The Legend of Futian - Chapter 281

Chapter 281: He Xirou

 

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

In the vast space outside the Dongqin College, the crowd was instantly stirred up.

Those arrogant words made them feel like even their heads were going to explode.

If Ye Futian’s assassination could not be investigated clearly within seven days, the Cottage would take over Chaoge City, and the Dongqin College would no longer need to exist!

Err… Is she mad? Cottage, and little brother.

Many people were extremely shocked. The identity of the fairy-like lady was already blatantly obvious.

The eldest disciple of the Cottage was the Sword Saint. The third disciple Gu Dongliu, fourth disciple Xue Ye, and fifth disciple Luo Fan had already gone down the mountain one after another.

The identity of the person who had just appeared was clear.

The second disciple of the Cottage had come down from the Book Mountain.

The eldest disciple of the Cottage went down the mountain to challenge the Fuyun Sword Clan, while the third disciple went down the mountain to eliminate a top-tier force.

Now, the second disciple had come down as well. With just a few sentences, she made everyone remember her.

The Cottage was still the Cottage, and nothing had changed. Furthermore, this time, not only was she overbearing, but she was also beautiful.

Of course, everyone knew what Zhuge Hui meant. Ye Futian encountered the incident in Chaoge City, so clearly the Qin Dynasty had to be responsible. This was the Qin Dynasty’s territory, and the Cottage was invited here to participate in the grand events held by the Qin Dynasty. Her little brother was almost assassinated, and the Qin Dynasty was still holding the contest here.

Did they even bother about the incident? Did they bother about the Cottage? At the moment, the assassin was already dead. If there was even someone who could find the culprit, it had to be the Qin Dynasty. If they could not, the Cottage would take over Chaoge City to continue the investigation. Such a domineering attitude meant that if the culprit behind Ye Futian’s assassination was not found, the Cottage would turn Chaoge City upside down.

The words from the second disciple represented the will and determination of the Cottage. Nobody could assassinate a Cottage disciple. The culprit behind the incident this time must be caught at all costs. Otherwise, it might happen again in the future.

The charming figure had already vanished, but everyone was still gazing at the sky. They knew that it was not her real body but rather made from spiritual will. This was certainly a very astonishing method. Before she even arrived, her will already reached the Qin Dynasty and said those words.

The Cottage was thus both hated and respected by everyone. However, in the depth of their hearts, everyone hoped that they could cultivate in such a place.

“Why don’t I have a senior like this,” Liu Feiyang said, sounding depressed. “Chenyu, do you think I should ask Ye Futian if the Cottage is still admitting disciples?”

Liu Chenyu rolled her eyes at Liu Feiyang and said with total contempt, “You? Forget about it.”

What kind of place was the Cottage? Till now, there were only eight disciples.

“Hey, what’s that look?” Liu Feiyang said, noticing the contemptuous look from his sister. Is she even my real sister?

Among the crowd from the Moon Clan, Chu Yaoyao seemed very lost. By looking at appearance alone, she, as the Virgin of the Moon Clan, was naturally as good as the lady that had just appeared. However, the lady was the second disciple of the Cottage. Her arrival was sufficient to make everyone else pale into insignificance.

Chu Yaoyao could imagine that if she, the Virgin of the Moon Clan, was beside the second disciple of the Cottage, her aura would be destroyed instantly.

An intense desire filled the eyes of Chu Yaoyao. Every lady would hope that her power would match her appearance. Only then could she be called unparalleled.

She was Ye Futian’s senior, and she came for Ye Futian.

In the direction where the people from the Royal Xuan Temple were at, He Xirou’s body trembled slightly and her face turned pale. She lowered her head gently, not wanting the others to notice her state of mind. She had always been very confident about the plan. Whether it succeeded or failed, she believed that nobody would suspect her. That was because everything was carried out secretly. Nobody here knew Hu Tong’s real identity. To the various top forces, he was only an insignificant figure.

However, at the moment, He Xirou was somewhat shaken.

She knew well that as long as something was done, there would surely be traces left behind, and there would be loopholes. The crucial thing was whether they had the abilities and determination to find out.

The arrival of the second disciple of the Cottage made her see this determination.

She suddenly realized that she was not as confident as she once thought. At the moment, she was somewhat scared. Was there really something that could remain hidden forever?

After their astonishment, everyone looked at the group from the Dongqin College and stared at Qin Yu. The second disciple of the Cottage was so overbearing. What would the Qin Dynasty do?

Zhuge Hui straightforwardly announced that the contest in the Dongqin College would end right now. Obviously, she was unhappy about the Qin Dynasty’s attitude.

Qin Yu stood there and was very quiet as if he was thinking. After a while, he scanned everyone and said, “She’s right. The Qin Dynasty is indeed responsible that such a thing happened in Chaoge City. Hence, we will cooperate with the Cottage to find the culprit. After seven days, the contest will resume.” After speaking, Qin Yu turned around and left.

The entire place was stirred up once again.

Did Qin Yu, the prince of the Qin Dynasty, actually compromise?

This was really crazy.

Was Qin Yu afraid of the second disciple of the Cottage that just appeared?

Although the second disciple of the Cottage had come here for a just reason, the opposite party was the Qin Dynasty and the Donghua Clan after all. Qin Yu’s compromise was still very unexpected and puzzling.

This did not seem like the Qin Dynasty’s style at all.

The two top forces allied and established the Dongqin College together in order to fight against the College and the Cottage. Therefore, the compromise this time would make them look weaker in comparison.

At the moment, Qin Yu was walking towards the interior of the Dongqin College. The people from the Dongqin College were also staring at him. They were extremely unhappy, but since Qin Yu had said so, the contest could only end.

Everyone stepped out one after another and walked towards the Dongqin College.

When Qin Yu reached the gates of the Dongqin College, he suddenly stopped. The destroyed gates were particularly glaring. Looking at the scene in front of him, a mocking smile flashed across his face. Then, he continued walking and stepped into the Dongqin College.

…

Chaoge City was shocked by the words of Zhuge Hui. Countless people started discussing the second disciple of the Cottage.

For a while, Zhuge Hui became the spotlight of Chaoge City.

Everyone was guessing how strong the second disciple of the Cottage was.

From her words, she should be no weaker than the third disciple, Gu Dongliu.

When the news spread to the inn, Xue Ye sighed with emotion. Even after leaving the mountain, the sister was still so fierce. However, it was the Qin Dynasty who faced her this time.

After hearing the news, Mountain Elder Zhu Qing was stunned for a long while and sighed uncontrollably. Later waves are stronger and higher than the former. At the moment, the world was already dominated by the younger generation.

She thought that her actions were already sufficiently overbearing. However, when the second disciple of the Cottage came from the mountain, her mere few words already made Zhu Qing speechless. In comparison, her response was indeed too mild.

Chaoge City became tenser because of Zhuge Hui’s words. The Qin Dynasty also started to investigate the incident. They even started asking the various top forces where all their disciples had been and whom they had had contact with on the day of the assassination attempt.

Of course, all the investigations were being carried out secretly, and not openly. Otherwise, it would cause all the top forces to lose their faces. Moreover, everyone saw the entire event. Although the Qin Dynasty was investigating and the top forces were unhappy about it, they could not blame the Qin Dynasty.

Everyone saw the domineering attitude of the Cottage for themselves. Apart from the Qin Dynasty, the College was also busy carrying out the investigation. An invisible pressure engulfed the entire Chaoge City, especially the region around the Dongqin College.

Very soon, another three days passed.

In these three days, the contest in the Dongqin College was canceled, but the people from the top forces could not leave, and they were very unhappy. However, they also wanted to see what this incident would eventually evolve into.

At the moment, in a famous restaurant, many people from the top forces were drinking. At the same time, they were paying close attention to the progress of the situation.

Suddenly, someone said in a sarcastic tone, “The Qin Dynasty is really working hard for this.”

“The Qin Dynasty is indeed responsible for this incident. If they don’t find out the real culprit, they are highly suspicious themselves. From what the second disciple of the Cottage said, if they don’t find the culprit in seven days, there will probably be a fight. Even the Qin Dynasty is not ready for a real war. Therefore, they could only help in the investigation,” someone said, smiling. The person who spoke was from the Fuyun Sword Clan. They had been unhappy with the Cottage all along.

“Does anyone know the progress of the investigation?” someone from the Ji Family asked, appearing to be discussing only for fun.

“I heard that the Qin Dynasty has ordered the Yin Family and other major families of Chaoge City to investigate and spread the order down the chain so that the major and minor forces could all help in the investigation. They are checking everyone’s whereabouts on the day of the assassination attempt. I even heard that the Qin Dynasty has listed all those who have gone out on that day as suspicious targets to investigate one by one. Now, they have probably already filtered out a few,” someone said. Everyone’s eyes sparkled. It seemed that the Qin Dynasty was really using its strong influence over Chaoge City this time.

Chaoge City was, after all, Qin Dynasty’s territory.

Before one of the tables, He Xirou and Luo Junlin were sitting together. Some panic flashed across He Xirou’s eyes. When she gave Hu Tong the order that time, she had of course gone out of the inn allocated to the Royal Xuan Temple.

Was the Qin Dynasty trying to turn Chaoge City upside down?

Luo Junlin stared at He Xirou. He had faintly felt threatened.

…

In the inn where the Cottage disciples were at.

Zhuge Hui obtained a stack of paper, on which there were many names listed. Furthermore, the things they had done on the day of assassination were also clearly indicated.

It was sent here by the Qin Dynasty.

“Little brother, take a look.” Zhuge Hui gave the name list to Ye Futian.

Ye Futian took it and then read through the contents carefully. After reading all the information, he took out one piece of paper and stared at one spot.

There, a name was written: He Xirou.

He Xirou was the daughter of the fifth lord of the Royal Xuan Temple. In the evening on the day of the assassination, she left the inn alone and went somewhere nearby, returning after a short while. Nobody knew where exactly she went and whom she met.

Ye Futian clearly remembered He Xirou. She was Luo Junlin’s girlfriend.

The people in the name list were all from top forces. He Xirou was the only person he had enmity with. She had sufficient reasons and motivations to harm him.

That day, everyone saw him defeat Qian Shanmu and Qin Mang, displaying his talents. Luo Junlin and He Xirou should understand that after a few years, he would be able to kill Luo Junlin.

Thinking about this, Ye Futian extended his finger and pointed at He Xirou’s name!

Chapter 282: Arrival of the Fifth Lord

 

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio | Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Royal Xuan Temple, He Xirou.

Zhuge Hui looked at where Ye Futian was pointing at and asked, “Little brother, you suspect her?”

Ye Futian told Zhuge Hui about some of the things that had happened in the Cangye Kingdom during that time. Then, he said, “Second sister, I can’t be sure either. Furthermore, this name list is provided by the Qin Dynasty. I can only say that there is quite a high probability that she did this.”

Zhuge Hui nodded. Obviously, she also knew that if the assassination was really planned by the Qin Dynasty, they would try to lead the Cottage towards a wrong direction.

“Since you think that she is highly suspicious, that’s sufficient. If she really did it, she wouldn’t be able to run away.” A smile appeared on Zhuge Hui’s face. She stood up and said, “Let’s go.”

“Sister, where are we going?” Xue Ye asked.

“We’ll go and constrain all the people from the Royal Xuan Temple,” Zhuge Hui said emotionlessly. Xue Ye felt somewhat speechless. The sister was indeed the sister. No evidence was needed. Since the little brother believed that He Xirou was highly suspicious, they would constrain all the people first, and then investigate. They would investigate each person in the name list one by one. If they were all not guilty, then it had to be the Qin Dynasty.

At the moment, the disciples of the Royal Xuan Temple were busy doing their own business. Some were cultivating in the inn, while others were outside inquiring news about the assassination. Just like the other top forces, they were curious as to who the culprit was.

Would the incident eventually trigger a battle between the top forces?

Outside of the inn, two disciples of the Royal Xuan Temple were chatting casually. Suddenly, a group of cultivators walked over from afar and went to different spots around the inn, as if they were trying to surround the inn.

“What happened?” The disciples of the Royal Xuan Temple were stunned.

“They’re from the College.”

Their faces turned pale. Then, they turned around and returned to the inn to report the observation. Soon, the people from the Royal Xuan Temple inside the inn were all shocked by the news. What exactly is happening?

Many cultivators from the Royal Xuan Temple ran out of the inn, and they were led by an elder from the temple. He looked at the people in front of him and said, “What are you doing here?”

Xue Ye walked forward and asked coldly, “Is He Xirou here?”

Immediately, the looks of all the people from the Royal Xuan Temple froze. With such a formation, it was obvious why the College was looking for He Xirou.

Everyone knew what the College was investigating in Chaoge City recently.

In this instant, the people from the Royal Xuan Temple suddenly recalled the events that had happened in the Cangye Kingdom a year ago. The face of many people instantly darkened.

Did He Xirou do this?

At the moment, He Xirou and Luo Junlin were together. The inn was a mess, and there were people moving about all the time. He Xirou obviously knew what was happening.

Her face turned extremely pale. Was she still exposed in the end?

But how was this possible? The assassin was dead and there were no witnesses. Even if the College had some clues, they had no reasons to arrest her.

Suddenly, a palm grabbed her hand firmly. Beside her, Luo Junlin said gently, “Xirou, no matter what happens, I will be with you.”

He Xirou’s eyes turned red instantly. She held Luo Junlin’s hand tightly and determination flashed across her eyes. Turning her head, she stared at Luo Junlin and said gently, “No. If something happens, I will take all the responsibility. Promise me that you will live.” At this point, she was already preparing for the worst. She knew that if the Cottage believed firmly that she did this, nobody would be able to keep her life. Even her father, the fifth lord of the Royal Xuan Temple, could not as well.

“No.” A painful expression appeared on Luo Junlin’s face.

He Xirou smiled gently at him. Then, she tiptoed and kissed Luo Junlin on his lips, after which she said softly, “You are not involved in this in the first place. I don’t want anything to happen to you. Promise me, alright?”

An extremely agonizing look appeared in Luo Junlin’s eyes. He hugged He Xirou tightly.

Suddenly, they heard a whizz. He Xirou broke free from Luo Junlin’s embrace and her look turned firm again as she stared at the incoming person.

“He Xirou, the elder wants to meet you,” the person said.

“Alright.” He Xirou nodded. Then, she let go of Luo Junlin’s hand and said gently, “Stay here.” After she finished speaking, she followed the person and left.

After a while, He Xirou came out of the inn. She looked at the people from the College.

“Did you plan this alone, or was it the intention of the Royal Xuan Temple?” Xue Ye asked, looking at He Xirou.

“I don’t understand what you are talking about.” He Xirou looked at Xue Ye emotionlessly. She would not sit still and wait for death. The Royal Xuan Temple was also a top force in the Eastern Barren Territory. Hu Tong was already dead, so even if the College had some clues, they had no solid evidence. How could they be so sure that it was her?

“You don’t want to admit it?” Xue Ye said coldly.

“Does the College think that I planned to assassinate Ye Futian?” He Xirou looked at Xue Ye and sneered, “Why?”

“It doesn’t matter if you admit or not. The College will go to the Royal Xuan City and investigate all the places you have been to, and all the people you have met with this year. Do you think that you can run away?” Xue Ye continued.

“You will never be able to find out something that I didn’t do.” He Xirou’s voice sounded confident as if she was trying to cover her guilty conscience. At the moment, she felt extremely cold.

She knew that she might be totally done for. However, she was not resigned to her fate and still had a last sense of hope. She did not want to give up now.

“Since this is the case, I hope that the Royal Xuan Temple can cooperate for a few days and not leave the inn,” Xue Ye said again.

The eyes of the elder from the Royal Xuan Temple sparkled and he said coldly, “Before everything is investigated clearly, the College has already surrounded the inn. Now, you even want to ground us here. Isn’t it too much?”

“If we have really confirmed the culprit, do you think we will only ask you to simply stay here?” Xue Ye said coldly. “This better not be the intention of the Royal Xuan Temple. Otherwise, it will involve more than just all of you.”

The faces of the people from the Royal Xuan Temple were all gloomy. He was really too arrogant.

The elder of the Royal Xuan Temple flicked his sleeves and turned around, walking into the inn. He was extremely angry at the moment, not only at the College but also at He Xirou. Since the College was suspecting He Xirou, it was very likely to be true. If they really find out that He Xirou did this, this idiotic woman could die and nobody would pity her.

…

After the news spread, Chaoge City was shocked.

Was everything actually planned by the Royal Xuan Temple?

It was said that Luo Junlin, the man whom He Xirou liked, was a genius in the Royal Xuan Temple. He cultivated under the fifth lord of the Royal Xuan Temple and was from the Hundred Lands, a wild region, just like Ye Futian. There was a deep hatred between the two of them. Therefore, did He Xirou plan this because she was afraid that Ye Futian would threaten Luo Junlin’s life after becoming stronger? If this was really the case, she was really a pathetic woman. She tried to assassinate a Cottage disciple for a man.

When the people from the College surrounded the inn the Royal Xuan Temple was staying at, Luo Junlin did not even show up. Women were easily affected by emotions and carried away by love. However, Luo Junlin was not like her.

Soon, there was news that the College had sent cultivators to the Royal Xuan City at the southern part of the Eastern Barren Territory. They even brought the corpse of the assassin there. If the assassination was really planned by He Xirou, she would certainly not be able to escape the consequences.

It seemed that the domineering words left by the second disciple of the Cottage outside the Dongqin College that day were indeed effective. Clearly, the Qin Dynasty had helped in the investigation. Otherwise, it would definitely not be so efficient. After all, it happened in Chaoge City.

All the pressure fell on the people from the Royal Xuan Temple. The people from the other forces all looked on the progress of the matter.

Over these few days, the people from the Royal Xuan Temple were grounded and could not leave the inn. Once again, the people from Chaoge City saw the overbearing attitude of the College and the Cottage. Obviously, if the assassination was the intention of the Royal Xuan Temple, all the cultivators from the Royal Xuan Temple in Chaoge City would probably be killed.

A few days later, in the inn where the Royal Xuan Temple was at, a group of mighty cultivators arrived in the air. When they arrived, they glanced coldly at the crowd surrounding the inn. The eyes of their leader were filled with coldness as he said emotionlessly, “You surrounded the people of my Royal Xuan Temple before even investigating the matter clearly. Very well.” As he finished speaking, he stepped into the inn directly.

Many people flashed forward and bowed to salute. “Greetings, fifth lord.”

The fifth lord of the Royal Xuan Temple, He Yulu, had arrived. His daughter, He Xirou, also appeared in front of him.

“Follow me.” He Yulu stopped and brought He Xirou away. They came to the courtyard where He Xirou was staying at. With his back facing He Xirou, He Yulu asked coldly, “Why did you do this?”

“Dad.” He Xirou raised her head and looked at her father.

“A few months ago, something happened in the Royal Xuan City. An Arcana Plane cultivator offended a powerful family, and his entire family was threatened. You helped him to solve the issue, right?” He Yulu turned around and looked at He Xirou.

He Xirou’s face turned completely pale.

“Since I could find out about this, do you think that the College cannot?” Some pain could be seen in He Yulu’s cold eyes. She was his daughter, his biological daughter. However, now she had made a fatal mistake.

“Dad.” He Xirou’s eyes turned totally red. She knew that she could hide it no more.

He Yulu looked at his daughter and his heart also softened. He sighed. “I have already settled Hu Tong’s family. But it is very difficult to conceal the truth from the College. Xirou, why did you do this? Did he encourage you?”

He Xirou trembled. She obviously knew whom his father was referring to.

“Dad, I decided this myself. He did not know about it beforehand.” He Xirou said, her eyes becoming red. “At this point, I will take all the responsibilities. Dad, I am unfilial. If something happens and I cannot serve you in the future, please forgive me.”

Seeing He Xirou’s tears flowing out, He Yulu felt somewhat sorrowful. In his heart, he hated the College and the Cottage.

If he was strong enough, the College and the Cottage would not be able to bully them to this extent.

If he was strong enough, the Cottage would not be able to do anything to his daughter since Ye Futian was still alive.

However, precisely because he was not strong enough, he knew well that once the Cottage found out everything, they would definitely not let his daughter off.

“Dad, I don’t really have any wishes. I only hope that if something happens to me, you can protect him,” He Xirou begged her father. She knew that after everything was exposed, Ye Futian would surely not let Luo Junlin off, even though she was the one who planned the assassination.

“You are still thinking for him,” He Yulu said angrily. “If it were not for him, you wouldn’t have ended up like this. I regret taking him as my disciple that time.”

“Dad, I really beg you. This is my last wish.” He Xirou’s face was wet with tears. He Yulu’s heart twitched and he clenched his fists.

It was hard to keep a grown girl at home. Since the situation had already progressed to this extent, what else could he say? Could he blame He Xirou?

Chapter 283: Xirou’s Death

 

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

A group walked in the air above the inn that the College stayed at then descended. Those who went to investigate the Royal Xuan City had come back too. They brought the results with them.

In the Royal Xuan City, Xirou had come in contact with someone named Hu Tong. According to someone who knew him, Hu Tong was in the upper Arcana Plane with earth elemental power. Xirou had helped Hu Tong’s family before. Then Hu Tong disappeared.

People from the College quickly went to find Hu Tong’s family but found that they’d disappeared a few days before they went to Royal Xuan City. As the controller of the city, the Royal Xuan Temple could definitely make someone disappear without a trace.

When the news was brought back, everything became clear. However, the person was dead and the family had disappeared. There was no proof.

Over by the Cottage group, Zhuge Hui and the others sat together. Hearing this, Zhuge Hui smirked. No proof?

“Junior, let’s go,” she said to Ye Futian with a smile. It was already so clear. Was there still a need for proof? It was up to judicial discretion. Whether the evidence was destroyed or not, it was unimportant.

“Okay.” After hearing the news, Ye Futian understood as well. Xirou was definitely the culprit.

That day, this woman had gone to Cangye to pressure his friends and family for Luo Junlin, threatening Cangye and taking away his relatives. Now, she killed someone for Luo Junlin.

She was unforgivable.

Back then, he hadn’t entered the Cottage yet and had just returned to Cangye to wait for everyone’s invitations. He didn’t have the ability to touch the princess of the Royal Xuan Temple.

Now, the College and Cottage would stand up for him. His second senior sister would personally go help him. He wasn’t solving it himself but this feeling was still heartwarming.

The group strode towards where the Royal Xuan Temple group was. People gathered wherever they went, creating a terrible flood that followed the College.

This matter had caused a great commotion in Chaoge City these few days. The inn where the College stayed was always surrounded by people waiting to hear the results. Now, the College’s investigator had returned and they walked out. The people knew that the matter was about to be resolved.

The powerful cultivators gathered at the Royal Xuan Temple’s inn. There were many people waiting there too, including people from the top forces. They all wanted to see the ending.

An invisible pressure enveloped the inn. The strong cultivators of the Royal Xuan Temple walked out and watched the College approach with cold expressions. The crowd cleared out a path. He Yulu, the fifth lord of the Royal Xuan Temple walked out, looking at the College.

“What is the meaning of this?” he asked, expression cold and indifferent.

Zhuge Hui gazed at him and smiled. “I’m sure the Royal Xuan Temple is already clear on who orchestrated this. There’s no need for me to explain who Hu Tong is. You hid his family to destroy everything, and I can ignore that. However, if anyone dares to stop me from taking the person, I will assume that this is not only Xirou’s actions. Instead, it is the wish of the Royal Xuan Temple in Chaoge City.” Zhuge Hui’s voice grew cold as she spoke. “If that is the case, none of you will be able to leave.”

She didn’t want to debate with the Royal Xuan Temple. The Cottage had their own rules: family would be untouched. As of now, Xirou seemed to be the only own responsible, rather than the Royal Xuan Temple. Then Xirou must take responsibility for it. However, if the Royal Xuan Temple wanted to protect her, it would show that they approved of Xirou assassinating Ye Futian. In that case, they were also responsible.

When Gu Dongliu had gone down the mountain, he had only wanted to punish the culprit. However, the top forces tried to protect the man, leading to the disaster. Thinking of this, the people of the Royal Xuan Temple grew uncomfortable. They were embarrassed by Zhuge Hui’s threat and also furious for being involved because of Xirou’s stupid actions.

If not for the stupid woman, would this be happening? Now that the fifth lord was here. Was he planning on protecting his daughter? If so, they believed the second disciple of the Cottage would really do what she said. It wasn’t as if the Cottage had never done that before.

Even the strong cultivators gazed at He Yulu. Was he still not willing to turn his back on his family? Was he going to make everyone pay for He Xirou’s stupidity?

Everyone around them was shaken. They looked at the fairy-like woman. The second disciple of the Cottage was so powerful. If anyone stopped her, no one from the Royal Xuan Temple would be allowed to leave. She didn’t even care if the fifth lord was before her.

He Yulu did not know what to do and didn’t reply. He knew his daughter had made a grave mistake. She could be as stubborn as she wished but she definitely should not try to assassinate a Cottage disciple.

But she was still his daughter. One could imagine how it must feel to give his own daughter up. Right now, he was full of fury and hatred towards the Cottage.

Just then, the Royal Xuan Temple voluntarily moved aside. Two more figures walked over. At that moment, countless gazes fell on the one in front. It was He Xirou.

Right now, she looked frail. However, her eyes were still cool and indignant as she looked coldly at the Cottage. These people were here to force her to die.

“I sent the man,” Xirou said, halting. She admitted it.

With how things were, would the Cottage give up if she denied it? Of course not.

Xirou stared coldly at Zhuge Hui. So she’s the second disciple of the Cottage. She was so domineering in how she bullied Xirou.

“Months ago, I saved Hu Tong’s family, making him owe his life to me. I already started having these thoughts. Later, Hu Tong followed me and worked for me until he failed the assassination,” Xirou recounted calmly. “I am the only one responsible for everything.”

“What did I do to you?” Ye Futian asked. Had she been planning his death since months ago? Just how much did she want to kill him?

“Because you’re so talented. I’m sure that I’m not the only one. Many forces in the Eastern Barren Territory want you, and even the Cottage, dead. They just didn’t do anything.” Xirou suddenly laughed. Everyone knew that she was speaking the truth.

The Qin Dynasty, Donghua Clan, and Fuyun Sword Clan all wanted the Cottage wiped from existence. The Cottage disciples were too talented and skilled. Their only crime was that they were too successful. To many people, the talents of the Cottage disciples were a sin. Of course, Ye Futian’s talent wasn’t Xirou’s only reason. More importantly, his talent threatened Luo Junlin.

“I will take responsibility for my own actions. I confess,” Xirou spoke again. She was prepared to die.

“Shut your mouth,” He Yulu ordered coldly. He looked at Zhuge Hui. “My daughter made a mistake because I failed in teaching her. Thankfully, nothing came out of it. Ye Futian is still alive and well. I am willing to apologize and give whatever you request.” Here, He Yulu was still trying to save his daughter’s life.

“Nothing came out of it?” Zhuge Hui smiled sarcastically.

The effect of an assassination attempt wasn’t only the assassination. If she let it go just because Ye Futian didn’t die or only wanted compensation, wouldn’t the other forces try it too?

“Do it yourself?” Zhuge Hui asked Xirou, ignoring He Yulu.

He Xirou lowered her head, fists clenching weakly. Though she was ready, she still didn’t want to die.

“Is that how overbearing the Cottage is?” He Yulu asked coldly. “Ye Futian is alive but you won’t end this until she dies?”

“Yes.” Zhuge Hui only gave He Yulu one word. Since you say I’m overbearing, then so be it.

Crack. He Yulu clenched his fists and his knuckles cracked. A wild aura spread from his body. Zhuge Hui looked at him. Her white dress fluttered but not a bit of her aura flowed out. However, the calmer she was, the more scared the others became.

If He Yulu really dared to fight back, what would be the consequence? The people of the College walked forward. The assassination had failed and now they called them overbearing? What a joke.

The people of the Royal Xuan Temple looked at He Yulu nervously. If he really fought back, what would happen to them?

“Father,” Xirou called. He Yulu looked to his daughter and saw her shake her head. “I did it so I will bear it alone.” Her eyes were red. She looked back at Luo Junlin, longing filling her eyes. Luo Junlin gazed at her with the same gentle and unwilling eyes.

“Father, I’m sorry.” As soon as she finished, Spiritual Qi went wild around her and formed sharp daggers before her body. Then she closed her eyes.

“Xirou!” He Yulu’s expression twisted in pain. He reached out to stop her.

“Father, don’t forget what you promised me.” When she spoke, she used her mind to guide the blades to her heart and relaxed her guard.

There was a soft sound and the blades pierced her, staining her clothing red. Xirou’s body went limp and collapsed. He Yulu caught her. Xirou opened her eyes and looked at her father. Tears rolled down her cheeks as her body struggled in pain. She didn’t want to die but she had to.

Finally, she closed her eyes and her aura disappeared. He Yulu scanned the people before him with red eyes.

“The Cottage forced my daughter to die. I, He Yulu, will remember this,” he said in a frigid tone.

“The Cottage didn’t force your daughter to die. It’s your disciple and daughter’s evil stupidity that killed her,” Ye Futian said coldly.

The scene was very tragic and made people want to pity them. However, did they need pity? She had caused it and then turned to lash out at the Cottage, making the Cottage seem like they were bullies?

Ye Futian couldn’t allow it.

However, this wasn’t over!

Chapter 284: Location: Nandou Nation

 

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio | Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

He Yulu raised his head and stared coldly at Ye Futian. His daughter had died but Ye Futian still spoke so condescendingly.

“Don’t look at me like that.” Ye Futian stared coldly back at him. “I know you want to kill me. If I wasn’t from the Cottage, I’d be dead long ago. I wouldn’t even be standing before you.

“One year ago, your daughter He Xirou brought Luo Junlin and people from the Royal Xuan Temple to the Cangye Kingdom. She threatened the kingdom to hand over my family. At that time, I didn’t even know your daughter.”

Ye Futian stared at He Yulu and said coldly, “If I hadn’t made a name for myself in the Ancient Barren World at that time, if strong cultivators from the Liu Kingdom hadn’t gone with me, what would the result be? My family would die horribly because of your daughter’s name. I would also die quietly because, in your daughter’s eyes, I’m nothing. Where were you, the father?”

Ye Futian’s voice was frigid. Pitiful? There was nothing pitiful about Xirou. Should people pity her just because she was dead? Since when did Xirou care about anyone else’s lives?

Seeing He Yulu’s cold eyes, Ye Futian continued, “Perhaps, you wouldn’t care even if you knew. Someone so important like you won’t care about the fates of those in the weak Hundred Lands. Their lives can’t be compared to your daughter’s life. At that time, have you ever thought of the term, ‘bullying others with your power?’

“No. For important people like you, it’s natural to mistreat others. If the Royal Xuan Temple can fight against the Cottage, you won’t even apologize. You will only think of ‘bullying others with your power’ when you’re powerless as you are now. Isn’t that laughable?”

He Yulu’s expression was heavy. He couldn’t refute it.

Everyone else was very quiet as they listened to Ye Futian’s interrogation. It was straightforward and realistic. This was the cultivation world. If Ye Futian wasn’t from the Cottage, he wouldn’t be alive right now. The fifth lord of the Royal Xuan Temple wouldn’t even know of his existence.

“Do you feel any guilt about Hu Tong’s death? I heard that his entire family disappeared. You’re the clearest about what you’ve done,” Ye Futian said, sneering. “You don’t care about other people’s lives so what is pitiful about your daughter’s death? It’s karma.”

Even without this assassination attempt, Ye Futian would still have killed Xirou in the future. There was no reason except for what had happened in the Cangye Kingdom back then.

It was unforgivable.

“Junior, there’s no need to say that to him. He won’t understand,” Zhuge Hui said.

Their teacher had said that logic prevailed in this world. He Xirou had committed this crime so she must bear responsibility for it. They wouldn’t involve her relatives or family. It wasn’t that they couldn’t fight against the Royal Xuan Temple. The assassin warranted a cleansing but they didn’t do it.

Their teacher had told them that if they had weapons, the murderous aura would be created naturally. In the world of cultivation, it would be more dangerous for a stronger cultivator to go astray. If they didn’t have principles, they would act as they wish and kill people like cutting grass. It would be a great sin.

Virtue wasn’t only one’s plane of cultivation.

Zhuge Hui knew that He Yulu would hate the Cottage and may even hurt them in the future but they still held to their principle. She couldn’t reach their teacher’s plane but the Cottage acted without feeling guilty.

“Senior Sister, the Cottage can’t be tainted by him.” Ye Futian glanced at Zhuge Hui. The Cottage didn’t need to give explanations but he couldn’t allow the Cottage to be defamed. Right now, he viewed the Cottage as his family.

Zhuge Hui looked into Ye Futian’s clear eyes and smiled brightly. Her junior brother was mischievous and great at flirting but was very pure. Their teacher would definitely like him. She didn’t say anything else. Ye Futian was clear about things so he could take care of it. She stood behind him; the Cottage would also stand behind him.

Any disciple of the Cottage could represent them all.

Ye Futian continued looking at the Royal Xuan Temple. “No one is stupid here,” he said. “Xirou deserved to die but it’s sad because she fell for someone unreliable. All her evils were done for that person. Even now, he’s still standing in the back, watching everything. Luo Junlin, don’t you feel ashamed?” As soon as he spoke, many people looked to Luo Junlin, including people from the Royal Xuan Temple and He Yulu.

Luo Junlin’s eyes hardened. He stared coldly at Ye Futian. “Of course I feel ashamed. Because I’m powerless to take revenge for Xirou,” he said coldly.

Ye Futian scoffed. “You’re still pretending? If you truly love Xirou, why would you, a man, tell her about your hatred and what happened in the Hundred Lands. Why would you use her to borrow the Royal Xuan Temple’s power against me and Cangye?” Ye Futian laughed coldly. “If you didn’t think of the consequences before, wouldn’t you still know about Hu Tong and this assassination with your relationship with Xirou after I entered the Cottage? Wouldn’t you know the consequences then?

“Even if you didn’t participate and this was Xirou’s own idea, had you ever done anything to stop her? You stood in the back, watching everything, letting her kill me and take all the blame. Even now, you’re standing in the back to protect yourself. Do you take the Royal Xuan Temple or me as idiots?”

Ye Futian stared coldly at Luo Junlin. He Xirou was dead and that was over. But how did everything start? It was because of the one behind her—Luo Junlin.

The man’s eyes were frigid. Ye Futian’s words all implied that Ye Futian wanted him dead. Now, his teacher looked over. His gaze was cold.

“Teacher, I tried to stop Xirou,” Luo Junlin said, voice pained as he clenched his fists.

“Really?” Ye Futian laughed. “Then why was Xirou the one who stood out instead of you? Everything she did was for you. Don’t you think that it’s more suitable for you to confess? If you gave yourself up, wouldn’t my anger and the Cottage’s anger be extinguished? Wouldn’t Xirou still be alive?”

“Shut up.” Luo Junlin’s features turned menacing. “You forced Xirou to kill herself and are now putting all the blame on me.”

“Are you angry from the shame?” Ye Futian sneered. “Everyone can decide by themselves who is right or wrong. Luo Junlin, I always thought that our rivalries would be solved by ourselves, however, you keep pushing my bottom line. In that case, I won’t play with you anymore.”

Luo Junlin had tried using the Royal Xuan Temple and Xirou to kill him. All these tricks and the assassination had threatened his life. In that case, it should end now.

“Since you love Xirou, you must want to avenge her. Now, I will give you the chance,” Ye Futian said. “We will fight. Neither the Cottage nor the Royal Xuan Temple will interfere. Only one man may live.” With that, he looked away from Luo Junlin to He Yulu. “Your disciple can avenge your daughter’s death now. I’m sure the Royal Xuan Temple won’t refuse.” As he said that, he knew that Luo Junlin couldn’t refuse. Even if the Cottage didn’t pressure him, He Yulu definitely would.

As expected, He Yulu looked over as soon as he finished. It was an Arcana against a Dharma. Luo Junlin had entered the Arcana Plane last year while Ye Futian was still a Level. How could he let go of the chance for revenge?

Luo Junlin stared at Ye Futian. A fight to the death? He was so arrogant.

Ye Futian was strong. Luo Junlin had witnessed his performance at the Dongqin College’s battle platform. But did he really look down upon Luo Junlin?

“Right here, right now?” He Yulu asked.

“One month later at the Nandou Nation of the Hundred Lands.” Ye Futian looked at Luo Junlin. “Back then, you wanted me to be your servant. Your father’s one decree forced me into despair. How about we end it all today? If you lose this battle, you won’t be the only one dying.”

Hearing his words, Luo Junlin’s expression turned cold. He obviously understood what Ye Futian meant.

The location was the Nandou Nation.

If he won, Ye Futian would be dead and the rivalry would be over.

If he lost, not only he would die, but the Nandou Nation would also be destroyed.

Ye Futian wanted to use this to destroy Nandou. He clearly didn’t want to wait anymore. He didn’t want to keep playing with Luo Junlin!

Chapter 285: Behind the Assassination

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Ye Futian indeed didn’t want to keep playing with Luo Junlin. He wanted to solve it by himself but Luo Junlin didn’t think like that.

If you use tricks, then I’ll do it unashamedly. It began in Nandou and it will end in Nandou.

Before, the Luo family had oppressed him. They thought they were kings and could be high up in the kingdom. Then Ye Futian would now return it to them.

“Okay,” Luo Junlin said with a dark face. He accepted the challenge. He was clear that he had to accept. Ye Futian’s every word went straight to his heart. Both the Cottage and his teacher would force him to accept. Furthermore, he wasn’t untalented. Since Ye Futian was so confident, he would let him have his way.

One month later, they would fight in Nandou Nation. He knew that he couldn’t escape from this. Instead of waiting for Ye Futian to mature, he should end it when he still had the advantage of a higher plane.

With the Cottage’s reputation in the Eastern Barren Territory, they wouldn’t interfere no matter what the result was since Ye Futian had made this request. This was a great chance for Luo Junlin.

“Senior Sister, let’s go back,” Ye Futian looked back and said to Zhuge Hui. After spending a year in the Cottage, he was familiar with their customs. Not involving relatives was one of their principles. Only the perpetrator would be punished. But if they were protected, it was a different matter.

He’d heard that Third Senior Brother once killed an entire group because someone killed a man but was protected. A group like that allowed people to kill recklessly. Thus, Gu Dongliu had taken the role of god.

“Alright.” Zhuge Hui nodded and smiled. She looked to He Yulu. “If he doesn’t appear at the Nandou Nation one month later, I will come to find you.”

With that, the people of the Cottage and College turned to leave. Everyone looked at the

receding backs of those people, many thoughts in their head.

This was the Cottage and their way of doing things. If someone tried to assassinate their disciple, they would dig the perpetrator up no matter what. Now, He Xirou, the organizer of the assassination, was dead. The one behind her, Luo Junlin, would soon have a fight to the death with Ye Futian.

Everything seemed to be over for now. The depression shrouding Chaoge City seemed to lighten up as well. However, the Royal Xuan Temple was even more depressed.

Soon after, the people of the Qin Dynasty arrived. Qin Li apologized to He Yulu on behalf of the Qin Dynasty. They had helped the Cottage search for clues and couldn’t keep it from the Royal Xuan Temple. However, it was meaningful that they’d come to apologize.

As for what they talked about, no one would know.

Soon after, the Royal Xuan Temple left Chaoge City. Only one disciple was left behind—Xia Luo, the direct disciple of the first lord. After that, the Qin Dynasty announced that the battles would start again.

At the inn, the College and Cottage prepared to leave Chaoge. Liu Feiyang, Ye Wuchen, and the others were all waiting with Ye Futian. At a pavilion, Ye Futian tapped against the stone table. He gazed at Liu Feiyang and asked, “Feiyang, where did you get the news that Chu Yaoyao and Jieyu have issues?”

Hearing this, Liu Feiyang’s eyes flashed. He studied Ye Futian. There seemed to be an implied meaning but he knew Ye Futian wasn’t suspecting him.

“At a restaurant. Some people were discussing it,” Liu Feiyang said. “After that, Wuchen and I went to find you.”

Ye Wuchen was silent. He continued drumming the table.

“Did you think of something?” Liu Chenyu asked.

“It’s coincidental,” Ye Futian murmured. “How can the Moon Clan’s private matters be spread and that you two just happened to hear them discussing it?”

Liu Feiyang and Liu Chenyu exchanged glances, feeling shaken. “Do you suspect someone else behind this?” Liu Chenyu asked.

“It’s definitely He Xirou,” Ye Futian said. From the beginning to the end, everything pointed at Xirou and she paid for it with her life. Other than Luo Junlin, no one deserved to be protected with her life. Thus, it must be Xirou. She had kept Hu Tong beside her since long before with murder in mind. Despite this, Ye Futian still felt something was wrong. It was too coincidental.

Liu Feiyang happened to get the news and when Ye Futian left the inn, the attempt happened. If he didn’t go out, the assassination would be much more difficult.

Xirou definitely planned it but did someone help her? If that was the case, then something else didn’t make sense. Only the people close to Xirou would have known about this. The Royal Xuan Temple wouldn’t participate because they had no motive to kill him.

“Hopefully I’m just overthinking,” Ye Futian said quietly. He didn’t think too deeply. He knew that even if there really was someone behind the curtains, he wouldn’t find any evidence. Hu Tong and He Xirou were all dead. How would he investigate?

Ye Futian suddenly smiled and looked up. “Wuchen, will you visit Cangye in one month?”

“I’ll try to go back.” Ye Wuchen nodded. The forces of the Eastern Barren Territory would be interested in Ye Futian and Luo Junlin’s battle. He could go back to visit his family too.

“I’m sure Lord Ye would want to meet Chenyu,” Ye Futian teased.

Liu Chenyu rolled her eyes. “We’re leaving.”

“Come to the Liu Kingdom when you have time,” Liu Feiyang said to Ye Futian and Ye Wuchen.

“Yes, I’ll definitely go when Wuchen proposes,” Ye Futian said, grinning. Ye Wuchen was speechless and left soon after. The College and Cottage gradually left. They soared into the air, no longer wishing to take part in the Dongqin College’s battles.

…

Qin Li and Xia Luo came to a courtyard in the Dongqin College of Chaoge City. A figure stood quietly before them, smiling at Xia Luo. It was Qin Yu.

Xia Luo walked over and bowed. “Qin Luo greets Uncle.”

Qin Yu nodded with a smile. “Qin Luo, you’ve worked hard all these years.”

“It’s worth it if I can help revive the Qin Dynasty.” Qin Luo shook his head. His true surname was Qin; he was from the Qin Dynasty.

“Yes.” Qin Yu nodded. “Though you’re a prince, you were sent out as a child. If the Qin Dynasty can recover its glory, your efforts will not go to waste.”

“Thank you, Uncle.” Qin Luo bowed.

“Since He Yulu left someone behind for talks, it’s clear he hates the Cottage. Go back and plan well. You must succeed,” Qin Yu said.

“His daughter died. How can He Yulu not have hatred? He should be angrier that he’s powerless. His daughter died before his eyes but he couldn’t protect her. This powerlessness will definitely transform into hatred for the Cottage. I’m sure he won’t refuse if there’s any way to fight against the Cottage. My teacher is a bit troublesome but I will try my best.” Qin Luo nodded as he spoke. He’d been behind this assassination all this time. Ever since he found out that Xirou and Luo Junlin hated Ye Futian, he started paying attention to Xirou. That was why that conversation had happened, leading Xirou to act.

Of course, Xirou and Luo Junlin couldn’t have guessed anything from that. It had just been a casual conversation.

As for clues, the Qin Dynasty didn’t have to look for long. They knew who it was already. However, everything went according to plan. They only had to act as the guide. Everything else was up to the Cottage themselves.

Qin Yu’s eyes flashed coldly.

That day, the second disciple of the Cottage had arrived and destroyed the Dongqin College’s gate. He had embarrassed the Qin Dynasty but they still cooperated with the Cottage. Did they really think the Qin Dynasty was easy to bully?

“Qin Li, you should quicken things with Chu Yaoyao,” Qin Yu said.

“Yes, Father.” Qin Li nodded. Now that Chu Yaoyao was willing to date him, he was sure he could succeed soon.

Of course, he knew that Chu Yaoyao was very smart and wouldn’t be like Xirou.

Chu Yaoyao had higher standards too. She wouldn’t be satisfied with just being the wife of a crown prince. She knew that relying on men was not permanent and that Qin Li had ulterior motives. But what did it matter if they had the same goal?