On the star vessel, Ye Guan sat cross-legged on the ground, hands overlapped on his knees. Around him, countless strands of spiritual qi continuously surged into his body!
Devouring gold crystals!
Low realm meant less profound qi storable within. Less profound qi meant fewer sword strikes!
Fortunately, he cultivated the immortal-tier technique given by Tower Master. Otherwise, at his current sword dao realm, one strike might deplete all profound qi!
Thus, he now focused on cultivating his own realm!
Not to breakthrough immediately. Haste makes waste. He understood this principle!
He was now researching and studying, preparing thoroughly as when breaking through Annihilation Realm, awaiting the natural moment!
At that instant, Ji Xuan’s voice suddenly came from beside him. “Little Guan, someone is coming!”
Ye Guan slowly opened his eyes. He rose. Outside the star vessel’s barrier stood a man in black robes, right hand holding a black long spear, left hand behind his back. Standing there, he exuded an imposing aura.
A spear cultivator!
Ye Guan looked at the man without speaking. No need to talk with a dead man!
The spear cultivator suddenly stepped forward. With this step, terrifying spear intent erupted from his spear tip, condensing into a hundred-zhang intent spear that shot towards Ye Guan.
Boom!
Where the intent spear passed, space shattered inch by inch. Utterly horrifying!
Ye Guan’s expression remained calm, about to act, when suddenly a terrifying aura swept from beside him!
Ye Guan frowned slightly, turning to look!
Boom!
Abruptly, a powerful force struck the intent spear. It shattered explosively, along with the surrounding space!
Far away, the man holding the long spear narrowed his eyes. He turned. Not far off, a white-robed woman slowly approached.
Ye Guan watched the approaching woman, brows furrowed. Who was this again?
The spear-wielding man stared at her. “Who are you!”
The woman looked at him. “Lin Ran, you are a rare genius emerging from your Lushan Blessed Land. Why wade into these muddy waters?”
The man named Lin Ran said calmly, “I wish to witness this Central Divine Continent Sword Emperor, see his true worth!”
The woman said calmly, “You may leave now!”
Lin Ran stared at her. “Leave because you say so?”
The woman suddenly vanished from sight!
Lin Ran’s pupils contracted sharply. He gripped his long spear and thrust forward fiercely.
Spear like a dragon!
Boom!
Torrential spear intent surged from his spear, like a mountain flood or tsunami, terrifyingly immense!
However, as the woman punched, all spear intent shattered and annihilated!
Seeing this, the man’s pupils shrank abruptly. About to strike again, the woman was already before him. She seized his throat, lifting him bodily!
Lin Ran was horrified. “Who are you!”
The woman stared at him. “When I release my hand, if within three breaths you remain here, I will send you to reincarnate!”
With that, she released her right hand and turned towards Ye Guan and the other in the distance.
In place, Lin Ran stared at her in horror. “Who exactly are you!”
The woman paused. She sighed softly. “Why ask such a foolish question again?”
With that, she turned and punched!
Boom!
In an instant, Lin Ran was reduced to ashes!
The woman wasted no words, turning and departing!
Witnessing this, Ji Xuan on the star vessel changed expression!
This woman’s power was terrifyingly immense!
Ye Guan glanced at her, puzzled. “Why did she not take Lin Ran’s storage ring?”
He shook his head slightly. “Kill someone and take nothing? Is that not a loss?”
Ji Xuan’s expression stiffened.
At this moment, the woman reached Ye Guan and Ji Xuan!
She looked at Ye Guan, smiling. “Young Master Ye Guan, allow me to introduce myself. I am Ao Qianqian!”
Ao!
Ye Guan stared at her. “Heavenly Dragon Clan?”
The woman nodded. “Yes!”
Ye Guan smiled lightly. “Miss, what game is this?”
Ao Qianqian pondered, then said, “Young Master Ye, I have investigated your affairs with the True Dragon Clan clearly. In truth, the True Dragon Clan was at fault. They first openly disrupted martial exam order, disregarding academy rules. Then allied with the An family to target you everywhere, seeking to eradicate you! Such vile deeds truly outrage gods and men!”
She sighed softly. “My Heavenly Dragon Clan acted against Young Master Ye without ascertaining truth. This is our clan’s wrong!”
Ye Guan watched Ao Qianqian silently. He had to be wary. These great clan progeny had deep schemes. He must stay vigilant!
Ao Qianqian said earnestly, “Young Master Ye, I come today specifically representing the Heavenly Dragon Clan to apologise to you!”
With that, she bowed deeply to Ye Guan. “Young Master Ye, sorry. Our Heavenly Dragon Clan caused you trouble!”
Ye Guan remained silent!
He was naturally surprised!
Apologise?
Previously, the Heavenly Dragon Clan sought to destroy him utterly!
Now, apologise?
Surely not to rob his storage ring!
Ye Guan pondered, then said, “Miss Qianqian, truly no great figure backs me. Perhaps investigate clearly first, then decide? Otherwise, if you later investigate and come to strike me again, would it not be awkward?”
Ao Qianqian smiled slightly. “Young Master Ye jests! I come to apologise not because of any backer, but for justice! This matter is our Heavenly Dragon Clan’s wrong. I come specifically to apologise!”
With that, she opened her palm. A golden storage ring slowly flew before Ye Guan. “Young Master Ye, within are ten million gold crystals. This represents my apology! Please do not refuse.”
Ye Guan fell silent!
Truly generous!
But he did not accept!
Ye Guan looked at Ao Qianqian. “I am wanted by the academy. This matter is the Heavenly Dragon…”
Ao Qianqian hurriedly said, “Not us. It is the An family. All the An family’s doing!”
Ye Guan watched her silently.
Ao Qianqian said earnestly, “Young Master Ye, a heartfelt word. Your current affairs are complex! Due to Chief Ye’s sake, aristocratic and sect factions view you as enemy. They seek to kill you not for our Heavenly Dragon Clan. We lack such face. They wish to kill you to deter the academy faction!”
Ye Guan suddenly asked, “Is Miss Ye Guanzhi well?”
Ao Qianqian fell silent.
Ye Guan frowned. “What?”
Ao Qianqian shook her head. “Chief Ye has been stripped of her chief position, deprived of commanding Guanxuan Guards, and confined to South Garden for study.”
Ye Guan puzzled. “Why?”
Ao Qianqian glanced at Ye Guan. “Upon learning of your academy warrant, she initiated impeachment proceedings against the Cabinet. In the end, suppressed by the Cabinet!”
Hearing this, Ye Guan was stunned.
He had not expected someone met only twice would impeach those aristocratic and sect factions over his matter!
Especially, ruining her own future over it!
At this moment, Ye Guan’s heart grew rather complex.
Ao Qianqian continued, “Young Master Ye, the road ahead is fraught. Take care!”
Pausing, she added, “With your strength, ordinary foes cannot touch you! For example, among Nine Heavens Ten Lands, the top-ranked Time Cave Heaven and top-ranked Spiritual Void Blessed Land. Their geniuses are very strong! Besides, those on the Monster List are outrageous. Also, some top mercenary unions…”
At this, she shook her head with a smile. “Actually, all very strong!”
Ye Guan nodded slightly. He looked at Ao Qianqian, smiling. “Miss Qianqian, are you certain you represent the Heavenly Dragon Clan? Or rather, do you come personally or for the clan?”
Ao Qianqian smiled. “Young Master Ye, rest assured. I can represent the Heavenly Dragon Clan!”
Ye Guan fell silent.
Ao Qianqian said no more. She cupped her fists. “Young Master Ye, until we meet again!”
With that, she turned and departed.
After Ao Qianqian left, Ye Guan fell into thought.
Ji Xuan suddenly laughed. “Wondering why she did this?”
Ye Guan nodded.
Ji Xuan laughed. “Is it not simple?”
Ye Guan looked at her. Ji Xuan laughed. “She surely believes a peerless powerhouse backs you, one even our Heavenly Dragon Clan cannot afford to offend. Thus, she comes to resolve enmity and settle karma!”
Hearing this, Ye Guan shook his head with a smile.
Ji Xuan said earnestly, “You are oblivious yourself. Think. So young yet reaching Sword Emperor. Could your backer be ordinary? Especially that blood-skirt female sword cultivator earlier. She must be a peerless powerhouse from tens of millions of years ago! In short, you are far from simple!”
Ye Guan shook his head. “My aunt and Tower Master are surely extraordinary, but…”
At this, he sighed softly. “Actually, I am an illegitimate child!”
Ji Xuan was stunned.
Ye Guan shook his head and sighed, saying no more.
Tower Master was surely extraordinary, but now gravely injured.
Clearly, Tower Master was no peerless powerhouse!
If peerless, how could he be injured?
Moreover, Tower Master loved posturing. If truly invincible, he would not be so low-key. His low profile must stem from caution.
Second, though aunt’s strength defied heavens, she dared not strike the Human Sword Master!
And now, who targeted him?
Guanxuan Academy!
If it came to blows, and the Human Sword Master sided with the academy and An family, seeking to kill him, who could stop the Human Sword Master?
This was possible!
After all, the Human Sword Master was closer to the An family!
Also, Immortal Treasure Pavilion!
Now it cooperated with the academy to blacklist him. The academy did this because the first pavilion master Qin Guan had extraordinary ties with the Human Sword Master. Actually, all knew they were husband and wife!
In other words, opposing the Human Sword Master meant opposing Pavilion Master Qin Guan!
If, if the Human Sword Master and Qin Guan sought to kill him, what then?
Thinking this, Ye Guan’s pressure mounted.
Moments later, his hands clenched slowly. His gaze grew icy. “Tower Master, I dislike this feeling, this sense of fate decided by others! I must grow stronger!”
Little Tower laughed. “I support you!”
Ye Guan nodded, growling. “I will strive! Grow stronger than the Human Sword Master! Then, if Guanxuan Academy dares bully me, I destroy Guanxuan Academy, slay the Human Sword Master. If Immortal Treasure Pavilion dares bully me, I destroy it, slay Pavilion Master Qin! My fate, I decide!”
Little Tower: “???”
Ye Guan nodded slightly. “Good to have your support, Tower Master! Alone, I lack confidence!”
Little Tower: “…”
A mysterious voice suddenly said, “Little Tower… you are done for! Truly done for!”
…
Hearing Ye Guan’s words, Little Tower was so frightened its soul nearly scattered!
Damn!
This little bastard actually had such thoughts?
Little Master only wanted patricide, while this guy wanted both patricide and matricide!
Utterly outrageous!
If Little Tower and the Mistress learned of this guy’s ideas, it was truly done for!
It discovered matters increasingly beyond its expectations and control.
Yet it precisely could not tell Ye Guan the truth!
Now it understood what courting death meant!
It truly had it too hard!
Little Tower sighed softly, filled with worry for the future.
It had decided. After aiding this generation, it would retire completely, never doing this again!
Seeing Tower Master silent, Ye Guan nodded slightly, taking it as agreement.
Truth be told, without Tower Master’s support, some things he truly dared not think!
Little Tower: “…”
At this time, Ji Xuan beside him suddenly laughed. “Regardless, the Heavenly Dragon Clan no longer targeting you is good! After all, this race is a great clan in Guanxuan Academy, very strong. Now they do not target you, you have one less major enemy!”
Ye Guan nodded.
Actually, he himself did not care much!
For now, those targeting him were far too many!
One more or less made little difference. Debts abound, no fear of worry.
Of course, Ao Qianqian coming to apologise and seek peace at this time was completely unexpected!
Moments later, the star vessel slowly sailed into the starry depths. Around, all was silent, the galaxy brilliant, beautiful as a painting.
Somewhere, Ao Qianqian watched the distant star vessel, silent, lost in thought.
Beside her, the black-robed elder hesitated, then said, “Young Clan Leader, should we notify the Clan Leader and elders?”
Ao Qianqian said calmly, “No need!”
The black-robed elder wished to speak but stopped.
Ao Qianqian turned to him. The elder trembled. “Young Clan Leader, I have already notified the Clan Leader and them!”
Ao Qianqian’s eyes narrowed. Killing intent enveloped the elder. Simultaneously, terrifying dragon might pinned him in place, rendering him immobile!
Seeing Ao Qianqian rage, the elder’s face changed drastically. He knelt immediately, about to speak, when Ao Qianqian slapped his head!
Bang!
The elder turned to minced meat!
His soul erased in an instant!
Witnessing this, the other Heavenly Dragon Clan powerhouses far away paled, retreating swiftly, eyes full of dread!
They had not expected the Young Clan Leader to suddenly act, and with killing moves, showing no mercy!
Ao Qianqian expressionless. “Fear god-like opponents, but pig-like teammates!”
With that, she coldly glanced at the Heavenly Dragon Clan powerhouses. “All stay here. Whoever dares trouble that Ye Guan, I kill!”
With that, she forcibly tore space and vanished.
She must personally handle matters in the clan. Otherwise, with those proud Heavenly Dragon Clan fellows, they surely would not rest, seeking Ye Guan trouble. Then, it might bring clan-destroying calamity!
Must stop it!
In the field, those Heavenly Dragon Clan powerhouses dared not act independently!
…
Elsewhere, a man also watched Ye Guan’s star vessel. This was Liu Bing of Hantian Sect!
Watching the vessel, Liu Bing fell silent!
That day, he lost unconvinced.
For he had not used full strength. If he had, Ye Guan could not have won!
But now, after seeing Ye Guan’s battle with Cao Bai, he knew he was no longer this young sword cultivator’s match! Even full strength that day might not have won. He had trump cards, but the other might too!
Revenge?
Liu Bing silent.
He hesitated.
Give up, unwilling!
Not give up, powerless!
After long, long silence, Liu Bing sighed softly and turned away!
This grudge not forgotten, but postponed for future!
If still unable to win in future, postpone further, until able to win. Before that, no revenge.
Charging brainlessly now?
Idiot behaviour!
This Ye Guan’s strength had few rivals among the young generation. Simply put, this was no longer something he could participate in!
Keep the green hills, no worry of firewood!
Soon, Liu Bing vanished into the starry horizon.
…
Starry depths, Ye Guan and Ji Xuan’s star vessel stopped again!
Not far ahead stood nearly a thousand people!
Leading was a young man in brocade robes, right hand gripping a sheathed long blade, faint smile on his face.
Beside him stood another holding a dozens-zhang flag with large characters: Riverside Mercenary Group!
Seeing this, Ye Guan frowned. Another mercenary group!
At this time, the leading young man looked at Ye Guan, smiling. “Young Master Ye, allow self-introduction. I am the leader of Riverside Mercenary Group! Because Young Master Ye’s strength is too great, we do not plan single combat. We decide to gang up on you! You do not mind, right? Haha…”
“Gang up!”
In the field, those Riverside mercenaries roared in unison!
One-on-one?
They had no chance of winning!
But ganging up?
A thousand people!
Win chance immense!
Ye Guan looked at the young man silently.
The young man grinned. “Everyone with me…”
At that moment, Ye Guan suddenly vanished!
Snick!
Instant kill sword!
Space before the young man split. His pupils contracted sharply. About to draw his blade, a sword already pierced his brow!
Snick!
Blood instantly flowed slowly along Ye Guan’s qi sword!
The man’s eyes widened. About to speak, Ye Guan shook his head. “Do not wish to hear!”
With that, he slashed.
Snick!
The man’s head flew, blood spraying several zhang!
In the field, Riverside Mercenary Group members paled, about to act. Ye Guan suddenly said, “I only kill the first to move!”
First to move!
Hearing this, all halted instantly!
Who moves first?
In the field, they exchanged glances, none daring first!
At this time, one suddenly raged. “Everyone togeth…”
Snick!
A flying sword pierced his head. The voice cut off abruptly!
The crowd horrified, retreating swiftly!
Ye Guan looked at the mercenaries. “I only kill the first to move, and the first to speak!”
In the field, the mercenaries regarded Ye Guan with dread!
Too terrifying!
One sword per kill!
Ye Guan ignored them further. Taking the mercenary leader’s storage ring, he turned and flew back to the star vessel.
In the field, the mercenary group members exchanged looks, yet none dared act!
None wished Ye Guan to target them!
Thus, they watched Ye Guan’s star vessel sail away!
On the star vessel, Ye Guan slowly closed his eyes.
Actually, if he pushed, he could kill these mercenaries. Many in number, but true powerhouses few. Acting, he could surely slay them!
But he did not!
For even if he could, he would weaken greatly!
Then, those true hidden powerhouses would emerge!
His situation would turn dire!
Killing felt refreshing!
But after?
Once exhausted, true powerhouses appear. What then?
Rely on Tower Master?
Tower Master himself was injured. Troubling it again, how unkind!
Moreover, Tower Master helped many times. He could not rely on it for everything!
Ye Guan clenched hands slowly. He needed calm now, not brainless charging!
Behind, those Riverside mercenaries ultimately dared not act!
The moment their leader died, they were already chilled!
Instant kill!
Group attack might have chance, but how many would die?
They came for wealth, not to risk lives!
Soon, the mercenaries dispersed.
Elsewhere, a woman also watched Ye Guan’s star vessel. She wore simple attire, cloud skirt, cloth shoes. Very plain, but her beauty eclipsed the world. Standing there, she dimmed all else!
Behind her followed a beautiful matron.
The woman watched Ye Guan, saying softly, “He defeated that one from the Galaxy System?”
The matron nodded. “Yes! Moreover, he slew the Central Divine Continent Heavenly Dao!”
The woman nodded. “Impressive!”
The matron said gravely, “His backer is extremely mysterious. To date, we cannot investigate his origins or background.”
Pausing, she added, “Killing him yields three strands of great dao fortune…”
The woman shook her head. “At root, this is the An family unable to accept loss. It concerns not this Young Master Ye. Let alone him, were it me, I would resist too. Cannot favour the An family just because they are special!”
The matron nodded slightly, saying nothing.
The woman suddenly frowned. “What I did not expect is the academy openly favouring the An family and Heavenly Dragon Clan this time!”
The matron shook her head. “This matter now complex. Rather than targeting this Young Master Ye, aristocratic and sect factions target the academy faction!”
The woman shook her head. “The academy lacks impartiality!”
The matron’s expression changed. “Little Master, do not judge the academy!”
The woman looked at the star vessel, opening her palm. A storage ring appeared before the matron. “Help deliver this to him!”
“Cosmic vessel!”
The matron froze. She hesitated. “No need for this, right?”
The woman shook her head slightly. “A rare person. Help once if possible!”
The matron remained somewhat unwilling!
This muddy water truly should not be waded!
The woman looked at the matron silently.
The matron’s face changed. She knew Miss was angry!
Daring no delay, she turned to light and vanished.
Far away, Ye Guan suddenly frowned. He turned. Sword momentum surged. Next moment, light was blocked nearby.
Light dispersed. A beautiful matron slowly emerged!
Ye Guan watched her, killing intent in eyes.
The matron suddenly said, “Young Master Ye, I bear no malice!”
With that, she opened her palm. A storage ring slowly floated before Ye Guan.
Ye Guan glanced. Inside was a vessel over five times larger than his current cloud ship!
Cosmic vessel!
Ye Guan somewhat shocked. This was a cosmic vessel!
With it, at most ten days to Qingzhou, even faster!
Ye Guan looked at the matron, puzzled. “Your honour, this is?”
The matron said, “This is gifted by my Miss to Young Master Ye. Hope it aids early arrival in Qingzhou!”
Ye Guan surprised. “Your Miss?”
The matron nodded. She glanced right. Ye Guan looked right. Thousands of zhang away stood a woman, quietly there. Upon seeing her appearance, Ye Guan startled!
What a beautiful woman!
Among women he had seen, only Little Jia could compare.
Seeing Ye Guan look, the woman paused. Hands clenched, she hesitated, then nodded slightly in greeting.
But visibly, she was somewhat unnatural, or restrained.
On the star vessel, Ye Guan looked at the matron before him. “Who is your Miss?”
The matron shook her head. “Young Master Ye, I cannot tell. Miss forbids!”
Ye Guan pondered, then said, “May I speak with your Miss?”
The matron shook her head again. “Miss is poor at socialising and dislikes talking with people!”
With that, she set down the storage ring. “Young Master Ye, take care!”
With that, she turned and vanished far away.
On the star vessel, Ye Guan frowned. Who was this woman?
As if thinking something, Ye Guan asked inwardly, “Tower Master, do you know?”
Little Tower said calmly, “Do you take me for a god?”
Ye Guan: “…”
Far away, the matron reached the woman. The woman somewhat reproachfully said, “You could have left the ring and gone! Why mention me to him?”
The matron smiled bitterly. “Leave and go? What would that look like?”
The woman shook her head slightly. “Let us go!”
The matron said, “Little Master, where now?”
The woman said softly, “To the academy main branch! Many ancient texts there. And perhaps meet Master!”
The matron laughed. “Curtain Chief likely not in the academy!”
The woman laughed. “Try luck!”
The matron as if recalling something suddenly asked, “Little Master, going thus, Guanxuan Universe main branch fears will not let us enter!”
The woman’s lips curved. She opened her jade hand. A sword appeared. “I have Master’s Heavenly Dao Sword. They dare not bar me!”
The matron laughed. “Certainly!”
The two walked towards the distance.
On the way, the matron suddenly asked, “Little Master, helping this Ye Guan is kindness. But why not let him know who helped?”
The woman smiled slightly. “Do good deeds, ask not the future!”
The matron shook her head, sighing inwardly.
This Little Master excellent in all, just too kind-hearted.
In martial dao, this was a great taboo.
The matron glanced at distant Ye Guan, sighing inwardly. Another cosmic vessel lost! Truly water drifting!
