Chapter 27 - 196-203

er 196: Liang Chen Wouldn't Mind Competing With You Till The End!

Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation

There were nine entrances towards the training grounds and Xu Que randomly picked one to enter, not caring too much about who his opponent might be.

At the same time, he called out the system interface and entered the store section.

Ever since he was promoted to the lofty rank of Act Tough Gangster, there were many more manuals and skill books sold within the system store.

Xu Que scanned his eyes across the items for sale and decided to purchase the best knife technique manual without hesitation.

"Ding! Congratulations to host for purchasing Relationship Vanquisher Blade Technique. Would you like to train this skill?"

Whoosh!

A bright ray of light circled around his brain before it shot through his dantian. He could feel a certain gush of energy flood within his body, as his veins started glowing.

In the blink of an eye, he had mustered the simplest, yet most powerful knife technique.

Xu Que stepped through the entrance of the training ground and felt all the core energy within his body drain away as it flowed back into his dantian. Soon after, he felt a certain seal being placed on his dantian to prevent any core energy from being utilized.

"Ding! After detecting that the host's cultivation has been sealed, the system is able to break out of the seal for 100 act tough points." The system rang out in his head.

Xu Que's lips curled into a grin. Since he knew that the system could break out of the seal anytime he wished, there wasn't anything to worry about. After all, his cultivation had been sealed once before when he was with the demonic humans. This feeling felt all too familiar and didn't bother him much.

'There's no need to break through the seal now. Allow me, Ye Liang Chen to act tough first before we decide how to proceed further.' Xu Que thought to himself as he rejected the system's recommendations and walked towards the training grounds.

As soon as he took several steps in, he felt an immense energy shroud his entire body. Soon after, he was being transported onto a stage.

At this point, there was already a cultivator wielding a long pointed spear on the stage, waiting for his opponent to arrive.

When he saw Xu Que dressed in black robes and couldn't see his face clearly, the cultivator let out a roar of laughter as he shouted out, "Are you trying to play a fool? No matter, it's your bad luck that you've met me so early on."

"Damned handicapped retard!" Xu Que scolded under his breath as he entered the system store once again to purchase a basic knife from the system store and held it in his hand.

At the bottom of each stage was an Imperial Guard monitoring the battle. Xu Que's stage was no exception to this.

The guard looked at both of them and identified the weapons wielded by each of them. He then took out a book and asked for both their names before recording their details down. Without much expression on his face, he shouted out, "Begin!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the long spear wielding cultivator charged towards Xu Que and attempted to sweep him off his feet with his spear.

Xu Que was extremely calm and composed as he entered the system store yet again and purchased a lighter.

At the same time, he hacked down viciously at his opponent.

Relationship Vanquisher Blade, I shall vanquish all your relationships with this blade by ending your life!

Metal clashed against metal as sparks burst out in all directions.

The cultivator's expression fell. Just a single stroke was enough to cause his hands to bleed from taking the powerful blow of the knife.

"You're looking to die!"

The cultivator roared in anger as he raised his spear once again and jabbed forward towards Xu Que.

Xu Que stepped aside almost lazily to avoid the point of the spear before he shouted out, "Wait, wait, wait! Give me a second!"

"Wait? Are you afraid? Don't be afraid. I shall end you with my spear now." The long spear wielding cultivator didn't seem like he intended to pause as he continued showering a flurry of strikes towards Xu Que.

"What are you so anxious about? Liang Chen is addicted to cigarettes! Can't you let me smoke a few puffs first?" Xu Que nodded his head as he ducked to avoid the spear. He then whipped out a cigarette from within his robes and placed it in his mouth. He even specially bought a lighter on this occasion to act tough!

Pa da!

A naked flame appeared from the lighter and lit the cigarette up.

The guard beneath the stage was astounded by the sight.

This was a cigarette!

The entire Imperial City had people clambering to buy cigarettes to no avail and yet it actually showed up here- the most unlikely of places.

In fact, this person was fighting and smoking his cigarettes at the same time. Was he really so unafraid? Or did he not even respect his opponent?

The guard was so astonished, his mouth was gaping wide open.

Xu Que's opponent also froze in shock as he watched Xu Que smoking his cigarette rather calmly as a look of pleasure materialized across his face. He even blew several smoke rings, all in the middle of battle!

He then realized that this kid was shouting so loudly for him to wait up, so that he could smoke his cigarette!

Asshole!

The cultivator immediately felt underestimated and humiliated and his embarrassment turned into anger. He gripped his spear tightly as he charged towards Xu Que, making a sweeping movement with his spear.

"Yo, are you angry now? Don't misunderstand me. The reason I decided to smoke now was to imagine how it feels like to have a broken relationship. Now that I've felt what it feels like, it's your turn. I shall let you taste what it's like!" Xu Que's smiled as he started hacking down, one hand holding onto his blade, the other holding his cigarette.

His battle stance was beautiful beyond measure.

However the potency of this blade wasn't a joking matter at all.

The Relationship Vanquisher technique was extremely powerful.

However, this technique which Xu Que had learnt wasn't complex at all. In fact, it mostly relied on his physical strengths to strike out and deal devastating damage.

After Xu Que had mustered the God of Hell's Compulsion, his body had increased tremendously in strength. Every slash he brought down was much stronger than the previous.

The longspear and the knife clashed against each other heavily.

Just with this contact, the cultivator's spear cracked and broke into fragments as he flew into the air from the amount of force which Xu Que had used. He spat out a mouthful of blood as he was sent soaring into the air like a kite. When he landed, he was knocked unconscious.

The guard beneath opened his eyes wide in amazement and was astonished.

He found it extremely hard to believe that a person could possess such terrifying powers even after sealing up his core energy. In fact, he was even smoking while fighting and managed to send his opponent flying in the air. Even that metal spear had been shattered.

With such power displayed, the guard wondered if Xu Que was actually human!

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 70 act tough points."

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 70 act tough points."

Xu Que exhaled a thick smoke ring as he looked at the Imperial Guard and spoke to him in a calm voice, "Comrade, would you like a puff? Could you help me arrange for my next match, please?"

"Comrade? Who addresses anyone as comrade?"

The Imperial Guard was taken aback, but didn't have time to think much. He hurriedly whipped out an amulet from his robes as he pasted it onto the unconscious cultivator and sent him away from the arena.

As soon as the cultivator vanished, the teleportation spell on the stage started to activate once again.

The teleportation spell glowed brightly before a white robed cultivator holding a long sword appeared before Xu Que.

When the guard looked up to see, he was stumped as he muttered under his breath, "The Legendary Swordsman, Ye Chang Feng."

At the same time, away from the stage, several eyes flocked towards Xu Que's stage.

However, the person they were paying attention to was Ye Chang Feng.

This cultivator was the most resplendent and prominent disciple. The future star of Jade Sword Sect. He was nicknamed the Legendary Swordsman and had finally entered the arena.

He was holding a long sword in his hands which everyone knew was called the Shadowless Blood Blade. This sword was personally forged by the sect leader of the Jade Sword Sect and was rumored to kill without a shadow.

Along with his immense strength and incredibly proficient sword techniques, he was probably the most powerful candidate in this contest to become the Prince Consort.

Hence, this contest in which Ye Chang Feng was in had attracted the attention of many onlookers.

To them, he was one of the most gifted cultivators around and probably the most worthy of becoming the Prince Consort.

As soon as he appeared, everyone watched on in anticipation, hoping to catch a glance of his fabled skills.

The martial arts foundation of the Legendary Swordsman was extremely solid. Even if his core energy was sealed up. His sword techniques alone were said to have reached perfection. Winning three rounds out of three was only too easy for him.

Everyone thus pitied his opponent, for he would be rather displeased at having been eliminated so early on. The black robed cultivator was thus the subject of sympathy.

"Ai, it seems like this black robed cultivator has already won his first round."

"It's such a shame that he's met with Ye Chang Feng. He only has to blame his poor luck."

Everyone shook their head and pitied Xu Que.

On the side of the Jade Sword Sect, there were several disciples who have yet to join in the contest. They sat on a chair by the side of the stage and watched on with smiles across their faces.

"Heheh… Why don't we guess how many strokes would it take before senior brother Ye takes down his opponent?" A Jade Sword Sect disciple taunted as he asked.

"Keke… senior brother's sword is for killing and yet this contest prohibits anyone from killing. But I'm sure brother Ye would succeed in taking him down within a single stroke."

"That's right. With senior brother Ye's quickness, even without his core energy, he's the strongest swordsman within the entire five nations."

"That black robed cultivator would most certainly fall within three strokes."

"Heheh… I'm guessing two strokes."

The few disciples laughed as they discussed the outcome of the match with each other. Nobody present ever spoke the possibility of Ye Chang Feng losing. They were guessing how many rounds it would take for Xu Que to fall, or that he would surrender.

By the side of the stage, the Imperial Guard finally regained his senses after being deeply awed by the prowess shown by Xu Que. He was rather astonished at this new match up. On one side was the reputable and talented genius, the Legendary Swordsman Ye Chang Feng. His opponent was someone who seemed equally powerful, the black robed cultivator who defeated his previous enemy within a single stroke. Just the thought of the both of them competing against each other filled him with anticipation.

"Cultivator Ye Liang Chen, this is your second match. Please change your weapon." The Imperial Guard spoke out to Xu Que.

When Xu Que heard this, he pouted. Damn it. He had only just purchased and used the Relationship Vanquisher Blade and now he couldn't use it anymore.

When he entered the system store, he realized that the skills within the yellow section of the store only costs several dozens of act tough points. Xu Que didn't feel the pinch at all considering they were extremely cheap.

However, he was deciding as to which skill he should purchase. At this point, he had narrowed his options down to 18 Palms of the Descending Dragon, Godly Six Swordstrokes and the Sunflower Tome.

Xu Que started to hesitate as he contemplated his purchase.

Maybe it was because he looked rather dispirited while deep in thought, most of the audience misunderstood his feelings and assumed that he was so stunned by his opponent that he fell into a daze.

Those who misunderstood him included Ye Chang Feng, who looked at Xu Que emotionlessly and spoke out, "I can give you the chance to admit defeat now, so we won't have to waste time competing."

Admit defeat?

When Xu Que hear this, he was elated!

Ye Chang Feng nodded his head plainly. "This sword is meant for killing, and I was never one who bothered with the rules. Between the both of us, only one can emerge alive, and that person is me."

Yo ah!

You're truly an act tough convict! If it weren't for the fact that Zhao Ri Tian wasn't present today, the both of you could truly compete in acting tough.

(T/N: Zhao Ri Tian was referring to young master Zhao, the leader of the four great students)

It's a pity that when it comes to acting tough, I create my own opportunities to act tough while you're just leeching off me. Do you think you can ever compete against me, Ye Liang Cheng, when it comes to acting tough?

Xu Que smiled coldly as he shook his head, his lips parted to reveal a grin. He looked at Ye Chang Feng and smoked, "Actually, my surname is also Ye. Just like you. I hate trash talking and wasting time as well. If you truly feel like you can match up to my powers, I wouldn't mind competing with you till the end!"

"Ye Liang Chen? I've never heard of you." The Legendary Swordsman replied as he shook his head plainly.

"I am a local and I possess at least a hundred different techniques which would completely overpower you." Xu Que replied.

Everyone was extremely astonished to hear this exchange taking place.

Ye Liang Chen is a local? What the hell?

"Big brother, we're all from the Imperial City. Why haven't we heard about your supposedly renowned name then? Besides, where did you have the guts to speak this way to the Legendary Swordsman, Ye Chang Feng?"

Both of your surnames are Ye? Can you not be so crazy? Do you know how ugly it will be for you if you lose?

Many students and cultivators who were witnessing this exchange were thoroughly speechless.

At this point, Ye Chang Feng looked rather impatient as if he didn't wish to suffer anymore of Xu Que's bullshit. He then shouted out, "Since you're looking for death, I shan't hold you back!"

"Haha! I wish to see who is it who's looking for death!" Xu Que sniggered as he called out his system interface and entered his system store.

Wretched fool! Your blade is only meant for killing? You don't care about the rules? Aren't you an arrogant, boastful kid?

System, I wish to purchase the Nine Deserted Swords!

Chapter 197: Master Ye's Sword Broke!

Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation

"Ding! Congratulations to host for purchasing the Nine Deserted Swords Technique. Would you like to learn it?"

Xu Que agreed to the system and felt a wave of warm energy wash over his entire body, filling his meridians.

An image of a black robed person wielding the blade with supreme dexterity and skill appeared in his mind.

He could visualize how this technique worked as though it's within him all these while.

At the next moment, Xu Que's eyes opened wide as he retrieved a sword from his inventory and shot a glance at Ye Chang Feng. Killing intent radiated from within. He held the sword up and felt as though his body had been baptized by the energy from the sword.

He's using a sword?

He actually dared to use a sword against the Legendary Swordsman Ye Chang Feng?

The Imperial Guard along with the rest of the audience were stumped by Xu Que's decision.

Is he crazy? Doesn't he know that Ye Chang Feng's forte is with the sword?

Aside from cultivation prowess, within the entire five nations, nobody ever dared to use a sword against Ye Chang Feng!

This Ye Liang Cheng is truly insane!

Maybe he's insane or maybe he just never heard of the name Ye Chang Feng, the Legendary Swordsman!

Either way, he's doomed!

The audience shook their heads in sympathy for Xu Que as they watched on coldly.

The group of disciples from Jade Sword Sect were watching on in astonishment as well, as they shook their heads. "This black robed cultivator who called himself Ye Liang Cheng… Hahah! He's really tired of living!"

Senior Brother Ye really doesn't care about the rules. Look at him! I'm afraid that he's planning on killing his opponent!

"If he really did kill his opponent, I don't even think the Fire Emperor can do anything about him. In fact, he might even defend his actions!"

"Hehe, there's no choice. Our senior brother Ye is truly that outstanding that he can do no wrong."

On the other side, Tang Liu Feng was stumped as well. He was standing by the side of the stage screaming out, "Brother Li, quickly come off the stage! This is one battle you mustn't fight!"

There was another group of people watching and were taken aback by this scene as well!

The disciples from Sky Incense Valley who were led by their elder were equally shocked to see Xu Que on the stage.

One of the disciples was so appalled that he spoke out, "This black robed cultivator and the way he dresses looks so similar to Hua Wu Que, the person we've all been searching for!"

"In actual fact, I've seen the portrait of Hua Wu Que and it looks exactly the same as this person. Could it just be a coincidence?"

"It's a pity that we're unable to see his facial features, but according to what I know, this black robe indicates that he's from the Heavenly Explosion Faction, the same as Master Hua! It seems like all the members from the Heavenly Explosion Faction owns a set of black robes."

"Elder, should we step up and discourage him from fighting this battle before asking him if he knows where Master Hua is now?" A disciple stepped towards the elder and whispered.

The elder had thick eyebrows as he frowned and shook his head, "We shall wait and see. If he's really from the Heavenly Explosion Faction, it's impossible that he would lose to Ye Chang Feng."

The Sky Incense Valley disciples heard this and opened their mouths but didn't speak.

The gazes of the audiences were all on the stage which Xu Que was on.

Everyone was paying close attention to the bout between Xu Que and Ye Chang Feng. This match was supposed to happen with neither of them being able to use core energy and could only use their techniques and physical strengths!

"Everyone who's ever dared to use a sword against me are all dead. You are no exception." Ye Chang Feng looked at Xu Que and spoke plainly.

"Oh little servant. You really can act tough well. Looks like you're similar to me in that regard. You've been acting tough your entire life! But the one thing I, Liang Cheng, enjoy the most is facing up against people who think they're the strongest. I shall make you understand that I don't speak empty threats. Today, you shall get a taste of my true strength!"

As Xu Que finished speaking, his lips curled into a snarl as he held his blade up and ran his finger down across the entire length of it.

The blade of the sword produced a strange vibrating sound that reverberated across some distance within the stage.

"I'm guessing that you've not experienced what it feels like to act tough, but end up eating grass instead, huh? Don't worry, for today, this act tough king shan't even give you the chance to act tough!" Xu Que giggled as he spoke before he pointed his sword right at Ye Chang Feng and taunted him.

A cold glint flashed in Ye Chang Feng's eyes as he saw what Xu Que did and struck out towards him skillfully.

His Shadowless Blood Blade moved so quickly, that indeed, its shadow couldn't keep up with the blade itself. Even without core energy, the Legendary Swordsman moved with such insane speed that the audience found it hard to follow his moves.

Even Xu Que was somewhat startled by how quick he was and didn't expect him to react this way.

However, after inheriting the Deserted Nine Swords technique, he was gifted with the natural reflexes and awareness which came along with the technique and felt innate. He could actually understand what Ye Chang Feng was trying to do.

In that second, Xu Que squinted as he moved his blade, causing a whistling sound through the air.

When everyone saw this, they were startled!

Is he really so unafraid of death that he refused to go into a defensive stance and went on the offensive instead?

Is he crazy?

Everyone opened their eyes wide!

What the audience didn't know was that the Deserted Nine Swords Technique was all offense and no defense.

Every single stroke was to attack, which forced the opponent into a defensive stance.

Offense was the best defence.

This was often used to break the rhythm of a person's techniques. The Deserted Nine Swords Technique had a reputation for being able to interrupt most sword techniques which it came against due to the unrelenting nature of its strokes.

Soon after, the sound of metal on metal rang out and sparks bursted forth from between their blades. Ye Chang Feng's techniques had been completely brushed away by Xu Que effortlessly.

In fact, it wasn't that Xu Que was successfully defending himself against his opponent. It was more of the fact that Xu Que was applying a rather unorthodox approach towards this battle. At times, it seemed like he was using a particular technique and yet it also seemed like he was swinging his sword wildly, taking his opponent by surprise.

This forced the Legendary Swordsman, Ye Chang Feng to change his stance in order to block himself against Xu Que's strokes, counterattacking at every chance he got.

Ye Chang Feng then halted as the point of his sword faced the ground. He felt his palms tingle with numbness and looked up at Xu Que in surprise.

"What sword technique is this?" He asked coldly with a profound level of disbelief formed in his heart.

Xu Que laughed plainly as he opened his mouth and was about to act tough.

Kuang dang!

Xu Que's blade fell to the ground as he held onto the hilt of the sword, bladeless.

The entire scene turned silent before the crowd erupted in cheers and astonished discussions.

Quick, look, Master Ye's blade broke!

Look at how the Legendary Swordsman has defeated him! In fact, his opponent's sword even broke!

"This must be due to the Shadowless Blood Blade. That sword is a Four Star Grade Weapon! Even without using any core energy, it's might is unparalleled."

"Haha! Looks like Ye Liang Chen is doomed!"

"But that's strange. Why did Ye Chang Feng stop? Is he giving Ye Liang Chen the chance to surrender?"

"That's very unlike Ye Chang Feng's character! For he never shows mercy!"

The crowd broke out in frenzied discussion.

Chapter 198: Who Dares To Challenge Me?

Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation

While the audience further away broke out in cheers and heart discussion after watching Xu Que lose, the people nearer to the stage could see what had truly happened.

When the audience saw that Xu Que's sword had been destroyed by Ye Chang Feng, all of them assumed that Xu Que was about to lose and was not a match for Ye Chang Feng.

However, the disciples of Jade Sword Sect along with their elders could see everything clearly.

Their faces fell.

As people of a sect which specializes in sword techniques, they had a profound understanding of sword fights.

They could clearly see from the exchanges that Ye Chang Feng was on the losing end for the entire duration of the fight.

If it weren't for the fact that the black robed cultivator's sword was weak and broke, he would have overcame Ye Chang Feng within the next few moves and ultimately defeat him.

"I never expected this Ye Liang Cheng to actually have such amazing talent for sword fighting."

If core energy had been used in this duel, Xu Que's sword techniques would be average at best. But without the use of core energy and just by sword techniques alone, Xu Que's skills were undefeatable.

Just by using a single sword, he was able to be so crafty and tricky with his myriad of moves.

"Thankfully, senior brother Ye's Shadowless Blood Sword won the match for him, since his sword was of such high quality."

Up on the stage, when Ye Chang Feng noticed that Xu Que's sword had been destroyed, he shook his head and spoke, "Even though your sword techniques are extraordinary, you don't own a Four Star sword and thus will lose to me. It's a pity that you have good techniques, but don't own a good sword."

"Good sword? Your sister likes my good sword! I thought we were comparing techniques but you wish to compare equipment, huh? Hang on!"

Although his sword had been destroyed, Xu Que knew that this wasn't a major setback for him. But he decided that he was going to act tough till the end.

"It's just a Four Star sword. How many do you want me to show you? Your dad has an entire bunch of Four Star swords over here. If I took all of them out they would be so dazzling that it would blind your set of dog eyes. All the swords I own are made of titanium alloys of the strongest strain and the highest quality. You group of lowlife, backward villagers, have you heard of the Infinity Edge? One look and I can tell you guys are lowly commoners and can't play LOL. I'm of the Bronze rank and I shall make you so scared you'll cry!" Xu Que sniggered coldly as he called out the system and entered the section of Four Star weapons before choosing his sword.

Infinity Edge :

An equipment from the League of Legends of Four Star Grade. It can increase the physical damage output of the user by a considerable amount.

Attack Damage: 70

Critical Strike Chance: 50%

Passive Ability: Critical strike bonus damage is increased by 100

Price: 1600 act tough points

"Ding! Congratulations to host for purchasing the Infinity Blade. 1600 act tough points have been deducted." The system rang out in Xu Que's head.

At the next moment, Xu Que whipped out a golden colored blade. It was sharp on both ends of the blade as it dazzled brilliantly as though it had been infused with an immense amount of energy.

The crowd opened their eyes wide in amazement as their jaws dangled down, exposing their tongue.

"Four Star Grade Weapon? Fuck me! What origins does this person have?"

"Since you owned a Four Star Grade sword, why didn't you take it out earlier?"

"You were clearly trying to act tough!"

"He was already so skilled and proficient just by using a normal sword. Now that he'd just equipped his Four Star sword, how much more damage can he do?"

The audience were appalled by this!

Even Tang Liu Feng was bewildered. He had never even touched a Two Star sword in his life and now this brother Li actually whipped out a Four Star sword. He was truly astounded!

"It's just a Four Star Sword! You country bumpkins should donate more act tough points to me. When I'm finally able to afford a Five Star sword, I shall make your eyes bulge out in fear!"

Xu Que clutched his Four Star sword tightly before striking a pose at the audience. He then laughed at the group of peasants down below who were still in a daze after seeing the weapon. With a whooshing sound in the air, he swung his Infinity Blade and charged towards Chang Ye Feng.

"Not good!"

Even from a distance, Chang Ye Feng could feel that this blade was extraordinary and his expression turned grave. He held his longsword up as he moved forward to receive Xu Que's advances, his body turning into a blur.

Xu Que's physical body had been tempered and his strength was thus extraordinary. His speed was equally fast.

Within a fraction of a second, he slashed his Infinity Blade downward heavily onto his opponent.

This sword didn't require the use of any spells or core energy and it relied fully on the user's physical strength.

"A single blow could destroy a thousand other sword techniques. Regardless of how many techniques you are proficient in, when it comes to immense strength, all these becomes insignificant!"

The sound of the swords colliding against each other was so loud, it could even be heard a long distance away from the stage.

Ye Chang Feng looked as if he didn't have the required strength to block the blow and yet he raised his sword up. At that moment, a bone crunching sound could be heard before pain coursed through his entire body.

His arm had snapped into two from the force of the strike!

Xu Que's strike had activated the critical damage ability and had increased the force of the strike twice its damage.

Ye Chang Feng was thrown into the air by the immense force received and landed some distance away from the stage. Cracks had started to appear all over his Shadowless Blood Sword.

At the same time, a sliver of blood dripped from the corner of his lips.

Under the face of such power, he felt extremely small for the first time in his life.

He had lost his very first round of the contest.

Ever since he had begun his cultivation journey, not counting his father and his master, this was the first time Ye Chang Feng had ever tasted defeat.

"But one thing I, Liang Cheng, enjoy the most is facing up against people who think they're the strongest."

"I shall make you understand that I don't speak empty threats!"

As soon as he landed, the words which Xu Que had spoken to him rang out in his mind once again. Likewise, the audience recalled these words which Xu Que had said before the contest.

The entire scene was pin drop silent.

Everyone who was watching opened their eyes wide in shock and were filled with fear and astonishment.

They found it extremely hard to believe and incredibly hard to accept, that the Legendary Swordsman Ye Chang Feng had been defeated just like that.

This wasn't even a close fight yet, he had been utterly destroyed. After two bouts of exchanges, 'Ye Liang Cheng' blasted him off the stage almost effortlessly.

"Looks like the truly skilled swordsmen aren't like us who would fight hundreds of skirmishes and display hundreds of strokes. All they needed was one or two exchanges in order to defeat their enemies."

"How… How was this possible?" A Jade Sword Sect disciple asked, trembling.

All these while, Ye Chang Feng had been their most revered idol. He was the Legendary Swordsman for a reason and had never been defeated in sword fights. Now, he had been defeated to such a crushing extent.

At that moment, the ten Jade Sword Sect disciples had their impressions of the undefeated Legendary Swordsman completely crushed.

"How could this happen?"

"How did Ye Chang Feng lose?"

The crowd revealed looks of equal astonishment and were bewildered by this result.

Up to this point, none of them knew exactly how this black robed cultivator had won. They were utterly astounded.

Xu Que stood atop the stage as he scanned the audience and slashed down at the air ferociously before he shouted out, "I am Ye Liang Chen of the Heavenly Explosion Faction. I now ask again, who here dares to challenge me?"

"What? Heavenly Explosion Faction?"

"Fuck! That man is from the Heavenly Explosion Faction! Isn't that the same sect as Li Bai?"

"That's damned amazing!"

"What's the origin of this Heavenly Explosion Faction? Yesterday a multi-talented Li Bai showed up and today, another unrivalled swordsman called Ye Liang Chen appeared."

Over at the side where the Sky Incense Valley disciples sat, the few of them along with their Elder were filled with glee.

"That's great! This Ye Liang Chen is indeed from Heavenly Explosion Faction!"

"No wonder he could defeat Ye Liang Chen so effortlessly! Heavenly Explosion Faction is indeed one the strongest sects around!"

"After he's finished his third match, we can ask him about Master Hua Wu Que's whereabouts."

"Besides, maybe we can invite him to join our Sky Incense Valley as well!!"

Xu Que stood atop the stage as the system notifications rang out in his head consecutively.

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 80 act tough points!"

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 90 act tough points!"

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 100 act tough points!"

Chapter 199: Fire Emperor Acts

Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation

Up until today, Xu Que had acted tough numerous of times.

He had long gotten used to the feeling of being stared at with awestruck glances and feeling extremely tough. At this point, he truly agreed with the wise words, "If one doesn't act tough, how is he different from a mere calf?"

Hence, Xu Que often told himself that he wasn't just acting tough. He was cultivating a good habit of acting tough, taking a positive attitude and outlook on his career.

However, there was only one issue. This dog of a system remained so discreet about the way it awarded act tough points. For some reason, the act tough points he'd been receiving had been increasing each time.

Although he was unsure of how the system calculated points, since the system refused to tell him, he guessed that it had something to do with his cultivation levels and the number of people around.

However, to the Act Tough King who could act tough whenever and wherever he wanted, Xu Que didn't pay much attention to it. As long as he could act tough, act tough well, and receive act tough points, he was satisfied.

Soon, he would be able to act tough before the entire cultivation realm.

Everything around was silent as Xu Que casted his glance down at the Imperial Guard. He then exclaimed out, sounding extremely tough, "I wish to fight ten men!"

"Master… Master Ye, this is a one on one challenge."

The Imperial Guard was almost trembling in fear and was rendered speechless as he fell into a daze. When he finally regained his senses, he forced a laugh as he took out his amulet and activated it. At once,Ye Chang Feng who was sprawled on the ground and unable to move was transported out of the training grounds.

One of the three great sects from within the five nations, Jade Sword Sect, had its most renowned and skilled disciple Ye Chang Feng defeated in such a humiliating way.

He didn't even manage to pass the first stage and was defeated so cruelly.

This was because he met the fabled cultivator who claimed to be a local, Ye Liang Chen.

This result was evidently not what everyone had expected. In fact, even the eunuch was taken aback by the surprising outcome of the battle.

As the eunuch of the Fire Nation, he knew and understood most of what was happening within the nation.

Choosing the Prince Consort of the Fire Nation wasn't a random affair. In fact, it was thought out for a long time and everyone, including the eunuch had a good idea of which men would rise through all the challenges. Thus, he had narrowed down the candidates to a couple of likely winners.

For example, the leader of Bright Saints College, Zhao Wu!

Another example was the Legendary Swordsman of Jade Sword Sect, Ye Chang Feng!

These two men were the most likely candidates and had also earned the respect and favor of the Fire Emperor before this contest. In fact, Zhao Wu was supposed to be the favorite to win this.

It was a pity that Li Bai of the Heavenly Explosion Faction had defeated him several days ago. As a result, he was supposed to carry a sign and walk around the entire Imperial City in humiliation. His reputation had been tarnished and thus, he had lost the rights to become the Prince Consort.

Hence, the next option would be Ye Chang Feng. However, Ye Chang Feng didn't even manage to pass the first round of the contest. Once again, he was defeated by a member of the Heavenly Explosion Faction.

This scared the eunuch half out of his wits. After seeing Ye Chang Feng being sent out of the training grounds, he turned around hurriedly and ran to the throne room.

This was a huge slap to the face!

In fact, it was a slap to the face of the Fire Emperor, his majesty!

Where did this Heavenly Explosion Faction came from?

The old eunuch was rather curious as to how he'd never heard of them before. Besides, it was such a talented and outstanding cool sect.

At this point, within the throne room, a middle aged man sat on his dragon throne, looking austere and majestic.

He was dressed in immaculate robes with fire dragons embroidered across the entire robe. His shoulders were broad and his chest was muscular. Every gesture of his was exemplary as a royalty of the highest standings. An aura of fearsomeness emanated from him as though he alone owned and controlled everything beneath the heavens.

This was the Emperor of the Fire Nation, Ji Ming Wu.

Beside the Fire Emperor were two ladies. They were the Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan.

Both of them had expressionless looks across their faces as though they were trying to hide their anxiousness and worry.

They've also found out about Li Bai from Heavenly Explosion Faction over these past few days and scrambled to find a drawing of Li Bai. When they eventually saw how he looked like, they were stumped.

The person which had been drawn wasn't Li Bai. It was Hua Wu Que. No, more accurately, it was Xu Que.

Xu Que, the Prince Consort from six years ago.

When they first saw the drawing, their faces turned pale as they looked at each other and said at the same time, "He came."

Whoever was supposed to come will always come.

The old eunuch ran back to the throne room in a hurry as he fell to his knees before the Fire Emperor, his voice was quivering. "Report for your majesty. This old servant has just witnessed... Ye Chang Feng of the Jade Sword Sect had just been defeated."

What?

It wasn't just the Fire Emperor who was astounded. Even the Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan were shocked as well.

They were very clear about Ye Chang Feng���s powers. His extraordinary cultivation powers had reached the stages of Original Infant Stage despite his young age. Additionally, he was also widely known for his skills with swords. He was the number one ranked disciple among a hundred others from Jade Sword Sect. How could he have failed?

"What was going on?" The Fire Emperor's face fell as his pupils dilated as he asked.

The old eunuch spoke out in a trembling voice once again, "This old servant witnessed Ye Chang Feng being defeated by a rogue cultivator named Ye Liang Chen. In fact, he was subdued in just under two strokes."

"To defeat Ye Chang Feng in under two strokes? Who was this Ye Liang Chen?" The Fire Emperor was immensely surprised as he frowned and revealed a look of anger which terrified everyone around.

"Your majesty, Ye Liang Chen said that he was a local." The old eunuch replied.

"A local? How is it possible that I've never heard of such a talented swordsman in all of the capital city?" The Fire Emperor's brows were still knotted as he asked.

The old eunuch hurriedly bowed as he replied, "That Ye Liang Chen even called himself a member of the Heavenly Explosion Faction. He wielded a Four Star sword and even demonstrated extremely masterful grasp of sword fighting techniques. According to what this old servant has heard, he's unparalleled as long as core energy is not used."

"Heavenly Explosion Faction? Why was it another Heavenly Explosion member?"

When the Fire Emperor heard these three words, a look of wary suspicion could be seen across his face.

This wasn't the first time he's heard of this sect. Before Li Bai, he's already received some news. Some time back, a mysterious cultivator caused quite a scene at the Sky Incense Valley and he called himself Hua Wu Que of the Heavenly Explosion Faction. With a mere Golden Core Stage, he managed to ascend to the eighth level of the Soul Tower. Soon after, he vanished without a trace.

Soon after, the Fire Emperor secretly dispatched some people to look for him to no avail.

All the way up to this point, a talented genius who also claimed to have hailed from Heavenly Explosion Faction defeated the pair of great students from Bright Saints College. He even composed ten flawless poems in ten steps and caused a stir within the entire Imperial City.

What caused him to be most upset was the fact that his sister, Madam Ya was endangering the lives and survival of the entire Fire Nation. She was disallowed from having any relations with men her entire life.

Several nights ago when he visited Madam Ya, he discovered that his sister had already developed feelings for Li Bai. Hence, he sent some men to the Great Lake and ordered for it to be sealed up. His intention was to ground Madam Ya and ensure she doesn't leave her domains. At the same time, he sent out several highly skilled guards to discover the location of Li Bai.

Likewise, he came up empty handed.

He never would've expected to hear of yet another Heavenly Explosion Faction member called Ye Liang Chen today at his daughter's big event.

Heavenly Explosion Faction, Heavenly Explosion Faction. The Fire Emperor had already started to develop a sense of irritability and hatred for this sect.

However, the Emperor was rather fascinated by the talented genius from the sect. Hence, his face softened as he mumbled something under his breath.

Since he was deep in thought, he never noticed that the two females beside him, the Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan, had shocked expressions all across their faces.

The pair of them opened their eyes wide as they looked at each other and a mutual unspoken understanding had formed between the pair of them. They both knew that Ye Liang Chen of the Heavenly Explosion Faction was actually Xu Que in disguise.

Apart from him, who else could it be?

He even styled himself as a local of the Imperial City and that's true. Xu Que was a local of the city.

Only he in this world could possess such talents.

"Looks like I have to pay a personal visit to Ye Liang Chen of the Heavenly Explosion Faction."

At this point, the Fire Emperor stood up with a smile on his face as he left the hall and walked out.

Chapter 200: He is Ye Liang Chen Of The Heavenly Explosion Faction

Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation

At this point, the Fire Emperor had somewhat made a decision within his mind. Since Ye Chang Feng had been defeated, he decided to see if this Ye Liang Chen could emerge victorious after the remaining challenges and eventually become the Prince Consort.

In fact, he was hoping to use this Ye Liang Chen as a connecting thread to every other member of the Heavenly Explosion Faction. He wanted to recruit every outstanding member within that sect to flock towards the Fire Nation and serve him.

The Fire Emperor believed that as long as he granted wealth and statuses to these members of the Heavenly Explosion Faction, he would be able to attract them to come under his charge. He even believed that if these methods didn't work, he could use the charm of women to entice them. As long as he had the assistance from the Heavenly Explosion Faction, becoming Emperor of all the five nations wouldn't be a problem.

However, when the Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan saw the Emperor walking out of the hall, their faces fell. They didn't know how to open their mouths and stop him from recruiting them.

The pair of them looked at each other in the eye. Zi Xuan was filled with anxiety and fear while the Flaming Sun Princess had a look of confusion and helplessness across her face.

"Princess, what… What should we do?" Zi Xuan looked towards the Flaming Sun Princess and asked her nervously.

"Forget it. After all that's been said and done, we've had to face this day sooner or later. He's after the maps of the Imperial Tombs so I shall give it to him." The Flaming Sun Princess whispered.

The reason she didn't hold the Fire Emperor back was because she knew that Xu Que would eventually meet him anyway. She realized that he had returned and made a huge show of it. She was also certain that he would make it all the way to the last round.

Since Xu Que was bound to meet the Emperor, there was no need to obstruct the Emperor from meeting him now.

"Let's go out as well. You should find the chance to pass him the map. After all, he's within the palace and wouldn't dare to create havoc." The Flaming Sun Princess spoke with her expression was as cold as ice before she walked out.

"Princess..." Zi Xuan curtsied once before she followed the Princess out.

Right at the same time, outside the hall...

Xu Que had already emerged from the training grounds.

After defeating Ye Chang Feng in a landslide victory, he made it to the third round. Right as he was considering which weapon to use next, his opponent surrendered immediately.

He didn't see any other option. To fight someone who defeated Ye Chang Feng within two strokes was asking for death.

That cultivator was very smart. As soon as he appeared on the stage, he surrendered and ran away.

Xu Que had accepted his third straight victory begrudgingly. Since he passed this round so quickly, he could only wait for everyone else to finish up their combat round. Right after winning three rounds, the surviving candidates would participate in a poem contest. Only after that would they move onto the next round.

Xu Que wasn't the least anxious about it. When he finally found Tang Liu Feng in the crowd, he was the subject of his bootlickery.

"Brother Li, you're truly talented in so many aspects. Apart from being proficient in reciting poems, you're actually such a skilled swordsman. You are truly a role model for students in our generation!" Tang Liu Feng was evidently impressed by Xu Que's strength on the arena as his face revealed how startled he was as he sang praises to him.

"You're over praising me! He's just a warm-up. Come, let's have a cigarette to celebrate this victory!" Xu Que smiled from ear to ear as he pulled a cigarette out and gave it to Tang Liu Feng.

Tang Liu Feng was elated to receive it, for he had always been curious about what it was. In fact, he realized that cigarettes were the talk of the entire city and became a huge hit soon after Xu Que first smoked it. He had always been shy to request for a cigarette and was thus elated when he was finally offered one.

Xu Que slipped a lighter out from his robes as he lit his cigarette up.

However, as soon as his cigarette was ignited, an old eunuch sprinted out from the throne room and shouted in a high pitched voice, "The arrival of the Emperor!"

In that second, everyone scattered as they looked up at the stone stairs leading up to the throne room.

Even those who were in the middle of combat paused, their faces were filled with astonishment.

At the next moment, a figure which looked extremely awe-inspiring in his dragon embroidered robes stepped out from behind the door.

A certain aura of fearsomeness diffused from him into the air.

The expressions of everyone who saw the Emperor fell as they turned pale in fright.

The hundreds of people outside the hall immediately fell to their knees.

Soon after, all the Imperial Guards and cultivators within the palace fell to their knees as well. Even the few elders of the great sects bowed deeply out of respect.

"Long live, long live, long live the Emperor!"

The crowd shouted out simultaneously, their voices echoed all across the lands and coursed throughout the entire palace.

Indeed, the shadow of a black robed figure was standing in the midst of an entire group of people who were on their knees.

A gust of wind blew across gently, causing his robes to flap in the wind.

This person was none other than Xu Que.

The Emperor frowned as he casted his sharp glance across everyone before it rested on Xu Que.

The Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan had just emerged from the hall as well and saw this scene play out before their eyes.

They started to turn pale.

"You, why didn't you kneel?" The Fire Emperor stood right outside the hall as he looked down at Xu Que coldly.

His words were dignified and extremely intimidating. His voice carried the strength of a thousand clouds as a terrifying aura emanated out from his body while he asked why Xu Que refused to kneel.

As soon as the crowd heard the Emperor's words, they all turned around to look and saw that someone was indeed standing in defiance. Their eyelids twitched in shock.

"Is this kid crazy? Why didn't he kneel before the Fire Emperor?"

"Brother Li, what are you doing? Showing disrespect to the Emperor is a severe crime!"

Tang Liu Feng was stupefied as well, as he hurriedly extended a hand to pull Xu Que down onto his knees.

However, as soon as Xu Que saw the Fire Emperor, the memories from his previous life flooded into his mind like a torrential wave.

The memories were so vivid, they almost seemed like he had experienced them himself as it had been imprinted in his brain.

Six years ago, it was the Fire Emperor who took him up from the Great Lake and brought him into the palace to become the Prince Consort. He provided Xu Que with innumerable treasures and even allowed him to stay within the palace for six years.

About half a year ago, it was this same Fire Emperor who vanquished his powers with a single strike and ordered for his corpse to be strewn elsewhere.

The familiar yet foreign feeling of intense hatred along with fury welled up within his heart. Killing intent started radiating out from his body and permeated all around.

"Hehe!" In that second, the fiery flames of anger had vanished, to be replaced by a cold smile across Xu Que's face.

With a flick of his fingers, the half smoked cigarette flew into the air before dropping to the ground, causing sparks to dance around it.

The entire scene was filled with tense silence, as everyone watched him intently, their hearts were beating in astonishment.

"What's wrong with this Ye Liang Chen? Why was killing intent radiating out from him just now?"

"He actually dared to show disrespect towards the Fire Emperor?"

The Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan who were standing right outside the throne room watched his every movement as their faces started becoming paler by the second.

What is he trying to do?

Before long, a sense of discomfort and uneasiness crept up upon them.

Moments ago, the Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan assumed that Xu Que had come to the palace to search them out in order to obtain the maps. None of them expected him to show such disrespect towards the Emperor. He actually stood before the Emperor and emanated killing intent from his body as if he wished to murder the Emperor!

The Fire Emperor's eyes squinted in anger. As one of the strongest cultivator across all the five nations, he was of the Infant Transformation Stage level six and had felt Xu Que's killing intent circulating around his black robes.

"Outrageous! Who are you to stand before me and you even dare to show such utter disrespect?" Almost immediately, the Fire Emperor lashed out in anger as he sent out an immense wave of crushing pressure, which sealed the heavens and blocked the earth as the wave of energy soared towards Xu Que.

This boundless energy sent out by the Emperor was so powerful, that everyone down below who were on their knees could feel their soul strength trembling. They felt like their souls were on the brink of being shattered. However, to Xu Que whose soul strength had been tempered repeatedly over the course of his journeys, such pressure didn't even tickle.

The old eunuch hurriedly ran towards the Emperor and whispered to him, "Your Majesty, this person is Ye Liang Chen of the Heavenly Explosion Faction."

Chapter 201: Do You Still Remember Xu Que Of The Great Lake?

Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation

When the Fire Emperor heard this, his expression took an extreme turn as it softened while his features started revealing a warm expression.

The Emperor had seen many talented individuals and geniuses in his life who were all filled with confidence in their abilities. However, he had never seen someone like this black robed man, who was so fearless.

"The arrival of Concubine Fantasy!"

The right door to the throne room parted once more as the sound of a eunuch shouting rang out.

Soon after, a slim and petite lady walked out, accompanied by several women officials and a eunuch.

Her hair was long, luscious and black as it draped over her shoulders. Her stunning face was almond shaped and her cheeks had a radiant peachiness to them. She could be described as a flawless gemstone who was dressed in richly ornamented robes. Her eyes were almost luminous, while she exuded a certain aura of nobility with every step she took.

All the men down below froze as their eyes remained fix on her. According to the legends, the Concubine Fantasy was as beautiful as the skies.

Everyone present had heard of the Emperor's Concubine, who was known as Concubine Fantasy. However, nobody had ever seen her. Even some of the high ranking officials in court had never seen the Emperor's Concubine.

Today, Concubine Fantasy had finally revealed herself to them, before so many people at that! Everyone was so shocked by this sudden revelation that they were caught in a daze.

It was obvious that many of them were instantly smitten and captivated by her beauty.

Indeed, beautiful women were everywhere, like clouds within the palace.

For example, Madam Ya, the Flaming Sun Princess and Concubine Fantasy!

The hearts of these men were filled with envy.

The expressions of the Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan had taken another drastic turn as they were stumped by her arrival.

"Why... Why had she come? This is going to be messy." Zi Xuan thought to herself anxiously.

The Flaming Sun Princess' eyes glinted as she glared at the Concubine coldly.

However, Concubine Fantasy was all smiles as she took a step forward, ignoring the gaze of the Flaming Sun Princess. She walked towards the Emperor before bowing graciously and smiled, "Your majesty, this humble nobility has heard that a large event is taking place today and wanted to take a look for myself."

Her voice were like the sounds of bells, touching the souls of those who heard it.

The Fire Emperor's eyebrows raised slightly as he nodded his head expressionlessly, "Since my beloved Concubine is here, let's observe it together then."

"Many thanks, your majesty." Concubine Fantasy laughed before she bowed yet again.

At that moment, her glance swept across everyone who were still on their knees before she inevitably noticed Xu Que who was still standing upright. At once, she was taken aback by this sight.

"Your majesty, this person…"

"No matter."

The Emperor waved his hands as he looked at Xu Que and smiled. He was clearly intrigued, "Ye Liang Chen, I just asked, why didn't you kneel?"

At this point, Xu Que's mind was a complete blank as the memories kept flooding back into his brain, making him unable to focus on anything.

When he looked up at Concubine Fantasy, he was stumped. Despite the fact that the gorgeous face was foreign to him, the air around her, her mannerism and the way she moved was only too familiar to Xu Que.

After living together for six years, being in close proximity and intimate with each other for six years, even if her face had changed, how could he not be familiar with her?

Right at this point, he recalled the time he bumped into the Flaming Sun Princess in the wilderness and recalled how he felt so strange about the Flaming Sun Princess' body and the fact that she was still a virgin. He also remembered the strange things which he had heard Zi Xuan speak of.

At that moment, he finally understood everything.

So it seems like the person he had been with for the past six years was not the Flaming Sun Princess. Instead, it was Concubine Fantasy who took on the appearance of the Princess to fool him.

So the person who stole his cultivation abilities and sucked away his cultivation roots was actually Concubine Fantasy!

"Hahahahah!" Xu Que broke out in a maniacal laughter. His adam's apple was vibrating with each burst of laughter as he continued laughing, causing his roar to echo throughout the entire palace.

The crowd was once again stumped as they regarded him with immense suspicion.

Nobody knew what was wrong with him.

The Fire Emperor and Concubine Fantasy knitted their brows in confusion.

Only the Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan revealed looks of discomfort as it became more apparent across their faces.

"Hahahaha!" All of a sudden, Xu Que's laughter became louder and more dramatic. Previously, his laughter sounded like it was a taunt and now it started sounding like angry laughter.

He kept his gaze fixed upon the Fire Emperor and Concubine Fantasy while laughing recklessly.

At the next moment, boundless of killing intent seeped out from his body and flooded the area around him. His black robes were flapping violently as they rustled in the wind.

Everyone who saw this were astonished. Xu Que then gradually raised his hands as he took off his hood. At the same time, he entered the system store and removed his Human Skinned Mask.

With his hood now removed, his clean cut and handsome face was revealed to everyone present.

All of a sudden, the Emperor and Concubine Fantasy paused in shock. Soon after, their pupils dilated in apparent disbelief.

The Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan had strange expressions across their faces as well.

Even before the crowd could react to this, Xu Que's killing intent swelled up at once while his laughter abated as abruptly as it had began.

His expression had transformed into one of intense anger as he glared at the Fire Emperor. He then pointed out and shouted at him.

"Dog of a Fire Emperor, do you remember Xu Que from the Great Lake? I've come to claim your dog life now!" Xu Que's voice rang out loudly, resembling the intensity of lightning and thunder striking down upon a solid rock.

The crowd who were still on their knees were taken aback by his behavior.

Everyone of them opened their mouths wide in disbelief and their faces revealed looks of fear.

"Is… Is he trying to rebel against the throne?"

"He actually dared to hurl abuses at the Fire Emperor in front of everyone and right at his own palace?"

Tang Liu Feng was so startled he was trembling in fear and his mind went blank.

Shouting and offending the Emperor was a heinous crime. To threaten the life of the Fire Emperor was a crime punishable by death. In fact, a guilty person would be slaughtered.

"But who is Xu Que from the Great Lake?" At once, almost everyone started to recall that the Flaming Sun Princess did indeed have a Prince Consort six years ago. However, the Prince Consort had never shown his face in public before. The Fire Emperor had also told everyone that the Prince Consort was in secluded meditation.

Hence, everyone knew that there was a Prince Consort but had forgotten the name Xu Que.

All of a sudden, after hearing the name Xu Que again, the crowd started to react as they murmured to one another.

Outside the throne room, the Fire Emperor along with the rest of the nobilities were stunned.

The Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan were as pale as sheet. They never expected that Xu Que would actually reveal his identity here, right before the Imperial Palace.

"Have you gone mad? This is the Imperial Palace! You're asking for death after revealing yourself here to the Fire Emperor!"

Based on their understanding of the Fire Emperor, it was absolutely impossible that Xu Que would walk out of here alive.

"How is this possible?" The Fire Emperor was filled with disbelief as he stared right at Xu Que.

He could remember the details very clearly. He had palmed the life right out of Xu Que yet he was still alive and standing right before him. He was one of the strongest cultivators around, being of the Infant Transformation Stage. There was no way Xu Que could've survived. At this point, he felt extremely uneasy.

"Xu… Xu Que… How did he…"

Concubine Fantasy was so stumped that she started trembling as she took several steps in retreat and was in a daze.

This person's appearances was too familiar and she had known it well. After all, she had interacted with him daily for six years. She even gave her precious virginity to him. This person's features, was obviously the first man in her life, Xu Que!

Although all these were arranged by the Fire Emperor, she went along with it gladly. However, her memories of Xu Que were still fresh within her mind.

Besides, the Fire Emperor had killed this young man right before her eyes.

And now, Xu Que had been revived from the dead, standing right before her. Her heart and mind were in a torrential mess as she couldn't think straight at this point.

"Everyone, don't you know who I am? Haha! I am not Ye Liang Chen, I am Xu Que, your Lord Prince Consort from six years ago!"

Xu Que laughed out in rage as he emphasized on the words 'Xu Que' which reverberated across the walls of the palace and echoed down onto the training grounds

He scanned the crowd and realized that all of them were filled with fear and astonishment. Xu Que then whipped out a tile from the folds of his robes and held it high up.

The words on the tile wrote "Prince Consort" and were as clear as day, without any signs of damage.

Chapter 202: I, Xu Que, Have Returned!

Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation

The audience opened their eyes wide in astonishment as their emotions and thoughts had been thoroughly shaken.

Tang Liu Feng's mouth was gaping wide in shock as well.

This person was truly their Lord Prince Consort, Xu Que!

"How… How was this possible?"

"Oh yes, I finally remember. The Prince Consort from all those years ago, his name was indeed called Xu Que!" All of a sudden, a student shouted out.

"Yes, yes, yes, I remember too! No wonder I found him rather familiar looking. When the Prince Consort married the Princess six years ago, I was actually there!" A Bright Saints College student shouted out after he came to the realization as well.

"Yes, this person is indeed the previous Prince Consort."

"But didn't the Fire Emperor say that he fell sick and died? How could he…"

"Looks like there's some terrifying secret beneath it all."

More people started recalling their memories of him from all those years ago.

Six years ago, when the Princess got married to her Prince Consort, it was a rather big piece of news that spread around the entire city despite the fact that it wasn't very grand or lavish.

The Prince Consort was believed to have an innately strong fire spiritual roots which supposedly only came by once every hundreds of years. Hence, many people had deep impressions of him.

Six years later, when these people were reminded of it again, it was impossible for them to not recall.

What was most shocking now, was that the Prince Consort had returned to life after the Emperor announced last year that he had died of sickness.

He even shouted out about wanting to claim the Fire Emperor's life which was a rather distasteful comment.

What actually happened here that caused this Lord Prince Consort to disguise himself and sneak into the palace?

Soon after seeing the Emperor, he revealed his identity and started raging out in fury at that.

Although most people didn't dare to say it, doubts had started to form within their hearts.

At this point, the eyes of the Fire Emperor were blazing red hot in anger and killing intent. He knew that if this matter wasn't resolved properly, his reputation could be negatively affected.

Xu Que's appearance here had completely startled him.

However, when he looked at the situation in its entirety again, he realized that this Xu Que wasn't a big deal when it came to true strength.

After all, history was written by winners.

"You have the audacity!" the Fire Emperor shouted out in an ear splitting roar.

The son of Heaven was enraged while his majestic aura exploded from within his body and had his force was as massive as a mountain shrouding towards Xu Que.

The entire crowd felt an intense sharp pain in their ears as they focused all their might in their souls to defend themselves from the shattering force.

In the midst of such immense power, Xu Que laughed coldly, "Dog of an Emperor, you are truly rubbish. Even when death is upon you, you're still acting tough. You're just an Infant Transformation Stage cultivator. Can you hold me back?"

Xu Que undid the disguise on his cultivation level and revealed his true cultivation stage. Original Infant, level 7. Everyone could now see how strong he was.

At that exact moment, his incredible soul strength burst forth as well, emanating out from his body. The strength from it destroyed bamboo trees around as it scattered towards the Emperor's own energy and stopped it from advancing towards Xu Que.

"How was this possible?" The Fire Emperor's expression fell, his heart was filled with dread.

"How was this possible? Six months ago when this kid died, he had just stepped into the Golden Core Stage. Besides, his entire cultivation and all his powers had been sucked dry. Even his innate fire spiritual roots had been pillaged from him!"

"It's been slightly under six months since that has happened. How could he have such immense strength?"

The Fire Emperor was shocked to his core. Even Concubine Fantasy was beyond startled. She opened her mouth but couldn't speak and a bewildered look was etched within her pupils.

She had been very clear about Xu Que's strengths then. Everytime Xu Que made progress in his cultivation, she would always secretly report it to the Fire Emperor.

Besides, she was the person who personally stole Xu Que's fire roots and cultivation powers. After seeing Xu Que and the cultivation level he was at-- Original Infant level seven, she was floored.

Even the Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan were shaken by this revelation.

"His… His strengths… How could he make such insane progress?"

"His soul strength is extraordinarily powerful as well and I think it's on the same level as my Emperor father."

The pair of them muttered under their breaths in shock.

Xu Que's tremendous soul strength which had emanated from his body startled everyone around.

"Original… Original Infant Stage, level seven… Is this real?"

"If I'm not mistaken, this Lord Prince Consort is only seventeen or eighteen years old at most."

"That's truly terrifying."

"With such achievements, he is probably the youngest Infant Transformation Staged cultivator in the entire world, being at that stage when he's younger than 50 years old."

The crowd whispered in hushed tones, clearly shocked by this startling revelations.

Tang Liu Feng who was kneeling right beside Xu Que was in utter astonishment. He never imagined that this person who disguised himself as Li Bai at one minute and Ye Liang Chen at the next minute was actually an Original Infant Staged cultivator and was even the Lord Prince Consort!

Ye Chang Feng of the Jade Sword Sect managed to reach the Original Infant Stage at the tender age of twenty three. Even the Empress of Water Nations only reached the Original Infant Stage at the age of twenty. With such insane cultivation speeds, they were such a rare breed of cultivators that was only chanced upon once every hundreds or even thousands of years.

Xu Que was merely seventeen years old and had already broken through to the Original Infant Stage and was even at level seven of it.

Being at such a cultivation level at a tender age was truly very shocking!

It even seemed like nobody had talents equal to Xu Que throughout the five nations in all these thousands of years.

Even if a person could match his cultivation progress, he had the immense soul strength of an Infant Transformation Staged cultivator. This was something that was impossible to achieve at the Original Infant Stage.

"Dog Emperor!" Xu Que cleared his throat before shouting out ferociously, pointing his finger and accusing the Emperor once again. "That's right, it's truly me. I, Xu Que, have returned. You took advantage of my youth and naivety, cheating me into becoming the Prince Consort. All you wanted was to steal my innate fire roots!"

"What?"

"The Emperor made him the Prince Consort just to steal his fire roots? So the Emperor was such a despicable person?"

When the crowd heard this, their eyes opened wide in shock and were filled with astonishment.

The Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan turned a paler shade of white as they finally reacted to the situation before their eyes. It seemed like Xu Que had returned today for revenge and had nothing to do with the maps of the Imperial Tomb.

The Emperor had a cold glare within his eyes as his face had sunken and now looked visibly dark with anger. Killing intent circled around him as he returned the glare at Xu Que.

"Haha! Why does your face look so ugly now? Were you afraid that I was going to spill the truth out today? Don't worry! Especially the bitch who's standing beside you. Haha! You disguised yourself as the Princess and cheated me for six years. After all that, you even stole my fire roots and cultivation powers before allowing this dog Emperor to kill me with a single stroke. My body was tossed aside and I was left to die. Your methods were far too vile!" Xu Que spoke as he laughed out in anger while he taunted the Concubine with his eyes. "At the end of the day, retribution will follow those evil doers and the time will come for you to pay for what you've done. If you don't believe, raise your head and look up. Who will the heavens spare?"

The crowd sucked in a breath of fresh air.

"Something… Something huge is going to happen today!"

"The Lord Prince Consort from six years ago had been cheated into marriage."

"And Concubine Fantasy disguised herself as the Princess and cheated him for six years. At last, she even plundered his spiritual roots and killed him in order to silence him."

"Such a vile deed actually took place within the sacred Imperial Palace."

"And now this Lord Prince Consort who once had unlimited potential, has finally returned. He must be back for revenge."

"Could all these be true?"

The crowd was extremely taken aback by this sudden revelation of truth. If whatever they heard was true, the vile deeds committed by this Fire Emperor was indeed too evil and cruel.

At this point, Concubine Fantasy bit down hard on her lips as she trembled in fear. All these years, she had refused to show her face because she felt a certain guilty conscious about her actions. She was extremely worried that whatever she did would eventually come to light.

She had never expected that the truth would be revealed on the day she finally decided to show herself after taking a long time to muster her courage.

She never imagined that this person would return and reveal her vile collaboration with the Fire Emperor with everyone.

Chapter 203: Eight Waste Destruction Flames, Activate!

Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation

"How dare you!"

The Fire Emperor broke out in an enraged shout, "You have the audacity to act in such a defiant and dishonest manner! How dare you claim to be the Prince Consort? The true Prince Consort fell sick a year ago and died only recently. I've witnessed all this with my own eyes. If what you said was true, and that my beloved Concubine stole your spiritual roots, how did you manage to cultivate up to such a high cultivation level within a year? Do you think that I managed to become the Emperor by being a fool?"

As soon as his words were spoken, the crowd finally regained their senses once again.

"That's right. If his spiritual roots and cultivation level were truly taken away from him, that would mean he was as good as a cripple. How could he cultivate up to the Original Infant Stage level seven within a year?"

"That's absolutely impossible!"

"Hehe… why is that impossible?" Xu Que laughed out and smoked slowly, "Because, my master, is Duan Jiu De!"

As soon as his words fell, the entire training grounds sunk into silence.

"Duan Jiu De!"

As soon as his name was spoken, everyone froze on the spot and were flabbergasted.

Even the Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan's expression fell.

At such a place like the Imperial City, everyone was familiar with the name Duan Jiu De and knew of his exploits.

Duan Jiu De was a mysterious figure who had an extremely erratic personality but was one of the most fearsome cultivators around. In fact, even the Fire Emperor was afraid of him!

Xu Que shouted out the name of Duan Jiu De and caused everyone around to freeze in fear. He then thought to himself about how this Duan Jiu De person was probably rather vile and wicked. At the sound of his name, even the Fire Emperor's expression was downcasted.

However, Xu Que wasn't the type of person who only knew how to boast and hide behind the coattails of a tiger. The main reason for him to shout out Duan Jiu De's name was actually to squeeze in a moment where he could act tough. When he heard the system notifications ring out within his mind, he realized that it had worked! It didn't do him any harm to acknowledge a random person as his master after all!

After Xu Que had spoke about everything that happened to him, everyone had a rough idea of what happened over the past few months within the Fire Nations as they started to link the events in their minds.

"I've suddenly thought about something…" Someone from within the crowd spoke, his face was contorted in an ugly expression.

"I've thought about something too. Several months ago, Celestial Sect was destroyed by the disciple of Duan Jiu De!"

"It wasn't just destroyed by a mere disciple. It was destroyed by a disciple of the Core Bearing Stage! After he annihilated a smaller sect, he dragged all their corpses over to Celestial Sect and killed an elder of the sect. When he was done, he left without any consequences to his life!"

As soon as they recalled this incident, their glances turned towards Xu Que as beads of sweat started forming across their foreheads.

"So… This was the same disciple who destroyed Celestial Sect?"

"It was this kid who blew up the entire Celestial Sect and have now returned to the Imperial Palace to exact his vengeance upon the Fire Emperor. Since he has the support of Duan Jiu De behind him, who would dare to lay a finger on him?"

The Sky Incense Valley disciples were stumped by this as well. The few disciples looked towards their elder and whispered, "Elder, could there be a link between the Heavenly Explosion Faction and Duan Jiu De?"

The elder's expression froze on his face as he shook his head gently, "It's very unlikely. It seems like the entire Heavenly Explosion Faction is filled with talented geniuses. Xu Que is just one of them. Since he has Duan Jiu De behind him, I suppose the rest of his sect members would also have other powerful cultivators supporting them."

"If a fight breaks out later on, should we step forward and assist this Xu Que? After all, he and Master Hua Wu Que are from the same sect."

"I'm afraid not. If it were Master Hua Wu Que who was in this predicament instead, we would most certainly step forward and assist him. After all, the Water Empress has ordered us to seek him out. But as for this Xu Que, I am in no position to make a decision. Besides, the Fire Emperor might not back down even if we ask him to. It's better if we just allow them to carry on their conflict and we shall just observe as to how it goes."

The few disciples nodded their heads, "It's a pity that the Water Empress, her majesty, would only be here several days from now. If she were here now, this matter would be resolved easily."

At this point, the Fire Emperor's face was ashen.

When he heard Xu Que proclaiming that his master was Duan Jiu De, his heart was shocked and he was truly afraid.

However, as the Emperor of a powerful nation, he had several resources at his disposal to handle the problem. His silence didn't mean that he was afraid to hurt Xu Que. The killing intent that was still lingering within his eyes was a testament to that.

This monarch had already started thinking of ways to settle this problem before his eyes.

Right in front of the throne room, the Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan were filled with trepidation. Both of them had heard of Duan Jiu De as well and were rather astonished by Xu Que's proclamation.

"I never expected such an outcome in his story. And yet it seemed very plausible that he was rescued from death by Duan Jiu De who soon trained him till he reached such a terrifying stage in his cultivation." The Flaming Sun Princess whispered under her breath.

Zi Xuan started to look very worried as she replied, "I'm certain that the Fire Emperor wouldn't kill Xu Que anymore. But what if Duan Jiu De decides to make an appearance here? What do you think the Fire Emperor would do?"

"No, you're wrong. My Emperor father would still kill Xu Que here and now." Flaming Sun Princess shook her head as she stared at the back of the Fire Emperor.

"What? But… But he's Duan Jiu De's disciple!" Zi Xuan replied, her expression was one of utmost horror.

"You've forgotten something. As long as we remain within the palace where the Imperial Qi is very strong, even if Duan Jiu De comes, he wouldn't be able to harm my father Emperor."

"You're speaking of the fact that Imperial Qi protects the royal family within the sacred grounds of the palace?"

The Flaming Sun Princess nodded her head as she shot a glance towards Xu Que, a look of confusion remained visible within her eyes as she whispered, "Hence, he will still die today and nobody can save him."

Indeed, the Emperor paused for several seconds before his lips parted and he spoke coldly, "Regardless of whose disciple you are, you dared to impersonate the Crown Prince and even showed open disrespect to me. The punishment for such offences is death. Take this bandit down!"

As soon as the order was given, a dozen Imperial Guards acknowledged his command as they stepped towards Xu Que without the slightest hesitation.

The entire group of Imperial Guards surrounded him.

These Imperial Guards were all of the Original Infant Stage and were very strong cultivators in their own rights.

Nobody around doubted their capabilities for a second and were almost certain that they wouldn't have the slightest problem in taking Xu Que down.

Only the Flaming Sun Princess and Zi Xuan were certain that it wouldn't proceed as smoothly as expected. They had witnessed Xu Que's prowess before and knew that he would resist.

A cultivator who was able to single handedly annihilate an entire sect filled with elite killers wasn't going to be taken down easily by mere Imperial Guards.

"Hold it!" The Flaming Sun Princess didn't wish for the Imperial Guards to sacrifice their lives in vain and thus opened her mouth to speak.

And yet her words were too late by a fraction of a second.

As soon as the Imperial Guards responded to the Emperor's command, Xu Que had already lifted himself off the ground and floated in the air.

"Dog Emperor, are you serious? Do you really think a dozen other dogs would be able to capture me? Today, I shall cause your entire Fire Kingdom to explode. Only then will I be able to live up to my reputation of being a disciple of the Heavenly Explosion Faction!" Xu Que's expression was filled with a certain evil mockery as boundless killing intent radiated out from his body and was sent out like a shock wave across the entire training grounds.

The crowd cowered in fear and felt a terrifying energy envelope the heavens, causing them to hyperventilate from extreme fear.

At the same time, Xu Que's black mystical fire which he had recently acquired had started moving in a violent fashion.

The air around the mystical fire was spiralling in a crazed frenzy as a result.

The Eight Waste Destruction Flame was like a tiger who had finally been released from its cage as it soared towards its target.

At that same exact moment, a huge pair of black fiery wings sprouted out from Xu Que's shoulder blades.

The width and of each wing was extremely huge as the black mystical fire started burning in the air, producing a terrifying energy, covering the entire palace.