Chapter 89

The martial arts of instant killing

The destruction of the Hyunsa Gate was a major incident. It had been the talk of the town in Wuchang recently.

This was because the influence of the powerful martial arts sects that dominated the region extended even to the lives of the common people. This was even more so for the evil sects.

The evil sects that settled in the city increased the burden of public taxes on the people by two or three times.

They collected protection fees under the guise of maintaining law and order, not discriminating between coins, silver, necessities, and even people.

As the bad harvests continued, the control of the government plummeted.

It meant that for the topic of conversation in the streets of Wuchang to change, it would take more than just an ordinary incident.

"Blood Demon?"

"Keep your voice down. They said it wasn't just a Blood Demon. He... instantly... "

"That's true. There's a rumor that he's a precious bloodline of the evil sect. If his martial arts are at that level, he could easily do such a thing. Be careful of your neck. You never know when you might become a sacrifice to the Blood Demon."

In a corner of the market, a group of four or five people were whispering.

"Phew... It'll be quiet at night. I'll have to stay at home once it gets dark."

"It'll have to be that way for a while."

"Quiet...!"

A middle-aged man whispered in a startled voice, as if his breath betrayed his shock.

The surroundings had been growing quieter from a distance.

Three people walked down the street.

The appearance of the woman in the middle caught the eye.

With skin as white as jade and dressed in a deep blue robe, she looked like a fairy descended from the heavens.

She was a martial artist known to everyone present.

She was Changling Huazhu of the Nangong family, praised by the nearby people for her beauty, martial arts, and achievements.

"So, they are... "

Someone muttered.

The rumors were spreading widely.

The story of Nangong Mi, who lost her bodyguards to the hands of a Blood Flame Sect noble and was left alone.

The story that Bai Qilin Nangong Huashen and Zheng Yanxin, who were outstanding new talents of Yibei, had joined the party to protect their opponent in the life-or-death duel.

The martial artists of Wuchang were said to have been impressed by their demeanor.

The outstanding new talents of Yibei.

Their attention could not be avoided. If they were not unlucky enough to die, they would become renowned experts in the martial world.

The strange companionship of those who were about to fight to the death was gradually becoming known.

"Your nickname is Zheng Yanxin, right?"

Nangong Mi suddenly spoke, her tone as if she were looking down from above.

She seemed to no longer care about the outside gaze. Perhaps she knew there was nothing she could do about it.

It was not the tone she usually used in public.

Zheng Yanxin did not respond.

They had already exchanged blows. The boy was not shameless.

It felt awkward to answer casually just because the other party did not know his true face.

Besides, he was about to die. He did not want to talk to him.

"Now, even insignificant people are provoking me?"

Nangong Mi said, her lips curling up.

"Is that so?"

"When will the City Lord of Yibei remain above the clouds? The major sects of the martial world are not fools. The Nangong family, the Huangbao family, and the Blood Flame Sect's main branch. Who will be next? Do you think the Eight Families and the Thirteen Thousand will sit idly by while their actions are absurdly arrogant and excessive?"

"..."

Nangong Huashen closed his mouth with a serious expression.

To Zheng Yanxin, he looked very weak.

Was it because he grew up as the leader of the Sword Night and underwent brainwashing for loyalty?

It was frustrating to see him lose a minor argument while facing his mother's enemy.

Nangong Mi, who turned her head and smiled, glanced at Zheng Yanxin.

"Brat. You're the same, aren't you? You probably haven't received all the true martial arts. The royal family and their associates wouldn't give you everything. What's the difference between us and the Eight Families? You're just a pitiful half-breed."

"The term 'Eight Families' is strange."

Zheng Yanxin said calmly.

"What?"

"It's now the Seven Families. No, the Six Families sounds better. What do you think? They're bound to decrease easily, aren't they?"

"You... "

It seemed to be an unexpected response. Nangong Mi, who opened her eyes wide, laughed disdainfully and was about to speak, but Zheng Yanxin quietly interrupted her.

"Maintain the meaning of a formal duel. Even if your Nangong's character is lowly, the reason we show respect is because our level is determined by our opponent. If you lack weight in a life-or-death duel with me, how hollow would that be?"

"..."

"If you didn't understand, feel free to speak your mind. It means your capacity is only that much."

Zheng Yanxin turned his head again after finishing his words.

For a moment, he saw Nangong Mi's delicate features twist, but he only thought the conversation was too long.

It was not worth spending more than ten breaths on someone like her.

"Does a half-breed talk about capacity?"

Nangong Mi's mouth, which had responded mockingly once, fell silent for a while.

Even if she often acted arrogantly and without reason, she was still the daughter of a prestigious martial arts family. It seemed there was nothing else to say to someone who talked about dignity.

After that,

The expression on Nangong Mi's face when she looked at Zheng Yanxin changed slightly.

Her haughty attitude, as if looking down on a subordinate, remained unchanged, but Zheng Yanxin occasionally sensed her scrutinizing his entire body.

Changling Huazhu Nangong Mi. What did she sense?

She momentarily recalled the demon mask but then dismissed the thought. The noble of the Pure Blood Sect and Zheng Yanxin were different.

'Even the tone is different. It wasn't a provocation.'

He did not think it was something to worry about.

In the meantime, the boy suddenly apologized to Nangong Huashen.

"The Nangong I mentioned... "

"No, it's fine. I felt relieved."

Nangong Huashen waved his hand with a cheerful laugh. Both ignored Nangong Mi's snort.

Thus, a peculiar group was formed.

The illegitimate siblings of the Nangong family, Zheng Yanxin, and the Seven Assassins, who were shining with red eyes from a distance.

Their relationship would only last until the life-or-death duel with the Nangong family.

Nangong Mi and the Seven Assassins must die. However, the winds of the martial world were said to be merciless. It was possible that all four of them might perish.

'Seven Assassins, Qing Qilin.'

Zheng Yanxin recalled the two main targets. He hoped that he and Nangong Huashen would complete their mission safely.

* * *

To reach Huizhou, where the Nangong family was located, they had to pass through Huangzhou.

It was the route of the relay stations. The only way to get from Wuchang to Nanzhili.

The group entered a large inn.

"It's better to stay here for a night and then push on. It seems the troublesome rumors are spreading."

"If we pass this way, we'll reach Huizhou. That sounds good."

Zheng Yanxin, who had exchanged words with Nangong Huashen, walked to find an empty seat.

Nangong Mi and Nangong Huashen followed closely.

Zheng Yanxin and Nangong Mi sat side by side at a table for four, with Nangong Huashen opposite them.

It was a deliberate arrangement. Zheng Yanxin trusted Nangong Huashen's eyes, which had long practiced the family's secret techniques.

The sharp gaze of the White Qilin, who was a blood relative and an enemy, was watching his sister closely. He was ready to act at the slightest movement.

Nangong Mi seemed indifferent. After ordering food from the waiter, she stared at the book of the Diamond Sutra that Zheng Yanxin took out.

"Buddhist scripture? Were you a monk?"

Zheng Yanxin did not respond, as he usually did.

From here on, they were close to Huizhou. It meant they were entering the Nangong family's sphere of influence.

The news of the duel must have spread more widely in this area than anywhere else. It meant they had to be cautious of variables.

Even this inn was bustling with conversation.

"Prosperous, very prosperous. Martial artists from all over the martial world are gathering here."

"The duel between Yibei and Nangong. Where else can you see such noble martial arts?"

"Will the young head of the Nangong family really engage in a martial contest? It's hard to believe. I'll probably feel this way until I see it with my own eyes."

"Nangong must win. If Yibei wins, it will be... "

"The prices in Huangzhou will be shaken. For our business to survive, it's best if nothing changes."

It seemed to be a common topic here.

There was no reason to whisper to the martial artists of Yibei.

Since it was a common topic, all kinds of conversations reached the ears of Zheng Yanxin and his group.

People who had already seen Zheng Yanxin and Nangong Huashen's martial attire were silent.

Those who could not remain silent continued to chatter.

"The young head of the Nangong family hasn't shown his sword for a long time. They say his opponent is a promising young talent named Zheng Yanxin, who made great contributions during the Blood Flame Sect incident."

"A duel that will determine the peak of the future martial world. I wonder which side will truly be the best among the new talents."

"Call him the young head. How can you judge him as just a promising young talent?"

Zheng Yanxin, who was listening to the conversation next to him, saw Nangong Mi's lips curve smoothly.

She turned her head slightly to look at Zheng Yanxin, smiling faintly and speaking.

"Everything they say is not wrong. Your eyes, which only see nearby things, probably see our Nangong as no different from the evil sects. However, at least to the common people, we are a righteous sect without equal in the world. When floods occur, we distribute food, and when the evil sects cause trouble, the Nangong warriors step in."

"..."

"Even at the level of a promising young talent, you can't receive the Imperial Sword Form of the main family. My brother has cultivated it to a level where it's hard to guess its achievement. Isn't that enough reason for your defeat? Moreover, our Nangong does not neglect the livelihood of the people... "

Nangong Mi said with a hazy smile.

"You can rest easy under my brother's sword."

"Isn't that a sore point? Meaningless talk."

Zheng Yanxin's indifferent response deepened her smile. The expression on her white face was peculiar.

"Or..."

"..."

"Would you consider surrendering and joining the main family? I'll let you clean my feet. I'm serious."

Cleaning her feet. It was a phrase Zheng Yanxin used when he acted as a noble of the Blood Flame Sect.

'Is she testing me?'

Or was it just a meaningless act of cruelty?

While Zheng Yanxin was thinking about the intention behind her words,

Hua!

Suddenly, dozens of sharp gusts of wind blew. It was a black wind carrying a human figure.

Zheng Yanxin and Nangong Huashen reacted to the astonishing speed. They activated their inner energy before drawing their swords.

The powerful aura seemed to tear their bodies apart.

However, the uninvited guest did not target them.

Kuang!

The black hair shimmered with a transparent luster.

The hand that shot out like a swift sword, cutting through the air, grabbed Nangong Mi's cheeks.

Her fingers were as white as her own.

She lifted Nangong Mi into the air, and a sinister wave spread from her movement. It was an overwhelming martial prowess.

"You."

The Seven Assassins' red lips drew a curve.

"What did you say?"