Chapter 1720: Chapter 990: Shadow Warrior (2)
Yang Xiao sighed inwardly. These big families truly have deep pockets; good things keep emerging. Even the younger generation of the family is decked out in treasures. Jiang Qingluan, the young priest of the Yi Sect, and Jiu Shan Shayue from Japan’s Kusunoki Family are examples. In this world, without some background, it’s hard to take even a step.
Without hesitating further, Yang Xiao pushed the door open and walked out of the courtyard. The samurai outside the gate bowed to him and then led him away.
Inside the Guardian House, Jiushan Cangxuan gazed in the direction Yang Xiao had left, unmoving for a long time, until he finally sighed softly, "Come out now."
The next second, a pitch-black shadow fell from above, landing behind Jiushan Cangxuan, but it made hardly any noise upon landing.
The figure slowly stood up, a towering figure wearing a conical hat and black mask, clad in a black samurai outfit. The eyes under the conical hat were dark and resolute, sending shivers down one’s spine.
The Jiu Mountain Family has a tradition of choosing bodyguards for the Family Head, called Shadow Warriors, and this man was the Shadow Warrior of the current family head, Jiushan Cangxuan, a relationship akin to Xingzi’s with Jiu Shan Shayue.
The outside world rumors that Jiushan Huangye, the younger brother, is Jiushan Cangxuan’s most trusted person. This is not wrong to say, but if asked, Jiushan Huangye’s answer would definitely be this inconspicuous Shadow Warrior.
Only Jiushan Cangxuan knows the identity and background of this person. The other four master peers in the family are not aware, let alone the younger generation. This too is a rule.
For the Jiu Mountain Family, which has been passed down for hundreds of years, rules are paramount.
"You’ve seen this kid’s perception and talent, what do you think?" Jiushan Cangxuan asked without turning his head.
The Shadow Warrior nodded.
"It’s rare to get a word of praise from you." Jiushan Cangxuan clasped his hands behind his back, smiled bitterly, and said, "If Shun Yu knew, he’d probably be furious. After all, back then, you commented that his sword skills were ordinary, saying he’d amount to only that in this life."
"How about this kid compared to Shayue, who has greater talent between them?" Jiushan Cangxuan asked again.
This time, the Shadow Warrior remained silent, only shaking his head after a long while.
"Even you don’t know? Let me share my thoughts. The two have similar talents, but Yang Xiao has too much on his mind. This isn’t a flaw, but it does hinder his advancement in Martial Arts. He doesn’t possess the pure heart that Shayue has."
"But this is not his fault. He was once a small figure, climbing step by step from the bottom. Without a bit of agility in thought, he would’ve been eaten up a long time ago. He is adept at seizing opportunities, anything that can help him climb."
"This person is remarkable, determined and resolute in action, concealing emotions. He guards against us everywhere yet finds ways to gain some advantages from us. He avoids losses, a person who will surely achieve greatness if he doesn’t die," Jiushan Cangxuan commented.
At this moment, the Shadow Warrior moved, raising a hand clad in cover armor, and pointed at his heart. Seeing this, Jiushan Cangxuan suddenly smiled, "Yes, you’re right; this guy holds grudges. If someone offends him, he will surely avenge it in the future. He repays kindnesses and avenges grudges; it’s not that he doesn’t retaliate, but the time has not yet come."
"Did you find that guy?" Jiushan Cangxuan suddenly retracted his smile, turned, and looked at the Shadow Warrior.
The Shadow Warrior nodded, made a circle with his hand, and then pointed sharply within the circle.
"Indeed, I faintly sensed something when Jing Lan mentioned it. Not only does this kid carry the resentful spirit of Sword Lord Mo Wentian, but there’s another deeper entity, and that’s the truly terrifying one." Jiushan Cangxuan took a deep breath, "Did you sense the nature of that resentful spirit?"
The Shadow Warrior shook his head, then raised both hands, crossing them.
"Are you saying that the intensity of this resentful spirit is comparable to our ancestors?" This caused Jiushan Cangxuan to become serious, as their ancestors were recognized as supreme masters; even without an Innate Treasure, they certainly touched that level. What is this entity on Yang Xiao that its past life couldn’t have been obscure?
"Are you sure?" Jiushan Cangxuan pressed further.
The Shadow Warrior nodded.
He was quite clear about the Shadow Warrior’s abilities, especially in spiritual power perception, which even surpassed his sister Jiu Shan Jinglan, making him have the Shadow Warrior lurking here to investigate.
This is a mysterious space that significantly weakens the perception of resentful spirits. Additionally, with him restraining from the side, he assists the Shadow Warrior.
Jiushan Cangxuan knew that guy had awoken, a quite troublesome role. As long as he appears, that guy will surely concentrate on dealing with him, providing an opportunity for the Shadow Warrior.
After all, they didn’t aim to capture or eliminate it but just sensing it would suffice. Confirming the identity of this resentful spirit was ideal.
The Shadow Warrior made gestures to ask for another chance, but Jiushan Cangxuan refused, understanding that such opportunities were rare, and this attempt had surely alerted the other party.
They had no intention of holding Xiaou back or coveting that treasure of the resentful spirit in his past life, as such a treasure is not something everyone can harness. Moreover, not only does their Jiu mountain family ethics and Yang Xiao’s Patrol General Bureau Special Envoy’s identity permit such an act.
"There’s one more thing I’d like your opinion on; this Yang Xiao is a talent. I want to invite him to join the Yellow Springs Road plan, forming a team with Shayue and that person to invade the Nightmare World. What do you think?" Jiushan Cangxuan asked.
The Shadow Warrior was also one of the original participants of the Yellow Springs Road plan, even earlier than Jiushan Cangxuan. After all, he, as an explorer, entered back when conditions were not yet matured, leading to some horrifying encounters.
The Shadow Warrior remained silent for a long time, eventually nodding, but quickly raised his hand, pointing outside.
Jiushan Cangxuan understood, "I know your concerns; I will arrange a meeting between Yang Xiao and him, listening to his opinions too."
Upon hearing this, the Shadow Warrior made no more statements and turned to leave. His physical condition didn’t allow for prolonged daytime activities; he was a shadow, living only in the dark. Night was his world.
"Wait a moment." Suddenly someone called from behind, Jiushan Cangxuan remained silent for a long time before finally speaking: "Visit Shayue when you can; after all, she is your granddaughter. Our Jiu Mountain Family owes you too much."
"Please don’t get noticed. It’s best for some things to remain unknown to her entire life; it’s better for both of you. You know, we... don’t have much time, Shayue... Shayue too."
"On that day, I, Huang Ye, Shun Yu, Frost Mirror, and Jing Lan will give it all to create a one-shot-kill opportunity for Shayue. Even if we can’t kill him on the spot, we must severely wound him to the brink of death. Afterward, others will take over. There’s never a shortage of ambitious people on this land of Japan, and those family heads who bow to that person will be keen to take his place."
"As long as that person dies, a civil war will inevitably erupt within the Ghost Sect. By then, every major family will seize power, and you must lead my Jiu Mountain Family’s core members and children away from this conflict."
"Remember, abandon everything, ancestral residences, estates, lands... Even in emergencies, you can abandon the majority of the family members. A year or more, after everything settles, you return. With your skills, few will be your match, and you’re to demolish the remaining Ghost Sect forces and reshape the structure of Japan, and also rebuild my Jiu Mountain Family."
"Mr. Gongben, the future of the Jiu Mountain Family and Japan rests on you. I plead!" Jiushan Cangxuan straightened his posture and bowed deeply to the Shadow Warrior, his waist bending low, very low.
