Chapter 160: Head Hunting in PublicTranslator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Yun Qianmo saw everyone looking at her and her expression grew colder. When she turned to look at Ye Futian, the coldness disappeared and became calm. Since she made her decision, she knew others would talk. She had considered all of this beforehand. If she cared, she wouldn’t have agreed.

“Has he pursued you before?” Ye Fuian asked, chuckling. Yang Ziqi’s reaction had been too dramatic.

Yun Qianmo looked at him and nodded lightly.

“He’ll be even more too low for you in the future,” Ye Futian said. “Tomorrow, let’s go to the place you mentioned.”

“Okay.” Yun Qianmo nodded and they returned to the pavilion.

Yu Sheng walked up to Ye Futian and said, “While cultivating these days, I realized that not only does fate increase your abilities, it also helps with cultivation.”

“If you perceive the same elemental fate, it’ll definitely help,” Ye Futian said with a nod. Fate was the power of intent and the strength those of the Noble Plane had. It would obviously aid cultivation. For example, the sword wall would help those of the Sword Clan in future cultivation.

“We’re almost in the Dharma Plane. I have an idea.” Yu Sheng looked at Ye Futian.

“Add the strength of the intent when agglomerating the Dharma?” Ye Futian asked.

“Yes.” Yu Sheng nodded. “I don’t know if it’ll work.”

“We can try.” Ye Futian had had the same idea when cultivating earlier.

The group returned to the pavilion and continued to cultivate. The second day, Ye Futian had Yun Qianmo gather everyone and they departed on the Black Wind Eagle. In the air, the eagle rode the wind and was unbelievably fast. It flew more smoothly than before as if it had melded into the wind. This made it more comfortable as well and it was excited about the future. Before, Ye Futian had controlled it forcefully. With the Snow Ape there, it couldn’t fight back. Now that Ye Futian developed, it finally saw a way to evolve. The other demon beasts probably wouldn’t have this chance. It could only pray that Ye Futian wouldn’t look down on it and change to another demon. Yun Qianmo pointed out the direction. This time, they were going into the Qianmeng City rather than out.

“Where are we going?” Ye Futian asked. He’d only told Yun Qianmo he wanted to go to the place with the strongest fate but she didn’t tell him the specific location.

“The Noble Grotto,” Yun Qianmo said. “It’s inside the city and like you said, it’s the place in the Qianmeng City with the strongest fate. It’s much stronger than the Cang Mountain Relic.”

Ye Futian’s eyes brightened. “Why did Yan Lu go to the Cang Mountain rather than here?”

“The fate is strong but it’s not easy to attain. The Noble Grotto gathers the true creams of the crop. With Yan Lu’s talent cultivation, he wouldn’t receive anything even if he went,” Yun Qianmo said. “I went before but didn’t accomplish anything.”

Ye Futian nodded. He was excited to see what the Noble Grotto was like. As the Black Wind Eagle flew, Ye Futian saw many people also riding demon beasts toward the same direction.

“We’re almost there. Most go just for fun,” Yun Qianmo said, eyeing all the people in the sky.

Ye Futian chuckled. After a while, the crowd became denser. Some in the front went down. An extremely large grotto appeared in his vision. It took up a large expanse of land. The air around it glowed faintly like fate. It filled the sky, making the grotto seem mysterious. As they neared it, the Black Wind Eagle started going downward and landed on the ground.

At that moment, Ye Futian looked up at the large grotto. He actually felt a faint pressure. It was the noble intent pushing down.

There were various carved head sculptures on top of the grotto. The strong noble intent seemed to come from them. The closer he got to the grotto, the stronger the pressure was. If he was walking on the corridor above the grotto, it would probably be too strong to bear.

“It’s indeed much more powerful than the Cang Mountain Relic,” Ye Futian said. He could feel just by standing here that the fate contained in the Noble Grotto was incomparable to the four walls of the Cang Mountain Relic. There were more people here too and they all had unique auras. Many seemed to be perceiving the intent hidden inside the grotto from the top as well.

In the near distance, a figure walked towards them. Coldness flashed past his eyes and he laughed. “Oh, it’s Yun Qianmo.” It was Liu Yuan, the one wounded by Yun Qianmo at the Cang Mountain Relic. His voice attracted many people’s attention. Mostly everyone here was from the strong forces of the Qianmeng area. They were familiar with Yun Qianmo from the Sword Clan.

Many people looked over in interest. Liu Yuan continued with a smile, “How does it feel being a servant?”

Coldness flashed past Yun Qianmo’s eyes. Her sword intent grew more obvious. Liu Yuan wasn’t intimidated. This wasn’t the Cang Mountain Relic. Without Ye Futian and the intent of the sword wall, he didn’t think he would be defeated like before. The battle from days ago was honestly humiliating.

“Yun Qianmo.” Another voice rang out at that moment. A youth with an impressive presence stood in the distance and smiled at her. “Yun Qianmo, you are the pride of the Sword Clan. Don’t you feel undignified to be someone’s servant?” This was Mo Fan, another powerful clansman of the Qianmeng area.

“I’m more curious about who took you in as a maid. I heard it’s someone in the Glory Plane,” someone else mocked and looked at their group.

“Who are they?” someone asked.

Ye Futian was annoyed. Was Yun Qianmo really that well-known? News of what happened at the Cang Mountain Relic had spread.

“Do you have any problems?” Ye Futian asked. Countless eyes fell on him instantly, sizing him up. Some were curious; others were mocking.

“I heard that you’re in the Glory Plane but drove the intent of the four walls in the Cang Mountain Relic?” someone asked.

“I was lucky,” Ye Futian said with a smile.

“This modesty is different from the rumors. I heard that you were really arrogant there,” a girl said, smiling at him. The rumors had said that Ye Futian was arrogant and domineering at the Cang Mountain Relic and made someone like Yun Qianmo become his servant.

“Do I look arrogant?” Ye Futian smiled at the girl. He was handsome and his eyes were clear. He was easy on the eye and the girl chuckled, shaking her head.

“No.” She glanced at Yun Qianmo and asked, “Yun Qianmo, I’m curious as to why you made that choice.”

“It has nothing to do with you,” she replied coldly. The girl was the pride of another clan. Her name was Li Lianyi.

“I’m just curious,” Li Lianyi said with a smile.

“Let’s go,” Yun Qianmo said to Ye Futian. The youth nodded and their group continued forward. Many people looked at them in amusement. Shortly after, many people followed them. Ye Futian could comprehend the walls of the Cang Mountain Relic so what about here? They wanted to see if he was truly talented or if luck also came into play.

After a few steps, Ye Futian stopped again. There were familiar people up ahead.

Chu Kuangren, prince of the Yunchu Nation, stared coldly at Ye Futian and Ye Wuchen’s group. It was unexpected to meet them here.

Chu Kuangren looked in another direction. Ye Futian followed his eyes and saw more people looking at him. Zuo Qianfan and Yu Jiang of the Cangye College, as well as some other students, were present. If they were here, Ye Xiao, eldest prince of the Cangye Kingdom, would also be there.

Ye Xiao stood with his hands behind his back. He looked forward into the grotto, appearing to be focused. A moment later, he turned around slowly and looked toward Ye Futian.

He also saw Ye Wuchen and Lin Yueyao and found it odd. Was Ye Wuchen and Lin Yueyao really following Ye Futian?

“Your Highness.” Seeing Ye Xiao look over, Ye Futian nodded with a smile. No matter what his attitude was, Ye Futian had to follow the rules. After all, he was the prince of the Cangye Kingdom.

Ye Xiao looked at him coolly. He was surprised Ye Futian could arrive at Qianmeng City so quickly and still be alive. He hadn’t heard about the Cang Mountain Relic event. Even though many people knew about it, they focused more on Yun Qianmo. Ye Futian’s name was rarely mentioned. Ye Xiao didn’t know Yun Qianmo so he didn’t pay attention.

“Wuchen, Lin Yueyao, how have you been?” Ye Xiao didn’t look at Ye Futian again. He asked about the others instead.

“I’m fine,” Ye Wuchen answered coolly.

“Me too.” Lin Yueyao nodded and smiled. She felt that the atmosphere was off. She obviously knew about what Ye Xiao had done after entering the Ancient Barren World. One was the prince while the other was highly valued by Emperor Ye and this prince didn’t like Ye Futian.

“Follow me from now on,” Ye Xiao said to them. Ye Wuchen was his cousin and extremely talented. He deserved to be roped in. If he got too close to Ye Futian, he would probably turn into someone like Ye Danchen.

As for Lin Yueyao, she was the daughter of the Lin family. With her beautiful face, she deserved to be asked personally by Ye Xiao. He had considered having her become the future queen with her talent and beauty.

Ye Futian was a bit shocked when he heard Ye Xiao’s words. Was he head-hunting right in front of Ye Futian? There was no dignity left for him at all.

As for Zuo Qianfan and Yu Jiang behind Ye Xiao, they laughed. Since the prince asked personally, Ye Wuchen and Lin Yueyao should know to make the right decision. Ye Xiao would most likely become the future crown prince of the Cangye Kingdom. If he received the noble fate in the Ancient Barren World, there would be no competition!

Chapter 161: Then DieTranslator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Ye Wuchen arched an eyebrow. Determination flashed past his eyes. Ye Xiao was his cousin but they actually rarely interacted. Ye Wuchen focused on cultivation. Power meant nothing to him. Especially after the Ancient Barren World opened, the Hundred Lands would change soon too. If they still held the old views that royal power was above all else, there would be danger.

If the Ancient Barren World was permanently open, it would create more Nobles.

Ye Xiao was heavily influenced by royal power. This was probably related to his status as the most possible heir to the throne.

“Thank you, Your Highness, but I’m used to being alone. I won’t travel with you,” Ye Wuchen said. Saying that he wanted to be alone was to save Ye Xiao some embarrassment. However, Ye Xiao and the people of the Cangye Kingdom were shocked. They stared at Ye Wuchen. He was obviously with Ye Futian’s group. Why did he say he was used to being alone?

Ye Xiao’s eyes glinted. Was Ye Wuchen joking with him?

“Alright.” Ye Xiao smiled thinly. Since Ye Wuchen had made his choice, he wouldn’t say anything else.

“Yueyao, what about you?” Ye Xiao glanced at Lin Yueyao. He’d removed her surname, making them feel closer as if it was some type of hint.

Lin Yueyao’s eyes glimmered. She felt a bit awkward but still smiled gently and said, “Your Highness, it’s hard for me to say.”

With that, Lin Yueyao looked at Ye Futian again. This answer didn’t say anything but it was undoubtedly still a rejection. Her eyes made people think of many things too. Hard for her to say?

Ye Xiao’s smile disappeared completely. Seeing Ye Futian and Lin Yueyao, the people of the Cangye College sharpened their gazes. Many glared at Ye Futian. Was the top beauty of the Cangye Kingdom…?

Seeing Lin Yueyao look at him, Ye Futian was surprised too. Why did it feel like he was thrown under the bus? Hard to say? What did that mean?

“Good.” Ye Xiao’s tone was cold. Whether it was an excuse or something else, Ye Wuchen and Lin Yuyao had both undoubtedly rejected him. His confident words from before were even more like a joke.

As the Cangye Kingdom prince, he didn’t have more of a right to speak than a 17-year-old genius? No matter how talented Ye Futian was, Ye Xiao was the future owner of the kingdom. He left, walking to the Noble Grotto without looking at Ye Futian.

Ye Futian didn’t really mind Ye Xiao’s attitude. Emperor Ye had saved him and he would remember that. If Ye Xiao was willing to be friends, he would do so willingly. But Ye Xiao and Ye Danchen were all the same to him. They were both Emperor Ye’s children and he didn’t want to get into the fight for the throne.

But Ye Xiao had made the boundaries clear since the start, seeing Ye Futian as an enemy and part of Ye Danchen’s group. He was too calculative, probably due to being born into royalty. This backfired on him.

“What do you mean?” Ye Futian stared at Lin Yueyao. What does this have to do with me?

Lin Yueyao looked wronged and innocent. She whispered, “Then what do you want me to say?”

Right now, Lin Yueyao’s eyes are so powerful, Ye Futian thought as he looked at her. Was she conquered by his charm?

“It’s not good to be so talented,” Ye Futian sighed as he looked away. Lin Yueyao stared at him unblinkingly. This guy was so conceited.

“What’s so special about the Noble Grotto?” Ye Futian asked Yun Xiaomo. He didn’t mention Ye Xiao. It was a small thing to him.

“The powerful intent contained in the Noble Grotto will press down on anyone that gets close. It gets stronger and stronger as you go. If you cast some power to resist it, the grotto will retaliate with the same element,” Yun Qianmo said, looking at the majestic Noble Grotto. “You can only receive the chance to transform the power attacking you into fate if you can endure the powerful pressure. Then you can walk to the corridor and sense the artistic conception at a close distance.”

Hearing that, Ye Futian looked up at the corridor. Two figures sat there cross-legged and cultivated with their eyes closed. Only two people were in the huge grotto. They were extremely brilliant. The two shone brightly and their fate shook violently.

At this moment, Ye Futian saw Ye Xiao walk towards the Noble Grotto. Instantly, the shimmering light of the grotto turned into formless power that rushed towards Ye Xiao. Extremely powerful sword intent burst from Ye Xiao. It wrapped around him and he forced himself forward. At that moment, Ye Futian could clearly feel a mysterious pressure come from the grotto. It was like a god’s power. It rushed at Ye Xiao, transforming into sword intent as well.

Ye Futian couldn’t help but operate Freedom Meditation. He discovered that the pressure came from several statues in the grotto. The statues contained sword intent—the same elemental intent that Yun Qianmo had said.

As the elder prince of the Cangye Kingdom, he was naturally more talented than others. Not only was he a swordsman in training, he was also a Spiritual Elemental sorcerer. All royalty, even Ye Wuchen, actually focused on the Spiritual Elemental and minored in swordsmanship. They were extremely powerful.

He continued forward, resisting the sword pressure. Ye Xiao continuously approached the grotto, not stopping until he was 13 steps away.

“These are known as the 13 Steps of Death,” Yun Qianmo said. “The intent attacks multiply and will even truly injure the person. The geniuses are all stopped within these thirteen steps. In fact, you can gain something from each step.”

Ye Futian nodded. The Freedom Meditation was operating at top speed. The grotto’s intent slowed down in his eyes as it attacked Ye Xiao.

Boom! Ye Xiao stepped forward forcefully. His sword aura cut through everything. There seemed to be a violent windstorm. Powerful waves swirled like tidal waves. The first waves were forced back. It grew stronger and screamed as it came for Ye Xiao.

It’s not enough to only cultivate martial arts and not Spiritual power because pure martial artists can’t enter this grotto, Ye Futian thought. As Ye Xiao made his second step, the aura grew stronger.

At the third step, the sword aura filled the sky. Ye Xiao stopped. He brandished his sword again. Sword intent blanketed him, enveloping his body, transforming into an extremely strong shield. He stepped again but similar pressure transformed into a sword, sweeping towards him. It destroyed everything and fell upon Ye Xiao. There were sizzling sounds. Ye Xiao flew out and kept retreating. He looked pathetic and was even bleeding.

“Prince!” The Cangye Kingdom’s people walked over but Ye Xiao waved his hand. He looked embarrassed; he only made three steps.

“Every step is like a limit. You have to keep overcoming your limits,” Ye Futian muttered.

“Genius, are you going to try?” Someone giggled. Li Lianyi looked at Ye Futian from the near distance.

“The Noble Grotto is different from the Cang Mountain Relic,” Liu Yuan said.

Many talents had come to the grotto and tried but only those two could reach the corridor. They’d spent a lot of time trying too.

“The Cang Mountain Relic is enlightenment but the Noble Grotto relies more on your own intent power and strong cultivation talent,” Mo Fan, the pride of the Qianmeng area. He also walked over.

The two sitting in the corridor after the 13 Steps of Death were the top talents of the Qianmeng area. At this time, two more figures appeared in the air and descended.

“Yun Qianmo,” one called. She looked over and saw Yang Ziqi, the senior brother who’d humiliated her yesterday.

The one beside Yang Ziqi had his hair tied up. He had a sharp aura. Seeing him, Yun Qianmo called, “Senior Brother Zhao.”

Zhao Han. Everyone looked up at him. Zhao Han was the top disciple of the Sword Clan. He was extremely talented and had once made ten of the Thirteen Steps of Death. He only had three more steps left so it was obvious how powerful he was.

Zhao Han looked at Yun Qianmo and said, “Junior Sister Yun, I’m very disappointed.”

No matter what, Yun Qianmo’s actions had disgraced the Sword Clan. After all, she was a top disciple.

“Senior Brother, I…” Yun Qianmo wasn’t as cold as she was to Yang Ziqi. Zhao Han was respected and extraordinarily talented. He was the leader of their generation. Everyone respected him.

Zhao Han didn’t reply. He looked to Ye Futian.

“You have high comprehension abilities to be able to comprehend all four sides of the Cang Mountain Relic. I heard that the Sword Clan offended you first so you made Yun Qianmo your servant,” Zhao Han said.

He continued, “Since she agreed, I’ll give you a chance. If you can beat me at the Noble Grotto today, I’ll let Yun Qianmo cultivate with you. The Sword Clan won’t bother you anymore. If you can’t beat me but still dared to take our disciple as a servant,” Zhao Han said coldly, “then die.”

The cold words revealed an undeniable message. Beside them, Yang Ziqi sneered. Zhao Han was so talented. He’d once made ten of the Thirteen Steps of Death. Barely any of their generation could do that.

Ye Futian would definitely die today.

So domineering. Everyone chuckled after hearing Zhao Han’s words. With his abilities, he was qualified to say that. He gave Ye Futian a chance. If Ye Futian won, he would have the right to take the Sword Clan’s pride as a servant. If not, he would die.