Chapter 15 Dogs that Block the Door
In a simple and crude room, a handsome youth was sitting cross-legged and stripped to the waist.
Even though the night had been frigid cold, he didn’t seem bothered by the cold air that a.s.sailed his body. A faint white mist rose up from his body as eleven blue veins emerged on his naked body and glowed fiery red from time to time, appearing incredibly strange. Anyone who witnesses this situation would call out in astonishment.
This youth had unexpectedly kept this position all night.
Suddenly, the boy opened his eyes to reveal a spirited and radiant gaze, appearing smart and clear-headed.
Ling Xiao has stabilized the xuan strength located in his eleven meridians after a night of meditation. As long as he breaks through the twelfth meridian, link up his dantian, and condense his xuan strength, he will become a genuine martial artist with the opportunity to reach the highest realm of martial arts. Otherwise, he can try for the rest of his life and not be able to achieve a martial artist’s physique.
Ling Xiao was a martial arts madman in his previous life; this life is no exception.
Besides defying heaven’s will and change his fate, he wants to take his destiny into his hand.
His greatest dream is “to have power in times of war, and women in times of peace.”
Ling Xiao had just opened the door, but Bai Yu Xi was already waiting with warm water prepared.
Ling Xiao had long grown accustomed to Bai Yu Xi’s service and had even enthusiastically accepted her as part of his life. But Bai Yu Xi often sees his bare upper body and an intoxicating blush will emerge on her face, looking very lovely.
After washing his face, Ling Xiao and Bai Yu Xi went to the front hall together to dine. Just as they entered, they noticed another person in the room. This person is the one who saved Ling Xiao yesterday, Ling Tao.
Ling Tao gave Ling Xiao’s body a once over, before revealing an incredulous expression and said, “Atta boy, you recovered so fast?”
Although the first-grade, high-level Moisture Returning Pill possess healing and energy restoring efficacy, Ling Xiao looked like to have sustained severe damage yesterday. Treatment is considered quite effective if it can improve the condition of an injury by sixty or seventy percent. But Ling Xiao appears completely recovered and full of energy, no indication that he had suffered an injury in the first place.
Ling Tao apparently did not know about the self-healing capability of Ling Xiao’s Three Part Return Vital Energy. Combined with the Moisture Returning Pill, the effects became especially potent. Besides, he had seized the opportunity to break through the eleventh meridian last night, so every single muscle in his body has been rejuvenated, and his mental condition is especially good.
“Thank you, Third Uncle, for saving my life yesterday.” Ling Xiao came forward and greeted. If it were not for Ling Tao’s timely arrival yesterday, perhaps he’d already be pushing up the daisies. Would he transmigrate again once he dies? He reckons he won’t catch such a lucky break again.
Ling Tao patted Ling Xiao’s shoulders and said, “Why so formal? I’m your Third Uncle; everyone’s family here. Let’s eat first and then I’ll bring you to see Patriarch.”
“Okay.” Ling Xiao agreed and then sat down to eat.
Ling Zhan saw Ling Xiao didn’t have much of a reaction and asked quietly, “Xiao’er, you won’t be having any complaints regarding your grandfather, right?”
Ling Xiao’s grandfather is, of course, the Ling Family’s patriarch, Ling Cang. This was the first time Ling Xiao was summoned since he was disabled; anyone else in his spot may be excited, but Ling Xiao doesn’t care.
“Complaint? What complaint?” Ling Xiao said blankly. His grandfather was pretty good to him from what he remembered. When he was younger, there were many times the old man had guided him in cultivating xuan strength. Although the old man hadn’t paid attention to him these past two years, he did not have any complaints. This is a world where power is respected; those with strength obtain favor while those without strength lose favor. As a young master of a big family, he obviously understood what this meant.
Ling Zhan shook his head but didn’t speak any further. When he was crippled years ago, his father had exhausted every means to help him but was ultimately forced to give up. He was still able to feel all the effort his father put in for him. He can only sigh ruefully since he cannot help his own situation.
After everyone had finished eating, Ling Tao led Ling Xiao to the Ling Family’s inner court.
Ling Family’s inner court is situated in the southern part of the city. Taking up seven square kilometers of land, the palatial structure is covered with flying eaves and glazed tiles, unadorned yet boundless, as if it had experienced countless years but still stands unyieldingly today.
The Ling Family has pa.s.sed through eighteen generations, nearly one thousand years, and the first major family in Falling Stone City—outsiders would not be able to imagine its hidden secrets.
Ling Xiao and Ling Tao arrived in front of the main entrance. A pair of crouching vicious lion-like beasts opened up its b.l.o.o.d.y maul, mighty and ferocious. The gate is cast from gold and engraved with a dragon and phoenix, appearing distinguished and extraordinary.
This is Falling Stone City’s leading major family’s imposing air!
Two high-level xuan pract.i.tioners held pikes in hand and stood guard with a stiff posture outside the gate.
Ling Tao intended to lead Ling Xiao through the gate, but the two xuan pract.i.tionerscrossed their pikes to obstruct their pa.s.sage.
“Clang.”
“What are you doing?” Ling Tao voice sank.
“Fifth Elder has commanded: if Young Master Ling Xiao wishes to enter Ling Family’s inner court, he must get past us.” One of the high-level xuan pract.i.tioners said.
“Scoundrels, Ling Xiao received the Patriarch’s summons. Why don’t the two of quickly step aside, or else I’ll deliver you to meet King Yama.” Ling Tao’s anger soared to the sky from being blocked from entering his home.
“I apologize, Master Ling. We are just following Fifth Elder’s orders.” The two spoke in unison.
“You!” Ling Tao sucked a fiery breath, aching to bring forth the pike on his back. He knows he cannot attack his family’s guards, but the present situation is clearly going too far.
“Third Uncle, it’s not worth getting angry over these two dogs. For the time being, watch how your nephew sorts out these disobedient dogs.” Ling Xiao appeased quickly.
When Ling Xiao’s words came out, the two high-level xuan pract.i.tioners guarding the entrance glared at Ling Xiao.
Ling Tao looked at Ling Xiao and agreed soon after, “Good. If you aren’t their match, I swear I’ll get rid of these two dogs even if I’m kicked out of the family.”
“You might not be punishing the dogs, but get bitten by dogs instead!” At this moment, Ling Rui just so happens to come out from the gate followed by Pock and Dog Nose, looking maliciously at Ling Xiao.
He already received the news yesterday confirming Ling Xiao has restored his xuan strength, causing him to jump in fright. However, it wasn’t long after when he heard that Ling Xiao received serious injuries after suffering an a.s.sa.s.sination attempt, causing him to feel a bit of schadenfreude and indifferent that Ling Xiao was summoned by the Patriarch today. But when he found out his grandfather has taken an interest in Ling Xiao, he arrived at first light to wait for the show.
Ling Xiao cast a sidelong glance at Ling Rui, only to see him wearing a gorgeous blue-green chang pao, his appearance immaculate. This makes it all the more unfortunate that his beady eyes made him utterly loathsome. This was the man that almost made him go see King Yama.
“Just an insignificant low-level xuan pract.i.tioner dares to bark so noisily, really don’t know its place.” Ling Xiao said disdainfully.
“Humph! You got a sharp tongue, but I want to see just how you plan on entering the inner court; a cripple like you will only ever be some common son of a b.i.t.c.h.” Ling Rui shouted as his face turned purple with anger.
Two days ago, news of Luo Qing Shuang’s defeat at the hands of Ling Xiao spread throughout Falling Stone City. And now that Ling Xiao is ridiculing him, he felt very resentful.
“What gall!” Ling Xiao and Ling Tao shouted furiously.
Both men moved at the same time, but Ling Xiao’s “Phantom Cloud Step” was slightly faster.
“Pa!”
“Ah.” Ling Rui was sent flying like a housefly by Ling Xiao’s slap.
Ling Rui clutched his swollen red face as blood seeped from the corners of his mouth, awkwardly climbing back to his feet and pointing at Ling Xiao and said, “You…you dare to hit me? I’m going to report you in front of the Patriarch.”
“Hehe. Go. You dared to call me a son of a b.i.t.c.h. The Patriarch is my grandfather so aren’t you insulting the Patriarch? You’re disrespecting the Patriarch, guilty of blasphemy; when I enter the inner court, I’ll certainly go to the elders and ask for instructions to punish you for your crime.” Ling Xiao smiled wholeheartedly as he said to Ling Rui.
Having heard this, Ling Rui’s complexion abruptly changed, coughing a mouthful of blood and lost consciousness on the spot.
Pock and Dog Nose did not even spare Ling Xiao a glance as they carried Ling Rui and left in a hurry.
“Trash.” Ling Xiao said disdainfully.
“Haha. Outstanding! You’re really something else!” Ling Tao heavily patted Ling Xiao’s shoulders and gave a loud, satisfying laugh. The expression in his eyes as he looked at Ling Xiao was like seeing his nephew for the first time.
“Okay Third Uncle, you stand to the side first and see how I sort out these two dogs, make them understand the difference between dogs and people from now on.” Ling Xiao secured the Colossal Dragon Sword behind his back, no intention of using the sword.
“Don’t be arrogant Xiao’er; the two of them are already peak xuan pract.i.tioner. They only need to condense their xuan strength and achieve the realm of xuan strength projection to break through to xuan warrior. You should consider using your sword.” Ling Tao persuaded.
“Don’t worry Third Uncle. I don’t need to go all out for just two dogs.” Ling Xiao said with a face of confidence.
If it were as before, he wouldn’t have dared be so arrogant, but now he already broke through the eleventh meridian and reached the realm of a ninth-level martial apprentice. Although there is still a large gap compared to the two men before him, he could absolutely catch them off guard by relying on his movement technique.
“Alright, just be careful.” Ling Tao said no more when he saw Ling Xiao’s determination and moved back.
“Come at me you two brainless dogs.” Ling Xiao insulted as he beckoned the two high-level xuan pract.i.tioners with his fingers.
The two high-level xuan pract.i.tioners became infuriated, but kept their cool and responded courteously, “Excuse us!”
Both of the high-level xuan pract.i.tioners cultivate Ling Family’s gray-order xuan skill, “Rain Spear Scripture.”
Rain Spear Scripture, divided into five forms, every form is like a spear forest or dense rain, causing people to feel it’s impossible to guard against. Each attack had been imbued with a trace amount of xuan energy and exuded a cold breath; so long as it grazes Ling Xiao, he would immediately be skewered.
Ling Xiao revealed a slight smile, executing “Phantom Cloud Step” under his feet, instantly bypa.s.sing the two guards’ attack.
“Flowing Water Element Cloud.”
He struck out with both palms simultaneously. This palm strike contained all of his xuan strength. He moved with practiced ease, as swift as flowing water, as his palms landed heavily on the two men’s back.
The two guards instantly reacted and countered by thrusting their spears in quick succession.
Ling Xiao’s face darkened. These two men were not the average guard; the spear attacks were aimed at his throat with the clear intention of taking his life.
“That being the case, do not blame me for being ruthless.” Ling Xiao leaped in the air, his figure appears lithe and elegant, as his legs were transformed into countless afterimages aimed at the two men.
This is exactly previous life Ling Xiao most fond of employ Wind G.o.d Kick’s second form, “Gra.s.s in the Wind,” The speed of this move is extremely fast, and its might was even more overbearing.
“Pa!”
“Pa!”
……
TL Note: Having read the overwhelmingly positive responses, I’ve decided to continue translating this series. To clarify possible confusion in regards to the story, cultivation methods (e.g. Three Parts Return Vital Energy) are used to cultivate xuan energy. Three Parts Return Vitality is the specific name for the xuan energy cultivated from Three Parts Return Vital Energy. Cultivation techniques (e.g. Cloud Parting Palm, Wind G.o.d Kick, Sky Frost Fist) are the fighting techniques. These techniques are further broken down into different forms, or moves, such as Wind G.o.d Kick’s Gra.s.s in the Wind. Some cultivation methods also serve as cultivation techniques.
Bu Jing Yun (Cloud), Nie Feng (Wind), Qin Shuang (Frost), Xiong Ba (Lord Conqueror), San Jue the Elder, etc. are all characters from Fung Wan. The Wikipedia article does a good job summarizing that story for those who are interested (note that the Wikipedia article uses Cantonese pinyin so the names may differ slightly).