Chapter 114
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Chapter 114: The Pursuit of Death’s Assassin
“Third Auction Item, a thousand-year-old white jade ginseng.”
“Fourth Auction Item, a heavenly-grade purple cloak.”
…
“Tenth Auction Item, the Sun Mystic Stone.”
As Zui Sheng Meng announced each item at the Merchants’ Guild auction, the round stage was bathed in dazzling lights, and the fervent competition unfolded like a passionate drama. Ming He sat high above, an outsider, a mere spectator.
Though she possessed many treasures, as a cultivator, who would ever think they had too many?
She had felt tempted, but her spirit stones weren’t enough to support her desires. As for Qin Chu Yi…
Ming He subtly glanced at Song Guanting. The young man’s innate pride would never allow her to speak to Qin Chu Yi, and even without Song Guanting present, she likely wouldn’t have spoken up.
Once, Qin Chu Yi was her Senior Sister; now, she was her Dao partner. Their relationship had changed, and with it, some things inevitably shifted.
Ming He understood the standing of Qin Huang Mountain on the Tianwu Continent and, therefore, didn’t permit her own weakness. When she loved someone, she wanted to give them the best.
“Fifteenth Auction Item, the rainbow glazed stone, starting bid of one thousand upper-grade spirit stones.” Zui Sheng Meng smiled lightly at the puzzled expressions of the surrounding cultivators. “This rainbow glazed stone, as its name suggests, is merely a round stone that shines with a glorious light. Apart from its beautiful appearance and sturdy structure, it currently has no other purpose.”
His eyes slightly lowered, a shadow flickering within them. The rainbow glazed stone was the fifteenth and final Auction Item of this Merchants’ Guild auction.
According to the auction’s consistent rules, the starting prices of the first and last items were always the same. Both the Reflection Jade Bi and the rainbow glazed stone were extraordinary stones of heaven and earth, creating a harmonious effect when placed together. Yet, the rainbow glazed stone was not worth such a price. It didn’t deserve the bid of a thousand upper-grade spirit stones, nor was it worthy of being the showstopper at the auction’s end. Still, someone insisted on this arrangement. Why?
He casually turned, his gaze swiftly sweeping across the private rooms on the top floor, a hint of speculation emerging—had it already begun?
The rainbow glazed stone sparkled lightly on the black circular stage, emanating a beautiful rainbow light, with a lustrous glaze reminiscent of twinkling stars, something likely beloved by the dragon clan.
Ming He gazed at the rainbow glazed stone, her expression flickering momentarily before her eyes lit up with a thought. The next moment, she raised her head, her voice clear and resonant at the auction’s forefront, “I bid one thousand five hundred upper-grade spirit stones.”
Though this was every last spirit stone she had saved since leaving the Liu Yun Sect, if she could make her innermost desire a reality, it would be worth it.
One thousand five hundred upper-grade spirit stones—she thought no one would compete with her. However, reality didn’t unfold as she expected. Alongside her bid came another equally crisp voice, “One thousand five hundred upper-grade spirit stones.”
The voices echoed from similar directions.
Ming He stared in surprise, and indeed, she saw Qin Chu Yi looking over in astonishment. The other person who had also placed an identical bid was Qin Chu Yi, sitting right next to her.
“Senior Sister, why do you want to buy the rainbow glazed stone?” Ming He blinked, filled with confusion. She thought someone as cool and elegant as Qin Chu Yi wouldn’t like such shiny things.
“I…” Qin Chu Yi hesitated as her mind raced to find an explanation. “The Chi Li sword is too plain. I think the rainbow glazed stone looks quite lovely, and I was planning to make it into a sword ornament.”
Feeling her heart skip under Ming He’s doubtful gaze, she instinctively shifted to take the lead, “What about you, Junior Sister Ming He?” Confusion washed over her as she pondered why Ming He would place a bid.
This time, the flickering gaze shifted to Ming He.
She looked down, avoiding Qin Chu Yi’s curious eyes, then lifted her gaze again, with an answer resolutely emerging in her heart. “Jiu Jiu is from the dragon clan; he should like this thing. I’ll buy it for him to play with.”
Jiu Jiu had found a suitable sleeping spot on Qin Huang Mountain and hadn’t accompanied them this time, so Ming He felt justified in her reasoning.
“Oh,” Qin Chu Yi nodded, unconvinced. “That rainbow glazed stone is quite large. What if we buy it and split it in half, one for each of us?” Her eyes shone, revealing a solution.
“Sure!” Ming He readily agreed, thinking half would still be enough.
“The rainbow glazed stone starts at one thousand five hundred upper-grade spirit stones, claimed by private room number one. Does anyone else wish to compete?” Zui Sheng Meng followed the set procedure, announcing three times, ready to declare the winner, but was predictably interrupted by another voice.
“This Young Master offers five thousand upper-grade spirit stones.” The voice emanated from the second private room on the top floor, and then, a handsome young man dressed in red attire strode out. His accessories fluttered in the breeze, glimmering with a radiance that reeked of wealth and grandeur.
A young man leaned against the black ebony railing on the top floor, his posture relaxed yet commanding. He extended a hand, forming a "five" gesture, and tilted his body slightly to glance at private room number one to his right. His eyes momentarily deepened with intensity before shifting to a playful, carefree expression.
"Qin Sister, if you desire the rainbow glazed stone, there’s no need for you to act. Just say the word, and your younger brother will spare no effort to acquire it for you," he said with a charming smile.
Though he referred to himself as her younger brother, his youthful face betrayed a mix of admiration and determination. His eyes sparkled with affection, exuding a romantic allure.
Inside the private room, Ming He’s expression shifted at his words. A flicker of helplessness crossed her face as she glanced at Song Guanting, then at the proud young man in red attire leaning casually against the railing outside. She couldn’t help but think that her rivals were indeed numerous.
Having barely stepped out, she had already encountered two. If she were to wander the central region, how many more would she meet? And both of these individuals seemed remarkably impressive.
Song Guanting, as a true disciple of the Haoran Sword Sect, was undoubtedly exceptional. Even without her prestigious title, her demeanor and words had already revealed her noble character. She was a true sword cultivator, embodying the essence of the Haoran Sword Dao.
As for the young man in red outside, Ming He narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. Though she didn’t know his exact status, it was clear he was no ordinary figure.
The young man in red carried himself with an air of confidence, his charm undeniable. Yet, strangely, he seemed to lack any trace of cultivation.
Ming He frowned in confusion. In the Tianwu Continent, where martial prowess was revered, even common folk aspired to the path of cultivation. She had never encountered a scion from a great family who didn’t pursue martial arts.
Unless, of course, he was incapable of cultivating?
Her gaze shifted to Qin Chu Yi, only to find Qin Chu Yi’s previously warm expression had turned cold, a sign of brewing anger.
Qin Chu Yi rarely showed anger. Even when facing alien races or human race traitors, her demeanor was marked by murderous intent rather than fury. But now, her brows were drawn tight, her eyes radiating clear displeasure.
"No need. Anything touched by Young Master Jiang holds no interest for me. The rainbow glazed stone is yours," Qin Chu Yi said coldly, rising to her feet. She took Ming He’s hand and strode out of the private room, clearly intent on leaving immediately. Song Guanting’s eyes flickered as she silently followed behind.
"Qin Sister, how can you speak to me like that?" The young man in red swayed slightly, stepping in front of Qin Chu Yi. "My feelings for you are genuine, and I truly wish to give you the rainbow glazed stone."
"I don’t like you," Qin Chu Yi replied icily, tightening her grip on Ming He’s hand. "I already have a Dao partner. Do not appear before me again."
"Otherwise, I might lose my patience and kill you, ridding the Ancient Clan of its disgrace."
"Dao partner?" The young man in red ignored her threat, his gaze darkening with disdain. "Jiang An has never failed to win over those he desires."
He smirked, his eyes lingering on Ming He as Qin Chu Yi led her away. The earlier carefree demeanor of a youth was gone, replaced by a chilling, almost bloody intensity.
He was no longer a boy.
Jiang An chuckled softly, reaching for the rainbow glazed stone and tossing it carelessly into his storage pouch. He knew he wouldn’t be bored for some time.
After the young man left, the white copper door of private room number three opened with a soft creak. A young woman in pale green robes stepped out, her gaze fixed on the departing group. Her eyes were shadowed with intrigue, and after a brief pause, she followed them without hesitation.
Ming He, still puzzled by Qin Chu Yi’s unusually heavy aura, was led out of the Merchants’ Guild. As they walked, a clear voice reached her ears. "The young man in red is Jiang An, the second son of the Jiang Clan and a disgrace to the Ancient Clan."
She blinked, glancing back to see Song Guanting following closely, her lips moving silently. The surrounding air was eerily quiet; only Ming He could hear the voice—a transmission technique.
Her brows arched slightly as Song Guanting’s message filled her in on Jiang An’s identity and past.
The Tianwu Continent was home to many Ancient Clans, but only four stood at the pinnacle, representing the great families of the central region. The Qin Clan was the foremost, leading the others, while the Song, Jiang, and Han Clans were equally formidable.
Jiang An, the second son of the Jiang Clan, was twenty-two this year—young, but no longer a boy.
As for being a disgrace to the Ancient Clan… Ming He’s eyes reflected a swirl of emotions she couldn’t quite articulate.
According to Song Guanting, twenty-two years ago, the Jiang Clan had welcomed twin siblings. Due to injuries sustained by the Jiang Clan’s matriarch during a battle with alien races, the twins were born with congenital deficiencies, rendering them unable to cultivate.
The Jiang Clan had scoured the land for heavenly materials and earthly treasures to aid their young heirs. When the twins turned seven, they finally obtained a ninth-grade spirit marrow capable of curing their cultivation obstacles. But there was only one.
In the vast Tianwu Continent, only a single ninth-grade spirit marrow existed.
Thus, of the two Jiang Clan heirs born with natural deficiencies, only one could embark on the path of cultivation.
Jiang An did not cultivate, and the answer was clear—he was the one who had been abandoned. Eight years ago, the first scion of the Jiang Clan made his mark, becoming famous in the central region. That same year, fourteen-year-old Jiang An began venturing outside, notorious for bullying and dominating others, leveraging his family’s influence to intimidate geniuses. He was truly up to no good, though the elders of the Jiang Clan and his elder brother often intervened, the clan felt guilt toward him and thus did not restrain his actions.
Three years ago, the young scion of the Jiang Clan, Jiang Ping, aged nineteen, broke through to the Wind Master Realm and traveled the five regions to slay alien races. He met his demise under an assassination from the Alien Race Hunting Hall. That same year, Jiang An fell in love with Qin Chu Yi at first sight, declaring he would marry no one but her.
It was likely one of the reasons Qin Chu Yi was so pained.
Ming He felt waves of emotions rising within her, feeling somewhat suppressed. A nineteen-year-old cultivator of the Wind Master Realm who only began cultivating at the age of seven, Jiang Ping was an extraordinary genius, a remarkable talent rarely seen throughout history. He was a young talent in whom human cultivators had placed high hopes.
Yet, as his brother, as someone who was born alongside him, Jiang An was such a person.
Wasn’t it absurd?
Ming He felt only desolation.
She looked at Qin Chu Yi ahead, who wore the exquisite robes of the Young Master of the Qin Clan, the leading Ancient Clan. She had both the duty and responsibility to cleanse the Ancient Clan of its disgrace; she needed to uphold the dignity and pride of her clan.
In a sense, that might also represent the pride of the human race.
Human cultivators had always been proud, while the Ancient Clans, with their lineage tracing back to ancient times, took even more pride. Qin Chu Yi’s failure to act was not due to inability, but rather an unwillingness.
Jiang An carried the bloodline of the Jiang Clan, the youngest child who the clan leaders felt guilty toward, having taken away his chance to cultivate. Essentially, it was an unfairness.
Thus, they could not bear to take his life now.
“Senior Sister,” Ming He said, hesitantly grabbing Qin Chu Yi’s arm. She wanted to express something but didn’t know how to articulate her thoughts.
“I’m fine,” Qin Chu Yi replied, feeling the warmth in Ming He’s hand, her expression softening a bit. She smiled, brushing aside thoughts of Jiang An and guiding her toward the Dragon Horses pulling their carriage.
“Young Master Qin, regarding Yóu Lìng, I’ve gathered some information. Would you be interested in exchanging information with me?” Song Guanting glanced at their interaction, hesitating for a moment before stating this. Coldness flickered in her eyes when mentioning Yóu Lìng.
Yóu Lìng was an envoy of the Black Wind Alliance, a disgrace to the human race, and the culprit behind her disciple’s death. Her hatred ran deep, and it could not go unacknowledged.
If the powerful allies of the human race could not uncover Yóu Lìng’s identity and past, she would take it upon herself.
Xie Feihe was an orphan when he was born, rescued by her father and raised by her elder brother. He grew up alongside her, both of them training and fighting together.
During their trip to the East Sea, she thought it was just an ordinary cooperative operation, not realizing it would end up costing her disciple’s life.
As she recalled this, Song Guanting’s demeanor darkened momentarily, and when she looked up, her eyes gleamed with the sharpness of a sword cultivator. Yóu Lìng was marked for death.
Qin Chu Yi observed her, momentarily taken aback, lowering her eyes in guilt. “I’m sorry.”
“It has nothing to do with you; I can distinguish right from wrong,” Song Guanting replied with a faint smile, briefly glancing at Ming He standing nearby with a troubled expression.
Ming He understood well. Though she was also curious about Yóu Lìng’s background, she knew she didn’t have the qualifications to listen in on the secrets of the two clans. Thus, she faced Qin Chu Yi with bright, clear eyes. “Senior Sister, I’ll go look elsewhere.”
After saying this, she didn’t wait for Qin Chu Yi’s response. With a flicker of her toes, she leaped into the air, shooting off into the distance. Initial One, catching a quick glance at her Young Master’s surprised expression, followed closely behind as their figures vanished from Qin Chu Yi’s sight.
Song Guanting’s gaze flickered, understanding that after exchanging information, she caught the subtle change in Qin Chu Yi’s demeanor. Hadn’t she felt just as she did at the beginning?
“Young Master Qin, do you truly like Friend Ming He?” She carefully chose her words, intending to steer the topic elsewhere but genuinely wanting to know.
“Yes.” Qin Chu Yi clearly did not expect the sudden inquiry. She looked up in surprise, her gaze unaffectedly clear and bright, just like Ming He’s had been moments earlier. “In my life, I’ve only loved one person.”
She did not continue, but Song Guanting instantly understood that the person could only be Ming He.
The woman dressed in red, her eyes bright as stars, harbored only the image of one person in her heart; that person was a sword cultivator but would never be her.
Qin Chu Yi’s eyes were transparent, revealing that she loved Ming He. Her Dao partner was Ming He, and she would gladly lay down her life for Ming He, who likely felt the same way.
In this way, everything was well.
As the core of the Tianwu Continent, Tianwu City’s prosperity was self-evident.
Initially, Ming He only intended to avoid the conversation between Qin Chu Yi and Song Guanting, but unexpectedly, she encountered many unusual sights. Though she did not purchase anything, her eyes were opened wide, and before she knew it, she had wandered from the city center to the city gates.
Initial One followed closely behind, breathing slightly fast. While a second-level Wind Master Realm cultivator was remarkable, she was also a peak Dust Dispersal stage practitioner, having learned the techniques of the Qin Clan; she could match ordinary Wind Master Realm cultivators in speed.
Yet, she struggled to keep up with Ming He, and the only reason she managed to stay with her now was that Ming He had not gone all out.
Initial One understood this well and looked at Ming He’s back with newfound respect.
It was normal for human cultivators to admire powerful allies.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the back of the crowd, as if something was being avoided.
Ming He stood up from a stall and saw two black figures fiercely competing, one fleeing while the other pursued—an escape for life and a deadly chase.
She raised an eyebrow, feeling intrigued. However, as a black shadow brushed past her, her eyes widened in surprise. This aura… seemed familiar; she must have encountered it somewhere before.
Where was it?
She focused intently, reminiscing about the shadow’s origins, and suddenly recalled—it was someone she had indeed seen before. More precisely, she owed that person a life.
From Liu Yun Sect to Floating Cloud Sect, she had once encountered a pursuit by the Demon Race, escaping to Ding Kang City. Many wanted her dead, but only one had come to save her.
Later, after the Small Dragon and Tiger Rankings battle concluded, Qin Chu Yi had taken her on a Sword Flight to Floating Cloud Sect, and halfway through, they faced an attack from the Black Wind Alliance. It was in the stone forest, on the verge of life and death, that this person saved her life.
She helped her kill two Wind Master Realm practitioners from the Black Wind Alliance.
At that time, she had been too naive, with little knowledge of this world. Now, having read the tomes of Floating Cloud Sect and visited the Qin Huang Mountain’s library, she instantly recognized the aura of that black shadow.
The energy was restrained but could not hide the murderous intent surrounding it. It was not the killing intent from battling the alien races; it was a blood-soaked aura of death forged from human lives. That was her Dao.
She was an assassin from the Pursuit of Life Tower, the foremost assassination organization in the central region, just as ruthless in their methods as Misty Rain Tower, who had once hunted her.
Could a death soldier also save lives?
Ming He watched the two black figures darting out of the city and into the wilderness, her eyes flashing momentarily. The next instant, she sprang into action, her toes touching the ground as she propelled herself like an arrow released from a bow.
Initial One stared in bewilderment at her retreating figure, offering a wry smile as she reluctantly gathered her spiritual energy once more.
