Skinning a Tiger

　　“Jing Yi, I hope you won’t force me. Otherwise…” At this moment, the Blind Swordmaster’s heart was filled with rage. He was so angry that black flowing light appeared and vanished repeatedly around him.

　　“Martial Ancestor, what’s wrong?” Gu Yong was surprised.

　　The other three generals were also shocked.

　　However, the Blind Swordmaster ordered with a cold tone, “General Wu, go challenge them.”

　　“Yes,” a man dressed in dark red war armor replied respectfully and rushed toward the frontline.

　　……

　　The soldiers of Qing Hu Island stood beneath the city, causing fear to surge within everyone in Jiangning County-City. The people of the Gui Yuan Sect had no knowledge of Jing Yi’s existence, thus they were extremely worried.

　　On the city wall:

　　Zhuge Yuanhong and Teng Qingshan stood together. Elder Ni, Elder Yan, Zhuge Yun, son of Zhuge Yuanhong, and Teng Qinghu, the number one commander who was in charge of defending the east city wall, gathered beside Zhuge Yuanhong.

　　“Who is this? Who is standing beside my father?” Zhuge Yun was confused as he softly asked Teng Qinghu, who was at the side.

　　“I don’t know him either.” Teng Qinghu was confused as well. “Elder Yan and the others don’t even dare to stand beside him.”

　　Suddenly, the two Law Enforcing Elders who stood near Teng Qingshan and Zhuge Yuanhong turned their heads at the same time. Both of them glared at Zhuge Yun and Teng Qinghu.

　　“Don’t be rude. This is a powerful senior,” Elder Ni reprimanded softly.

　　Zhuge Yun and Teng Qinghu immediately stopped whispering. At this moment, Teng Qingshan turned and gleamed at the two of them. Then he turned back and continued discussing softly with Zhuge Yuanhong.

　　“Eh. Look! Someone just rushed to the frontline,” Zhuge Yuanhong said softly.

　　Teng Qingshan looked down and saw a man, dressed in dark red war armor, dashing amidst the troop. He soon arrived at the frontline. The man, dressed in dark red war armor, appeared very conspicuous standing by himself before the frontline.

　　“People of the Gui Yuan Sect, listen carefully.”

　　General Wu stood before the army of Qing Hu Island and thundered as he gazed at the walls of Jiangning County-City. His voice rumbled and resonated throughout the entire Jiangning County-City.

　　“The army of Qing Hu Island has arrived. We are just waiting for the order to trample the Gui Yuan Sect to the ground. You should open the gates and surrender obediently. This way, less people will die. If you choose to resist, Qing Hu Island will raze the Gui Yuan Sect to the ground!”

　　“Surrender or resist. Make your choice,” General Wu announced loudly.

　　Before General Wu’s voice faded away, clamoring sounds rang out on the wall of Jiangning County.

　　Then at this moment…

　　Teng Qingshan advanced one step forward while carrying the Splitting Mountain Axe. He leaned on the city wall and looked down at the numerous soldiers below. A slight smile appeared on his face. With the use of the Sound Transmission Technique, Teng Qingshan told the Blind Swordmaster, “Brother Tie, the Gui Yuan Sect is content with the small territory they possess. Why are you pressuring them? In my opinion, we should all just talk this over and let this matter slide. What do you think?”

　　……

　　In Qing Hu Island’s barracks:

　　The Blind Swordmaster stood with an indifferent expression. Then his brows furrowed as he replied with the use of the Sound Transmission Technique, “Brother Jing Yi, this is an affair between Qing Hu Island and the Gui Yuan Sect. I think you should mind your own business… If you can just ignore this, Qing Hu island will remember this favor.”

　　A voice transmitted over, “Tie Wu, I owe theGui Yuan Sect a big favor. Many years have passed, but I have not forgotten this favor. Thus, I cannot just watch the Gui Yuan Sect get obliterated.”

　　The Blind Swordmaster’s expression darkened. With the use of the sound transmission technique, he replied, “Jing Yi, what do you mean? Are you saying that you are going to fight to death just for this Gui Yuan Sect?”

　　“No. Brother Tie Wu, you are an expert that has attained the Emptiness Realm Culmination. How would I dare to go against you directly?” Teng Qingshan spoke, “Brother Tie Wu, let them go. You have also killed an Emptiness Realm Expert of the Gui Yuan Sect. Now, the Gui Yuan Sect is no longer a threat to Qing Hu Island. Just let it go.”

　　“Hmph, if I don’t cut off the roots, it will cause endless trouble!” The Blind Swordmaster said with the use of the Sound Transmission Technique.

　　At this moment, General Wu had already run back to the barracks to inquire, “Supreme Elder, the Gui Yuan Sect won’t surrender. Should we attack now?”

　　“Don’t rush.” The Blind Swordmaster humphed coldly.

　　“Brother Tie Wu, the reason why you want to obliterate the Gui Yuan Sect is because you are worried that the Gui Yuan Sect will work with the Heavenly God Palace when the Heavenly God Palace attacks Yangzhou. I can guarantee that the Gui Yuan Sect will behave well in Jiangning County. They definitely won’t drag you down. If the Gui Yuan Sect does that, I will punish the Sovereign and Law Enforcing Elders myself. What do you think?”

　　The Blind Swordmaster frowned and shouted with the use of the sound transmission technique, “Jing Yi! This is not a negotiation. There’s an immense hate between the Gui Yuan Sect and Qing Hu Island. This time, Qing Hu Island vows to obliterate the entire Gui Yuan Sect. If you wish to save someone, I can agree. However, if you want my army to retreat, that is impossible!”

　　“Hmph, Tie Wu!”

　　“I, Jing Yi, am a person who will repay any kindness. The Gui Yuan Sect has shown me kindness, which even my death can’t repay! Let me tell you. This time, I am keeping the Gui Yuan Sect safe! If you still insist on attacking and obliterating the Gui Yuan Sect, I promise that I will destroy Qing Hu Island within a few months, and Yangzhou will be trapped in the flames of war.”

　　Upon hearing this statement, the Blind Swordmaster raised his eyebrows. Teng Qingshan’s words enraged the Blind Swordmaster greatly.

　　“Jing Yi! How dare you threaten me? Did you just say you will destroy Qing Hu Island? Who do you think you are?” The Blind Swordmaster seethed angrily, while his entire face flushed with rage.

　　“Hmph. Tie Wu, let me tell you the truth. I am part of a sect…”

　　Hearing this, the Blind Swordmaster was stunned.

　　“I am a member of the Heavenly God Palace.” This statement did indeed calm the raging Blind Swordmaster. Actually, when Teng Qingshan caused a havoc in Qing Hu Island, the Blind Swordmaster had suspected that the Emptiness Realm Expert named Jing Yi might be a member of the Heavenly God Palace. This was because no one had ever heard of this Emptiness Realm Expert named Jing Yi. At the same time, the Heavenly God Palace was also a very mysterious existence.

　　The Blind Swordmaster had already suspected it during that time, and he had just received the confirmation. Instantly, a million possibilities emerged in the Blind Swordmaster’s mind.

　　“Why, you don’t believe me? Hmph… Tie Wu, while you were dispatching troops in Qing Hu Island, I also ordered for a great army to be dispatched. Now, the army of the Heavenly God Palace might have already advanced past the borders of Yangzhou and Qingzhou. The great army of the Heavenly God Palace might be in the region of Yangzhou right now… They obliterated the Xiao Yao Palace with ease. It won’t be hard for them to obliterate Qing Hu Island either.”

　　These words did indeed frighten the Blind Swordmaster.

　　Compared to being confronted with the Heavenly God Palace, the obliteration of the Gui Yuan Sect was indeed merely a trivial matter.

　　“The Heavenly God Palace’s army has already entered the region of Yangzhou?” The Blind Swordmaster asked with the use of the Sound Transmission Technique.

　　“Don’t doubt it. According to my estimation, the people of Qing Hu Island might have already noticed the advancing army of the Heavenly God Palace. Soon, you will receive a secret letter,” Teng Qingshan said with the use of the Sound Transmission Technique.

　　……

　　On the city wall:

　　Teng Qingshan scanned the army below the city wall, and a bright grin crept up onto his face. He could sense that the Blind Swordmaster was already panicking.

　　Using the Sound Transmission Technique again, Teng Qingshan continued, “Do you wish to obliterate the Gui Yuan Sect and cause Qing Hu Island to go through great suffering? Or would you rather forgive the Gui Yuan Sect, a sect that doesn’t even have an Emptiness Realm Expert…? Make up your mind.”

　　The Blind Swordmaster didn’t reply for a very long time.

　　Amidst this silence, the main forces of Qing Hu Island and the main forces of the Gui Yuan Sect were both confused. Prior to this, Qing Hu Island had even challenged the Gui Yuan Sect. However, such a long time had passed, and yet Qing Hu Island still had not issued the command to attack.

　　TLN: I just wanna make this clear just incase you guys misunderstood. Teng Qingshan and the Blind Swordmaster were talking with the use of the Sound Transmission Technique, which means they never made any sounds when they were “talking.”

　　“What’s going on? This is weird,” Zhuge Yun said in bewilderment.

　　“There are no sounds or movements. What is Qing Hu Island up to?” Qinghu was shocked and confused as well. Then he smiled and said, “It may be the same as last time. Maybe they will retreat like cowards later.

　　Zhuge Yuanhong, Elder Yan, and Elder Ni all looked at Teng Qingshan. Teng Qingshan responded with a smile, “Qing Hu Island is still deciding whether or not they should start the war… We will know soon.”

　　Then suddenly—

　　“All frontline battalions, remain on guard. The others rest,” voices rang out in the midst of the barracks of the Gui Yuan Sect. The apprehensive soldiers then sat down, Resting and chatting with each other. Likewise, Qing Hu Island’s troops, who were situated below the north side of the wall, also began to rest.

　　While the armies of both sides rested, the war came to a temporary halt.

　　Seeing this, the numerous disciples and soldiers of the Gui Yuan Sect on the city wall immediately cheered.

　　In the beginning, Qing Hu Island had threatened them vigorously, forcing the Gui Yuan Sect to make a decision. Yet, they were resting right now. It was obvious that an unforeseen event had occurred.

　　……

　　In the distant Youzhou:

　　Inside a pavilion, Pai San was lying down leisurely while Meng Dujuan massaged his shoulder. A cold-looking man with black hair and white brows stood by the side.

　　“Ah Chao,” Pei San said with a calm smile, “You have read the letter. That little girl, Li Jun, wrote this letter herself. It seems like our Foreign Dignitary Huhe really values the Gui Yuan Sect… Hm. Ah Chao, go and drive out the army of Qing Hu Island.”

　　“Yes, Teacher,” The cold-looking man answered respectfully.

　　Immediately, the white browed man transformed into a beam of swordlight, which streaked across the sky and disappeared.

　　“A few years ago, Huhe was still an Innate Expert. Yet, I heard that he is now an Emptiness Realm Expert who has comprehended more than one Dao.” Pei San said with a smile, “After we finish off Hong Tian City, shall we go meet this Foreign Dignitary? What do you think about that, Dujuan?”

　　“Yes, we should,” Meng Dujuan replied and nodded with a smile.

　　“Hong Tian City is indeed full of schemes,” Pei San commented while laughing. “Hm. If I hope to defeat Hong Tian City as soon as possible, I must reveal the existence of the Heavenly God Mountain.”

　　The army of Qing Hu Island rested outside Jiangning County-City for over two hours. During this time, the soldiers of the Gui Yuan Sect, who were originally anxious and nervous, began to relax. At this moment, the sun had already risen high up into the sky.

　　In the barracks of Qing Hu Island:

　　Tree generals and Gu Yong sat down quietly beside the Blind Swordmaster. They had already waited for over an hour.

　　“General. General, we have an urgent secret letter,” a voice rang out, causing the five people to stand up instantly.

　　“A letter from where?” The Blind Swordmaster shouted.

　　“From Chujun in the north,” the soldier answered respectfully. Simultaneously, he presented the letter to them.

　　Chujun was located in the northernmost area of Yangzhou, bordering with Qingzhou.

　　Knowing this, Gu Yong unfolded the letter, and his facial expression changed drastically.

　　“Martial Ancestor,” Gu Yong said hastily, “The letter states that approximately two hundred thousand soldiers of the Heavenly God Palace have already entered the Yangzhou region. They are advancing toward the Chujun County-City.”

　　“It’s true.”

　　The Blind Swordmaster’s complexion was ghastly. Initially, he had doubted Jing Yi’s words. However, the information he had just received proved Jing Yi’s statement was true. “Jing Yi really is a member of the Heavenly God Palace.” No matter how unflustered the Blind Swordmaster was, he still panicked slightly.

　　“Supreme Elder? The Heavenly God Palace is attacking Yangzhou…?” The three generals questioned frightfully. Their faces had turned pale.

　　The Heavenly God Palace was the sect which had destroyed Xiao Yao Palace with ease.

　　“Martial Ancestor, are we still attacking the Gui Yuan Sect?” Gu Yong couldn’t help but ask.