Translator Note: I’ve double checked the raws and the sites – it seems the author has made an error in numbering the chapters. So the numbering system jumps from 379 ->>>398. The story continues, just a mistake in numbering. However I will have to keep it consistent with the raws, so apologies for the discontinuity in the numbering system.
Chapter 398 – Do you think I can pull out this blade?
Waves of imposing manner were swelling within Ye Qingyu, rising little by little. It was as though a fierce demon beast that had been imprisoned for thousands of years was finally freed, completely hysterical!
"Roar!"
All of the people saw the inside of that invisible void, the two imposing auras were forming into a vortex, spinning rapidly, fighting against each other, frantically colliding against each other, and tearing at each other. Blood and flesh splattered about and dyeing the skies red!
That imposing aura that was a hindrance to Ye Qingyu"s movement instantaneously shattered into pieces!
Ye Qingyu, at this moment, seemed to have changed to another person. An unprecedented power broke out from him, the surrounding flow of air rumbling like a waterfall gus.h.i.+ng down, and from his body exuded an overbearing imposing aura that made the people feel he was possessed by the G.o.d of war. Nothing could stand against him!
[Limitless Divine Way], [First Limit]!Once the [Limitless Divine Way] was activated, it would subvert even the heavenly way!
With the current strength of Ye Qingyu and the explosive state of the [First Limit] of the [Limitless Divine Way], his battle strength had doubled. The strength that he possessed now would make even a top expert of the River stage of the Bitter Sea stage have second thoughts. His fist that was flooding with explosive power, suddenly struck at Xiao Lou"s terrifying purple gold sheath!
"Bang!"
In the instant the two forces collided, an overbearing strength suddenly exploded out. The entire restricted void was wildly torn apart and shattered!
Annihilation!
The remaining blasts of powerful qi that were produced caused the prohibited light canopy formation to quake. Ripples floated out, rocking, like a little boat was trying to survive in the midst of a storm, in seemingly imminent danger.
The incomparably dazzling rays of light flooded the entire prohibited area, blinding everyone"s eyes and completely swallowing the two bodies. For a long moment there were no signs of them.
A long while after…
From the restricted light canopy formation, there were faint sounds of cracking and rupturing, and soon it collapsed.
The light scattered away.
Xing"er subconsciously opened her eyes to take a look. Inside the prohibited area were two figures standing with their hands clasped behind their back, eyes fixed on each other.
The supreme skills that the two people displayed were evenly matched, equal to each other!
The aftermath of the battle was still spreading across the air.
The airflow around the two figures was like a broken vortex, flowing slowly and looking extremely unnatural. The rising and falling of airflow were visible to the naked eye and shrouding the two figures as before.
There was an utter silence above the battles.h.i.+p.
After a long while, the dozens of flabbergasted guests finally broke into commotion.
"Evenly matched?"
"The boy… No wonder he claims to be the [War G.o.d], he is indeed amazing… to draw with Xiao Lou. This achievement, if spread out, would be enough to create a stir in the Jianghu of the imperial capital, right?"
"We can"t be sure yet… Xiao Lou hasn"t pulled out his blade yet."
"The problem is that Xiao Lou has not pulled out his blade, his black blade is like a decoration. The people that lost to him befor were defeated by his palm techniques… Who knows if this guy was just bluffing with that blade?"
"But today Xiao Lou has always been using sword skills."
"Do you mean, Xiao Lou had not attacked with all his strength yet."
"That is very terrifying, which of us could withstand five attacks from Xiao Lou? Among all the guest masters, there is only a handful of people that could do such a thing. The little princess"s boyfriend is really impressive."
"And he"s younger than Xiao Lou… Everyone, I remember the reason why Xiao Lou was regarded as important by the many forces of the imperial capital and was chosen by our Prince. It"s because he is young, right?"
"Another demon-like talent."
The dialogue among the visitors, although their voices were deliberately lowered, but was still heard by Prince Yu Feiyan and Xing"er, two martial arts experts.
A slight smile crossed Yu Feiyan"s face.
It was obvious that he seemed more satisfied with the result.
"Girl, it seems you picked the right person .This Ye Qingyu is indeed a talented person, although his background is a bit low, but our Snow Empire Imperial family also started from nothing. As long as men have enough strength, they can change everything. This kid is handsome, has a tough mind, is gifted and outstanding, and matches well with you. No wonder you gave him the [Three Thousand Feet of White Hair]… However, the matter between you two, wouldn"t it still need your father"s approval?"
Yu Feiyan looked at Xing"er smiling.
"Uncle you"re thinking too much, I never said that he is the one I love…" Xing"er replied, expressionless.
"According to the iron law of the empire"s imperial household, giving him the [Three Thousand Feet of White Hair], is equal to choosing him to be your husband. If he is not the one you love, you should already know the consequences…" In Yu Feiyan"s palm was a whirling purple-gold armrest of the imperial thron. Smiling, he continued, "I know that you"re usually very mischievous, but you"re unlikely to go so far as to disregard the imperial family"s tradition. The one that a woman of the Snow Empire"s Imperial family give their strand of white hair to is the one they love."
Xing"er did not say a word for a long while.
"What? Don"t tell me regret it, Ye Qingyu is so talented at such a young age, he is considered as a one in a million genius. Uncle also extremely admires his talent. He is a good match for our little witch, haha…" Yu Feiyan began laughing heartily. From his words, he seemed rather open-minded and deeply concerned about Xing"er.
Xing"er smiled faintly. "Just because he tied with your dog that has the sharpest teeth?"
Yu Feiyan helplessly shook his head. "Girl, ever since you came back, you"ve been avoiding me. Do you have some issues with me, or do you dislike my guest masters?"
"What"s the difference?" Xing"er indifferent curled her lips. "If you think that it is already very impressive that Qingyu could remain undefeated under Xiao Lou"s blade, then I can only say that you still do not understand [The Leaf of Youyan]. Since he accepted this so-called battle of learning from each other, he would not be satisfied with such a result."
Yu Feiyan was taken aback.
In the martial arts ground.
"Pull out your blade."
Ye Qingyu was slowly moving his body about, activating strength within his body, real physical strength bursting forth, roars of dragons echoing inside his muscles and bones, as though there were countless divine dragons about to come out from his body.
"What?"
Xiao Lou was astonished, the pupils of his eyes shrinking abruptly.
"Before, you… were suppressing your strength to fight with me?" On Xiao Lou"s face emerged an anger triggered by humiliation.
"Didn"t you also suppress your strength?" Ye Qingyu faintly smiled. "People from the era of sects, their methods of fighting are a completely ancient style. Why did you not pull the blade? Because you do not want to kill me? Or do you know that even if you draw your blade you"re not going to kill me? Or… are you afraid of drawing a blade in front of so many people and exposing your true ident.i.ty?"
The expression on Xiao Lou"s face instantly calmed down.
"You"re thinking too much." His hand slowly grasped the blade hilt.
His slender, soft and fair fingers were more beautiful than some women that pay particular attention to the maintenance of their fingers. If this was another place, another occasion, few people would be able to link such a beautiful hand to the frightening b.l.o.o.d.y hand that had taken part in the serial killing of twenty-one martial artist in the imperial capital in one year.
Ye Qingyu did not speak.
Drawing a deep breath.
[True Will of the Sky Dragon] was in operation.His right hand was instantly covered by light silvery dragon scales, his fingers also becoming a dragon claw.
At the same time, activating the [Human King Sword Mantra].
The true meaning of swordsmans.h.i.+p was gathered on the right dragon claw, rumbling out like lightning.
The sword-air whistled and the chill pervaded the air.
A look of surprise crossed Xiao Lou"s face, and without the time to even hesitate, his right hand that was originally tightly gripping the black hilt, suddenly shot out like lightning, and his originally fair jade-like palm instantly turned black as ink, as if it could devour all the power of the world.
The next moment, the black palm and the silver dragon claw clashed.
This time there was no fluctuation of energy.
There was no deafening sound.
Not even a faint breeze.
That split second of contact was like a friendly tap between two good friends, the palm and fist were lifted, and then tightly glued together again, and not immediately separated.
Bang bang bang.
Beneath the two people came a m.u.f.fled sound.
The deck that was strengthened with the power of the mysterious rune inscription was like rippling water. The location of the two people had sunk and numerous rune inscriptions were flas.h.i.+ng like crazily. The metal deck that was floating in the air seemed like it would collapse at any time…
It was clear that the strength that these two people endured at this very moment was absolutely violent and tyrannical. It was absolutely not as easy as it looked on the surface.
Such a stalemate probably lasted less than ten seconds.
Xiao Lou"s face was suddenly flushed red like he was drunk, his eyebrows scrunched up, then blood slowly trickled down from his mouth. Like he was exhausted, he began trembling.
Ye Qingyu actually still had ample strength.
"So the origin of your strength comes from your blade." His eyes lit up for a second as he realized, then he continued in an indifferent tone, "So the reason you did not draw the blade is because your current level of cultivation cannot pull out this blade… The so-called people that have seen you pull the blade are all dead, it is only a rumor. What ancient sect of the era of sects was your master in?"
Xiao Lou glared at Ye Qingyu and did not speak.
"For ashes to want to rekindle?" Ye Qingyu"s eyes also gradually become ice-cold. "The era of the sects has pa.s.sed, it is impossible for it to return… It"s time for you people to forget such a time."
"You overestimate yourself…" Xiao Lou opened his mouth to speak, when his body trembled even more.
From inside of Ye Qingyu"s arm, suddenly came the roar of a dragon, more forceful than before.
"Ah… pfff!"
Xiao Lou finally could not hold on any longer, blood gushed out from his mouth, and his body was propelled away.
Ye Qingyu waved his hand.
The black blade in his hand that was twirling and attempting to fly away, fell into the hands of Ye Qingyu, still struggling and vibrating, but unable free itself from Ye Qingyu"s silver scaled dragon claw.
"Give back my blade…"
Xiao Lou roared. His expression took a huge change, the first time he showed the look of shock and panic. He counter attacked frantically.
Ye Qingyu laughed, his left hand turning into a dragon claw.
His right hand was holding the scabbard, his left hand was clasping the hilt, saying indifferently, "Do you think I can pull out this blade?"
Xiao Lou"s figure abruptly stopped——
Chapter 399 – The opportunity came too suddenly
Both of Ye Qingyu"s hands transformed into dragon claws, holding the strange curved black blade.
Xiao Lou"s entire body, as though it had stiffened abruptly, dared not to move an inch, afraid that his tiniest movement would trigger Ye Qingyu. It would cause him to really exert force and pull out the black blade.
The atmosphere was a little weird.
All gazes were focused on Ye Qingyu.
Everyone could see the fearful as well as angry expression on Xiao Lou"s face, and the silver scales and silver flames curling around Ye Qingyu"s hands, which stirred a strange feeling in everyone"s hearts.
Including Yu Feiyan and Xing"er.
It was evident, now that the battle had progressed to this degree, even an idiot could tell that, the youngster with the codename [War G.o.d] had won, won completely and won utterly.
The last black ink-like palm image that Xiao Lou thrust out was the palm technique that had defeated countless Bitter Sea experts in the imperial capital before. It was the most powerful move of Xiao Lou, but also a move that countless famous top experts could not see through and dared not receive.
But Ye Qingyu received it head-on.
Not only received it.
But utterly destroyed this palm.
Xiao Lou vomited blood and sustained serious injury.
This palm and this mouthful of blood were tantamount to a little martial arts myth being shattered.
While that claw and silver dragon scale paw were the beginning of another little martial arts myth.
As for the black blade…
Everyone could, from Xiao Lou"s unprecedented facial expression which could be called as an expression of panic, read a subtle message: this blade has a very special significance for Xiao Lou, not only because it was his defensive weapon or precious treasure, there were other reasons, other deeper significant meanings behind it.
And Xiao Lou was evidently extremely worried that Ye Qingyu was really going to pull out the curved blade.
What would happen when he pulled the blade out of its sheath?
All eyes fell upon Ye Qingyu.
Ye Qingyu did not speak.
His gaze, calm with a trace of curiosity, was examining the dark as though ink-stained scabbard inch by inch, like he was caught up in deep thought, and seemed to be hesitant over something.
This seemingly ordinary and mediocre curved black blade was evidently emitting a kind of majestic power. Even through the black scabbard Ye Qingyu could feel his heart thudding. But it was clear that because of the scabbard, the power inside was not able to be unleashed fully. Ye Qingyu suddenly had a theory: if he drew the sword out of the sheath at this moment, the power that was as terrifying as a monstrous flood may pour out instantly.
He grasped the hilt with one hand and grabbed the scabbard with the other, exerting strength into his arms.
"Stop it, hurry stop it, there will be a disaster, do not pull…" Xiao Lou cried out in panic, because at that moment, he clearly saw that there was suddenly a slight gap between the hilt and the scabbard.
He really could pull out the blade.
How was that possible?
Xiao Lou"s mind went blank for a moment. He was unable to think of a reason why this person had the ability to pull out the blade. The huge shock caused him to scream out in panic.
But the next moment, he stayed where he was dumbfounded.
Because Ye Qingyu had not really pulled out the blade. Instead was quietly standing in the same place, letting go of the handle of the blade, and with a mischievous smile, casually swung his arm, throwing the curved black blade back over to him.
Xiao Lou subconsciously caught the curved blade.
"The [Listening to Spring Rain at Night], Xiao Lou… No matter what you come to the imperial capital for, the era of sects will never return… You are a person with a story, but I do not want your story, and my persistence to collide. I have returned your blade to you. We will fight again when you have the ability to unsheathe your blade."
Ye Qingyu smiled and turned away from the martial arts battleground.
After a careful examination and interaction with the power of the curved black blade, Ye Qingyu was absolutely certain that this Xiao Lou must be the descendant of a large influential ancient sect from the era of sects. A person like him, appearing around Yu Feiyan, just what did it signify?
It seems that the imperial capital is deeper than he had imagined.
Ye Qingyu came to Xing"er"s side, quietly standing behind her.
And in the distance, Xiao Lou was trembling with an uncontainable fury, his hands were tightly clasped around the hilt of his blade, his knuckles were going pale and protruding out, as if his entire body would soon explode like an active volcano…
But he didn"t in the end.
He took a deep look at Ye Qingyu"s face, as if to engrave this face in the depths of his soul, and then slowly turned, the curved black blade in his arms. He stepped away from the martial arts battle ground, sinking into the distant s.h.i.+p"s cabin.
The sharp piercing wind blew past the battle flag causing it to flutter loudly.
The noise of the fluttering flag made the s.h.i.+p seemed quieter.
When Ye Qingyu walked over to Xing"er"s side, a bright smile made its way across her delicate and beautiful face. She was sitting on the chair and did not speak, but her eyes and brows were exposing her mood.
Yu Feiyan stood up smiling.
His gaze swept back and forth between Ye Qingyu and Xing"er, like a father looking at his daughter and son-in-law, the more he looked the more satisfied he was, finally jokingly said, "Haha, little boyfriend defeated Xiao Lou, this girl is so happy that her mouth is almost going to split open… How about it, the gift that Uncle gave you is pretty good right? If your little boyfriend wants to soar in the imperial capital, then he must slowly become well-known. This battle, consider it as a small gift from Uncle."
There was suddenly a complex expression that flickered across her eyes and brows because of this sentence. It very soon disappeared and she resumed her previous complexion.
She shook her head, then jumped to her feet, clapping her hands. "Uncle"s gif makes the receiver feel a bit apprehensive. If you continue to give such gifts, Xing"er would be afraid to accept it."
This was clearly a mockery more than a thank you.
It was not even just mockery.
There was a trace of hostility.
There are many people living in the imperial capital, but those that dared to use this tone to talk to the Apex Prince can be counted with one"s ten fingers. If it was another person, she would have long been dead.
But Yu Feiyan completely disregarded the mockery of Xing"er"s words, his face still kind and amiable. He helplessly shook his head, and then quietly looked at Xing"er, looking into the girl"s eyes. The prince"s face was still gentle and unprecedented calm. He gazed at her for a good while, then as though he thought of something, let out a long sigh.
This long sigh, what meaning did it have?
But everyone in the audience that heard this long sigh, their heart suddenly sank, and even the bright sky that was lit by the blazing sun seemed sad for a moment.
Xing"er was taken aback.
She lowered her head slightly, as though realizing something. She twirled strands of her long black hair around her finger, and then suddenly lost interest, bit her lip and said, "Uncle, since you have seen us now, I have something to do, I have to go…"
Yu Feiyan nodded.
"Girl, the children of the Yu clan, what can they not endure? You have left the imperial capital for too long, you don"t know what the imperial capital is like now. You heard some rumours when you came back, which caused some misunderstanding between us. This, I do not blame you, it takes a long road to know the strength of a horse. One day, you will know, who is really good to you," he said with a tone of such deep meaning.
Xing"er did not speak.
Under Yu Feiyan"s gaze, she stretched out her slender hand and grasped Ye Qingyu"s huge hand, walked forward a few steps, when their figures flashed, and the two people turned to streams of light, disappearing from this place.
Yu Feiyan silently watched this scene. His sword-like eyebrows were raised slightly, but he did not say anything.
He stood quietly for a very long while.
The guests were looking at the Apex Prince with very strange eyes.
Comparing the Prince today and him at other times, the difference was very huge. This does not match up with the resolute, dignified and decisive image of the Apex Prince, but more like an inferior and lame elder.
The Prince seemed to particularly favour the wilful and unruly Princess Xing"er and spoiled her. Even the little sovereign prince did not have such a treatment given to him.
"Prince, Prince…" A slim, middle-aged adviser was slowly approaching and whispering.
"Ah… Oh, what"s the matter?" Yu Feiyan was s.p.a.ced out for a moment
"The battle between that boy and Xiao Lou today, do we need to…" The adviser carefully worded his sentence.
Yu Feiyan"s eyes were clear and calm.
Almost at this moment, he had immediately restored the former glare that was like a tiger eyeing its prey, the manner and aura that made countless people fear had reappeared on this person.
The corners of his mouth drew back in a smile as he replied, "I know what you mean, but do not hide it. Also spread the message out. I said that I will give Xing"er a gift, of course I have to send it. As for Xiao Lou… let him slowly think about it. There is no such thing as an undefeated person, if he figures this out, he can go find the boy to win back his loss."
The airs.h.i.+p, travelling at the speed of flowing light, was fast as lightning in the sky.
Xing"er had already released Ye Qingyu"s hand.
The sky was very blue.
The wind was very strong.
Ever since returning onto the airs.h.i.+p, she had remained silent.
For the past ten minutes, she had been sitting at the front of the deck, legs stretched in the air, gently swaying side to side and humming a very nice tune…
The strong winds lifted the young girl"s black hair, flickering like a black flame, radiating an indescribable beauty.
"Where are we going?"
Ye Qingyu finally couldn"t resist asking.
"Pfff" Xing"er burst out laughing, then turned around and cast a glance at Ye Qingyu. "I thought you would be immersed in the victory of winning against Xiao Lou and won"t bother to ask this."
Ye Qingyu"s face darkened. "That"s nothing to be proud of…"
"Hee hee, pretend to be a victim after gaining an advantage. If this spreads out, you would immediately become a famous person in the Jianghu of the imperial capital, you would be absolutely well known."
"Am I not famous enough now?"
"Oh… you"re right." Xing"er also had to admit that. Ye Qingyu had really caused a storm in the imperial capital these days. She smiled, "It seems you have awakened… The place that we"re going to next, you would never guess, it is the Imperial Ancestral Temple."
Ye Qingyu gasped out without thinking, became speechless from astonishment, and then stuttered, "What what? What did you say? Imperial Ancestral Temple? The Offering Temple?"
Xing"er stared wide-eyed at Ye Qingyu. "Yes, what? Can"t? Your incredibly astonished look seems a little strange…"
Ye Qingyu did not speak.
But he suppressed the excitement and quietly said to himself: the opportunity really came, but isn"t this a bit too sudden?
Chapter 400 – The Real Ancestral Land
Ye Qingyu"s biggest goal of coming to the imperial capital this time was to enter the imperial household"s ancestral temple, to find the so-called truth that his father said before he died. He had been trying to gain fame and status, including establis.h.i.+ng the Two River Gang and so on, just to achieve this goal.
It was only that the imperial household"s ancestral temple was heavily guarded, and can be called the most terrifying forbidden area of the imperial capital. From the news that he received these days, even with the most optimistic of estimates, Ye Qingyu still felt that he needed at least two years of time, in order to increase his cultivation to a level able to intrude the into the imperial household"s ancestral temple.
There seemed to be no other way than forceful entry.
But now, Xing"er was saying that she would take him into the imperial household"s ancestral temple?
In that instant, Ye Qingyu felt his luck was almost too good, like someone that had just dozed off was given pillows and blankets.
"Is it not surprising that you should take me, an outsider, to the imperial household"s ancestral temple?" Ye Qingyu said, expressionless, trying to erase her suspicions, then went over to sit at the side of the deck, immediately changing the topic. "You still haven"t told me, why are we going to the ancestral hall?"
Xing"er was staring suspiciously at Ye Qingyu with her beautiful big eyes, saying in a skeptical tone, "When you ran into the biggest matter before, I"ve never seen you react so strongly… Of course we have something to do at the ancestral temple. It"s boring going there by myself, and since I ran into you at the station, I brought you with me and let you accompany me. I did not expect that we would run into uncle on the way…"
"I see, but as far as I know, the imperial household"s ancestral temple is a forbidden territory. Outsiders are absolutely not allowed to enter, how can you take me in there?" Ye Qingyu took an indirect approach.
"You"ll see." Xing"er said smugly, keeping him in suspense.
Ye Qingyu did not question further, after a brief thought he asked, "Right, from your att.i.tude, it seems like you dislike that Uncle a lot?"
Xing"er was silent for a long moment, before she responded, "When I was young, father was always busy with cultivation and government affairs. He rarely cared about me, but Uncle was often in the imperial palace. He was very good to me, never had he refused any requests, and sometimes when I get into trouble, he would help me hide it. When the matters were too serious, he would help me talk to father and mother. He treats me better than my father does; he is the person closest to me in the palace. In my heart, I had hoped many times before that, if Uncle is my father, how good would that be…"
Ye Qingyu nodded.
He could tell that Yu Feiyan favoured Xing"er.
"Then something happened in the palace. My three older brothers suddenly fell ill and died. Father thought that there was something ominous about the palace, so told one of the four saints, [Painting Saint] Master Liu to take me away from the palace, to Youyan Pa.s.s. Uncle personally took me to Youyan Pa.s.s. I really missed him when I was in Youyan Pa.s.s, but then something happened and I began to not understand Uncle. When I returned to the capital, I heard a lot, saw a lot, and noticed a lot of things. I investigated some past events… Although I don"t want to believe it, but Uncle really has changed, I… do not know how to face him, so I have been deliberately avoid him, I don"t want to see him, I did not expect that…
Xing"er spoke about the past with a note of sadness in her voice.
Just that her words were the same as not saying anything. In the meantime, the information revealed filled Ye Qingyu"s mind with puzzlement. There have been three Princes that had died in the palace of the Snow Empire? The Snow Emperor sent his little girl to Youyan Pa.s.s for shelter?
These matters were very strange indeed.
It could be imagined that the death of those three princes was absolutely abnormal. What kind of matters could the imperial capital not resolve and suppress, and had no choice but to send his daughter to a place like Youyan Pa.s.s for shelter?
But looking at Xing"er"s expression, even if Ye Qingyu had thousands of questions on his mind, at this moment he felt bad to question any further, and had to give her a few words of comfort.
While he was speaking, the airs.h.i.+p suddenly began to descend slowly.
In front, there was a formation obstructing them. Ten small mysterious yellow airs.h.i.+ps suddenly appeared as though they had pierced through a transparent waterfall, and then rippling through the void like the tide racing in, they emerged on all sides, forming an encirclement, surrounding the airs.h.i.+p.
There were armoured soldiers on the s.h.i.+p.
They were the masters that guarded the forbidden territory.
Ye Qingyu was standing at the side of the s.h.i.+p, marvelling at the breathtaking views below. There were statues of deities standing in great numbers like a forest, a solemn atmosphere like that of a temple, and a low, hollow sound of subdued drumming. It was a scenery that was completely different from elsewhere in the Imperial capital.
This should be the legendary Imperial Ancestral Temple.
No wonder that even Xing"er"s mysterious yellow airs.h.i.+p was subjected to all sorts of interrogation.
Ye Qingyu could not help but feel excited once again.
He furtively held the heroic military badge in the palm of his hand. According to his father"s last words, this badge can help him find the so-called truth in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. The distance into the ancestral temple was only a matter of time…
After interrogation, the mysterious yellow airs.h.i.+p continued advancing.
Having pa.s.sed through the waterfall-like rune formation, the flying speed had diminished by a lot. In less than ten minutes of time, they arrived at the second formation control area, and also the second interrogation, which was much more strict than the first. Even princess Xing"er was subjected to interrogation by a female soldier.
There was a total of eighteen such control formations.
Below were temples and shrines everywhere, statues towering like mountains, and between the unending sounds of beating drums was the faint chanting of monks. Having pa.s.sed through nine layers of clouds, the smell of incense became extremely strong, the air solemn and still, projecting a peaceful atmosphere that calms the mind. Immersed in such an atmosphere. Even an evil person with the strongest murderous spirit could not help but feel a sense of tranquility and turn away from evil and follow virtue.
The soldiers of the last formation control area, each one of their strength had reached the level of a top expert. These people, if placed outside, would definitely be a commander-in-chief, but here they were only ordinary soldiers, and like ordinary soldiers they patrolled daily and were given the heavy responsibility of guarding the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
And the search and interrogation at this level was the strictest.
The mysterious yellow airs.h.i.+p was no longer allowed to advance.
The golden-armoured guards on the airs.h.i.+p were also asked to wait on the s.h.i.+p.
At first, Ye Qingyu was also refused entry, but after Princess Xing"er, who had been subjected to interrogation by a female soldier, said something to the commander in charge of this control area, then the commander of unfathomable strength sent people to verify something. They waited at least half an hour later before receiving a reply. Finally, after a rigorous search and inspection, Ye Qingyu followed behind Princess Xing"er, boarded another internal fast airs.h.i.+p and continued through the prohibited area.
After pa.s.sing the last control area, the area ahead was suddenly brightly lit.
The cries of white spiritual cranes were ringing in the air.
All kinds of spiritual birds were moving back and forth between the green hills and blue water.
A tranquil and quiet paradise full of a spiritual aura, like a hidden land of peace and prosperity appeared before Ye Qingyu. This place and the areas outside of the formation control area were two different worlds. The deity statues, temples, monks, incense and so on in the areas outside were full of traces of sculpting and manual work that maked people feel respect, This place, on the other hand, was filled with the workings of nature. The fresh and clean smell seemed as though it could purify the human body and soul.
The airs.h.i.+p was flying in the pure sky, as if drifting in a transparent lake.
Ye Qingyu was overlooking below.
The nine lush green mountains below were like nine gigantic dragons lying dormant on the ground, exuding a majestic aura, and as though they had fully exhausted the power of heaven and earth, they eventually converged at a magnificent vast mountain range, forming several divine dragon mountain peaks. While shaking their heads and looking up, the divine dragons seemed about to soar into the sky, breaking through the s.p.a.ce and departing skyward with an imposing manner.
Ye Qingyu almost had an illusion that the dragon mountain peaks were alive.
And although Ye Qingyu did not fully understand, his excellent intuition made him vaguely feel that the nine mountains beneath, the terrain that looked like dragons, were not that simple.
So the Snow Empire"s real Imperial Ancestral Temple was situated in such a paradise, it really wasn"t like those temples and shrines that people always see.
The ancestral land of a clan, especially the imperial household, related to the fate and luck of that clan. Although fate and luck are illusory in many people"s eyes, but once at the level of the imperial court, it was obviously something to consider, such as the protection and design of the Snow Empire"s ancestral temple. It can only be called an uncanny workmans.h.i.+p.
Suddenly, Ye Qingyu felt a slight heat bursting forth in the heart of his palm.
His mood suddenly became extremely excited and tense.
It was the heroic military badge that reacted.
At this time, the airs.h.i.+p slowly began to land.
The landing place was the periphery of the mountain range.
"Within 50 miles of the ancestral temple, everyone must walk."
Xing"er whispered in Ye Qingyu"s ears. "You have to follow me closely, do not go the wrong way, the mountains and clear waters are beautiful, but everywhere is full of murderous spirit. With one wrong step you would never return…"
As she spoke, she pulled on her dress a little and walked towards the emerald-green mountainous forest, her face also growing solemn.
Ye Qingyu could also sense the terrifying murderous spirit across the landscape, dared not act rashly, and followed behind Xing"er.
The soldier that walked Ye Qingyu and Xing"er all the way here had left on a s.h.i.+p.
They walked for about 100 steps, when the murderous spirit between the landscapes had suddenly intensified.
There was no one hiding around, but it felt as though the biggest killing formation in this world was set up around these two people. The air was thick with a bone-chilling and painful killing intent, like an invisible millstone was about to grind up Ye Qingyu and Xing"er. Even with Ye Qingyu"s mind and strength, he could not help shuddering.
Xing"er suddenly bit her finger, blood seeped from the wound.
She flicked the blood into the air.
The killing intent and pressure between the mountains and water suddenly vanished——