by Translator: Pokka; Author: 我本纯洁 (I Am Pure); Licensed From: Migu
Organizations such as the Martial Hall Palace and the Gateflag Academy were basically tier-1 organizations whose existences were not even acknowledged. As for the organizations in Cloud Margin City, these were tier-2 organizations. As for the Cloud Margin Pavilion which also acted as the main cultivation academy of a city, it was considered a peak tier-3 organization that had a chance at becoming a tier-4 organization.
The Cloud Margin Pavilion had Emperor Realm cultivators in their ranks yet was still a mere tier-3 organization. One could only imagine how frightening the higher tiered organizations could be.
At a certain mountainous area within the Western Desert.
Towering mountains littered the mountain range while numerous pavilions and buildings stood erect in the middle of the mountains. The peak of the mountains were filled with mist, and from far away, the entire mountain range looked like a painting of paradise.
Numerous cultivators could be seen flying in the air, roars of land and flying beasts resounded without stop, the verdant and lush trees swayed gently in the air, and a certain fragrance filled the air. The mountain range was also filled with swirling purple radiance, which gave it an incredibly auspicious appearance.
A massive gate that was about 100 meters tall stood at the mountain range's entrance. On the door, the words "Ziling Sect" could be seen.
As a tier-7 organization, there was no doubting Ziling Sect's position as one of the most powerful organizations in the region. In fact, it even had a chance at becoming a tier-8 organization.
Unfortunately, the number one expert of the sect, also founder of the sect, Xiang Yangzhan had gone missing after battling a super expert of the region, the Death Magistrate, Shangguan Wusheng. The battle happened at a forbidden zone, the Wumo Pass. Nobody knew the result of the battle, as both of them had vanished afterwards.
Some claimed that both of them had died in the battle. Some claimed that they were both trapped in the Wumo Pass. Some also claimed that Shangguan Wusheng had killed Xiang Yangzhan.
The Ziling Sect originally had a hope of becoming a tier-8 organization within 1,000 years, but the disappearance of Xiang Yangzhan had struck a heavy blow to the sect. Apart from that, an internal disorder had also erupted within the sect. Some traitors took the chance to try killing Xiang Yangzhan's sole son and took over the sect.
Because of that, even more resources of the Ziling Sect were exhausted, causing this sect that originally stood a chance at becoming a tier-8 organization to barely be able to remain a tier-7 organization. Within the Ziling Sect was a mountain called Shaoyun Peak, and on the mountain was an incredibly luxurious estate.
The building occupied half the space halfway up the mountain. Within the spacious estate, several refined pavilions could be seen. Each pavilion was constructed from wood over 1,000 years old. These pavilions were exquisitely designed; the dragons and phoenixes carved into the beams and pillars made the pavilions look incredibly exalted.
The courtyard of the estate was filled with rock gardens, springs, booths, jade platforms, and so on. Every part of the estate looked like it was something out of a painting. When walking in the estate, each step one took made one feel that a new scenery would open up before one's eyes. Looking at the estate from different angles gave one different sensations as well, and the estate as a whole seemed to be designed to give one the epitome of pleasure.
It was such an elegant estate that was completely devoid of people, looking bleak and desolate. Occasionally, the wind whistled through the estate, lifting the dead leaves off the ground.
Today, a young man and a young woman had arrived at the long-abandoned Shaoyun Peak. The two emanated flawless grace, looking like immortals who had descended upon the mortal world. Hand in hand, the two stepped into the estate.
The young man looked to be about 18 years old. His face was as fair as the purest white jade, his eyes akin to a luminous pair of moons. Body tall and straight, his bearing was so impressive one would never be able to forget him after only looking at him once.
The young woman's face was as pretty as a blooming flower, her eyes were as clear as the clearest pond, and her skin was as fair as snow while her bearing was graceful and subdued. Revealing a clear outline of her flawless figure, her gorgeous silk outfit fluttered in the wind as she took graceful steps with her perfect legs that seemed to exist for the sole purpose of tugging one's heartstrings.
Anyone who saw this couple would exclaim that the man and the woman were a flawlessly attractive pair.
"Shaoyun Peak, a place once bustling with noise and excitement is now a desolate and quiet place. It is really quite a pity," said the young man as he gazed at a stele with "Shaoyun Peak" written on it.
The young woman also looked at the stele; sorrow covered her eyes for a split second before it vanished. From her alluring lips, her voice rang out, "He was once a self-proclaimed number one playboy scholar. Unfortunately, this is a world of martial cultivation. A weak scholar is but a trash regardless of his talent."
"Hehe, do you think he is truly a playboy though?" the young man asked.
"This place was once filled with hundreds of enchantingly attractive maids, all to serve him alone. Living such a life, how is he not a playboy?" said the young woman, a complicated look in her eyes.
"Haha, the people only know him as a trash and playboy scholar, but how many people know that he is also a proud genius in cultivation?" the young man roared with laughter.
He then slammed his palm in the direction of the stele, sending forth a crushing power.
Bang!
Instantly, the stele was reduced into powder. At such a young age, he was already a King Realm cultivator. In fact, he was more than a regular King Realm cultivator; he was at least a mid-stage King Realm cultivator.
The instant the stele was crushed, the young woman felt her heart stop beating for a moment. A sense of sorrow surged out, nearly causing her to lose control over her emotions for a moment.
Let him drift away along with the wind..., the woman thought as a vicious glint replaced the sorrow in her eyes.
"From now onward, Shaoyun Peak no longer exists," said the young man coldly.
"Yes, there is no more Shaoyun Peak. But how about him? Have you eliminated the weed at its roots?" asked the young woman.
"Hmph. If his loyalists hadn't protected him with their lives, he would have been killed long ago. He has most likely escaped to our enemy's territory. I already have some men there looking for him. I believe they will be able to capture him soon," said the young man murderously. He paused before continuing, "Even if he is already dead, I won't rest until I see his corpse. I won't take any chances."
"Yes, we can't allow him to live," the young woman said. She then added, "Let's go. I don't want to stay here any longer."
Chapter 139: Separation of Brothers
After leaving the Golden River Valley, Xiang Shaoyun did not head toward the Martial Hall Palace. Instead, he roamed about aimlessly with Little White and Jin Wo. As he wandered about, his mind drifted away as well. Scenes of his previous life surfaced in his mind, the paradise he once lived at, the tall and straight man who had protected him all those years...all of them resurfaced in his mind, filling him with a yearning desire for a past long gone.
"You are my son. Therefore you are free to waste all I have made. Who dares to say anything about it?"
"Son, the maid you want is here. If you are really capable, you should get me a dozen grandchildren or something. Your father shall take care of your kids for you."
"What? You're feeding the dog a king medicine? Sure. Feel free to grab more king medicine if you want. We have too many of those anyway."
"Son, I need to battle someone. Wait for me to return in triumph. When I'm back, I'll arrange a wedding for you. In the future, you only need to focus on making grandchildren for me. I really want to be a grandfather."
...
Slowly, Xiang Shaoyun's eyes turned moist. He grew up without a mother. His fath
er played the role of both parents and had always pampered him. It was the happiest period of his life. His father's disappearance after the battle was something he could not let go of.
That was a man powerful and confident enough to battle the entire world. Xiang Shaoyun refused to believe that someone like that would suffer defeat.
Father, you said that you will arrange my marriage after you get back. If you still refuse to come back, I will just stay single until I die of old age. Our Xiang Family’s bloodline shall end with me, Xiang Shaoyun thought inwardly.
For him to vow that he would stay single forever if that man did not return, it was clear how important that man was to him.
"Boss, where are we going?" Little White suddenly asked, bringing Xiang Shaoyun back from his thoughts.
He calmed his emotions before saying, "What do you have in mind?"
"I want to pay the Hundred Beast Mountain Range a visit," Little White said. He added, "I need to complete something on behalf of the ancestor. I must go back at least once."
"Sure, you can go, but I won't be going with you," Xiang Shaoyun said. Although he was reluctant to part with Little White, he still decided to let Little White go. Of course, he would not think that Little White was now looking for an excuse to leave him after growing strong. Little White definitely had something he had to do.
"Why don't you come with me, boss? I will continue following you anywhere you go when I'm done with my mission," said Little White. He was similarly reluctant to part with Xiang Shaoyun.
Xiang Shaoyun patted Little White's shoulder and said, "Your boss has his own mission to complete. A day will come when we meet again."
"Boss, I will go look for you after completing my mission. Or you can come look for me at any time," Little White said.
"Haha, alright. There's no need to get all soapy. Ok, this is where we part," Xiang Shaoyun said.
"Boss, take this. With this, we will be able to sense each other whenever we are in close proximity of each other. It will make it easier for us to meet each other again in the future," said Little White as a drop of blood flew out of his forehead.
It shocked Jin Wo greatly. He was well aware that the drop of blood was in fact heart essence blood. It was the true essence of a white tiger and was incomparably precious.
Xiang Shaoyun accepted it and kept the drop of blood into his astral cosmos sea. He then gave Little White a big hug and said, "I don't know what your mission is. I can't help you with it either. But I do hope that you will be careful in everything you do. Who knows, maybe you can unify the demonic beasts and assist me in dominating the entire world!"
"Yes, I will work hard, boss," Little White said confidently.
The brothers were going to go separate ways. Little White wanted Jin Wo to stay and protect Xiang Shaoyun, but Xiang Shaoyun rejected. Little White would most definitely need help at the Hundred Beast Mountain Range. Thus, he would need Jin Wo even more.
By the side, Jin Wo was completely confused listening to the conversation. After all, telling him to follow Xiang Shaoyun was the same as Little White abandoning him. Fortunately, Xiang Shaoyun made the proper choice of allowing him to stay with Little White.
Thus, Little White left with Jin Wo for the Hundred Beast Mountain Range. He kept looking back at Xiang Shaoyun as he walked, his eyes filled with reluctance. It persisted until Xiang Shaoyun finally waved his hand, turned, and walked away in a carefree manner.
Boss, I'll come look for you soon! Little White inwardly vowed before he hopped on to Jin Wo's back and flew away.
Only after Little White left did Xiang Shaoyun turn around. His eyes lit up as he muttered, "Little White, you will be the king of beasts. Your boss will be the overlord of humans."
Now, he was all alone, his heart in low spirits. But at the same time, he was also filled with expectations for the hopeful future. Along with the growth of his strength, Xiang Shaoyun's confidence in retaking what was his in 10 years grew as well.
In the coming days, Xiang Shaoyun traveled on foot. Every now and then, he stopped to take in the view and immersed himself in nature. Occasionally, he would pass by some villages and would come into contact with people of different customs and backgrounds. Through his experiences, his heart grew calmer and clearer.
Apart from that, he also spent a lot of time studying battle techniques during his travels, gaining quite a lot of improvement through his studies. The two tier-3 battle techniques he knew, Berserk Lightning Blade and Star Destroying Finger, were both fully mastered.
With the newly gained vicious gold energy, he started studying the tier-3 Gold Helix Fist he had obtained from the ex-town head of Wu Town. There were 18 stances in the Gold Helix Fist, each stance stronger than the stance before. Each of the stances involved sending out tough and indestructible spiraling punches.
Now that Xiang Shaoyun was a Transformation Realm cultivator, he had a much easier time practicing tier-3 battle techniques. Even before actually testing the Gold Helix Fist in a real battle, he was able to reach 80 percent mastery. But to fully master the technique, he would need actual combat experience.
After all, actual combat was the only way a person could utilize and fully master a battle technique and gain a better comprehension of the essence of a battle technique. Apart from the Gold Helix Fist, Xiang Shaoyun also started practicing the first stance of the Nine Overlord Skyslaying Saber Technique, Lightning Slash From The Clear Sky.
The Nine Overlord Skyslaying Saber Technique had an impressive might, a technique capable of slaying even gods. Thus, practicing even the first stance of this technique wouldn't be easy.
Generally speaking, it was impossible for one to practice the first stance, Lightning Slash From The Clear Sky, without first reaching the Skysoar Realm. That was because the first stance required the power of lightning to unleash the prowess of this technique.
A normal cultivator had to first reach the Skysoar Realm before he could start borrowing the power of lightning with his presence of a king. He would then be able to start blasting his opponents with the borrowed lightning power.
Since Xiang Shaoyun had an awakened lightning bone containing innate purple lightning, he had an advantage over regular cultivators. Therefore, by using his innate purple lightning, he was able to unleash a tiny portion of the Lightning Slash From The Clear Sky's real power.
One should never look down on this tiny portion of power. It was strong enough to give even late-stage Transformation Realm cultivators a hard time. Traveling aimlessly, Xiang Shaoyun arrived at the Blackhill Town without realizing it. This was the territory of the Blackhill Sect.
When he realized where he was, Xiang Shaoyun narrowed his eyes and muttered, "The people who tried to kill me at the Golden River Valley are Blackhill Sect members."
He then strode into the Blackhill Town, one of the top 10 towns under Cloud Margin City.
Chapter 140: Is He a Crossdresser?
The Blackhill Town was a town surrounded by mountains on all sides. The specialty of this town was the blackiron ore, a smithing material. Although this was not a king-grade material, for a small town, it was still a rather valuable material.
The Blackhill Sect owned several blackiron ore mines. Each year, a large number of blackiron would be mined. Part of them would be submitted to the town while the balance would be traded to other towns for numerous precious resources.
Because of that, the Blackhill Sect was much wealthier compared with many other organizations in the region. And with an abundance of resources, cultivating talented young disciples was naturally an easier task. Thanks to that, the strength of the town as a whole grew as well.
However, during the Battle of Towns three months ago, they had suffered a disastrous loss. They were especially distressed by the fact that, of the five sole Transformation Realm disciples they had, one of them was nearly crippled while another one was lost during the competition.
These young geniuses carried the hope of the Blackhill Sect. Losing
even one of them would be extremely distressing. They naturally knew who the culprit was, but it wasn't proper for them to take revenge against that person openly and were thus forced to swallow the loss.
Fortunately, they subsequently found out that the culprit had also failed to survive the competition. That caused them to feel somewhat better. Little did they know that the culprit had arrived in their territory.
Xiang Shaoyun never thought of himself as a good person. He always held a principle that all grudges must be repaid. If anyone caused him any discomfort, he would ensure that the other party would not feel good either.
He strutted into the town, not worried that someone would recognize him at all. Although he did not know why the Blackhill Sect acted against him during the competition, he was still sure that they were not sent by his family traitors. After all, the type of people his family traitors would send were capable of destroying him before he could even react. They wouldn't have sent those bugs only to be killed.
In fact, Xiang Shaoyun suspected both the Gateflag Academy and the Wu Clan. One of them must be somehow related to the Blackhill Sect and had gotten their help to get rid of him. All that did not matter. He was now here to let the Blackhill Sect have a taste of his revenge.
Xiang Shaoyun strolled randomly through the town as he listened in on the conversations of the locals, trying to gather more information about the Blackhill Sect. Unfortunately, he was not able to find anything useful.
"Screw it. I have been on the road for quite a while. I'll just think about it after a proper meal," Xiang Shaoyun muttered before heading toward a luxurious looking restaurant.
The restaurant was doing very well with streams of customers entering and exiting without stop. In the restaurant, Xiang Shaoyun selected a random seat and sat down before ordering a large amount of food and liquor. When his order arrived, he started his feast. The way he was eating gave off an impression that he had been starving for a very long time.