Eternal Sacred King 26 to 30

 Chapter 26: Heard about the Secret

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

This was the first meeting between Su Zimo and the City Lord of Cang Lang City.

It was very difficult to read the City Lord’s mind just by looking into his eyes. He was expressionless and seemingly very deep and scheming.

Luo Tianwu was also sizing up Su Zimo at the same time.

His first impression of Su Zimo was a cultured and polite man; no different from other scholars.

If he had not known in advance the many deeds of Su Zimo in Ping Yang Town, it was very hard for Luo Tianwu to imagine that such a weak and frail-looking scholar could actually subdue the two big family clans!

Immediately after, he sensed that Su Zimo was mysterious and unfathomable!

The gazes of both parties collided in mid air. Very soon after, Luo Tianwu revealed a smile first. He said in a loud and clear voice, “I’ve long heard about the famous Second Young Master Su. We finally meet today. Please have a seat.”

From the side, a slouching old servant dressed in a gray robe walked over. Gray-haired, he had a gaunt face and cloudy eyes. He carried a chair and put it carefully in front of Su Zimo.

Su Zimo’s gaze seemed casual as it swept across the old servant. He did not decline and took the seat immediately.

Luo Tianwu was very polite to him. However, there was more to this case and it became more evident that this meeting was not so simple.

There must be something going on when things occur out of the ordinary.

What was the status, power and prestige of a City Lord?

Luo Tianwu had never invited Su Zimo when the latter attained scholarly honors previously, much less his inferior status currently.

The gray-robed old servant stood beside Su Zimo and filled a cup of tea for Su Zimo respectfully.

Su Zimo’s thoughts were deep as he cast a profound gaze at the gray-robed old servant. With an imperceptible smile, he said, “You served me tea. This must have been hard on you.”

The gray-robed old servant paused for a moment. He placed the teapot on the table without any expression. Thereafter, he retreated to stand behind Luo Tianwu and did not utter a word.

Upon hearing this, a beam of light flashed across Luo Tianwu’s eyes but disappeared after a moment.

Su Zimo’s words seemed unintentional but others were not sure of the implied meaning.

He could be mocking himself for his inferior status or pitying the gray-robed old servant for his old age.

Of course, there was another possibility. This lad had already seen through the Qi Refinement Warrior identity of this old servant dressed in shabby and gray clothes!

“This fellow... is not easy to deal with.”

Luo Tianwu furrowed his brows secretly.

The gray-robed old servant had hid himself very well. Yet, he could not deceive the spirit perception that Su Zimo had attained via his near death experiences.

Without a word, Su Zimo raised his teacup and sipped tea in a leisurely manner.

Luo Tianwu was silent too. His fingertips were knocking on the table neither lightly nor hard.

About eight minutes passed...

The pin-drop silence in the room was frightening. Only sounds of fingertips knocking on the table were resonating. The atmosphere was stifling.

The smile on Luo Tianwu’s face had already disappeared.

In such a circumstance, ordinary people would not be able to withstand the pressure. They would have long spoken up to ease the atmosphere. However, right from the beginning, Su Zimo’s expression did not change the slightest bit. His gaze was as calm as an old monk who was meditating.

“This lad is only 18 years old and he has such a calm and mature temperament. It is very tricky to deal with him!”

Luo Tianwu muttered in his heart. He was already feeling a little restless.

In actual fact, this was a tactic of psychological pressure. Whoever could not endure the situation and spoke would inevitably be on the back foot.

Luo Tianwu had initially wanted to subdue Su Zimo in the first instance. However, he did not expect to hit him on the wrong spot. He felt very upset.

“Isn’t Second Young Master Su curious about why I invited you today?” Luo Tianwu asked smilingly.

Su Zimo put down his teacup in a leisurely manner and glanced sideways at Luo Tianwu. He said calmly, “May I ask City Lord to give me an explicit reason.”

“The two young masters of the Su family are both cream of the crop. Young Master Su’s patience and endurance, and Second Young Master Su hiding your light under a bushel... The Five Wolf Guards under my wings and me admire you guys greatly.” Luo Tianwu praised.

Su Zimo frowned slightly and said, “City Lord, you don’t need to probe further. Please come straight to the point.”

“You’re straightforward! I admire people like Second Young Master Su.”

Luo Tianwu gave a slight smile. “Your older brother has failed to assassinate the King of Yan. He is severely injured and bedridden now. I know that Second Young Master Su’s heart must be filled with fury.”

Upon hearing this, Su Zimo’s countenance changed.

Older brother assassinated the King of Yan? He was injured?

Su Zimo had not returned for a year. Hence, he did not know that such a severe matter had happened to the Su family.

Why did older brother assassinate the King of Yan?

Could the King of Yan be the Su family’s enemy?

Observing the change in Su Zimo’s expression, Luo Tianwu was slightly stunned. He asked, “Don’t tell me that Second Young Master Su doesn’t know about this?”

“I am not aware.” Su Zimo shook his head and endured the urge to rush back to Ping Yang Town.

Luo Tianwu felt that he had regained some victory with this. He revealed a slight smile and said, “Actually, I still admire and respect Su Mu, Lord Wuding, the most. How powerful and prestigious were the black armored cavalry under his wings then? Which of the surrounding states doesn’t know the famous Su Mu? It is sheer pity... ”

Su Mu!

Upon hearing this name, for some unknown reason, Su Zimo seemingly felt pangs of pain in his heart.

Su Zimo had already sensed that this man called Su Mu was very likely his father!

He only heard Luo Tianwu continuing with his words, “16 years ago, we heard that Su Mu had been framed and schemed against by villains. The King of Yan gave orders to annihilate his entire family. At that time, I was also wringing my fists in sorrow and pain. I mourned for the loss of an outstanding hero! Fortunately, Lord Wuding’s bloodline is still in existent... The two young masters of the Su family escaped.”

Upon hearing this, Su Zimo already understood in his heart. He had found the answers to many of his doubts.

Without a word, Su Zimo’s lanky body rose and headed outside.

“Where is Second Young Master Su going?” Luo Tianwu asked quickly.

Su Zimo’s face was solemn. He turned and look at Luo Tianwu. Visible red veins could seen in his eyes. It was extremely frightening!

Luo Tianwu was stunned.

The gray-robed old man behind him moved a step back instinctively. He slipped his hands into his chest and searched the storage bag inside.

In fact, Luo Tianwu did not know that Su Zimo was unaware of the Su family’s background. He did not expect that Su Zimo would react so greatly.

Luo Tianwu calmed himself down and took a deep breath. He said in a deep voice, “I know that Second Young Master Su is keen to take revenge. I also wish to seek justice for Lord Wuding. Why don’t we do this? I have spies in the city where the King of Yan lives in. I can try my best to help Second Young Master Su get close to the King of Yan. With Second Young Master Su’s capability, we will definitely be able to execute the King of Yan and avenge Lord Wuding if we join forces!”

Su Zimo shut his eyes. After some time, he gradually opened them. The blood color in his eyes slowly faded and his eyes regained brightness and clarity.

“This is a private vendetta of the Su family. Why should I bother the City Lord?” Su Zimo asked.

Luo Tianwu smiled and said, “Lord Wuding is the person that I admire most in my life... ”

“You can only deceive children with such words.” Before Luo Tianwu could finish his words, Su Zimo interrupted him ruthlessly.

Su Zimo’s words were considered a great form of disrespect for the City Lord.

However, the smile on Luo Tianwu’s face did not lessen. He continued to say, “Second Young Master Su is a little angered. I... ”

“You’re the one who sent Chu Liang to the inn, right?” Su Zimo interrupted Luo Tianwu again and said calmly.

Luo Tianwu retracted his smile. There was a flash of murderous intent in his eyes but it disappeared a moment later. He questioned back, “What makes Second Young Master Su say that?”

“From the moment that I made the first move till I subdued Chu Liang, it only took a duration of ten breaths.”

Su Zimo pointed to Cao Gang at the side and added, “Guard Cao suddenly dashed in. Ha... it’s a little too fast. It was as if this had been prearranged.”

“I... I only happened to pass by... ” Cao Gang explained hurriedly.

Luo Tianwu waved his hands to stop Cao Gang from continuing with his words.

It was just a short interaction and Luo Tianwu realized that this kind of small tricks could not deceive the person before him. To force an explanation would only make a joke out of themselves.

Su Zimo gave a sneer and turned back. He paused his steps when he reached the doorsteps and said calmly, “If City Lord Luo is sincere in helping the Su family, I, Su Zimo, will naturally be grateful to you. However, I don’t like to be made use of by others. City Lord Luo... you better watch your conduct!”

Having finished his words, Su Zimo left without even turning back.

When Su Zimo’s figure disappeared from the residence of the City Lord, Luo Tianwu’s expression turned solemn and sinister. There was already a handprint on the sandalwood table beside him!

“This green and young lad... He actually dared to be so arrogant in front of me!” Luo Tianwu was enraged. He gritted his teeth and scolded.

After some time, Luo Tianwu gave a long sigh. He turned and asked, “Sir, how do you feel about this lad?”

At this moment, the gray-robed old servant straightened his back. His eyes were clear and bright. There were no signs of the earlier old and fatigued look.

When he heard Luo Tianwu’s question, he said in a deep voice, “Second Young Master Su is not simple. Although he is not a Qi Refinement Warrior, he could see through my identity as a Qi Refinement Warrior with one glance. This lad’s hands are certainly stained with a lot of fresh blood. When he was angered earlier, I could feel trepidation in my heart. He is a very dangerous man!”

“Oh?”

Luo Tianwu raised his brows slightly. He asked again, “What will happen if you fight with him?”

The gray-robed old servant’s expression was proud. He said, “I am a Level 8 Qi Refinement Warrior. How can a mortal compete with me?!”

“However... ”

After pausing for a while, the gray-robed old servant changed his stance. “Given this lad’s temperament and ability, he has a high chance of success in assassinating the King of Yan! As to whether he could escape the capital alive... Haha... ”

The gray-robed old servant smiled but did not speak a word.

“I am not concerned whether he can escape the capital where the King of Yan lives at. As long as the King of Yan is dead, the country will become leaderless and there will certainly be chaos. It will be the best time for me to invade the city and declare myself as the king!” Luo Tianwu smiled. Everything was under his control.

Chapter 27: Sanguine Crystal Bow, Cold Moon Saber

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Men of letters preferred swords. Even if they did not know any martial arts, they liked to carry a sword with them, as they appeared to be noble and elegant with it.

The saber was used by the armies on the battlefield and the ruffians of the pugilistic society. It was totally unlike the aura of the scholar.

When choosing his weapons at Sky Treasure Pavilion, Su Zimo did not choose the sword but the saber automatically. He did not know the reason behind his actions as well.

Su Zimo finally understood why when he left the mansion of the City Lord. That was because he was no scholar deep down inside.

He was the son of the mighty Lord Wuding, that all the dukes were in awe of. He should be galloping on the battlefield, killing countless enemies with his fearless and indomitable spirit, blood staining his robe!

Originally, Su Zimo could not understand why he was not the least nervous, scared or frightened when the knife that he held pierced Zhou Dingyun’s throat that night. Instead, he was slightly excited and eager to try.

Su Zimo finally understood everything right now.

It was in his blood to kill without the slightest hesitation. Although he had spent more than ten years studying, he could not hide his true nature!

The words that Luo Tianwu said were like sharp thorns that pierced Su Zimo’s heart. He was in agony at hearing them.

His older brother was seriously injured. How was he doing? Was he in a critical state?

Was Xiaoning frightened out of her wits at the calamity that befell the Su family?

Upon passing by the inn that he stayed temporarily last time, Su Zimo chanced upon the unique mark made by Sky Treasure Pavilion.

“Could it be that the two pseudo spirit weapons have been refined?”

Su Zimo hesitated slightly before heading to Sky Treasure Pavilion.

When he reached the end of the alley, the walls sensed his Sky Treasure Gold Badge. It turned transparent as water instantly, and Su Zimo walked right through it.

Upon reaching Sky Treasure Pavilion, Su Zimo did not stop but continued to go upstairs.

There were many Qi Refinement Warriors at the main hall. Many of them turned to look at Su Zimo with a searing and examining gaze.

The atmosphere in the main hall was strange.

There was a detection skill in the cultivation world. Therefore, all the Qi Refinement Warriors present could tell that there was no spirit qi within Su Zimo, yet he was able to reach the second level of Sky Treasure Pavilion.

There was only one explanation for that——Su Zimo had Sky Treasure Badge with him!

With the Sky Treasure Badge, one could be given a ten percent discount when making purchases in Sky Treasure Pavilion. This was very tempting!

When Su Zimo went to Sky Treasure Pavilion for the first time, he had Yao Xue, a Foundation Establishment Cultivator with him. Therefore, nobody dared to have have any designs on it.

But now that it was Su Zimo who had the Sky Treasure Badge, it was tantamount to a three-year-old kid who walked around with a gold brick.

He was a mortal, yet he had the Sky Treasure Badge. He must have come from an illustrious family. Although many of the Qi Refinement Warriors were tempted, they gave up the idea of snatching the Sky Treasure Badge, as they did not want to court death.

However, there were still exceptions.

A man’s wealth was his own ruin by causing another’s greed.

There would always be someone who was willing to take the risk in the face of great temptation!

A pair of cold eyes trailed after Su Zimo from the corner of the main hall. It followed him all the way to the end of the staircase.

Su Zimo had something on his mind, therefore he did not notice the fleeting malicious gaze at the main hall.

As soon as Su Zimo reached the second floor, the manager of Sky Treasure Pavilion stood up to welcome him with a big smile on his face. “Young Master Su is finally here. The two pseudo spirit weapons have been refined. Come and have a look.”

The manager of Sky Treasure Pavilion slapped on his storage bag and one long saber and a longbow floated right in front of Su Zimo. There were twelve sharp arrows as well.

The manager of Sky Treasure Pavilion said, “The Cold Moon Saber is about three feet long, it has a silver blade, and a thick and sharp razor edge, suitable for slashing and killing. It is mainly made up of rare spiritual items. We have added ten types of hard materials including seven stars gravel and golden light rocks to cast the saber in accordance with your requirements. Although it had no spirit pattern, it can withstand the impact made from middle-grade spirit weapons and it would still be good as ever!”

“Mmm.”

Su Zimo nodded, reaching toward the long saber that floated in the air.

Just then, there was a look of mockery in the manager of Sky Treasure Pavilion’s eyes.

He was waiting for Su Zimo to make a fool of himself.

Su Zimo asked that the pseudo spirit weapons to be as heavy as possible. The Cold Moon Saber weighed close to 500 kilograms. Given his Level 9 Weapon Refinement cultivation realm, he could barely handle the spirit weapon with his spirit qi. It was impossible to kill the enemy with such a weapon.

The manager of Sky Treasure Pavilion believed that the moment Su Zimo took the saber, it would crush his feet!

However, the manager of Sky Treasure Pavilion was dumbstruck the next moment.

Su Zimo took Cold Moon Saber easily in his hands. He even tried a few strokes with it. It was as light as a feather to him. He nodded and said, “The saber is pretty good. It is just that it is still quite light.”

The manager of Sky Treasure Pavilion, “...”

“What kind of monster is this man? He has no spirit qi, but he could handle the weapon that weighed 500 kilograms with his physical strength. The most annoying part is that he finds it too light...” The manager of Sky Treasure Pavilion rolled his eyes.

“This is Sanguine Crystal Bow. Take it.” The manager of Sky Treasure Pavilion could not be bothered to go into details. He was in no mood to explain to him.

The Sanguine Crystal Bow was bloody red and there was a crystal clear luster to it. It was as if blood was flowing in the bow, exuding a strange aura. It weighed as heavy as the Cold Moon Saber.

Su Zimo slanted the Sanguine Crystal Bow over his body, while he tied the quiver on his back, putting the twelve sharp arrows into the quiver. He tied the Cold Moon Saber at his waist. He was all ready.

“By the way, Young Master Su, we have found someone suitable regarding your hiring notice. However, the person is somewhat different from your requirements,” the manager of Sky Treasure Pavilion said.

“Oh?”

“He is Song Qi, a Level 7 Qi Refinement Warrior. According to him, if you are willing to pay him with some spirit stones in advance, he could reach Level 8 Qi Condensation. Of course, if you don’t agree, I can say no to his request.”

He did not know how long he had to wait before a Level 8 Qi Refinement Warrior could take on the assignment. Su Hong was seriously injured, he had no idea of his condition. Now that the Su family had suffered such misfortunes, Su Zimo intended to rush back to Ping Yang Town immediately. He had no time to wait.

“Tell him to come. I would like to meet him,” Su Zimo said in a deep voice.

The manager of Sky Treasure Pavilion brought someone with him in no time. He was a Qi Refinement Warrior in his forties. He looked handsome and composed.

“This is Young Master Su. You can talk to him regarding your requests.” The manager of Sky Treasure Pavilion stood to the side after finishing the introductions.

Upon seeing Su Zimo, Song Qi did not look down on him or flatter him. He cupped his fists and said, “Young Master Su.”

Su Zimo asked, “Are you in a hurry to use spirit stones?”

“Yes. If I have sufficient spirit stones, I will be able to get through Level 8 Qi Condensation.” Song Qi nodded.

“How long will it take?”

“Well... I can’t say for sure. Nobody can tell you the exact timing to break through a realm.” Song Qi was being very frank.

Su Zimo had a good first impression of the man. He was silent before he asked, “Since you are lacking spirit stones, why don’t you join a clan?”

“I am a pseudo spirit root. No major clans are willing to accept me. Even if they accept me, they will only treat me as a servant.” Song Qi smiled bitterly.

A pseudo spirit root was the worst spirit root. It contained the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. It would absorb a mixture of spirit qi. It was impure and one’s cultivation speed was very slow.

There were also spirit roots that only contained one element, for example metal spirit root, wood spirit root and fire spirit root, it was akin to the legendary heaven spirit root. It could take in the purest spirit qi, and its cultivation speed was fast. If one did not encounter any mishaps, one would most likely become a Golden Core!

Given that he was a pseudo spirit root, Su Zimo knew that Song Qi must have been through a lot of suffering to be able to reach Level 7 Qi Condensation in his forties.

“Let’s go. Come with me to Ping Yang Town. I will give you one thousand spirit stones in advance,” Su Zimo said.

“Ah!”

Song Qi exclaimed. He could not conceal his joy.

Song Qi did not expect that Su Zimo would agree to his request. After all, he was not a Level 8 Qi Refinement Warrior, and he requested his employer to pay him spirit stones in advance. He felt sorry about it.

He did not expect that Su Zimo would give him one thousand spirit stones right away!

“Young Master Su, thank you very much. I will do everything possible to protect the Su family!” Song Qi thanked him profusely.

Chapter 28: You Would Not Be Able To Leave Today

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Upon exiting Sky Treasure Pavilion, Song Qi took out a flying sword from his storage bag. He touched it lightly with his fingertips, infusing it with spirit qi, and the flying sword floated in front of the two of them.

Song Qi could tell that Su Zimo had no spirit qi. Since he had a bow and saber with him, he must know martial arts. It should not be a problem to get onto the flying sword.

Song Qi said, “Young Master Su, get on the flying sword. Don’t be afraid. I will protect you while on the sword. I won’t let you fall down from the sword. We will reach Ping Yang Town in no time.”

Su Zimo’s eyes swept over Song Qi’s flying sword, shaking his head. “Let’s walk, we will see how it goes when we exit the city.”

There was no spirit pattern on Song Qi’s flying sword. It was a pseudo spirit weapon.

Su Zimo himself, with the Sanguine Crystal Bow and Cold Moon Saber would weigh an entire ton. Given Song Qi’s Level 7 Qi Condensation realm, he would not be able to carry all of them.

Su Zimo did not point out the truth. They walked out of the city with long strides.

There were not as many pedestrians outside the city. Su Zimo was about to execute Plow Heaven Stride to get to Ping Yang Town when he noticed something.

“Mmm, someone is following us?”

Su Zimo did not turn back to check, but he could sense it.

Su Zimo did not say anything but maintained his usual speed, walking toward Ping Yang Town. Song Qi frowned, not saying anything.

In no time, there was the sound of clothes flapping in the wind. The person was moving at a very fast speed!

Cultivator?

Song Qi was alarmed. He placed his hands on the storage bag as he turned to check.

Not far away was a cultivator dressed in a black Taoist robe. He was speeding forward on his flying sword. There was a murderous look in his eyes. Obviously he had evil intentions!

Level 8 Qi Condensation!

Song Qi let out a low shout, before he pulled Su Zimo to a side. He prayed fervently that the person was only passing by.

In the blink of an eye, the black-robed Qi Refinement Warrior stopped in front of them. He leaped down from his flying sword, smiling coldly at Song Qi. “Comrade, you had better step aside. Don’t be a busybody. I have an enmity with this man.”

Song Qi glanced at Su Zimo, noticing that he had no expression on his face. Perhaps he was in a state of shock or that he did not know that there was danger.

Song Qi cupped his fists. “Comrade, you must be joking. My friend is a mere mortal. Why would you have any enmity with him?”

“Buzz!”

The black-robed Qi Refinement Warrior touched his flying sword lightly. A beam of light shone from the flying sword. The sword’s aura intensified.

Inferior-grade spirit weapon!

Song Qi had sweaty palms. The other party’s cultivation realm was one level higher than him and he had an inferior-grade spirit weapon. If they engaged in fights, he had no chance of winning.

“Since you are dense, don’t blame me for being ruthless!” The black-robed Qi Refinement Warrior said coldly.

“Young Master Su, you should run for your life!”

Song Qi hurried to whisper to Su Zimo before he slapped his storage bag and a flying sword landed on his hand.

“Jee!”

Song Qi controlled the flying sword, making the first move so that he could take the other party by surprise.

The flying sword turned into beams of lights, speeding toward the black-robed Qi Refinement Warrior. They reached him in no time.

“It was merely a pseudo spirit weapon. How dare you act arrogant in front of me!”

The black-robed Qi Refinement Warrior sneered before he took his time to tap his sword, sending it flying forward, colliding with Song Qi’s flying sword.

Sparks were flying everywhere as the swords clashed into each other!

Song Qi’s flying sword was not as powerful. It almost flew off from the collision.

The Qi Refinement Warrior’s body was relatively weak. This posed a danger to them when in fights. If one was not careful, one might be injured by the other party’s spirit weapon, and one would have no chance of surviving.

Song Qi seemed to be on the losing end after sparring for a few rounds. He had no way to attack but could only defend himself.

Fortunately, Song Qi was composed. He used all his energy to spar with the other party. His flying sword circled him, forming an impenetrable defense.

Su Zimo nodded as he watched the scene from the side.

Song Qi could have left under such circumstances. After all, he had gotten the one thousand inferior-grade spirit stones. There was no need to put his life at risk for a mere mortal.

Even though Song Qi knew that he could not defeat the other party, he did not leave by himself. It proved that he was a man of his words. Su Zimo could be reassured that Song Qi could be left in charge of protecting the Su family.

Song Qi and the black-robed Qi Refinement Warrior was still in an intense battle.

They were one level apart in terms of cultivation realm and their spirit weapons were of different grades as well.

Song Qi’s defenses gradually weakened in no time. The flying sword was not as steady as before. He had used up too much of his spirit qi and he was weakened.

Right then, Su Zimo asked, “Why do you want to kill me?”

The black-robed Qi Refinement Warrior felt that he had the situation under control. He cast a sideways glance at Su Zimo, before saying in a pitiful tone, “I will tell you the reason so that you will know what caused your death. You are just a mortal yet you had the Sky Treasure Badge. This is why you must die!”

Song Qi turned to check in the midst of the battle, realizing that Su Zimo was still standing on the same spot. He could not help but be anxious, shouting out to Su Zimo. “Why didn’t you leave?”

Swash!

Song Qi was distracted and the other party made use of the chance to cut through his defense with his flying sword. The flying sword was right before him. It was chilling!

Song Qi had no time to steer the direction of his flying sword. He panicked and could not be bothered with maintaining his dignity. He had no choice but to roll on the ground, barely escaping from death. He was muddy all over, looking like a terrible sight.

Su Zimo smiled but did not say anything.

Song Qi was helpless, saying through clenched teeth, “I am not his opponent. Young Master Su, you should leave as soon as possible, or it will be too late!”

“No one will be able to leave today!”

The black-robed Qi Refinement Warrior hollered, and the flying sword sped up, hitting Song Qi’s defense. Sound of metal clashing against one another could be heard.

Right then, the two of them who were in a fierce fight heard a long sigh.

“Yes, you would not be able to leave today...”

Both Song Qi and the black-robed Qi Refinement Warrior were shocked. Before they could figure out what Su Zimo meant by that, they saw a terrifying sight from the corner of their eyes!

Su Zimo was standing forty feet apart from them.

But Su Zimo reached them within two to three strides. There was a murderous glint in his eyes. He was like a human-devouring beast that had the single intent of killing the person in front of him!

Song Qi who was by the side felt a sense of fear, let alone the black-robe Qi Refinement Warrior who had been targeted by Su Zimo.

“It’s not good!”

The black-robed Qi Refinement Warrior’s heart jumped a beat. He retreated while he maneuvered the flying sword, thinking of changing its direction to kill Su Zimo.

However the black-robed Qi Refinement Warrior was too slow and in Su Zimo’s eyes, he had too many weaknesses.

Su Zimo had a cold glint in his eyes. He had a backhand grip on Cold Moon Saber, swinging it in front of him.

There was a flash of light from the saber, it was blinding.

Poof!

A large head was hurled off and it was cut neatly at the neck area. Fresh blood splattered everywhere.

Song Qi opened his mouth slightly. He was confused. He stared at the scene, dumbstruck, unable to recover himself.

Dead.

A Level 8 Qi Refinement Warrior was dead from one single slash of the saber!

By luck? Down on his luck? Careless?

“Good saber!”

Su Zimo looked at the Cold Moon Saber. It did not have the slightest drop of blood on it. He praised the saber and put it back into its scabbard with a backhand motion.

Song Qi could not help but swallow his saliva.

What kind of man would be so calm after killing a Level 8 Qi Refinement Warrior?

In Song Qi’s eyes, Su Zimo had turned out to be a mysterious man. He was a different person from the frail scholar that he knew previously.

Song Qi could not help but think of the scene just now. The more he thought about it, the more terrifying it was. He broke out in cold sweats thinking of it.

He realized to his horror, that if Su Zimo used the saber on him, he would have no way to dodge it!

Su Zimo took the storage bag that was tied at the waist of the black-robed Qi Refinement Warrior. He did not take another look before he threw it to Song Qi, “Take it.”

“I-I cannot take it.” For some unknown reason, Song Qi seemed to be nervous around Su Zimo.

Su Zimo smiled. “Keep it and cultivate to Level 8 Qi Condensation as soon as possible.”

When Su Zimo smiled, he seemed to look like the frail scholar again. Song Qi relaxed slightly, no longer feeling as stressed, accepting the storage bag from him.

Su Zimo continued, “You can concentrate on maneuvering the flying sword to reach Ping Yang Town as soon as possible.”

Song Qi agreed and was about to ask where was Su Zimo going when he realized that he was no longer in the same position. He strode forward, covering twenty feet at one time. His speed was amazing!

It was not until now that Song Qi realized that his employer was no simple man...

Song Qi hurried to maneuver the sword to keep up with Su Zimo.

Chapter 29: I Would Take Revenge For The Su Family

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Su Zimo and the other man arrived at Ping Yang Town one after another.

Su Zimo did not want to attract attention, therefore he told Song Qi to put away his flying sword and to walk with him to Su family’s residence.

The door to the mansion was tightly shut. Su Zimo had good hearing. From the intermittent sobbing sounds coming from the mansion, he could tell that it was Su Xiaoning.

Su Zimo frowned, striding forward, exerting strength in his arms and pushed the door open.

The crossbar behind the door broke into pieces.

“Who’s there?!”

A dozen black armored cavalrymen dashed to the front door right away. They were seeing red, looking ready to kill. They were stunned at the sight of Su Zimo.

“Second Young Master?”

Su Zimo nodded, bringing Song Qi toward the direction where the crying sounds came from.

Song Qi swept his gaze over the guards, slightly fearful of them.

He could sense the murderous aura of the guards. They had obviously been through a lot on the battlefields to have such a fearsome aura. They were no ordinary pugilistic experts.

Many people from the Su family were gathered outside Su Hong’s room. Some of them were standing while some were sitting. Everyone looked solemn and crestfallen. Sorrow and misery hung in the air.

“Second Young Master is back,” Uncle Zheng stood up and said.

Su Zimo squinted his eyes as he asked, “How is brother now?”

There was a look of worry on Uncle Zheng’s face. He shook his head. “Wait for a while. Young Master is still unconscious.”

Su Zimo swept his gaze over everyone in the Su family, saying in a low voice, “Do you still intend to keep it from me now that things had come to this stage?”

Everyone in the Su family looked at each other, giving out a long sigh.

“My father used to be Su Mu, Lord Wuding of the Country of Yan. Is that right?” Su Zimo said softly.

Everyone in the Su family looked alarmed. Uncle Zheng was shocked. “Second Young Master, you...”

“Luo Tianwu came to look for me.”

Upon hearing his words, Uncle Zheng suddenly saw the light. He sighed before saying, “Luo Tianwu is no good man. He has rapacious designs. He dreams of being the king in troubled times. He sought Young Master, wanting to collaborate with him, but was refused. The Su family and King of Yan may be enemies, but Young Master does not want to implicate the people in the Country of Yan.”

“Your father had been on the battlefield all his life. His troops, the black armored cavalry were famed for guarding the frontier, resisting the external enemies. The Country of Yan did not lose a single piece of land in the battles. The general made a vow that he would protect the people of the Country of Yan all his life, so that they would have a place to live, and be spared from the pains of wars. Young Master would continue his father’s mission, therefore he refused to join hands with Luo Tianwu.”

Speaking of this, Uncle Zheng had no wish to keep things from Su Zimo anymore. He continued to say, “Over the years, Young Master would always be on the road. He was in fact gathering the former black armored cavalry under the pretense of selling horses. He was training them while waiting for the opportunity to take revenge.”

“How many people are there now?”

“Five thousand!”

“Where can so many people hide? How can they hide from the spies of the countries of Yan and Qi?” Su Zimo frowned.

Uncle Zheng replied. “They have been hiding at a ghostly village near the Country of Yan.”

A few decades ago, the entire village was devoured and wiped out by packs of wolves, even fowls and dogs were not spared. There was not a soul to be seen. No one dared to live at the village. In the end, it turned out to be the best cover for them.

Su Zimo thought before asking, “Uncle Zheng used to hint that the enemies of the Su family are Qi Refinement Warriors. What do you mean by that?”

“A few decades ago, there were many Qi Refinement Warriors in the capital city of the Country of Yan. They guarded the King of Yan and therefore we had to keep postponing the plan of assassinating King of Yan. Young Master waited patiently for a chance when the spies in the palace sent news a month ago that King of Yan was going hunting at the southern suburb.”

“The black armored cavalry would only be most powerful in wide terrain. The Qi Refinement Warriors would die if they make the slightest mistake when sparring with them.”

Su Zimo nodded.

Qi Refinement Warrior’s had weak bodies. They were no different from normal mortals. If armies went into battles, and there was a storm of arrows, a few Qi Refinement Warriors would not be able to change the outcome. They might even die.

Uncle Zheng shook his head and let out a long sigh. “Unfortunately, the assassination this time failed. There were not a few but dozens of Qi Refinement Warriors beside the King of Yan! There was even a cultivation clan as the King of Yan’s support!”

Su Zimo was shocked to hear this.

In the cultivation world, the clan leader had to at least reach the Foundation Establishment Realm before he could establish a clan.

Uncle Zheng continued. “Young Master was worried that they would attract attention, therefore, he only brought over thousands of black armored cavalry with him and they went into the city in small groups. But they were besieged by dozens of Qi Refinement Warriors at the southern suburbs. They suffered heavy losses and Young Master was heavily wounded, while only a few dozen black armored cavalry survived out of the thousands of them.”

Song Qi came forward and whispered. “Second Young Master Su, I have an essence nourishing pill. It is very common in the cultivation world. It can be used to stabilize the foundation and nourishing the essence. It should be useful to Young Master.”

“Thanks.” Su Zimo nodded.

Uncle Zheng said in disappointment, “It’s easy to heal the body, but it’s difficult to heal the heart. The failure this time was too big a blow to Young Master.”

“Mmm?” Su Zimo frowned. “Brother has strong willpower and determination. Why would he be defeated after one failure?”

Uncle Zheng smiled forlornly and sighed. “Young Master knew that if there is a cultivation clan to support King of Yan, there will be no way for the Su family to take revenge. There is no grief so great as despair. I guess... there is no way to change things.”

“Young Master is awake.” Right then Liu Yu walked out of the room with a grave expression on his face.

There was a strong pungent smell of medicine upon reaching the door.

Su Zimo turned and looked toward the bed. His brother, Su Hong lay silently on the bed. His injuries were serious and his breathing was getting weaker.

“Brother!”

Su Xiaoning who stayed vigil beside the bed cried out loud, running into Su Zimo’s embrace, bursting into tears. “Older Brother is seriously injured. Second Brother, can you think of a solution?”

Su Zimo patted Su Xiaoning gently on the back, comforting her with soft whispers. He helped her to the side before he went to check on Su Hong.

Su Hong’s hair had turned white. He had just reached thirty years old but he seemed aged. His face was gaunt and yellow and his lips were cracked. He stared blankly at the roof, as if he had lost his soul.

His hair turned white overnight. Indeed, there was no grief so great as despair!

Su Zimo’s heart ached at the sight of his older brother. There were tears in his eyes.

The Su family had been ensnared in a blood feud for years and his brother had to seek justice for the family by himself!

For the past 16 years, this man protected his younger brother and sister from harm, for fear that they would suffer any slightest grievances or be hurt. He remained tight-lipped, worried that they would be embroiled in it.

This man bore the hatred and feud by himself for 16 years. He could not imagine the kind of life that he led over the years.

Had he ever be able to have a good night’s sleep in the past 16 years?

How painful and torturous it must be for this man to be living in hatred all the time for 16 years?

“Brother...”

Su Zimo’s lips quivered as he called for his brother.

There was never a moment where this word sounded so depressing as when Su Zimo spoke of it.

Su Hong turned his head slowly, resting his blank gaze on Su Zimo’s face for a long while before there was finally some sparkle in his eyes. He moved his stiff lips, forcing a smile on his lips, as he spoke softly, “Zimo... you are back.”

Su Zimo knelt down on the floor, holding Su Hong’s cold hands in his palms. He squeezed his lips tightly together, fighting back the tears in his eyes.

“Zimo, I won’t be able to make it.” Su Hong sighed softly.

Su Zimo lost control at his words. Tears trailed down his cheeks, wetting his sleeves.

This was the first time that Su Zimo cried in the past 18 years.

Su Hong tried to lift his arm to wipe the tears on Su Zimo’s face. But his arm was too weak and it fell back onto the bed in mid-way.

“Don’t shed tears, don’t shed tears. The men in the Su family only shed blood but not tears.”

Su Zimo lifted his sleeves to wipe his tears, nodding.

“Zimo, after I die, leave with Xiaoning and the Su family. Go to a place as far away as possible,” Su Hong said.

Su Zimo lowered his head, keeping silent. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his skin, blood oozing out of it.

Su Zimo raised his head after a long while, looking calm. “Brother, have a good rest. Don’t think too much.”

There was something else that Su Zimo kept to himself.

He would take revenge for the Su family!

Chapter 30: An Eye For An Eye

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Su Zimo left the room.

Uncle Zheng noticed that Su Zimo looked odd. he hurried to chase after him, saying in a low voice. “Second Young Master, don’t be foolish to attempt another assassination on the King of Yan. The Su family could leave for a faraway place. The world is huge, we will have a place to go.”

“Uncle Zheng, you have been worrying too much. I am not thinking of assassinating the King of Yan.” Su Zimo shook his head, he did not seem like he was lying.

Uncle Zheng nodded, not totally believing him. “I intend to move to the ghostly village to stay low for the time being. There are after all still five thousand black armored cavalry over there. It will be safer. Second Young Master, you should come with us.”

“I have some matters to attend to. I will go to the ghostly village to look for you later.”

Su Zimo changed the topic, pointing to Song Qi at the side. “This is Mr. Song Qi. He is here to protect the Su family. If there’s anything, you can discuss with him.”

Uncle Zheng did not think too much into it. He thought that Song Qi was a friend from the pugilistic society that Su Zimo knew.

Su Zimo turned to leave. He had reached the door of the mansion when Song Qi caught up with him.

“Young Master Su, are you thinking of going to the city where the King of Yan lives?” Song Qi could vaguely sense the murderous intent of Su Zimo, therefore he asked of his intention.

Su Zimo kept on walking and he remained silent.

Song Qi caught up with him again, saying in a deep voice, “Young Master Su, I know that you have the ability to kill Qi Refinement Warriors and you are very powerful in close proximity fights. However, that is only for one to one fight. You will not be able to reach the Qi Refinement Warriors when you are surrounded by the huge army. You won’t have any chance!”

“Even if you manage to kill King of Yan, will you be able to escape from the closely guarded city where the King of Yan lives in?”

“There are the city army, the elite Imperial Army, the siege crossbows and various killing devices, as well as the attack by the Qi Refinement Warriors. There is no way for Perfected Qi Refinement Warriors to assassinate the king of a country, let alone you. There is no chance of survival!”

“All right!” Su Zimo turned abruptly, his face gloomy.

Song Qi was startled.

Su Zimo was expressionless. “Your mission is to protect the Su family. Don’t worry about me!”

“But...”

Song Qi was about to persuade him further but Su Zimo waved his hands to stop him. “I will leave my brother in your hands. I hope that you will be able to nurse him back to health. As for his concern deep down inside of him, leave it to me. I will resolve it for him.”

With that, Su Zimo executed Plow Heaven Stride and disappeared out of sight in the blink of an eye.

There was only a single way to resolve Su Hong’s concern, and it was King of Yan’s head!

Su Zimo hurried along the streets in Ping Yang Town. There was nothing but coldness in his eyes. He could feel a burning rage inside of him. It was flaming.

He could only douse the flames with the fresh blood of his enemy!

Su Zimo reached his mansion in no time. He pushed the door open and walked straight to the cultivation field.

Die Yue was still lazing around on the green stone in the cultivation field. She had an indifferent expression on her face as she cast a glance at Su Zimo.

It had been a year since he last saw Die Yue. Nothing seemed to have changed about her. She still looked very beautiful. It was as if she had not aged at all in the past one year.

Su Zimo had thought of all kinds of scenes where he met up with Die Yue after one year. But... he had not expected that it would be like this.

“I am leaving,” Su Zimo lowered his head, speaking softly. He dared not look at Die Yue.

“Oh?” Die Yue raised her eyebrows slightly.

“Now that I leave this time, I might... not be able to come back.”

“Courting death?”

“Sort of.”

Since Su Zimo wanted to enter the capital and kill the King of the country, he had to face not a man, but an entire country, as well as the multiple Qi Refinement Warriors and a cultivation clan.

It was the cultivation clan that had Foundation Establishment Cultivators with them!

Su Zimo did not dream of coming back alive from his trip to the Country of Yan.

This might be the last farewell for the two of them.

Die Yue looked at Su Zimo, there was a tenderness in her eyes. “Even though you know you are courting death, you are going to go anyway?”

Su Zimo remained silent.

Die Yue continued. “Actually, you have other better options. You can choose to take it lying down and continue to cultivate until you are strong enough.”

Scenes seemed to flash in Su Zimo’s mind. It was as if it was 16 years ago.

He saw how his parents died a terrible death under the saber.

He saw how the Su family was massacred, and the river turned into blood, the corpses piled into a mountain.

He saw how his older brother protected he and Xiaoning, and escaped from the city. He suffered a slash at his face and it went unnoticed even though it was covered with blood.

In the end, Su Zimo’s gaze rested on his brother’s white hair, his gaunt and yellow face, and his blank eyes.

“Why do I cultivate?”

Su Zimo blurted out all of a sudden, as if asking Die Yue, but he seemed to be muttering to himself as well.

“I cultivate not to take things lying down. If I want to do so, I would have knelt down at Perfected Cang Lang’s bullying behavior one year ago. If I wanted to do so, I would have pleaded for mercy when Zhou Dingyun came to take my life.”

The next moment, Su Zimo suddenly looked up. He could feel the blood surging in his body, his eyes bloody red. He shouted. “Since I feel unjust, I will make sure to seek justice. So what if he is the king of a country? So what if he has a cultivation clan to support him? I will kill to my heart’s content! It is better to do things on a grand and spectacular scale this moment than to take things lying down for the entire life. I cultivate so as to go all out to exact revenge. I cultivate as I believe in an eye for an eye!”

“Good.”

Die Yue nodded.

In the one and a half years of cultivation, Die Yue had never praised him. This was the first time that he heard this word coming from Die Yue.

“Remember what you said today. It concerns your future and achievements.” Die Yue made another remark which Su Zimo could not understand.

There was a demonic glitter in Die Yue’s eyes. Thereafter, there were several sutras in Su Zimo’s mind.

This is the Bones Strengthening Sutra, It is taken from the Divine Steed Demon King. The divine steed was headstrong. It had the fastest gallop, it was forceful and resilient, there was a strong momentum and explosive power in its gallop.”

“I will impart another three styles to you. Divine Steed Dismemberment, Divine Steed Trampling and Divine Steed Fleeting. You can try to figure it out along the way. If you are able to comprehend it, you might be able to be on par with Level 10 Perfected Qi Refinement Warriors.”

Die Yue leaped down from the green stone and began to show him the moves.

Su Zimo did not blink at all, he was focused on learning the three styles. He knew that this could be his last hope at killing the King of Yan and returning alive!

Die Yue was done with the demonstration of the three styles in no time. She looked toward Su Zimo as she said, “Go along. One word of reminder. Demon cultivators are best at skipping the levels and killing the opponents. Given your capabilities now, although you are not as good as Foundation Establishment Cultivators, if you are able to be in their close proximity, you will still be able to kill them instantly!”

Su Zimo nodded.

Foundation Establishment Cultivators would release an explosive energy when they maneuvered flying swords. It was far better and much more flexible than Qi Refinement Warriors. They might have other attack and defensive moves that were sufficient to kill Su Zimo.

But this did not mean that Foundation Establishment Cultivators had no weaknesses. Although they had stronger bodies than Qi Refinement Warriors, their physical strength was still no match for Su Zimo.

If Su Zimo had the opportunity to get close to them, he would still be able to kill them on the spot!

It sounded simple, but it was in fact as difficult as reaching the sky.

Su Zimo looked at Die Yue, no longer hiding his reluctance to part with her. He smiled lightly and said, “Miss Die, goodbye.”

Die Yue turned with her back facing him as she waved to him.

Su Zimo took a deep breath and walked out of the cultivation field, looking toward the capital city of the Country of Yan that was far in the distance. He clenched his fists as he said softly, “King of Yan, wash your neck clean. I am coming!”