Translator: Exodus Tales  Editor: Exodus Tales

“Wait, wait…” Yang Dingtian asked, “Please, what is this place? Where is my wife?”

The beautiful young la.s.s turned around and looked at Yang Dingtian. She waved her hand and pointed at her mouth, indicating that she couldn't speak.

“You can't speak?” Yang Dingtian asked.

The young la.s.s nodded and opened her pet.i.te mouth. It was a pretty little mouth that had jade white teeth, but she didn't have any tongue, it looked as if it was cut off forcefully.

The hair on Yang Dingtian's back all raised up. How cruel was it to actually cut off the tongue of such a beautiful young la.s.s?

The young la.s.s smiled at Yang Dingtian and gestured at him to wait for a moment before she finally walked out.

Yang Dingtian had even more doubts in his heart now as he wondered what exactly this place was. It was obvious that when he released the sword soul before he pa.s.sed out, the violent sword soul was in a frenzied backlash which instantly caused his mystic meridians to be ruptured inch by inch, causing his spirit soul to nearly disintegrate. But this place was actually able to treat him and it was done using such a bizarre method.

However, this place was such a cruel place that actually cut off the tongue of such a beautiful young la.s.s, this was probably done so to maintain the secrecy.

Yang Dingtian climbed out from the pot and realized that his entire body was surging with energy. Fortunately, his mystic qi didn't suffer any form of decline. On the table was his clothes and his Night Owl Giant Blade.

After wearing his clothes, Yang Dingtian looked at the Night Owl Giant Blade with a complicated expression, he ultimately chose not to touch it.

After about half an hour, a slender and confident looking figure walked into the stone room.

It was a familiar and extremely handsome man, Song Yu!

Yang Dingtian now knew what this place was. This was the Sea of Hades, the legendary, mysterious, and omnipotent Sea of Hades.

“This is truly unbelievable. You actually fully recovered.” Song Yu looked at Yang Dingtian with disbelief and continued, “When you were sent here, your meridians and veins were all ruined and you were hanging on to your final string of life. I can't imagine how you were able to fully recover in just three months.”

“Three months? I was unconscious for three months?” Yang Dingtian asked, “Who sent me here? What about Yanyan?”

Song Yu frowned and replied with an annoyed tone, “From now on, I'll talk and you will listen. Do not ask any more questions, I won't answer them either.”

Yang Dingtian calmed his emotions and nodded.

“Ximen Yanyan sent you here. She's the only one who knows the way to the Sea of Hades. I don't know what she went through, but when she carried you here, she was already covered in wounds and extremely frail. She knelt on the beach of the Sea of Hades for seven days and nights, trying to use Ximen Wuya's favor in exchange to save your life.” Song Yu said, “I mentioned that our Sea of Hades once owed Ximen Wuya a huge favor. We obtained a Naga Race's mystic meridian crystal and wanted to use it to treat Ximen Yanyan's ruined mystic meridians to return what we owed…”

When he got to this part, Song Yu took a deep breath and said, “However, Ximen Yanyan gave up her only chance at regaining her strength and gave that opportunity to you. Of course, our Sea of Hades' favors isn't simply some child's play. It can't be s.h.i.+fted to anyone as you please, Hence, even if she died from kneeling, it would've been useless.”

“You and Ximen Yanyan were supposed to have perished on the beach. However, there was a change in circ.u.mstances. My Martial Aunt, Ji Wuyan, had taken an interest in her Meridians of Splendid Flames, she was also coincidentally lacking a sword attendant. Hence, Martial Aunt Ji Wuyan offered a condition. If Ximen Yanyan was willing to become her sword attendant, then the Sea of Hades would save you, Yang Dingtian. As a result of this, Ximen Yanyan agreed.”

From a regular perspective, a sword attendant's role would be to hold the sword every single day while acting as an aide and also as a disciple.

Ning Ruohan was the daughter of one of the influential officials of the Yin Yang Sect, hence, she was offered the role as a sword attendant for Dongfang Bingling.

Ji Wuyan from the Sea of Hades had a status that was comparable to Ximen Wuya, for Yanyan to be her sword attendant, it wouldn't be considered an insult, however, Yang Dingtian still felt heartache.

“Would Yanyan's mystic meridians be treated if she became a sword attendant for Senior Ji Wuyan?” Yang Dingtian asked.

Song Yu shook his head and replied, “The only Naga Race's mystic meridian crystal that they have has been used on you. In order to treat Ximen Yanyan, there must be another Naga Race's mystic meridian crystal. But, do you think that's possible?”

“Then… When will Ximen Yanyan be able to leave?” Yang Dingtian suppressed his erratic breath and asked.

“Of course she will never be able to.” Song Yu said, “She already exchanged her life for yours. How can she leave?”

Yang Dingtian inquired, “If… If I am able to find another Naga Race's mystic meridian crystal, or something even more precious… Would Yanyan be able to leave then?”

“Of course.” Song Yu replied, “However, do remember that our Sea of Hades spent a few decades before managing to obtain a single Naga Race's mystic meridian crystal. Do you think it's still possible?”

No matter how hard it was, he must be able to do it!

Yang Dingtian took a deep breath and calmed the surging blood and qi within him. He spoke calmly, “I want to see Yanyan.”

“Are you sure you want to see her?” Song Yu looked at Yang Dingtian and said, “Martial Aunt Ji Wuyan's island prohibits any male individuals. If a man takes even half a step on the island, they would perish without a burial ground.”

“Please! Do this favor for me, thank you!” Yang Dingtian bowed and spoke with respect.

Song Yu looked at Yang Dingtian and let out a light sigh. “It must be challenging for someone who has unyielding bones like you to bow. I will arrange a boat for you. I won't bother about your life and death when you arrive at Martial Aunt Ji Wuyan's place.”

After finis.h.i.+ng his statement, Song Yu walked out.

A few minutes later, someone came to inform Yang Dingtian that the boat was ready.

When Yang Dingtian walked out of the stone cave, it was only at this moment that he had the opportunity to look at the scenery of the Sea of Hades.

This was the Sea of Hades? It didn't look like any scenery from the human world as it was extremely beautiful and mysterious.

The entire sky was neon blue that would occasionally emit a cold and mild glow, the twin suns were nowhere to be seen. It was bright from every angle, but none of the areas had any dazzling s.h.i.+ne.

After walking out of the cave, Yang Dingtian came upon a beach. The sand on the beach was like shattered silver which was glittering while releasing an enchanting fluorescence.

The boat was ready, however, Yang Dingtian had to row by himself as no one dared to visit Ji Wuyan's Saltless Island.

When Yang Dingtian boarded the boat, he noticed it was an intricate wooden boat that was sculpted from a single block of wood and was wonderfully elaborate.

While he gently rowed the boat, the seawater looked like smashed up jade that was so pure and transparent, it almost seemed like the water that was reflecting with light looked like glistening scales. This was such beautiful scenery and was like an illusionary dream. It didn't feel real at all and it looked like the scene from the movie “Life of Pi” where it took place in a mystical sea.

Yang Dingtian constantly rowed forward and pa.s.sed by a few islands, some of which looked like jadeite. There were some islands that had red-purple coral reef, while some islands were filled with green trees without any sand. In short, all the islands couldn't be described with anything but beautiful.

Half an hour later, Saltless Island was soon in sight from a distance.

Saltless Island was actually hideous and dull gray. It was made up of weird stone formations that were ash-black in color, and every piece of stone sinisterly strange. It was a far cry from all those islands which he had rowed past.

Before he even approached the sh.o.r.e, Yang Dingtian yelled out, “Senior Ji Wuyan, Yang Dingtian is here to pay his respects.”

“Ahh!” There was an exclamation of pleasant surprise that instantly came from Saltless Island. It was a familiar voice, it belonged to Yanyan.

“Get lost. Any man who steps on my Saltless Island will be immediately chopped up into pieces,” A hoa.r.s.e voice echoed, it sounded as awful as a witch's voice.

“Grandma…” The island echoed with Ximen Yanyan's pleading voice.

“Ximen Yanyan, remember your status. Don't think that just because I have been pleasant for these past two days that you can behave inappropriately. Did you forget once your wounds of punishments healed up?” Ji Wuyan spoke in a cold voice despite the fact that she was a woman, her voice was even more awful than a man's.

“Grandma… Grandma… Grandma…” Ximen Yanyan acted like a spoiled child and continued to plead. Yang Dingtian seemed like he could even feel how Yanyan's delicate body was twisted like pulled candy.

Finally, Ji Wuyan was unable to withstand the Yanyan's spoiled behavior and spoke in a cold voice, “I will give you 15 minutes. Once you exceed it, I will immediately beat that man to death, and then I will break both of your wretched legs.”

“Thank you, Grandma…”

Immediately after, Yang Dingtian saw Ximen Yanyan rus.h.i.+ng out from the black little hut like a small deer.

In this instant, the dull gray island suddenly lit up. Because of Yanyan's existence, the ugly and hideous island became cute.

“Dear!” When Yanyan was still several meters away, she extended her arms like a young bird as she rushed into Yang Dingtian's embrace.

Yang Dingtian extended his arms too while Yanyan's well developed and tender body crashed into his bosom.

The two of them didn't talk as their scalding lips kissed together ferociously.

Finally, they reluctantly broke away after the both of them couldn't breath anymore and were feeling dizzy from the lack of oxygen.

Yang Dingtian cupped Yanyan's face which was still peerlessly exquisite and splendidly charming. However, she was thinner and her chin was sharper. Her original baby fats had turned into an enchanting oval face. He then hugged her small waist.

“Yanyan, you have lost weight. My Yanyan has lost weight… My darling has lost weight…” Yang Dingtian spoke in a gentle voice.

“Dear, I have grown up.” Yanyan spoke in her delicate voice, “But that place shouldn't have slimmed down, it's still the same.”

Yang Dingtian gently rubbed her face. His heart which was originally filled with emotions, evil thoughts, and extreme anger, was now gradually turning serene when he hugged this beautifully delicate body, it was as though a clear spring water poured into his heart.

While Yang Dingtian was enjoying this sweet silence, he didn't even wish to speak.

“Yanyan, what happened to your mother? Sister Ningning? Big Brother Ximen Lie?” Yang Dingtian asked, “What happened after I invoked the sword soul?”

In an instant, Yanyan's delight face dimmed as she elaborated on what happened in detail.

“I didn't expect that it was Yang s.h.i.+s.h.i.+ who actually halted the Qin Clan's army from pursuing us.”

Yanyan described everything that happened after Yang Dingtian had pa.s.sed out.

When she mentioned about Ximen Ningning slaughtering thousands of enemies, her gorgeous face revealed an unbelievable glow.

“Just like that, Sister Ningning obstructed all the experts from Yang Yan's side and the thousands of traitors. We then led a few hundred of the Black Blood Cavalry to successfully protect you and retreat from Cloud Heaven City.”

When thinking about Ximen Ningning, Yang Dingtian instantly felt a moment of suffocation as he asked, “Wha… what happened to Sister Ningning afterward?”

“I… I don't know!” Yanyan said, “When I saw her for the final time, she was flying in mid-air and poisoning about a hundred enemies. Her body was emitting a green light that would kill anyone with poison upon contact. No one dared to approach anywhere near a few hundred feet from her. I never would have expected the kind and gentle Sister Ningning, the Sister Ningning who wouldn't even want to step on an ant… was actually so astounding…”

Yang Dingtian instantly felt a strong twitch in his heart as his mind floated with Ximen Ningning's gentle face which had this slight craftiness.

“What about your mother and Big Brother Ximen Lie?” Yang Dingtian asked.

Ximen Yanyan said, “When we desperately hurried to Black Blood Castle, there were a few thousand soldiers who were trying to invade. The trial by duel was just a conspiracy plotted by Ximen Ju and Yang Yan's group. They wanted to kill all of us on that day.”

“Did Black Blood Castle fall?” Yang Dingtian asked.

Yanyan replied, “No, there were more than a thousand Black Blood Cavalry and more than two thousand enlistees in the castle, they were locked in an intense battle with the Qin Clan's army. When Big Brother Ximen Lie led the Black Blood Cavalry back to Black Blood Castle, the troops in the castle had a huge morale boost. With a front and back pincer attack, they defeated Northwest Qin Clan's cavalry unit.”

Subsequently, Yanyan said, “Dear, there's something that I recalled that was odd.”

“What is it?” Yang Dingtian asked.

Yanyan said, “When Tang Xin's body was suddenly paralyzed and fell towards my sword, her eyes were in pain, it felt as though she was trying to scream out something. Back then, I couldn't make anything out of it, but now that I think about it, it might have been the word, 'Ju'. Furthermore, after she fell, her hand was desperately trying to write a word on the ground. But due to her paralysis, she wrote it in a distorted manner and didn't even manage to finish the word. Now that I'm recalling about it, it might have been half of the 'Ju' word.”

Ximen Ju?!

Yang Dingtian asked, “Yanyan, why would you think it like that?”

Yanyan said, “That's because when we left Cloud Heaven City, Yang s.h.i.+s.h.i.+ secretly handed us a letter which said that we had to beware of Ximen Ju. It stated that Tang Xin discovered Yang s.h.i.+s.h.i.+ and Qin Shaobai's hideous act because someone arranged to meet her at a remote valley.”

Yang Dingtian's heart suddenly jumped!

It seemed right. From the looks of it, it might have been Ximen Ju!

Qin Shaobai, this venomous snake might have plotted the conspiracy and framed Yanyan, but behind him was actually Ximen Ju!

From this, it could be speculated that Ximen Ju already knew of Qin Shaobai and Yang s.h.i.+s.h.i.+'s incestual act, but he didn't call it out. He even invited Tang Xin to where Qin Shaobai and Yang s.h.i.+s.h.i.+ would be when they secretly conducted their affairs, this allowed Tang Xin to discover it all.

Afterward, Qin Shaobai violated Tang Xian and immediately thought of a plan to kill three birds with one stone. After killing Tang Xin, he framed Yanyan and took the opportunity to eliminate Yang Dingtian.

It was a ruthless plan and Qin Shaobai was pleased with himself, but he didn't expect to actually fall in Ximen Ju's trap. With all the evidence in Ximen Ju's hand, like the hideous acts with Yang s.h.i.+s.h.i.+ and the murder of Tang Xin. It would enable Ximen Ju to destroy Qin Shaobai in the future whenever he wanted to.

He was going to use Qin Shaobai to kill Yang Dingtian and then use the issues with morality to ruin Qin Shaobai. In this way, no one would be able to compete for the position of the Cloud Heaven City Lord against him.

Yang Dingtian gasped a breath of cold air!

Qin Shaobai already had a character of a venomous snake, but compared to Ximen Ju, he was obviously still tender.

Ximen Ju's schemes and malevolence were something that Yang Dingtian had never heard or seen before.

Yang Dingtian took in a deep breath and said, “He is indeed the most outstanding adoptive son of your father. He is truly incredible.”

And this person was going to be the greatest enemy in Yang Dingtian's strive for the Cloud Heaven City Lord's position!

In terms of cultivation, Ximen Ju should be close to the Martial Supreme cla.s.s, and in terms of schemes, he was unfathomable. Such an enemy was one that would cause people to tremble.

“So what if his schemes are deep? Only one's own strength and sword can decide everything in a true duel.” Yang Dingtian said, “In the face of absolute strength, all schemes are just sc.r.a.ps!”

The Grand Martial Duel for the city lord's position was about a year away.

Within this one year, Yang Dingtian had to grow stronger and stronger and stronger!

He had to breakthrough from Mystic Martial Warrior to Mystic Martial Master and then to Martial Mystic, and above that, to Martial Ancestor and even higher.

Only by breaking through to the Mystic Ancestor cla.s.s would Yang Dingtian have the possibility of obtaining the position of the city lord in the Grand Martial Duel. He would then be able to bring Yanyan, Madam Ximen, and Big Brother Ximen Lie back to Cloud Heaven City.

Seeing the bursting veins on Yang Dingtian's head, Yanyan gently stroked his face and spoke in a tender voice, “Dear, our Cloud Heaven City has been occupied, but I will not cry because I still have you. As long as you're still around, Yanyan's home will never be gone. Moreover, I believe that you will help Yanyan take back Cloud Heaven City one day.”

“Hmm…” At this moment, Ji Wuyan let out a hum as the 15 minutes were up.

“Dear, I truly regret why I didn't love you better in the past. When I finally realized how much I love you, there isn't any more time left,” Yanyan spoke in a sad voice.

“Don't worry, we have lots of time in the future,” Yang Dingtian spoke in a soft voice, “Before the Grand Martial Duel, I will come back to the Sea of Hades. By then, no matter what method I have to use, I will bring you out of here and we will go back to take Cloud Heaven City, to take back our home, to take back your little residence.”

“En. I believe you. I'll always believe you,” Yanyan desperately nodded. She then looked up with her beautiful eyes and said, “Dear, it's a pity that we do not have much time. I mentioned before that I will completely give you my entire self. We might be husband and wife, but we have yet to do it properly.”

Yang Dingtian smiled and said, “Then, we'll make a promise. After I kill Ximen Ju, take back Cloud Heaven City, and take back our home, we'll never be apart, okay?”

“Okay.” Yanyan spoke in a pampered voice, “When that time comes, I'll let you know that I'm the best wife. Even better than Sister Ningning.”

Yang Dingtian felt warmth in his eyes as he spoke gently, “You're already the best little wife. You always will be.”

Right now, Ji Wuyan's angry voice echoed out, “Still not leaving? Do you really want me to break your legs?”

“Senior, I'm going now,” Yang Dingtian responded.

“Dear, I love you. Kiss me again until I run out of breath,” Yanyan lifted her head and said.

The two of them kissed forcefully again as though it was the end of the world, separating only when their breaths were completely exhausted.

“Darling, go back first. Remember, I will be back in one year,” Yang Dingtian gently loosened his grip on Yanyan.

“En.” Yanyan nodded as if her life depended on it.

Yang Dingtian carried Yanyan and gently threw her, allowing her to land on the sh.o.r.e softly. He then began to row his boat backward.

Yanyan's beautiful eyes which were locked on Yang Dingtian were blossoming with tender sentiments as tears gushed out.

“Dear, remember to go the southwest continent's Mu Clan Docks. I hid the second rank of the Pig Slaying Sword Art there,” Yanyan suddenly recalled something important and yelled at Yang Dingtian, she didn't spare any consideration to Ji Wuyan.

“Okay, once I leave the Sea of Hades, I'll go there immediately,” Yang Dingtian replied.

There were plenty of things that he had yet to be informed of, but there wasn't enough time as Ji Wuyan was getting infuriated.

Why did Yanyan bring Yang Dingtian to the Sea of Hades by herself? How did she split up with Ximen Lie and the others? Why was the second rank of the Pig Slaying Sword Art in the hands of Yanyan? There wasn't enough time to explain everything.

“Dear, when I was in the middle bringing you to the Sea of Hades, I was on the brink of a crisis. An individual in a clown mask and black cloak rescued me. He handed the second rank of the Pig Slaying Sword Art to me, he also escorted me to the Sea of Hades. He's very powerful and mysterious, however, I don't know who he is,” Yanyan said.

“Pa…” Before Yanyan could finish talking, Yang Dingtian instantly suffered a slap through the air and felt a tingling pain on his face.

Yang Dingtian bowed and said, “Senior, please take care of my wife!”

“Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa…” Yang Dingtian suffered a few more blows and nearly fell down due to the intense pain.

“I will leave everything to you senior!” Yang Dingtian yelled out and turned to row the boat away from the island.

“Dear, I will wait for you to come back and fetch me,” Yanyan's voice echoed loudly.

In an instant, Yang Dingtian's tears involuntarily fell as he muttered to himself in a gentle voice, “Yanyan, I will definitely come back in a year.”

Perhaps, before Yang Dingtian was powerful enough to protect her, the Sea of Hades was actually the safest place for her to be in.

A few hours later when Yang Dingtian opened his eyes again, he was already floating on the surface of the sea and was under the rays of the twin suns.

He had already left the Sea of Hades. The world's most mysterious place was actually under the surface of the sea. It felt like an independent s.p.a.ce that was hidden under the surface of the water. The islands, the skies, and the silver beach which he saw were all under the surface of this patch of sea, however, no one knew how to enter.

Yang Dingtian rowed from this location and finally arrived at a beach. This beach was the regular beach, where Yanyan knelt for seven days and nights.

“Yanyan, wait for me to bring you back home…”

Yang Dingtian took a final glance at this mysterious place and turned around to sprint rapidly to the north. After running for a few hundred miles, there was another vast sea, the other side of this sea was the southwest continent.

The Mu Clan Docks was in the extreme south of the southwest continent. The second rank of the Pig Slaying Sword Art was hidden by Yanyan there.

In addition, the Fire Immunity Chilling Pearl that Yang Dingtian required was also in the southwest continent. Furthermore, there was only a month left before the peak grade Earth-Fire would blossom. If he wanted to enter the Fire Cloud Devil Cave, he would need the Fire Immunity Chilling Pearl. The time left for Yang Dingtian to look for the Fire Immunity Chilling Pearl was extremely pressing.

The southwest continent and the northwest continent were separated by a sea which was more than 5,000 miles. It was likely that the northwest and southwest continents were actually a united continent in the past, but was now somehow separated.

Previously, Yanyan first brought Yang Dingtian across thousands of miles to reach the southern side of the northwest continent to enter the sea. After sailing for 5,000 miles, she then crossed 8,000 miles of the southwest continent and then traveled a few thousand miles more before reaching the Sea of Hades.

Hence, Yang Dingtian had actually only stayed in the Sea of Hades for about two months this was because Yanyan was constantly on the move with him for almost a month. She had suffered untold hards.h.i.+ps and challenging torment. Yang Dingtian couldn't imagine how much suffering Yanyan encountered during her travels. Once Yang Dingtian imagined how Yanyan was kneeling on the beach while riddled with wounds, his heart felt as though it was shattered with intense pain.

Everything had happened because he wasn't competent enough.

There was still a year before the Grand Martial Duel for the Cloud Heaven City Lord's position. It would be the only and final chance for him to take back Cloud Heaven City honorably.

There was only a year left and he had to strengthen himself quickly.

He wouldn't denounce Ximen Ju's despicable behavior nor would he berate him as an ingrate. This was because all these were meaningless! The best response to someone despicable would be to behead him!

Ximen Ju, Yang Yan! All of you wait for me at Cloud Heaven City!

Yang Dingtian rowed his small boat alone and pressed on to the north through day and night.

Throughout this 5,000 miles of sea region, Yang Dingtian relied on this small boat and rowed with frenzy without any concept of day or night. Whenever he was hungry, he could catch some fish and eat it raw. Of course, this sea region was arranged with fatal traps by the Sea of Hades. If the Sea of Hades didn't give him a map, any boat that pa.s.sed by this place wouldn't be able to escape a miserable fate.

Half a month later, Yang Dingtian finally set foot on the southwest continent. The current Yang Dingtian had grown a beard and his entire face had been tanned and roughed up by the sun and sea breeze. This caused his entire image to completely change. He looked haggard and it felt as though he had grown older by ten years. There wasn't a need to put on any disguise as no one would recognize the current Yang Dingtian.

The southwest continent was blazing hot and humid. The entire continent was filled with deep mountain ranges and lush forests. It was crawling with demonic beasts, plagues, and the poisonous wilderness. The Primal Chaos World named this place as the Savage Lands. It was nearly ten thousand miles of land, but the population wasn't even more than ten million, it wasn't even a tenth of the northwest continent. Ever since two centuries ago, when Li Tianxiao used the plague to kill hundreds of thousands of the southwest alliance army. The prestigious factions had all treated this place as unclean lands. Hence, this piece of land had gradually been slipping into the hands of evil.

The Mu Clan Docks was located at the southern extremity of the southwest continent which was around 100 miles away from the coastline.

Back at the Sea of Hades, because of the pressing time, Yang Dingtian didn't have time to ask about the situation of the Mu Clan Docks. He didn't know why Yanyan trusted this Mu Clan Docks so much that she actually placed a unique treasure like the Pig Slaying Sword Art at this place.

As he inquired along the way, Yang Dingtian finally got to know that within the radius of a few hundred miles, the Mu Clan was considered a large faction and mainly lived off of the pearls that they harvested from the sea.

“Uncle, can I know the way to Mu Clan Docks?” At one of the tea stalls, Yang Dingtian had bought a huge bowl of tea when asked the tea stall's uncle.

“Walk straight. Do you see this path? It leads to the Mu Clan Docks. This path is paved out by the Mu Clan.” The tea stall uncle looked at Yang Dingtian and asked, “Young man, are you going to partic.i.p.ate in the martial contest for marriage?”

“Martial contest for marriage? What's going on?” Yang Dingtian asked.

“Oh, you aren't here to partic.i.p.ate in the martial contest for marriage? That's strange, people seldom visit our rundown place. What are you here for then, young man?” The tea stall uncle continued to ask.

“I'm here to buy pearls. I heard that the Mu Clan Docks was the largest clan around here that would harvest pearls,” Yang Dingtian said, “I'm doing some small business and the price for buying from a middle man is just too expensive. That's why I came here to buy the goods directly.”

The tea stall uncle replied, “I see. If it was in the past, you would surely have been able to buy them for a cheap price as the Mu Clan were generous people. Even though they are influential, they never bullied peasants like us. The lands several miles within this place are all considered their territories, but the Mu Clan always collects very little tax. They would even send rations and meat to us every day. They're a family that's almost like Bodhisattva. A pity that a good man never lives long. Sigh…”

Yang Dingtian asked, “What exactly happened? Could uncle please tell me?”

The tea stall uncle sighed and said, “It's all because of Young Lady Mu Lianyi's overly beautiful looks that invited the disaster. It was unknown how rumors of Young Lady Lianyi's beauty had traveled all the way to the ears of the Raging Flames Castle's Young Lord, who is more than a few hundred miles from here. He then immediately proposed for marriage to the Mu Clan's Docks and even wanted them to reply in ten days. However, this Young Lord from the Raging Flames Castle is famed for his evil reputation, brutal actions, and licentious character. If Young Lady Lianyi were to marry him, she would undoubtedly be pushed into living h.e.l.l.

“Did anyone go for the martial contest?” Yang Dingtian asked.

“There are. Despite the influence of the Raging Flames Castle, there are plenty of people who admires Young Lady Lianyi and are all here to partic.i.p.ate in the martial contest for marriage. But the Raging Flames Castle wants to prevent all these people, hence, they blocked all the checkpoints of the roads. As long as a youth came to partic.i.p.ate in the martial contest for marriage, they would break all his legs.” The tea stall uncle continued, “This was the reason why I asked if you were here to partic.i.p.ate in the martial contest right from the start. If you were, and your martial prowess isn't competent enough, then I would have advised you not to go. Furthermore, I can see that you don't look competent at all.”

“Uncle doesn't have to worry about anything. I'm not here to partic.i.p.ate in the martial contest. I'm just here to buy pearls. Thank you for telling me some information. I shall take my leave,” Yang Dingtian put down a piece of silver coin.

“I don't have enough to give you change for such a big valued coin,” The tea stall uncle said.

“Keep it,” Yang Dingtian spoke and left after he got up.

“Young man, don't go there! They don't care if you're partic.i.p.ating in the martial contest or not! They will beat up whoever goes there!” The tea stall uncle quickly came chasing after.

“Don't worry, I know what to do,” Yang Dingtian responded. He mounted the horse that immediately galloped on the pavement.

“Halt! Dismount!”

As expected, in less than ten miles, Yang Dingtian met with an obstruction.

More than ten individuals blocked the road and pointed their weapons at Yang Dingtian, one of them yelling in a severe tone, “Go back where you came from. Our castle's Young Lord is going to marry Young Lady Mu. Get lost immediately or we'll break your limbs.”

“I'm not here to partic.i.p.ate in the martial contest for marriage. I'm just here to buy some pearls.” Yang Dingtian took out a bag of silver coins and said, “Please do me a favor and allow me to pa.s.s.”

“Toss the money over,” The leader spoke.

Yang Dingtian tossed the bag of money over.

A strong man received the bag and opened it to take a look. He instantly beamed with joy. There were a few dozen silver coins, it seemed that they had struck a small windfall.

After keeping the bag of coins, the strong man immediately turned hostile and said, “You better get lost and go back to where you came from. Otherwise, we'll break your limbs and even your fifth limb. Let's see if you still want s.e.x or your life!”

(TL note: fifth limb refers to the male's p.e.n.i.s)

Yang Dingtian took a lance from the horse. This lance wasn't the same as the ancient lance on Earth. It was made of durable and flexible metal, every one of it was worth more than a hundred gold coins. Yang Dingtian used this weapon because he didn't want anyone to identify him.

After seeing this lance, that strong man's eyes instantly revealed a greedy look as he yelled out, “Its a cash cow! Brothers, do it!”

More than ten individuals rushed at the same time, brandis.h.i.+ng their weapons at Yang Dingtian.

“Bang!” Yang Dingtian swept across with his lance.

The first three individuals were all sent flying and violently vomited with fresh blood.

“Swish… Swish… Swish…” There were a few chilling light beams that suddenly shot at Yang Dingtian's chest from the bushes.

Yang Dingtian puffed up his chest to welcome these hidden weapons which were coated with poison.

“Hehehe! This move is still useful,” The leader sneered.

But he was immediately shocked afterward, this was because when those hidden weapons struck Yang Dingtian's chest, it didn't penetrate his flesh but instead, bounced off immediately.

The strong man was surprised as this was the mystic qi protection which made the skin impenetrable. Seeing the bad twist in circ.u.mstances, the strong man quickly ordered his subordinates to continue attacking while he turned around to escape.

“Huuu…” Yang Dingtian threw the lance in his hand out ruthlessly, the lance struck on the back of the strong man, sending him flying several meters. The strong man vomited blood and collapsed while the lance turned back and flew back into Yang Dingtian's hand.

“Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa…” After taking back the lance, Yang Dingtian used a single blow for each of the remaining bandits and broke everyone's legs.

It was complete chaos as all the bandits were tumbling on the ground and wailing.

“You broke others' legs, hence I broke your legs. Don't do evil deeds in the future and go back to your farm work.” Yang Dingtian spoke coldly, “Otherwise, you will die in another person's hand.”

Subsequently, Yang Dingtian lifted his lance and rushed straight ahead.

The Mu Clan Docks was constructed on the side of a lake. Half of it was on the ground while the other was on the water. Most of the building was built with wood with few bricks here and there. It was a few hectares wide which seemed to fit their influential power.

Two servants went up and yelled out before Yang Dingtian could even reach the gates with his horse, “Is the guest here to partic.i.p.ate in the martial contest for marriage? Welcome, welcome…”

Afterwards, one of them pulled Yang Dingtian's horse, while the other one politely guided Yang Dingtian into the docks.

“What is this hero's name?” The servant asked while leading the way.

“Yan Nantian,” Yang Dingtian replied. This was a fake name that he randomly came up with. Back at Earth, he felt that this name sounded very heroic.

“Great name.” The servant raised his thumb and said, “I wonder if Hero Yan met any troubles along the way?”

“I encountered a dozen obstructing bandits. But I dispatched them,” Yang Dingtian replied.

The servant was instantly delighted as he spoke, “Hero Yan is surely brilliant. During these nine days, you're the fourth to actually make it pa.s.s. Please come this way to the guest hall. My Clan Head and the three other heroes are all there.”

Yang Dingtian recalled that these three individuals must really be here for the martial contest for marriage and wanted to marry Mu Lianyi.

“This brother, please wait a moment. I would like to meet with your Docks' owner alone as I have something important to convey,” Yang Dingtian requested.

That servant paused for a moment and said, “Then, would Hero Yan wait a moment, please?”

Soon enough, Yang Dingtian met with the Mu Clan Docks' owner, Mu Liancheng. He had an average build and looked like a graceful middle-aged man. He didn't know any martial arts and looked like a scholar instead. He couldn't walk properly as if he had once broken his left leg. But Yang Dingtian slid his eyes away from the other party's crippled area.

“I am the Mu Clan Head. It's nice to meet Hero Yan,” Mu Liancheng walked in and bowed to Yang Dingtian with cupped hands.

Yang Dingtian looked at the man's graceful and gentle face. He couldn't understand why Yanyan would trust the man so much that she actually left the second rank of the Pig Slaying Sword Art with him.

Yang Dingtian returned the gesture with respect. “Greetings to Mu Clan Head. I'm here to retrieve an item.”

Mu Liancheng's expression changed slightly. His eyes shot at Yang Dingtian with lightning speed, he asked, “What kind of item?”

“A scroll,” Yang Dingtian answered.

“What kind of scroll?” Mu Liancheng asked.

“A scroll of a manual. A woman left it here,” Yang Dingtian responded.