Chapter 73
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Chapter 73: Night Attack
After ensuring no one was eavesdropping, Eighteen sighed in relief.
“I’m not criticizing you, but even as someone from a celestial family, you need to understand that the Yan Kingdom has Tianyuan Academy overseeing everything. Besides, our prince—despite his humble beginnings—is actually connected to the Tang family of Qin Land!”
“Hmm?”
Yi Qianmo frowned. “How is he connected to the Tang family?”
“The Grand Princess wouldn’t lie. Because of this connection, I’m telling you—no amount of immortals can compare.”
Eighteen spoke with reverence, as if reciting sacred scripture.
“What are people saying about this prince?” Yi Qianmo asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
“It’s said that the prince grew up as the son-in-law of a family in Green Cloud City. Somehow, he mastered his family’s ancestral sword technique, became an immortal, and even wiped out that family. Quite a fierce character!
Still, without that connection to the Tang family, he wouldn’t deserve the Grand Princess. But alas, she likes him, and his family ties to the Tang clan make him untouchable.”
Eighteen described the rumors with admiration, unaware of the irony that lingered in Yi Qianmo’s bitter smile.
“No wonder she was so confident when she left—it seems everything was arranged long ago.”
Yi Qianmo chuckled softly, the sorrow in his heart evident.
This narrative could only have been spread by Su Muyu. Others wouldn’t have dared, and the truth would not have been so easily uncovered. As for Tianyuan Academy, they would be more inclined to suppress him than offer any protection.
What the academy didn’t know was the irreparable enmity between Yi Qianmo and the Tang family. Using the Sword Pill’s power had all but confirmed to them that he’d inherited their sacred technique. The Tang family wouldn’t protect him—they would hunt him.
Eighteen noticed Yi Qianmo muttering to himself and gave a few final instructions before leaving.
Left alone in the dim cabin, Yi Qianmo sighed.
“If the Tang family knows I’m alive, they won’t let me go so easily.”
Originally, he’d planned to head straight for the Tianyuan Academy exams. Now, it seemed he needed to stay under the radar until he regained his strength. Assuming the identity of “Twenty-One” seemed like the safest course for now.
After eating, Yi Qianmo meditated to recover his spiritual energy, but without abundant spirit Qi, his progress was agonizingly slow. Hours passed, and he had only regained a fraction of his strength.
Just then, a voice called from outside.
“Twenty-One, come out. The master has summoned you.”
Yi Qianmo opened the door. “What does he want now?”
Eighteen glared at him.
“Do you not understand basic respect? When the master calls, you go!”
Suppressing a smirk, Yi Qianmo followed Eighteen to the ship’s grand hall. Despite being called a “cabin,” the space was spacious and lavishly decorated. Not a trace of the river’s rocking could be felt within.
Inside, several groups were gathered, their allegiances clear. The fat man, seated in the center, exuded authority despite his mundane appearance. Beside him stood a few young cultivators and guards, all trying to curry favor.
Eighteen nudged Yi Qianmo to stand back, clearly trying to avoid drawing attention to them.
“Your Highness, rest assured—we won’t disappoint you in the academy’s big exam!”
One of the young men proclaimed, bowing low.
The fat man raised his wine cup, beaming.
“Good. As long as you perform well and bring glory to my name, rewards await all of you. At Tianyuan Academy, there will always be a place for loyal followers!”
The room erupted in cheers and toasts.
Amid the commotion, Yi Qianmo suddenly stepped forward and asked,
“May I ask, Your Highness, what the exam involves?”
The room fell silent, stunned by the interruption. Eighteen paled, shooting Yi Qianmo a look of panic and reproach.
The gathered nobles and guards turned to glare at him.
“A servant dares to speak out of turn?!”
One of the young men sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.
The fat man frowned, and the old cultivator standing behind him barked,
“Drag him out and give him twenty lashes!”
Two guards advanced, but they faltered under Yi Qianmo’s cold gaze, taking a hesitant step back.
“You dare resist?”
The elder’s spiritual energy surged, slamming into Yi Qianmo like a tidal wave. Weakened and depleted of spiritual power, Yi Qianmo couldn’t resist and staggered under the pressure.
The guards seized the opportunity to drag him outside, but the fat man’s voice rang out before they could proceed.
“Forget the lashes. Elder Zhou only spoke in anger.”
Eighteen quickly handed the guards a bribe of silver coins, pleading for leniency. After some grumbling, the guards relented.
“Teach him a lesson next time, Eighteen, or you’ll both be in trouble.”
Once they were alone, Eighteen glared at Yi Qianmo.
“Why are you so reckless? Didn’t I warn you to stay quiet?”
Yi Qianmo shrugged. “Did you?”
“You’re unbelievable.”
Eighteen sighed, shaking his head. “I tried to give you a chance to impress the master, and you ruined it. By the way, you owe me for that silver. Next time, I won’t help you.”
Unbothered, Yi Qianmo smiled. “You took my spirit stones, didn’t you?”
“What spirit stones?!” Eighteen feigned ignorance, but his shifty expression gave him away.
“They’re useless to you. Give them back, and I’ll repay you double later.”
After a long pause, Eighteen grumbled,
“Fine. I only have three left. The others were taken by the master as rewards.”
He handed over three gleaming green crystals—Yi Qianmo’s precious spirit stones.
“That’s enough.”
Yi Qianmo nodded. “I don’t forget those who help me.”
Eighteen scoffed. “Even immortals must bow to the prince. Don’t stir up more trouble!”
Yi Qianmo chuckled as Eighteen left. Alone again, he began absorbing the spirit Qi from the stones. As his spiritual power returned, he felt strength flood his body.
Suddenly, the ship trembled violently. A thunderous boom echoed, throwing Yi Qianmo into the air.
“Su Yucheng! How dare you steal from the Blood Demon Sect! Today, you’ll pay with your life!”
A furious roar reverberated through the air, shaking the entire vessel.