The present patriarch of the Shui Clan was a sixth-ranked official of the Majestic Empire, and also the biological father of Shui Yanyu. His cultivation had also reached the minor levels of the Sun Moon Tier. In the future, it would be likely that he would take over the responsibility of guarding the Shui Clan from their ancestor.
Eight guards had lined up at the main doors, all of whom were at the level of the Shattering Void Tier.
Within the entire Imperial Capital, probably aside from the empress, other forces wouldn’t be qualified to have cultivators of the Mountain River Tier serve as guards, as it would be a huge waste of financial resources. Secondly, it would also be too conspicuous—how would the empress view such a person?
With Shui Yanyu leading the way, they naturally entered the Shui Clan’s manor with ease. They walked towards the study where the patriarch of the Shui Clan would be found.
“You mustn’t let the cat out of the bag!” Shui Yanyu whispered to him before entering.
Ling Han smiled slightly, and said, “Rest assured.”
“I will be by your side to help!” Shui Yanyu stressed again.
“That would really be a huge help for me,” Ling Han replied with a smile.
Shui Yanyu took a deep breath. Then, she pushed open the door and walked in first.
“Father!” she called out softly. Inside the study, there was only a middle-aged man sitting upright and reading a book. Hearing her, he looked up, and swept his gaze over both Shui Yanyu and Ling Han. He then nodded.
“You may leave first,” he said to Shui Yanyu.
Shui Yanyu was stunned for a moment. She was about to open her mouth to speak when the man glared at her. At that moment, she could only take her leave obediently.
Ling Han caught her eyes momentarily, with an expression that meant: “you just said a while ago that you would stay by my side and support me. How could you abandon me in the blink of an eye?”
Shui Yanyu glanced at him. He could still make cutting remarks (send her accusatory stares) at a time like this…? Just what was his heart made of? It was really too tough.
She walked out of the entrance and closed the door behind her.
The patriarch of the Shui Clan—he was called Zige—did not speak or even bother to look at Ling Han. Instead, he picked up his book and continued reading.
At this moment, Ling Han was observing the other party. This middle-aged man was really too handsome for words. At the very least, Ling Han knew that he was no match for the man in terms of appearance. Moreover, for a full-grown man to be born with a pair of peach blossom eyes, it would really cause others—whether male or female—to be attracted to him.
It seemed that Shui Yanyu had taken more after her father as she not only inherited her father’s exceptional beauty, but also the temperament. However, when these characteristics appeared on a man, it would make him appear effeminate. Yet, if they were found in a woman, her exquisiteness and allure would be bone-deep.
Shui Zige had no intention to speak at all, but the aura of an elite of the Sun Moon Tier had been set in motion. In such a situation, even an elite of the Mountain River Tier would be trembling all over, and not even have the strength to stand, let alone a cultivator of the Shattering Void Tier.
The suppression of every level in the Immortal Realm was really tremendous, especially at the stage of the major cultivation tiers. It was said that even the legendary five-star geniuses could not cross such a domain.
… For example, a cultivator at the peak level of perfection of the Mountain River Tier would not be able to directly confront another at the minor levels of the Sun Moon Tier—not even if you were a five-star genius. The so-called how-many-stars genius could only cross over the minor cultivation levels.
Ling Han couldn’t endure it anymore; no matter how tenacious his spirit was, it wouldn’t change the fact that he was still at the level of the Shattering Void Tier.
But what did it matter?
Ling Han directly sat down. ‘Since you won’t talk, then fine, I’ll cultivate and we shall see who will surrender first.’
Seeing that Ling Han closed his eyes and began to calmly cultivate, Shui Zige had an urge to smash the book in his hands into Ling Han’s face.
He had intended to intimidate Ling Han by displaying his strength, but it turned out that he had been bested by Ling Han.
“You are Ling Han?” he finally spoke up.
‘Is this a joke? You’ve asked your daughter to bring me here, so how could you not know who I am now?’
What could be done, though? The other party was the girl’s father.
Ling Han stood up, and respectfully said, “Yes, that is who I am.”
He still had to observe the necessary etiquette. Before, the other party had deliberately given him the cold shoulder, so he sat quietly and focused on cultivating. This was a kind of response and a statement. However, when an elder asked him a question, he couldn’t act arrogantly.
Shui Zige could not help but be astounded. This young man was only in his twenties, and his cultivation was still at the level of the Shattering Void Tier, yet he knew when to advance or retreat calmly in such a dignified manner?
Was this the domineering characteristic of a monarch?
He felt a slight admiration towards Ling Han, but even so, he wouldn’t change his mind. He said, “You are not worthy of my daughter. From today onwards, you are not allowed to see Yanyu again.”
Ling Han burst out laughing, and said, “Lord Shui, you are way too arbitrary!”
“You have the cheek to lecture me?” Shui Zige could not help but laugh. Even a man of the Left Minister would not be allowed to be rude to an official of the imperial court. As this involved the rites of a nation, even if Shui Zige were to subdue or kill Ling Han, the Left Minister also wouldn’t be able to say anything.
“I dare not, nor am I.” Ling Han shook his head. “I am just stating a fact. Although my cultivation level is still at the Shattering Void Tier, it won’t forever remain at the Shattering Void Tier! Didn’t the seven Generals of the Majestic Empire also start from the Shattering Void Tier and work their way up step by step? The same is true for the Left and Right Ministers.”
What an overconfident guy!
Shui Zige humphed, and said, “You dare compare yourself to these nine lords?”
“There is no comparison now, but it may not be the case in the future.” Ling Han confidently smiled, but did not say too much, as a person ought to be modest.
Yet Shui Zige did not think that he had even the slightest bit of modesty. However, speaking of potential, who in this Chaotic Stars Majestic Empire could compare to Ling Han?
As strong as Luo Ba had been, he was also killed in a single blow. With Ling Han having a battle prowess of at least 22 Stars, who could compare to him?
“Haha, even if there comes a day when you reach the Heavenly Body Tier, my daughter’s youth will probably have withered away by then. She can’t wait, and it’s also not necessary for her to wait!” Shui Zige waved dismissively. “This will be the one and only warning: do not see my daughter again. Otherwise, I will make you regret it.”
Ling Han smiled lightly, and said, “Is Father-in-law not aware that you are going to be a grandfather?”
Pu!
Shui Zige completely lost it as he directly choked in shock. This practically struck him like a thunderbolt from a clear sky. His precious daughter was actually deflowered by this young man? Not only was she deflowered, but even got pregnant with his grandson?
If he were to calmly think about it, Ling Han had just arrived in the Immortal Realm for only a month. How could it possibly happen? But now that he was completely lost in his own thoughts on the word ‘grandchild’, he could barely think straight.
“Yanyu!” he roared suddenly.
Shui Yanyu was waiting at the door. After hearing her name being shouted, she quickly pushed open the door and entered the room, only to see that all her father’s hair was completely
standing on ends while his eyes were practically spurting out fire; he had completely lost it.
She couldn’t help but wonder what Ling Han had said to her father that actually caused the latter to fly into such a rage.
“You, you, you…” Shui Zige pointed at Shu Yanyu, so angry that he could not speak.
Ling Han reached out, and said, “Father-in-law, if you are to blame someone, blame me!”
“Get lost! Get lost now!” Shui Zige waved them away repeatedly. Now, he only wanted to be alone to digest such an astonishing piece of news.
“Let’s go!” Ling Han pulled at Shui Yanyu and ran.
Shui Yanyu couldn’t make heads or tails of the situation. Only when they had left the Shui Clan’s manor did she ask, “What did you say to my father?”
“Oh, I was afraid that he would break us up, so I said that you’re already having ‘a bun in the oven’,” Ling Han answered casually 1.
“What’s a bun in the oven?” Shui Yanyu asked blankly. She was still very pure, and was totally clueless on the matters between a man and woman.
“Hehe!”
“What are you laughing at? Spit it out!”
“It means that your father is going to be a grandfather soon.”
Shui Yanyu was stunned for a moment before she finally recovered, and her pretty face became filled with killing intent. “Ling Han, I’m going to kill you!” She began to chase Ling Han, brandishing her sword.
Chapter 930 - Assassin
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Shui Yanyu chased Ling Han for a while, but had to admit that it was actually a “very good” idea; at least for now, it could silence the Shui Clan.
Even if the Shui Clan wouldn’t mind sending her off to the Zhao Clan, how could General Zhao accept a daughter-in-law who was already pregnant with the child of another man?
Since she’d decided to pretend to be a married couple with Ling Han, she had already felt a certain kind of preparation. However, preparation and getting used to it were two entirely different matters. This was the reason why she flew into a rage out of humiliation, and was chasing Ling Han with killing intent. However, she eventually accepted it begrudgingly.
But she was still furious, so she completely ignored Ling Han, and abruptly turned to leave in a huff.
Ling Han couldn’t help laughing. ‘We were already pretending to be a husband and wife, what difference would a “child” make?’
When he thought about children, he couldn’t help but miss his son. Would his son still recognize him when they met again?
Although he was quite confident, it would easily take more than a thousand years for one to reach the level of the Mountain River Tier, and how many more years to reach the Heavenly Body Tier? Even if he was a genius and could shorten the period by ten times, it would take him thousands or even tens of thousands of years.
At that time, his son would already be a great-great-grandfather.
There was no use worrying; on the road of cultivation, one had to advance step by step. At least for now, he wouldn’t be able to leave the Chaotic Stars Majestic Empire. He could only keep saving his strength while figuring out a way to go about it.
However, the Immortal Realm was really too massive. First of all, the Roc Palace was definitely not located on the Joint Peace Planet. In that case, once things involved an intergalactic journey, it would take years—a few if the journey was short, but a long journey could take decades or even centuries.
Moreover, the corporeal body as such would not be able to directly cross universe. It would be useless even if he could fly by controlling the Regulations of the Immortal Realm as the speed would be too slow. One had to use a God Tool for flying, and a high-grade one that would be able to endure long periods of flying and withstand the sudden outburst of perils in the universe at that.
For example meteoroids, black holes, and the turbulent flow of stars that could make elite Immortals be consigned to eternal damnation.
Upon entering the universe, there would be no room for fooling around, so one had to be fully prepared.
Ling Han shook his head. It would be better to be sure and steady. He’d first advance his strength to 20 Stars, and after stepping into the Immortal Realm, raise his cultivation level via consumption of alchemical pills. Perhaps he might be able to reproduce the miracle back in the small world and attain the level of the Heavenly Body Tier in the shortest time.
As long as he could reach the level of the Heavenly Body Tier, he would be able to leave the Chaotic Stars Majestic Empire in a dignified manner.
… Being such an elite, how could he be held hostage?
‘Hm?’
Ling Han felt a sudden apprehension as a strong sense of crisis arose in his heart.
His spirit was extremely strong indeed, and could almost emulate one at the minor levels of the Mountain River Tier. Naturally, he also had a strong ability to sense danger.
Swoosh, the cold tip of a blade flashed past, diagonally from the rooftop of a building straight to his chest, where his heart was located.
This was a black short arrow, which exuded a terrifying coldness from the tip of the arrowhead.
At this moment, Ling Han had to make judgments and choices.
The power of this arrow ought to be from someone at the minor levels of the Mountain River Tier. He had exchanged blows with Shui Yanyu, so he was able to make such an assessment. The problem was whether this arrow was made of Godly metal, and whether it could penetrate his body?
He couldn’t help but clench his fists. Xiu, as the arrow landed, Ling Han’s entire being was directly jolted until he was flung into the air. Peng, he somersaulted in the air for a few times before falling onto the ground, where blood immediately gushed out of him.
“Hehe!” A man in black clothing jumped down from the top of the building. His body was light, and he did not make even the tiniest bit of sound. Even his face was covered with a black cloth, revealing only a pair of sparkling eyes.
“He was merely at the level of the Shattering Void Tier. Was I a bit too cautious?” the man in black said to himself as he pulled out a short blade and walked toward Ling Han with the intention of severing Ling Han’s head.
As an assassin, if he didn’t bring back the target’s head, how could he prove that he was the one who had assassinated the target?
He walked to Ling Han’s side, grabbed the other party’s hair, and was about to slash his blade across his neck. All of a sudden, however, he was shocked—Ling Han’s chest wasn’t stabbed with an arrow!
Being an assassin with a rich combat experience, his ability of adapting to sudden accidents was also extremely swift. He covered his entire body with Origin Power at once, and his right hand which held the short blade proceeded to slash towards Ling Han’s neck.
He didn’t know how Ling Han had managed to escape that arrow, and even deliberately fooled and led him to a trap, but when a cultivator of the Mountain River Tier came up against another of the Shattering Void Tier, the latter would definitely be crushed. At such a close distance, what kind of tricks could the other party play?
Even if worse came to worst, he had also used Origin Power to cover his entire body. Even if a thousand cultivators of the Shattering Void Tier were to simultaneously strike against him, it also wouldn’t hurt him.
In any case, he was already standing in the safest and most advantageous position.
However, could things really be as what he had expected?
Ling Han revealed a smile. Suddenly, he condensed the strength of his spirit, and directed it towards the other party.
Seven Kill Subduing Soul Technique!
Hong, with the spiritual attack, the black man immediately showed a trace of confusion, and fell unconscious.
Ling Han seized this opportunity to wrap the other party with his divine sense, and put him inside the Black Tower.
Ding, it was at this moment that the short blade cut across Ling Han’s ne
ck, but inside the Black Tower, Ling Han was a true god!
As it fell to the ground, this short blade immediately turned to powder. So what if it was made of Godly metal?
Ling Han suddenly had a thought, and condensed the metal powder back together again.
He should not to waste it—he could recast it to make an arrow. Now, his strongest killing technique was the Annihilating Dragon Star Arrow, but there was a huge problem: shooting an arrow was equivalent to shooting away a great amount of wealth.
With Ling Han’s current strength, the Seven Kill Subduing Soul Technique would only have a momentary effect on an elite at the minor levels of the Mountain River Tier. The man in black immediately regained his consciousness, and could not help but sneer, “I’ve underestimated you. Not only are you extremely daring, your defense is so amazing that you could take one hit from my arrow but not get wounded! Hey, where is this place?”
He immediately expressed shock—this place was definitely not the former alley, but some boundless grassland.
It transformed? Or, was this the art of illusion?
Ling Han gave a slight smile. His body could naturally take a hit from a cultivator at the minor levels of the Mountain River Tier. It was difficult to disperse the power from the hit, so he was flung into the air. However, he still managed to control it; when he landed on the ground, he took the opportunity to hide the arrow inside the Black Tower, and then used the blood of a Demonic Beast to replace his own blood in order to make the other party think he’d been hit.
It was all brainstormed and executed in a flash. Even Ling Han was extremely satisfied—a cultivator of the Mountain River Tier had been captured alive!
How could he get close to the other party if he did not cause his opponent to let down his guard? Even if the Seven Kill Subduing Soul Technique was effective, he also wouldn’t be able to get close to the other party—by the time he’d rushed to the other party’s side, the latter would already have regained consciousness.
After getting hit once, it would be difficult to make the other party fall for the same trick twice.
Alchemy Emperor of the Divine Dao c1-1294 Page 476