The Legend of Futian - Chapter 396

Chapter 396: Parting

 

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

Mr. Du left. All the disciples on Book Mountain witnessed his departure. People working for Donghuang the Great came for him. No one knew exactly who Mr. Du was or that he had anything to do with the Great Emperor.

The people from the Barren State did not actually leave the Eastern Barren Territory and so, they also got wind of this news. They were all shocked but finally understood how Ye Futian acquired the relics of Sky Mountain. His teacher was connected to the Great Emperor, so it wouldn’t be weird for him to get the relics. And so, they decided to leave the Eastern Barren Territory. Not only were they wary of Zhuge Mingyue, but also because of that Mr. Du.

Zhuge Mingyue didn’t go to cultivate at the Holy Zhi Palace and unexpectedly became the disciple of an incredibly powerful recluse.

Ye Futian had someone carve the score for the Ukiyo Song on a stone wall located on one of Book Mountain’s mountains. Whenever someone from the Barren State came, they would be led there. This prevented anyone from targeting the College for the score. What Du Ao did to the Donghua Clan was the perfect example.

The Cottage was engulfed in a peculiar atmosphere.

It was that of parting.

The teacher was lost before but everyone knew that he would come back. This time no one knew if he was coming back or if he was even allowed to. They wouldn’t even be able to go find him. Furthermore, the second sister was also going to leave soon.

This magical place, the Cottage, may truly be split up.

On the mountain, the disciples of the Cottage were currently seated together for a meal. There was chit-chat and laughter. Zhuge Mingyue spoke with a light smile on her face. “Our little fifth brother still makes the best food.”

“Senior Sister, if you like my food then I’ll cook for you every day. I won’t step another foot off the mountain,” Luo Fan replied while bustling around.

“Since when have you been such a good boy?” Zhuge Mingyue chuckled.

“Second Sister, who will look after me when you leave?” Beitang Xing’er’s voice was low and melancholic. After bringing brought to the Cottage by the teacher, Zhuge Mingyue had taken care of her. One could even say that she was raised by Zhuge Mingyue.

“Xing’er, do you want to come with me?” Zhuge Mingyue asked.

Beitang Xing’er froze. When she realized it wasn’t a joke, she began to feel conflicted. Should she leave with the senior sister? If she left, who would take care of the others?

“Go,” Gu Dongliu said in the middle of his meal. “Eldest Brother is busy with the College and won’t have time to take care of you.”

Beitang Xing’er looked toward Gu Dongliu and understood the hidden meaning behind his words. He might leave the Cottage, too. Her eyes reddened. To hide the fact that she was about to burst into tears, Beitang Xing’er lowered her head and continued eating.

Years ago, when her family died, it was the teacher that brought her to Book Mountain. It was Third Brother who got revenge for her. Since then, the Cottage was her home. Her senior brothers and sister were closer to her than family. Now, the teacher was gone and they were all separating. The Cottage would no longer exist in the Eastern Barren Territory.

“Xing’er, why are you crying? You’re all grown up now and will have to marry soon. We would have had to separate sooner or later,” Xue Ye said when he noticed the tears in the corners of her eyes.

“I won’t marry.” Beitang Xing’er shook her head.

“Silly girl.” Zhuge Hui patted her head. She then looked toward Ye Futian. “Why so quiet today?” This rascal was usually the most active, but he hadn’t said a word today.

“What’s wrong? Feeling sad?” teased Zhuge Mingyue.

“Senior Sister, would you pretend not to know me when I go looking for you, wanting to hang out?” Ye Futian lifted his head to face her.

“What goes on in that head of yours?” She lifted her hand to knock on his head. “If you dare to not come looking for me, then I’ll really come after you.”

“Futian and I will definitely come visit together,” Hua Jieyu said softly.

Zhuge Mingyue turned her attention over to Hua Jieyu, giving her a look before chuckling.

“Senior Sister?” Hua Jieyu was slightly confused.

“I know what to do so Little Brother will come see me.” She laughed. “What if I take Jieyu with me so that Xing’er will have a companion.”

Hua Jieyu’s eyes widened before shaking her head no. “I don’t want to go.” That was when she realized Ye Futian was looking at her. Seeing the look in his eyes, she lowered her voice to ask him, “What are you looking at? You want to get rid of me again?”

“Jieyu, Senior Sister’s suggestion is worth a second thought,” he said in all seriousness.

“I’m not reconsidering.” She shook her head.

“You and Jieyu think about it,” laughed Zhuge Mingyue. “Jieyu is so pretty, I’m too worried to let her follow you around while you travel recklessly through the Barren State.” She knew well and clear that after the Cottage disbanded, Ye Futian would definitely head to the Barren State. Without the teacher, the Eldest Brother, and her around, it was all up to himself.

“Okay.” Ye Futian nodded. He was considering similar circumstances as the Second Sister.

“When you return to your family, wait for me.” At this time, Gu Dongliu, who was also unusually quiet today, spoke up. Everyone turned to look at the Third Brother. It was obvious who his words were meant for.

“What for?” Zhuge Mingyue didn’t look at him. Instead, she lowered her head to focus on the dishes on the table.

“You know what for,” he replied.

“I don’t know,” she said, finally looking up at him.

Gu Dongliu and Zhuge Hui met eyes. Everyone else watched them as the atmosphere took a weird turn.

“Wait for me to come marry you.” Gu Dongliu stood up after replying and walked away.

Just like that, everyone was completely frozen in shock.

The Third Brother was so manly.

“The Third Brother is so cool,” Ye Futian exclaimed while watching the departing silhouette.

“A real man,” Luo Fan complimented.

“So awesome.” Yi Xiaoshi was stupefied.

Zhuge Mingyue watched as he left, the corners of her mouth curling into a smile. She then glared at Ye Futian and the others. “Eat.”

After their meal, Ye Futian and Hua Jieyu strolled toward the back-mountain hand in hand. Hua Jieyu spoke softly, “I won’t go.”

“Wifey, you’re too beautiful, too eye-catching. What happens if someone tries to steal you from me in the Barren State?” Ye Futian joked. Something of the sorts happened in the Donghua Clan. Du Ao went to take Hua Qingqing.

“Then you protect me,” she replied.

Hearing her gentle voice, Ye Futian lowered his head. He felt guilty. Walking over to a cliff, he watched the sea of clouds. “Qingzhou City, Donghai City, the Nandou Nation. I thought I’d seen the whole world, but the world is far larger than I imaged. What they called the fate of an emperor seems like nothing more than a myth. I’ve given you the fate of an empress but to this day, I still don’t have the ability to protect you.”

From his words, Hua Jieyu knew that he was feeling down in the dumps. She lifted her eyes to him. “Look at me,” she said.

Ye Futian turned to her. She walked forward and leaned against him. Standing on tip-toes, she planted a soft kiss on his lips and then separated from him. She never meant for her words to upset the man she loved.

A smile bloomed from her like a beautiful flower. Hua Jieyu looked up to the sky where the sun was shining brightly.

“When you were 15, people thought you didn’t know how to cultivate. You were optimistic and joyful. Then, during the Fall Exams that same year, you shocked everyone with your talent and proved yourself to the entire Qingzhou Academy. At sixteen, you set foot in Donghai City. You played the Melody of the White Feathers Garment at the Luo Palace, used the Decree of the General in front of the School of the Emperor Star, and made yourself known as the Guqin Devil’s disciple. That year, an emperor wanted to kill you and you refused to just give in, taking fate into your own hands. During the Fenghua Banquet, you gained the recognition of Emperor Ye. During the Tingfeng banquet, you were undefeatable. After that, you wowed the Ancient Barren World and entered the Cottage. Your life is just beginning and you’re already a legend in the Eastern Barren Territory. This year, you’re twenty. You dominated in the battle on Sky Mountain and now, there isn’t a single person who doesn’t know you in the Eastern Barren Territory.” Hua Jieyu smiled brightly, the sunlight lighting up her face. In a gentle voice, she spoke, “Ye Futian, I’m proud of you.”

Ye Futian turned to take in her profile. He chuckled. “My fox knows how to console people now.”

Hua Jieyu looked at him again and laughed. “Everything I said was true. You’re only twenty and you’re able to deal with Nobles and Sages so naturally. I believe that since you’re already able to overshadow everyone our age in Qingzhou City, Donghai City, the Nandou Nation, and the Eastern Barren Territory, someday, you’ll be able to do so with the world. There will be a day when the entire Divine Prefecture will know your name.”

“Am I really that outstanding?” Ye Futian was high off the compliments.

“Yeah,” Hua Jieyu nodded in all seriousness. “You said that you’ll make me an empress. I will remember that, so you have to fulfill your promise.”

“Okay.” All of Ye Futian’s dispiriting thoughts were wiped away by Hua Jieyu’s words. He had no time to waste being dispirited. In his younger days, he was so confident in himself. Was he going to let these losses dull his light?

“Then do you agree to go with Second Sister?” Ye Futian asked.

“I agree.” Hua Jieyu nodded. “But not to run away. When I get to the Barren State, I will work hard on cultivation and wait for you to come for me.”

“Okay,” he nodded. Then, he hugged Hua Jieyu close to him and continued, “Before we separate should we take care of something important in our lives?”

“You wish.” She blushed hard in his embrace.

“I’ll be so lonely and cold with you.”

“Then you have to come for me sooner.”

“Fox, you’re too cruel.”

“Hmph.”

Their exchange continued as the sunlight beat down on the green grass. This had Ye Futian thinking that even though the world of cultivation was cruel, it was also beautiful. He had so many people that liked him and there were also people he liked.

Days later, a large group had arrived in the sky above Book Mountain. All of them had impressive auras and were truly outstanding. They were from the Zhuge Family. Naturally, they were here for Zhuge Mingyue. She accepted everything that had happened. Disciples of Book Mountain and the Cottage were here to see her off. Seeing everyone in front of her, she smiled. “Don’t miss me too much.”

Beside her, Beitang Xing’er was already in tears. “Eldest Brother, Fourth Brother, Fifth Brother, Xiaoshi, Futian, you guys take care.” She then turned to Gu Dongliu who stood further away. “Third Brother, take care.”

“When you get to the Barren State, remember to listen to your Senior Sister,” said the Sword Saint.

“Okay,” Beitang Xing’er nodded.

“Jieyu, you also have to listen to Senior Sister,” he said softly as he patted her head.

“Okay,” nodded Hua Jieyu. She looked behind Ye Futian at Hua Fengliu and the others. “Father, Mother, teacher, Clan Leader, all of you have to take care as well.”

“Little Brother.” Zhuge Mingyue spread her arms for Ye Futian.

He walked forward and shared a light hug with her, then with Beitang Xing’er.

“I look forward to when we meet again, Little Brother,” Zhuge Mingyue said softly. The three of them lifted up in the air and headed for the ship in the sky.

“Let’s go,” said a young man on the ship. He took one look down below, his eyes falling emotionlessly on Ye Futian. The ship in the sky began to move. Zhuge Hui took one last look downward at a lonely figure in white. Then, she turned away and moved further and further away.

Chapter 397: When the Music Stops, the People Go

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

Days later, the Cottage became unusually lively. The disciples of the Moon Clan had moved into the Cottage. Mr. Du had said before he left that the Cottage was one with the disciples of the Moon Clan. All at once, the mountain was filled with beautiful women.

If this had been the Ye Futian of the past, he would’ve been so happy. However, he was no longer in the mood for any of that. These past few days, he remained at the cliff, reading and cultivating. It used to be Jieyu accompanying him, but now it was Yu Sheng.

A couple of figures headed his way. The Sword Saint, Goddess Wangyue, Xue Ye and Luo Fan, as well as College Chief Xiao, all arrived in Ye Futian’s location.

“Little Brother,” the Sword Saint called out.

“Eldest Brother, College Chief Xiao, Goddess,” Ye Futian greeted.

“Your Eldest Brother is the college chief now, you can just call me Uncle-Master,” College Chief Xiao chuckled.

“Alright, Uncle-Master Xiao,” nodded Ye Futian.

“Sit, we’re just strolling around,” said College Chief Xiao. “We were so busy settling things at the College, we didn’t even have time to chat with you.”

“Uncle-Master, you’re too polite.” Ye Futian was still unfamiliar with College Chief Xiao. After all, they hadn’t met too many times. However, he was different from what Ye Futian had imagined. The disciples of the Cottage had all naturally assumed that the relationship between the college chief and their teacher was not a good one but in reality, it was the exact opposite. The relationship between the two of them was not one that could be easily understood by outsiders.

Some people claimed that College Chief Xiao wanted to control all of the College and was thus displeased with Mr. Du. Truth was, the college chief had always wanted the Sword Saint to take over.

The group took seats on the ground. The Sword Saint spoke, “Little Brother, the people of the Qin Dynasty are already gone. The palace is now empty. They’re most definitely worried about the College’s revenge and have completely become a thing of the past. Several lords of the Liu Kingdom have come to Book Mountain with apologies. Wuchen and Liu Chenyu are cultivating on Book Mountain. I asked for their opinion and they rejected the apologies, so I told the people from the Liu Kingdom to leave. However, I won’t order any follow-ups with them as this is a Liu Kingdom business. I’ll leave it for them to deal with themselves.”

“Okay,” nodded Ye Futain. It was only natural that Ye Wuchen and Liu Chenyu would refuse to forgive the traitors of the Liu Kingdom.

“Also, your Third Brother left. He came to see me and then left without saying anything to anyone else,” said the Sword Saint. Ye Futian nodded in understanding. This was expected. According to Third Brother’s personality, there was no way he wouldn’t leave. The proud scholar he was would definitely chase after his target.

“The teacher and your Third Brother had high hopes for you. They both mentioned you before leaving, saying that you don’t belong in the Eastern Barren Territory. Your world is somewhere far away.”

“I’ll be leaving for the Barren State in some days,” said Ye Futian. “Fourth Brother, Fifth Brother, Seventh Brother, what are you guys planning to do?”

“We’ll stay to help out at the College for the time being. After everything is completely settled and the Eastern Barren Territory starts anew, we’ll leave,” Xue Ye explained. “As his disciples, we’ll help teacher achieve his dreams.”

Ye Futian nodded. Life is full of meeting and parting. Everyone had their own path to take. The disbanding of the Cottage was only a matter of time. Although, the time seemed to have arrived too early. So, there was no helping these feelings of sadness.

“Your teacher always wanted to be able to create change. In the end, he realized he wasn’t able to change a single thing and even dragged his disciples into it,” said College Chief Xiao. “A thorough jerk.”

“Uncle-Master, what kind of person was the teacher? Why was he taken away?” asked Ye Futian.

College Chief Xiao let out a reminiscent look. He said, “When your teacher was young, he was just like you guys, full of pride and confidence. He was so focused on traveling the world. That was until he met two people, the two people who changed his fate.”

“Donghuang the Great and Emperor Yeqing?” Ye Futian asked him with bright eyes.

“That’s right.” College Chief Xiao looked so serious as he nodded his head. “Not many people knew about this slice of history, but your teacher did indeed leave with the two emperors. It was many years before he returned and when he finally did, his edge was gone. He became lazy and idle. I’ve asked him what happened while he was gone and he said that he was tired of what he saw in this world. He killed some people but never told me who. However, I’m sure that they were people he shouldn’t have messed with. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have returned to the Eastern Barren Territory and gone into hiding. He only began to change slightly when he started taking in disciples. He had new goals but it was all null in the end. Though, he did say before he left that he had no regrets. He said he had seen things that others hadn’t and killed those that others didn’t dare to. Now, he even had a group of such extraordinary disciples. He wouldn’t feel regret even if he were to die.”

Ye Futian listened quietly. He never thought that his lazy, alcohol-loving teacher would have such an astounding story behind him.

“Your teacher always said that principle ruled humanity, but more often than not, principle loses to a physical punch. Therefore, your punch has to be stronger and more powerful than everyone else’s because that’s the only way people will listen to you. In reality, that jerk has never had any principle when he was with me because his punch was always stronger than mine.” College Chief Xiao seemed to be complaining. Ye Futian and the others couldn’t help but laugh. It seemed like College Chief Xiao had been through a lot.

“Because of this, his life was full of contradictions. He spent his whole life in a world of self-contradiction,” College Chief Xiao continued. “He has finally let everything go now. He said the person he had been waiting for had finally arrived. So now, the future is up to you guys.”

“The person he had been waiting for?” Ye Futian was interested. “Who?” Just as he asked, he realized that both College Chief Xiao and the Eldest Brother were looking at him. He was Mr. Du’s last disciple. After Ye Futian came on the mountain, Mr. Du cultivated with him in the back mountains and even said that he had no regrets leaving. So, who was the person Mr. Du was waiting for?

“Is it me?” Ye Futian muttered. If so, then the old man that always looked down on his talent was actually waiting for him? Wasn’t that funny? However, he couldn’t manage to let out a laugh.

Lifting his head to the sky, Ye Futian could almost see the elder’s figure. The old drunkard that was both respectable and loathsome. Why was he the one he waited for? What did the old man know? Their only similarity had to do with the two emperors.

After some random chit-chat, Eldest Brother and others left. Ye Futian watched their departing figures and called out, “Uncle-Master, Senior Brother, I won’t come to say goodbye when I leave either.”

“The College and the Cottage will always be your home.” The Sword Saint turned to smile at him. In fact, everyone turned to give him a last smile.

Days later, Ye Futian could no longer be found in this spot. The disciples of the Cottage had all left the mountain, including Xue Ye and Luo Fan. Now, only the ladies of the Moon Clan remained.

Standing by the cliff right now was a beautiful girl. She stood quietly, looking up at the ocean of clouds. The view here was truly breathtaking. This girl, was Chu Yaoyao.

“Sis,” called out a voice. Chu Lian approached, looking equally beautiful. With her eyes on the same view, she asked, “What are you thinking?”

“No much.” Chu Yaoyao shook her head.

“Don’t lie to me. Ever since you left Sky Mountain, you’ve been hiding something deep down,” said Chu Lian. “Can you tell me?”

“You want to know?” asked Chu Yaoyao.

“Yeah,” Chu Lian nodded.

Chu Yaoyao smiled before giving her reply, “I fell for a person I shouldn’t have fallen for.”

“It’s not a matter of whether or not you should have. If he’s worth it, then you should follow your heart. Throughout the Eastern Barren Territory, there wouldn’t be a single person who wouldn’t fall for your charm.”

“Of course, there is.”

“Who?”

“Someone who used to cultivate,” Chu Yaoyao answered with a big smile. “But that’s all in the past now. Everything starts anew now.”

On another mountain of Book Mountain, another beautiful girl stared into the distance with a tear-stained face. “Why did he have to leave by himself?” she uttered through her tears.

Beside her, a young man spoke to her softly, “Because he couldn’t bear the thought of dragging you around while they wandered.”

“That’s his opinion. Doesn’t he know that this is even crueler?” Liu Chenyu cried.

“He’s cruel to himself as well. However, he would rather shoulder it all himself. I would do the same in his situation.” Liu Feiyang smiled. “He wants to give you the world, not have you suffer with him.”

There was another girl on Book Mountain with her eyes focused somewhere far away. It was Yi Qingxuan. She did not cry though. She was smiling. She knew that this was all part of the experience. Parting was going to be a large part of it. This was the choice she made. The man she loved did not belong to her fully. He belonged mostly to the young man beside him.

…

Months later, a rumor spread from Sky Mountain. They said that the sounds of a guqin were heard from the mountain. The beautiful music melted in with the snowflakes. Nobody knew if this was another appearance of Emperor Will. However, there weren’t many people climbing Sky Mountain anymore so not many cared about this rumor.

At the top of Sky Mountain, the fluffy, white snow never stopped falling. A figure clad in white sat quietly, playing the guqin while the snow fell. It was Ye Futian. He hadn’t left the Eastern Barren Territory just yet. He was cultivating here. All this time, he was practicing on the guqin and building his Spiritual Energy. He also cultivated sorcery and martial arts to strengthen his body.

Not far from Ye Futian, Yu Sheng sat cross-legged, also cultivating.

In a distance was a one-armed youth practicing with a sword in the snow. Ye Wuchen was bathed in Sword Will, flowing and blowing through the snow. There was also a girl on the snowy mountain. Quietly, she took in the cold of the Sky Mountain. It was Loulan Xue.

Just then, the music stopped. Ye Futian shifted his gaze to the mountain trail. There, a beautiful figure braced the cold winds and approached the mountaintop. Her steps were light and she headed for Ye Futian.

Ye Futian took in what she was wearing. The rough fabric looked like something monks would wear, but not even the plain clothing could hide her innocent beauty.

“You…” Ye Futian was surprised at how the girl in front of him was dressed.

“When the monks from the Qianqiu Temple arrived on Book Mountain last time, I wanted to be enlightened. So, after that, I went to the temple and I cultivate there now,” smiled Hua Qingqing. The air of innocence around her seemed to have been restored.

“That’s good.” Ye Futian returned her smile.

“Can you play the Ukiyo song for me again? I want to listen to the full piece,” she asked softly.

“Okay,” Ye Futian nodded. His expression became serious and he placed his hands on the guqin.

The peaceful music resonated on Sky Mountain once again. Perhaps, this was the last time.

When the music stops, the people go!

Chapter 398: Barren State, Yunyue City? Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

 

The Barren State was boundless. In the north was the Demon City that was at the border of the Demon World. The Demon God race and Taixuan Mountain loomed there. White Cloud City guarded the west, pressing down on the boundless land. There was also Inferno City near Fire Mountain that occupied a lot of land.

The south had an endless snowy terrain. There was a temple there with two gusts of power. The snow area and Fire Mountain formed a strange territory. The center was the renowned Alchemy City. Of course, Zhongzhou City was still the richest. This place loomed over the center of the Barren State. Strong cultivators were everywhere there.

Yunyue City in the east of the Barren State wasn’t the main city there, but it had an ancient history and was magnificent.

Right now, a Black Wind Eagle flew in the sky above Yunyue City. Its eyes were very sharp. It was an eagle, but when it flew, it felt like a roc. It was that fast. There were four youths on its back. The one at the front was handsome and he looked forward. Beside him was a muscular youth. He was resting with his eyes closed. The one-armed handsome youth behind them had two ancient swords crossed behind his back. There was also a veiled girl. She had long silver hair that fell down like a waterfall. Her eyes shone with silver light, beautiful yet demonic. They were cold.

This was Ye Futian’s group, coming to the Barren State from the Eastern Barren Territory. They paused at times along the way. Mooncloud City was one of the bigger cities. Its liveliness was comparable to the Qin Imperial City in the center of the Eastern Barren Territory.

“That should be Crescent Lake.” Loulan Xue stood up. Wind blew against her as she pointed at a crescent moon-shaped lake. She held a map that she’d bartered for after entering the city.

“It should be White Jade Tower before Crescent Lake.” Looking forward from the lake, one could make out a palace-shaped building. The Black Wind Eagle sped up and it became clearer.

It was a palace-shaped inn—one of the three biggest inns in Yunyue City. It was entirely white and seemed to be made from jade, hence the name. It was as magnificent as a royal palace.

As they got closer, the Black Wind Eagle rushed downward and landed on the steps of White Jade Tower. Ye Futian felt Spiritual Qi hit him. This meant that White Jade Tower was made from spiritual stone. It contained a matrix inside. Living in it, they would feel powerful Spiritual Qi. It was beneficial to cultivation.

Looking up, Ye Futian walked up the steps and stopped outside the main hall. Loulan Xue and Yu Sheng held the spiritual stone and walked in. They were going to spend a few days here, so they chose somewhere like White Jade Tower. It would be easier to get information. They also needed a map of the Barren State. They couldn’t get it in a smaller place.

Many people walked up and down the steps.

“Sir, are you a foreigner?” a thin youth in a blue robe asked Ye Futian.

“Yes.” Ye Futian smiled and nodded.

“I am Yang Ting,” the other greeted.

“Ye Futian.”

“Brother Ye, are you here for the battle between the four clans?” Yang Ting asked.

“No.” Ye Futian shook his head. He’d just arrived and didn’t know anything about the four clans.

“Most people who come to Yunyue City are here for that reason. I misunderstood.” Yang Ting put his hands together in apology.

“No problem. I just arrived and am new to Yunyue City. Please help me in the future,” Ye Futian said politely.

“You flatter me. We can help each other,” Yang Ting said, smiling.

“Brother, it’s done,” a voice said. A pretty figure walked out. She had a ponytail and looked young, clean, and pure.

“This is my sister, Yang Yi,” Yang Ting introduced. “This is Brother Ye.”

Ye Futian and Yang Yi nodded at each other. Yang Yi stared at Ye Futian with her pure eyes, thinking that Ye Futian was really attractive.

As Ye Futian matured, his temperament kept changing. His features became more handsome too. He was very attractive now.

“What are you looking at me for?” Ye Futian asked, smiling gently.

Yang Yi realized that she’d spaced out. Blushing, she averted her eyes quickly.

“Brother Ye is handsome, but you don’t have to do that,” Yang Ting also joked.

Yang Yi kicked him and whined, “What are you saying? I’m just curious.”

At this time, the ground below them shook. Ye Futian looked and saw a figure land on the white jade steps. The person was tall and extremely burly. His upper body was bare. The silver armor only covered his most important part. His eyes were like bronze bells, filled with authority as he scanned them. He climbed the steps and walked through Ye Futian’s group.

“What beast is that?” Yang Yi was looking up. She saw a fiery-red knight with a mount come. The beast was a dark bird.

The knight was a woman clad in fiery-red clothing. Her curvy body formed a beautiful picture with a different kind of attractiveness. The woman’s manliness was beautiful and cold.

“Blue Phoenix,” Yang Ting said.

The woman’s Blue Phoenix landed. She also walked past Ye Futian without even looking. However, her Blue Phoenix glanced at the Black Wind Eagle and cawed.

The Black Wind Eagle had been silent. After the Blue Phoenix cawed, its eyes sharpened instantly. It shot a gaze at the phoenix. One could see darkness flowing through its eyes.

The Blue Phoenix wouldn’t stop. The knight frowned and glared at it, wondering why it was bullying an eagle. After glancing at the Black Wind Eagle, the Blue Phoenix entered the hall with the knight. The Black Wind Eagle glanced at it arrogantly and closed its eyes to rest.

At this time, Yu Sheng and Loulan Xue walked over. “Brother Yang,” Ye Futian said, “I’m ready.”

The Yang siblings looked at Yu Sheng and Loulan Xue. This group all had great temperaments. Loulan Xue had her face veiled, but judging from her body, she wouldn’t be ugly.

“Come, let’s go together,” Yang Ting said, smiling. Ye Futian nodded. The two walked to the side and climbed the steps. They found their own floor and courtyard. Coincidentally, they were neighbors.

After entering the courtyard, they found that the entrance was in the backyard. After a hallway was the front courtyard. They could see Crescent Lake and the people arriving at the inn.

“The Eastern Barren Territory should be in that direction,” Ye Futian murmured, looking into the distance. Now, he had already stepped foot inside the Barren State. He was extremely far away from the Eastern Barren Territory. It would take months to cross that distance. Now, he would truly be in the outside world, far from his home.

Loulan Xue stood beside him and said softly, “I asked around in the hall earlier. The map isn’t easy to get. The Barren State is too big. Even many people in this city haven’t gone out of the eastern region, let alone the entire Barren State.”

Ye Futian nodded lightly. “You’ve worked hard. Our future is unknown. I hope you won’t regret this.” He’d warned Loulan Xue, but she had insisted on coming.

“This is my duty as a servant,” Loulan Xue replied softly. “As for regret, this is my own decision.”

“Is Brother Ye here?” a voice came from the other courtyard.

“Yes, Brother Yang. Come over,” Ye Futian said.

“Okay.” A laugh sounded and then two figures came from the sky.

“The view is quite nice here,” Yang Ting said, laughing. “But it’s truly expensive.”

“Brother Yang, I have a question to ask. I came here to challenge myself and I wish to travel the entire Barren State. Is there anywhere I can get a basic map?” Ye Futian asked.

“The entire Barren State?” Yang Ting’s eyes flashed in shock. It wasn’t realistic to travel the entire Barren State at Ye Futian’s age unless he improved his cultivation as he traveled. Many people did this though, so he didn’t find it too strange.

“Yes.” Ye Futian nodded.

“This type of map is rarely used. I don’t know where to find it, but the top four forces of Yunyue City will have them,” Yang Ting said.

“Which four forces? How are their abilities?” Ye Futian asked.

“Yunyue City has the Feng Family, Wang Family, Thunder Clan, and Yunyue Merchant Union,” Yang Ting said. “They form the uppermost level in Yunyue City. All have people in the Noble Plane.”

Ye Futian nodded. This was only Yunyue City. How powerful would the main cities be?

“Brother Yang, are you from this city?” Ye Futian asked.

“Yes.”

“Then why are you living here?” Ye Futian was curious.

“Brother Ye, how about we get a drink? We can chat while walking,” Yang Ting said.

“Okay.” Ye Futian nodded. The group left the courtyard and walked towards the wine house at the top level.

“The top four forces control most of the resources in the city. They hold a battle at the end of every year to decide the distribution of the resources. To be fair, they don’t use the Noble Plane. Thus, all those who fight are in the Arcana Plane. Because there are injuries and casualties and the forces use it to attract more talents, it became a custom. Every year, this event is when they choose talents to fight for them. Those who perform well can join them.

“The White Jade Tower belongs to the Yunyue Merchant Union. Every year, they would invite others here. That’s why I asked if Brother Ye came for that reason.”

As Yang Ting explained, they arrived at the open-ceiling wine house. Many people were there; it was very busy.

“So you wish to join the Yunyue Merchant Union?” Ye Futian asked.

“They are a force in the chamber of commerce. They have the most resources and are the most generous,” Yang Ting said, eyes sparkling.

Ye Futian nodded. After coming to the Barren State, he discovered that they would often use cultivation resources. For example, spiritual stones were common here and used as currency.

“Brother Ye, are you interested?” Yang Ting asked after they found somewhere to sit.

“No.” Ye Futian shook his head, laughing. He’d come to the Barren State to cultivate. He wasn’t going to join a force!

Chapter 399: Common Man

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

Yang Ting wasn’t surprised. Since Ye Futian wanted to explore the Barren State, he obviously couldn’t stay in one place.

“Brother Ye, the Yunyue Merchant Union controls many auction and trade buildings,” Yang Ting said. “They will definitely have the map you want. You don’t want to join, but there’s another way. You can rent yourself to fight for them and receive what you want.”

“You can do that?” Ye Futian was interested.

“Of course,” Yang Ting explained. “For their battles, if you help them win a round, there will be rewards. The exceptionally talented can beat more opponents and receive more rewards. Otherwise, how can they attract people to fight for them? You must know, injuries and deaths are common. That is why they won’t send all their people. Otherwise, it’s easy for an uncontrollable battle to erupt. It had happened before.”

“I see. I’ll consider it.” Ye Futian nodded. He looked into the distance at Crescent Lake. There was a slight breeze. The view was so nice.

At that time, loud noises came from behind. Ye Futian turned around and saw two figures step onto the battle platform in the center of the wine house. They were getting ready to fight.

The place was big, so the platform wasn’t awkward. The two shot into the air and started fighting there and then. They were both in the lower Arcana Plane.

“Doesn’t the White Jade Tower care?” Ye Futian asked.

“Standing onto the platform means that both agree to the fight,” Yang Ting said. “The White Jade Tower purposely supplied this place and likes seeing this. It helps them rate the people’s abilities. Especially during these times, most everyone who lives in White Jade Tower is for the battle. They naturally wish for the White Jade Tower to see their performance. The tower will naturally report to the Yunyue Merchant Union.”

As expected, the battle was endless. More people stepped onto it to fight and more people gathered around.

Ye Futian saw an elder in a long black robe. He was in mid-Arcana Plane and was very powerful. He controlled a fire spell. He must not be as talented to be in the Arcana Plane at his age. But because he’d cultivated for so long, he’d studied sorcery more and had better control.

The black-robed sorcerer beat many people. Gradually, more powerful people challenged him. Now, Ye Futian saw the female knight with the Blue Phoenix walk on. A fiery spear solidified in her hands. Flames covered her, making her seem very handsome. In her clothing, she also looked sexy.

“I know who they are,” Yang Ting said. “Fire Girl Liu Lan and Black Sorcerer Xi Mu are both quite famous here.”

The two had an intense battle. Liu Lan was skilled in fire and wind but was a female knight who cultivated martial arts. Her combat ability was very strong. She added her elemental talent to her spear technique. Each attack was beautiful. Sometimes, she would use spells for aid. However, she often missed. Black mist would cover Xi Mu and then he would teleport. This shocked Ye Futian. He used Freedom Meditation and Xi Mu’s actions became clear. No move could escape from his eyes.

The black mist was just a cover-up. Xi Mu actually used a water elemental spell. He must have added spiritual sorcery as well to create an illusion while moving with a spell. However, he looked mysterious to people of the same level.

“Brother Ye, who do you think will win?” Yang Ting asked.

“Fire Girl,” Ye Futian replied.

“But Xi Mu has the upper hand now.” Yang Ting was surprised. Xi Mu used his technique to restrict Liu Lan.

“What determines victory is still one’s ability. Some methods are interesting, but Xi Mu is a sorcerer and not a martial artist. He can’t attack suddenly. His attack is comparable to the Fire Girl, but his defense isn’t. He will lose but can drag it on for a while.”

Yang Ting looked to the battlefield curiously. Xi Mu still had the upper hand. But as time passed, changes occurred. The Fire Girl became more intense, making Xi Mu panic. After a while, he lost miserably.

“Big Brother Ye is so powerful,” Yang Yi praised. Yang Ting also looked to Ye Futian, impressed. He was quite observant.

“Big Brother?” Ye Futian smiled at Yang Yi with her ponytail and pure features. She couldn’t be 20 yet. Ye Futian really was old now. He thought of his little sister Ye Xiaoqin. She must have grown up now. He wondered how she was now. Was she still in Donghai?

“Yeah. Can I call you that?” Yang Yi asked, smiling.

“Of course.” Ye Futian nodded.

“Big Brother Ye, has anyone ever complimented your looks?”

Ye Futian blinked and then nodded seriously. “I’m used to it.”

Yu Sheng looked away with disdain. He was tricking little girls again and Yu Sheng couldn’t stand it.

Ye Wuchen was quiet the entire time and didn’t have much presence. Yang Ting would sometimes look over. He had a unique feeling by just sitting there.

“Incredible. I’ve heard of you two long ago,” someone suddenly praised. Ye Futian’s group looked over and saw a young man and woman. The man was handsome. The woman, in a pale blue dress, was sexy but still elegant—very attractive. There were also servants and guards behind them. Clearly, they had a powerful family. Their appearance attracted many eyes. Xi Mu and Liu Lan nodded politely.

“That is Shang Hai and Shang Qing, siblings from the Yunyue Merchant Union. Their father is in charge of White Jade Tower,” Yang Ting murmured to Ye Futian. “I’m going over.”

With that, Yang Ting went to the Shang siblings. He bowed slightly and then hovered around the two. He looked submissive.

“Why is he like this?” Yu Sheng asked Yang Yi. He was confused. If he wanted to join the union, he should use his power. Being submissive like this detracted from his strength.

Yang Yi bowed her head.

“Yu Sheng.” Ye Futian glared at him. They’d only just met Yang Ting and didn’t know each other. They had no right to interfere with how the other acted.

“Yang Yi, we’ll go down now,” Ye Futian said.

“Okay.” Yang Yi nodded. Ye Futian’s group walked down the steps and left the wine house.

Back at the courtyard, Ye Futian sat before Crescent Lake, thinking about the battle.

Xi Mu and Liu Lan were quite powerful. Ye Futian guessed that their abilities were equal to some of the talents in the College. Thus, he guessed that the talents in Yunyue City wouldn’t be stronger than the best in the Eastern Barren Territory. This was normal though. Yunyue City wasn’t a main city and there were many cities of this scale. The truly best would definitely go to the bigger cities. Furthermore, even though the Eastern Barren Territory didn’t have many resources, the best were still quite talented. They were at least equal to the best in Yunyue City.

“The Spiritual Qi is very heavy here,” Ye Futian said, smiling. He closed his eyes to cultivate.

A while later, a voice said, “Big Brother Ye, can I come over.”

“Yes.” He nodded. “Yang Yi, come over.” As soon as he finished, a figure descended from the wall. She said, “Big Brother Ye, you can call me Little Yi.”

“Little Yi,” Ye Futian called.

Yang Yi smiled. “Were you looking down on my brother?”

“No.” Ye Futian shook his head. That was the truth. Everyone lived differently. He didn’t know Yang Yi well so he had no right to comment.

“Our parents were killed while trying to enter a relic when we were young. After that, we had to survive alone. In a conflict after that, we were both injured. I was heavily injured and can’t cultivate as well as before. My brother works hard and wants to join the battle so he can find a spiritual medicine for my injury. The Yunyue Merchant Union controls many trades. They’ll definitely have the medicine. That’s why he’s so submissive with them.”

Yang Yi continued softly, “We’d also used all our savings to live here. All of this is for me. My brother is actually quite talented, but he was restricted by me. Big Brother Ye, I don’t mean anything. I just hope you won’t look down on my brother.” With that, she smiled and turned to leave.

After she left, Ye Futian smiled wryly and turned to Yu Sheng. “Did you hear that?”

Yu Sheng scratched his head and said, “I’ll apologize.”

Ye Futian looked into the distance. “The Barren State isn’t all top forces like the Nantian House and Sacred Fire Sect. There are many common men with common lives, working hard for their goals like us.”

“Brother Ye,” another voice said. Yang Ting came over directly with a smile. “I asked earlier. They do have a map. If you’re chosen to fight and perform well, you’ll have the chance to get it.”

Ye Futian and Yu Sheng gaped at him. He’d just come back. Yang Yi had come earlier in secret.

“Okay, I’ll consider it seriously.” Ye Futian smiled and nodded. He didn’t mention Yang Yi.

“Let me know when you decide. I’ll register for you,” Yang Ting said before leaving.

“Thank you,” Yu Sheng said.

Yang Ting halted and looked at him, surprised. This burly youth always followed Ye Futian but didn’t speak until now. “Since we’re friends, we should take care of each other,” Yang Ting smiled and returned to his courtyard.