Nine Yang Sword Saint
chapter-34

Chapter 34: Loyalty! Inside the Cloud Sky City

Translator: Exodus Tales Editor: Exodus Tales

Ximen Lie, who looked exactly like a Lion King, suddenly looked up in surprise. His eyes flashed like lightning. His gaze was just like fire. After inspecting Yang Dingtian from head to toe, he frowned.

“Yang Dingtian, this is father’s most important foster son, the commander of Black Blood Cavalry in Cloud Sky City, Brother Ximen Lie,” Ximen Yanyan introduced to Yang Dingtian.

Yang Dingtian bowed and said, “Yang Dingtian greets Commander Ximen Lie.”

Ximen Yanyan immediately looked at Yang Dingtian in consternation, upset that he had addressed him as commander instead of brother.

Ximen Lie kept silent, looking at Ximen Yanyan with questioning eyes and wondering why she suddenly had a husband.

“Brother, it was father’s decision to betroth me to him. We had already held the wedding ceremony and are now a formal married couple,” Ximen Yanyan explained.

Ximen Lie’s complexion changed immediately. “Why?”

“Because…father is already…is already gone…,” Ximen Yanyan said with her pale little mouth.

Immediately, Ximen Lie’s body froze in shock. His eyes widened and he growled in a low voice, “Impossible, didn’t foster father show his might at sea and defeat a few strong Gurus?”

Ximen Yanyan swept the curtains back. Ximen Wuya was sitting inside peacefully. Although his face had no complexion, he looked like he was still alive. However, he was no longer breathing.

“Krak Krak…” Ximen Lie violently clenched his fists.

“Arggg…”

He was about to let out a loud shout but ended up clenching his teeth. His entire body began to jerk erratically, and he immediately fell to the ground kneeling. His lion-like body started to shudder as a string of low yells sounded out from under his throat, just like an injured beast.

Looking at the grief-stricken Ximen Lie, Yanyan clenched her teeth hard to try to keep herself from tearing up. Her tears had already fallen. She didn’t want to cry again.

A few minutes later, Ximen Lie raised his head, and his canthus cracked a little bit. His eyes weren’t shedding tears but rather two streams of blood mixed with tears.

“Who?” Ximen Lie slowly asked. A surge of blood leaked from the corners of his mouth, his white teeth having all been stained with red blood. This was because he had clenched his teeth too hard just now and torn into his gums.

“Zhu Qingzhu. The Yin Yang Sect,” Ximen Yanyan answered.

The muscles on Ximen Lie’s face jerked violently. His eyes were filled with endless hatred. He said coldly, “Alright.”

“Can I trust you, Brother?” Ximen Yanyan asked.

Ximen Lie resolutely replied, “My life, my glory, everything I have was bestowed upon me by my foster father. For Cloud Sky City, I can sacrifice everything, including my life.”

Ximen Yanyan said, “Father betrothed me to Yang Dingtian in his final moments. He also handed Cloud Sky City over to him, deeming him as the next head of Cloud Sky City. Are you willing to stand with him?”

“What?” Ximen Lie was shocked and looked at Yang Dingtian disbelievingly.

He knew with one glance that Yang Dingtian was weak, very weak, so weak that he’d dared not imagine further. However, despite this shocking fact, he did not speak any words of contempt.

“Are you willing to lead three thousand Black Blood Cavalry loyally under Yang Dingtian?” Ximen Yanyan stared at Ximen Lie and asked slowly.

Three thousand Black Blood Cavalry. It was the largest armed force in Cloud Sky City. Ximen Wuya had handed control of this troop to Ximen Lie, which showed that he was the person who Ximen Wuya had trusted the most.

Ximen Lie then stared at Yang Dingtian. His muscles twitched, and after a long time, he said, “I don’t understand, but I obey.”

Ximen Yanyan loosened her clenched fists, relieved. “Brother, thank you!”

“The most important part isn’t me. You’ll need the approval of the Elder Society,” Ximen Lie stated. “However, it is impossible for the Elder Society to approve this matter. If foster father were still here, he could have made the decision directly. However, since foster father is gone, everything related to Cloud Sky City needs to be decided by the Elder Society. I only have one vote in the Elder Society. Foster father’s wife also has one vote. The remaining seven votes will definitely oppose you.”

“Thus, Yang Dingtian and I not only need your support but your complete support,” Ximen Yanyan said. “If it becomes necessary, we will need to take action. You’re the one controlling Cloud Sky City’s largest armed force.”

“Will Cloud Sky City truly have to face another bloody war?” Ximen Lie shuddered and looked at Yang Dingtian. “No, he is too weak. He is too weak to carry Cloud Sky City.”

“Weak now doesn’t mean weak in the future,” Ximen Yanyan said.

“Then how long do we need to wait? Ten years? Twenty years?” Ximen Lie despaired. “No one can wait that long. Cloud Sky City can’t wait. In ten years, our enemies will have completely torn Cloud Sky City apart and washed it with blood.”

“Two years…” Yang Dingtian interjected. “I’ve just passed the period of enlightenment and am not even a Novice Martial Artist. In two years, if I have the ability to defeat Ximen Yan and the others to become the greatest young elite in Cloud Sky City, then I will be qualified to become the heir to Cloud Sky City. Otherwise, I will either die or leave Cloud Sky City, never to return in my lifetime.”

“You’re crazy…,” Ximen Lie said slowly. “This is not courage. It’s not even insanity. It’s simply ignorance…”

“Yeah, to be ignorant is to be fearless,” Yang Dingtian slowly replied. “But, if I am still not a match for Ximen Yan and the others after two years, how can I fight Dongfang Bingling in five years?”

Ximen Yanyan added, “Yang Dingtian was favored by Dongfang Niemie and, subsequently, by my father. They all placed their unreserved trust in him.”

Ximen Lie clenched his teeth, struggling internally. After a long time, he clenched his fist tightly and punched the ground. “Alright, I’ll give you two years. In these two years, I’ll do everything to support you even if it costs me my life.”

Ximen Lie stood up and walked outside. “Foster father is so prodigious, having shocked the world. The Elder Society is leading thousands of disciples to welcome his victory. They are lined up all the way out from Cloud Sky City, covering a distance of several hundred kilometers. It starts just a few kilometers from here. Both of you have to respond well. I’ll go to prepare myself as well, just in case…”

After getting off the carriage, Ximen Lie mounted his horse and yelled, “Everyone, get on your horses. We head directly to Black Blood Castle at top speed.”

“Yes, sir!” All the Black Blood Riders quickly got on their horses and lined up neatly.

Ximen Yan quickly stepped forward and said, “Hold on, big brother. I have something to discuss with you.”

Ximen Lie turned around and looked at Ximen Lie for a moment. He lightly said, “I’m in a hurry. You can talk to me next time.”

Ximen Yan felt the huge change in attitude and quickly said, “Just a moment, big brother.”

Ximen Lie replied, “Then come with me. Ride with me to Black Blood Castle.”

“This…” Ximen Yan hesitated. He needed to see the Elder Society immediately to reveal his intentions, but at the same time, he needed Ximen Lie’s support.

Before Yang Dingtian’s appearance, the future Lord of Cloud Sky City would have been among the few foster sons. Ximen Lie was originally the one who had the greatest chance because he was the most powerful and most respected. He was also trusted greatly by Ximen Wuya. But, he withdrew from the competition and became the leader of the Black Blood Cavalry.

This position controlled the largest armed force in Cloud Sky City. It was held by the Lord of Cloud Sky City’s most trusted confidante. This troop obeyed only one person. However, if one held this position, it also meant that one would forever forgo the qualifications to become Lord of Cloud Sky City.

Therefore, Ximen Lie also became one of the most welcomed personages among the foster sons. This was because no matter who wanted to be the Lord of Cloud Sky City, he must first get the support of the commander of the Black Blood Cavalry.

“Alright. I haven’t seen my big brother in more than half a year. I’ve missed you so much. I will go to Black Blood Castle together with big brother.” Ximen Yan made his decision quickly. Getting Ximen Lie’s support was the priority at the moment. He mounted his horse and followed after Ximen Lie, riding towards Black Blood Castle.

Black Blood Castle was the residence used by the Black Blood Cavalry. It was built on a strategically important mountain pass and was positioned to defend Cloud Sky City.

After Ximen Yan and Ximen Lie left, Ximen Yanyan sent forth one of her confidantes to the place where the thousands of Cloud Sky City disciples had assembled. Using Ximen Wuya’s name, she ordered the Elder Society to stay behind to wait for the Cloud Sky City Lord, while the rest were all sent back to Cloud Sky City.

After around one hour….

A stunningly beautiful woman leading six men waited at the bridgehead of a large stone bridge. Her eyes were filled with excitement and anticipation. The thousands of Cloud Sky City’ disciples had already left.

Ximen Yanyan and Yang Dingtian’s troop slowly crossed from the other end of the bridge, getting closer and closer.

An old man stepped forward and bowed. “The Elder Society of Cloud Sky City welcomes the Cloud Sky City Lord and congratulates him for his triumphant return with feats that shocked the world.”

Immediately, all of them saluted and bowed, including the stunning woman.

The troop stopped, and the largest carriage’s door opened. Ximen Yanyan and Yang Dingtian slowly walked out.

Ximen Yanyan’s mouth turned white and slightly trembled. “My father was badly wounded. He is currently recovering in seclusion. He needs three years before he is fully healed. My father has deemed that my husband, Yang Dingtian, to be the heir of Cloud Sky City.”

After that, Ximen Yanyan opened the curtains gently, letting her mother see the motionless Ximen Wuya.

Immediately, the stunning woman yelled and fainted.

“Mom…” Ximen Yanyan hurriedly ran out.

The rest of the Elder Society’s members were stunned.

******

The center of Cloud Sky City was situated on top of a mountain a thousand kilometers high. The local mountain range undulated up and down for several dozen miles. Similarly, Cloud Sky City also stretched out for several dozen miles.

The Yin Yang Sect was built on top of one mountain, occupying most of Vast Immeasurable Mountain. In contrast, Cloud Sky City was built along the top of a mountain range and curved alongside its peak and valleys. Yin Yang Sect had no walls, while Cloud Sky City was circled by huge black walls.

The highest point of Cloud Sky City was Black Blood Castle.

In a huge hall, eight elders sat atop high seats that circled the entire hall. Yang Dingtian and Ximen Yanyan were standing at the center, fielding questions from the Elder Society regarding the entire incident.

After more than one hour of explanations, they had managed to narrate every event and every conversation in detail.

In the end, Ximen Yanyan said, “My grandfather, Yang Lie, betrothed my mother to my father, Ximen Wuya, and appointed him as the new Cloud Sky City Lord. My father then betrothed me to Yang Dingtian and appointed him as the new Cloud Sky City Lord.”

Ximen Yanyan’s pretty eyes slowly swept over all the elders present. She slowly asked, “Each Cloud Sky City’s Lord has the authority to appoint a new heir, correct? So, Yang Dingtian becoming the new Lord of Cloud Sky City is legal and reasonable, right? If there are no objections, we should announce it to the world.”