leave so badly. Why is this so, Young Master Yun?”

Yun Yang grinned but Ji Ling lifted a finger before he could speak, “Young Master Yun, speak truthfully, and then I will turn around and take my leave. I will not linger and play the part of the unwelcomed guest...”

Yun Yang looked at her questioningly as Ji Ling nodded in all seriousness. She meant what she had said.

Yun Yang smiled in amusement, “First, I dislike intrusions in my life… I appreciate peace and quiet. Secondly, but also the more important reason, your visit heralds the coming of tribulations, and I am terribly averse to trouble of any sort in my life.”

Ji Ling asked in confusion, “I can accept the first reason, but the second… how are you so certain that I’m bring with me… tribulations?”

Yun Yang’s split into a grin and started counting on his fingers, “First, our encounter last night was not a delightful one. Second, you brought along with you a Thousand Illusion Monkey, which indicates that you are far from an ordinary person.”

Ji Ling nodded slightly in acknowledgement of this undeniable observation.

“Third, the appearance that you wear now is false; fourth, the same goes for the name that you have given me,” Yun Yang spoke with the conviction of a person who knows that he is correct.

Ji Ling blinked like an owl caught in bright light, and coughed, “Perhaps not entirely real. Let us leave it at that, shall we?.”

“You conceal your name, and came here alone with a false identity. Normally, ladies like yourself would travel in the company of a guardian… but not you. This would mean, you ran away from home. That would be number five.”

Ji Ling coughed, nodding in resignation as she realized that she had been exposed...

“Simply these observations alone would indicate that you will be a whole lot of trouble,” Yun Yang sighed.

“There’s more to it?” the girl asked.

“Of course.” Yun Yang continued, “Sixth, although you’ve changed your appearance, I’m not utterly blind. Your gaze is clear and your features distinct, but the skin tone of your neck under your chin is different; one side is slightly paler while the other side is that of your normal skin tone. The difference, though miniscule, is there.”

Ji Ling flushed, “And what of this?” If Yun Yang had not mentioned it, she would not have noticed it herself.

“This only means one thing; you are a terribly proud person. There aren’t many people that you hold in high regard.” Yun Yang continued to elaborate, “Therefore, you’ve formed a habit of tilting your head, unconsciously or otherwise, lifting one side of your chin when looking at people.”

Ji Ling frowned and acquiesced that this man could, unfortunately, be right in that aspect. She usually looked at others with a tilted head, lifted chin and slanted gaze..

“With your personality, you’d leave haughtily once there’s a disagreement.” Yun Yang continued, “And you cannot be wrong. Am I right?” Yun Yang looked at the lady and smiled.

“All that you’ve said… well, you’re almost there,” Ji Ling answered guiltily because Yun Yang was, of course, spot on. She could tell that he had even held back from saying that she was proud, conceited, and somewhat spoiled.

“However, despite your proud and stubborn character, and even after our rather unpleasant encounter last night, here you are today. You managed to keep your temper in check, in spite of the treatment you have endured. It must be a terribly difficult undertaking for you. Since you’re still here despite being provoked repeatedly, then… it must be for something pressing.” Yun Yang spoke, “The eighth and final reason allows me to form my conclusion… this pressing matter that made such a stubborn lady run away from her noble home and hold her temper even when mistreated; if it’s related to me, what else could it be but a whole lot of trouble?”

Ji Ling was stunned, this man had judged her based on these deductions? It didn’t help that he was irrevocably right in his observations.

“You are absolutely correct. I am here to seek your aid.” Ji Ling gave a small smile. “I guess you would also know that by now.”

Yun Yang frowned, “As promised, I have spoken clearly and truthfully. I believe that you have agreed with my observations, and admitted the truth of them. Now, I ask that you fulfil your part of the promise and leave quickly…”

Ji Ling winked coyly. “Wouldn’t you at least want to find out what I came here for?”

Yun Yang was unaffected by her charms. “My apologies, but I do not wish to know. What I desire most, is for you to leave and not to become that unwanted guest that you spoke of.”

Ji Ling laughed dryly, carefully choosing her words, “Right. As I said, as long as you’ve explained yourself, I’ll turn and leave. The problem is, well, I haven’t turned just yet.”

“…”

Yun Yang’s eyes bulged with indignation. For a moment, he was at a loss for words, looking at this girl who had reneged on her promise.

Ji Ling grinned mischievously. “See, how can I leave without turning first? Am I not right?”

So saying, she turned to Lao Mei. “Excuse me, your young master must be parched from all this talking he’s done. Look at the sweat beading on his forehead! Do bring some tea over, that’s a good man.”

Lao Mei reined in his laughter while looking at Yun Yang’s expression; it was indeed the first time in his life he had seen his young master routed in a war of words.

Young master, sweating? He’s not thirsty, he’s infuriated! How could he not be when you’ve broken your promise?

“Why do you not honor your word?” Yun Yang was exasperated; he had too many secrets, too many things to be done, and he could not afford to be harassed by this girl.

“Young master, why,” Ji Ling looked around, “… do I have to honor my word?”

Yun Yang was almost apoplectic with rage. “Why, not honoring your word is simply not the behavior of heroic men!”

“Never claimed to be.” Ji Ling chuckled righteously, “I’m just a girl, not some heroic man.”

Yun Yang rubbed his temples, feeling the onset of a terrible headache. Seeing this the Thousand Illusion Monkey thought he wanted to play with it and climbed up his head happily, its buttocks lowering right in front of Yun Yang’s eyes and blocking his view. “Oh my…” Yun Yang groaned in despair.

Lao Lei had actually gone to prepare tea. Absently, Yun Yang wondered if he should deduct Lao Mei’s pay for leaving his side without express permission. The effrontery of the man knew no bounds.

“Please, be patient and listen to what I’m here for, Young Master Yun,” Ji Ling grinned. The grin was cunning, like a fox that had successfully stolen a chicken from the coop.

In this case however, Yun Yang was obviously the poor chicken and he wondered if he would share the same fate.



Chapter 12: Threats!

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“The hardest thing to do in life is to reason with a woman. If you reason with a woman and attempt to convince her to acknowledge that you’re reasonable, you’re basically hopeless as a man.

------ Yun Yang”

Ji Ling was adamant about not leaving until she had spoken her peace. Even her pet monkey seemed to have adopted the place as its home, and it looked like there was no easy way to chase this pair off.

“Miss, it will damage your good standing if you linger on here.” Yun Yang was relentless, “This is, after all, a man’s house.”

“Oh, I absolutely agree!” Ji Ling was positively beaming with delight. “You’d have to agree that we should talk this through quickly, so that I may depart with haste. After all, if I do linger on and my name is tarnished, gossip will inevitably spread. The next thing you know, my family will be outside your door, calling for your head!”

Yun Yang spat out his drink at the temerity of this girl. Pointing at the fox that sat in front of him, he was momentarily speechless with exasperation. With his remarkable skills, he should be the one threatening others. Instead, he found himself being blackmailed by this scoundrel.

“Have I forgotten to mention? My family is huge… much larger than the Eight Symbols1…” the little devil winked.

Once again, words failed Yun Yang.

Lao Mei, standing beside his master, asked in bewilderment, “Miss, surely you exaggerate? The eight most influential families in the world right now are the Eight Symbols. What other families could possibly be more powerful than them?”

Ji Ling pursed her lips thoughtfully. “This mainland is enormous. The more renowned one is, the fewer people will know about them. Take for example, the man who proclaims himself to be the wealthiest person in the city. More often than not, there will be many others who are wealthier, just that they do not wish to flaunt their riches. Do you not know this?”

Even in his irritation, Yun Yang had to admit that this particular piece of wisdom was undeniably true.

“I believe you,” Yun Yang muttered.

“You do?” It was Ji Ling’s turn to be surprised. Yun Yang had taken her at her word? Was he not afraid that she might just be putting on airs or pretending to be someone she was not?

“You have about you an air of elegance, and you are bossy as you are prideful. The disregard you hold for the eight most influential families comes genuinely to you.” Yun Yang continued slowly, “While the Thousand Illusion Monkey is not a mystical beast of the highest tier, its future is limitless, as it has vast growth potential. Although it belongs to you, you keep it as a pet; not as a companion in combat. This obviously shows that your family background is incomparable to that of others. The members of the top eight families could have obtained similar creatures with levels comparable to this monkey, but their purpose in obtaining and training them would be vastly different. Their parents would not have agreed to their young masters and misses’ wanting to keep them as pets.”

Yun Yang was clearly becoming more upset as he spoke, “It looks like I have managed to place myself in hot soup, even though it wasn't I who started the fire.” Infuriatingly enough, he had already sensed that she was trouble during their previous encounter, but he just couldn’t seem to run away fast enough.

“Miss, what do you ask of me?” Yun Yang inquired. “Speak plainly, as I will not go the extra mile if it is beyond my means.”

Simply put, you won’t force yourself to do it if you can’t. Ji Ling rolled her eyes in contempt. “This would be something simple for someone like you.”

“I shall be the judge of that,” Yun Yang retorted.

“The annual mystical beast tournament will be held at Tiantang City this year.” Ji Ling continued, “A great number of families, including the top eight, will all take part. This is a large event among the second generation of all the great families. Of course, we girls will also be competing against each other.”

“How many ladies will there be in total?” Yun Yang was already cringing in anticipation of the answer.

“Including myself… perhaps a total of thirty-odd?” Ji Ling was not entirely certain..

Hearing her answer, Yun Yang’s face fell, and he felt that he was about to weep.

Thirty-odd ladies!

He had thought it was only this one insufferable girl, but now, he was looking at a whole troupe of them.

“Look, this is just not feasible.” Yun Yang said, “With my dashingly good looks, your friends will inevitably fall in love with me, and I would have signed my death warrant!”

“Puu!”

Ji Ling almost choked on the bile that rose in her throat.

She stared at Yun Yang, then nodded slowly. “True enough, you are indeed good looking. Fear not, you don’t have to worry about anything with me around! If you found saw someone you fancy, I’ll even put in a good word for you, seeing as to how you’ve agreed to help me.”

Yun Yang raised his hand, “Hold on! I haven’t agreed to anything yet. You still haven’t mentioned what it is that I have to do.”

“It’s really simple.” Ji Ling said happily, “I’ve come to realize that Ling Ling is really friendly towards you, which means that you have an affinity towards mystical creatures. This is innate, a gift from God, and you should utilize it for something greater.”

Her tone and voice sounded remarkably like that of a scheming witch.

Yun Yang snorted. “It's only your monkey that thinks so. Others may not feel the same way.”

Ji Ling smirked, “The Thousand Illusion Monkey’s defense mechanisms have always surpassed that of all the other mystical beasts. Why, not even ninth level creatures could hold a candle to it! Since it was so friendly to you, other beasts probably wouldn’t be any different.”

She continued, “For this tournament, each of us has to pair up with a mystical beast lower than the fifth level. Bets are huge in this competition, and of course, there’ll be other bonuses as well.”

Ji Ling grunted, “I’ve lost five consecutive years. This time, I have to win!”

“She lost five consecutive years. You'd think that she’d be used to it by now.” Yun Yang thought with amusement.

“How does the tournament work?” Yun Yang asked, feigning disinterest, despite the mild intrigue that he suddenly felt.

“Again, it's simple. None of us can cheat, every competitor has to buy their beast in the mystical beast market after arriving at Tiantang City. Ten days later, we'll compete in obedience, tacit understanding between the creature and its owner, and their abilities; not their innate abilities, but the new ones trained by the owners. This would prove the creature’s dependence on its owner.”

Ji Ling said in frustration, “The last one is rather difficult…”

“Indeed, it is,” Yun Yang agreed.

“...and that is why I came to you,” Ji Ling finished, looking at Yun Yang with shining eyes.

“…” Yun Yang felt like a drowning man, as he waved his hand in protest, “Look, I can’t help you, find someone else. Mystical beast trainers are a dime a dozen in the mainland, why can’t you just hire one?”

“Trust me, if they were that capable, I wouldn’t be here,” Ji Ling said sardonically.

“I’m not helping.”

Yun Yang stood up, his mind set. He refused to dig himself into a hole; even if the Nine Supremes were still here, he would still not put himself in such a tight spot. There would be thirty-odd ladies from all sorts of influential families present. He would be in a grave situation, regardless of who he offended. Yun Yang had a lot of things to accomplish, but joining a mystical beast tournament was not one of them.

Again, Yun Yang stretched his arm out towards the exit, “I cannot help you. Please, leave quickly, or I will have to call for someone to escort you out.”

“You’re really not helping?” Ji Ling squinted her eyes dangerously.

“No!” Yun Yang shook his head vehemently.

“Amazing. Simply amazing.” Ji Ling stomped her feet and turned back to say, “Young Master Yun, think this through properly. If you help now, you would only be helping me. Only you and I would know about this. If you refuse me, I could just walk out onto the street and spread the news. Before you know it, it won’t be just me but all the other thirty-odd sisters running in your direction. Not to mention the young masters as well. I sincerely hope that you can manage all that attention.”

“They may not believe me, but they won’t pass up the chance to find out the truth. When that day comes, you’ll offend everyone if you help only one and if you help none of them at all, well, it’ll still be the same. Harrumph, and good day to you.” Ji Ling turned as if to leave.

“Ah…” Yun Yang could feel his head pounding, “Lady Ji, please hold up.”

Ji Ling spun back and beamed like the cunning little fox she was, “Yes, Young Master Yun?”

Forcing a pained smile onto his face, Yun Yang waved his servant over, “Lao Mei, serve tea, the best that we have. Lady Ji, on a second thought, I think there’s still space for discussion on this matter.”

Ji Ling turned around proudly, her face full of delight for successfully winning the rally. “You’ll agree to help?”

Yun Yang nodded in defeat. “Yes, but I would like to ask, what are the bets involved? And how will you reward me for this? You won’t allow me to help you without recompense, I hope?”

“The men are the ones who make the big bets. It’s only playthings for us girls,” Ji Ling smiled, “Some of us bet on spiritual pills, mystical stones, cultivation methods, seventh or eighth grade mystical pills and whatnots; nothing significant. But among the seven of us sworn sisters, we also decide on who’s the oldest and youngest according to the competition outcome.”

Ji Ling was bitter. “I’ve been the youngest for five years already.”

Yun Yang’s expression grew increasingly dark.

Spiritual pills… mystical stones… cultivation methods… seventh or eighth grade mystical pills and whatnots… nothing significant… she called these playthings!

Playthings!

Do you know how many people in Tiantang City would fight over a spiritual pill? Have you seen the riots that would break out for a mystical stone? Do you know that the whole underground martial arts world would turn into a bedlam over a cultivation method? Do you know a seventh or eighth grade mystical pill…

Forget it, never mind.

Yun Yang was peeved. This was the first time he actually felt like a poor man; like a villager who had never seen the world. The ladies’ bets were already so shockingly decadent, and he wondered what the young masters would bet on.

Throughout his entire internal tirade, Yun Yang remained stoic, “What about my pay?”

“Whatever I’ve won, you will get half of it. That is, assuming I win of course.” Ji Ling offered generously, “What do you think?”

Yun Yang was tempted to say that it was barely sufficient, but he grudgingly admitted to himself that it was more than he had expected.

“Done.” Yun Yang said, “But for me to help you win this tournament, you’ll have to help me obtain some information. Would you agree to that?” The world might not know about the Four Seasons Tower, but it should be common knowledge for these large, influential families.

“What information do you require?” Ji Ling asked.

“I’ll let you know after the tournament. If I can’t win this for you, we'll forget about this whole farce.” Yun Yang continued, “But if you win, I don’t even mind not receiving my portion of the bet. Just promise to help me find out this particular bit of information. Agreed?”

“Alright, agreed!” Ji Ling nodded easily.

Both of their hands clasped loudly together, sealing the deal.

“I’ve just noticed that your hand is even fairer than that of a lady, and better looking to boot,” Ji Ling observed as she peered closely at Yun Yang’s hand. “Let me take a closer look. Are you a woman disguised as a man?”

A flustered Yun Yang refrained from throttling the girl as he replied through gritted teeth, “My dear miss, would you like me to drop my pants to answer your question?”

Translator’s Note

1 Eight Symbols (春夏秋冬、东南西北 chūn xià qiū dōng, dōng nán xī běi): Creatively derived from Four Symbols which are four mythical beasts in Chinese mythology who each represent one of the four seasons and one of the four cardinal directions. Literally means spring, summer, autumn, winter, and north, south, east, west - each representing the family name of powerful, honorable families. Four was changed to Eight so that the title of the eight great families would not mislead readers.



Chapter 13: External Forces, Warnings and Popinjays

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The deal was sealed.

Unsurprisingly, Ji Ling insisted on spending the night at the Residence of Yun.

“Such a large home, and only for the both of you?” Ji Ling asked. “How lonely that must be! I’m sure you wouldn’t mind if I availed myself of your hospitality tonight then.”

“Seeing as to how we are both unmarried, that would be an inconvenience. It would be much more appropriate for Lady Ji to rent a room at the tavern, instead,” Yun Yang said while carefully nursing his bruised right eye, the price of his incessant mocking earlier.

“In that case, I’ll just have a little chat with my sisters about how fondly these mystical beasts take to you…”

“Very well, which room will you have?”

…

Yun Yang endlessly sighed as he ate.

Seated across him, Lady Ji watched with increasingly widening eyes as he shoveled food into his mouth.

“How can you possibly eat so much?” Ji Ling felt nauseous looking at Yun Yang practically inhale the small mound of mystical beast meat, albeit with table manners elegant enough to rival any lord...

This would come up to forty, maybe fifty catties?

“Eat quickly, Lady,” Lao Mei’s hands flashed as he quickly skewered a piece of meat, “It’ll all be gone very soon.”

“…”

Ji Ling had nothing to say in response.

…

Yun Yang, who initially had no interest whatsoever in the young lady’s tournament, began to think to himself. “The competition between these young masters’ will be interesting.” Yun Yang’s gaze glinted darkly, “I’m going against the Four Seasons Tower, but I have no clue where to start… I have an objective, but it’s not strength, and even if I had the strength, I would still be lacking a target. Perhaps it’d be a good idea to start with these young masters…”

The more he thought about it, the brighter Yun Yang’s eyes became.

“I can turn back if I’m in error, but I can’t go on sitting on my heels.” Yun Yang continued to brood on the matter, his eyes gazing far away. “If it were the mystical beasts tournament, wouldn’ there already be quite a number of young masters present here already?”

Ji Ling , in contrast, was feeling extremely pleased with herself. “Be vexed with me, chase me away, but in the end, you’ll still have to aid me.” Little did she know that Yun Yang had already made her his stepping stone in his plans. Furthermore, she wouldn’t be the only one caught in his web. Soon, all the young masters from these influential families who were yet to come would be as well, and their foundations would be shaken from that day onwards.

Faced with Ji Ling’s blustering threats, Yun Yang could have just ended the stand-off with a simple sentence, “Whoever you speak to about me doesn’t matter, I’ll just make sure you don’t succeed.” However, he would never do that, because if it weren’t for Ji Ling, Yun Yang’s train of thoughts would never had led this way. Since the moment she had appeared in the picture, a wide, spacious route was suddenly laid out in front of Yun Yang.

These were external forces that even his own enemies would not have foreseen, making them the real threat. It looked like he would have to make his rounds in Tiantang City more frequently now.

“Tomorrow, we’ll go pick out a mystical beast,” Yun Yang said.

“Okay.”Ji Ling smiled in triumphed.

…

It was already late into the night at the Residence of Marshal Qiu Jianhan.

The old marshal gazed endearingly at a painting on the wall in his study.

It depicted a battlefield; nine different colors were splashed across it. The earth quaked, thunder roared and lightning flashed, flames spouted high and mighty as ferocious waves churned, strong winds blew and billowing clouds filled the heavens.

It was a vision of the Nine Supremes’ valour, frozen for eternity on parchment.

“You nine men,” the old marshal’s eyes were moist, “had always been so careful. How did it come to this?”

The painting gave no reply, the nine masked warriors who stood brave in the battlefield were silent.

The old marshal sighed heavily.

Without warning, a sharp whistle tore through the night air. A stern voice hollered outside, “Who goes there?”

In the blink of an eye, the quiet residence dissolved into chaos.

A silver streak split the air as a sword flew from several dozen feet outside of the wall and crashed into the roof of the marshall’s residence with a loud crack; broken tiles flying across the sky. There was a incandescent flash of light, followed by a thud, and all present could see a strip of paper fluttering wildly, pinned against the doorframe.

In sepulchral tones, a voice hissed from the night, “Qiu Jianhan! Forget about Wu Wenyuan’s case; we honour your reputation, but a smart man knows when to stop. If you choose to remain stubborn, even those sworn to protect you will not be able to guarantee your life!”

Showers of sword sparks flashed in counterpoint to the grunts of the guards. A glowing blade could be seen rising up into the sky, with a black shadow holding onto it. On the ground, countless guards gave chase.

The light then flickered as daggers showered upon the residence, the steel shining brightly like meteorites. In panic, the guards weaved their swords through the air, attempting to deflect the shards of death. When the ray from the sword’s glow vanished, only the stars and moon could be seen in the night sky. The shadow that had been there was gone without a trace.

In the midst of bedlam, Qiu Jianhan stood calm and collected by the doorway. His gaze was filled with disdain as his arms rested firmly against his back.

“Bring it to me.”

The strip paper was passed to Qiu Jianhan’s open palm. Unfolding the strip, it contained only a single line written with blood.

“The Nine Supremes are dead, seek no rancor nor vengeance!”

“Pang!”

Qiu Jianhan tore the paper into shreds as his voice rang out loud, “The vengeance of the Nine Supremes will be sated!”

The sheer volume of his voice echoed through the night, the still air buzzed with the force of his declaration.

“Heh heh heh…”

The eerie voice spoke again, as if from a distance, “So, you’ve chosen the fool’s way. Let us see what comes next!” With that, the voice faded into the gloom.

Old Marshal Qiu growled into the dark, his eyes blazing with fury, “I shall not rest until I am dead!” The old marshal was furious beyond words, and his cries carried out into the capital.

I’ve only begun to investigate a few culprits, and already you grow impatient? Who then would bring justice to the death of the Nine Supremes?

…

Yun Yang’s home was not far from the residence of the marshal. The old marshal’s bellows, amplified with traces of refined mystical Qi, had shaken the entire capital awake.

Yun Yang had heard it all, as clear as crystal.

He immediately sat up, a magical radiance flowing from his hands as they worked briskly to trace words which also glimmered with mystical Qi before disappearing into the air mysteriously.

“Investigate the night incident at the Residence of the Marshal!”

…

It was early morning at the mystical beast market.

Yun Yang strolled along dressed in resplendent purple; although unwilling to be here, his innate elegance was not diminished in any way by reluctance. Although shops were lining the streets, the mystical beast market was entirely different from the pet market; here, it was clean without any unpleasant odors of animal waste or musk. The creatures being put up for sale here were all of good stock, second level and higher. These beasts had already begun to gain a reasonable amount of intelligence, and that included an aversion to being dirty as well. Ji Ling trailed behind Yun Yang, casually playing with the Thousand Illusion Monkey that was sitting comfortably on his shoulder. She was the very picture of innocence, but Yun Yang knew that this girl was far from that. The manner in which she could accurately identify his Achilles’ heel and threaten him with it was a telltale sign that she was no ordinary girl.

The Thousand Illusion Monkey also managed to look docile, its horns had shrunk into its head and somehow its multiple tails had merged into one. Even if anyone were to look closely, it resembled a perfectly normal baby monkey. Its crimson eyes darted around in mirth along the entire journey, but it remained perched on Yun Yang’s shoulder despite the many things that caught its attention.

“Ssss…”

An odd hissing arose from the entrance of the first shop they passed. Here, a mass of golden, statue-like snakes writhing in a cage raised their hooded heads, hissing fiercely at Yun Yang. Their long coils undulated wildly as if attempting to break out.

Slightly perturbed, Yun Yang pondered upon the means of concealing his innate ability. While it was certainly advantageous that he could attract mystical beasts, it would do him no good if he were to be caught and exposed!

Nevertheless, Ji Ling’s eyes radiated with glee at the sight.

“I’ve made the right choice indeed!”

Although Yun Yang had not practiced his cultivation, he could not entirely conceal his uniquely fresh scent and the immense air of vitality enveloping his being from these mystical beasts.

“Golden Silk Snakes,” Yun Yang muttered under his breath and continued to saunter past the shop. These third level beasts were extremely venomous, but Yun Yang barely slowed down to even take a second glance at them. He did the same at the second shop, and then the third. The creatures would grow agitated and work themselves into a frenzy as Yun Yang passed by.

In his mind, he had to keep to remarkably high standards when selecting a mystical beast. It had to be more obedient than the current one, able to form a tacit understanding with its owner, able to be taught new abilities, and must also able to show dependency on its new owner.

All of that, and it could be no higher than a fifth level beast.

That would come up to a total five conditions; the number of fifth level mystical beasts that could accommodate all of them was few and far in between. To Yun Yang, there was another condition; seemingly insignificant, but in reality, of utmost importance.

It had to be able to receive training from a girl.

This was Yun Yang’s first visit to the market. He would normally never deign to step foot in such places; the lower level mystical meat that he consumed would usually be bought and prepared as a bountiful meal by Lao Mei. Now that he was here however, he saw how merry the place was. It was a lively arena, teeming with people walking about, all abuzz with excitement. Up front there were a number of people dressed in white, chattering loudly as they fanned themselves while walking.

A chuckle almost escaped Yun Yang’s throat when he recognized who they were.

Ah, familiar faces.

Young Master Ma and Young Master Qin had each brought their servants along and were looking around openly. Their gazes strayed everywhere but boldly lingered longest on the ladies who were passing by with their mystical beasts.

Yun Yang’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, was that a baby beast that Young Master Ma held in his arm? Its bright, innocent eyes seemed to be taking in its surroundings.

Interesting indeed.

“Hey, little lady, have we met before?” Young Master Ma attempted to waylay a girlishly slim figure that walked by, pretending to be deep in thought. “Where was it again? Allow me to think…”

The girl spat on the ground in disgust and stalked off in a huff.

“Hey, wait, don’t go! I’ve figured it out! Why are you leaving? Meh, girls these days. No fun whatsoever.” Young Master Ma wore a bored expression.

“Hey, lady, seeing you today has inspired me to write a poem… Hey, don’t go!” Young Master Qin stared at the girl dejectedly and said, “I just wanted to show you my talents! Sigh.”

Undaunted, the two womanizers just shrugged and continued the hunt for their next prey.

Yun Yang hid a smile.

These lechers! Philanderers indeed!

“Those two popinjays are utterly unsavory!” Ji Ling’s frowned in their direction.

Even as she spoke, Young Master Qin and Young Master Ma had already spotted her from a distance. Although they could not see her face from the angle that she stood, her well-proportioned figure had the two animals rushing over in a frenzy. Being somewhat blinded by lust, they did not see Yun Yang standing just within arm’s reach. Casually placing themselves on both of Ji Ling’s sides, they wheezed, “Young lady, you look familiar!”

“Ahem,” Yun Yang gave a discreet cough in warning. If he did not intervene in time, Ji Ling might have pummel the men to their deaths.

“Young Master Yun?” Young Master Ma looked like he had seen a ghost. On the other side, Young Master Qin who had also heard the admonition turned around with a sour expression on his face. “Brother Yun. It looks like there isn’t anywhere we can go without running into each other.”

Yun Yang sneered, “Are you two having fun?”

Young Master Ma laughed uncertainly, “Brother Yun, you would know better! There’s no way we can compare ourselves to you. You certainly have an eye for the ladies, walking about with a beauty like this!”

Young Master Qin plastered on a pained smile, “Right right, Brother Yun has all the luck when it comes to the opposite sex...”

It was at this moment that Ji Ling turned her head over, her eyes boring holes into both Young Master Qin and Young Master Ma. Their faces froze in a rictus as they caught her angry gaze. How could this lady possess such an elegant figure but have such a homely face? The compliments they were about to ply on her abruptly vanished, and they were left gaping in silence.

Translator’s Note

1 Ancestor’s grave would smoke(祖坟上冒青烟 zǔ fén shàng mào qīng yān): to have really good luck or fortune.

2 Long Hu Dou(龙虎斗 lóng hǔ dòu): literally ‘dragon fighting against tiger’; famous Cantonese dish made of snake and wild cat.



Chapter 14: The Lightning Cat That Wasn’t

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Popinjays!” Ji Ling spat and walked away with her head raised high.

Young Master Ma exhaled in relief and looked towards Yun Yang, his expression filled with amazement. “Brother Yun, I must say… our tastes are... ahem, vastly different.”

Young Master Qin’s was a face of regret. “What a pity, such a waste...”

Pity? Looking carefully at Young Master’s Qin’s salacious eyes, Yun Yang concluded that he regretted letting that alluring body walk away from him, homely face notwithstanding.

Yun Yang tried not to laugh out loud and instead, waved a negligent hand at the baby beast in Young Master Ma’s arms, “Brother Ma, what is this is?”

Young Master Ma chortled, “This? It's just a Lightning Cat. I bought it since it looks like lots of fun. Initially, I was attracted to its snowy fur; it’s pretty and obedient. Ordinary Lightning Cats are worth about 1,500 silver taels each, but I had to part with 2,000 silver taels for this one, it’s so expensive! I had to see what was so special about it.”

Yun Yang nodded distractedly. The self-indulgent fellow had actually bought the cat just because it was more expensive than usual. He probably had no idea what to do with his money. It looks like I asked for too little the last time. Furthermore, he said that this was...

A Lightning Cat?

Yun Yang’s thoughts came careening back to the grinning fool in front of him.

How could this be a Lightning Cat? A Lightning Cat would normally attain its third level upon reaching adulthood, but this one had already achieved the third level while still in its infancy!

“This is not a bad cat at all.” Yun Yang managed to keep the excitement from his voice.

“Does Brother Yun like it?” Young Master Ma asked in delight. “Please accept it then, with my compliments.” He handed the tiny bundle of fur over to Yun Yang.

Yun Yang was at a loss for words as he accepted the creature. Scratching his head, there was one thing he knew for sure; this wasn’t a Lightning Cat. It had to be an unidentified mystical creature… and it would definitely not plateau at the fifth level. For it to reach the third level before even a month of age, it was highly probable that the cat could reach the eighth or ninth level upon complete maturity!

To have bought it for 2,000 silver taels was such a stroke of luck, even the ancestor’s grave would smoke1!

Meanwhile, this philanderer Ma was willing to give it away, just like that.

“No, I couldn’t possibly accept this.” Yun Yang was torn. “It is, after all, Brother Ma’s most prized gem.”

Young Master Ma laughed, “This is nothing! It’s just a cat! With you, it’ll probably live a few days longer; if I were to bring it home, it would end up with a golden scaled snake in a pot of Long Hu Dou2…”

Long Hu Dou…

“If a small dragon was given to you, are you going to braise it too? What else do you know other than to eat?” Yun Yang was tempted to ask.

“If you so insist, then I shall accept it.” Yun Yang was graciousness personified. “Should I pay you 2,000 silver taels?”

Young Master Ma waved his hands in exaggerated protest, “Young Master Yun, please say no more! It would be an insult if I were to accept payment for such a petty thing. Are we not brothers? Even if you wanted my wife… of course, you’d never want my wife. But even if you did…”

Yun Yang promptly cut him off, “I get the point, let’s not wander off too far. Young Master Ma, I am in your debt.”

Young Master Ma positively beamed with delight.

Young Master Yun’s favor! That would mean...

Upon hearing this, Young Master Qin, wide-eyed with amazement, pushed himself over. “Young Master Yun, I have one here too!” he proclaimed loudly.

Yun Yang saw a small black bear in the arms of a guard standing behind Young Master Qin. It was struggling in his embrace as it cried pitifully.

“Ah, a third level mystical beast…”

Yun Yang shook his head, “No more, please. I have already accepted the cat. I’m embarrassed enough as it is.”

“No worries there.” Young Master Qin had already plucked the black cub from the guard’s hands and thrust it at Yun Yang. “Don’t be shy, we’re brothers! You absolutely must agree to take this as well!”

Yun Yang felt out of sorts hugging the black cub.

I wanted the cat because of its potential; what use is this cub?

“This… cat... where did you manage to purchase it from?” Yun Yang asked, “Are there others left?”

“Why, sure, there were plenty!” Young Master Ma’s words set Yun Yang’s heart racing. Mystical creatures such as these were rarer than rare, and there were more where it came from?

Astounding.

“Let’s see, it’s just over there. It’s the first, second, third, fourth, fifth… ninth or tenth shop from here,” Young Master Ma counted. “Look for a big basket containing all these cats.”

Just as he finished, he saw a shadow streak past him, and Yun Yang was already gone.

“Where’s that man?”

Young Master Ma scratched his head. “Where’d he go?”

“Beats me.” Young Master Qin lowered his head with a disheartened look; Yun Yang had disappeared but he had also left behind the black cub. He had spurned his offering! To Young Master Qin, the world was filled with evil and injustice. “Why did you accept Ma’s cat but not my bear? It’s so much larger than his cat! Even if it were to be made into a dish, it could have been apportioned into so many more servings…”

Young Master Ma was delighted as he hummed a nameless tune. “Come, Brother Qin, let me buy you a drink to celebrate!”

“I’m not free!” Young Master Qin shot his comrade a hostile glare and turned around to leave.

...

Yun Yang’s steps were leisurely at the start, but he began to pick up speed immediately, covering an incredible amount of ground within the blink of an eye. He moved like a raging whirlwind, but he had to remember to conceal the cat within his robes carefully. If nearby experts caught a glimpse of it, he wouldn’t be able to hold onto it for long. Forcing himself to slow down, he maintained a brisk walk; his left arm was hugging a white kitten and on his shoulder rested a young golden monkey. Ji Ling, totally clueless as to what was happening, could only break into a run to keep up with the man.

Yun Yang’s had only one goal in sight, and he immediately recognized his destination when he saw it; clear as day, a large bamboo basket stood right in front of the shop. On the outer side of the basket was a sign, “Precious Baby Beasts, Lightning Cat Offsprings”. Inside the basket, a litter of snow-white kittens were playfully engaged in a ferocious fight.

Yun Yang sprinted over in excitement but stopped short as he neared his prize. There, in front of the large bamboo basket, were a few young men playing with the kittens. Ji Ling who saw them at the same time as Yun Yang made an about-turn and promptly vanished.

These men wore lavish clothing, their gazes were sharp, and they had an indescribable aura of wealth about them. They did not speak, but their bodies radiated pride and grace as naturally as the sun gave out warmth.

They were unfamiliar to Yun Yang, and it was by that same unfamiliarity that their identities were unmasked. They need not have proclaimed their names, as there were no young masters in Tiantang City that he was not acquainted with. Ji Ling had mentioned that all the young masters and ladies from large, influential families would join the annual mystical beast tournament… and this year it would be in Tiantang City.

These men standing right before him were obviously some of those young masters, and they seemed to know exactly what they were about.

Yun Yang kept his anxiety concealed, and walked over slowly. There were indeed three kittens that were different than the others, snow-white all over with sapphire blue eyes. Although they were tiny, they seemed disinclined to play or socialize with the other kittens.

Looking carefully through squinted eyes, he could see that the other three were not as big as the one he held in his arms; they were not even second level beasts. However, that in itself was already a rare thing.

The other three young masters looked thoughtful as well.

“These kittens are quite odd,” the one bedecked in blue said.

“Perhaps they have consumed something nourishing?” the one in white suggested.

“So small, and already attained the second level!” the young master in green added.

“It’s unfortunate that they are just Lightning Cats,” the man in blue said regretfully. “The mother cat probably ate some wondrous treasure to have given birth to these, but they are still only Lightning Cats…”

Yun Yang heaved a sigh of relief.

Only Lightning Cats?

It was a good sign that these men were not very well versed, after all.

Yun Yang had to admit to himself that it was to be expected. Had the Supreme Wind, his eighth brother, not forced him to flip through the ‘Illustrated Encyclopedia of All Beasts’ during his idle moments, he would not have recognized these ‘cats’ either.

“These white kittens are really not all that bad...” Yun Yang who had a golden baby monkey on his shoulder squatted down while scratching the kitten hidden under his robes. Without giving away a hint of what he was doing, he sent a sliver of Endless Divine Art into the kitten’s body. The kitten immediately curled up peacefully and laid still.

Simultaneously, he directed three other pulses of the Endless Divine Art’s energy into the three kittens in the basket; comforting them. The three kittens that had wanted to move towards Yun Yang laid back down in contentment.

It didn’t matter who these people were, Yun Yang was determined to see his plan through; he had to have these little critters! His mannerisms practically screamed, “I will buy them!”



Chapter 15: Care to Place a Wager?

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
While Yun Yang was utilizing his talents, he did not notice the three young masters observing him with keen eyes, upon catching sight of the golden monkey on his shoulder.

“Shopkeeper!” Yun Yang straightened up and asked in a loud voice, “How much for these kittens?”

Delightedly springing out from his store, the shopkeeper’s plump face beamed like a blooming flower, “Young master certainly has a good pair of eyes on him, these are the precious offspring of Lightning Cats. Why, I’ve spent a fortune…”

“Yes, yes, just tell me how much does each one of these cost?” Yun Yang feigned annoyance, “I’m buying them back for my lover as playthings. Money won’t be an issue here!”

The shopkeeper was elated but carefully said, “May I then know which one has caught the young master’s fancy?”

Yun Yang straightened up and wove an air of wealth about himself, “This one, this one, this, this, and this one. If the price is reasonable, I want them all.”

He pointed to five of the kittens, two genuine Lightning Cats mixed alongside the three unique ones.

The plump shopkeeper was beside himself with joy, “If young master wants all five… I surely can give a discount of…”

“Hold up!”

Walking up, the young master in blue said leisurely, “Brother, we have the first claim towards these kittens.”

Yun Yang turned around. “What is the young master trying to say?”

The man in blue explained slowly, biting off each word, “Simple, I want these kittens.”

Although he was unaware that a few of them were exceptional, he was irked by Yun Yang’s arrogant manner, showing off his wealth, and felt an inexplicable need to bring him down a notch. He also had an odd feeling that he would regret missing this opportunity to procure these kitten.

The young master in blue had always believed in his instincts. He did not fully understand how or why giving up a litter of puny, baby Lightning Cats would cause him regret, but he would stand by what his intuition was telling him.

Yun Yang chuckled, “You claim you saw it first, may I ask if you’ve asked for the price?”

The man in blue’s face darkened as he shook his head, “No, I have not.”

Yun Yang then smiled. “May I then ask if you have paid a deposit of any sort for these kittens?”

The man in blue frowned. “I have yet to ask for the price, how could I have paid any surety?”

“I see.” Yun Yang nodded and continued, “It seems to me that the young master had no intention of buying them, but upon seeing me make an offer, changed his mind immediately. Is this so?”

The young master in blue had no wise retort. It was the truth, more so in others’ eyes. The three of them had stood there for the longest time but had shown no inclination of making a purchase. Only right after the purple-robed young master came to ask for the value did they step in and claim first rights. What was this if not asking for trouble?

All three men’s gaze sharpened as they honed their stares on Yun Yang. He felt a piercing sensation of his face as if a sharp knife was held against his skin.

The young man in blue spoke slowly, his tone light but imposing, “Young master, your words are a tad too harsh. If I did not wish to buy them, why would I look at them for so long? I didn’t make an offer right away because I wanted to take the time to choose…”

He paused before continuing, “Besides, even if I didn’t want to buy them at first, I do now. Do you hear? I’m buying them! I saw them first, and of course, that means they belong to me.”

Yun Yang laughed, “May I ask if young master knows the Greatest Beauty, Shui Lanqing?”

He had switched the topic entirely. The man in blue was immediately on his guard, “What do you mean?”

Yun Yang spoke in a carefree tone, “Shui Lanqing was acknowledged as the Greatest Beauty in the world thirty years ago. Before she met her husband, Unrivaled Expert Ling Xiaozui, countless numbers of people had seen her first, but of course, she was still married to her husband in the end.”

The man in blue’s expression darkened in anger.

Yun Yang continued breezily, “If I’d seen Shui Lanqing then, I think, I would also have claimed her hand in marriage. Though, she might not have chosen me of course. But I couldn’t very well say that Shui Lanqing is mine because I saw her first right?”

The young master in blue grew even more incensed.

Ling Xiaozui, Shui Lanqing.

This was Tianxuan Continent’s match made in heaven; Ling Xiaozui was a legend, an unrivaled expert! Dragons such as he soared above mortals, drunken with a tipple and sword; chasing infinity to the corners of the Earth, he was unrivaled among heroes across the world!

Yun Yang was impudent to use this legend as an analogy. Although Yun Yang had a temper, he would have been willing to forgo arguing with these young masters and not think of it as a humiliation if these kittens had not been so very important to him.

After all, there were a lot of influential people in this world, and grudges had always stemmed from petty matters such as these. On any other occasion, Yun Yang would usually steer clear from such troubles.

However, he just had to have these kittens! It wasn’t just for Ji Ling’s tournament; these Lightning Cat offspring were an undeniable treasure. Once they grew up, they would definitely be a force to be reckoned with! Such opportunities only came once in a lifetime, how could Yun Yang not insist on seeing it through to the end?

The man in blue glared at Yun Yang for a long while before relenting, “If that is so, let us bid for them. That way, you can’t accuse me of bullying you.” He looked like he was about to explode in anger but somehow, he had managed to force his fury down and replace it with icy indignation.

Yun Yang said lightly, “This can only mean that you are absolutely confident that you are wealthier than I am, and can afford to pay more than I; it may seem fair, but it’s just another form of bullying. Browbeating people with money. Where is the fairness in that?”

The man in blue took a deep, shaky breath, “I must have these kittens!”

“You must have them, and so must I. We will never get anywhere if we go on like this. Would you care to place a wager against me?” Yun Yang gave it some thought and continued, “Only with an absolutely fair method of course. If it’s laid, it’s played.”

The man in blue said, “A wager? How?”

Yun Yang replied, “With these kittens. We both have encountered them for the first time today. Let’s bet on who these kittens are willing to follow. We can use anything to entice them, be it food or spiritual methods. Let them choose their owner! What say you?”

The man in blue squinted his eyes and looked thoughtfully towards the energetic kitties in the basket. When his gaze swiveled back to Yun Yang, however, it took on a different light altogether…

Yun Yang could feel his hackles rise as tendrils of probing energy slid over his entire form, seven or eight different ones all at once. There was a trace of inquiry in the tendrils; he could even whiff the scent of a Treasure Hunting Rat. These young masters were clearly making sure that he had nothing that would entice the mystical creatures hidden on his person.

Standing in an open stance, he smiled gently. “What say you, young masters? Would you dare take up this wager?”

Right from the very beginning, he had no intention of backing down. When you dealt with wealthy, spoiled brats, it was impossible to avoid disagreements forever. If they had to resort to a dispute, however, he fully intended to come out top.

He had already cast the net, now was the time to delicately reel it in. The brains and intelligence of the Nine Supremes would never behave brashly.

The young master in blue that faced him gave a confident smile, his hawk-like eyes boring into Yun Yang. Certain now that Yun Yang had no secreted items that would lend him an advantage, he was perceptibly more relaxed, assured that he would win this time.

“You want to bet… against me?” The man in blue smiled in ridicule; his friends beside him wore similar amused expressions. He was not a mystical beast trainer, but he had been familiarizing himself with the profession since he was young; he was certainly more skilled than the average trainer. The guards shared a look between themselves, and one of them hurried away.

“My stakes are high, and perhaps not everyone may be able to match it.” He grinned at Yun Yang, looking for all the world like a cat toying with a cornered rat.

Yun Yang frowned. “Surely you jest? Have we not decided on the stakes since the beginning? It’s these kittens! They belong to whomever who wins.”

The young master’s smile never faltered, and he replied slowly, “Just mere Lightning Cats are nowhere near worthy enough to serve as stakes.”

Yun Yang’s resolution wavered slightly at that, but his gaze turned sharp again after a moment, “If you insist on losing more treasures to me, it would be impolite of me to decline.”

“I thought so too,” the young master in blue retorted.

In a shadowed alcove nearby, Ji Ling covered her mouth, trying desperately to hold in her laughter. When she first overheard Yun Yang requesting to buy the kittens, she had already seen the trap coming from a mile away. She was certain that the schemer’s ultimate goal was not the ordinary Lightning Cats. When she then heard Yun Yang’s suggested wager, and how it was to be carried out, Ji Ling almost guffawed aloud.

“Even the mighty Thousand Illusion Monkey had submitted entirely to Yun Yang… These young masters want to challenge his hold of obedience on mystical beasts? They might as well just give him the money right now.”

She watched as Yun Yang weaved like a boxer, first advancing aggressively with a single step, then retreating by two, successfully luring his opponent in without missing a beat; Ji Ling rolled her eyes, she had nothing to say about this behavior.

It was simply unfortunate for these affluent young masters to have encountered Yun Yang. They would be slaughtered like pigs in the market. Furthermore, they had been the ones who had forced Yun Yang to up the ante; any misery that transpired from this debacle would be of their own doing.

How could there be such miserable people around?

It was certainly an eye-opener for Ji Ling, who had been observing the whole affair from her hiding place. After all, it was rare to find these sort of buffoons who would help their enemies set up a trap and then spring it themselves!



Chapter 16: Ximen Wandai! Time to Reel in the Net...

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
At that point, the guard came forward to put his head close to the young master’s ear and whispered.

The young master blinked, raised his head to look at Yun Yang, and let out a smile, “Well, well, looks like we have a notable character in our midst. Young Master Yun, a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.”

Yun Yang surprise was unfeigned, “Eh?”

The man in blue retained his knowing look as he spoke, “Heaven Marquis Xiaoyao’s young master, a famed name in Tiantang City… Since Young Master Yun’s reputation is of such stellar quality, I need not worry about the stake of this bet.”

Yun Yang stared at him. “You made inquiries about me?”

“Let’s not call it an inquiry; success is all about knowing your enemy.” The man in blue continued, “I wonder what the young master of Marquis Yun would use as a bet?”

Yun Yang frowned, and for the first time, seemed hesitant.

The man in blue smirked, “Since Young Master Yun has suggested the wagers… are you not able to suggest the stakes?”

Yun Yang spoke with caution, “Perhaps we could throw in our money…”

The other party laughed mockingly, “Young master, we are both practitioners from the world of martial arts; what joy does gold and silver hold for us? Please, choose something else.”

The other two young masters beside him laughed in amusement as well; the young master in blue had scored a point in this bout. It was always amusing to see him back his opponent into a corner and force him or her to submit. Obviously, it was happening right now to this young master of Tiantang City.

Yun Yang pretended to hesitate and summoned up an air of false bravado, “If I were to announce my bet which would be of a sizeable sum, it might upset some of those present here… Perhaps we should just let this go?”

At this juncture, the young master in blue was not about to let anything go; after all, who lets go of a giant fish that he has gutted? His face grew upset and his voice turned cold, “Does Young Master Yun look down on my capabilities? Were you not the one who asked to place this bet? Will you also be the one to back out of it? Even if Young Master Yun is an influential figure in the Empire of Yutang, you have no right to manipulate people like this.”

His eyes narrowed with malice, and he said slowly and distinctly, “Besides… I, Ximen Wandai, am not someone Young Master Yun can make a fool of.”

Ximen Wandai.

Finally, he had revealed his own name. Yun Yang nodded, nonchalant about the revelation. “So it’s Young Master Ximen. Is Young Master Ximen still adamant on betting?”

Inwardly, he was pleasantly stunned. One of the top eight influential families bore the name Ximen. Could this Ximen Wandai be from that family?

As Yun Yang was pondering upon this, Ximen Wandai answered with a sneer, “It’s too late to walk away now, even if you wanted to!” How could he loosen his grip when Yun Yang was already half dead in his hands?

Ximen Wandai could not help but feel pleased with himself for his sheer brilliance. Initially, he had been the one at fault, the boorish lord who had caused a ruckus just as the other party had been about to make a legitimate purchase. As the events unfolded, however, he realized that he was adroit enough to turn the escalating situation in his favor, and reap a significant amount of profit in the process.

Waving his hands mockingly, he cried out, “Could it be that Young Master Yun is unable to finance his part of the wager?” The insinuation hung clearly in the air. “You threw the gauntlet, and I accepted. Are you going to turn your tail and flee?”

Yun Yang’s face flushed an angry red as he retorted, “Who are you accusing of being unable to afford the bet? Name your stakes, and I’ll do one better!”

“Now, you’ve walked right into my trap!” Ximen Wandai was thrilled, and using Yun Yang’s own words against him, he said, “I can bet a seventh grade mystical pill, a hundred mystical stones, and the treasured saber, Phoenix’s Cry. The saber is one of the Seven Swords and Three Sabers forged by the Greatest Weaponsmith Ou Hunzi a millennia ago… Now, I would like to hear what Young Master Yun has to offer to match these stakes!”

A murmur of awe rippled across the bystanders who had gathered to listen to the drama that was unfolding in front of the shop.

If one were to pay with gold for a mystical pill from a seventh grade mystical beast, one would easily need to pony up easily a million units, it was that priceless! Mystical stones, on the other hand, were practically reservoirs of power for mystical cultivation; the amount of energy contained within a mystical stone could be absorbed over a span of three days, and yield the same result as a year of closed door cultivation!

Ou Hunzi’s Seven Swords and Three Sabers were also globally renowned weapons. One of them, the treasured sword Merak1, was a national treasure of the Empire of Dongxuan – the value of these master-forged items were unfathomable! Most individuals would never even see any of these legendary weapons in their lifetime.

What could Yun Yang possibly use as part of his wager? Somewhat astonished by how high the stakes had gone, Yun Yang couldn’t help but think to himself that this was a total windfall! Triumphantly, he decided to jump in with wild abandon.

Ximen Wandai was extremely pleased with his own cleverness, and mistook Yun Yang’s hesitation for worry.

“What does Young Master Yun think?” His tone was casual and light, “It would be fine by me if Young Master Yun were to hedge any of these with similar items as well.”

Yun Yang took a deep breath, and shook his head, “These are not sufficient.”

Ximen Wandai and his two friends were dumbfounded. Insufficient? What gem could you possibly bring to the table as a mere marquis’ son in this secular country?

Yun Yang looked hesitant before he answered, “I shall match your stakes with a ninth level mystical beast’s offspring. Its singular value is beyond all the treasures you have proposed, combined!”

A ninth level mystical beast’s offspring! Even Ximen Wandai recoiled with shock..

Whether it was wandering in the wild or ensconced in human society, these legendary ninth level mystical beasts would at the top of the pecking order, the cream of the cream!

“You… own an offspring of a ninth level mystical beast?” Ximen Wandai’s voice shook slightly in amazement. His eyes shone feverishly with barely contained greed.

“But of course!” Yun Yang managed to sound regretful, “If you dare not bet, however…”

“I’ll bet!” Ximen Wandai cut him off abruptly, his avarice getting the better of him. “Where is your ninth level mystical beast’s offspring?” Even if it were the least gifted ninth level mystical beast, such a creature would not have gone undetected for long with human experts present.

Yun Yang was sorely tempted to laugh and say, “Why, right in front of you of course,” while pointing at the kittens.

These poor critters had somehow fallen from high places to this mean estate, and were weakened severely in the process. Their guardians had placed seals on their bodies before they arrived, effectively hiding their true nature.

“When they come to me, I will restore them to their rightful glory within a night, to the invaluable ninth level mystical beast’s offspring that they truly are.”

“We will only bet if Young Master Ximen trusts me,” Yun Yang said vaguely. “As I do not make a practice of carrying around the offspring of ninth level mystical beasts in my pocket, it is not with me. However, there is one when I say there is one.”

He lifted his head in a knowing smile. “In any case, I wouldn’t be able to escape the wrath of the Ximen family if I were to be caught lying.”

Ximen Wandai’s eyes brightened with cold certainty. “Then it is a good thing that you are aware of that!” He believed Yun Yang’s words but it was now his turn to be worried. What would be on par value with a young ninth level mystical beast? It was obvious that the seventh grade mystical pill, a hundred mystical stones and a saber were extremely lacking now.

Yes, these items could allow one to improve immensely but that was about it – insignificant treasure in comparison to a ninth level mystical beast! His very own Ximen family had only become one of the top eight most influential families because their ancestor had the great fortune of owning an eighth level pinnacle mystical beast as a combat partner. It was the foundation of Ximen family’s meteoric rise to power, and was nearing 1,500 years of age!

That being said, an eighth level pinnacle mystical beasts could not compare to this ninth level mystical creature, even if it is an infant.

This was how the classes worked; the laws of nature could not be changed. If he were to get his hands on a young ninth level mystical beast, not only would his position in the family be sealed, the entire Ximen family would also leapfrog towards being the chief of the top eight families and their capabilities would increase tenfold!

Ximen Wandai’s mind was awash with possibilities. The two young masters beside him, however, were shaken. How could they not know the importance of acquiring such a beast when they were of the same status?

If Ximen Wandai got his hands on the beast…

Their gaze towards Yun Yang turned menacing.

“I’ll bet two seventh grade mystical pills!” Ximen Wandai cried, “Five hundred mystical stones, thirty mystical crystals, the Phoenix’s Cry of the Seven Swords and Three Sabers and… an eternal promise to guarantee the safety and continuity of the Yun family! Should I win or lose, I swear by the Heavens and Earth that this will be done!”

He had doubled the mystical pills, quadrupled the mystical stones, and thrown in an additional thirty mystical crystals; a mystical crystal’s value was worth that of a hundred mystical stones!

Young Master Ximen Wandai had truly given his all. However, even Ji Ling who was hiding in the dark was impressed with what he had said. This young master was not without brains after all.

Yun Yang had inadvertently exposed his ninth level mystical beast under Ximen Wandai’s goading, so the next issue in line would obviously be safety. Like Ximen Wandai had said, nothing could compare to the value of such a beast, thus adding the promise to guarantee the Yun family’s safety was the perfect touch to sweeten the deal. Despite his all-encompassing greed, Ximen Wandai was still sharp enough to think a few steps ahead in the game.

Ji Ling sighed. “It’s still hopeless for you though. The more you bet, the more Yun Yang gets to bring home.”

It was just that, where would Yun Yang get this ninth level mystical beast?

Ji Ling was certain that Yun Yang could breathe easy now.

Indeed, Yun Yang took in a deep breath and his face beamed in triumph.

“Deal!”

He had put at stake a prize that was impossible to resist. In addition to convincing his opponent to throw in an inordinate amount of priceless treasures as part of the wager, he had also secured the means to attain his additional goals.

He had cast the net, it was now time to reel it in...

Translator’s Note:

1 Merak (天璇 tiān xuán) : a star in the northern circumpolar constellation of Ursa Major; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_Ursae_Majoris



Chapter 17: Your Trap, My Scheme

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The assembled crowd would never have thought that a wager with such high stakes would have taken place in this small, mystical beast market! In full view of all the dumbfounded spectators, both the contestants took three steps forward and sealed the deal with a loud clasping of hands.

The wager was now official.

The spectator's attention shifted towards the large bamboo basket that lay on the ground between the two men. They were only common Lightning Cats, but the fate of this amazing wager lay in their little paws!

The entire ordeal was absurd; those watching at the sidelines were caught by surprise at the suddenness and speed at which it had escalated. It could rightfully be said that it was Yun Yang’s doing, as he was the one who had first suggested the wager. It had to be pointed out however, that he did try to make an exit when the stakes rose, but he was pressured by Ximen Wandai. He could not be blamed for being backed into a corner.

Perhaps the fault was with Ximen Wandai, but that wasn’t entirely true either. He started off trying to intimidate the other party, but who would have known that the wager would involve the offspring of a ninth level mystical beast? All the young masters looked at Ximen Wandai with envy and jealousy. How could this young master be so fortuitous? Furthermore, they would be betting on the obedience of a beast! How could a mere marquis’ son from the Empire of Yutang end up as an opponent of the Ximen family, one of the eight greatest families, in a marketplace wager?

It was as if fate had decided to hand Ximen Wandai the keys to his family’s ascent up the ladder of greatness.

...

A ray of light pierced the sky as silhouettes began to appear, swift as flight. The members of the Ximen family had arrived. Ximen Wandai let his guard down, glanced at his two companions encouragingly and called out to Yun Yang with a raised chin, “Let us begin.”

Yun Yang inhaled deeply, silently looking at Ximen Wandai with an uncertain gaze.

Ximen Wandai frowned in consternation, “Hmm?” His aura of haughtiness was palpable – if you pull out now, I’ll see you dead!

Yun Yang threw his arms up in apparent helplessness, “Alright, begin then! Let us see who shall prevail.” He put on a great show of worry by speaking through gritted teeth.

Ji Ling who was still hidden in the shadowy alcove almost laughed out loud.

You’ve almost claimed his entire wealth, and still you play the part of the helpless fool.

The shopkeeper was obviously distressed, his legs quivering as he moved the large bamboo basket. An elder with a hooked nose who had just arrived and was standing behind Ximen Wandai slowly spread his hands apart. An invisible circle of energy stretched out and expanded, forcibly moving the crowd away and leaving a large open area in its centre.

Ximen Wandai suggested that, the bamboo basket should be toppled over in the middle of the space, and the two of them would begin the challenge of luring the kittens from ten feet away. After pretending to give it some thought, Yun Yang nodded in agreement, further delighting Ximen Wandai.

A collective sigh could be heard coming from the gathered crowd, “Fool, if you carry nothing, it clearly means you are unprepared; Young Master Ximen has come for the mystical beasts tournament, he would not have come empty-handed. By agreeing to this, you will lose, nine times out of ten!”

The shopkeeper held on to the basket with all the kittens in the middle, waiting for the order.

Yun Yang was already seated with his legs folded, ten feet away as stipulated. Directly across from him, Ximen Wandai had produced a pile of snow-white pills and a compact bell in his hands. His smile was one of utmost confidence.

“Oh dear, the Yun fool is going to lose for sure!” someone groaned.

“That is almost definite. Ximen Wandai has beast pills of the highest grade in his hands. Might I add, he also carries on him a Mystical Beast’s Spirit Bell, the ultimate weapon in controlling these creatures! How Yun is going to compete with him, I have no clue. This

would be another feather in the cap of the Ximen family,” another young master sighed in resignation.

These people had initially hoped for Yun Yang to be a dark horse, and act to prevent the ninth level mystical beast from falling into the Ximen family’s hands. Their hopes quickly turned to ash as they witnessed his apparent lack of readiness.

“We can begin by using our own methods.” Ximen Wandai said calmly, “We shall start attracting the creatures and see if they would come over to me or you.”

Yun Yang put on a display of outrage, “Young Master Ximen, seeing as to how you have those items, would this not be unfair?”

Ximen Wandai was triumphant as he said, “I would not deem this to be unfair. I am still me and you’re still you. I have not resorted to using any external forces to influence the challenge, and neither did you. We are using only our wit and skill; exactly as Young Master Yun suggested. I believe this to be a fair and just challenge, devoid of trickery.” Ximen Wandai said with a straight face, “Under such circumstances, I shall admit my defeat if I lose.”

Yun Yang was seemingly quivering with rage, “You!”

Ximen Wandai frowned, “Our bet has been sealed, and was witnessed by the heaven and earth! Unless... Young Master Yun wishes to renege on it?”

Yun Yang pretended to clamp down on his anger, “If so, I shall concede my defeat if I lose as well, and consider it the price of making a new friend.”

Ximen Wandai laughed, “Great! Let us begin then.”

Yun Yang said with the straightest of faces, “Agreed, and God shall decide our fate.”

The official command to start was given amidst Ximen Wandai’s pleased chortle. The shopkeeper tipped the bamboo basket over, and nine, month-old kittens appeared, mewling timidly while taking in their surroundings.

On one side, Ximen Wandai had already scattered a generous number of beast pills on the ground. His left hand began to trace patterns in the air as he casted skill to generate a wind-like force strong enough to blow the aroma of those pills towards the kittens.

His right hand was also moving furiously, casting a skill that passed through the ground soundlessly in an attempt to block Yun Yang from executing the same tactics. At the same time, the Mystical Beast’s Spirit Bell under his arm began ringing. The jingling that emanated from it had a strangely haunting melody.

He had simultaneously executed all three ultimate tricks at once! Ximen Wandai was clearly eager to emerge as the victor in this challenge.

Yun Yang was still sitting with his legs folded, frowning as if displeased at being cheated but the Endless Divine Art was already flowing at full force within his body. The leaves of the Lotus of Endless Fate started swaying, rapidly exuding a strong air of vitality.

On the surface, Yun Yang put on a facade of anxiety. His eyes bored deep into the nine kittens as he called out nervously, “Kittens... Quick, come over here... Come, come... I will take care of all of you...”

There were guffaws all around.

How naive you are!

Do you really think those kittens can understand your words?

The heavy scent of Ximen Wandai’s beast pills permeated the surroundings as the kittens squeezed together, hesitant on the direction in which they would take.

Ximen Wandai’s smile grew wider when he noticed an increasing number of the kittens casting timid glances his way. Sighs of disappointment could be heard from somewhere behind him. He kept his face still, but his eyes were actively seeking out the culprits. They were clearly individuals who did not wish to see the Ximen family obtain a ninth level mystical beast. They had called each other brothers, but who knew what hidden agenda each of them held in their hearts? He would have to reconsider who he would continue to call ‘brothers’ after this challenge had ended.

Gasps of surprise rose up from crowd. Startled, Ximen Wandai turned back to look.

Among the nine kittens that had stumbled out of the basket, two of them had begun moving slowly towards him. Two small steps, and then they stopped in confusion. Their fluffy tails swished frantically, their weak mewling filled with indecision.

Ximen Wandai was almost giddy with anxiety.

All these temptations and you critters are still pondering? What are you even pondering about! Come over quickly!

Yun Yang was still wasting his energy calling out to the kittens on the other side, “Kittens come, come kittens...”

Miraculously, and with the highest improbability, the two kittens began to turn – towards Yun Yang and his laughable efforts.

The observing crowd was stunned.

“Come back!” Ximen Wandai shouted in panic, sweat dripping from his face.

It could be said that it was his shout that frightened the cats into action, as both kittens immediately raced over to Yun Yang instead! As they ran in stumbling, ungainly steps, the ten feet separating them from Yun Yang was quickly covered. Two pairs of front paws came up to hug Yun Yang’s legs and they mewled pitifully as if begging, “Kind man, please keep us safe! That lunatic over there frightens us!”

Yun Yang, feigning surprise, elatedly picked the kittens up and stroked them in a friendly and intimate manner. The two kittens snuggled in deeper, doing all they could to pander to the man. Their tiny feline faces were pleased as they took in Yun Yang’s scent greedily.

The crowd looked on with eyes wide enough that they were in danger of falling right out of their faces.

How did this happen?

How is it that the one who has prepared everything is losing while Young Master Yun of Tiantang City, the one without much cultivation base, tactics, pills, and without equipment of any sort, is the one winning?

Two kittens had chosen their owner. The tension was at an all time high now. Nearly hundreds of people were gathered, but no one dared to make a sound.

Ximen Wandai circulated his mystical Qi to fully spread out the aroma of the pills, nervous sweat dripping down his face.

Only two had gone over. Not all is lost!

There was still hope!

“Come over quickly...” Ximen Wandai prayed.

As always, things never happen the way one wishes them to.

Another white kitten began to move, its paw waving about in hesitation for only a moment before it made a graceful turn - towards Yun Yang.

The audience blinked in indescribable shock as the cat turned towards him.

This kitten was even faster, snuggling into Yun Yang’s embrace within the blink of an eye, mewling happily.

Ximen Wandai’s expression was as dark as ink.

That was the third one, and he still had nothing!

The spectators continued to watch, eyes bulging and mouths agape.

This is utterly ridiculous!

What I’ve just seen can’t be real!

How could such impossibilities take place?

“Young master, do not fret so. There are still six of them.” The elder from the Ximen family tried to comfort the young master, despite becoming increasingly worried himself. “We still have hope!” Ximen Wandai nodded nervously; the palms of his hands were drenched in sweat.

At the very next moment, all six remaining kittens exploded into action.

The three earlier kittens were those that Yun Yang really wanted, while these six were

real Lightning Cats. Although they were only of the third level, they were still mystical beasts nonetheless! Their reactions were slower, but they could still sense goodness in the world, and recognize what was best for them.

The six kittens mewled and turned as one, barrelling towards Yun Yang gracefully with increasing haste. Their eyes glimmered with joy; bushy tails swishing wildly with delight.

Ximen Wandai’s face turned a pasty white.

He had lost!


Chapter 18: I’ll Pick a Better One for You!

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Damn it!” Ximen Wandai growled as he stood up fiercely, flinging his palm up in a frenzied strike. A ray of gold flashed across the clearing, followed by weak cries of pain. The six Lightning Cats that had been running gleefully towards Yun Yang were flung bodily aside by the attack, their blood spraying like tiny raindrops drizzling from the sky.

“Stop it!” Yun Yang screamed as he rushed out into the open space. Fast as he was, his cultivation base was still miles away from Ximen Wandai’s. He only managed to catch one of the kittens before the devastating mystical Qi enveloped him as well, wracking him with pain.

Cough!

Trembling, Yun Yang spat saliva flecked with blood, his face pale as a sheet. Even as he stood swaying, his eyes sent razor-sharp daggers in the direction of his opponent, “Young Master Ximen, can’t you accept defeat?”

Ximen Wandai literally shook with fury, his eyes glaring at Yun Yang with rage of equal intensity. He was reluctant to accept the outcome of the challenge, but their wager had been witnessed by heaven, earth and the many people who had gathered to watch. There was simply no way he could get himself out of this.

“If it’s laid, it’s played!” Ximen Wandai’s expression was as vicious as a vengeful ghost, “These things… are all yours!”

Everyone present was still in a daze at the totally unexpected outcome. Ximen Wandai thought about the possessions that he had to surrender and his heart trembled with trepidation while his eyes remained dead.

Two seventh grade mystical beast pills, five hundred mystical stones, thirty mystical crystals, and one treasured saber!

Wealthy as the Ximen family was, the loss of these hefty assets would still cause significant damage to their coffers. Other than the blade that had only become his own after much begging to his father, everything else had belonged to the family treasury. He could foresee arduous days ahead of him after giving out these items; it would be impossible to maintain his current status now.

Yun Yang smiled wanly despite his pale face, “Young Master Ximen is indeed credible. Thank you, thank you! And as for the safety of my family, I’ll leave it to the Ximen family then…”

Ximen Wandai was tempted to spit a mouthful of blood at the insolent man, and his eyes bored holes into Yun Yang as he said, “Of course, as stated in our wager, I will do my best.”

The crowd’s gaze towards Yun Yang was that of mixed emotions.

Did he just win?

How? Why?

Ximen Wandai’s beast pills remained scattered on the ground, like everyone’s doubt. Members of the Ximen family left quickly, and eventually, the crowd dissipated as well. A few young masters observed Yun Yang with undecipherable expressions before they too took their leave.

Yun Yang held a Lightning Cat cradled in his arms, the same one he had saved earlier. It was heavily injured, in a weakened state, and its eyes were closed tightly as it mewled weakly in pain. Yun Yang fed a flow of mystical Qi into its tiny body to help it maintain its tenuous grasp on life.

The other three snowy kittens gathered by his feet as they looked at Yun Yang with tilted heads. Yun Yang grinned, happy for successfully getting hold of them. Beyond his expectations, he had managed to secure four of these kittens!.

“Young master, this…” the shopkeeper, however, was not as exhilarated at the outcome.

“Do not worry, I will pay for all of them, including the dead ones.” Yun Yang continued, “But I would ask a question of you.”

The shopkeeper heaved a sigh of relief. Ximen Wandai had killed his kittens and left without paying for them. He knew that he could not afford to further offend Ximen Wandai and was ready to accept this misfortune. Who would have known that Yun Yang would be so generous as to cover his losses? He gratefully replied, “Young master, you may ask anything of me.”

In reference to the kittens with exceptionally white fur, Yun Yang asked, “Where did you get those four kittens from?”

The shopkeeper’s face took on a flush of embarrassment, “Well, around half a month ago, someone fainted in front of my door just before dawn. I took him inside and in his arms were these four kittens. Since they were also Lightning Cats, I figured I’d just put them on sale together with the others…” The shopkeeper gave an abashed cough.

Yun Yang became increasingly intrigued, “Where is this man now?”

The shopkeeper sighed, “He’s been unconscious ever since I saved him. I could only force him to consume some soup or water every day to make sure he stays alive. I would have called for a physician to check on him but… I can’t afford the large medical fee. I don’t think he can last much longer though…”

“Bring me to him,” Yun Yang replied.

If his assumptions were correct, a man who could carry four mystical creature’s offspring with him must have returned from the deeper parts of the mystical beast forest and faced unimaginable dangers. This man might have even killed a pair of adult mystical beasts to have been able to bring back the young. An individual with such abilities would definitely be a formidable presence. Ironically, this paragon had fainted outside a mystical beast shop and had to be saved by the shopkeeper who had mistakenly sold off his captured treasures as Lightning Cats.

The shopkeeper led Yun Yang inside.

Yun Yang held the injured Lightning Cat cradled in his arms as the other four kittens obediently tailed him in a beeline while the Thousand Illusion Monkey sat dutifully on his shoulder. The man was beginning to look like a street performer.

Ji Ling had already rejoined him some time ago and was now looking at him with a grin that said “Young master, I’ll need an explanation for all of this when we get home”. It may not have been widely known, but Ji Ling was absolutely certain that Yun Yang had indeed dealt a terrible blow to the Ximen family this time around.

However, she was puzzled about the rationale behind his actions. Yun Yang and Ximen Wandai were from two different worlds. With the status he currently held, why would he want to offend the Ximen family?

...

The scent of medicinal herbs greeted them as they entered the room at the back of the mystical beast shop. Inside, a man made only of skin and bones laid down, his breathing shallow and his face ashen.

“He can’t last long but I am truly unable to save him. I wished to let him pass easily without prolonging the pain, but I just couldn’t do it…” The plump shopkeeper was woeful, “I have been full of worries these days.”

Yun Yang stood beside the man to study him. Frowning, he exerted his skill and delivered some air of vitality over to him.

Then, he spoke, “You won’t be able to revive him here. Allow me take him from your hands.”

The shopkeeper was thrilled and incredibly delighted over Yun Yang’s willingness to take over; he had been worrying about this invalid for far too long. “Thank you young master, thank you.”

Yun Yang nodded, “I will let him know that you were the one who saved him when he wakes up.”

“Please, there is no need.” The shopkeeper only wanted to send this ticking time bomb away, he would not need any further payment for that!. “Just tell him that the young master is generous and kind. I have not done anything, and do not dare to take any credit.”

Yun Yang looked at him meaningfully and said, “As you wish.”

The shopkeeper was oblivious to the opportunity he had just lost. Aside from the four ninth level mystical beast’s offspring, the benefits he could reap from the expert owing him a favor alone would have been endless.

However, Yun Yang did not plan to disregard the entire incident, as the shopkeeper was not a bad person. True, he was timid and craven; but he had readily extended his help; he could not do much for the man who was near death but had still tried his best keep him alive. When he settled the bill, Yun Yang added on an additional 1,000 silver taels. He then called for a stretcher to carry the comatose man to the Residence of Yun. Ji Ling followed behind with a smile on her face but remained silent throughout the entire journey.

…

“So, you’ve made a fortune today. How do you intend to thank me for it?” Ji Ling came forward to claim her credit after Yun Yang was done settling the man down.

“Thank you?” Yun Yang pursed his lips, in disbelieve, “Why should I thank you? You vanished at the first sight of trouble, hid away when I was being bullied, and now you would still seek for my thanks?”

Ji Ling retorted angrily, “Would you have won if it wasn’t for me?”

Yun Yang rolled his eyes, women were indeed unreasonable beings. “Are you saying I wouldn’t have won without you?”

Ji Ling stomped her foot. “You idiot! Those people knew me. If they had seen me, you wouldn’t even have been able to make your bet. This would be the first reason...”

“...and the second?”

“Second, if my Thousand Illusion Monkey had not been sitting on your shoulder, would they have been as civil to you as they were?” Ji Ling grunted.

As Yun Yang thought further about it, she did seem to have a point. The young masters had been eyeing the monkey with uncertainty. Had it all started because of this?

“They were civil to me because, I appear to be of good breeding!” Of course Yun Yang would not admit the truth as he said, “What do you wish to gain, by being so insistent?”

Ji Ling replied, “Give me one of your four kittens. I’ll take that as a token of your gratitude.”

“Absolutely not!” Yun Yang turned down the idea without a hint of hesitation. “Don’t even think about it!”

These were rare young mystical beasts that one could only come across by chance. How could you just simply ask for one? Are we even that close?

Ji Ling fumed at Yun Yang’s rejection. “You, you, you… you’re impossible! You were supposed to join me on a search for a mystical beast to purchase! I didn’t manage to bring even one home, and yet you’ve already taken so many by leveraging on somebody else’s disadvantage. I’m only asking for one puny third level mystical beast’s offspring, and already you display your reluctance.”

“How could you be so petty?” Ji Ling asked with a murderous glare.

Yun Yang smiled humorlessly. “Petty? I can’t afford to be generous about this. If you were my wife, well, I might give you one to protect you, but you aren’t…”

Of course, he knew better than to speak these words out loud.

“It’s not that I do not want to give them to you, but this third level Lightning Cat is too…” Yun Yang mind was racing, “Actually, I’ve been searching for a suitable one for you today and I’ve already found it. It’s certainly much better than this. Opposite the shop earlier, there was a fifth level pinnacle Silvermoon Celestial Wolf. I think that one would be better. If you choose that and also wish to keep this Lightning Cat, isn’t the cat food for the wolf? It wouldn’t make sense.”

Yun Yang was thinking fast on his feet, trying his hardest to persuade Ji Ling.

“Silvermoon Celestial Wolf?” Ji Ling’s ears perked up in intrigue.

“Right, Silvermoon Celestial Wolf. Its fur is a shiny silver coat, and it looks obedient and adorable, harmless enough to become a pet. However, it can also protect its owner when the need arises. Most importanty, a fifth level pinnacle Silvermoon Celestial Wolf can level up if taken care of properly. Once it advances, it has vast potential. It might even possibly continue to level up until the eighth or ninth level. The trick is in how one trains and tames it, and how one invests in it. Besides, I’ve noticed that the young Silvermoon Celestial Wolf is not even a month old. This would be the best time to bring one home.”

Looking at Ji Ling whose eyes had started to shine brighter as he spoke, Yun Yang grew increasingly motivated to continue his attempts at persuasion. “Of course, the resources required to nurture a Silvermoon Celestial Wolf would cost an astronomical figure. Ordinary people would not have such resources but you wouldn’t need to worry about that, would you?”

“Not at all!” Ji Ling’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Think about it, if the Silvermoon Celestial Wolf can progressively level up while in your keeping…” Yun Yang left his sentence hanging to allow her imagination to fill it in.

Ji Ling was already filled with eager enthusiasm. She could imagine the pride and honor she would garner by then.

“Of course, if you really want this Lightning Cat, I could just give one to you. I have four of them anyway. One less would be of no consequence…” Yun Yang continued, “Of course, if that’s the case, I’ll have that Silvermoon Celestial Wolf instead.”

“Says you!” Ji Ling shouted, “The Silvermoon Celestial Wolf is mine! I’m going to go buy it now!”

Turning around, she shot out the door.

Yun Yang coughed, wiping the sweat on his brow after making sure the girl was gone.

Buy the Silvermoon Celestial Wolf, and I’ll help you train it when you bring it back. Best if I can send this ‘great-aunt’ away as soon as possible in case she finds out she did nothing with the four ninth level mystical beast offspring right in front of her nose!

“I’ll probably be doomed then.” Yun Yang pursed his lips then sighed, “Women are so hard to deal with, especially when they’re angered. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned…”

“...but that’s also in the future. What’s important now is… these four little critters are all mine!” Yun Yang looked at the four kittens surrounding him and smiled beatifically.


Chapter 19: Emmie, You Thief!

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Finally, he had the little critters all to himself.

Yun Yang consulted Supreme Wind’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of All Beasts before he began his examination on the creatures; he pulled their ears, looked at their stomachs, flipped their eyelids, peered into their nostrils, studied their throats, and even directed a small amount of mystical Qi into their small bodies to check. All of the tests matched the characteristics that were laid out in the book.

At last, he had confirmed that these were the cubs of the ninth class beginner mystical beasts, Eclipse Panther!

The Eclipse Panther was as swift as the wind, extremely adept in camouflage and concealment, and blisteringly fast when hunting its prey. It was hardly surprising that it carried the title of “Assassin among the Mystical Beasts”. A full-grown Eclipse Panther could consume gold and jade as sustenance, and it would be near-indestructible with skin malleable as bronze, and bones as strong as steel.

Yun Yang was exhilarated.

An undercurrent of curiosity marred the joy he felt for the the discovery. What was the real identity of his eighth brother, Supreme Wind? The Ximen family, being of the top eight, as well as Ximen Wandai’s companions are made up young masters of significant status. Even their guards and servants were all experts. They had not suspected a thing while these extremely rare creatures frolicked right under their noses. Each of the families had the wisdom of a thousand years, but that knowledge paled in comparison to a book tossed negligently besides Supreme Wind’s pillow!

Even if each field had its own master, this was not something as simple.

Yun Yang tucked the question somewhere in his heart; intent on finding out his eighth brother’s identity and completing his brother’s unresolved undertakings.

First things first, however. He had to recover from his injuries and elevate his cultivation before he could once again face his enemies head-on!

“Young master, you…” Lao Mei was flabbergasted.

Just a day ago, his young master had gone out and come back with a monkey and a lively young woman in tow. Today, his young master had gone out again, and this time, he brought home five cats… and a dying man.

“Young master, when you next come home, will you bring back a pack of a hundred or a thousand wolves? Or perhaps another large group of men and women?” Lao Mei was torn between amusement and horror at the very thought of it.

“It’s nothing really, just a few pets,” Yun Yang informed his manservant in all seriousness. “Inform Ma and Qin to come over to the Residence of Yun tonight. Tell them there’s something, ahem, good in store for them this time.”

Lao Mei wanted to shake his head.

Inform them?

Do they still dare to come?

Wouldn’t these young masters still be traumatized?

“I am certain they will come, this time,” Yun Yang proclaimed in confidence.

“…” Lao Mei was somewhat confused by Yun Yang’s conviction. Just as he was about to leave, Yun Yang took a small bag out and handed it to him.

“There are some cultivation resources inside, please use them. The sooner you can break through to the sixth peak, the better.”

With a bow, Lao Mei accepted the bag and left. It was only when he had left Yun Yang’s sight that he opened the bag and let out an astonished gasp. His hands shook with such intensity that he almost dropped the bag.

Inside, 50 mystical stones and 10 mystical crystal sparkled with a merry shimmer and radiated spiritual Qi. These were invaluable gems that would greatly accelerate cultivation!

“Where did the young master get these from? There’s so many of them!” Lao Mei wondered, as his heart was flooded with warmth. For a long five years, he had been stuck at the bottleneck of the fifth peak, but with these, there was no doubt that he could advance to the sixth!

“Where did young master get these from? There’s so much of it.” Lao Mei thought, his heart filled with warmth. He had been stuck at the bottleneck of the fifth peak for approximately five years already.

There was a premise for martial artists who wished to cultivate to the level of true experts, “Six innately awakened chakras are incredible, with those, one could step right into the level of a mystic; however the heavens dictate only three parts of your fate, the extrinsic seven parts that could make or break it can only be dictated by you. ”

This meant that only those with six or more innately awakened chakras could be a mystical Qi martial artist. Even then, six innately awakened chakras were only gifts bestowed by God, nothing would come out of it if there were no effort put in.

Only then would the proverb be of relevance… “twelve peaks of skill levels, a heaven’s difference between each”!

The sages once proclaimed, “The cultivation of martial artists is like going up a mountain weighed down with a burden; only by traversing the path to the peak can one see where the next peak lies.”

This age old adage meant that a person will always believe that there is no higher mountain than the one he knows of; before arriving at the first peak, you would never know that there existed a taller mountain in this world than the one you were at. This mystery was more commonly known as a knowledge barrier.

There was then another saying, “To reach the heavens, one must first claim the peak; thereafter, a heaven lies.” It simply meant, “A whole new world awaits those who claim the peak of a mountain.” Therefore, “There are twelve peaks of skill levels with a heaven’s difference between each; conquer all twelve before all else, and brave the ninth heaven thereupon”!

It seemed simple and easy to comprehend, laced with some droll/,tasteless humor even, but it was a theoretically progressive maxim indeed!

…

“I’m back!” Ji Ling had a timid tiny silver animal sitting on her shoulder as she charged in excitedly.

“Look, I’ve bought a Silver Moon Celestial Wolf! What do you think? You were talking about this little fellow, were you not?”

Yun Yang stepped forward to have a look and nodded in approval. “Right, right, that’s it! You were lucky it didn’t get snapped up this whole time.”

Ji Ling’s eyes were squinted with joy. “This is all thanks to you! The whole market is still talking about your shocking bet and no one has the mood to get back to business…” she graciously admitted.

“Haha…” Yun Yang chuckled loudly and said, “I’ll start training your pet tomorrow.”

“How about we start now...”

Yun Yang interrupted her request before she could complete it, with an air of disdain.

“There are still many tasks I have left undone this day. Do you not see that there is a critically injured person here?”

“This bastard is certainly unchivalrous. How could he be so rude and uncompromising to a pretty girl?” Ji Ling muttered under her breath and stomped her foot indignantly, pouting as she left.

She didn’t speak as softly as she thought she did, so Yun Yang had naturally heard it, the corners of his lips lifting into a dismissive smirk.

What is chivalry? Can it be eaten? Why is it that men have to be chivalrous towards pretty girls? Why do they have to compromise? If this pretty girl will ultimately become this man’s wife, perhaps it would be alright to take a step back, but not every woman will become a man’s wife. Should I bend over backward just because you are a woman?

I would be digging myself a hole, not practising chivalry!

Yun Yang did not say these out loud. Of course, if Lao Mei had known Yun Yang’s thoughts, he would have definitely replied in frustration, “Young master, there’s a reason why you’re still unattached when you’re already 19!”

…

Yun Yang was heading into a room when he felt a vague unease, indicating that something felt off. He couldn’t put his finger on where the feeling came from, but it was when he reached the bedside of the critically ill man that he thought about it.

Why is there powder dropping from my stomach?

He instinctively thrust his hand into his robes. Sucking in his breath with a hiss, he immediately extracted a bag that lay within. By all accounts it still looked the same… except that the bag that was rather large earlier had shrunk to less than half its original size.

Yun Yang’s eyes widened into the size of two copper bells. What was going on?

Opening the package, he could see that the contents were still the same; the mystical stones, mystical crystals and mystical pills won from today’s bet.

The mystical pills are unchanged, still two of them here.

The mystical stones, however… There aren’t as many as before. How did two hundred of them go missing? The remaining stones seem to have shrunk in size as well!

The mystical crystals too, there should be thirty of them. I’ve given five to Lao Mei, there should be another twenty five. Why are there only… thirteen?

Where did the other twelve go?

Besides these items, there were copious amounts of powder in the package

Yun Yang felt slightly giddy as he looked at them.

Have my mystical stones and crystals… all turned into powder?

Yun Yang entered his subconscious in distress and saw that the leaves of the Lotus of Endless Fate were swaying in glee. Although the second lotus leaf had yet to grow, it was apparent that its shade had turned darker and stronger. Crystal clear mist coiled and condensed at the root of the Lotus of Endless Fate. Yun Yang shuddered with heartache as he looked upon it

Is this not the most refined mystical Qi within the mystical crystals and stones?

I was wondering how they turned into a powder…They were actually stolen!

“Despicable thief!” Yun Yang glared at the seedling in rage.

The cultivation resources procured at the cost of offending the Ximen family in a game of chance had actually been depleted by this Lotus of Endless Fate in the blink of an eye!

As if sensing Yun Yang’s anger, the small seedling swayed gently, its leaves coiling about as if in guilt. Somehow, it actually managed to appear abashed. It looked much like a misbehaved child who was admitting their mischief in as precocious a manner as possible, “Aww, I know I’m wrong…”

The enchanting sight had Yun Yang’s temper dissipating into thin air within an instant.

“Those calming Frost Jade on my neck and arm, under my pillow, and in my study days earlier… did you steal them as well?”

The seedling’s leaf curled up even tighter, almost into a ball, as it swayed lightly.

Feeling amused yet inexplicably annoyed, Yun Yang finally understood what was happening.

It seemed like this little thing needed not only the simple air of injustice to grow but also spiritual Qi from heaven and earth, as well as the refined air of treasured materials and gems of the earth.

The only difference was that the air of injustice could increase the growth of its leaf and accelerate the leveling up process, while the spiritual Qi from both heaven and earth, as well as treasured materials and gems, could make it stronger.

“Just like a child who needs to grow tall and strong…” Yun Yang acknowledged. “Alright, don’t sneak around next time, just take it openly. But don’t you touch those I required, otherwise, none for you!”

With a soft ‘wah’ sound, the leaf immediately uncurled itself as the seedling swayed happily, dancing in celebration.

Yun Yang could distinctly feel the pleasure radiating from the seedling and the corners of his lips could not help but lift into an equally happy grin.

A lotus that can understand what I am saying?

Yun Yang felt like laughing even as he thought about it. Who would believe him if he dared to share this revelation openly? Yun Yang watched the seedling tremble before a ray of green light shone through and shot into his meridians, as if in reward. Instantaneously, Yun Yang felt a cooling sensation throughout his body as an indescribable vitality filled his meridians. The injury he had sustained from Ximen Wandai’s strike disappeared, and the pain subsided. At the same time, he felt rejuvenated, his mind awash with clarity once again.

This little fellow can heal me? Yun Yang was delighted as he asked, “Could my cultivation base be restored to how it was a year ago, as soon as possible?” Yun Yang had yearned for his abilities for far too long! Without them, he could not even hope to accomplish anything.

The seedling swayed slowly, and seemed to be shaking its head in despair.

Yun Yang had finally asked and had his doubts answered.

It would seem that his cultivation base could no longer be recovered. After the lotus had merged itself into his blood and meridians, it had utterly devoured his cultivation base, the chance of it rebirth gone up in smoke. When the air of injustice came along, it would then sprout.

Oddly enough, he could sense that the seedling was trying to convey an implicit message, “Your power was utter rubbish… it wouldn’t make any difference if you possessed it or not anyway.”

Yun Yang had ambiguous feelings about this, and resigned himself to the fact that he would just have to start all over again.

“It’s awkward to call you seedling or Lotus of Endless Fate every day. Why not allow me to give you a new name?” Yun Yang asked in parley, “You have the shape of a rattan with flower and leaves; Rattan? Stemmie? Flower? Leafy? Lolo? Emmie1?”

The seedling swayed in disagreement until the last name, ‘Emmie’, came up. It was immobile for a short moment before its sprout nodded slightly in agreement.

Did it just actually respond to this name?

Yun Yang felt a terrible headache approaching. Of all the names, the one he thought was the worst and least acceptable was actually Emmie and that was why he had placed it last.

Who would have known that the name he had discarded for being the worst sounding was actually well accepted?

Emmie…

“Oh no… Emmie…” Yun Yang slapped his forehead, feeling speechless, “What kind of revolting name have I given you?”

In his subconscious, Emmie was undulating merrily, one of its tendrils rolled and twisted into various shapes in celebration that it had finally gotten a name.

“Emmie!” Yun Yang remembered the task at hand, “You have to think of something, that man in my room has to live!”

Emmie seemed to be stunned, but its tendrils quickly resumed waving about.

“No problem!”

Translator’s Note:

Emmie (绿绿lǜ lǜ): Lotus of Endless Fate’s nickname given by Yun Yang; literally means light green and light green. Emmie is derived from emerald and attached with suffix –ie to make the nickname sound cute.

Chapter 20: The Game Plan. Shared Profits

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Yun Yang looked at the man lying unconscious on the bed. He was a giant of a man, brawny and broad. From the length of the bed that he occupied, it could easily be surmised that he would be a valiant mortal of Herculean strength. Yun Yang performed a thorough inspection, and could not help letting out a deep sigh. For the man to have survived until now was no mean feat.

At least a fifth of his bones had been broken, and a large portion of his internal organs had been damaged. His dantian had shattered; it was obvious that he had received blunt force trauma judging by the dent in his skull. His back was laced with endless scratches, each cut bone-deep. To top it all off, there were two separate sword wounds that had pierced his chest and gone through his back.

“He managed to retain consciousness despite his severe injuries, and only collapsed when he reached Tiantang City…” Yun Yang frowned. “This would make him an expert, in all likelihood on par with Lao Mei, or perhaps higher.”

Placing his hand on the unconscious man’s pulse, he called out softly, “Emmie!”

Instantly, a refined air of vitality gushed out from the Lotus of Endless Fate through his hand and into the man’s body. After the initial torrent, Emmie cut off the supply, like stopping a bottle of gushing wine. Swaying softly, it adamantly refused to deliver more, despite Yun Yang’s cajoling. It could almost be heard saying, “Enough, that’s really enough…”

“Not only are you a thief, you’re a stingy miser as well!” Yun Yang said in disgust.

Admittedly, the air of vitality that poured forth from Emmie was immensely potent. Even though it was only a sliver, Yun Yang could sense the man’s labored breathing had become easier and his pulse strengthen. His pallor had also improved within that short span of time.

While waiting for the man to regain consciousness, Yun Yang cultivated. The Thousand Illusion Monkey and five kittens ambled over to his side while he went through the motions. A monkey, one Lightning Cat, and four higher level mystical beast babies squeezed together, looking for all the world like a united and harmonious family.

It was some time later when the man on the bed asked in a weak voice, “Where… is this?”

Yun Yang stopped his practice and looked over. The man was already awake and had his eyes opened, his gaze moving about with difficulty to take in his surroundings.

“This is my home. You have been heavily injured. Rest well, since you have just woken up,” Yun Yang replied.

“Thank… you!” the man gasped.

“No worries.” Yun Yang stood up. “I perform but a small kindness. Be at ease.”

He then left the room. Although he knew that this person could be an expert, Yun Yang was unwilling to let his guard down before knowing this mysterious individual’s name or background.

…

Under the flower canopy, Yun Yang sipped slowly at his cup of tea.

Lao Mei was cultivating in the room by the side, as mystical Qi could be felt wafting into the air in gentle waves. The sun hung low in the evening sky, the setting ball of light painting the land in brilliant crimson. A gush of wind brought about a fresh fragrance, as Ji Ling’s slim silhouette appeared beside Yun Yang. She looked at him curiously, “Are you brooding all by yourself out here?”

Yun Yang replied, “Yes, because I knew you would seek me out.”

Ji Ling chuckled after a momentary loss of speech at his audacity, “It’s still acceptable if you claimed that you were watching over your manservant who is cultivating. To say that I must be looking for you? Why, Young Master Yun, you’d have to polish up your lying skills.”

Yun Yang remained stoic as he asked, “If you were not looking for me, why are you here at this hour?”

Ji Ling stomped her foot in exasperation, “Fine! I was indeed looking for you.”

Yun Yang’s eyebrow rose. “What is it?”

Ji Ling brows furrowed in confusion as she said, “There are a few things that I don’t quite fathom.”

Yun Yang replied, “Correct me if I am wrong, but is it not true that there are three separate conundrums that you can’t make sense of?”

Ji Ling retorted in disbelief, “Oh? You know what it is that I don’t understand?”

Yun Yang pursed his lips before responding, “First, you are wondering why did I get into a conflict with Ximen Wandai. Based on my acute judgment, experience, and intelligence, it was impossible that I didn’t know who he was before he introduced himself. Why then did I still decide to take him on?”

Despite herself, Ji Ling nodded in agreement. “Exactly! You are certainly not a brash person.”

Yun Yang smiled knowingly and continued, “Second, you are wondering why I did not back down, even after Ximen Wandai asserted his identity, and even made matters worse by claiming my prizes and further offending the Ximen family.”

Ji Ling was increasingly amazed. “Yes, yes!”

“Lastly, it is obvious that I do not own a ninth level mystical beast offspring, but I said otherwise to Ximen Wandai and got myself into a wager. As a result, plenty of people now think that I possess a ninth level mystical beast and some of these are dangerous men. The Residence of Yun and I might be placed in a situation of extreme danger, at the heart of the maelstrom. You must be curious as to why I did that.”

Yun Yang’s tone was calm and collected as he rattled off what he knew was on Ji Ling’s mind.

“These people who think I own a ninth level mystical beast would definitely think of ways and means to take it away from me, while my abilities are depleted so badly that I would never be able to fight them off if they tried. I may have endangered my entire family, and you would like to know why I would do such a thing.” Yun Yang said with a hint of a smile. Under the illumination of the moon, his smile actually looked as untainted as moonbeams.

Ji Ling was flabbergasted, “Spot on! You knew all this, and yet you went ahead and did it! How could you defend yourself against the top eight families? Are you a madman who has a death wish?”

Yun Yang only smiled and kept silent.

“Well, why did you do it?” Ji Ling was growing increasingly perplexed; she had always figured that Yun Yang acted with an underlying motive. However, despite wracking her brain to the point of insensibility, she still could not reason out what drove Yun Yang’s actions, and how he planned to manage the aftermath. Dignity lost to overwhelming curiosity, and she had come over to find out what she could. Who would have known that this man could be so reticent; she had half a mind to clobber that smug smile off his face!

“If I can’t take it, there’s still you, isn’t there?” Yun Yang smiled.

“I won’t care!” Ji Ling eyes were dangerously narrowed, “Stop beating around the bush, speak the truth.”

“Do you really wish to know?” Yun Yang finally turned around and gazed at her with brevity.

“Yes!” Ji Ling, yelled in frustration.

“In that case, I won’t be telling you...” Yun Yang beamed affably.

“You!” Ji Ling finally exploded, sending a stone stool flying with a well-placed kick. “Argh! You are going to be the death of me!”

Yun Yang laughed out loud at her response. To Ji Ling, it was the type of laugh that begged for a strategic blow right between the eyes.

Inwardly, Yun Yang felt helpless too. It was indeed his intention to offend the Ximen family and spread the rumors about his ownership of a ninth level mystical beast.

However, his real motives had to be kept under lock and key for now.

…

“If I wanted to tackle something as titanic as the Four Seasons Tower, I would first have to step up my own game.” Yun Yang had never wavered in this belief. Ever since he had learned of the existence of the Four Seasons Tower, and that his eight hundred subordinates and eight brothers had died as a result of its schemes, Yun Yang had decided on his next course of action.

Facing it head on was out of the question.

Even if the Nine Supremes were resurrected and gathered together to unleash each of their phenomenal powers, they would still be an unworthy opponent to this mysterious Four Seasons Tower. If the whole Empire of Yutang had united to attempt a strike on the Four Seasons Tower, it was still impossible to uproot this mysterious organization. Shrouded in secrecy and mystery, no one knew who belonged to the Four Seasons Tower.

Since then, Yun Yang had settled on his plan.

“My identity as Supreme Cloud can never be exposed. My life as Yun Yang, however, is remarkably peaceful. Therefore, I shall first place myself in a perilous situation.”

“If I were to perish in the stormy waves, so be it.”

“However, if I am able to emerge unscathed, I’d be all the stronger for it. Besides, ‘ninth level mystical beast’ – these four words alone would attract numerous influential families and invoke plenty of mayhem. I would then be able to utilize and manipulate these situations to my advantage!”

“It’s up to me to use them in the best manner possible.”

Yun Yang had a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

“Walking the tightrope is something I do too much of!”

…

On that very same night, seven young masters gathered in Yun Yang’s courtyard. All had shown up with glee in their eyes, and their enthusiasm was unfeigned. It had become common knowledge that Yun Yang had amassed a respectable amount of fortune for himself.

“Brothers, I have called you all here to consider a deal,” Yun Yang smiled and lifted his goblet. “Before we go any further, let us drink to bright future together!”

“Cheers!” All seven young masters roared in unison before draining their cups in a single gulp.

“As you must know, I have just won two seventh-grade mystical pills, five hundred mystical stones, and thirty mystical stones.” Yun Yang counted them off one by one. “I wish to keep three hundred of those mystical stones, so I would naturally require the services of my brothers to trade the remaining two hundred stone. I would also like to keep twenty of the mystical crystals, and that would mean I would need your help with the remaining ten.”

The seven young master's’ eyes glinted collectively in avarice.

What a windfall indeed!

“For all of these, I only need three million gold taels. The rest of the profit from their sale, well, I suggest that it be divided among my seven brothers here.” Yun Yang smiled ruefully, “In any case, I’ve blackmailed you all several times in the past, it would be about time that I let you in on the cut.”

He didn’t bother to sugarcoat his words, and oddly enough, his directness caused the gathered young masters’ eyes to shine even brighter.

It would be totally worth it to have these things at their own disposal even if they did not manage to sell them off!

The two seventh-grade mystical pills alone would cost millions of gold taels, and that would be a prudent estimation. Two hundred mystical stones could go for ten thousand gold taels a piece, was the word was spread. As for the remaining ten mystical crystals, whatever profit they gained from the sale would be all theirs!

Yun Yang was practically giving each of them an opportunity to earn at least twenty million gold taels each, and that would only be a reserved approximation! When their initial surprise had passed, however, they began to scratch their head in confusion.

In all their years of knowing him, Yun Yang had never been this generous. Why the sudden change?

“Young Master Yun, why do you do this?” Young Master Ling had his mouth agape. “You’ll definitely receive the short end of the stick!”

“Incorrect. We will all profit from this.” Yun Yang smiled warmly, “Is it so surprising that I would wish to give something back, after all the things that I’ve taken from you in the past? There will be no such thing as a shorter end or loss. Of course, besides this, it’d be enough for me if your families’ nexuses could do me a favor when I need it. Would you be agreeable to this?”

The seven young masters looked at each other, all of them knowing what was on the other person’s mind and nodded simultaneously, “Deal!”

Although they all knew that Young Master Yun would never suffer losses in his dealings, this arrangement was still immensely desirable. He had only asked for a favor from their families’ nexuses in return for giving out such a large portion of the pie!

Even if Yun Yang asked for a favor in the future that would far exceed the gain now, they would be true to their word and honor the request when the time came.

Yun Yang smiled in satisfaction.

“It’s simple.” Yun Yang explained “As for these three million taels of gold, there are two methods for you to provide recompense. First, you can give me part of the total and then the remainder of the amount only after you have sold the goods. The second method is simpler; all of your seven families can combine and return to me the full sum. As for how you sell the goods and how much you sell them for, it will no longer be any of my business!”

The seven young masters shared a look again. Yun Yang’s suggestions held an underlying meaning. The first meant that he would be supervising; the second, he would let it all go.

Who would be willing to have someone monitor their every move?

“We choose the second option!” Young Master Ma jumped up, “Young Master Yun, we shall send the gold over to you this very night!”

“Splendid!”

How these seven families divided the resources was none of Yun Yang’s concern. His only responsibility was to give them the goods. For the whole night, all seven young masters were engaged in a heated debate, each of them arguing and ultimately shaking hands with each other unwillingly. They then plastered on a simpering smile for Yun Yang and went back home to prepare the gold taels.

All their family guards were already marshaled in front of the Residence of Yun. They didn't’ dare to keep such valuable gems in their pockets and walk home without any protection. Even if the world was at peace, the seven young masters would not have been able to muster up the courage, so splendid was their newfound wealth.

Before midnight came, three million gold taels had already been delivered to Yun Yang. They were all real gold, not the banknotes that Yun Yang had resolutely refused to accept.

The gold taels formed a large, glittering pile and the Residence of Yun’s backyard was illuminated by the shimmering splendor of wealth!