Volume 12 Chapter 45

Waiting for someone in a sparkling-clean room, Ming Feizhen assumed an unseemly sitting posture because the room was too clean for comfort. Even if he changed sitting posture, he couldn't feel comfortable on the chair that he could virtually see his reflection on. Perhaps his antsy feeling wasn't attributed to the environment for he was still ruminating if he should've even been there. If it were up to him, he'd rather never be there as he didn't like the person he was waiting for.

Ming Feizhen's dislike for the individual wasn't due to personality or attitude, though he hated both of them in the individual. The reason he didn't like the individual was that the latter was dangerous - the type that he'd avoid whenever possible. Sadly, he had no alternative if he wanted to win the idol completion to avoid becoming a nationally wanted criminal whilst defenceless.

That guy is integral to winning the contest unless... I can ask Uncle Huang for insider information. If Uncle Huang refuses, I could ask His Majesty to pressure him. If His Majesty refuses, I could ask Boss to pressure His Majesty. If she refuses, I can pressure her.

Imagining Shen Yiren go from grumpy to soft and giving in, Ming Feizhen cracked a smile. "... Yeah. Why stay if I don't need to?"

Ming Feizhen got out of the chair as if it was dangerous to remain in it. His plan was to burst out the door. His guest's plan was to take one last step up to the other side of the door.

***

"Don't be shy. Did I hurt you? Let me blow it for you."

Ling Shaoxuan had absolute confidence in his ability to subdue Shen Kuang, and the absence of any spectators galvanised him to go further off the rails. That said, he maintained a graceful posture as he strolled forward with his arms ready to catch Shen Kuang in an embrace.

Shen Kuang could've thrown himself into Ling Shaoxuan's arms or generated a wind with a palm strike to ignite the bombs so that the latter couldn't open his mouth again; however, there was an elder and young girl walking past Ling Shaoxuan's rear. The shockwave generated from the explosion would be tolerable to someone trained, but a grandpa and a five year old might forfeit their lives to it. For that reason, he withheld on taking out the match.

It would be incorrect to say that Shen Kuang was incapable of empathy; he just didn't consider the feelings of others as important. Hence, the reason for his hesitation wasn't the two innocent lives at risk but the feelings of the one person he cared about - his sister. His hand stopped when he realised that she might be upset if two innocent lives were taken. He didn't believe he was kind. That said, his sister was irreplaceable.

Unaware of his trip to the gates of hell, Ling Shaoxuan's smirk started to turn freaky. "What's with that look? Are you bothered? I'll help you fix any problems. Come on. Get up now."

"What do you think you're doing in broad daylight?! You look like a human from this plane, yet what have you done to the poor girl? You think the capital is lawless?!"

Neither Shen Kuang nor Ling Shaoxuan could believe the elder with his granddaughter would intervene. Shen Kuang wasn't sure if he was supposed to be amused or exasperated that someone he was about to sacrifice would help him - getting his gender wrong was just the norm. Ling Shaoxuan had no clue how to react to some weak, unarmed elder trying to stop him of all people.

As a result of the incident five years ago, Mount Lu Sword Sanctuary's attitude changed; they revered martial arts and forbade harming civilians. At first, there was resistance. Their tones changed, nonetheless, after Ling Yaoshi personally lopped off five members' heads.

Despite being one to do as he pleased, Ling Shaoxuan strictly obliged with the order to leave civilians alone. Thus, he was put on the spot. "Elder, I suggest you mind your own business. This is between us."

"That's what every crook says. How dare you get rough with a maiden in the capital?! I'll have you know Liu Shan Men's Vice-Captain Shen is also a woman, and she detests your kind. Lass Chun, yell for Grandpa!"

The girl held her hands beside her mouth and cried, "Help! Help! Rapist!"

Ling Shaoxuan's job was to provoke, and the situation was quickly getting out of hand. Before he could slink off, though, he heard, "Who's flouting the law in the capital?!" The shouter vaulted through the air, landing in front of Ling Shaoxuan. "You would dare force yourself on a maiden in broad daylight, you scum of the earth? You must not know this dragon was scolded today and is looking for some therapy. You want to touch a tiger's behind? Fine, let me show you the consequences of touching a tiger's behind, y-, huh? Ling Mabi?!"

"Eat a dick! My name is Ling Shaoxuan!"

***

"As this one stated, he is here for something else. There is no need for us to fight. You really have a short fuse." Xun Feng rolled up his sleeves whilst shielding himself from the heat without any trouble.

Tang Ye had some black smudges on his face and flames on his clothing that had yet to be extinguished. His Yang Blood True Qi had advanced to the highest level he had ever reached, yet Xun Feng marvellously returned his fire to him through technical finesse. Tang Ye hurriedly reduced his output by 80%. Alas, he couldn't avoid his own flames completely.

In response to Tang Ye's contemplating reaction, Xun Feng griped, "Serious? It looks like you're not about to quit."

"... I haven't seen much of Cold Mountain Temple's skills. The technique you used to deflect my attack back to me is an original of yours, isn't it?"

"You're even trying to look into my skills now?" Seeing as his remark didn't affect Tang Ye, he answered, "Indeed, it's something I came up with. The mental cultivation is authentic Cold Mountain Temple goods, however."

"I was right. Cold Mountain Temple's specialty is countering by using the opponent's attack against them. Your sneaky counter is unquestionably Cold Mountain Temple's authentic mental cultivation."

"You're better than what they say." Xun Feng stretched his hands out of his sleeves.

"You have the skill to be a nuisance."

Xun Feng looked serious for the last time. "Take that back."

"You ready to get serious?" Tang Ye ripped off the burnt sections of his attire, revealing his crimson armour underneath.

Instead of the flames damaging Tang Ye's soft armour, they polished it.

"That's Demon Sect's..."

"Just ordinary goods." Tang Ye performed circles with his limbs to warm up. "Warm-up is over. Let's fight."