Book 3 Chapter 37: Scars of the Whip - Martial God

Chapter 37: Scars of the Whip He Yi Ming moved like lightning, swiftly crossing the buildings between two courtyards. Upon his return, the first sight that met his eyes was a remorseful and slightly frightened Xie Ming Jin. Additionally, a faint sobbing reached his ears—a sound only discernible due to his exceptional hearing abilities. The source of the sound was Yuan Li Xuan’s room; clearly, she had entered the room upon returning and was crying in secret. He's gaze quickly shifted to Xie Ming Jin. Xie Ming Jin looked up, solemnly saying, "Brother, I’m sorry." In a flash, Shui Xuan Jin and Ting Shi Guang appeared, exchanging glances. Ting Shi Guang coldly asked, "Ming Jin, what exactly happened?" With gritted teeth, Xie Ming Jin recounted the incident truthfully, without embellishment, which made He and the others feel as if they were present during the event. Particularly when he mentioned yielding the main road, only to be subsequently whipped by the horseman, a surge of inexplicable anger welled up within them. Both Shui Xuan Jin and Ting Shi Guang frowned slightly; to behave so brazenly in Kai Rong’s capital, the individual must not be simple—possibly even a royal from Kai Rong, making matters more complicated. Through their time together, everyone had come to understand how He Yi Ming felt about Yuan Li Xuan. Nominally, Yuan Li Xuan was merely his concubine, but anyone observing their interactions could tell there was more to it. Thus, knowing Yuan Li Xuan had been injured caused a collective worry among them. Two pairs of eyes focused on He Yi Ming, yet unexpectedly, his face remained expressionless, as if he hadn’t heard the news. They exchanged another look, a chill inexplicably rising within them. Xie Ming Jin lowered his head again, repeating, "Brother, I’m sorry." He Yi Ming stepped forward and gently patted his shoulder, saying, "You did well, it’s not your fault." As he spoke, a warm energy from He's hand flowed into Xie Ming Jin’s body. This energy signified "life," and as it coursed through him, a fiery sensation spread from the wounds he had sustained. In mere moments, the sensation permeated his entire body. Though trying to suppress it, Xie Ming Jin couldn’t help but let out a sound that was nearly a moan. He quickly stopped, but his face turned a shade of red. In only a brief span of time, once He's hand was lifted, Xie Ming Jin was amazed to find that the intense pain he had felt from his injuries had completely vanished. Though there was still slight restraint in the flow of his inner energy, he knew his injuries were largely healed. With some rest and careful recuperation, he would fully recover. With a grateful glance at He Yi Ming, a steadfast resolve emerged in Xie Ming Jin’s eyes. After the incident, he’d steeled himself for He's reproach or even unbridled anger. A powerful figure attacking in such a rage could easily cut him down, and likely nobody would stand up for him. At least, he was confident that Ting Shi Guang and his family wouldn’t offend He Yi Ming on his behalf. However, upon meeting again, He's reaction deeply moved him. It was a feeling beyond words, yet undeniably real. He Yi Ming cast a calm look at everyone before, expressionless, saying, "Everyone, I’ll go check on Li Xun." He approached Yuan Li Xun’s door, knocking gently. Unlike usual, there was no response from Yuan Li Xun this time, only the muffled sobbing within grew quieter. A trace of true energy seeped from He's hand, and the room's bolt slid open as if moved by an invisible hand. Entering, he closed the door softly behind him and stepped into the bedroom. Inside, Yuan Li Xun had turned her face away, sitting quietly in a chair. Despite only seeing half her face, tear streaks were visible, indicating she had been crying for some time but was now reclaiming composure. Without speaking, He approached her. Yuan Li Xun instinctively tried to turn away, but He gently cupped her chin. His touch was tender yet firm. Yuan Li Xun briefly resisted but eventually, as if conceding, allowed him to guide her face forward. A ghastly scar like a centipede extended from her ear down to her lips. Though not gaping, the jagged line was unnerving. Yuan Li Xun lifted her gaze, seemingly searching He's eyes for something. Moments later, her inner fears, anxieties, and unease began to subside. She didn’t find the hatred or disdain she feared in He's gaze. Instead, in those dark eyes, she saw and felt a gentle warmth—one so stirring it invited her to lose herself in it. In that moment, she seemed transported back to that nameless valley, a world just for the two of them. With a faint smile, He’s hand lightly brushed over the wound, channeling the most refined wood-elemental energy, which flooded Yuan Li Xun with a tingling sensation reaching deep into her heart. Under his gaze, Yuan Li Xun felt a silent reassurance greater than any words could offer. She mustered the courage to ask, “Master, does it look ugly?” “Ugly?” He tilted his head, pretending to ponder seriously. Her heart clenched, and her complexion shifted slightly. Seconds later, He suddenly leaned in, pecking near the wound with lightning speed. His swift “kiss” was like a dragonfly skimming water; just as quickly, he sat back, sheepishly rubbing his head with a silly grin. Yuan Li Xun’s cheeks turned rosy. Despite the blood-filled and frightening appearance around the scar, He seemed completely unfazed, his demeanor unchanged. Her heart finally found peace. In the lengthy time spent together, such intimate gestures were rare. Now, through his actions, He was answering Yuan Li Xun’s question in his own way. He reached into his robe, producing a bottle of ointment like a magician. “Li Xun, this is an ointment concocted by Elder Yao himself. It’s quite effective for such external injuries. Let me apply it for you.” Yuan Li Xun nodded, letting He apply the balm to her face. A cooling sensation spread across her skin, and after a moment of hesitation, she asked, “Master, will this leave a scar?” He softly replied, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.” Seeing her lingering doubt, He confidently thumped his chest, adding, “Do you not trust me?” Satisfied with her response, He nodded and pulled her into a hug, reassuringly whispering, “That’s more like it. Trust me, everything will be alright, everything will be alright…” His voice carried a comforting strength, and in He’s warm embrace, Yuan Li Xun felt enveloped, as if she’d returned to her mother’s arms, bathed in endless warmth. ※※※※ Moments later, with steady breathing, Yuan Li Xun drifted into sleep in He's arms. He gently laid her down, removing her soiled clothing and shoes, and covered her with a light blanket. His movements were careful and infused with energy, preventing the newly sleeping Yuan Li Xun from stirring. Rising to his feet, He gave Yuan Li Xun a lingering glance, particularly over the scar. His expression finally shifted; for the first time since entering the room, a shadow of pain crossed his features. Upon inspection, he realized the whip’s strike had embedded a clever force, a serrated, unhealable scar. From the outside, the wound seemed like an ordinary whip lash. However, due to the complexity of the injury, the chances of a full recovery were slim. He Yi Ming took a deep breath, then quietly left the room, ensuring no sound was made as he opened the door. Outside the room, many had gathered, including both Shui Xuan Jin and Ting Shi Guang, the innate experts, as well as Zhao Rui Pei, quietly waiting. When the door silently opened, all eyes turned toward He Yi Ming. At that moment, He Yi Ming appeared expressionless, giving no hint of his inner thoughts. Yet, as soon as they saw him, regardless of whether they were innate experts or not, everyone shivered involuntarily, as if witnessing a frightening vision. Within their perception, He Yi Ming resembled a volcano—not yet erupted, but its increasing energy accumulation made their hearts pound in terror. He Yi Ming stepped out of the room and gently closed the door. "Snap..." As the door shut, a powerful anger, long suppressed, erupted inside him like a storm. It was as though the apocalypse had been unleashed, and this overwhelming rage consumed his heart entirely. He Yi Ming had changed. His expression altered, his gaze shifted, his demeanor transformed. In that instant, he became someone different. His face twisted like a devil, his eyes sharp as blades, and an immense murderous intent surged skyward from his body. Everyone, including the three innate experts, could clearly sense a transformation. He stood no longer as a mere human before them, but as a god of destruction emerging from rivers of blood, bringing death and chaos. Each person felt a chill in their hearts, including the innate experts who nearly trembled on the spot. Only then did they realize how terrifying He Yi Ming could be when enraged. "Ming Jin, do you know who they are?" He's icy voice emerged, chilling to the bone, instilling innate fear within those who heard it. However, upon hearing this voice, Xie Ming Jin showed no sign of fear; rather, a trace of ferocity appeared on his face. The robust man, having endured today's humiliation, also harbored mounting fury. If given the chance, he wouldn’t hesitate to seek the strongest revenge possible. "Brother, I don’t know their origins, but I remember their faces. If I see them again, I’ll recognize them." He Yi Ming’s brow furrowed slightly. The capital of Kai Rong was densely populated, and though the riders on the main road were undoubtedly significant figures, finding them among the masses would be challenging. He looked into the distance and suddenly said, "Brother Shui." "What is it, Brother He?" Shui Xuan Jin responded promptly, not daring to delay under these circumstances. "I need you to ask Master Mao Lie Guang to locate them." He's voice was deep and commanding, impossible to refuse. "Alright," Shui Xuan Jin agreed without hesitation. "Brother," Xie Ming Jin suddenly interjected, "Those two coachmen seemed to know something." He Yi Ming’s eyes narrowed. Being assigned as drivers for the master’s carriage, they were certainly well-connected locals. Claiming ignorance in this situation would be truly suspicious. With a nod, He Yi Ming strode purposefully outside, his steps steady and heavy, juxtaposed against the lightness associated with his mastery of wind. Everyone exchanged glances and followed him. Shortly thereafter, they emerged from the embassy area, and He Yi Ming’s eyes quickly spotted one of the coachmen. The man was standing silently by the carriage outside the embassy. Upon seeing He Yi Ming and the others approach, he paled and glanced around nervously, attempting to retreat backwards. Unmoved, He Yi Ming took a step, instantly closing the distance between them like a ghost. The man was about to leave, but with a blink, He Yi Ming stood before him like a specter. The man shuddered violently, forced a smile, and mournfully said, "Master He." Although He wasn’t officially a Grandmaster of Kai Rong, after his battles with Cheng Fu and Mao Lie Guang, his name had spread throughout the city. Being a cultivator himself, the driver couldn’t possibly be unfamiliar with He Yi Ming. "Speak. Who was it..." He spoke, expressionless. His seemingly headless question was fully understood by the coachman, whose lips trembled as he stammered, "I-I... I... I do know, that was the Fourth Prince of the Tufang Kingdom." He initially intended to feign ignorance, but as soon as he uttered "I'm not," a perilous presence nearly suffocated him. Until he changed his tune, the pressure intensified, making him feel as though if he said "I don’t know," he’d be crushed to death by the overwhelming force. Once he revealed the prince’s identity, that oppressive force vanished entirely. The coachman fell into a seated position, clutching his chest with one hand and the ground with the other, staring at He Yi Ming in terror. To him, He now seemed less human and more demon-like. Indeed, how could mere mortals possibly exert such overwhelming, frenzied pressure capable of shattering one’s spirit? He Yi Ming turned away, his gaze deep and inscrutable, fixating on a distant point. Simultaneously, Shui Xuan Jin and the others’ gazes followed, locking onto the same direction. There, a well-known estate lay, a place even the protectors of the Kai Rong's Master Pavilion dared not act recklessly. For within its walls resided eight innate experts, one reputed as the unrivaled master of Baishan Tian. Taking a deep breath, He Yi Ming’s resolve solidified. Sensing something, Shui Xuan Jin gravely advised, "Brother He, think carefully." Seemingly unfazed, He Yi Ming chuckled, "I didn’t expect to meet him so soon, but nothing goes as planned. I will fulfill Mao Lie Guang’s wish." With a hearty laugh, he began to stride forward. Abruptly, Xie Ming Jin’s voice rang out. "Brother, let me come. I recognize their faces, I’d even know their ashes." Some people thought privately that if they turned to ashes, recognizing them would be impossible, yet none dared voice such thoughts. He Yi Ming moved slightly, and in the next moment, he and Xie Ming Jin disappeared into the distance. The remaining crowd exchanged glances, particularly the three innate experts, who were perplexed. Finally, Shui Xuan Jin stamped his foot in determination, exclaiming, "Ting, Zhao, gather everyone, we’re going." Ting Shi Guang hesitated, "What if they refuse?" "If they refuse," Shui Xuan Jin’s voice turned cold, "remind them of He’s age and urge them to think long-term." After exchanging glances, Ting Shi Guang and Zhao Rui Pei made their decision. As they hesitated, the estate's gate in the distance suddenly shattered, followed by a thunderous voice echoing in the sky. "Bu Xing Cong, come out and meet your fate..."