Book 3 Chapter 35: Collision - Martial God

Chapter 35: Collision The capital of Kai Rong was immensely large and prosperous, far surpassing the capital of Tianluo or the city of Zhengtong. In the northwestern part of the capital resided most of the foreign envoys. Except for envoys from powerful states like Xiangtu, all the envoys from subsidiary nations of Kai Rong lived there, including numerous innate experts. Of course, if these innate experts didn't come under the guise of representing their nation, they would naturally receive better accommodations. However, if they came as National Guardians, they were inevitably settled here. On both sides of the avenue, tall trees stood, planted by the direct order of the Kai Rong king himself. At this moment, under the shade of the trees, sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating a mosaic of golden patches. The path through the scattered gold was inviting, wrapped in dappled lights. He Yi Ming and Yuan Li Xun walked side by side under the canopy of trees. The two were happily chatting, seemingly discussing something joyous. In truth, their conversation carried no such light-hearted tone. “Young Master, is something bothering you?” He Yi Ming's gaze held a trace of helplessness as he said, "I hate it here." As he spoke, his ears twitched slightly. Yuan Li Xun's eyes fell on his ears, instantly understanding that he was paying attention to something. She covered her mouth with a chuckle and asked, "Why do you hate it here?" He Yi Ming fixed his gaze on her, and no one would have guessed that the words he spoke were at odds with his expression. "There are too many people here," He Yi Ming stated seriously, "Every move we make is under their surveillance, which I hate." Yuan Li Xun blinked her large, expressive eyes and said with a smile, "Young Master, if you dislike them so much, why don't we just leave?" He Yi Ming hesitated for a moment before shaking his head, saying, "This is the capital of Kai Rong, after all. If we suddenly disappear, it will alarm many people. It wouldn't matter about the others, but I don't want to cause trouble for Brother Shui." Yuan Li Xun's expression dimmed slightly, and she lowered her voice to say, "Young Master, is Master Shui's health really deteriorating?" With a heavy sigh, He Yi Ming replied, "Yes, he won't be able to look after Tianluo for much longer." They both fell silent. Ever since meeting Shui Xuan Jin, the elder had left a profound impression on them. Their relationship was incredibly harmonious, feeling more like close family than mere friends. Thus, upon confirming Shui Xuan Jin’s condition, their hearts grew heavy. After a moment, He Yi Ming shook his head and said, "Li Xun, let's explore this city. Last time at Tianluo's Fenglaixiang, I didn’t buy you anything. This time, I’ll make sure to get you more gifts." Yuan Li Xun softly nodded. She understood that He Yi Ming wasn’t truly interested in shopping, but rather wanting to distract her with conversation. Lightly holding Yuan Li Xun’s hand, He Yi Ming glanced around and announced, "Prepare a carriage for me; I want to tour this city." His voice wasn't loud, but it carried like a direct line to their ears. Along the avenue stood dozens of sturdy guards. Though they appeared ordinary, each one was at least of the sixth-level inner strength, no doubt elite soldiers of Kai Rong’s army. Suddenly, He Yi Ming's voice rang in their ears. Startled, two of them quickly ran off. Moments later, a luxurious carriage was brought to He Yi Ming and Yuan Li Xun. He Yi Ming had already heard their murmuring thanks to his eavesdropping skill. These men were not only tasked with exterior defenses but also secretly monitored all the members from their subsidiary nations. However, for innate experts, even those not part of their master hall, they showed respect and admiration, not daring to delay in the slightest. Thus, upon hearing He Yi Ming's request, they immediately arranged a carriage for his use. Glancing at the carriage, He Yi Ming chuckled silently, realizing how tirelessly these people catered to innate experts. He recognized the carriage’s emblem distinctly; without mistake, it was the exclusive mark of Kai Rong's Master Hall. In this city, those with a bit of knowledge could recognize this carriage and understand it belonged to the Master Hall, implying that within it rode an innate expert from the hall. Similarly, as long as this carriage roamed the streets, it could travel unrestricted, even through the palace, without anyone daring to stop it. Of course, without the corresponding status, position, and power, one could not ride such a carriage, lest they meet disaster for themselves and their family. Holding Yuan Li Xun’s hand, they boarded the luxurious carriage and headed towards the city center. As the carriage traveled down the avenue, most of the ordinary folk who saw it quietly paid their respects, highlighting the prestigious status of innate experts in this city. Before long, they reached the city’s busiest street, lined with shops and boasting a level of prosperity far beyond any place He Yi Ming had ever seen. Just as they arrived, several fast horses approached from behind. Like the carriage, these riders charged fearlessly down the central avenue, heading straight for He Yi Ming and Yuan Li Xun’s carriage. The luxurious carriage was driven by two coachmen, each a skilled martial artist at the seventh layer of inner strength. Though it seemed they were overqualified for the job, for most unaffiliated seventh-layer experts, being a coachman for such a carriage was a dream come true. If, during their tenure, an expert from the Master Hall noticed them or casually gave them pointers, it would be an invaluable experience. For this vague hope, not just seventh-layer experts, but even those of the eighth or ninth layer wouldn’t mind being a coachman. This time, seeing the approaching horses, the two men exchanged worried looks. They could hardly believe someone would dare challenge the Master Hall’s carriage, yet they dared not neglect their duty. One of them leaped off, landing swiftly to block the avenue. He circled around the carriage rather than leaping over it. "Stop…" He bellowed while taking a defensive stance. If the riders refused to halt, he wouldn’t hesitate to intervene. Even though He Yi Ming wasn’t their nation’s innate expert, the respect for any innate expert's dignity could not be violated. The fast horses halted immediately, and the riders skillfully dismounted. Catching his breath, one rider heard He Yi Ming's voice from inside the carriage. "Ming Jin, are you here for me?" The tension in the coachmen’s nerves relaxed instantly. Knowing that this was an acquaintance of Master He, there was no need for concern. However, seeing someone He Yi Ming called a brother, who seemed not even as strong as they were, a fleeting envy crossed their minds. What a charmed life this man must lead. Xie Ming Jin replied, releasing the reins and quickly approaching the carriage. The coachman previously blocking the way stepped forward to hold the reins, his face expressionless as if such tasks were routine and fitting for a simple coachman like himself. "Brother He…" Xie Ming Jin lowered his voice. "Master Shui sent me to invite you back; he has matters to discuss." He Yi Ming hesitated and glanced back at Yuan Li Xun. Standing by his side, Yuan Li Xun had heard everything clearly, as Xie Ming Jin hadn’t intentionally avoided her. Although disappointed, she graciously said, "Young Master, if Master Shui needs you, it must be important. You should go quickly." He Yi Ming nodded slightly, saying, "Alright, I’ll go now. But since we’re already here, you should look around." He patted Xie Ming Jin's shoulder, adding, "Ming Jin, take care of your sister-in-law while she explores." Xie Ming Jin thumped his chest fiercely. "Don't worry, Brother. I understand." Yuan Li Xun's cheeks flushed at his words, though she didn’t refute them, feeling sweet inside. Despite having heard the title before, it never failed to evoke a similar warmth in her heart. He Yi Ming turned and quickly left, his steps appearing unhurried yet covering distance so swiftly that he vanished in no time. The two coachmen, both at the seventh level of inner strength, exchanged perplexed glances at seeing Yuan Li Xun and Xie Ming Jin still standing there. This carriage was specifically provided by Kai Rong for the masters of the Master Hall and foreign masters visiting the capital. According to the Master Hall's regulations, only those who have reached the innate realm are entitled to such privileges. Now that He Yi Ming had left, Yuan Li Xun remained behind. Though technically they weren’t qualified to continue using the carriage, not even in their wildest dreams would the coachmen dare to ask them to leave. The two exchanged a glance and a resigned smile, finally deciding to turn a blind eye. ※※※※ On the busiest and most bustling street of Kai Rong's capital, Xie Ming Jin continuously referred to Yuan Li Xun as "sister-in-law." Though naturally outgoing, he wasn’t naive, understanding the benefits of building connections. Here, anything that caught Yuan Li Xun’s attention was promptly purchased by Xie Ming Jin with a wave of his hand. Initially, Yuan Li Xun tried to politely decline a couple of times, but eventually, she gave up. Being intelligent and perceptive, she understood Xie Ming Jin's intentions. Knowing that He Yi Ming valued this friend greatly, she couldn't afford to express displeasure, so she let him continue. However, she was careful to only show interest in things she genuinely liked. Even so, after a circuit, the guards accompanying Xie Ming Jin were laden with numerous packages. Most of the items weren't things Yuan Li Xun had paid attention to, but anything that caught Xie Ming Jin's eye was also taken, many being items for women. Yuan Li Xun couldn’t help but smile wryly at his thoughtfulness. Since He Yi Ming wasn't there, Yuan Li Xun couldn't muster much enthusiasm, but understanding his intentions, she lingered a little longer before they headed back the way they came. As they approached the main avenue, where the carriage waited off to the side, Yuan Li Xun suddenly paused and asked, "Brother Xie, forgive my curiosity, but why did Master Shui send you?" Although the close relationship between Xie Ming Jin and He Yi Ming was well-known, Xie Ming Jin was not from Tianluo, making it unusual for Shui Xuan Jin to send him to inform He Yi Ming. Xie Ming Jin glanced around and said, "Master Shui was in a discussion with our National Guardian when someone unexpectedly delivered a letter to him. After reading it, Master Shui ordered me to invite Master He. I was nearby, so I volunteered to come." Yuan Li Xun was somewhat reassured, though still anxious. What could be so urgent that Shui Xuan Jin sought He Yi Ming so hurriedly? Seeing the uneasy expression on Yuan Li Xun's face, Xie Ming Jin understood her worries. Raising his eyebrows, he declared, "Sister-in-law, rest assured. In this world, nothing can pose a challenge to my brother. As long as he is on the case, the problem will certainly be resolved." Ever since witnessing He Yi Ming's ascent to the innate realm at sixteen, Xie Ming Jin's admiration for him had skyrocketed. In his eyes, He Yi Ming was a figure capable of anything. No matter what arose, He Yi Ming would handle it effortlessly. Yuan Li Xun was taken aback, then shook her head, laughing softly. Despite being at He Yi Ming's side through many trials, she hadn't developed as much faith in him as Xie Ming Jin evidently had. Suddenly, a thunderous rumbling of hoofbeats swept in from ahead. Xie Ming Jin's expression changed, and he stepped forward while his guards reacted even faster. The Xie family guards were all skilled inner strength experts, specifically chosen to protect their eldest master. Knowing the promising future that awaited by associating with He Yi Ming, they strove to leave a favorable impression at every opportunity. More than ten fast horses galloped from afar. These riders were far more aggressive than Xie Ming Jin, and although they saw Yuan Li Xun and others in the avenue's center, they made no effort to slow down. Xie Ming Jin’s face darkened. He shouted forcefully, "Stop…" Yet, the horses accelerated instead, and laughter echoed from the advancing riders. In mere moments, they were upon them. The Xie family guards discarded recent purchases, drawing their weapons without hesitation, ready to confront the incoming threat. Despite knowing these figures riding recklessly through the streets weren't ordinary, the guards had no choice. With their eldest master behind them, they had to block any threat regardless of who approached. The lead rider sneered and bellowed, "How audacious." With his shout, a figure leapt from a horse behind him, moving faster than the horse itself, darting into the midst of the Xie family guards. The guards barely saw him move before pain registered and they were kicked away like leaves in a gust. In an instant, those guarding Yuan Li Xun and Xie Ming Jin were flung aside like they had wings. Xie Ming Jin’s face drained of color; he was shocked beyond belief by their assailants' audacity. Their prowess was astounding, likely at least at the ninth level of inner strength - impossible for him to contend with. As the foremost horse seemed unstoppable, his instincts took over. He lunged to push Yuan Li Xun aside, sending her safely to the roadside while he dove in the opposite direction, clearing the central path. In desperate situations, all he could do was yield to superior strength. Yet, at that very moment, the lead horse, like a shooting star, burst past. The rider laughed heartily, flicking his whip with skilled precision. The whip darted like a serpentine tongue, catching Yuan Li Xun. “Snap…” The crack resonated sharply, and Yuan Li Xun gasped in pain, beads of blood bursting mid-air. Rage and despair filled Xie Ming Jin’s heart. Charged with caring for Yuan Li Xun under He Yi Ming’s directive, now facing inexplicable disaster, he was sure Yuan Li Xun was injured. His fury knew no bounds - how could he possibly face He Yi Ming after this? A feral roar erupted from him; his eyes turned bloody and fierce. With the fastest speed he ever mustered, he launched himself toward the lead rider’s rear. His wrist flicked, releasing a dark flash that traced a graceful arc in the air, homing in on the leader. (To be continued...)