Painting of the Nine Immortals
chapter-457

The Sun hung high in the sky, spreading down endless amount of light onto the battle ground.

The completion leveled cultivators were bitterly looking up to the God-like figure with respect in their eyes.

Then, these people sighed and began to walk towards the exit of the Princess' palace.

It was obvious. They had no more face to stay here and they had realized that killing Ling Xian was a joke.

This had already been proven. There was no more need for those of the intermediate stage to step onto the battle ring because they were no opponents of Ling Xian's. As for the advanced stage – four of them had been knocked out. What difference would it make if the remaining few stepped up?

Those four were all famous within their generations yet they were so easily defeated by Ling Xian. Those who remained didn't think they were any stronger.

Thus, everyone began to sigh and consecutively left.

When they came, they came with vigor and believed that they could kill Ling Xian with a slap of their fists. When they left, they were all crushed and their steps were heavy. The way they looked was extremely tiresome.

One has to admit that this was a comical turn of events.

"Phew, finally, this battle is done."

After watching these people leave, Ling Xian breathed out a murky breath and he relaxed. Though it appeared that he won this battle easily, reality was that he was really forcing it.

Now that everyone had left, he could finally breathe.

Just then, a shiny blade glided across the sky with the intention to take his life!

This sudden attack stunned the Seventh Princess. She couldn't' believe that after the war ended, someone would in hiding to assassinate Ling Xian.

Without a doubt, this was a life changing sword, and a fatal one!

To attack Ling Xian after he was exhausted from battles and to attack him when he was utterly defenseless was something not everyone can escape.

Whooosh!

The sword had enough energy to shred the sky in pieces!

It was as if at this moment, the sword was the only object between Heaven and Earth. And that its sole purpose was to end Ling Xian's life!

"Not good!"

Noticing the killer's intent from the blade, Ling Xian's expression changed. All the hair on his body stood up and he felt like he was already half dead.

If this was any ordinary cultivator, against a sudden attack right after a battle, they would have no ability to defend. However, Ling Xian was not an ordinary cultivator.

As this sword inched closer, a part of his body began to exude extremely powerful light that crushed the sword!

Then, he immediately spun around and lunged at the shadow in black behind him.

"Hmmph, die!"

Seeing that Ling Xian was rushing over, the man in black raised his right arm and swung another sword!

However, this time, Ling Xian was prepared. He was not about to be taken advantage again. His eyes shone and two lights shot out of them and broke the sword. Then, he punched the man away.

Retch!

After puking out blood, the man's expression changed. Knowing that he did not have enough power to be Ling Xian's opponent, he turned around to get away.

"You want to leave? Not a chance!"

Yelling, Ling Xian sped up and blocked him. He punched him onto the ground, then, he stomped his foot onto the man's chest.

"Tell me, who sent you?"

"Eh…" the man in black puked out more blood, "Stop dreaming. You will not get any information from my lips."

Then, he manipulated his own Qi and handicapped himself and died.

Seeing this, Ling Xian frowned, "This man's first attack was a fatal one. And he was hiding in the dark to assassinate me. After his failure, he killed himself. It seemed like he himself was not the challenger. He was the killer someone sent."

"Good analysis."

The Seventh Princess marched over and muttered in a quiet voice, "It's an assassin trained by the Third Prince."

"How do you know?"

Ling Xian frowned. Even though he figured it was Third Prince's man, he didn't have proof and didn't want to make any irrational conclusion.

After all, everyone in the Zhou Dynasty wanted to kill him. Though the Emperor gave his orders, someone's bound to break it.

"Everyone who works for the Third Prince has one thing in common. On their left chest, the character "three" is tattoed." The Seventh Princess whispered and tore apart the man's robe. Instantly, a bloody red "three" showed up.

Seeing this, Ling Xian's expression darkened and anger boiled in his chest.

"It seems like my brother's hatred towards me is as deep as the ocean." The Seventh Princess' lips curled and chuckled at this.

"Good, very good. He is forcing me to go kill him." Ling Xian's eyes flashed with coldness. He was extremely pissed off.

"He probably didn't expect you to be so powerful even after being exhausted by the battles."

The Seventh Princess' eyes shone and she exclaimed, "I thought with your current state, there was no way you would be able to dodge that attack. Yet you claimed victory under that circumstance. I am impressed."

"You are flattering me. It is all because of the Zither of the Crouching Dragon. Without it, even if I won, I wouldn't have done it easily and I wouldn't have had the energy to dodge that attack."

Ling Xian's expression was cold as he manipulated his Golden Dan and attempted to heal the wounds caused by the Song of the Crouching Dragon.

"What's the difference?" The Seventh Princess smiled brightly, "The Zither is a tool you use. You cannot identify yourself separately from it. It's better to admit that you are strong."

"That is true."

Ling Xian nodded and suppressed the anger he felt, "If I'm not wrong, this is just the beginning. After all, the Emperor is going to reward whoever kills me. I bet many powerhouses will be after me now. Therefore, I have decided to leave your place for now."

"You are right. The Zhou Dynasty is very capable and does not lack completion leveled cultivators who peaked. With your current abilities, you will have difficulties fighting against them."

The Seventh Princess nodded softly and frowned, "But, what about our agreement?"

"After 10 days, I will go find the Third Prince and end what we started."

Killer's intent flashed across Ling Xian's eyes. After what happened, he finally realized that even if he doesn't find the Third Prince, he will come find him.

Thus, he decided to make his move after 10 days and end this seven year-long hatred.

"As long as I have your words, I won't worry." The Seventh Princess smiled brightly. She felt Ling Xian's anger and was now certain that he will go kill the Third Prince.

The next second however, her face turned a little surprised.

"Then please first give me the Wood of the Warming Soul. As soon I kill him, I will escape the Zhou Dynasty." Ling Xian's lips curled up as he stared at the Seventh Princess. His terrifying Qi was ready to slaughter.

Seeing this, the Seventh Princess raised an eyebrow and her face turned cold.

"You… are planning on taking it by force?"