Chapter 236: Disturbance In The Night
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
The night was dark.
Within Madam Ya's compounds, only Xu Que was capable of sneaking in as there were many powerful guards standing outside the spell, preventing anyone from entering or leaving. However, to Xu Que, these guards were nothing.
He wore his Human Skinned Mask and once again, he took on the face of Hu Ge who was known as Li Bai.
Just when Xu Que walked over to Madam Ya's room and was about to knock, he actually heard strange sounds coming out from beyond the door. When he heard this, his entire body trembled in excitement.
"Fuck me now! Is Madam Ya… thinking about me? She's actually thinking of me deep in the night, when she's alone on the bed…"
Hearing such sounds caused Xu Que to be extremely shaken.
He initially planned on walking in casually. However, he's hesitating now.
Then he saw that faint yellow candle lights could be seen from the side of the room.
Xu Que was rather curious at this point!
"Let's talk about this later on. I wish to see if Madam Ya has 'missed' me…" As he spoke, Xu Que walked over to the windows by the side of her room.
It was lucky for him that this window was nicely placed in such a way that her bedside could be seen through it.
After crossing over to the other side, Xu Que gazed through the windows and saw the shadow of Madam Ya's slim and petite figure resting on the bed. Her breathing was ragged and she was mildly panting. Just seeing this was enough to cause every single cell on Xu Que's body to stand on its edge.
"Fuck me! This little temptress. Why isn't she sleeping properly so late at night and was instead calling out my name? Even for someone as gentlemanly as myself also finds it hard to control one's self!"
Xu Que's was already feeling extremely hot and flustered. In actual fact, Xu Que was anything but someone who followed the rules. His hands started acting dishonestly as he looked at the windows.
The windows were made up of small pieces of wood forming a cross and paper was used to fill the four corners. When Xu Que saw this, he recalled how the people on T.V. shows wet their fingers with saliva before poking through the paper. This was especially done when people needed to spy on their enemies!
At this point it, was important for him to spy on the current situation of the enemy and investigate what the subject, Madam Ya, is up to for he was sure it was something bad.
"Wa taaaaaaa…" Pointing out a pair of fingers, he licked them before poking them fiercely at the pieces of paper by the window that's obscuring his vision.
Png!
A soft sound vibrated in his ears. It was then that Xu Que realized that those television shows all depict fucking fake scenes!
Who the hell said that window paper could be poked through easily with a wet finger?
Madam Ya's fragrant scented window paper were anything but inferior quality goods. Even if Xu Que were to poke it till his fingers broke, it wouldn't ever tear.
"Fuck me! What's going on? You won't tear after getting poked? I don't believe this… I'm going to poke till I tear you…"
As an Act Tough King, Xu Que had always felt like nothing could hold him back. And yet this piece of paper refused to tear?
It's just a thin layer of paper!
Nothing more than a thin membrane!
Don't you dare obstruct the Act Tough King from getting his way!
Since you have the audacity to stand in the Act Tough King's way, be prepared to face utter annihilation!
Hence, Xu Que withdrew his hands and clenched his fists… before unclenching his fists as he started to peel the piece of paper away from the windowpane. Then he gently lifted the entire pane aside.
"Heheh! Why did you have to make life so difficult for me? All I had to do was to remove you away. What can you do about it?"
Chi ya!
Xu Que completely took apart a portion of the window panel!
At this point, a fragrant and aromatic smell filled his nostrils.
This was the floral scent of a woman and it had intoxicated him!
Under the dim lights of the flickering candles, Madam Ya was wearing a thin, sheer blue sleeping gown. Her eyes were shut as her legs were rubbing itself on the sheets of her bed. Her entire body was covered in a thin layer of sweat, as her lips opened before closing as if she was mumbling…
"So it wasn't that Madam Ya realized that I had came. Instead, she was… Dreaming! Why did she see me even in her dreams? Ai… That's quite normal. After all, I'm so refined and elegant. It's no wonder that Madam Ya is in love with me! And no wonder the dog Emperor would lock her up like this."
Just a simple jump was enough for Xu Que to leap through the missing window pane and enter the room. His movements were agile and deft, ensuring that nobody around realized what he had done. Soon after, he added another layer of protective spell around the area which would prevent noises from leaking out.
However, despite how quiet Xu Que had been, he still managed to wake Madam Ya from her slumber.
"Mister… Mister Li? Is that really you?" Madam Ya's eyes were half opened as she looked at Xu Que and asked aloud.
As soon as she realized that it was truly him and that she wasn't dreaming, she jumped up awake in astonishment.
She was just dreaming about him and now…
Could this still be a dream?
What if, this was truly a dream?
Then, she wouldn't have to be so wary and cautious anymore!
Madam Ya stretched herself as her face blushed a deep shade of red. She then tucked her legs to herself before extending an arm to touch Xu Que, who was now seated on the bed. With a certain tone of false anger, she spoke, "Mister Li, I thought I would never get to see you ever again…"
"Don't worry Madam. Am I not here now?"
At this point, Madam Ya's behavior was completely different from how she had been during the banquet. She had lost all her authoritative air and now felt like a young lady who was extremely shy and filled with desire.
Madam Ya who resembled an extremely ripe and juicy peach hanging from the tree was the object of most men's desire. If anyone saw her in this state, it would be hard for them to control themselves.
Who was Xu Que?
He's the Act Tough King!
Most men wouldn't be able to control themselves but Xu Que was different. At such a time, the only thing in his head was… Why did he have to control himself?
He extended a hand to hold Madam Ya's waist and pulled her over. At last, his hands finally touched her mature skin.
"Oh..."
As soon as Xu Que touched Madam Ya, her body let out an involuntary shiver as she started panting and her breathing became ragged.
"Mister Li…"
Madam Ya was about to speak but Xu Que stretched a hand out and placed a finger to her lips, "Don't call me mister Li. This would affect the mood…"
"Then… What should I call…"
"Call me official sir!"
As soon as Xu Que said this, his arms tightened around her as he lifted her up and placed her back down on the bed.
Light. She's so light.
Madam Ya was slender and soft as though she had no bones beneath the smooth skin of hers. Her weight almost felt like she could be blown away by the wind!
The expression of intense desire could be seen across her face. It was obvious that she was doing this so that Xu Que could appear masculine and… tough.
"Official sir, from today onwards, you shall be my official sir..." Madam Ya who still thought that this was all just a dream had placed aside her identity as the Princess of the Fire Nation. Before Xu Que, she was just a hot blooded and passionate young lady. Both her hands reached out to grab Xu Que's neck. At that moment, she felt like the most blessed girl in the world.
Her lips parted into an innocent smile!
Her eyes exhibited the amount of happiness and bliss in her heart, something that she had never experienced in her entire life.
As the oldest daughter of the previous Fire Emperor, her fate had always been a "wife to the Fire God". This meant that she had to preserve herself and remain single her entire life. This was such a tortuous and difficult thing to do as a woman!
Whenever the nights were long and lonely, the only thing that Madam Ya had been able to rely on for comfort and solace were the poems composed by the outstanding students of the nation.
However, whenever the poems were on the topic of passion or love, Madam Ya could feel the loss deep within her heart and her loneliness became more pronounced.
Up till the person before her eyes showed up, her only companion had been loneliness. This young mister Li was extremely talented and had recited numerous amazing poems with just a few steps. The one she remembered the most was, "While others are teasing my madness, I am laughing at their short-sightedness!"
Such a talented and brilliant individual, standing in the middle of other average students, young mister Li had been outstanding. She had been in awe of him ever since the banquet and she's shuddering at how talented her was.
And now, this person was right here before her eyes. Everything felt like a surreal dream and Madam Ya couldn't distinguish reality from dreams. "Official sir, I..." Madam Ya bit her lips, as though she was unsure of what to do.
Indeed, Xu Que used his finger and thumb to gently grip her chin. He then smiled slyly before using a gentle voice to speak, "Don't say anything. Just kiss me!"
Chapter 237: Breaking The Fire God's Protection
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Kiss?
Asking her to initiate a kiss?
Madam Ya had never seen anything like this before!
Of course, she had never been so close and intimate with any other scholar before.
Many of those students were always filled with desire and lust whenever they saw her. However, nobody had dared to be this direct with her.
Hence, when Xu Que said this, Madam Ya was taken aback as well.
Still, Madam Ya felt like she was in a dream and didn't have much to worry about. She closed her eyes and mustered her courage before leaning forward and planting a kiss on Xu Que's lips.
Passion!
Gentleness!
Strength!
Being around him made her feel warm, safe and secure.
Could it be… that this was how it felt to kiss a man?
It's no wonder that so many women would lose sleep because of something like this!
It was such a shame that after so many years, she had been sleeping alone on a large bed and she had never experienced anything as sweet as this. The only time she was exempted from such feelings was when she dreamt.
'So soft! Madam Ya's little lips are truly different from those of other women!'
When Xu Que felt Madam Ya kissing his lips, he too felt something extraordinary.
However, he could also feel Madam Ya's nervousness and lack of experience. She was even shuddering slightly when she kissed him.
All of a sudden, Xu Que thought about how the dog Emperor had sealed her here, forbidding her to leave. He then thought about how she was subjected to a lifetime of loneliness, since she had to remain pure for the dogshit Fire God. Xu Que felt that such a practice of condemning a woman to singlehood by force was an intolerable one. Something that he couldn't stand.
He truly couldn't stand it. He had to go and rescue Madam Ya even if it meant giving up his own body while doing so!
That's right! In order to destroy the protection and blessing of the Fire God, all he had to do was to break… Madam Ya's purity!
Thinking this way, Xu Que's eyes gleamed.
Since he knew that this is needed in order to destroy the entire Fire Nation, he realized that he didn't have much choice but to sacrifice his noble self for the greater good!
However, when he saw the gentle and charming smile which lingered across Madam Ya's face, Xu Que suddenly recalled his purpose here. The reason he had broken into her compounds was to make her shed tears!
With that reason, he would have to make her cry. But why was he making Madam Ya laugh now?
'This cannot do. Making her laugh meant that the mission was failing. How can I just care about my own pleasure and forsake the mission?'
But how should he make her cry?
Could it be to… make her cry while sleeping with her?
No, no, no, the Act Tough King is a true gentleman!
Although Xu Que knew that he could make her cry from how good he was, doing something like this was too vicious and lowdown and he shouldn't even consider this.
But to fulfill a mission like this, he had to have a certain domineering approach to this while acting tough!
His head could break and his blood could leak, but he must never forsake his toughness!
He raised his head gently and turned to the side. It was then that he noticed a musical instrument by the side of Madam Ya's bed. It was a pipa and an idea formed in his head.
Since Madam Ya had always enjoyed talented individuals and she had a deep appreciation for good lyrics, that was how he was going to accomplish the mission.
When the idea had formed in his head, Xu Que gently extricated himself from Madam Ya before speaking gently to her, "How can we not have music at such a setting? I wonder if Madam Ya would agree if you played the pipa while I sing to it? I shall create an ambience and compose a song for you. How about that?"
"Official sir, I shall obey your commands!" Madam Ya spoke out, knowing how Xu Que was very talented.
All he had to do was open his mouth and streams of brilliant poems could flow from it. A step was all that was needed to compose poems which had never been heard in thousands of years. Madam Ya then flipped herself off the bed and took the pipa in her embrace. She then asked, "Does the official want something with a fast beat or a slow beat?"
"Slow beat. You should accompany the beat of my qin…" As soon as Xu Que said this, he whipped out his qin from the system inventory and started strumming to the famous Pipa Tune.
At the same time, Madam Ya's eyes opened wide as she started playing her pipa as well, accompany Xu Que's instrument. As she pricked her ears to hear, she harmonized perfectly and in sync with his qin.
Xu Que exhaled deeply as he started singing.
"At night, by the Xunyang River to a guest, we bid farewell. With autumn chills, maple leaves and reed flowers fell.
On the boat was the guest, on a horse arrived the host. Alas there was no music; still we raised cups for a toast,
Drunk without joy; in sadness we had to say goodbye. The river was misty then, reflecting the moon up high.
Suddenly across the water came the sound of pipa. The host forgot to leave and the guest didn't depart.
Towards the sound in the darkness we inquired about the player. The playing stopped but the player hesitated to answer…"
The lyrics were paired very naturally with Xu Que's high voice as he sang. The sounds of the pipa and the qin caused the story to almost come alive before their eyes.
"To ask the musician to join us, we moved our boat closer. Adding wine and brightening lamps, we resumed the dinner.
Only after many pleas did she come out of her place, still holding the pipa that shadowed half of her face."
When the line 'still holding the pipa that shadowed half of her face' was sang, Xu Que looked right into Madam Ya's eyes.
Madam Ya was taken aback by this as well, as she inadvertently took the role of the female lead in the story.
She was rather curious as well. Xu Que sang this beautiful song as though he had a purpose. A story to tell her.
"She plucked the strings and turned the pegs to tune. Even before the music started, we already felt boon."
Her notes were restrained but full of sentiment as if she was voicing her lifelong disappointment.
The bass strings rumbled like thunderstorms pelting. The treble strings rustled like lovers whispering.
Rumbling and rustling interwove at a fast rate, like large and small pearls falling on a jade plate.
...
"Yet a dark and gloomy feeling had grown. At this moment, silence eclipsed any sound."
In each stanza, Xu Que's lyrics and songs were already brilliant but were made better by the sounds of their instruments playing together. Just hearing the lyrics would be enough to dampen anyone's mood for it was such a sad song. The line 'at this moment, silence eclipsed any sound' was particularly effective!
She said that the capital was originally her home. She lived in the neighborhood of the ancient tombs.
An accomplished pipa player at the age of thirteen, she was with the music school and on the elite team.
Over the years, she indulged herself in pleasure and feast. Autumn moon and spring breeze were noticed the least.
Then her brother enlisted and her aunt was deceased. As time went on, her beauty gradually decreased.
Fewer and fewer carriages stopped by her door. Finally, she married a merchant when a youth no more.
The merchant was profit-minded, always on the road. He went to Fuliang to buy tea two months ago.
…
"In this uncaring world we are two wretched drifters, treasuring this encounter even though we're strangers..."
The beautiful chords and tune was played to emphasize the sorrowful story. A pipa playing lady didn't have a choice but to marry the merchant. This further reiterated Madam Ya's loneliness and sadness in the depths of her heart.
The pipa lady married the merchant, who only cared about profits but was never around and flourished at her expense…
Wasn't this a representation of how the Fire Emperor married her off to the Fire God as a sacrifice? He benefited from this but sacrificed her life and happiness.
There are way too many pitiful women in this world!
And most of these women were often oppressed by the same means. Thinking up to this point, Madam Ya was already teary eyed. Before long, tears started to stream down her cheeks.
Xu Que was also sighing out incessantly. He never thought that the song which he plagiarized would also affect him as much as it had affected Madam Ya.
He saw that Madam Ya was tearing but didn't make any attempts to console her. This was because the song had said 'In this moment, silence eclipsed any sound'. Hence, he remained quiet while he secretly collected her tears.
Madam Ya then slowly placed the pipa down and looked at Xu Que. The line 'In this uncaring world we are two wretched drifters, treasuring this encounter even though we're strangers' echoed in her mind.
Also, Madam Ya still felt like this was still inside her surreal dream. Maybe it was only in her dreams that this unobtainable and multi-talented Li Bai could become so bold and brazen to personally come down here and accompany her?
Since it was just a dream, why should she care so much then?
Why should she worry about the Fire God?
Why should she care about the well-being of the nation?
Why should she care about the protection of the Fire God?
Everything… disappear!
She then stood up and walked towards Xu Que before she allowed her robes and every inch of clothing on her body to fall off, completely exposing every bit of her body to Xu Que.
"Official sir, it's time we took a break…"
The warm and gentle tone in her voice was coupled with a certain insistence as she pushed Xu Que gently onto the bed.
Chapter 238: The Arrival Of The Water Empress!
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
"Ah! Official sir…"
The entire room was filled with gentle shouts and scented smells.
Xu Que had never expected himself to ever be shoved so violently this way before. Are you kidding? You dare to push me? Let me show you the powers of the little Act Tough King who managed to do it seven times in one night!
"Tah! Eat my rod!"
Xu Que overturned the situation as he decided to be more forceful and dominant. Soon after, the sounds of Madam Ya's soft moans could be heard…
This was a night where the naughty acts of love making was accomplished!
All the injustice and unfairness which Madam Ya kept to herself over the past few decades of her life was finally released all at one go tonight.
This night, the blessings and protection of the Fire God upon the Fire Nation which had been around for thousands of years, was finally broken!
When morning arrived, drops of rain landed gently outside the windows and onto the lush green grass. Xu Que opened his eyes, feeling immensely satisfied. It's been a long time since he last slept so peacefully.
He looked at Madam Ya who was cradled in his arms and couldn't help but recall the crazy night he had. Who would've expected that the pipa along with the song he played would be so effective because of his Four Star Musician talent?
Madam Ya was supposed to be married off to the Fire God. Just thinking about this fact made Xu Que pause in shock. Did he just make a cuckold out of the Fire God?
However, when he saw that time was passing by quickly, he realized that he had something important to do today. He had already gathered the tears from Madam Ya and… had to settle scores with the dog Emperor. He wanted to capture the Fire Emperor and extract his damned blood.
"Sleep peacefully! When you do wake up, everything will no longer be the same!"
He then gently touched Madam Ya's pitiful looking face as Xu Que slowly got up. He wore his clothes and felt a sense of reluctance in leaving Madam Ya's residence.
However, as the Act Tough King of this generation, how could he possibly not do what he has to over his feelings for a woman?
Acting tough was the only career in this life which one was able to make it big.
Xu Que stuck out his chest and walked out of Madam Ya's room proudly.
At this point, the sun was shining brightly down upon the lands. The green grass and colorful flowers were in full bloom. It was a good day.
Xu Que walked to the exit of Madam Ya's domains and was about to gather his soul strength so as to walk through the protective spells, when he overheard two men having a conversation.
When he turned his head to look, he saw a pair of Original Infant guards. They are squating down beside the door and was probably guarding it to ensure that nobody would come or leave this area. They were also speaking very loudly.
"We've had so many problems as of late. First, the Prince Consort returned for revenge. Next, the Heavenly Explosion Faction decided to rob the Imperial Tombs!"
"This was probably thoroughly planned out. Do you remember who showed up before the Prince Consort did? It was Li Bai. This Heavenly Explosion Faction is quite a big deal. Everyone of their disciples are so powerful and heroic!"
"And yet their talents were of much use. After the Emperor gave the decree to seek Li Bai out, he vanished into thin air. Even the Prince Consort has disappeared. Today, Zhang Qi Ling entered the Imperial Tombs. It seems like he's most likely dead as well!"
"That's true. Looks like the cost of disgracing the Fire Emperor was to lose a disciple and the other two have probably fled into exile!"
"But today is the day the Water Empress will visit our city. Hence, the security is very tight throughout the entire city. It's probably out of fear that one of these disciples from the Heavenly Explosion Faction would show up today and cause trouble!"
"But that's not likely. Even the commoners had been ordered not to leave their houses. Even the merchants and people selling food down by the streets are all imperial guards in disguise!"
"That's a shame. Seems like we won't have any chance of meeting the Empress. It's been said that she is both beautiful and intimidating at the same time, with all the elegance of an Empress!"
"Haha! But if anyone from Heavenly Explosion Faction decides to come today to cause problems, they would almost certainly be trapped and would find it hard to flee!"
"That's for sure. When that happens, the Empress had to act in defense of the Fire Nation. Along with our Emperor, even 10 Xu Ques won't be of any use!"
The pair of the Imperial Guards were by the side laughing and sniggering.
Xu Que glared at them before walking past them from behind. He had a cold smile etched on his face, "Is that so? 10 Xu Ques wouldn't be of any use?"
"Eh?"
"Who are you?"
Both the imperial guards' faces fell as they turned around swiftly.
Xu Que didn't even waste time speaking. He punched both of them squarely in the face without a second's hesitation!
"Pow pow!"
These Imperial Guards didn't even have a chance to react and fell to the ground, knocked unconscious.
If he was an ordinary cultivator, doing something like that was impossible. However, Xu Que had already acquired two different elements and channeled both to full completion. His physical body was extremely tough so the force from these punches was extremely powerful and was equivalent to a very strong spell.
The force from these punches felt like two mountains crashing down on their faces. It was also fortunate for these guards that they were of the Original Infant Stage. If not, their brains would probably have exploded!
"What Water Empress or Fire Emperor? Whichever monarch comes, I shall claim them all the same way!"
Xu Que clapped his hands once and glared at the pair of unconscious guards sternly. Just as he was about to step over their bodies, he saw a flash of light. When he looked closely, he realized that it was the reflection of a pair of command tiles hanging from their waists.
Guards will be disguised as merchants?
"Hehe... this is going to be fun!" Xu Que laughed as he waved a hand in the air. Instantly, both their command tiles were sucked into his palms.
Soon after, he conjured several spells and took of the imperial guard's uniform and wore it. He then used his core water energy and formed a water snake, bounding them both. He then lifted the pair of them and dumped them into a storage room.
Before he left, he even decided to add another enchantment to ensure that nobody would find them and it would also prevent them from escaping.
When he had finished all this, Xu Que transformed his appearance into that of an Imperial Guard. The tile which he wore on his waist had the word "Ban" on it. As he walked, it swung and hit his legs.
However, he still had to spend another 20 act tough points in order to alter his appearance.
He purchased a normal Human Skinned Mask and equipped it. At this point, he realized that he no longer looked handsome or charming. Instead, he wore a very normal face!
As he walked along the streets, he realized that everywhere was empty and quiet.
The entire population of commoners were expressly forbidden from leaving their homes. The Imperial City thus looked unusually empty!
However, along the main road leading up to the city was a completely different sight. This road was very broad and was filled with lively sounds. Lanterns were hung along the sides of the streets.
This was the large road which the Water Empress would be welcomed on.
Many hawkers and stall keepers were running their usual businesses and canvassing for sales. Several Imperial Guards were also patrolling the area.
Most of the people present had looks of excitement and eagerness on their faces. It was like they weren't in the least worried that someone from Heavenly Explosion Faction would show up!
There was another group of people around who had cautious looks across their faces. They examined their surroundings regularly, afraid that troublemakers would show up and expose their rouse.
Xu Que looked at these group of people and laughed out mockingly. "This dog Emperor really knows how to have fun. He actually gathered a group of Imperial Guards and made them stall keepers and merchants. I wonder what technique he used to hide all their cultivation levels. Was he waiting for me to show up before springing a surprise on me?"
Xu Que had to admit that this was quite a good plan.
Each of these fake merchants and stall keepers were all of the Original Infant Stage and were experienced fighters. Concealing their cultivation levels and making them appear to be normal civilians was a very good plan, for most cultivators won't even spare a second glance at civilians, and wouldn't expect them to be able to fight. If something were to happen here, these merchants would immediately spring into action.
Thankfully, Xu Que had seen through the ploys and was smiling in happiness. He was trying to find an opportunity to join up with the rest of the Imperial Guards!
Right at this point, one of the Imperial Guard leaders turned to look at Xu Que and walked over. He was frowning as he spoke, "Hey, you! Why are you daydreaming? Come over here. We need two more people as merchants. You and I would have to play the part. Go and get dressed."
As soon as he finished speaking, the leader then handed a roughspun tunic to Xu Que. He then pointed at a stall selling pork, "You shall pretend to sell pork later on."
Fuck.
Xu Que opened his eyes wide as if to say, "I'm such a good looking lad and you actually assigned me a position as a butcher?"
However, when he touched his face which bore the Human Skinned Mask, Xu Que then turned around and started changing into his outfit. He grabbed a butcher's knife and walked over to his post.
It wasn't because he felt that this mask he donned resembled a butcher. The reason he went along with the plan was because he wanted to find a way to have fun with the Fire Emperor and play along with his games.
"You diguised your guards as merchants to trick me? Heheh... then I shall pretend to be a merchant and kill you! This seems like a good plan!"
Xu Que was now disguised as a butcher and hid in the crowd, waiting for the appearance of the Fire Emperor and humiliate him once again with his own plan!
Come on, quickly come then, you dumb Fire Emperor!
My butcher's blade is getting impatient to have a taste of your blood!
Your ancestors are also excited for you to meet me that they're all dancing in excitement!
The more Xu Que thought about what was to happen, the more excited he became. This was a great acting tough opportunity!
"Wnggggg!"
Right at this point, the sound of a horn blared out from the city gates.
Everyone turned their heads to look across.
A eunuch was riding on horseback as he entered the city. He was holding tightly onto the reins as he shouted, "The arrival of the Water Empress along with the magnificent Fire Emperor!"
Chapter 239: Discussing Life
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Boom!
An entire calvary of soldiers which emanated boundless of majestic and powerful auras strode into the city on horseback. Their might and power was almost palpable.
Following closely behind, under the heavy protection of thousands of armed soldiers, was a woman dressed in light blue dragon embroidered robe. This woman rode atop a flying water sword with her hands crossed behind her back. She had an air of majestic nobility around her and her face revealed a radiant smile. It was almost as if she was the goddess of the earth and heaven with her resplendent mannerisms.
Under such glorious splendor, there was a very discernable might and authority wafting out from her. As the water sword beneath her feet glided across, everyone raised their heads to get a better glimpse of her. They all felt as though the entire world could be trampled under her magnificent feet.
This was the Water Empress, a fabled and legendary figure known throughout the entire cultivation world. She was also the only female monarch amongst the five nations!
Indeed, as Xu Que turned his head to look, he was stumped!
Water Empress?
She's the Water Empress? Fuck me!
"How's the possible?" Xu Que exclaimed involuntarily.
The Water Empress who was heavily guarded was actually the woman whom he had met atop the Soul Tower!
That woman who he found extremely hard to forget after all these while!
Recalling back to the first time he met her within the Soul Tower, his first impression of her was that this was a woman who could only ever be fucked by Gods.
She was way too composed and calm, as though she could never be antagonized or angered. She would always remain noble and benevolent, just like an old and amiable senior towards his subordinates.
She had a face that could easily overturn nations and her otherworldly figure makes her seem like a goddess who didn't belong in this world. She was perfect.
There was a faint glow around her body which seemed to be made of water elements. Just looking at her once would almost ensure that she would remain unforgotten for eternity!
Xu Que was still reeling from shock.
If he were to guess the status of this woman back then, he would've thought that she was a powerful figure of the Sky Incense Valley, maybe an elder at most. After all, she was of the Infant Transformation Stage. It was perfectly normal for her to hold such a lofty status!
He would never have imagined that this woman would actually be the legendary Water Empress!
If only we met each other just once in this lifetime!
The woman who could only be fucked by gods was actually the Water Empress!
Xu Que shook his head in regret and didn't have any plans to reveal his identity. He was clear of his intention to act against the Fire Emperor and won't give that up ever!
And if the Water Empress decides to help the Fire Emperor, he still wouldn't show any mercy!
Because as the Act Tough King, he needs to stick by his own principles and acting tough codes.
When one starts to act tough, he has to see it through!
"Welcome Water Empress! Long live Water Empress, long live!"
Many merchants and street side stall keepers, along with the patrolling guards were all shouting in jubilation!
Their cheers were ear piercing as if it could shoot through the clouds and skies.
They were cheering and shouting from within their hearts since everyone had long revered the mystical Water Empress and were guessing how she would look like.
Today, they finally had a chance to see for themselves and they were all astounded.
Ay that moment, the Water Empress, Hong Yan, was deeply stirred. Ripples formed across her heart, causing her to palpitate.
"He's here too?"
Her heart was filled with amazement. She could finally sense his presence. The young mister Hua who impressed her and made her feel something no other man had managed to do.
When Xu Que escaped from the Soul Tower, the Water Empress Hong Yan managed to place a talisman on him. Even though Xu Que had already removed the talisman from his physical body, it left a mark on him. Hence as soon as Hong Yan entered the Imperial City, she could feel the presence of this mark around.
In spite of this, the only change in her expression was in her eyes, which revealed a subtle astonished look. The rest of her face remained the same as she scanned the large crowd before her, hoping to get a glimpse of him.
The Water Empress was certain that this young mister Hua Wu Que was nearby.
As she continued streaming deeper into the city along the broad streets and to the awestruck faces of the people around, the Water Empress could feel the pulsating mark becoming stronger and stronger.
Her calmness and composure had never left her and she had always been in control of her emotions. At this point however, her heart was fluttering.
She was filled with anticipation and excitement. If only she could meet that interesting young man again, would there be more excitement and intrigue in her life?
"Eh?" As she passed a pair of merchants on both sides, the Water Empress froze in her tracks.
Soon after, her lips parted into a sweet smile.
She found him!
Just a short distance away from him, right in front of the pork selling counter. That butcher with a normal looking face who was clutching onto a butcher's cleaver, was radiating with the mark she had planted all those months ago.
"Hua Wu Que, I've finally found you!" The Water Empress was giggling hysterically deep within her heart.
Even though Xu Que's face had changed, the Water Empress could spot him and see right through his disguise at once. This was because she could recognize those glistening eyes. A person's appearances could be altered, but his eyes can never deceive!
"For the eyes are the windows to a person's soul!"
The Water Empress laughed out inside once again when she recalled the words Xu Que had spoken to her in the Soul Tower!
Indeed, Xu Que had been trying to court her then and had used a method which he learnt from the internet. He said something about both parties staring into each other's eyes for ten seconds in order to generate romantic feelings between each other. Then, he had said that the eyes were windows to a person's soul.
He probably couldn't remember it now but the Water Empress could recall every word he said. Indeed, every single action or word spoken by him had been etched deeply in the recesses of her memories.
At this point, the Water Empress had completely stopped moving, causing everyone around to feel rather bewildered, as a look of suspicion crept up over their faces.
Why did the Water Empress stop moving?
Could it be that we've done something wrong?
That's not right. We did everything according to the instructions of the Fire Emperor. Nothing went wrong. According to the information on the Water Empress, she adores the common folks and enjoys being near them. This also means that she's probably not objecting to these merchants being near her.
At the next moment, the Water Empress' actions caused everyone no small amount of astonishment.
She actually got off her flying water sword and walked over to a merchant standing by the side. She then picked up some ear accessories and looked at the female Imperial Guard who had disguised herself as a merchant and asked, "How much for this accessory?"
"Gulp… Ten… Ten coins!"
"I want this!" The Water Empress then took out ten coins and placed it gently down on the counter before taking the accessories along with her.
Soon after, under the bewildered expressions of everyone around, she walked towards the next stall.
Everyone around were stumped.
She's actually buying items and even took out money to purchase it!
"This…"
The few old eunuchs who were in charge of welcoming her into the Fire Nation were also shocked by her actions.
However, nobody around dared to speak and everything fell into deep silence. Their eyes were focused on this Water Empress as she moved from one stall to the next.
Xu Que didn't pay much attention to the Water Empress as well. Instead, he threw a glance towards the Imperial Palace, wondering why the dog Fire Emperor haven't showed up yet.
Everything around was still silent as he paused in shock. When he turned his head back, he realized that the Water Empress was actually shopping here!
Fuck me, this woman has also learnt how to act tough?
Xu Que was rather joyous to realize that she was acting tough by acting unconventionally as well.
At the next moment, after the Water Empress had purchased several normal looking handkerchiefs, she walked towards his stall, causing Xu Que to be taken aback.
What the... I'm actually selling pork meat. Why do you have to come to my stall?
Xu Que was in utter disbelief, unable to tell what this Water Empress was trying to do.
The Water Empress walked over to him, her face was filled with smiles as she glanced down at the few pieces of meat on his chopping board. She then asked gently, "The meat looks good. How's business?"
"Gulp, it's alright!" Xu Que replied embarrassingly. He felt like she had seen right through his disguise and was playing along with him.
"How much meat have you sold today?" The Empress asked again.
Xu Que touched the tip of his nose, "I didn't manage to make a single sale!"
"Why is that?"
"Because you have come into the Imperial City and the commoners aren't allowed to leave their homes." Xu Que replied without hesitation.
Everyone opened their eyes in shock. Fuck! What was this kid doing? Why was he being so honest?
女帝却并未在意,仿佛早已知晓,依旧看着徐缺,淡笑道:"那...我买2斤!"
The Water Empress didn't seem to mind, for she had expected this as well. She looked at Xu Que and smiled before speaking, "Alright, I shall take two kilograms!"
"不卖."徐缺直接拒绝了.
"Not for sale!" Xu Que rejected her flat.
全场众人眼皮猛地一跳,这家伙到底怎么回事?水皇要买肉你就卖啊,讲这么多话干什么?
Everyone around felt their eyelids twitch. What on earth is wrong with this guy? The Water Empress wanted to buy meat, why was he speaking so much?
"为什么?"女帝脸上依旧带着颇有深意的淡笑.
"Why not?" The Water Empress looked at him, clearly intrigued as she laughed out.
徐缺撇了撇嘴,真装起了杀猪佬,应道:"因为你没来的时候每斤200文钱,你来了之后,每斤只能卖20文,我卖一斤就得亏180文,卖两斤得亏360文,所以你还是快走吧,去别的摊位看看."
Xu Que wiped his mouth with his sleeves, acting like a true coarse butcher, he replied, "Because when you're not here, I can sell every kilogram for 200 coins. When you're here, I can only sell it for 20 coins. Every kilogram I sell, I lose 180 coins. If I sell 2 kilograms, I lose 360. So you should leave now, buy your items from other stalls."
众人彻底呆了,什么情况啊这是,难不成这家伙并非禁卫,而是真正的百姓,混进来卖猪肉了?
The crowd all froze in shock. What was happening? Could this person not be an Imperial Guard, and was actually a civilian trying to earn his keep, and managed to sneak his way in here?
"无妨,你可以按每斤200文卖!"女帝继续说道.
"No matter. You can sell it to me for 200 coins per kilograms, I will buy it." The Water Empress explained.
"还是不行."徐缺再度摇头.
"That still won't do." Xu Que shook his head again.
"这又是为何?"
"And why is that so?"
"因为我不是卖肉的,其实我是一名禁卫."
"Because I'm not actually a butcher selling meat. I am actually an Imperial Guard."
"嘶!"全场众人立马倒吸一口凉气,满脸愕然,这禁卫是疯了啊?���然将这事说出来?要是火皇知道了,肯定得收拾你呀!
"Hsss!" Everyone around inhaled deeply, their faces filled with astonishment. Was this Imperial Guard crazy? How could he say something like this? If the Fire Emperor found out about this, he would slaughter you!
女帝也没想到徐缺会应得这么干脆,微微错愕一下,眼眸间又浮现一抹笑意:"那...把你的队长叫过来,朕与他谈谈人生."
The Water Empress didn't expect Xu Que to be so forthright as well, and was taken aback by his reply. A look of mischievousness crept up and was evident in her sparkling eyes, "Then… You should call your team leader over, I wish to discuss life with him."
"呃...谈谁的人生?"徐缺有些虚了,感觉自己好像真的被认出来了.
"Gulp… Whose life do you wish to speak to him about?" Xu Que was feeling rather shy at this point, rather certain that he had been exposed.
"谈你的."女帝轻声应道.
"Discuss your life." The Water Empress replied.
徐缺顿时嘴角一抽,果然被认出来了呀,这女人怎么猜到的?
Xu Que's lips trembled. Indeed, he had been found out. How did she guess this?
当即,他板起脸,摇头道:"不行,队长在卖海鲜!"
At this point, Xu Que's expression turned stoic as he shook his head once again, "Not possible. Team leader is selling seafood now!"
...
...
Chapter 240: Eat My Butcher's Cleaver!
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Selling… Selling seafood?
Everyone around were completely floored. Even the Water Empress was astonished by this statement.
Some distance away, the merchant selling seafood who was indeed the team leader, was stumped as well.
My god. Who did I offend for this to happen to me? Why did I pull this idiot over and disguise him as a merchant? Why was I such a fool!
The Imperial Guard was extremely flustered and he peeled his sleeves up to his forearms and was about to slap himself several times over for being an idiot!
"Why have you come here?" The Water Empress was trying her hardest not to smile as she spoke to him wordlessly using soul strength to convey her message.
Xu Que's heart was filled with suspicions. He had no idea how she could recognize him.
He then replied her using his soul strength as well, "How did you recognize me even after I've disguised myself this way?"
"Your eyes!" The Water Empress whispered.
Xu Que was taken aback before he composed himself and sighed out. "Indeed, I've always known. Someone as outstanding as myself will always stick out like fireflies in the night. I would always shine brightly and magnificently. Especially these eyes of mine which are deep and mysterious, and has captivated you. No matter which corners of the world I end up, you will always be able to recognize me. Is that right?"
When the Water Empress heard this, she laughed gently. When she laughed, her features straightened up and caused waves of beauty to radiate from her in all directions.
Everyone who had seen her laugh were shocked. Even the female Imperial Guards were stumped by this.
How could someone so perfectly beautiful exist in this world!
"The arrival of the Fire Emperor!"
Right at this point, a sharp and high pitched voice rang out from the end of the streets.
Boom!
Soon after, another powerful wave of energy was sent rippling outwards with the emergence of the Fire Emperor.
He was dressed in golden and red robes which were also filled with dragon embroideries. He was floating above fire clouds and appeared extremely awe inspiring as boundless majestic aura shot out from him.
When everyone turned around to look at him, they held their breaths in utmost reverence and admiration!
Even though he had been humiliated countless of times by Xu Que and caused him to lose face, he was still the Fire Emperor, the monarch of the Fire Nation.
This lofty and regal status was something that nobody could alter.
The Water Empress frowned as she withdrew her smile. She then looked at Xu Que as her lips moved faintly, but she conveyed her words through soul strength once again, "Were you sent here by the Heavenly Explosion Faction?"
She had long heard of the exploits of this powerful sect while on the way to the Fire Nation and had also heard of all the things they had done here. She was taken aback and had never expected to meet Hua Wu Que here, of all places!
However, she had known Hua Wu Que before and was aware of the cultivation realm he was in. Hence, she knew that Hua Wu Que wasn't as powerful as the Lord Prince Consort Xu Que. But still, she was in full admiration of Hua Wu Que and his talents and didn't wish to see him being implicated here.
Xu Que didn't reply to her, his face was still filled with a cold smile as his eyes emanated killing intent. At this point, he didn't even bother hiding it!
The Fire Emperor looked rather magnificent, like a mighty tiger about to spring on its prey.
After he had been severely wounded by Xu Que, the Fire Emperor's wounds hadn't fully recovered. Additionally, Xu Que had absorbed all the Fire Essences from the magma pools. When he found out about this, he was enraged, knowing that the nation's fortunes had been depleted. Hence, he had secretly arranged for a ritual to be conducted and he was ready to sacrifice Madam Ya to restore his prosperity.
However, it was a pity that just last night, Xu Que had already taken Madam Ya's purity. Hence, unbeknownst to him, he had already lost the protection of the Fire God.
The Fire Emperor was still in the dark about this matter and his face revealed a smile as he received the Water Empress.
"Hehe... dog Emperor, I shall let you smile for now. Before long, I shall make your cry." Xu Que was laughing hysterically in his heart.
His plan was very simple. He would wait for the Fire Emperor to come nearer before he attack him. Xu Que would catch him off guard and beat him into a pulp. He would then use a spell to capture him, and act tough from start to end!
At this point, the Water Empress spoke in his mind via soul strength once again.
"Please don't be reckless. The Fire Emperor has already sent out many spies to find out more about the Heavenly Explosion faction to exact revenge upon you. If you were to show up now, you would be slaughtered like monkeys and chickens."
"Slaughtered like monkeys and chickens?" Xu Que laughed out coldly. Nobody could ever be sure of who would kill and who would be killed.
The Water Empress shook her head, "There are hundreds of hired assassins waiting outside the city gates. They are the notorious Tian Sha Assassins and even their elder came along. He's level eight of the Infant Transformation Stage and is a known killer. They're all waiting for you to reveal yourself!"
"Oh? The dog Emperor even hired the Tian Sha Assassins to come as well?" When Xu Que heard this, he was elated.
This dog Emperor was truly crafty. He actually disguised his guards as merchants and even hired Tian Sha Assassins to trap him.
And yet Xu Que thought that all this was getting fun. He could act tough and even gain a huge amount of experience points by killing these assassins. The more he thought about it, the happier he became.
The Infant Transformation Stage assassin couldn't be underestimated. But once they lack the protection of Imperial Qi, a single three colored Fiery Lotus infused with the full Glory Killer Blade would be able to finish him off!
"Don't be brash and wait here for me. I will seek you out later!" The Water Empress Hong Yan spoke to him wordlessly as she soared to the skies.
Whoosh!
The water sword flowed seamlessly under her feet and looked extremely majestic, before she soared upwards.
The Fire Emperor was smiling as he exclaimed, "Hong Yan, how've you been of late?"
"I'm alright! How has the Fire Emperor been?" The Water Empress smiled as she politely returned the salutation.
Yet her heart wasn't present. She was prepared to finish this small talk before coming back for Xu Que.
She'd already planned to convince him to leave Heavenly Explosion Faction and join Sky Incense Valley.
Right at this point, Xu Que's heart and mind was in a mess.
Big sister, what the hell did you fly up for? If you fly up to meet the Fire Emperor, that means he isn't going to come down. If he's not fucking coming down, how should I attack him and catch him by surprise? Aren't you going to let me act tough?
Xu Que's expression was plain as he cleaned his butcher's cleaver. If it weren't for the fact that the Water Empress was so beautiful, he would've probably thrown this knife over at her!
"Hong Yan probably already knows of what happened, but she still asked. I've been subjected to humiliation over the past few days!" The Fire Emperor shook his head and smiled bitterly, pretending as though he didn't really care about being humiliated by Xu Que and appeared magnanimous.
The Water Empress drew her lips into a light hearted smile but didn't speak.
The Fire Emperor then continued, "I guess I'm to blame for being too careless and allowed him to enter the city. Although I managed to make him flee, I failed to capture him. But if he ever dares to show himself here again, he wouldn't be able to make it out alive."
"As for this, I can tell!" The Water Empress nodded her head enthusiastically.
The Fire Emperor had taken such a huge setback that he even resorted to inviting the Tian Sha Assassins down and called the notorious and powerful Killer God who was an elder. Clearly, he was confident of his abilities to take down any Heavenly Explosion Faction members if they showed up.
Hence, this was why she had tried to coax Xu Que against being rash.
However, Xu Que had never been afraid of this dog shit Killer God. As soon as he heard the Emperor acting tough, he couldn't take it anymore.
What a joke. Even the Acting Tough King could act tough, you decided to do it first. What right do you have to say that I wouldn't be able to make it out alive?
"Whoosh!"
At that second, Xu Que flicked his wrist and sent the butcher's cleaver flying in the direction of the Fire Emperor's face.
The blade sliced through the air and made a loud whooshing sound.
However, this was just a normal knife and the Fire Emperor's strength was immense. He congealed his energy around him and cleared his throat.
"Ba dang!" The cleaver shattered into thousands of fragments as it fell to the ground.
Everyone around was silent and some of the guards were roused. At the next moment, everyone turned to look at Xu Que.
The Water Empress' face fell. She knew that this wasn't good and was about to open her mouth to defend him.
However, the Fire Emperor had already stretched his hand out as a wave of powerful crushing pressure rippled out from him. He then shouted out, "The audacity! How dare you attack me in stealth. Who are you?"
"Did you just ask who I am? Haha!!! I'm your father!" Xu Que laughed out icily as he withdrew the Spirits Prison Pagoda. With a simple command in his head, he released the spirit of the Fire Emperor's own father!
Chapter 241: Come And Kowtow To Your Father!
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
"Boom!"
A large puff of black mist appeared on the streets before taking the shape of a human. As soon as it appeared on the streets, it soared upwards as though trying to escape into the skies.
Everyone around strained their eyes to get a better look of the spirit, before they heard a loud "kwa-dang" sound.
The spirit flew several hundreds meters up when it was violently stopped in its tracks by the metal chains around it and was pulled back down.
"Roar!" The spirit roared its head back and let out a fearsome roar, its face was filled with sinister hatred.
At this point, everyone around were stumped as their eyes opened wide in apparent disbelief!
"Previous Emperor, this... This is the previous Emperor, His Majesty?"
"How's this possible?"
"My god. Didn't the previous Emperor pass away in his Imperial Tomb?"
"No. This is his spirit. The spirit of the previous Emperor!"
"Could it be that the previous Emperor didn't die? His spirit is still alive!"
The Imperial Guards were exclaiming in fear, their faces filled with bewildered expressions.
They had all seen the drawing of the past few reigning monarchs and were thus very familiar with the previous Emperors. That's why soon as they saw his features, they were all stumped.
In this world, there were not much stories about the supernatural realm.
To a cultivator, it was alright if his physical body died. As long as his spirit continued living, there was a chance in which he might return to life through reincarnation.
Everyone around were all very suspicious. The previous Emperor had lived out his last remaining days after his lifeforce had expired. Under such a situation, both his physical body and spirit would've died. How could he show up here?
The Fire Emperor was stumped as well. Seeing his father appear before him, he almost fell to his knees and shouted out, "Father Emperor!"
He managed to get a good look as well and was certain that this spirit was definitely his father.
The Water Empress was clearly startled by this as well. According to the tales she had heard of the previous Fire Emperor, he had been an evil and fearsome man!
"Kwa dang!"
At this point, the Fire Nation's previous Emperor tried to soar into the clouds once again but was being restricted by the chains around his body. He couldn't move very far without being pulled back violently.
The crowd then reacted to the sight before them and understood. This previous Fire Emperor had been captured!
Everyone fell into despair and deafening silence.
All eyes were on Xu Que.
The heavily rusted chains which restrained the spirit was held in Xu Que's hands!
The chains were extremely old and seemed to give off a certain iciness to it. When everyone looked at the chains, they couldn't help but tremble. Their own souls felt extremely frightful just by looking at the chains!
"Outrageous! How dare you, small bandit! You dare to show disrespect to the previous Emperor. Give me your life!"
The Fire Emperor was clearly enraged. Regardless of whether this anger came from the admiration and love he had for his father or from preserving the integrity of the previous Emperor, it didn't matter. He had to act!
"Boom doom!"
A powerful and majestic Dragon Flame erupted in the air as it wrapped around the clouds, resembling a golden colored dragon in the skies. It was enormous that it almost seemed to obstruct the skies from the land. It coiled around for several moments before shooting straight for Xu Que.
"Dog Emperor, have you forgotten the pain once your scars have healed?" Xu Que laughed coldly as he clenched his fists and soared into the air, straight for the golden colored Dragon Flame with his fists extended out!
The entire air was filled with rippling air, twisting around Xu Que.
"Boom!"
A loud and dull thud resounded as the gargantuan golden flame was punched and exploded ferociously. Before long, it was reduced to a tiny ember as it scattered into the skies.
The crowd opened their mouths wide, all of them were filled with tremendous fear.
A single punch… A single punch was enough to scatter the Fire Emperor's Dragon Flame?
My god. Who was this person? His physical strength was so powerful!
"Whoosh!"
Xu Que floated in the air, as he swept down towards the Fire Emperor. He held the chains in his left hand, dragging the previous Fire Emperor with him and laughed out coldly, "Dog Emperor, I've dragged your father here to meet you. Instead of showing appreciation to me, you actually tried to attack me? How evil and vile!"
"It's you?" The Fire Emperor seemed to have recognized Xu Que. His face fell and he retreated several steps back.
He could recognize Xu Que from his tone and the sound of his voice. All this made him snap out of his thoughts in fear.
Xu Que then peeled off his Human Skinned Mask. After all, there was no need for any disguise now, because… It was finally time to act tough!
"Shua!"
As soon as his mask was removed, his handsome face with such eloquent features were revealed to everyone around.
The Imperial Guards standing aside were all astonished by the revelations!
"The previous Lord Prince Consort, Xu Que!"
"My god! Why is he here again?"
"He really wouldn't rest until either he or the Fire Emperor is dead. But how did he manage to sneak into our midst?"
"Fuck, we've been betrayed and nobody realized this?"
"Quickly protect the Fire Emperor! Rescue the spirit of the previous Fire Emperor!"
These Imperial Guards were all extremely loyal to the Emperor. When a crisis presented itself, these guards were unafraid of death and would rise to the occasion. All of them flew into the air and surrounded the Fire Emperor.
Even the Water Empress who was calm and composed was stumped by this. She was completely taken aback.
No matter how she thought, she wouldn't ever have figured out that Hua Wu Que and Xu Que were the same person!
Heavens…
"This... This kid really knows how to have fun! He even managed to deceive me!" The Water Empress was very shocked by everything she had witnessed. She was especially astounded by Xu Que's current strength, for it had improved leaps and bounds since the last time they met by the Soul Tower. In fact, it was stronger by a hundred times over!"
With such ferocity shown, even she was somewhat shaken!
"Dog Emperor, why don't you roll over here and kowtow to your old man?" Xu Que dragged the chain which was attached to the Spirit Prison Pagoda as he exclaimed.
The Fire Emperor had already retreated a safe distance away from Xu Que but his eyes were cast on the spirit who was his father.
Indeed, the spirit of the previous Fire Emperor was the same as any other spirit, completely lacking in intelligence and resembled a rabid dog. It's face was filled with anger as it struggled unrelentingly, trying to escape from the chains.
The crowd started to feel like something wasn't right. Why did the previous Emperor's spirit behave so strangely?
The Fire Emperor's brows furrowed as well and suspicions welled up within his eyes.
He could be certain that this was the spirit of his father but the spirit was acting so strangely as though it had completely lost all intellect. It still retained its previous likeness, but it wasn't the same father Emperor which he once revered.
Thinking about this point, the Fire Emperor then heaved a sigh.
In actual fact, he didn't wish for his father Emperor to be alive as well, for he was too accustomed to ruling and sitting on the throne. He didn't wish to have to obey anyone or come under the powers of anyone ever again.
"What a good deception, you bandit. But you actually dared to create an illusion of my father Emperor's spirit to deceive everyone. I shall not fall for it! The last time, you managed to flee. This time, it's not going to happen again!" As soon as the Fire Emperor said this, he insinuated that the spirit which Xu Que was holding onto was a fake.
Because this was the only way which he could break Xu Que's plans and not be restrained by the image of his father. It was only in doing so, that everyone under the heavens wouldn't blame him for hurting the peacefulness of his own father.
However, the Fire Emperor had fallen right into Xu Que's plans, for his predictions were off.
Xu Que had long expected him to say this. He thus chuckled and pointed at the Spirit Prison Pagoda.
"Whoosh!"
With a ray of white light, yet another black shadow emerged from the pagoda. Likewise, another chain extended out from the tip of the pagoda. Fearsome waves of crushing pressure emanated out and filled the atmosphere.
Xu Que then spoke, "Aren't you evil? How can you disown your Father Emperor and call him a fake? Fine then. Look at this, how can your grandfather be fake as well?"
"Hssss..."
Everyone around sucked in a breath of cold air as they watched the new spirit who had just materialized and were all afraid.
The Fire Emperor's grandfather, that's the previous previous Fire Emperor!
Why is he here too?
The Fire Emperor was taken aback by this and looks of disbelief could be seen written across his face
The Water Empress opened her mouth in shock as well.
At this point, Xu Que then pointed at the Spirit Prison Pagoda once again.
"Whoosh!" A third spirit emerged from the pagoda!
Xu Que's face was filled with smiles, "Dog Emperor, look, even your great grandfather is here. Quick look and tell me if he's fake too? Hurry up will you? Your father, your grandfather and your great grandfather… are all waiting for you to come and kowtow to them!"
Chapter 242: How About You Kneel this Time?
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
"Hua!"
At that second, there was an uproar in the crowd.
Nobody could maintain their composure any longer.
The previous Emperor, the previous previous Emperor and the Emperor before him, three generations of ancestor had all appeared?
Where… Where did this kid get these three spirits from?
And the cultivation level of these three spirits were exactly the same before they departed this world!
Was this really a deception?
And yet who could create an image of spirits which were of the Void Refining Stage and there were three images as well. Was Heavenly Explosion Faction so powerful?
Doubts started to materialize in the hearts of many people. They all started to feel that these three spirits could truly be the ancestors of the Fire Emperor.
The Fire Emperor was stumped. He never imagined that Xu Que could even summon the spirit of his great grandfather, whom he himself had never met!
The Water Empress was visibly shocked by this as well. Her eyes were glowing, when she realized that she had truly underestimated this young man.
This young man was much more talented and unpredictable than she had imagined him to be!
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 100 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 120 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 160 act tough points!"
The system notifications rang out repeatedly in Xu Que's mind.
The rewards for acting tough this time was truly abundant.
Xu Que laughed out plainly, still hovering in mid air. He was dragging the three spirits by their chains as he bellowed, "Dog Emperor, even your great grandfather has appeared. Why aren't you showing your respects to them?"
The Fire Emperor was enraged as he shouted out, "How dare you create images of my ancestors? Such an action violates the heavens. Today, I shall discipline you and punish you for your crimes! Men, take down this bandit and his false images!"
"Yes!" All the Imperial Guards shouted out in acknowledgement as they conjured spells and charged towards Xu Que.
Xu Que stood his ground in defiance as he laughed out once again, "Truly only this dog Emperor is capable of killing his own ancestors. His methods are truly vile."
"Outrageous! You are clearly using a spell to replicate the likeness of my ancestors' spirits. How dare you attempt to deceive all of us and trick us by such means?"
The Fire Emperor had killing intent radiating out from his eyes as he shouted, "And yet it seems like you only managed to create images of my ancestors who were of the Void Refining Stage. Everyone under the heavens knows that I also have many Form Synthesis Stage ancestors. It's obvious that you were unable to replicate their likeness, since their cultivation level were too high."
Although he didn't know how Xu Que managed to conjure the images of his ancestors. He was certain that Xu Que didn't have more tricks up his sleeves.
When everyone heard this, they were stumped.
The Fire Emperor sounded so convinced and certain. Could it truly be that these spirits were all just illusions?
Who was speaking the truth here?
Many people started to have doubts in their hearts.
"It seems like it's impossible for the Fire Emperor to acknowledge that the spirits are his ancestors without losing out." An Imperial Guard whispered, clearly suspicious.
"It's very possible that these three spirits were just illusions and images conjured by him."
"Looks like this Xu Que is truly an outstanding member of his Heavenly Explosion Faction. He probably paid a huge price and got the strength of his entire sect to create these illusions!"
"That makes sense. His motives would be to undermine the Fire Emperor. It's a shame that the Fire Emperor saw right through it."
"Although the Void Refining Stage was very powerful, an illusion of someone of that cultivation level could probably be created using a great deal of resources and underhanded methods!"
"But when it comes to the Form Synthesis Stage, it's possible to create an image of that form!"
Boom!
At this point, the group of Imperial Guards had already conjured a myriad of powerful spells. Each guard had casted his own spell, causing the entire sky to be filled with an assortment of colors as they converged down upon Xu Que.
It was a spectacular scene!
The Water Empress stood some distance away, observing Xu Que and everything around him.
Although she had heard of Xu Que's powers and how he had defeated the Fire Emperor numerous of times, she had never seen it for herself.
Hence, she was unable to determine if the rumors were true or false.
At this point, she saw an entire group of Imperial Guards surrounding Xu Que. Each of them had conjured a powerful spell and directed it at him. She was filled with immense doubts and yet she had made a decision in her mind as well.
If Xu Que truly was unable to fend them off, she would lend him a helping hand. Even though that might incur the wrath of the Fire Emperor and thus make an enemy out of him, she felt the need to intervene. After all, Xu Que was a one in a million talent and she wanted to snatch him away and pull him into Sky Incense Valley!
However, against so many powerful Imperial Guards and their spells, Xu Que remained unusually calm. In fact, his lips had curled into a smile, as he whispered, "You're asking for death!"
At the next moment, there was a loud "whoosh" as Xu Que conjured his black flame. The Eight Waste Destruction Flames!
As soon as the black flames appeared, the surrounding area felt incredibly hot as the temperature around soared. Everyone around could feel the heat radiating out from this mystical flames and were afraid.
The Fire Empress' eyes opened wide in shock!
"Eight Waste… Destruction Flames!" Xu Que whispered as he turned once, drawing a ring of black flames around him.
Soon after, he clapped his palms together, sending out a powerful blast of boundless energy.
The air around him was undulating as ripples of aftershock was sent out in all directions from his body. The air around him blew the ring of fire which surrounded his body and scattered the black flames in every direction as well.
Boom!
The black flames enveloped all the Imperial Guards around and swallowed them in the unbelievable heat.
With his mystical flames sent out in all directions, the Imperial Guards were unable to dodge them. Even before any of them could scream out, they were turned into dust and was scattered along with the ripples of air.
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 120 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 160 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for killing an Original Infant Staged cultivator. The reward is 200,000 experience points..."
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for killing an Original Infant Staged cultivator. The reward is 200,000 experience points…"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for killing an Original Infant Staged cultivator. The reward is 200,000 experience points…"
Xu Que's act tough points and experience points swelled!
Everyone around who watched this was filled with immeasurable shock!
Such a scene was only too familiar to them. Just several days ago, they had seen the power of his three colored Fiery Lotus and it's powers were terrible to behold.
However, they never expected that this Lord Prince Consort would actually show up a few days later and use only a single mystical fire of his to kill dozens of Imperial Guards.
"How… How was this possible? It had only been two days. How did he get so much more powerful?" The Fire Emperor was appalled.
Two days ago, he relied on the Imperial Qi and was still defeated effortlessly by Xu Que.
Today, he was outside the domains of the Imperial Palace. He knew that if Xu Que conjured his three colored Fiery Lotus once again, he wouldn't be able to win him and he might even lose his life.
And now, it was apparent that Xu Que had became much stronger, especially his tougher physical body which was extremely terrifying.
Just by using his palms, he was able to send out such devastating energy and even sent the black mystical flames soaring in all directions.
Such powers… Was clearly equivalent to someone of the Infant Transformation Stage level seven!
The Water Empress was at a loss for words. The strength exhibited by Xu Que had exceed all her expectations.
The glare in her eyes started to turn to one of admiration!
"Dog Emperor, why were you so excited to attack? Were you afraid that the presence of your ancestors would undermine your position as Emperor?" Xu Que laughed out mockingly.
The Fire Emperor didn't respond immediately as he retreated several steps backwards, in the direction of the palace. He then replied, "If you wish to fight it out, let's fight in the palace. Stop using the reputation and honor of my ancestors to create deceptions and illusions. These three spirits are fake!"
"Oh? Indeed, you wouldn't shed tears until you've seen your own coffin then! These spirits had been led out by Zhang Qi Ling of the Heavenly Explosion Faction from within the Imperial Tombs! Are you sure you don't wish to acknowledge them? Or… Should I call for the rest of them to come out?" Xu Que sniggered before he flicked his wrist and shook the Pagoda.
"Boom!" A loud crashing sound could be heard from within the Pagoda.
Soon after, the dozens of spirits gushed out, each of them bore fearsome and intimidating aura.
"One, two, three, four, five, six… Yo! Dog Emperor, eighteen generations of your ancestors are all here. You should probably fall to your knees and acknowledge them now, huh?" Xu Que laughed out.
Chapter 243: Abandoned Dog!
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 140 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 150 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 180 act tough points!"
The system rang out repeatedly in Xu Que's head and his act tough points increased dramatically.
At this point, everything was silent!
All the Imperial Guards including the Water Empress were stumped.
They're thoroughly shocked!
Spirits of the Form Synthesis Stage, all of them were previous Fire Emperors. They were eighteen generations of ancestors belonging to the Imperial family and they had all arrived!
The crowd could only watch on, feeling as though their minds were completely blank!
Additionally, the fight earlier had also alerted many civilians and cultivators inside their homes. At this point, many of them spilled out onto the streets to watch the spectacle. They came out just as Xu Que started to release all the spirits from the Pagoda.
Even them were stupefied by this scene!
"The spirits of historical Fire Emperors! How... How's this possible?"
"Even the spirit of the very first Fire Emperor who had established this Nation is here too!"
"What... What kind of feud is this? He actually had to drag his enemy's eighteen generations of ancestors into this dispute. He really wants the Fire Emperor to never have a moment of peace!"
"This Xu Que is truly a chip of the old block. I am almost certain that he's the disciple of Duan Jiu De. This pair of master-disciple are truly Que De, lacking in morals!"
"They're too scary!"
"And have you heard? These spirits were brought out by Zhang Qi Ling of the Heavenly Explosion Faction."
"That means to say that the rumors of Zhang Qi Ling entering the Imperial Tombs a few days ago are true. And that he managed to come out of the Tombs alive!"
"Damn it. This Heavenly Explosion Faction is too powerful! Each one of their disciples were so talented."
"First, it was the master of poems, Li Bai who was unrivaled. Then came Xu Que, whose strength and powers were monstrous. Today, we've finally heard of the expert grave robber Zhang Qi Ling!"
"That's not all. I've even heard more news about the Heavenly Explosion Faction. Guess what I've heard?"
"What did you hear?"
"About half a year ago, a disciple of the Heavenly Explosion Faction called Xiao Yan annihilated an entire Sect with nine of their Elders being at the Original Infant Stage. And Xiao Yan was only at the Core Bearing Stage then!"
"Fuck me!"
"Is that true?"
"Of course it's true. Even before that, another Heavenly Explosion Faction disciple showed up at the Sky Incense Valley Trial Area. His name was Hua Wu Que and was of the Core Bearing Stage. He killed more than a hundred cultivators who was of the same cultivation level as him easily and even burnt all the Sky Miscanthus without batting an eyelid. He then vandalized an area in the testing grounds. Soon after, he managed to ascend to the eighth floor of the Soul Tower before vanishing just like that!"
"Hsss!" The crowd inhaled deeply.
Damn it. This Heavenly Explosion Faction was too scary. Just a random disciple from their sect was so powerful and awesome!
And, each one of them would kill without hesitation!
The Water Empress' eyes were completely focused on Xu Que and never left his body.
Her once still and calm disposition was now replaced by frantic and violent heartbeats.
Xu Que's performance had left her completely dumbstruck, having exceeded her wildest imaginations.
At first, the Water Empress had thought that Heavenly Explosion Faction was a secret sect that was full of talented individuals and the entire sect was worthy of being recruited into Sky Incense Valley.
But now, she finally understood Xu Que's identity and recognized that he was the "Hua Wu Que" from before. She also started hearing rumors about this Zhang Qi Ling!
The Water Empress seemed to have realized something, for she was completely bowled over at the next moment.
'Could all these people be the same person? Could they all be disguises of this young man? If he was the only person in Heavenly Explosion Faction from the start… That would really scare countless of people!' The Water Empress thought to herself.
The Imperial Guards on the streets were trembling in fear at this point and they stopped doubting Xu Que.
These spirits were definitely the ancestors of the Fire Emperor.
If not, who would ever be capable enough to create images of spirits who were of the Form Synthesis Stage?
No, that was absolutely impossible!
Form Synthesis Stage was impossible to be replicated or created!
For that cultivation level meant that a cultivator was already very close to becoming an immortal, even if it was just a spirit, nobody would ever be able to create a likeness of such a powerful realm!
But, these previous Emperors, how did they end up becoming mere spirits and why did they remain within the Imperial Tomb?
What happened to them?
And how did Zhang Qi Ling of Heavenly Explosion Faction managed to enter the tombs so effortlessly and come out of it alive? He even managed to bring out eighteen generations of Fire Emperors out. That's almost doing the impossible and unthinkable!
The Fire Emperor had long turned pale since. His entire face froze as he watched on.
His fists were clenched up and his veins were bulging out. He gritted his teeth, not in humiliation but in rage. He was so angry that his body was trembling violently.
"Dog Emperor!" Xu Que shouted out angrily.
The Fire Emperor jumped up in shock and looked at Xu Que with eyes filled with dread.
"Eighteen generations of your forefathers are here. Why aren't you kneeling down?" Xu Que's voice was powerful as it resonated in the air. At the same time, he dragged all the eighteen spirits as they inched closer towards the Fire Emperor.
Xu Que didn't wish to end this conflict between them yet. However, since he had already finished acting tough, it was now time to drag the Fire Emperor into the Imperial Tombs and make him bleed.
However, the Fire Emperor's movement speed was extremely fast since he was in the Infant Transformation Stage. He was also trying to keep a safe distance away from Xu Que with his back facing against the Imperial Palace.
Xu Que didn't wish for the Fire Emperor to dash into the palace and hide there. Although he had already extracted all the Essences from the magma pool above the Dragon Veins, he knew that there was still a small amount of Imperial Qi from the Dragon Veins which the Fire Emperor could draw upon once he was near the boundaries of the palace.
Trying to defeat the Fire Emperor with his Imperial Qi was going to be a little difficult and troublesome for Xu Que who hasn't purchased his fourth mystical flame yet.
Additionally, Xu Que wasn't particularly confident of chasing him down before the Emperor reached the palace.
Hence, the only other option was to take advantage of this situation and inch nearer to the Fire Emperor, step by step.
"Whoosh!"
All of a sudden, the Fire Emperor could feel Xu Que's attempt to close in on him and his face fell.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone else, he forsaked the Imperial Guards around him and turned around to flee as fast as he could towards the Imperial Palace!
Everyone present were stumped by this!
As the monarch of the Fire Nation, did he just run away in fear? He looked like an abandoned dog speeding towards the palace, scared for his life.
Even the Water Empress was astonished. She never expected the Fire Emperor to be so cowardly.
When Xu Que saw the Fire Emperor fleeing, he was displeased, as he shouted out, "Dog Emperor, come out and fight me alone!"
Soon after, Xu Que dragged eighteen generations of Fire Emperor spirits and soared into the air before speeding towards the Imperial Palace!
"Xiu!" At the same time, a sound rang out in the skies above the Imperial Palace. A red flaming arrow shot into the air before exploding while in the midsts of clouds. The red arrow exploded in a powerful and bright burst of lights!
This was the signal from the Fire Emperor to the Tian Shan Assassins, that it was time to move!
"Be careful!" The Water Empress frowned as she communicated a message to Xu Que's mind.
Xu Que didn't seem too worried by it as he continued dragging the eighteen spirits along with him as though he was flying a kite around the domains of the Imperial Palace.
"Dog Emperor! Quickly come on out! Eighteen generations of your ancestors are flying in the air!"
Eighteen Fire Emperor spirits were being swung around wildly by Xu Que in the air!
One took the form of an "S".
While another took the form of a "B"
Indeed, the Fire Emperor decided to not show his face any longer. He would never leave the palace and fight with Xu Que, away from his Imperial Qi protection!
"Young man, please don't be rash. There's an Imperial Qi protection in the palace. You shouldn't go in. If the Tian Sha Assassins combine strength with the Fire Emperor, you wouldn't stand a chance of winning. The Tian Sha Assassin's have many unorthodox methods of killing!" The Water Empress reminded Xu Que once again.
"Heheh... I'm not thinking of going in, not because I think I won't succeed. It's because that dog Emperor's tortoise shell is way too hard and too inconvenient for me to break through. Come on then, my lady, stand by the side and watch me make him cry!"
Xu Que laughed coldly as he swung the chains in his hands once more. At the same time, he retrieved the electronic keyboard from his system interface and allowed it to float in mid air before him.
Soon after, he condensed his dantian and allowed his voice to ring out.
"Dog Emperor, if you don't come out, don't blame me for using my ultimate technique!"
"There's a limit to my patience and I shall count from ten to one!"
"Ten!"
"One!"
"Good. I admire your courage. Wait here. I shall let you experience the horrors of dancing songs!"
"Come on out, Most Dazzling Folk Style!"
(T/N : Did a little bit of research, apparently Most Dazzling Folk Style was an annoying track played multiple times over year 2014. It's like a Chinese Rick Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up)