Chapter 196: Chapter 196: The Current Situation of the Positive Pole Church
"What did you just say?"
Lai Lingyao’s smile faltered, doubting his own hearing.
Up on the eaves, Yinhua Lady and Yuhua Lady exchanged puzzled looks.
"Is it mere bluster, or...?"
Yinhua Lady furrowed her beautiful brows, guessing in secret.
"If you refuse a toast, you must drink a forfeit!"
Without needing Lai Lingyao’s command, the eleven experts beside him made their move. Because the corridor of the room was narrow, these eleven people effectively blocked the area, leaving Shi Xiaole with no room to escape.
The two experts at the beginning stages of the Qi Absorption eighth level were the fastest to strike. One fist, one palm, mingled with roaring internal power launched at Shi Xiaole from the left and right, pushing the air in the corridor to the sides.
"Don’t kill him. I want to bring him back and torture him slowly."
Fearing that his subordinates wouldn’t have room to move, Lai Lingyao started retreating, directing them as he stepped back.
"Don’t worry, Young Gang Leader, we know when to hold back."
One of the Qi Absorption eighth level experts laughed heartily.
He had only used eighty percent of his power in that strike; it shouldn’t be enough to kill the kid opposite him.
"Sister, it’s our turn now."
With a soft laugh, Yuhua Lady - her petite body poised for action - prepared to pounce.
"Why must you force my hand?"
Heaving a sigh, Shi Xiaole, who was covered by their internal power, suddenly made his move.
No one could have imagined how fast his sword was. All they saw was a flash of azure light, followed by a terrible scream resounding in the corridor.
"My arm!"
Amidst the blood spatter, the right arm of the Qi Absorption eighth level expert flew off.
"No!"
"This kid was hiding his strength!"
It all happened in the blink of an eye, leaving the experts of the Gown Gang completely taken aback.
It wasn’t until this moment that the attacks from the two Qi Absorption eighth level experts landed on the door. With a huge bang, the door shattered into pieces and the paper of nearby windows was also shattered.
"I’ll slaughter you, kill you."
The one-armed Qi Absorption eighth level expert’s eyes turned blood-red. He pushed his power to the limit and, raising his hand, he sent a wave of wild energy toward Shi Xiaole.
"Overestimating your abilities."
Shi Xiaole flicked his sword lightly, the purplish-blue sword aura easily ripped through the internal power. The sword’s momentum didn’t fade; it ruthlessly sliced through the expert’s throat.
Since starting to cultivate the Brahma-I Unity technique, Shi Xiaole’s internal power was even superior to the average Qi Absorption eighth level mid-phase experts. His opponents’ internal power was less than his own, making it hard for them not to be instantly slain.
While Shi Xiaole didn’t think too much of it, everyone else was scared witless.
"It was a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding."
The other Qi Absorption eighth level expert quickly said, his eyes flitting around.
"Go tell that to the King of Hell."
Having decided to take action, Shi Xiaole never thought of sparing his opponents. His sword cut through the air continuously and the remaining nine experts all fell to the ground breathless, unable to counterattack.
The Qi Absorption eighth level expert who barely managed to block Shi Xiaole’s onslaught broke through the window to escape, not forgetting to yell back, "You’ve offended the Gown Gang, you’re dead meat!"
"You’re the one who’s dead."
The voice sounded next to his ear. The man lifted his head and was horrified to see a sword’s tip lighting up above him, before everything fell into eternal darkness.
"That kid is sly."
Shi Xiaole glanced down the long street.
Upon realizing the situation had gone awry, Lai Lingyao took off at the first opportunity. With numerous small alleys crisscrossing the street, he had vanished without a trace.
Shi Xiaole didn’t pursue him any further.
Truth be told, a single Lai Lingyao wasn’t worth his attention. Even if it were his father, the ’Leisurely Gown’ Lai Qianyong, Shi Xiaole wasn’t afraid.
His skills might not match those of Xuanqi Realm experts, but he had many other methods. If anyone angered him, he would kill without hesitation.
Shi Xiaole glanced at the rooftop of the inn, then took his leave.
"This young man?"
Behind the ridge of the roof, Yinhua Lady’s face went pale.
No matter what, she wouldn’t have guessed that the boy’s strength would be so formidable, killing ordinary Qi Absorption eighth level experts as if it were child’s play.
Who on earth was this guy?
Especially after that final look the young man gave, Yinhua Lady felt chilll bumps all over her body.
"Alas, I misjudged. His abilities might even surpass ours."
Yinhua Lady forced a smile.
"Impossible. There’s a big gap between the eighth and ninth levels of Qi Absorption. If I were up there, I could easily kill that group too."
After the initial shock passed, Yuhua Lady couldn’t help but retort.
"It’s different. I feel...he hasn’t even used his full strength yet."
Yinhua Lady said.
"That’s impossible!"
Yuhua Lady refused to believe it.
You see, even ’Jade Handsome’ Pan Yue, who ranked thirty-sixth on the Young Hero leaderboard, his strength during the fourth level of Qi Absorption was just about at the level Shi Xiaole displayed. If Shi Xiaole hadn’t used his full strength, doesn’t that mean he’s even stronger than Pan Yue?
Of course, Pan Yue now had long since surpassed his past self and was no match for Shi Xiaole. But within the same realm, Yuhua Lady also firmly believed that Shi Xiaole couldn’t beat Pan Yue.
"Third Sister, this man is not an ordinary youngster. If we want to get the Green Horse, it’s better to plot for the long term, and at least wait until Eldest Sister arrives,"
Yinhua Lady said, without further argument.
She did not know why, but Shi Xiaole gave her an unprecedented feeling, he was not someone who could be easily swayed by a simple beauty scheme.
...
After leaving the inn, Shi Xiaole rode on Qingfeng towards Sea View City. By that afternoon, the huge city gate was already in sight.
"Little Wind, you don’t need to follow me into the city this time, let’s avoid any more troubles, you can go and have some fun yourself."
Shi Xiaole said helplessly while stroking the horse’s mane.
Back in Purple Beauty City, Shi Xiaole had already thought that Qingfeng might cause trouble. So, he once wanted to dye Qingfeng’s hair to a common brown color.
But somehow, the dye couldn’t cover Qingfeng’s hair color, instead, it made it even more conspicuous, Shi Xiaole therefore gave up on the idea.
"Hee hee."
Perhaps knowing that it had caused trouble, Qingfeng obediently nuzzled into Shi Xiaole’s neck, sneakily licked his face, then like a cat that had stolen some fish, happily scampered away.
Shaking his head and laughing, Shi Xiaole turned and entered Sea View City after Qingfeng disappeared.
Sea View City was quite prosperous, with streets wide enough to comfortably accommodate three horse-drawn carriages side by side. The sides of the streets were lined with various shops, restaurants, inns and so on, with the sounds of hawkers continuously filling the air.
After asking around, Shi Xiaole headed towards the Positive Pole Sect.
...
The Positive Pole Sect was situated on the west side of Sea View City. To Shi Xiaole’s surprise, the sect’s territory was less than a few hundred square meters, consisting simply of a two-room, three-entry courtyard.
"You’re looking for the Sect Leader?"
There were no guards at the entrance. Shi Xiaole knocked on the door and after a long time, a boy appeared, looking at Shi Xiaole suspiciously and warily.
"I have important matters to discuss, could you please inform him on my behalf?"
Shi Xiaole said with a smile.
"Wait here."
Seeing Shi Xiaole’s friendly demeanor, the boy ran off, not forgetting to close the door behind him.
Soon, a man with a serious face and steadiness written all over his features followed the boy out and said, "I am Yang Jiuding, the 36th generation sect leader of the Positive Pole Sect, may I know what you need me for?"
Shi Xiaole frowned slightly.
According to his senses, the cultivation of the man in front of him, Yang Jiuding, was not high, at most only in the 6th or 7th level of Qi Absorption. This kind of strength might work in small martial world gangs, but it didn’t match the status of the sect leader of the Positive Pole Sect.
After all, the Yangxuan Technique was a top-tier second-class internal power. Practicing it until middle age, you could easily enter the Xuanqi Realm unless one’s talent was too poor. But, how could someone with such poor talent become the sect leader of the Positive Pole Sect?
Suppressing his doubts, Shi Xiaole said, "Sect Leader Yang, I have important matters to discuss and this isn’t the place for conversation."
Yang Jiuding was stunned, then said, "Please come in."
He didn’t think Shi Xiaole would harbor any scheming thoughts. Regardless of the youngster’s age, the Positive Pole Sect didn’t have anything worth coveting anymore.
Once inside the main hall, they divided into their respective seats.
Shi Xiaole took a look around and found that the Positive Pole Sect was indeed ’simple’ enough. Not to mention the decorated wall paintings, even the tables and chairs were very old. The whole decor was not even comparable to some third-rate gangs.
Out of caution, Shi Xiaole secretly used the Soul Transfer Great Method. Handing over the Yangxuan Heavenly Scripture was a serious matter, he had to first understand Yang Jiuding’s true nature.
What surprised him was that Yang Jiuding didn’t look confused at all, the man’s willpower was astonishingly strong.
"Young man, if you have something to say, say it. Sneaking around isn’t very upfront and honest."
Yang Jiuding said indignantly.
Shi Xiaole chuckled, not caring, and extended his left hand to make a movement in the air.
With a pop, the tea cup spilled over.
Yang Jiuding suddenly stood up, his face full of shock, "How can you...?"
The Positive Pole Cuff, this was a movement that had never been taught outside of the Positive Pole Sect and only the successive sect leaders knew it. Where did this boy learn it from?
Yang Jiuding didn’t know that Gu Danchen, in order to let people of destiny gain the trust of the Positive Pole Sect without misunderstandings, had deliberately written down the Positive Pole Cuff.
With a sharp gaze, Yang Jiuding suddenly rushed towards Shi Xiaole. The palm shadows in his hands layered over each other, the Qi intertwined into an invisible net overhead.
Although Yang Jiuding’s cultivation was not high, he had masterly control over his palm skill, which was two levels stronger than the two 8th level Qi Absorption experts from the Gown Gang.
Shi Xiaole sat still in his chair, using his left arm like a sword to parry each move.
Bang bang bang.
The Qi energy exploded chaotically, causing tables and chairs to be overthrown.
The look in Yang Jiuding’s eyes changed from initial suspicion, to seriousness, and then to shock. His martial arts realm was so high that it was hard to find a second person like him in Sea View City. This boy was just a few years old and yet he was not below him.
Of course, the boy’s sword technique was extremely profound - at least a level higher than his palm skill. Otherwise, Yang Jiuding was confident he could easily defeat him.
"Not bad, you can handle fifty percent of my power."
Shi Xiaole nodded slightly, shook his arm and said, "Sect Leader Yang, I unexpectedly received the inheritance of senior Gu Danchen, so I came here especially."
Yang Jiuding’s pupils contracted violently, he forced himself to calm down, "Do you have any proof?"
Shi Xiaole smiled and said, "Yang uses Qi to open the heavens, hidden in the chaotic Yin and Yang..."
The beginning of the Yangxuan Heavenly Scripture was the same as the Yangxuan Technique, so after reciting just a few lines, Yang Jiuding had no doubts anymore. Coupled with the Positive Pole Cuff he had seen before, he fell to his knees, respectfully saying, "The unworthy 36th generation disciple of Positive Pole Sect, Yang Jiuding, pays his respects to the master’s ancestor!"
This time it was Shi Xiaole’s turn to be startled and he quickly said, "Sect Leader Yang, please get up."
"With the master’s ancestor up above, Jiuding does not dare to violate the rules."
Gu Danchen was the 32nd generation sect leader of the Positive Pole Sect. In terms of seniority, Shi Xiaole was indeed his master’s ancestor.
No matter how Shi Xiaole tried to dissuade him, Yang Jiuding insisted on following the rites. What’s worst was later, he even called all the disciples of the Positive Pole Sect to show their respects to Shi Xiaole.
