CH 273

When Li Tianshou and the rest arrived with several other experts in tow, they saw how the three young masters were huddled together ready to face a huge enemy. 

After hearing a simple explanation from the three of them, Qin Yuyuan frowned and ordered for a lockdown of the city immediately. He turned to them and frowned, “Does this mean that the other members of the Eighteen Horsemen have entered the city?” 

However, Li Tianshou shook his head slowly and muttered, “No… That’s not right. According to our intelligence, none of the Martial Intent Realm cultivators of the Eighteen Horsemen uses the sword!” 

“Brother Tianshou, one can use a different weapon when mounted. They might not be known to use the sword when they’re riding, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t use the sword in close-quarters combat. Moreover, most of the Eighteen Horsemen were students of the Tongyou Institution. In order to avoid suspicion and to prevent us from guessing their identities, they might have used a different weapon to cover their tracks.” Yang Zhenbiao muttered.

However, Liu Yunjia shook his head to reject Yang Zhenbiao’s deduction the moment he spoke. “No. Young city lord, you make sense, but the two swordsmen who attacked us used extremely weird techniques. One of them even used a sword controlling art. The Tongyou Institution would never teach them stuff like that.” 

Guo Yuxi continued, “Brother Liu is right. Moreover, there’s one other archer in their ranks and even though they’re weaker than the other two, they’re still a Martial Intent Realm expert. Even if the members of the Eighteen Horsemen manage to change their weapons to hide their fighting style, they can’t possibly train to be an archer without anyone noticing. None of the Eighteen Horsemen are known to be archers anyway.” 

“There’s one more thing…” Zhang Yushu muttered. “Even though they only exchanged one move with each of us, all of them were using graded weapons. The Eighteen Horsemen might not possess so many treasures they’re not known for using anyway!”

“Who the hell can it be then?” Yang Zhenbiao frowned.

His grumblings were met with a chuckle from Li Tianshou. “All of them are from the great families of the Ji Continent. They won’t be wrong on such matters. With their insight, they should know a lot of techniques regarding cultivators in the area too. If they find the sword technique foreign, the users might not be anyone from the Ji or You continents!” Pausing for a second, he continued, “... If they’re good swordsmen and they’re currently in the You Continent, could they be members of the Jianmen Institution?!” 

Everyone stared at him in shock. However, Li Tianshou waved his hand casually to dispel their doubt. “I'm merely speculating. There’s no need to take me seriously. After all, there’s no evidence.” 

“If that’s the case, I’ll send my men to check. Regardless if it’s the Eighteen Horsemen or the members of the Jianmen Institution, they’ll have to abide by the rules of my Changfeng City now that they’re here.” Yang Zhenbiao growled.

It didn’t take long for him to send out several experts to investigate the matter. As the people he sent out scattered through the city, it was destined for the city to be in for a sleepless night.

…

After passing down his orders, Yang Zhenbiao handed over the reins to Qin Yuyuan before rushing back to the City Lord Manor to meet with his father, Yang Hu!

Yang Hu looked like a typical cultivator from the You Continent. He was extremely well-built and his face was pretty much a square. A trace of viciousness flashed through his eyes, and the violent air he was emitting couldn’t be hidden. Because of his position as the city lord of the Changfeng that stood between the You and Ji continent, the members of the Ji Continent gave him the title of the Tiger of the You Continent. At the same time, he was also known as the Changfeng Monarch.

Due to his increase in age, he looked like a middle aged man whose pot belly was starting to form. Even so, it only served to promote his prestigious and mighty aura.

Yang Hu wasn’t surprised that his son came running to see him in the middle of the night.

When Yang Zhenbiao walked into his room, he spoke slowly, “So, how was the banquet tonight?” 

“This… There were some surprises, but I gained a lot.” Yang Zhenbiao explained the happenings that went down earlier. When he ended with the part about the spy and how the three young masters of the Ji Continent were obstructed, he told Yang Hu about Li Tianshou’s suspicion of the Jianmen Institution.

Sighing softly, Yang Hu maintained his calm expression. “Now that Kou Chongxue has been ambushed a second time and his life and death remains unknown, the Tongyou City is going to face enemies from inside and out.” 

Yang Zhenbiao thought about what Yang Hu said for a second before asking, “Father, our city is filled with people of different backgrounds. There are those from the Tongyou City, White Deer Paradise, Ji Continent, Rose Party, and other factions. You have always acted impartially in the past. Did you choose to work with the White Deer Paradise because of this?” 

Yang Hu glanced at him from the corner of his eye and a deep light swam within. “You can say so, but that’s not truly the case.” 

A look of confusion flashed across Yang Zhenbiao’s face. “Please enlighten me.” 

A strangely wise expression could be seen on the otherwise rough and simple Yang Hu’s face. He muttered, “In the past, we were able to remain neutral among all the different factions. My capability is only a small part of the reason. The main reason is that all the different factions require a buffer between them. Now that the balance is broken, we have to choose a side no matter what. Since the White Deer Paradise is the one with the largest advantage right now, we have to take their side.”

“Is this because of the cooperation between the White Deer Paradise and the Changbai Holy Land?” Yang Zhenbiao recalled the scene in the restaurant earlier and asked.

“Hehe.” A mocking smile could be seen on Yang Hu’s face. “There’s more than that. Kou Chongxue offended too many people. Why else do you think he was ambushed the first time?” 

Yang Zhenbiao frowned. “Kou Chongxue might be powerful, but why would he offend the entire world?”

“A Martial Dipper Realm expert is more than capable of suppressing an entire part of the Azure Origin World by himself. Moreover, Kou Chongxue isn’t an ordinary Martial Dipper Realm expert. He has already escaped the control of those holy lands…” 

“Control? Why would Martial Dipper Realm experts be controlled by anyone?” Yang Zhenbiao couldn’t help but interrupt.”

Yang Hu waved his hand to indicate for Yang Zhenbiao to finish listening and he continued, “... We’ll talk about that later. All you need to know is that Kou Chongxue’s cultivation level might not be the highest in our Azure Origin World, but the prestige he has far outranks anyone else. As such, many people have been jealous of him for a long time.” 

“That’s the reason a lot of powers in our Azure Origin World want Kou Chongxue dead… The White Deer Paradise is one of them, and that’s why we chose to side with them. Is that it?” Yang Zhenbiao muttered.

Yang Hu burst out laughing. “Let me ask you something else. I built up the Changfeng City after so many years. If I disappear one day, do you think you and your brothers can protect my creation?” 

“Why would you ask something like that?” Yang Zhenbiao frowned.

“Just tell me if you’re confident of doing it.” Yang Hu grunted.

Beads of sweat started forming on Yang Zhenbiao’s forehead. “Without a Martial Extermination Realm expert…” 

Yang Hu nodded his head in gratification. “At least you’re not delusional. You need to know that our Yang Family doesn’t possess a proper rank four advancement formula. The only reason I advanced in the past was because I ran into a completed set of advancement medicine and a stray extermination origin. Do you know what this implies for our family?” 

Yang Zhenbiao lowered his head slowly. “In the future, it won’t be possible for me to enter the Martial Extermination Realm.” 

“Your brothers aren’t as talented as you. You’re hardworking, but I can’t say for sure if you can enter the Martial Extermination Realm in the future.” Yang Hu sighed.

“I’m sorry. I will have to disappoint Father.” 

“Nonsense. Talent is determined at birth. There’s nothing to be disappointed about. However, a rank four advancement formula is the true mark that one has become a large power in this world. If we manage to obtain a complete rank four advancement formula, we can still protect our foundations without a Martial Extermination Realm expert.” Yang Hu muttered.

Yang Zhenbiao finally realized what Yang Hu was saying. “Are we working with the White Deer Paradise because they’re giving us a rank four advancement formula?” 

Yang Hu smiled and nodded. “Do you know what their initial condition was?”

Seeing how Yang Zhenbiao was shaking his head, Yang Hu explained, “They promised to assist me in my breakthrough to the Martial Dipper Realm and to replace Kou Chongxue as the spokesperson for the You Continent!” 

“Martial Dipper…” Yang Zhenbiao nearly yelped out loud.

Yang Hu snorted. “A set of rank five advancement medicine cannot compare to a rank four advancement formula in my eyes!” 

“Father, you… You did this for our family!” Yang Zhenbiao widened his eyes in shock.

“Alright. You just need to know where our bottom line is.” Yang Hu sighed. 

Lowering his head respectfully, Yang Zhenbiao asked another question. “What about the Eighteen Horsemen? Do you have any other instructions for me?” 

“Since we already promised them, handle it accordingly.” When he was done speaking, Yang Hu waved his hand to dismiss his son.

Not too long after Yang Zhenbiao had left, Yang Hu stood in front of his window and stared into the night sky. He raised his head all of a sudden and snorted, “Since you’re already here, why don’t you show yourself? Help yourself to a cup of tea.” 

A soft chuckle drifted in the wind and a figure emerged from behind a huge boulder. The figure wore a velvet cap on his head and he quickly approached Yang Hu’s room.

Glancing at the newcomer, Yang Hu snorted. “Heh. I didn’t think members of the Rose Party would dare to show yourselves at this point in time. How many Martial Extermination Realm members do you even have left?”

“What’s the problem, City Lord Yang? Are you afraid that our connection will be exposed and you’ll draw trouble to yourself?” The person chuckled in amusement.

A sneer appeared on Yang Hu’s face and he continued, “I’m just curious. Now that all eyes are on my Changfeng City, where did you find the courage to show up? Hmph, with the shitty reputation of your Rose Party, I bet you want to fish for a piece of the pie like the others.” 

“You…” Suppressing his rage, the newcomer snorted, “Don’t forget. We had many dealings with each other. If I choose to reveal this matter to the Tongyou City…” 

Yang Hu roared with laughter before the person could finish. “There are too many powers looking to work with me now. Who do you think you are? Your Rose Party is merely a bunch of ragtag fools now. Go ahead, report me to the Tongyou City! Do you want me to provide you with a bunch of the crimes we committed together?”

The person who came could no longer suppress their anger. Glaring at Yang Hu, he no longer bothered with the pleasantries or threats, “City Lord Yang, all I want is to receive an answer from you today.” 

“Sure. All I ask for in return is for you to answer my question.” 

“Deal.” 

After the two were done, Yang Hu reached out his hand to shake hands with the other party.

With the transaction sealed, the member of the Rose Party muttered, “From what we know, the Changbai Holy Land of the Azure Spiritual World is hunting down some guy called Yu Cangze. He’s suspected to be a spy our Azure Origin World planted in the Azure Spiritual World. Do you know who he is?” 

Yang Hu thought for a moment and a frown appeared on his face. “I heard of him recently and have no idea who he might be. However, he’s definitely someone from our world if he’s being hunted down by the Changbai Holy Land. Moreover, he’s likely to have returned to our world.” 

“Heh. God damn White Deer Paradise and Changbai Holy Land… As they say, steal a hook and they’ll hang you like a common criminal. Steal the whole country and they’ll make you a prince… Looks like they’re going big on this one!” 

A trace of sorrow could be heard in his voice, but he managed to regain his clarity quickly. “It’s your turn. Ask what you want.” 

Yang Hu thought for a second before throwing out his question. “Did your Rose Party take part in the second ambush on Kou Chongxue?” 

“Nope. I don’t know how many people took part in it anyway.” The member of the Rose Party sighed.

“Wait. Even you don’t know?” The member of the Rose Party threw the question back at Yang Hu.

Sinking into silence, Yang Hu fell deep into his thoughts. He only snapped back to attention after hearing a soft cough from the other party and he sighed, “Alright. You can leave now.” 

This novel is available on bit.ly/3iBfjkV.