HSSB57: What the public loves to hear
Lin Yushao leaving her seclusion, was something that Yan Zhaoge had already known about.
That Lin Yushao was coming to the Eastern Tang; this was also something that Yan Zhaoge had known about.
Even though this mess that his body’s previous owner had left for him had caused some trouble for him in the past, Yan Zhaoge had never thought too much of it.
As for the reason she had come—regardless of whether it had been to find out the truth of Ye Jing’s disappearance or to see Yan Zhaoge—it was not all that important.
Yet, Yan Zhaoge had never expected that Lin Yushao would actually perish.
And what’s more, it wasn’t some accidental mishap that caused her death. Some people had specifically set out to kill her.
Yan Zhaoge was stunned for a long time before he finally regained his wits, “It wasn’t Xiao Shen or Chao Yuanlong, was it?”
This had been his first reaction after having heard the news of Lin Yushao’s death. Still, since the black-clothed men who had reported back had not made any mention of the Sacred Sun Clan, it probably wasn’t the case.
“…she met up with some fleeing expelled disciples?”
Even though this seemed a bit absurd, other than Xiao Shen being the culprit, it was the only plausible reason that Yan Zhaoge could think of.
Because as far as Yan Zhaoge was aware, Lin Yushao didn’t have any blood enemies, or at least no one whom she had such an irreconcilable enmity with.
Even if it was an enemy of Yan Zhaoge trying to vent their hatred on Lin Yushao, there also weren’t too many suspects other than the Sacred Sun Clan.
On the other hand, there were many adventurers who passed through the area around the Sealing Dragon Abyss. Out of all these adventurers, there were naturally some who were less than savory characters, being quite bloodthirsty.
Even though Lin Yushao was a Broad Creed Mountain disciple, it was possible that she might have met up with that sort of violent and carefree person who dared to kill even a Sacred Ground disciple.
In such a situation, one could only rely on their own cultivation and combat ability.
That black-clothed messenger shook his head, saying quietly, “From our reports, it seemed like Miss Lin’s clothes were still orderly after she was killed; it didn’t look like she was violated in any way.”
Yan Zhaoge slowly knit his eyebrows together, as he began to form an idea of what could have happened.
Even though she had had a deep relationship with his body’s previous owner, the present Yan Zhaoge had actually never laid eyes on this Miss Lin.
He didn’t feel any deep sorrow over her death, but did feel a strong sense of pity.
After all, such a young person had perished so prematurely.
There was a long pause, before Yan Zhaoge sighed, “Let’s deal with it once we get back.”
The group slowly progressed forwards, until they finally emerged on the outside of the Luliao Mountains.
After passing out of the last canyon and heading out on the road towards Overlooking Abyss City, they came face to face with another group of Broad Creed Mountain martial practitioners.
Upon seeing Yan Zhaoge, their leader couldn’t help but let out a strange expression as he greeted, “Junior apprentice-nephew Yan.”
Recognising him as one of Xu Chuan’s subordinates, Yan Zhaoge nodded, “Is anything the matter?”
The man lowered his voice, “Elder Xu requests that you don’t enter the city yet, and to meet him in a pavilion ten kilometres outside the city borders.”
Yan Zhaoge remained calm: “There is no need. I’ll have to trouble you to ask Elder Xu to come here directly and meet me. We can discuss matters as we walk—there’s an urgent matter I have to attend to in the Eastern Tang capital.”
The middle-aged man hesitated for a moment, before he nodded his head and departed.
Yan Zhaoge looked off into the distance, only to see someone observing his departure from the Luliao Mountains from far away. Immediately, the faraway observer fled.
It was obvious that this observer was reporting news of his whereabouts back to some other party.
Yan Zhaoge did nothing to obstruct him, as he continued to make his way towards his destination.
As members of the Eastern Tang royal family, Zhao Shilie and Zhao Yuan’s statuses made it such that it would be difficult to hide any matters in the Eastern Tang from them that they wanted to know about.
After sending out some people to scout, they quickly came back to report. After a while, there was a group of people assembled, all of whom bore a unique expression.
On the other hand, Zhao Hao stood unconcernedly to the side, seemingly unfazed by anything.
Very quickly, an extremely worried Xu Chuan personally came from Overlooking Abyss City to meet Yan Zhaoge’s group.
“Junior apprentice-nephew Yan has returned, along with Prince Jin, First Prince, Third Prince, and Sixteenth Prince.”
Xu Chuan immediately started off with the formal pleasantries, but quickly followed up with a sound transmission to Yan Zhaoge, “Junior apprentice-nephew Yan, junior apprentice-niece Lin Yushao has come to great harm. Have you heard?”
Yan Zhaoge’s gaze flickered momentarily, before, with a sad expression on his face, he slowly nodded: “I’ve already heard about it; who was the one who did this heinous deed?”
Xu Chuan’s expression seemed slightly bitter, “There were some rumors spreading about that it was actually junior apprentice-nephew Yan yourself who did it…”
Yan Zhaoge’s eyebrows immediately knit together, “How could that possibly be the case? Who’s spreading this nonsense?”
“There’s a rumor that your affection for her had dulled because of her long period of seclusion.”
Xu Chuan was a crafty old fox. This rumor was even more intolerable, since it suggested that Yan Zhaoge had just been playing around with Lin Yushao. Naturally, Xu Chuan didn’t dare to directly say this to Yan Zhaoge.
“The rumor also says that you became enamored with fellow disciple Sikong Qing.”
Yan Zhaoge was incredulous, “I somehow left this type of impression on people?”
Xu Chuan shot a glance behind Yan Zhaoge, examining Feng Yunsheng, who was currently teasing the black dog.
Yan Zhaoge immediately put his hand to his forehead.
Xu Chuan didn’t dare to keep provoking him, and dryly continued: “The rumor says that junior apprentice-niece Lin heard about your relationship with junior apprentice-niece Sikong, and that was the reason for which she set out for the Eastern Tang in the first place.”
“After meeting, the two of you got into a dispute. Feeling vexed with junior apprentice-niece Lin, you decided to…”
Xu Chuan couldn’t bear to continue, because Yan Zhaoge’s expression had already become as black as a pot’s bottom.
Yan Zhaoge humorlessly spoke, “This sort of baseless and ridiculous rumor, there are people who actually believe it?”
Xu Chuan let out a bitter laugh, “It’s only that according to the rumor, junior apprentice-niece Lin died to a strike of the Tushita Palm.”
Yan Zhaoge’s pupils suddenly shrank, “The Tushita Palm?”
Xu Chuan nodded heavily, “The corpse was first discovered by Yan Xu’s subordinates, and is still in their possession at the present time. For the time being, it will be difficult to get close to inspect the body.”
“However, according to the rumours, her stomach was split open by an enormous wound, and her flesh and blood were entirely scorched. This had to have been from a flame-type martial art.”
“But currently, word’s out that Lin Yushao died by the Tushita Palm.”
Xu Chuan observed Yan Zhaoge with some concern.
Of the martial practitioners who could use the Tushita Palm, Yan Zhaoge was obviously not the only one. Even in the Eastern Tang, he was not the only one. However, amongst them, Yan Zhaoge was the only one with a possible motive.
Even though that motive was seemingly nonsensical, it was a disappointing truth that this kind of juicy gossip about a lover’s feud was exactly the type of rumor that was most likely to be spread.
Under the scrutiny of the masses, it was inevitable that Yan Zhaoge’s image would suffer a serious blow.
If it was just gossip about Yan Zhaoge’s affections, that would be fine. After all, everyone loves stories about the hero seeking the heart of a beautiful maiden. However, this matter of illicit love and murder was a totally different beast altogether.
Especially this kind of rumor; even if it was cleared up later on, people still might not believe it.
Yan Zhaoge squinted his eyes.
The people purposely spreading this rumor might not just want to destroy his reputation; they might be planning something even bigger.
Yan Zhaoge had the vague feeling that was some kind of trap…
After considering for a moment, Yan Zhaoge shook his head, “The death of junior apprentice-sister Lin really had nothing to with me. Naturally, we will have to closely investigate the identity of the true killer.”
“However, I have an urgent matter that I have to attend to in the Eastern Tang capital which is relevant to the very foundation of our Broad Creed Mountain. I too am sorely saddened by the death of junior apprentice-sister Lin, but I can only put this matter aside for the moment and mourn later.”
“The East Elder is also hurrying to the capital, and I have to meet him there.”
Xu Chuan stared blankly. Originally, he had thought that Yan Zhaoge was just trying to avoid the issue, but seeing as the East Elder was also coming, it seemed like there really was an important issue at hand.
Xu Chuan wavered momentarily before he said, “Elder Yan is at Overlooking Abyss City; he gave the order that as soon as we saw you, we should bring you back to meet him. Junior-apprentice-niece Lin’s body is also within the city.”
Yan Zhaoge’s mouth twitched, “As people get older, they tend to become forgetful. It looks like he’s forgotten that right now, I don’t have to follow his orders.”
“If he has some business with me, he can accompany me on my way to the Eastern Tang capital.”
HSSB58: No Trivial Matter
Hearing that Lin Yushao might have died under the Tushita Palm, Yan Zhaoge actually felt like he saw the sun breaking through the clouds.
Sure, Yan Xu knew that Yan Zhao cultivated in the Tushita Palm. However, Yan Zhaoge likewise knew that Yan Xu, as the Principal Elder of the Eastern Tang, also trained in this martial art.
It was just that Yan Zhaoge felt that the old man shouldn’t have reached the point of being crazy enough to kill Lin Yushao himself simply for the sake of framing him.
Still, even if Yan Xu was not the killer, the framing of Yan Zhaoge and the subsequent spread of rumours had the Elder’s fingerprints all over them.
Lin Yushao’s body had been discovered by Yan Xu’s men and was now in their custody as well. If they wanted to tamper with it, it would be simplicity itself.
But if it hadn’t been Yan Xu’s bunch who killed Lin Yushao, who then was responsible for it?
Instantly, the shadow of a figure flickered through Yan Zhaoge’s mind.
“It shouldn’t be to that extent, right?…” Yan Zhaoge’s eyes narrowed into slits, his gaze turning cold.
“I’d said that I was going to gift you with a beating before handing you over to the clan, but if you really are this crazy, then I’ll just make things easier for myself and send you straight into the cycle of reincarnation.”
Very soon, Ah Hu returned.
Seeing him, Yan Zhaoge immediately asked, “Have you found that brat Ye Jing?”
Ah Hu wrung his big hands a bit dejectedly. “Young Master, I tried my best. I followed every single one of the underground rivers in the surrounding area for over five hundred kilometres.”
“That fellow didn’t leave the underground rivers at all, just letting himself be swept along by them. By the time I had found any traces of him, too much time had already passed.”
“He must’ve left the Luliao Mountains already. With him anywhere between the vast heavens and the broad earth, it would be hard for even me to find him.”
Yan Zhaoge did not blame Ah Hu, and just waved his hand dismissively. “It’s alright that you didn’t manage to find him. After all, the underground rivers extend in all directions from where that icy pool collapsed. I can’t blame you for that.”
“However, don’t stop. Continue the search.”
Once he heard the news about Lin Yushao and the rumours that were being circulated, Ah Hu made a noise through his mouth.
Having at least met Lin Yushao, learning about her death felt unpleasant for him. “Who was the one who acted against Miss Lin so venomously?”
The two walked back towards the vicinity of the crowd.
Ah Hu looked towards Feng Yunsheng with a curious expression on his face.
Feng Yunsheng gave him a graceful wave. Ah Hu was stunned for a moment, and then waved back.
Ah Hu looked over at Yan Zhaoge with a simple laugh. “So, about Young Master and Miss Sikong walking rather close to each other… Young Master, you haven’t had any thoughts in that direction, right?”
“Before entering the Luliao Mountains, I’d never seen you expressing any intentions towards Miss Sikong.”
“Still, since we’re on the topic, Miss Sikong is indeed rather beautiful. Have you ever thought about eating her up, Young Master?”
Yan Zhaoge gave him an impatient look.
“Also, Young Master, where did you abduct such a beautiful young lady from this time around?” Ah Hu snuck around to stand before Yan Zhaoge and stared at Feng Yunsheng through the corner of his eye.
“Have you eaten this one yet?” He asked in a lowered voice.
Yan Zhaoge rolled his eyes as he gave the back of Ah Hu’s head a good rap.
Hugging Little Meaty, the little black pet dog that she kept, Feng Yunsheng turned to look over at them with mock earnestness all over her face.
“I haven’t been eaten up by him yet–I’m still a proper, chaste young lady.”
“Cough, cough.” Ah Hu, who had yet to recover from just having been beaten by Yan Zhaoge, choked on his own saliva and immediately started hacking up a lung.
The corners of Yan Zhaoge’s mouth twitched twice, “A proper, chaste lady discusses this kind of thing with men while remaining so calm and relaxed? And so enthusiastically, at that?”
Feng Yunsheng stroked Little Meaty’s soft fur, saying with complete indifference, “And what should I do instead? Should I put up with men playing around with me till my face turns red and my heart starts racing, then let them try to move in for the kill? Do I just turn tail and run, or maybe grab my knife and start swinging at them?
“Or perhaps I should pretend not to hear their words–pretending that the clouds are light and the wind is gentle. How about I just don’t register anything I hear at all, allow people to talk about me as they like, and let them spit on my face without wiping it off?”
As Yan Zhaoge looked at her, Feng Yunsheng shook her head, “In these two years since I left the clan, I’ve gone to many places, seen many people, and experienced many things.”
“Sometimes I hid in the wilderness, sometimes in cities. In order to avoid the pursuit of Xiao Shen and the others, I’ve even stayed deep within the mountains and forests. Even hiding in marketplaces has happened quite often for me.”
Yan Zhaoge shook his head as he couldn’t resist breaking out into a smile. Looking at Feng Yunsheng, Ah Hu also chortled as he threw her a thumbs-up.
Feng Yunsheng laughed, returning the gesture.
“As for where your Young Master abducted me from–that’s a story of a hero saving a damsel in distress.”
“Young Master displayed his skill in a domineering fashion, beating up two of the Sacred Sun Clan’s Four Rising Suns, thus saving me, this weak little damsel.”
Ah Hu was stunned for a moment, as he swivelled his head over to look at Yan Zhaoge, “Two? Other than Chao Yuanlong…”
“There was also Xiao Shen,” Yan Zhaoge said like it was nothing at all. “For more specific details, you can just ask the others.”
After having finished listening to the story of Yan Zhaoge’s clashes with Chao Yuanlong and Xiao Shen as well as Yan Zhaoge’s breakthrough into the mid outer aura Martial Scholar realm, Ah Hu looked towards Yan Zhaoge with an expression of worship on his face.
“Young Master, you are really too awesome!”
“Stop it with that boot-licking. Even if you want to lick, at least make your expression a little more sincere first–it’s way too fake right now.”
As they conversed, they walked towards the Eastern Tang capital.
However, halfway there, someone suddenly called out to them from behind. It was the Eastern Tang’s Principal Elder Yan Xu.
He was actually not there to collect old debts after Yan Zhaoge had lost him face. Rather, he had also received a message from the East Elder to meet up in the Eastern Tang capital.
Looking at Yan Zhaoge, Yan Xu asked, “The East Elder coming to the Eastern Tang–what is it for?”
Yan Zhaoge said mildly, “Why are you asking me, Elder Yan? I myself am also hurrying to the Eastern Tang capital to go meet with the East Elder.”
Yan Xu’s gaze turned cold and gloomy as he looked Yan Zhaoge up and down. “The Sacred Sun Clan seems rather restless and uneasy these days. I’m afraid the East Elder’s visit has something to do with this matter.”
“There is news that even the main headquarters of the Sacred Sun Clan seems to have been alerted.”
“What have you done exactly, this time?”
Seemingly not affected by Yan Xu’s cold and gloomy gaze at all, Yan Zhaoge replied, “The East Elder must have given you instructions regarding this matter, and I’m sure he did so after heavy considerations of his own. I’m it wouldn’t be very polite of me to just casually put in a few words on top of that.”
The meaning of his words was clear: Whatever you need to know, you’ve naturally been told by the East Elder already. The things you don’t need to know, don’t try to find out about them from me–I have no need to tell you.
Yan Xu looked at Yan Zhaoge expressionlessly, slowly nodding his head, “Very well.”
Earlier, the East Elder had only warned him to be on his guard against the people of the Sacred Sun Clan and to ensure the safety of Yan Zhaoge’s group. Everything else could wait until he had arrived together with Yan Zhaoge in the Eastern Tang Kingdom.
He had specifically emphasized the safety of Yan Zhaoge’s party.
Following this train of thought, Yan Xu’s gaze now fell on Feng Yunsheng.
The only change in Yan Zhaoge’s companions between entering and leaving the Luliao Mountains was her addition.
“When this matter with the East Elder has been settled, there is also another subject that you will have to explain and clarify.” Yan Xu said, ending the conversation.
Yan Zhaoge’s expression didn’t change. “Elder Yan’s concern is much appreciated.”
By the time they set foot into the Eastern Tang Capital of Jingyang City, Broad Creed Mountain’s East Elder, the one responsible for overseeing the East Heaven Region for the clan, had already arrived.
The East Elder was currently waiting for their arrival in the mansion where Yan Xu had originally been stationed.
This was a tall, burly silver-haired old man, who, hale and hearty, didn’t give off the feeling of senility.
As they all entered the great hall, the East Elder’s bright gaze immediately fell on Feng Yunsheng.
After carefully appraising her with a glance, his gaze now fell back on Yan Zhaoge and Yan Xu.
“Zhaoge, carefully explain to me the course of events,” the East Elder said. “The main headquarters of our clan is in an uproar over this matter, and they intend to dispatch people here.”
Hearing this, Yan Xu’s gaze wavered slightly.
Something for which the East Elder was completely unable to call the shots, needing the main headquarters of the clan itself to move?
The trouble that Yan Zhaoge had stirred up this time must truly be no trivial matter indeed.
HSSB59: The Most Important Thing
The East Elder’s cultivation base as well as the formless pressure that it carried was naturally not something Yan Xu could compare with.
Yan Zhaoge greeted the East Elder, then turned to Feng Yunsheng behind him, “Elder, this is the person whom I mentioned to you before–original name Feng Muge, current name Feng Yunsheng.”
On hearing the words ‘Feng Muge’, the East Elder nodded his head slightly. Someone of his calibre naturally knew of many things.
Yan Zhaoge then introduced, “Junior Sister Feng, this is our clan’s leading figure in the East Heaven Region, Elder Qin.”
Feng Yunsheng greeted him solemnly, her formalities not lacking in any way. “Feng Yunsheng of the younger generation greets exalted Elder.”
The sort of manners and presentation that were required in various situations, the fine difference between acting unrestrained and acting rude–Feng Yunsheng clearly understood all this.
With her background and knowledge, she naturally knew that this burly Elder before her was the very First Seat Elder that Broad Creed Mountain had tasked to oversee the entire East Heaven Region.
Within Broad Creed Mountain, the internal order of power followed thus: First Seat Elder, Principal Elder, Acting Elder.
Perhaps his cultivation as well as the power he wielded could not match up to Yan Zhaoge’s father, Yan Di. However, in terms of rank and position, this Elder Qin was on the same level. It was just that their jurisdictions in regards to the main clan were different: one internal, one external.
In theory, as long as something happened within the lands of the East Heaven Region, Elder Qin had the right to deal with it.
However, as the matter with Feng Yunsheng this time involved too many things, Elder Qin felt that it was not so good for him to decide on it on his own.
Broad Creed Mountain already planned to send some people over. Elder Qin only made a special trip to the Eastern Tang this time just to get a feel of the matter before they arrived.
However, if the matter would not be passed by this Elder Qin, there would be no further hope of it passing through whatsoever.
Yan Zhaoge looked towards Elder Qin. This old man was one of the long-serving Elders of the clan, of the same generation as the old Clan Chief himself. He had never leaned towards either his father Yan Di’s or his second apprentice-uncle’s side before.
He could not depend on getting special treatment from this man, but similarly, he also didn’t have to worry about him causing trouble like Yan Xu.
All of the things he did were based on the cold, hard truth, with Broad Creed Mountain’s best interests at heart.
“Elder Qin, as I reported to you earlier, this Junior Sister Feng was once a disciple of the Sacred Sun Clan. Now, she has abandoned it, and she wishes to join our Broad Creed Mountain,” Yan Zhaoge said neither quickly nor slowly.
Elder Qin listened quietly, not saying a word.
Yan Xu did not interrupt–it was impossible that Yan Zhaoge did not know what repercussions Broad Creed Mountain taking in a disciple who had betrayed the Sacred Sun Clan might bring about.
Even so, he had still brought Feng Yunsheng back. Moreover, Elder Qin, rather than opposing the idea immediately, had even alerted the clan about this matter. This implied that the situation was a rather unique one.
Yan Zhaoge said calmly, “Elder should know that while investigating the Sacred Sun Clan’s Maiden of Extreme Yin in the past, there was a report in which a name, the name of Feng Muge, was mentioned.”
“Eventually, because of Meng Wan suddenly charging into the world, this piece of news was instead believed to be a hoax. However, it was not actually so.”
“Feng Muge actually exists—she is precisely the Junior Sister Feng behind me.”
Everyone present besides Elder Qin and Yan Xu were also Broad Creed Mountain heavyweights stationed in the East Heaven Region.
Apart from Elder Qin who had already been in the know, the moment Yan Xu and the other heard the four words ‘Maiden of Extreme Yin’, their eyes instantly lit up.
Within the five Regions of the vast Heavenly Domain, they had always been unable to find even a single Maiden of Extreme Yin.
Broad Creed Mountain had even secretly sent people to search in the other Domains, hoping that they would be able to pick up some scraps, but they had all come back empty-handed.
In the Extreme Yin Bouts of the past two years, Broad Creed Mountain had been relegated to sit by the corner and watch both times, watching other Sacred Grounds contest for the Extreme Yin Crown just like that. Naturally, they had been filled with a sense of helplessness and frustration.
If Feng Yunsheng was really a Maiden of Extreme Yin, even if they had to withstand a lot of pressure from the Sacred Sun Clan head-on, Broad Creed Mountain would still definitely insist on keeping her.
Elder Qin nodded his head before asking calmly, “In your earlier message, you only said that this little friend Feng’s Extreme Yin Physique was damaged, but you didn’t mention the extent of the damage itself.”
“Grooming a Maiden of Extreme Yin requires investing many resources. Still, with the Sacred Sun Clan’s background, raising another Maiden of Extreme Yin simultaneously would still definitely be possible even though they already have Meng Wan.”
“Allowing a Maiden of Extreme Yin to roam about as she likes would be no trivial matter–the Sacred Sun Clan wouldn’t be so negligent and careless.”
“Unless… Is Little Friend Feng’s Extreme Yin Physique already completely crippled?”
Yan Zhaoge’s tone did not rise or fall as he answered honestly, “Presently, that is indeed true.”
Elder Qin’s brows knit slightly as he looked at Yan Zhaoge and Feng Yunsheng.
Yan Xu now spoke up slowly. “Even the Sacred Sun Clan wouldn’t be willing to send over a Maiden of Extreme Yin as a spy.”
“However, if it were instead an ordinary disciple whose Extreme Yin Physique had already been crippled, that might still be a possibility.”
On hearing Yan Xu’s words, everyone there frowned, regardless of faction, as they turned to appraise Yan Zhaoge and Feng Yunsheng with scrutinizing gazes.
Today’s matter was no trivial thing indeed.
If Feng Yunsheng’s Extreme Yin Physique was in perfect condition, there would be no further need for discussion. Broad Creed Mountain would definitely take her in immediately, and Yan Zhaoge would be considered as having performed a merit rather than a demerit–a huge merit, in fact.
However, if Feng Yunsheng had lost her Extreme Yin Physique, whether or not Broad Creed Mountain would still be willing to take her in would then be something that they would have to deliberate on.
Accepting the disciples of other Sacred Grounds who had betrayed their clan was a rather contentious move in and of itself. It was especially true when the two sides, such as Broad Creed Mountain and the Sacred Sun Clan, had a rather disharmonious relationship. Doing this sort of thing would actually be extremely likely to cause their already hostile relationship to worsen a step further.
The one who had caused all of this, Yan Zhaoge, would then be labelled a frivolous and impetuous person, having brought in unnecessary trouble and causing problems for the clan.
Furthermore, if Broad Creed Mountain took Feng Yunsheng in and she was eventually revealed to be a spy sent over from the Sacred Sun Clan as she caused problems for Broad Creed Mountain, as the main culprit, Yan Zhaoge would then earn a huge demerit.
Yan Zhaoge’s expression didn’t change. “Feng Yunsheng suffered the bullying of her fellow Sacred Sun Clan disciples, and the Elders in the clan were unable to uphold justice for her, with some even trying to turn white to black and claim her life.”
“The only one who cared for her, her Master, fell to the Flame Devils not long ago during the conflict in the East Sea. When she learned of this, she had already been fleeing for two whole years. At that time, she finally decided to truly betray the Sacred Sun Clan, even killing three of her fellow disciples in the process.”
Yan Zhaoge looked at them. “Two years ago, the very reason that she escaped from the main headquarters of the Sacred Sun Clan was that she had heavily injured Xiao Shen. After that incident, she also faced the constant pursuit of Xiao Shen and his men.”
“Who’s not to say that the Sacred Sun Clan were willing to sacrifice the life of three of their young disciples in order to successfully plant her as a spy?” Yan Xu said emotionlessly.
Yan Zhaoge laughed, “There is the possibility, but do you think that the Grand Elder of the Sacred Sun Clan would be willing to have that sole grandson of his, the one meant to help him carry on his family line, become a eunuch forever just to achieve that?”
The huge hall instantly fell silent.
Yan Xu was a bit taken aback. Elder Qin frowned, asking, “Are you saying that…?”
“That year, Xiao Shen had his lower body harmed by Junior Sister Feng… En, in a sense, he is also a cripple now,” Yan Zhaoge said with a serious look on his face.
Feng Yunsheng similarly had on a serious look, and she bowed. “Being desperate at the time, this junior accidentally made a wrong move. Although Xiao Shen deserved it, this is a subject naturally unpleasant to the ear. Please excuse this junior.”
Yan Zhaoge spoke up again. “I can vouch for what she says–the second time I clashed with Xiao Shen, I confirmed this point myself.”
“Of course, it could also be that Xiao Shen was castrated because of something else… actually, ‘castrated’ is not completely accurate–he simply lost his ability to perform a function. In any case, perhaps his condition was caused something else, and the Sacred Sun Clan made use of the circumstances to blow things out of proportion.”
Thus, if Junior Sister Feng does enter our clan in the future, some investigation would still be needed. Still, on the whole, I feel that Junior Sister Feng’s words are trustworthy.”
Yan Xu’s mouth twitched, and he snorted, no longer contesting the earlier point. Instead he said, “Say that again when her Extreme Yin Physique is no longer crippled, why don’t you.”
Elder Qin, however, fell into a deep silence as he pondered. The most important thing for Broad Creed Mountain at this time was to make a decision.
HSSB60: You won’t find the people you want, only a pair of fists!
Elder Qin sat there, unmoving. His eyes shifted from Yan Zhaoge to fall on Feng Yunsheng.
The Elder’s gaze was so focused that it almost took tangible form. As it landed on Feng Yunsheng’s wrist, it was as though he were checking her pulse with his gaze alone.
Feng Yunsheng just remained quietly where she was. A short while later, Elder Qin retracted his gaze.
“Her pulse shows that she indeed had the Extreme Yin Physique once. However, her physique was compromised by an excess of yin, which led to it drying up and completely dissipating. Her yin is currently only slightly stronger than an ordinary person’s.”
Elder Qin looked towards Yan Zhaoge, slowly shaking his head. “The people of the Sacred Sun Clan probably checked this several times before making the final judgment.”
Yan Xu and the others all nodded in agreement. This would only be natural–it was well within their expectations.
Elder Qin paused for a bit, a trace of pity in his gaze as he looked at Feng Yunsheng. “Her bones, however, are outstandingly suited for cultivation. I wonder how her power of comprehension and strength of mind compare.”
Yan Zhaoge laughed, “If not for her having gotten into the accident that year, the Sacred Sun Clan’s prime representative in the Extreme Yin Bout would actually have been her instead.”
“Perhaps this was because she entered the clan earlier, but at the very least we know that she was definitely not inferior to Meng Wan.”
Meng Wan was not just a Maiden of Extreme Yin. Her cultivation talent also stood out noticeably among the members of the younger generation. Among those of the same age, she was an absolute elite, her fame shaking the world.
The momentum of her rise was such that there was even a vague feeling of her starting to preside over the Four Rising Suns.
“If Junior Sister Feng had only injured some other part of Xiao Shen and not castrated him, perhaps she wouldn’t have been forced to flee,” Yan Zhaoge added.
Elder Qin nodded, before falling back into thoughtful silence.
If Feng Yunsheng’s cultivation talent was ordinary, taking her in simply to spite the Sacred Sun Clan was something that Broad Creed Mountain really had no need to do.
While the two factions had a disharmonious relationship, it had still not yet reached the point of refusing to compromise with each other even over such a small matter.
If it was the Water Domain’s Jade Sea City whose relationship with the Sacred Sun Clan was like that of fire and water, though, such a situation could actually occur.
From a certain perspective, that was the best place for Feng Yunsheng to seek asylum.
It was only that the Water Domain was situated too far away from the Heaven and Fire Domains; if Feng Yunsheng wanted to escape there alone under such heavy pursuit, it would be very difficult indeed.
Therefore, Broad Creed Mountain had become the best choice for her.
Earlier, if Yan Zhaoge had refused to take her in but also had not hand her over to Xiao Shen, Feng Yunsheng had been prepared to risk travelling to the Water Domain.
Now, Elder Qin had discovered through his examination that Feng Yunsheng was still a genius amongst geniuses even without the Extreme Yin Physique–a monstrous talent that was worth raising.
This caused Elder Qin and Broad Creed Mountain to be a little conflicted.
They had to carefully consider, weighing what they stood to gain against what they might lose as a result of their choice.
Yan Zhaoge laughed lightly. “Actually, Junior Sister Feng’s Extreme Yin Physique… it can be recovered.”
Elder Qin knit his brows but did not say anything more, simply looking towards Feng Yunsheng once again.
This time, he lifted his arm and tapped in the air with his finger. A strand of light flew out from his fingertip, landing on Feng Yunsheng’s wrist.
After carefully checking Feng Yunsheng’s condition once again, Elder Qin looked at Yan Zhaoge, asking in a deep tone, “On what basis do you make this claim?”
Yan Xu also glanced at Feng Yunsheng, and he too had something tangible in his gaze as it landed on Feng Yunsheng’s wrist.
After a moment, Yan Xu retracted his gaze as he said in an indifferent voice, “You imply that the damage is light, but her physique can’t even be considered simply damaged anymore. Rather, it has already completely withered away.”
“To help her to recover–the difficulty would be no easier than trying to resurrect a dead person.”
“Moreover, it’s not a person who’s just drawn his final breath but a person who’s already been dead for two years.”
Yan Xu looked at Yan Zhaoge, “In recent days, you have indeed far exceeded everyone’s expectations by consecutively performing a number of major deeds, but I’d like to know–do you have the power to bring the dead back to life?”
Elder Qin remained silent, but he obviously agreed with what Yan Xu had said.
He looked calmly at Yan Zhaoge, waiting for him to give him an explanation.
Yan Zhaoge said with a slight smile on his face, “Elder Qin, you said just now that the power of yin within Junior Sister Feng’s body was only a bit stronger than that of ordinary people?”
Elder Qin nodded his head, “That’s right.”
Yan Zhaoge said leisurely, “When I first met her, she was actually no different from the common person. Her Extreme Yin Physique had already completely dried up, with only some remnant traces and not even a single bit of Extreme Yin qi left at all.”
“What?!” Elder Qin’s eyes abruptly widened.
He looked towards Feng Yunsheng, finding it rather hard to believe Yan Zhaoge’s words.
Feng Yunsheng now opened her mouth, saying, “While travelling alongside Senior Brother Yan these past few days, this junior received the acupuncture treatment of his golden needle secret technique. With that, the dried up arteries and veins in my body have indeed begun to fill with Extreme Yin qi once more.”
“While the rate of recovery is extremely slow, my condition is already different from before.”
Yan Xu and the others all stared at Yan Zhaoge and Feng Yunsheng in disbelief.
Yan Zhaoge laughed, “Our clan has never had a Maiden of Extreme Yin, having not been able to find one despite searching everywhere. These past few years, while the other Sacred Grounds competed for the Extreme Yin Crown, we could only watch from the sidelines. I was also extremely worried and troubled by this situation.”
“Thus, I thought: while the Extreme Yin Physique comes inborn, is there the possibility that it could be artificially induced in a person?”
“Thus, I began gathering lots of records and information and did some research in this field.” Yan Zhaoge shook his head a little regretfully. “Sadly, the Extreme Yin Physique is a gift from the Heavens; I made no progress and have no hope whatsoever of inducing it artificially.”
He swivelled his head to look towards Feng Yunsheng, “However, I also managed to accumulate quite some knowledge in this area. In the end, I discovered that, while it is impossible to induce the Extreme Yin Physique after birth, if there was someone who had been born with the Extreme Yin Physique yet had it damaged afterwards, repairing it would indeed be possible.”
“I also have to thank Junior Sister Feng for trusting in me and allowing me to experiment on her. After all, I have never had a way to verify the efficacy of the method I came up with before now.”
Yan Xu was expressionless as he looked coldly at Yan Zhaoge and Feng Yunsheng, “A one-sided claim. How can you prove it?”
Yan Zhaoge said, “From the time I met Junior Sister Feng to now–the time that’s passed has not been long.”
“After a few more days, the Extreme Yin qi within Junior Sister Feng’s body will have strengthened a step further. At that time, my words will be validated.”
Yan Xu said expressionlessly, “The people of the Sacred Sun Clan were repelled by this old man just a few days ago. Now that all of you have returned, they should come knocking again very soon.”
“We must make a decision and fast. We don’t have the time to wait for that verification of yours.”
Yan Zhaoge’s raised his brows slightly, intending to speak, but was interrupted by Elder Qin’s raised hand.
The burly East Elder looked straight at Yan Zhaoge, “Even assuming that what you claim is true, to what extent can your method help her to recover? Will she regain merely a portion of what she had previously, or can you cause it to be as it was before, or at least bring her close to her peak state?”
His expression a little solemn, Yan Zhaoge said slowly, “Recovery would require some time. Also, there are some required resources and environmental conditions that I am still lacking and will have to be procured.”
“As for what extent she can recover to?” Yan Zhaoge gazed back at Elder Qin candidly.
“To an even stronger condition than before!”
He suddenly laughed. “If I fail to do so, I will enter the Heaven Sealing Gorge.”
Elder Qin looked at Yan Zhaoge, his gaze deep and silent.
Yan Xu wrinkled his brows, wanting to say something, but was interrupted by someone from outside coming in to report that the Sacred Sun Clan had mobilised right to their doorstep.
“Elder Qin?” Yan Xu looked at him.
The burly Elder stared impatiently. “Directly send them packing! They won’t find the people they want here, only a pair of fists!”
HSSB61: The Sacred Sun Clan comes knocking
Hearing Elder Qin’s instructions, Yan Xu fell silent for a moment before he nodded, got up and headed outside.
Feng Yunsheng bowed to Elder Qin. “Thank you, Elder.”
Elder Qin waved his hands. “Little girl, this matter regarding you is too important–this old man cannot simply make a decision about it on my own. You will have to wait for the final decision to come from the main headquarters of our clan itself.”
“Yes, this junior understands.”
Feng Yunsheng now swivelled her head to look at Yan Zhaoge, saying in a low voice, “Thank you.”
The Heaven Sealing Gorge was something that even she, as a past disciple of the Sacred Sun Clan, had heard of.
The Heaven Sealing Gorge was where Broad Creed Mountain held those who had committed serious crimes. Only those who were utterly evil yet could not be sentenced to death at the time or Broad Creed Mountain martial practitioners who had committed extremely grave mistakes would be imprisoned there.
According to rumours, it was a place where the light of day could not be seen—a place with an environment that was even more atrocious than that in the Sealing Dragon Abyss.
Since Broad Creed Mountain was founded, there had yet to be anybody who had been able to escape on their own after having been imprisoned there.
Yan Zhaoge looked at her nonchalantly. “I just have confidence in myself.”
Feng Yunsheng answered impatiently, “Yes, I lacked confidence in you—that was my fault. Next time, I will definitely make sure to have faith.”
“Next time, I’ll say ‘Nice one, I knew I could rely on you!”
Yan Zhaoge let out a ‘ha’ sound as he said, “Low-key, low-key.”
At this moment, outside the mansion, a ring of golden light that looked like the sun was suspended in mid-air above the street, causing the surrounding area to become extremely hot and unbearable as the passers-by hurriedly withdrew.
Those more knowledgeable knew that this was the Sacred Sun Clan’s Principal Elder in the Eastern Tang Kingdom.
And now he had on the look of soldiers before the walls of an enemy city—his target being the headquarters of Broad Creed Mountain’s Principal Elder in the Eastern Tang Kingdom. Obviously a conflict had occurred between the two Sacred Grounds yet again.
In the Eastern Tang, this kind of thing was not all that rarely seen. Still, much of the conflict between the two clans took place in the dark.
Now however, one’s side Principal Elder was overbearingly knocking on the other’s doorstep.
“The conflict between the two sides has gone up by another level, but I feel like it shouldn’t be to the extent of directly breaking out into a fight here in Jingyang City, right? A clash between two Martial Grandmasters—just the resulting shockwaves would be enough to level the surrounding area into a flat land!”
Many people were extremely worried.
From that golden sun hanging in the sky, a violent voice resounded, “Yan Xu, I know that that brat surnamed Yan is back!”
“He harboured a disciple of my Sacred Sun Clan who betrayed and escaped from the clan, even injuring the disciples that my Sacred Sun Clan dispatched to capture her back!”
“If your Broad Creed Mountain cannot teach its disciples, then let me teach them for you!”
“Hand over Yan Zhaoge and that lowly maid immediately! Otherwise I’ll tear down this place of yours!”
Yan Xu’s calm voice now resounded from within the mansion, “The whereabouts of my clan’s disciples is not something that this old man is accountable to you for. If your Sacred Sun Clan lost your disciple, go and find her yourself! What does it have to do with my Broad Creed Mountain?”
“There’s no one that you want here. Stop making random excuses. If you want to find trouble, this old man will accompany you for a bit.”
From within the golden sun, a human figure gradually materialised. It was an elderly man who was wearing a golden robe, with a look of wealth about him.
He stared at the mansion below him, laughing fiercely. “Injuring disciples of my Sacred Sun Clan and harbouring fugitives of my Sacred Sun Clan—your Broad Creed Mountain has really grown brave indeed.”
“Looks like you have forgotten that if it hadn’t been for my Sacred Sun Clan being merciful in the past, your Broad Creed Mountain would long since have been extinct!”
Hearing this, the Yan Zhaoge within the great hall scoffed, “Not afraid of twisting your tongue even under such a strong wind.”
When the Flame Devils had first invaded and then been repelled, the exalted Hantian Zhan Dongge had fallen, with Broad Creed Mountain having suffered the greatest losses amongst the various Sacred Grounds. With that, the Sacred Sun Clan as well as the other Sacred Grounds had been granted a chance to catch up to Broad Creed Mountain.
Some respected the contribution that had been made by Zhan Dongge and Broad Creed Mountain, but there were also those who had ill intentions, wanting to make use of the chance to topple the clan while it was down.
Luckily, the Broad Creed Mountain of that time possessed many competent people. One of them, who had willingly served by Zhan Dongge’s side, though his radiance was outshone into obscurity by the former, now stepped out.
This person was the Heaven Diviner Zhan Xilou. He was the Exalted Hantian Zhan Dongge’s brother, and also the one who succeeded him as the next Clan Chief.
After Zhan Dongge fell, Zhan Xilou, who succeeded him, took charge of the clan splendidly with his own power and revealed a shocking brilliance.
And it was because the previously unknown Zhan Xilou had suddenly sprung up out of nowhere that, even though Broad Creed Mountain’s strength had been greatly damaged following the first invasion of the Flame Devils, it could still stand firm against all adversities and managed to make it through its darkest hour intact.
Zhan Dongge and Zhan Xilou also came to be known as the most legendary pair of brothers in the Eight Extremities World after the time of the Great Calamity.
The founder of the Sacred Sun Clan, who had been respectfully christened as the Sacred Sun Saint by the masses and had successfully led his clan to prominence following that battle with the Flame Devils, clashed with Zhan Xilou and Broad Creed Mountain often.
Under Zhan Xilou, Broad Creed Mountain adopted a conservative position, hiding its strength and keeping a low profile. It quietly built up its power once more while also moving and retreating as needed, never allowing the Sacred Sun Clan to truly gain too much of an advantage from it.
Afterwards, the Sacred Sun Saint resigned and passed down his position of Clan Chief, following which no news of him was ever heard again.
Zhan Xilou, on the other hand, fell in yet another great war with the Flame Devils, spilling the last drops of his blood for the Eight Extremities World just like his brother before him.
However, with Zhan Xilou’s hard work, Broad Creed Mountain had gradually been able to gain a stable foothold once again, from its original state where it’d seemed like even the wind and the rain could have caused it to quiver and shake.
It was only that during this same period of time, the Sacred Sun Clan, following much expansion and development, finally managed to surpass Broad Creed Mountain, thus usurping its position as the strongest of the Sacred Grounds.
Yan Zhaoge shrugged his shoulders. “If his family’s Sacred Sun Saint is still around, please ask him to show himself. With the attacks of the Flame Devils getting fiercer and fiercer in the present day, he would be just the sort of expert the Eight Extremities World needs.”
Yan Xu’s figure now appeared above in the air above the mansion, as his gaze met that of the Sacred Sun Clan’s golden-robed Elder straight on, “Destroy my Broad Creed Mountain? If you think you can do it, then feel free to try.”
The golden-robed Elder laughed coldly, “If I didn’t lack the permission to, I would have taken care of you long ago. Today, I will start by destroying you!”
His aura-qi surged, as he was once again enveloped by golden light.
It was unlike the illusory sunlight that the likes of Xiao Shen and Chao Yuanlong could produce. Instead, he had truly transformed into a sun, brilliantly illuminating the surrounding lands.
The moisture in the surrounding air completely evaporated. Small cracks began snaking through the ground along the street, and the grass and the trees all became charred and withered.
Under the high temperature, the surrounding air distorted.
Yan Xu was expressionless as, a serious look in his eyes, both his hands pushed outwards simultaneously.
The cultivation of a Martial Grandmaster was shown in its full entirety as the Tushita palm that Yan Xu was currently using was dissimilar to the same martial art when utilised by a Martial Scholar like Yan Zhaoge.
Purple flames instantly appeared, transforming into an actual sea of flames which clashed with the huge golden sun.
The purple Tushita flames and the golden sunlight met in mid-air, as the surrounding temperature instantly rose yet again.
Some dry, flammable objects from the surrounding environment immediately ignited as the heavens and the earth within the surrounding hundred li all but transformed into a world of flames.
As the Eastern Tang capital Jingyang City shuddered, line after line of spirit patterns began appearing on the ground.
The air became slightly cooler, as Yan Xu and the golden-robed Elder both felt themselves being suppressed by a formless pressure.
The two did not cease fighting, as they allowed Jingyang City’s grand formation to suppress the area that their clash would affect as it was made to do.
Within the air, the purple Tushita flames and the golden sunlight clashed and roiled unceasingly, causing the very heavens to roil and the earth to overturn.
The great sun that the golden-robed Elder had transformed into resembled the true overhanging sun itself.
The sun suddenly began gradually getting smaller, the figure of the golden-robed Elder reappearing. The sun now materialised at his palm, incomparably refined and dazzling as compared to before.
The golden-robed Elder lifted his hand, as it seemed like he was lifting up the very sun itself. Then, he struck out with his palm!
With an inward motion of Yan Xu’s palms, the purple Tushita flames in the surrounding air also began agglomerating.
The leaping flames were suppressed and refined to the point of possessing true form and substance, as they actually took the form of a massive purple pill furnace.
The purple flames within the pill furnace leapt about unceasingly as with the heavens and the earth as the pill furnace and the universe as the driving force, a domineering power headed straight for the sun in the golden-robed Elder’s palm!
