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Chapter 63 - The Beginning of Elimination
writer:无罪      update:2022-07-21 15:26
  After his melancholy came disdain for himself. Shen Xuan thought,

  There were no such coincidences that he would encounter at just a thought.

  "It seems that your investigation had no problems." He looked down slightly and expressed his apologies to Mo Qinggong.

  Mo Qinggong naturally did not think that he ranked equal to the other and bowed. He said, "Official Shen is too polite."

  Seeing the change in Shen Xuan’s expression, Ding Ning knew the greatest danger had passed.

  At the same time, he decided to tell Zhangsun Qianxue everything that had happened today in the Great Floating Water Prison. She had to know that their enemies, powerful ones like Shen Xuan, were still wary even twelve years after Emperor Yuanwu’s ascension. When things worth their attention happened in Changling, they would subconsciously think of that person.

  Shen Xuan turned around and indicated for Ding Ning to stand. He said slowly, "A cultivator’s resolve is much stronger than ordinary people, especially powerful cultivators that can even fool themselves and separate their senses from their bodies. At that time, their bodies become unrelated to them. No matter what you do to their bodies, it would feel as though someone else is being tortured. So in order to completely break their resolve, we have to attack them mentally. I have interrogated that cultivator that tried to assassinate you thoroughly, but I fear that I have missed something. This cultivator entered the Great Floating Water Prison because of you. If he sees you, his emotions will grow more unstable, and I will have something to use."

  Ding Ning stood up and nodded to indicate his understanding.

  Shen Xuan turned and walked towards the wriggling figure that was groaning and hanging from the hooks. A light wave of energy came out of his body and filled that figure’s meridians.

  Ding Ning carefully controlled his heartbeat and murderous intent. He looked at the cultivator who tried to assassinate him in Fish Market.

  At this moment, the cultivator had become a terrifying red piece of meat, but half of his face seemed to have been purposefully preserved so his former appearance could be seen.

  When that stream of power entered, this cultivator suddenly gave a displeasing inhale like a person drowning who finally got a breath of fresh air. His undamaged eye finally lit up and saw the shadows of the trio. Yet when he saw Ding Ning and Shen Xuan’s faces, this cultivator’s eye widened and filled with blood, the veins seeming they were about to burst.

  He had an expression of terror, shock, regret and other indescribable emotions mixed together.

  Before Shen Xuan spoke, this cultivator chanted madly, "I am Zhuang Younglie, from Jiaodong ……"

  Another wave of energy came out of Shen Xuan’s body and landed in this cultivator.

  This cultivator immediately quieted as though even his emotions were frozen in this moment.

  "Go out." Shen Xuan waved at Ding Ning and indicated that Ding Ning could leave.

  Ding Ning saw Xue Yi waiting outside when he walked out of the stone room. At this time, Ding Ning felt a wave of sorrow in his chest and his eyes were slightly wet. He knew that the deepest stone room was not far from here.

  He even knew the position of that stone room, but tragically, he couldn’t even glance in that direction or even sense what extra defenses were over there. He couldn’t even show the tears in his eyes. He could only think, just as he wished, he had at least entered this Great Floating Water Prison that had changed greatly.

  He followed slowly in Xue Yi’s footsteps. He pondered calmly,

  After entering that water cell, there would only be one way to leave here …… four realm seven cultivators working together.

  Thinking about the presence Shen Xuan gave off, his gaze grew colder. He was sure that four were not enough. He would need at least five realm seven cultivators. Yet in Changling at present, where would there be five cultivators that dared to attack here and fight the Qin Dynasty?

  Ding Ning felt slightly cold and his body curled up slightly.

  On the wall in the Falling Parasol wine shop, many of the flowers that had been drawn had faded over time. This painted wall connected many cultivators realm seven and above.

  Yet just like Liang Lian, and the newly added Forefather Zhou …… In his plans, those people might fight and kill each other, but there was no possibility they would work together for him.

  Zhangsun Qianxue was standing in front of his painted wall at this moment.

  She did not understand what Ding Ning’s flower like symbols meant. She was even unwilling to spend any effort on something outside of cultivation. She only wanted to turn herself in a sword that forgot many things to become simpler but stronger. So while this painted wall had existed for a long time, this was her first time studying it seriously.

  She had changed today because she had heard Xue Yi’s words when he came for Ding Ning. She knew what kind of place the Great Floating Water Prison was.

  After entering a place like that, Ding Ning was likely to be trapped within.

  Her mood grew slightly fretful.

  When she studied this painted wall that Ding Ning left behind for the first time, she found it extremely complicated at first glance. It was very difficult to memorize so many favors and grudges. But soon, her delicate brow furrowed, and she felt something unusual.

  She could faintly discern the spaces between the flowers were the streets of Changling. One of the blue flowers was at the position of the wine shop she was in. Some grey flowers were at positions representing the corner turrets that kept watch over the straight streets of Changling. Once those positions were set, those seemingly chaotic and meaningless green leaves became the stationed garrison and the moving Tiger Wolf Army. Some of the purposefully empty places were the best paths to avoid the observation of the turrets and the Tiger Wolf Army.

  This painted wall was also a map of how to escape Changling as fast as possible.

  Ding Ning had easily drawn this map with its hints. He must have memorized all of it …… so this map was for her. Even harder for her to believe was that all the pictures on the wall seemed to form the features of a person.

  Her features.

  While it would be hard for anyone except for her to make this out, there was a similar presence. But just like practicing the sword, it was not hard to copy the movements, but hard to copy the aura.

  "If I do not get specific information on you before midnight, I will attempt to leave." Zhangsun Qianxue took a deep breath and said coldly to this wall as though she was speaking to Ding Ning.

  Yet at this moment, her beautiful features turned frosty. She sensed a familiar presence.

  —


  A carriage was waiting on the street near a restaurant. The carriage driver, wearing a thick jacket, was nodding off as he hugged a copper hot water bottle. He was waiting for his employer. A soft wind blew behind him. This driver only felt his eyelids grow heavy. His head bent down and he sank into a deep sleep.

  A gentle power spread from the carriage cabin which had originally been empty. It controlled the reins, turning the horses to slowly travel towards an alley outside Falling Parasol. This carriage quietly followed behind a man dressed like a merchant that passed by Falling Parasol. After following for many streets, the carriage driver seemed to lose control and stopped.

  The sleeping driver suddenly woke up. When he saw the surrounding scenery, he broke out in a sweat. He cursed his drowsiness inwardly for making trouble and allowing the carriage to travel so many streets. Fortunately, he had not crashed into anyone.

  At this time, the driver of another carriage in this street lowered his head and sank into sleep. A gentle power came out of the carriage and controlled the carriage to follow that man.

  After passing through several streets, the man dressed like a merchant stopped walking. He was facing the closed door of a restaurant.

  Yet in the senses of Zhangsun Qianxue who was slowly exuding gentle power in the carriage, there was a grey-robed man washing some horse equipment in the backyard of the restaurant. She knew this grey-robed man was Jing Mozong, one of Wang Taixu’s most loyal subordinates, and a person who had fought with Ding Ning in the streets.

  At this time, she sensed the intentions of the man dressed like a merchant who gave off a familiar presence. After a moment of thought, she said clearly but softly as though she was speaking to Ding Ning, "Apologies, the plan has to change."

  In the next moment, her presence trembled. The energy controlling the reins grew stronger.

  The man standing in front of the restaurant suddenly turned and his gaze landed on her carriage.

  Zhangsun Qianxue’s features did not change and she controlled the carriage to continue advancing.

  The merchant-like man narrowed his eyes slightly, and showed a hint of indescribable coldness and rebelliousness. A small disdainful smile appeared on the corner of his lips. Without any hesitation, he sped up his steps and followed Zhangsun Qianxue’s carriage.

  Translator Ramblings: How to show your love …… paint a map of escape routes.

  Volume 2 63 - There Are No Perfect Plans

  This chapter has been brought to you by me, and larkspur.

  "Senior Sect Brother ……"

  While the appellation was different, Shen Yi was just as sad as Zhang Yi when he said this.

  "You and Eldest Sect Brother walk in the front. I can help Cave Master alone."

  Ding Ning tried to keep his tone calm. But his movements still showed that his mental state was very different from usual — he seemed to almost violently push aside Shen Yi and have Shen Yi and Zhang Yi walk ahead.

  "Sorry." Ding Ning softly said, not to Shen Yi, but to Xue Wangxu who he was supporting.

  Xue Wangxu smiled bitterly at Ding Ning and said, "You almost lost your life, and still say sorry to me?"

  Ding Ning’s throat moved as though he was having a hard time swallowing.

  He was silent for multiple breaths. Then he looked up at Zhang Yi and Shen Yi ahead who were still trembling. He finally made a decision, and made his voice extremely low, "Remember when I returned from Wu Mountain and asked if you wanted to continue living? In reality, I wasn’t just asking."

  Xue Wangxu’s eyes had originally been dim and extremely calm like muddy water. But the moment Ding Ning spoke, waves appeared in his eyes. His heart jumped fiercely as though he had regained life. Shock pressed into all parts of his body.

  This kind of shock felt even stronger than when he had just reached realm seven and felt the difference compared to realm six.

  "So this was ……?"

  He sensed the energies inundating his body, and then the end of those threads of energy. He struggled to lift his head and looked at Ding Ning.

  Ding Ning nodded.

  "So you are ……"

  Even as Xue Wangxu looked at Ding Ning’s solemn eyes, he felt even more unreal and absurd within.

  Countless memories and scenes charged into his mind and overlapped. He lost the ability to think. But the changes deep in his body caused him to quickly wake up.

  "No," he shook his head and said softly, "there is no meaning."

  Ding Ning was silent for a moment. He wanted to speak.

  But Xue Wangxu looked at him and started to speak softly. "I say it has no meaning not because if you make me live and if we can escape after the Min Mountain Sword Trials …… I know since you have made such a decision, there is the possibility of escape."

  Ding Ning pressed his lips together and maintained his silence.

  Xue Wangxu looked emotionally at him and his gaze grew complicated. "I have never thought you would be his successor. I never thought that something like this would occur. Even though someone else had suggested this to me before, and had me imagine what I would feel after such an event occurred, I could not imagine it. Yet, when this event really occurred, other than my shock, the first thing I thought of was- what should I do?"

  "I am of the Qin. I am loyal to the Holy One. Regardless of how many inglorious tactics the Holy One used to take the throne, he is a satisfactory emperor." Xue Wangxu laughed bitterly. "You want me to live and display your true skill. You made the most important decision. To me, this decision is extremely important.

  "I don’t know what you will do in the future. I am of the Qin …… so my final decision is to not help either side.

  "When you returned from Wu Mountain, I said to you life and death is fated."

  Xue Wangxu panted, weak but still persisting in looking up at Ding Ning. He said, "I die here, that is my fate. But you can still fight."

  "Not help either side?"

  Ding Ning, whose lips had been pressed tightly together, smiled. "Old Man, why do you make such an excuse for me?"

  "Do not forget the glory you promised me." Xue Wangxu laughed and did not argue with Ding Ning. His eyes were filled with reluctance but also gentle calm. "If possible, win for White Goat Cave."

  Ding Ning took a deep breath and said slowly, "If you are unable to see, is there any meaning?"

  "There is."

  Xue Wangxu nodded with effort. "Since you have such a status, as long as you promise, I think you can do it. Just thinking of that scene, I am very happy."

  Ding Ning grew silent again.

  "This is fate.

  "I have fate to meet his successor at White Goat Cave. This makes me feel the wonder of life and honored."

  Xue Wangxu looked calmly at him and said, "So you have no difficult choice at present."

  "Life and death is always easy for one to choose, but hard for others," Ding Ning looked down and slowly said.

  But as he said this, the invisible threads that had entered Xue Wangxu’s body retreated.

  Enormous pain engulfed Ding Ning’s body.

  Xue Wangxu grew even weaker. He could feel his body sinking, but he still smiled and patted Ding Ning’s back.

  **

  Behind the green jade doors of Min Mountain Sword Sect, most of the students were gathered on the mountain path facing the doors.

  This mountain path headed high into Skyscraper’s peak. While the sword essence was blinding, and people unable to see the scenery higher up clearly, the path felt like a sword strike from the top of the peak to the base.

  The entire mountain path was made from green jade. There was no hint of impurity. The sumptuousness was hard to imagine.

  In the clearing right before the path were many ceremonial items.

  At the side of the mountain path, at a spot where everyone could just barely make out, a patch of white cloud seemed to have been brushed aside to reveal a yellow altar.

  Anyone could imagine, this was the place that the Holy One would worship the heavens, speak to his ancestors, and establish the crown prince.

  Even though the students were extremely far away from the altar, the majority of students wanted to be closer to the Holy One. So, while they were not allowed to climb the path right now, they did their best to get as close as possible.

  However, a small minority was an exception.

  Xie Changsheng was at the tail end of the group. Even the White Cloud Monastery teacher who had brought him here was ashamed to be with him and was walking far away. For Xie Changsheng, most of the people near the end were familiar to him, including his own sister Xie Rou.

  But when Ding Ning and Xue Wangxu’s figure appeared in his sight, he ignored Xie Rou’s existence completely.

  He did not know what had happened between Palace Attendant Rong and Ding Ning and the others. But when he saw Zhang Yi and Shen Yi from far off, and saw how Ding Ning and Xue Wangxu seemed to be supporting each other as they walked, an indescribable heavy power easily struck the softest part of his heart. His brow furrowed deeply and a painful feeling filled his body.

  And yet, he was not the only one to feel such a thing. Even the numerous black uniformed officials behind the green jade door, had stopped breathing.

  When Ding Ning and Xue Wangxu came close, the official in black robes who had been standing with his hands behind his back, frowned and raised his eyebrow when he sensed their presence. His pale face immediately flushed a light red. An almost uncontrolled fury spread from his body.

  Xie Rou’s face had originally been red. But in contrast to this official, her face grew paler until she was stark white.

  Standing next to her were Nangong Caishu and Xu Heshan. When they saw Zhang Yi and Shen Yi’s expressions, their hands uncontrollably trembled.

  "You made your own bed." At this time, a youth dressed in light blue brocade sneered from the side. "This is the result of thinking yourself clever."

  Xie Changsheng abruptly turned around.

  If this was an ordinary time, he would use the worst words to attack this youth he did not know. Yet, the silent and heavy presence Ding Ning and the others gave off caused him to not even have thoughts of cursing. He was filled with restlessness and murderousness.

  "Who is he?" he coldly asked Nangong Caishu and Xu Heshan.

  "Zhou Wangnian. The person right below Ding Ning in the Book of Talents at this moment." Nangong Caishu’s tone was hoarse as though her answer was difficult, but each word was like ice.

  "What, you ask who I am in this kind of tone? You think you can retaliate in the future?"

  Xie Changsheng did not immediately curse him, but when Zhou Wangnian heard his words, Zhou Wangnian immediately sneered.

  His features were as young as Xie Changsheng, albeit much more arrogant than Xie Changsheng. This was not because his cultivation was much higher than Xie Changsheng, but his grandfather was a powerful person in the Bureau of Palace Scribes.

  For children like him of powerful people, they were born looking down upon people from business families, and those from ordinary families.

  Xie Changsheng’s breathing grew heavy.

  A cold voice sounded at this time. "How do you qualify to mock him?

  Zhou Wangnian, Nangong Caishu and the others stilled and looked towards the source. The middle-aged official in black robes had come closer to them at some unknown time.

  This middle-aged official in black robes looked coldly at Zhou Wangnian and said coolly, "If you want to mock others for being insensible, think if you have the assets to do so. Think of no matter how unreasonable you are, the gaze of the important people in the palace would not fall upon you."

  "An eagle whose wings are broken in the sky is still an eagle, the chick in the coop is a chick no matter how it squawks."

  Saying so, the middle-aged official in black robes looked away from Zhou Wangnian. When Zhou Wangnian realized the meaning of these words, he could not say anything, his face extremely black.

  "He Zhaoxi ……"

  At this time, Xie Rou and the others suddenly stopped breathing. A figure walked out from the side towards Ding Ning and Xue Wangxu by the green jade doors. This man did not say a thing, just turned and helped support Xue Wangxu.

  This person wore the uniform of Green Vine Sword School. He did not look very healthy but he seemed to contain explosive power. He was the most outstanding student of Green Vine Sword School, He Zhaoxi.

  While White Goat Cave had merged into Green Vine Sword School, he and Xue Wangxu did not have much of a relationship. But at this moment, his silent actions were expressing his attitude.

  As Zhou Wangnian looked at He Zhaoxi who walked next to Ding Ning and Xue Wangxu, his expression grew uglier.