Book 2 Chapter 80: A Heart of Poison - Martial God

Chapter 80: A Heart of Poison As they left the jewelry store, Feng Lai Xiang, and turned a corner, He Yi Ming apologized, "Li Xun, I originally intended to pick out some pieces of jewelry for you, but I didn't expect things to turn out like this, and we ended up with nothing. I promise to make it up to you next time." Yuan Lixun gave a slight smile, pointing to the roll of paintings in He Yi Ming's hand, "Didn't we get this? How can you say we ended up with nothing?" He Yi Ming raised his eyebrows and gave a wide smile, feeling warmth in his heart. Yuan Lixun's smile suddenly faded, and a hint of hesitation appeared on her face. He Yi Ming quickly asked, "What’s the matter?" Of course, he didn’t think Yuan Lixun was unhappy because of the lack of gifts, but her change in expression did make him a bit concerned. For some reason, Yuan Lixun’s every action, every smile or frown, seemed to tug at a string in his heart. Although their first meeting wasn’t something He Yi Ming had wished for, at his age, being a young man whose life had been solely focused on cultivation with little interaction with others, the first woman to always be by his side naturally found a way into his heart. Yuan Lixun opened her pretty, rosy lips and spoke softly, "Young Master, I just saw someone I recognize." "Someone you recognize? You know people here too?" He Yi Ming asked in surprise. "Yes, you might not know him, but I certainly won’t forget," Yuan Lixun said with a haunted tone. He Yi Ming's eyes slightly narrowed; he detected a faint trace of fear, prompting him to gently ask, "Who is this person?" "Young Master, do you remember the Jinlin’s Fan family?" "Of course, I remember," He Yi Ming chuckled dryly, "I doubt I will ever forget them." It was the conflict with the Fan family in Jinlin that led He Yi Ming to his first battle against an innate strongman. Without that moment of enlightenment, without that battle, he likely wouldn’t have been able to achieve victory when he encountered Cheng Fu. "The current head of the Fan family, Fan Shu, has two sons: one is Fan Hao Ri, and the other is Fan Hao Yue," Yuan Lixun solemnly explained. "The person I encountered was Fan Hao Yue." In a flash, He Yi Ming’s mind brought forth an image—the face of that young man from the horse team he encountered on his way home from Huowu Kingdom, who tried to covet his prized horse, the red silk horse. At the time, He Yi Ming was in high spirits and too disinterested to bother with him, so he just gave a mild consequence before moving on. Later, he learned the identity of this young master and even obtained enough magnetic steel to refine his broadsword anew. These events flashed through his mind like lightning, the previously blurred memory of that person’s face now coming into focus. "Li Xun, how do you know him?" Yuan Lixun's face flushed slightly. "He once visited my home and after seeing me just once, he sent someone to propose marriage to my father. But my father flatly refused." Saying this, she gently patted her chest, still seeming a bit shaken. As He Yi Ming's gaze briefly swept over her chest, he observed Yuan Lixun’s youthful figure—a girl nearly his own age, only sixteen—and an early developer, her chest gently swelling like fledgling dove breasts under her clothes. He couldn’t help but steal a few extra glances. With her sharp female intuition, Yuan Lixun noticed this and blushed deeply, softly huffing. She was startled by her own reaction, unable to fathom why she had responded so. Looking up apprehensively, she saw He Yi Ming wearing an awkward expression, his genuine smile as warm as a gentle spring streaming into her heart, making her blush deepen. He Yi Ming cleared his throat softly, "Li Xun, I’ll take you back, then go check on that guy." He paused, saying, "It’s strange to think that guy was drawn into the Tianluo Zi family." Yuan Lixun nodded slightly, one of her hands already tightly held by He Yi Ming, while his other hand wrapped around her slender waist gently. Her heart warmed, her body softened, and then she felt a sensation akin to gliding through clouds and mist. The sound of wind whooshed past her ears, and the scenery ahead flew backward swiftly as if they were soaring. She nestled her head into a warm embrace, hoping for this moment to last forever... ※※※※ He Yi Ming's agility had transformed drastically after mastering the power of wind, incomparable to before. Even carrying an extra person, he reached Shao Ming Residence in no time. After reluctantly parting with Yuan Lixun, he found himself feeling a touch of reluctance too. But thinking of Fan Hao Yue, his heart seemed pierced with a poisonous thorn, a feeling hard to dispel. Though this person seemed non-threatening at first glance, his involvement with one of Tianluo’s five prominent families wasn’t to be taken lightly. After ensuring Yuan Lixun returned to her room, He Yi Ming left quietly without alerting anyone, not even Shui Xuan Jin, who didn’t notice his absence. Shui Xuan Jin no longer eavesdropped on He Yi Ming, knowing he had also mastered the same art of hearing—and possibly outmatched him in its use. Sensible as ever, the old man refrained from probing further. Leaving Shao Ming Residence, He Yi Ming underwent a dramatic transformation while running. His body inexplicably swelled by a whole size, altering his entire appearance, particularly his face, which changed completely. Now sporting a sharp, monkey-like visage that was highly memorable, it bore no resemblance to He Yi Ming’s original features. Of course, his attire also switched entirely—a straightforward change thanks to the dozens of outfits in Shao Ming Residence. Donning a tight-fitting night suit, even if it felt somewhat snug, made sense under these circumstances. Before long, He Yi Ming returned to a spot two streets away from Feng Lai Xiang's jewelry store. Just by listening, he knew the group had already left. This was to be expected. Considering what had happened, it would be surprising if the Zi brothers lingered there. He Yi Ming closed his eyes slightly, standing in a shadowy alley where no one paid attention to him, allowing him to unleash his keen hearing without hesitation. His ears moved seemingly of their own accord, the frequency gradually increasing, enough to astonish anyone witnessing it. Soon, a subtle smile formed on He Yi Ming's lips, for he waited right there patiently. Zhi Ruiwen’s voice soon reached his ears—a voice cheerfully conversing in a restaurant as if untouched by the events that transpired earlier. With Zhi Ruiwen located, locking onto an anxious breath became even easier. As various sounds streamed into his mind, a three-dimensional map formed—a spacious carriage with Zhi Ruiguang sulking inside, his face swollen but slick with ointment. Through his breathing, He Yi Ming clearly detected unresolved anger over today's affronts, perceptible even in Zhi Ruiguang’s mental mutterings. Within ten meters of the carriage, no one stood, but beyond that radius, several dozen practitioners with at least seven layers of internal strength protected the carriage, vigilantly safeguarding or keeping an eye on the person inside. He Yi Ming discerned quickly that Zhi Ruiguang had been put under house arrest by Zhi Ruiwen. Zhi Ruiwen apparently held considerable sway at home, enough to keep his own brother in check. Hence, at Feng Lai Xiang, when Zhi Ruiwen slapped him, Zhi Ruiguang hadn’t dared to retaliate. Suddenly, someone approached the carriage, opened the door, placed something inside, and spoke softly, "Third Young Master, please have your meal." Zhi Ruiguang snorted in irritation, "I don’t want it. Take it away." At this, He Yi Ming's expression shifted slightly. Recalling Fan Hao Yue’s voice prompted immediate recognition. As he heard it now, he locked onto him instantly. Fan Hao Yue sighed softly, seemingly talking to himself, "Third Young Master, you’ve suffered an injustice today. That He Yi Ming is arrogant and dismissive, placing neither you nor the entire Zi family in his eyes." Zhi Ruiguang's breathing quickened once more, yet he didn't dismiss Fan Hao Yue, as his words struck a chord with him. Fan Hao Yue glanced at him and continued, "Third Young Master, fear not, such a wicked person will surely face retribution." "He'll face retribution?" Zhi Ruiguang's eyes flickered as he spoke harshly. "Of course, he will," Fan Hao Yue's voice turned cold, "I've heard that He Yi Ming is not only arrogant but also vicious and ruthless. For a woman, he once annihilated an entire family, including a ten-layered internal strength expert, and took over all their assets." He paused, "From what I can tell, he might have the same idea today—make you offend him enough so he can rightfully snatch your family's wealth. If it weren't for the First Young Master arriving in time, who knows how it might have ended..." He Yi Ming's ears twitched slightly. He thought, twisting facts, indeed. If the Fan family hadn't coveted the Yuan family's assets, none of those subsequent events would have happened. To Fan Hao Yue, He Yi Ming was undoubtedly cast as a villain. If he didn’t take the chance to slander him, it would be odd indeed. Zhi Ruiguang pondered for a moment, "Fan Yue, where did you hear this? I've never heard of such a thing." He Yi Ming sighed inwardly. As expected, the scion of a prominent family had some acumen. Although Zhi Ruiguang hated him deeply, he maintained his own judgment in such matters. Fan Hao Yue assuming the name Fan Yue naturally signified his allegiance to the Fan family's legacy. Fan Hao Yue sighed, "Third Young Master, I stumbled upon this information coincidentally. It's said to have happened in Jinlin. If you don’t believe it, you might send someone to inquire, and you’ll find the truth." Hearing Fan Hao Yue's confident assertion, Zhi Ruiguang was half-convinced. Fan Hao Yue suddenly lowered his voice, "Third Young Master, will you just swallow today's humiliation?" Zhi Ruiguang's face twitched in discomfort; the painful swelling only worsened. Yet, despite a long silence, he snorted angrily, "He's an innate master, favored by Master Shui Xuan Jin and respected by His Majesty—what can I do against him?" Fan Hao Yue's face darkened, "If you're willing to swallow this indignity, I have nothing more to say. But if you can't bear it, I have a way to vent your anger." Zhi Ruiguang's eyes lit up fiercely, fixing on Fan Hao Yue. After a moment, he spoke slowly, "What do you plan? I don’t want to dig my own grave." Fan Hao Yue laughed silently, "Third Young Master, you can rest assured. The method I propose won't place you in danger, and if successful, it will surely cause He Yi Ming considerable despair." Zhi Ruiguang hesitated, "Tell me." "I mentioned, didn't I, that He Yi Ming treasures women? He once wiped out a family in Jinlin for a woman. Do you know who she is?" Zhi Ruiguang was startled, "The woman from today?" "Indeed, it seems likely," Fan Hao Yue stirred the pot, "Although I haven't seen her before, He Yi Ming's behavior today clearly shows he values this woman greatly. For her, he's even willing to offend you and the Zi family. Her importance to him is evident." Zhi Ruiguang's eyes flickered uncertainly, recognizing the truth in Fan Hao Yue's words but also aware of the danger involved. Fan Hao Yue leaned closer, "I've seen that woman—only an internal strength fifth layer practitioner. Once she's outside Shao Ming Residence, capturing her will be easy. Then, you could..." He mimicked a slicing motion and added, "Of course, if she has entranced him so, perhaps she possesses unique bedroom skills you're interested in experiencing. Imagine indulging in an innate master's cherished companion..." Zhi Ruiguang's heart raced. The identity of He Yi Ming weighed like a mountain upon him, making him hesitate to cross him directly. However, with less concern regarding He Yi Ming's maid, the thought of toying with an innate master’s woman filled Zhi Ruiguang with an unnatural flush, an intoxicating feeling swelling like poison within him, even provoking a physical response. "Fan Yue, are you certain?" "Absolutely." Fan Hao Yue assured, pounding his chest, "If that woman leaves Shao Ming Residence, I'll ensure she lands on your bed." Zhi Ruiguang hesitated, "She's his woman; it won't be easy." Fan Hao Yue sighed, "Precisely because she's his woman, consider who in the capital would dare to touch her?" Zhi Ruiguang nodded in acknowledgment. In the whole Tianluo Kingdom’s capital, apart from the slightly mad man before him, no one else would likely harbor such an idea. Fan Hao Yue chuckled, "Since everyone thinks that way, doing the opposite should allow us to capture her effortlessly." Zhi Ruiguang pondered deeply before suddenly asking, "Fan Yue, why help me like this? What's your intent?" Fan Hao Yue's expression remained unchanged. Kneeling in the carriage, he respectfully responded, "Since arriving at the Zi residence, I’ve been a mere guest, unnoticed by anyone. In aiding you this time, I only hope you see my dedication and promote me in return." Watching Fan Hao Yue bow his head onto the luxurious rug of the carriage, a sinister gleam flickered in Zhi Ruiguang's eyes—a murderous intent quickly suppressed. He resolved that if the plan failed, he would deny involvement. But if Fan Yue succeeded, his first act would not be promoting him but silencing him permanently—only a dead man would ease his concern. As for capturing the woman, while beautiful, she wasn't exceptional. Even some songstresses in his household matched her beauty. Yet, the fact that she was the paramour of an innate master was enough to set him ablaze with excitement. Given his standing, he had enjoyed countless women, even respectable married ones at will, but never imagined the woman of an innate master. "Very well, Fan Yue, focus on this task. If successful, I’ll make you a head retainer and personally recommend you to my father for a great future." Fan Hao Yue was overjoyed, bowing deeply, "Thank you, Third Young Master." A strange light flickered in his eyes as he inwardly vowed to revenge on He Yi Ming. However, at that moment, they both heard a shrill voice akin to a rooster’s crow: "Fan Hao Yue, your Jinlin Fan family murdered my entire family—I've come for revenge today."