Ou Yangming’s face changed, and he backed away at the speed of light by borrowing force, mentally cursing
‘Is the Zhang family done yet! How could they send another Yang Grade powerhouse? Besides, this person seems to be more powerful than Zhang Yinli.’
If Ou Yangming was still full of energy, he would be fearless because he could control the Blood Flight Art using his mental power.
By utilizing the art’s speed and the integration of Heaven and man, Ou Yangming would be confident about killing another Yang Grade powerhouse who was on par with Zhang Yinli. However, he had been exhausted of mental power, and did not know if there would be a residual effect from using the skill forcefully, so he dared not take the risk.
Ou Yangming stared at his opponent, and remembered the handsome face well.
If he encountered the person again another day, in a place where nobody else was around, he would definitely let him remember why the flowers were so red[1].
The person who stood opposite Ou Yangming was a middle-aged man that was holding a longsword and had an unrestrained bearing. That said, when Ou Yangming stared at him, he somehow felt chills on his neck.
He shook his head and curbed his thought as he expressed, “I’m Xiaoxiao Sheng from the Fang family, who are you?”
Ou Yangming stopped and looked at him dubiously. “I’m Ou Yangming. You say that you’re from the Fang family, do you have proof?”
Xiaoxiao Sheng’s eyes lit up. While he had somewhat guessed Ou Yangming’s identity earlier, he was relieved when Ou Yangming revealed it.
After all, he was the Fang family’s elder, hence he was also counting on Ou Yangming to refine the tools for their family.
If the young fellow was so unlucky to have died, the Fang family would once more feel troubled about the attachment of Unique Attributes.
“Hehe, you want proof? It’s simple.” The sharp-eyed Xiaoxiao Sheng instantly noticed that Ou Yangming did not trust him, so he said, “If you come with me and see your fellows from the military camp, will you believe me?”
Ou Yangming hesitated before he said, “Okay, please lead the way!” In actual fact, he had almost fully trusted the man, but before seeing anyone who was truly trustable, he could not let his guard down.
Xiaoxiao Sheng turned and led the way without saying anything else.
He knew that it would be hard for him to make Ou Yangming unsuspicious of him no matter how much he said, so it was best to prove with action.
Sure enough, Ou Yangming was more at ease after seeing Xiaoxiao Sheng’s move. Though he was still alert, he obviously had more trust for Xiaoxiao Sheng than before.
Xiaoxiao Sheng did not travel too quickly at the beginning, but soon realized that Ou Yangming was able to follow him effortlessly. It seemed like speed was not worth mentioning at all to Ou Yangming. Therefore, Xiaoxiao Sheng slowly sped up, but Ou Yangming was still able to follow him closely, and did not seem like it was strenuous for him at all.
Xiaoxiao Sheng was astonished. That being said, instead of speeding up again, he maintained a speed that was considered difficult for normal Yin Grade martial artists.
Honestly, Ou Yangming was originally not slow at all, but had not achieved such a high level
yet.
Nonetheless, he had 4 points of Agility, and his consciousness was still split because he was still slightly wary of Xiaoxiao Sheng.
Under this state, Ou Yangming surroundings were very clear to him, and he was able to borrow force to travel. This was why he could easily keep up with Xiaoxiao Sheng.
Xiaoxiao Sheng suddenly slowed down after two hours and shouted, “Who’s there, come
out!”
Ou Yangming was taken aback. He had not noticed anything even with the Vision +1 attribute on his helmet, so how did Xiaoxiao Sheng?
He instantly figured that the man was either exceptionally talented or also possessed a piece of Attribute Equipment that had an attribute similar to Vision. After some thought, Ou Yangming felt that the latter was more likely the case.
“Senior Xiaoxiao Sheng, it’s me.”
Ou Yangming instantly sighed a breath of relief because a familiar voice was heard. He was finally certain that these people were not other men sent by the Zhang family, but people who had come to look for him.
This was because the person who spoke was Captain Yu Hailiang from the South Camp’s Guards.
Since he was the Guard’s captain, he was surely the general’s confidant, and a person like that would never be a traitor.
Captains were bound together with the generals for good or for ill, to the point that they would also be in a terrible state if the general whom they served fell. Moreover, the captains were imprinted with different marks from their respective generals, so it was nearly impossible for them to serve another person.
“Senior Xiaoxiao Sheng, why are you… Ah, Master Ou, is that you?” Yu Hailiang suddenly exclaimed halfway.
Although Ou Yangming looked battered at the moment, Yu Hailiang was able to recognize him.
The military camp spared no effort in finding Ou Yangming these past few days, and General Fang had been worried sick. Nevertheless, everyone suspected that Ou Yangming had possibly suffered a miserable fate.
Hence, Yu Hailiang was so delighted upon seeing Ou Yangming that the feeling simply could not be described in words.
‘The general would be elated too if he finds out,’ he thought. “Captain Yu, long time no see,” Ou Yangming greeted with a chuckle, then expressed, “It’s really great to see you!”
Yu Hailiang took a few steps forward, and was startled when he noticed what was carried on Ou Yangming’s waist. “Master Ou, this is…”
Ou Yangming smirked and removed the head to tossed it over. “This is the culprit who ambushed and attacked us this time!”
There was killing intent in Yu Hailiang’s eyes for a split second. Lin Chao was the squad leader under him, after all, so how could he not be furious about his unjust death?
Xiaoxiao Sheng suddenly asked, “Master Ou, who is this? Who was he killed?”
Yu Hailiang came to a sudden realization too. ‘According to our deduction, the man is probably a Yang Grade powerhouse, but why is his head with Ou Yangming?
‘Even though Master Ou is good at creating miracles, it doesn’t seem quite possible that he’s able to kill a Yang Grade powerhouse when he’s only a Force Grade martial artist.
‘Hmm, it’s quite unlikely, isn’t it?’
For some reason, Yu Hailiang became uncertain when he looked at the calm and steady Ou Yangming.
“This was Zhang Yinli, the older brother of Assistant Supervisor Zhang Yinfan from the Provision Camp,” Ou Yangming answered slowly, then fixed his gaze on Yu Hailiang as he asked, “Captain Yu, can I trust you?”
“Yes!” Yu Hailiang answered without any hesitation.
Ou Yangming then nodded and said, “Okay, I’ll leave everything to you!”
‘Leave what to me?’ Yu Hailiang was stunned and bewildered. Ou Yangming shut his eyes at the next instant, then his knees became weak as he suddenly fell.
Before Yu Haliang could react to it, Xiaoxiao Sheng caught Ou Yangming and put him down gently. “He fell asleep.”
Yu Hailiang and the soldiers behind him looked at each other. They wondered when they looked at Ou Yangming, who was dead asleep and could not be woken up even if there was thunder, then looked at the head of the Yang Grade powerhouse.
‘What exactly happened in these past seven days…
[1] This is a popular saying on the internet that’s used as a taunt when someone is determined to defeat his or her opponent
Chapter 101 - In Your Dreams!
Three generals gathered in front of the dense forest. When they looked at the unconscious Ou Yangming on the stretcher, the anger that they felt was clearly shown on their faces.
They had heard the whole course of the incident from Yu Hailiang and also found out the identity of the Yang Grade powerhou
se who killed the soldiers from the military.
Nonetheless, that was the exact reason the generals were drowned in the tidal surge of rage.
Zhang Yinli was the elder brother of Assistant Supervisor Zhang Yinfan from the Provision Camp and was also a well-known Yang Grade powerhouse. Besides, the man was also an official in the capital and was considered an important figure in every aspect.
That said, he sneaked into the military camp and decided to ambush Ou Yangming, so much so that he did not hesitate to kill the other soldiers.
Judging from his actions, did he even respect the generals at all?
The general would not be this furious if a passerby had committed those deeds instead, but a targeted attack meant that the man was simply slapping them in their faces, and he slapped them hard.
Fang Yihai chuckled and said, “General Deng, this incident was caused by me, so I’d like to kill the scum in the military to avenge our brothers’ deaths. What do you think?”
Deng Zhicai asked with a dark face, “Does this head really belong to Zhang Yinli?”
Chen Yifan answered coldly, “This was definitely Zhang Yinli. I worked with him for a year in the past, so I won’t be mistaken!”
“Alright!” Deng Zhicai nodded and said, “General Fang, do as you wish. If anything happens, I’ll bear the responsibility with you!”
“General Fang, count me in!” Chen Yifan expressed in a cold manner.
“Okay, since I have your word, I feel assured.” Fang Yihai laughed out loud. He turned around and waved, then led his men back to the military camp at the speed of light.
Deng Zhicai turned to ask, “General Chen, why did you tread on this muddy water too?”
Fang Yihai was the one who invited Ou Yangming, hence he was bound to bear the responsibility no matter what. As for Deng Zhicai, he was the Middle Camp’s commanding general, so he would be too ashamed to hold his head up in the camp if he shrunk from this. However, Chen Yifan did not need to stick out for Ou Yangming at all. After all, the Zhang family was not to be messed with. Although they did not have a strong foundation in the prefecture, they were famous in the capital.
The Fang family’s head was a formidable ancestor at the peak of Extreme Grade.
Chen Yifan smiled plainly. “General Deng, you may not know this, but I’m the one who taught Ou Yangming martial arts. Heh, we’re not a master and a disciple, but there’s some sort of relationship between us, so I can’t just sit by idly if he’s bullied, right?”
Deng Zhicai was stunned. He could not help but cast an unusual look at General Chen.
‘Is he the one who taught Ou Yangming martial arts?’
“Oh? You taught Master Ou martial arts?” Xiaoxiao Sheng raised his eyebrows and asked in astonishment.
Chen Yifan answered proudly, “That’s right!”
Xiaoxiao Sheng looked at Chen Yifan from head to toe, then furrowed his eyebrows when he recalled the few blows he had exchanged with Ou Yangming. “General Chen, how long have you taught him?”
Chen Yifan answered after some thought, “Around 3 to 5 months.” “3 to 5 months?” Xiaoxiao Sheng widened his eyes and remarked, “General Chen, can you please not joke around?”
Chen Yifan was mad, but he dared not fall out with Xiaoxiao Sheng because the elder was prestigious and had a cultivation base at the peak of Yang Grade. Thus, the general responded, “What can I joke about?” Xiaoxiao Sheng could not help but laugh. “I’ve seen countless people in my life, but I’ve never heard of anyone who can advance to Yin Grade after cultivating martial arts for just 3 to 5 months.”
“What Yin Grade?” Chen Yifan was stunned for a while, then he pointed at the sleeping Ou Yangming. “Are you saying that he has the cultivation base of Yin Grade?”
“That’s right,” Xiaoxiao Sheng replied. “Though there are some flaws in the way he uses essential Qi… Apart from the Yin Grade cultivation base, his techniques are quite odd
too.”
He did not fight Ou Yangming for long but was able to sense in the short span of time that Ou Yangming’s techniques were different from normal techniques. Nevertheless, he could not link it with the integration of Heaven and man.
“Impossible!” Chen Yifan shook his head and commented, “How can he have the cultivation base of Yin Grade? He should be in Force Grade Class Four!”
‘The young fella has only battled Liu Zhengye a while ago, how did he suddenly advance to Yin Grade?’
Xiaoxiao Sheng pulled a long face and said, “I’ve exchanged a few blows with him, and I’m definitely right!”
Chen Yifan’s face changed. ‘Since it’s Xiaoxiao Sheng who said it, he must be telling the truth, but how could a fella who didn’t know the martial-art squat and hasn’t cultivated martial arts for more than half a year break through to Yin Grade?’
Deng Zhicai suddenly asked after studying the men’s expressions. “General Chen, what techniques did you teach him?”
Xiaoxiao Sheng pricked up his ears right away. If Ou Yangming’s martial arts skills were really taught by Chen Yifan, the secret technique that could bring up a Yin Grade powerhouse seemed very attractive. Even though Xiaoxiao Sheng did not expect Chen Yifan to teach him the technique, it would be good to gain some experience from listening to it.
Chen Yifan’s face twitched, and he forced a smile. “Hehe, I actually didn’t teach him much…” “Not much means how much?” Deng Zhicai questioned and looked like he wanted to get to the bottom of it.
Cheng Yifan cleared his throat and answered, “The… Martial-art squat.”
“What?” Xiaoxiao Sheng asked impatiently.
He cursed, ‘If you say that you’re not going to share it, nobody will force you to, but you look nothing like a man if you’re stammering.’ Chen Yifan blushed. “Didn’t I answer already? Did you not hear me!”
“What did you say? What does the martial-art squat mean…” Xiaoxiao Sheng was furious. “Are you saying that you only taught him the martial-art squat?”
Deng Zhicai frowned too because he was disappointed in Chen Yifan. ‘This fella usually carries out his tasks efficiently, why is he suddenly letting me down during a crucial moment?’
However, Chen Yifan giggled and put his hands behind his back to show that he no longer wanted to comment on this.
Xiaoxiao Sheng’s eyebrows twitched as he was mad. He could not believe that he would be teased like that. If it was not because Chen Yifan was a general in the military, he would definitely slap him to show him what it meant to be at the peak of Yang Grade.
Deng Zhicai suddenly raised a question, “Brother Chen, you didn’t really just teach him the martial-art squat, did you?”
Xiaoxiao Sheng glanced at him unhappily and thought, ‘Even if you want to cover up for Chen Yifan, you shouldn’t do it so obviously…’
That being said, just as he thought so, Chen Yifan nodded and responded, “That’s right, I only taught him the martial-art squat!”
Deng Zhicai and Xiaoxiao Sheng looked at each other as they found it funny.
“Brother Chen, if you only taught him the martial-art squat, how dare you say that you taught him martial arts?” Xiaoxiao Sheng asked in disbelief.
Chen Yifan replied to him proudly, “The martial-art squad may be simple, but it’s the foundation of all martial arts. Heh, I was the one who taught him the first martial arts foundation, and I planted his roots, so is it not considered my legacy!”
Deng Zhicai and Xiaoxiao Sheng exchanged glances again and cursed, ‘You’re twisting words and forcing logic, how shameless!’
“Other than that, someone from the West Camp also taught him some martial arts techniques,” Chen Yifan added as he was embarrassed too, and he continued after a pause. “This is probably why Ou Yangming’s skills have arrived at the state of the integration of Heaven and man.”
“The integration of Heaven and man?!” Deng Zhicai and Xiaoxiao Sheng exclaimed.
Countless thoughts crossed their mind at that moment, a
nd they eventually came to a sudden realization.
Deng Zhicai recalled Ou Yangming’s stunning performance at the end of the smithing challenge that day. Although it was hard for someone with a certain profession to understand something from a different profession, Deng Zhicai was finally enlightened. ‘So that’s the integration of Heaven and man.’
On the other hand, Xiaoxiao Sheng recalled the strange feeling he had when he battled Ou Yangming earlier. They only exchanged a few blows, but he felt like his hands and legs were tied. He initially thought the feeling was a result of Ou Yangming’s odd techniques, but it turned out to be the integration of Heaven and
man.
It would be hopeless to contend techniques with a powerhouse who had the state of such an integration. ‘But how did Ou Yangming achieve the state?’ Xiaoxiao Sheng wondered.
He inhaled deeply and said in all seriousness, “Brother Chen, which mighty being in your camp taught Master Ou the martial arts techniques? Can you please inform him that I’d like to pay him a visit?”
“Wow, Chen Yifan, there’s actually a hidden talent in the camp. Hehe, is he an elder from the Chen family?” Deng Zhicai had a stern look on his face too. He quickly thought about every elder from the Chen family, but could not remember anyone who had achieved the integration of Heaven and man.
Chen Yifan smiled awkwardly. “You’ve misunderstood, it was an ordinary soldier who taught Ou Yangming those techniques. Uhm, the techniques taught aren’t unparalleled techniques, they’re the most basic fist art and blade technique in the military.”
Deng Zhicai and Xiaoxiao Sheng suddenly held their breaths and looked at Chen Yifan hatefully. If it was not because of various concerns, they would have pressed down on Chen Yifan and beat him into a pig’s head. After a long time, Deng Zhicai remarked, “I understand now. Master Ou is able to break through to Yin Grade and achieve the integration of Heaven and man because of opportunity and talent. It has nothing to do with you, not even a-single-thing!”
Chen Yifan panicked so he said, “How does it have nothing to do with me! Without the martial-art squat, the basic blade technique, and fist art, how could he have pursued the martial arts path?”
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