Chapter 113: Chapter 110: Ning Jiang’s Death? Upheaval in Luoyang
"Have you heard? A Spirit Realm Powerhouse appeared in Baiquan Town!"
The battle at Crescent Lake was like a massive earthquake, with news of it spreading like wildfire across the entire Cyan Cloud Country.
Within just three days, all of Cyan Cloud Country was in an uproar.
"A Spirit Realm Martial Artist! How many years has it been since someone like that appeared in our Cyan Cloud Country? Not even Sword King Chu Bai ever reached that realm!"
"Cyan Cloud Country is just too far behind. We can’t even find a single Spirit Vein. The Sects that used to be established here left long ago. I’m afraid this Spirit Realm Powerhouse isn’t from Cyan Cloud Country either."
"I heard that in that battle, someone even more terrifying than the Spirit Realm Powerhouse appeared. I wonder if it’s true?"
"I can believe a Spirit Realm Powerhouse, but someone more terrifying? That must be an exaggerated rumor. It’s probably fake."
"Exactly. And some people are saying it was a Spirit Realm Powerhouse who’s only about twenty years old. That’s probably false information too."
The events in Baiquan Town had sent the entire Cyan Cloud Country into a frenzy.
At first, many people were skeptical, but as more and more of them traveled to Baiquan Town and saw Crescent Island cleaved in half, their doubts vanished.
But the most talked-about topic from this battle was, naturally, the matter of Ning Jiang of the White Head Sword Sect.
The White Head Sword Sect, at the Postnatal Peak. When he became number one on the Famous Family List, he was already a legendary figure in Cyan Cloud Country.
Over eighty percent of the Martial Artists in Cyan Cloud Country knew of him.
But no one could have imagined that such a rising star would meet with such a disaster and provoke a Spirit Realm Martial Artist.
"I don’t know how the White Head Sword Sect managed to provoke a Spirit Realm Powerhouse. I heard that in the battle, the Spirit Realm Powerhouse burned him to a crisp. He must be dead."
"Sigh, what a shame for a genius to fall. If the White Head Sword Sect had been able to mature, he would have surely become one of the greatest figures in Cyan Cloud Country."
Many Martial Artists sighed, feeling it was a great pity for Ning Jiang.
Ning Jiang had a boundless future. Many believed he could surpass Young Master Soaring Dragon and even Sword King Chu Bai, but it seemed the heavens were jealous of his talent, bringing down a great calamity upon him.
While many Martial Artists felt sorry for Ning Jiang, there were also those who rejoiced in his misfortune.
Not everyone could accept a monstrous genius like Ning Jiang; many were deeply jealous of him.
The Ning Family.
Upon hearing the news that Ning Jiang was likely dead, many members celebrated with glee.
"Hahahaha, good riddance! That ungrateful wolf! The Ning Family raised him, but he showed no intention of repaying us. And what was with his attitude at the annual meeting?"
Ning Feng, who had always disliked Ning Jiang, immediately cast off his gloomy mood upon hearing the news and burst out laughing.
What had happened at the annual meeting had become like a Heart Demon, leaving him morose for days.
But now, hearing that Ning Jiang was dead was like a shot of adrenaline. He instantly revived, his spirits soaring.
"Exactly. The heavens must have seen his ingratitude and decided to bring this calamity upon him."
Ning Ding felt the gloom in his heart dissipate, replaced by a sense of triumphant relief.
"Number one on the Famous Family List? What a joke! He’s probably the shortest-lived number one in the history of the list," Ning Qi laughed heartily.
"Sigh."
Ning Shan let out a soft sigh. Although she felt it was a bit of a pity, she also felt a sense of relief. At least she would no longer be tormented by regret.
"That little bastard! Good riddance!"
Ning Changhan specially bought fine wine, called over his brothers, and they all got drunk in celebration.
Nearly everyone from Ning Shoujing’s line of the family was clapping and cheering.
Many other members of the Ning Family were also celebrating the event.
Since Ning Jiang was no longer part of the Ning Family, they stood to gain nothing from him. That being the case, it was better for him to be destroyed.
Otherwise, the matter of Ning Jiang would have remained a thorn in their side, constantly making them uneasy.
...
Luoyang City.
Ten days had passed since the battle in Baiquan Town.
"The twists of fate are truly unpredictable. To think that Kunlun, which was at its zenith just ten days ago, would suddenly suffer such a heavy blow and fall from grace."
For the past ten days, the incident in Baiquan Town had been the hottest topic of discussion among the Martial Artists of Luoyang City, as most of the people involved were connected to the city.
"Yeah, I think Kunlun is finished. Eight Alchemy Masters were severely injured, and it’s unknown if they’re dead or alive. Even people like Xie Baichuan, Wenhua City, and Liu Yuanlong haven’t been seen."
"I heard that during the battle, the two Innate Limit powerhouses, Wenhua City and Liu Yuanlong, destroyed their own foundations and burned their Innate Gang Yuan. Even if they survived, they’ll never recover their former strength."
"Tsk tsk, Kunlun is completely finished now. The White Head Sword Sect offended a lot of people back then, slaying the Ten Great at the annual gathering. Those second-tier families probably won’t miss an opportunity like this."
"And don’t forget the Wang Family!"
Over these ten days, the many Martial Artists of Luoyang City paid close attention to the movements of the major second-tier families and the Wang Family.
Back when Kunlun was powerful, the major second-tier families and the Wang Family could only swallow their anger and didn’t dare to seek revenge on Ning Jiang.
But things were different now. Kunlun had all but collapsed.
However, one question still needed to be answered.
Namely, was Ning Jiang actually dead or not?
According to the rumors, Ning Jiang had been burned to a crisp and was very likely dead. But what if he wasn’t?
Gradually, the twentieth day arrived!
For twenty days, Ning Jiang still had not appeared.
"Hmph, it seems that brat really is dead."
"I did hear that Du Wanqing and a few of the Alchemy Masters have reappeared, but they say Du Wanqing’s injuries are extremely severe, and the other Alchemy Masters are all heavily wounded as well."
"Kunlun is no longer a threat. There’s no need to hold back anymore."
On the twentieth day, the Innate Realm experts from several major second-tier families and the Wang Family all set out for Bamboo Sea Manor.
It was Kunlun’s base of operations, a fact known throughout the city.
BOOM!
Accompanied by a deafening crash, Bamboo Sea Manor was razed to the ground in just half an hour.
However, the wrath of the second-tier families and the Wang Family did not dissipate. The storm was gradually escalating.
"Have you heard? The Wang Family and several major second-tier families have made a move against the Liu Family!"
"The Wang Family already had a grudge against the Liu Family. Now that the Liu Family has lost Liu Yuanlong’s protection and their greatest trump card, it’s perfectly logical for the Wang Family to strike."
"The other major second-tier families are also taking advantage of the situation, hoping to carve up some of the Liu Family’s territory and resources."
"Sigh, things change so fast. To think that a once First-Class Noble House would collapse just like that."
In just three days, the First-Class Noble House, the Liu Family, completely collapsed under the pressure from the Wang Family and the major second-tier families.
Within those three days, more than twenty members of the Liu Family were killed. Among them was one of Liu Yuanlong’s sons, Liu Zhengdong, who was killed on the spot for desperately resisting the Wang Family. He was beheaded and died with his eyes open.
The remaining members of the Liu Family, grieving and enraged, all retreated and fled from Luoyang City.
"Did you hear? Patriarch Bai of the Bai Family, Bai Yueru, couldn’t stand what the Wang Family and the second-tier families were doing and said a few words against them. As a result, she was severely injured by Wang Jiangshi."
"That Wang Jiangshi is way too tyrannical!"
"Right now, Wang Jiangshi is the only Innate Limit Powerhouse in Luoyang City. Who can possibly stand against him?"
"If you have to blame someone, blame Ning Jiang of the White Head Sword Sect. He offended too many people, and too many people wanted him dead."
「The twenty-fifth day.」
On this day, the arrival of a young man named Wei Tianchen caused a huge uproar in Luoyang City.
"Wei Tianchen... that’s the Pill King’s Direct Disciple! What is he doing here in Luoyang City?"
"They say his talent for Alchemy is outstanding, almost on par with the Pill King in his youth. He’s ranked third on the Famous Family List."
"As expected of the Pill King’s Direct Disciple. He even has an Innate Limit Powerhouse accompanying him. How impressive."
While countless people were speculating about the purpose of Wei Tianchen’s visit, he had already met with Du Wanqing.
"Du Wanqing, my purpose here is simple. I heard that this Ning Jiang once refined a Supreme Grade Elixir and was revered by all of you as the Pill King. That’s why you followed him, is it not?"
Wei Tianchen was handsome, with intimidating eyes.
Du Wanqing’s face was ashen as he stared coldly at Sun Yan, who stood behind Wei Tianchen.
"Master, don’t blame me. If you hadn’t expelled me, I wouldn’t have done this." Sun Yan’s eyes were filled with vengeful delight.
After Ning Jiang became the Pill King and won Du Wanqing’s admiration, Sun Yan was directly expelled for having offended Ning Jiang.
From that moment on, he had hated Ning Jiang and had been looking for a chance to get revenge.
"Sun Yan, you’re despicable! Master taught you Alchemy; he bestowed upon you the grace of his teachings. How could you betray him? Have you no shame?" Wei Yanran’s pretty face was ice-cold.
"Shame? Senior Sister, I think you’re the one who has no shame. After he refined that Supreme Grade Elixir, you started getting close to him. Tell me, have you let him play with your body yet?"
Sun Yan sneered. There was a hint of jealousy in his eyes; he had not been without his own designs on this Iceberg Beauty.
Unfortunately, this Iceberg Beauty had always been lukewarm toward him.
Wei Yanran’s lips trembled with rage.
"Enough. I have no interest in watching a master and his disciples turn on each other." Wei Tianchen interrupted coldly. "My meaning is simple. For that brat to be able to refine a Supreme Grade Elixir at such a young age, he must have mastered some kind of peerless Pill Formula. I want his Pill Formula!"
"I’m sorry, but he’s dead," Du Wanqing refused.
"Is that so? I want to see the person if he’s alive, or the body if he’s dead. Show me his corpse," Wei Tianchen said aggressively.
Hearing this, Du Wanqing fell silent.
"Hmph. Speak, or die."
Beside Wei Tianchen, the Innate Limit Powerhouse who had come with him snorted coldly, and a powerful aura pressed down on Du Wanqing.
"Heh, trying to threaten me? I, Du Wanqing, have never been afraid, not even when facing a Spirit Realm Powerhouse. If you want to kill me, then go ahead," Du Wanqing said, his pride unyielding and his face full of disdain.
"What a man, this Du Wanqing."
Wei Tianchen could also see that threats were useless against Du Wanqing. His gaze shifted to Wei Yanran. "Since it’s come to this, I’ll take her. You can either trade the Pill Formula for her, or you can forget about ever seeing her again. Take her away."
"You!" Du Wanqing’s expression changed drastically.
"Get out of the way."
The Innate Limit Powerhouse struck out with his palm, aggravating Du Wanqing’s unhealed injuries. He flew backward like a kite with a broken string, crashed to the ground, and spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Master, don’t worry about me."
Wei Yanran’s beautiful eyes reddened, but she spoke with fortitude.
Du Wanqing clenched his fists, watching helplessly as Wei Tianchen took Wei Yanran away.
「The thirtieth day.」
In a quiet room, Ning Jiang, his entire body wrapped in bandages, climbed out of bed.
’Huuuh... These injuries are too severe. I wonder how long I was unconscious?’
Just as Ning Jiang was about to leave the room, a figure walked in. It was Liu Xianyu.
"Oh, you’re awake." Liu Xianyu’s pretty face lit up with joy.
"How long has it been?" Ning Jiang glanced at her, noticing that she looked much more haggard.
"You were unconscious for a month this time."
"Mm. Where’s Sister An? Is she here?" Ning Jiang asked. ’Being unconscious for a month, I must have worried Ning Yu’an sick.’
"Well..." Liu Xianyu’s expression changed, and she suddenly hesitated.
"What happened? Speak!"
Ning Jiang immediately sensed that something was wrong. His gaze turned sharp in an instant, an infinite edge bursting forth from his eyes, as if a ferocious Ancient Demon had just emerged from the Abyssal Hell.
The atmosphere in the entire room instantly became suffocating!
