“Yes, please fulfill my wish, senior,” He Liangce answered and bowed again.
“No way!” Ni Jingshen uttered without any hesitation. “That’s impossible. You may leave!”
He Liangce looked at the great ancestor in shock because he did not expect to be rejected so easily.
Nonetheless, he had no idea that the situation would have been entirely different if he had arrived a day earlier.
He Liangce bowed and voiced out after a moment of hesitation, “Senior, according to the promise between our clans in the past…” “I don’t care about the promise.” Ni Jingtong glared and said, “We’re not going to agree to this no matter what!”
He Liangce opened his mouth. He suddenly felt like he could not reason with someone who had a completely different view from him, which was unreasonable.
The young master was puzzled, but he knew Ou Yangming must have done something to influence the great ancestors, or they would not have turned him down so resolutely.
Ni Xuetian furrowed his eyebrows and suggested, “Uncles, how about we hear him out first?”
“Xuetian, do you not understand our standpoint? Don’t forget, you gained something too!” Ni Jingtong shook his head.
He was displeased with Ni Xuetian’s attitude because Ou Yangming had truly made a huge contribution. Ni Jingtong and Ni Jingshen apprehended the way of nature and arrived at the doorstep to the integration of Heaven and man. Although their foundation was still not solid enough, the door was already opened for them.
As long as the brothers cultivated for a year or so, they would become Supreme Great Ancestors who really perceived the integration of Heaven and man.
It seemed like nothing they did would be enough to repay Ou Yangming for the favor.
Moreover, Ni Xuetian acquired a magic military saber!
It was a generous gift that was enough to move anyone. The three great ancestors knew very well why Ou Yangming spared no effort in helping them.
They benefited tremendously because of Ou Yangming, so if they became ungrateful by marrying Ni Yinghong to someone else, even if other people said nothing about it, how could they live with it?
Ni Xuetian smiled bitterly. “Uncles, I remember it very well, but it was the wish of our deceased ancestor…”
.
“The wish of our deceased ancestor? No, impossible!” Ni Jingshen suddenly stood up with fearsome eyes, but the other great ancestors, who knew him very well, noticed an intense cold-intent from the depth of his eyes.
A hint of fear could also be seen.
Ni Jingtong gasped and looked at He Liangce with a grave expression on his face.
“It isn’t mentioned in this letter…” Ni Jingshen stopped abruptly and mumbled, “Yes, it can’t be mentioned in the letter…”
Ni Xuetian cleared his throat and asked, “Liangce, are you aware of the real relationship between our clans?”
He Liangce answered loudly, “My clan has been staying in Linlang County for a long time while yours has been keeping watch in Changlong County. Everyone thinks our clans are only friendly on the surface but a deep friendship was already built between our clans by our first ancestors from the first generation. In fact, the great ancestors from both sides are as close as brothers.”
Ni Xuetian could not help but laugh. “That’s right, looks like you already know the truth. Ah, based on your current age and cultivation base, it’s not surprising that you know. This was also why we didn’t say anything when you wanted to walk the Testimony Path.” “Thank you for being so generous, great ancestors.” He Liangce bowed. “You’ve only seen Yinghong once, am I right? Why do you suddenly want to marry her?” Ni Xuetian asked with a smile.
He Liangce’s face turned dark as he responded, “I’m forced to do this.”
“Oh? Tell us about it.” Ni Xuetian kept a smile on his face, but his eyes showed otherwise.
Instead of explaining to the great ancestors, He Liangce inhaled deeply.
At that instant, an extremely frightening aura, which was similar to countless shining spears and armored horses, gushed out from the young master’s body. Also, his face reddened a little while his clothes fluttered in the wind like they were going to be torn at any time.
“Iron Blood Loyal Heart, sacrificing for a noble cause!” Ni Jingshen’s face took on a ghastly expression as he expressed word by word.
He Liangce’s threatening aura did not last for long. After Ni Jingshen spoke, the young master’s body slowly returned to its normal state as if nothing happened.
Nevertheless, the Ni family’s Three Great Ancestors turned pale.
“Is it really going to appear there soon?” Ni Jingshen muttered.
He Liangce replied to him seriously, “I have no idea either, but according to my great ancestor’s calculations, it won’t be far from now.”
Ni Jingshen fell silent for a long time before he sighed and said, “The Wu Dynasty has nine counties where the dynasty ruler keeps watch in the canter while the eight other counties guard the different directions. Hehe, the test that takes place every hundred years is happening again soon.”
“Ninety years,” Ni Xuetian commented, “This time, the test is brought forward by a whole decade.”
Ni Jingtong shook his head and remarked, “The difference of a decade is very normal. I heard that the test in 500 was delayed by two whole decades.”
He Liangce bowed and said, “I’ve delivered the message, so please fulfill my wish.”
The three great ancestors exchanged glances as they were troubled.
At last, Ni Jingshen gritted his teeth and explained, “Liangce, it’s not that we can’t bear to let go of Yinghong nor is it because the Ni family’s children aren’t willing to sacrifice. But, ah… Her heart already belongs to someone else, so the Loyal Heart Secret Technique that you cultivate can’t be improved through her.”
Ni Xuetian nodded in agreement and suggested, “That’s right. Liangce, the Ni family has many other great ladies, so you may choose another one, and we’ll train her well so that she meets your requirements.”
He Liangce sighed. “Great Ancestors, I’ve asked around and have met a few other outstanding ladies, but there’s only one person who moved my heart.”
The great ancestors looked at each other with bitter smiles and knew how heavy-hearted they were.
“I’m aware that Young Lady Yinghong and Ou Yangming have feelings for each other, but…” He Liangce noted and added with a high spirit, “I’m confident that I stand a chance if we have a fair fight.”
“Xuetian, what do you think?” Ni Jingshen suddenly asked with bright eyes. Ni Xuetian pondered for a while before he answered, “Uncle, didn’t Ou Yangming ask for the bamboo forest’s address? You might as well give it to him.”
“Are you asking him to head there himself or…” Ni Jingshen immediately asked. “Of course Liangce and Yinghong will be going there with him.” Ni Xuetian sighed. Ni Jingshen and Ni Jingtong looked at each other. Even though they felt sorry for Ou Yangming, when they thought about their ancestor’s last words, they subconsciously sighed as they were lost for words.
If Ou Yangming and Ni Yinghong were born a decade earlier, the great ancestors would be happy to match them together. However, did the great ancestors even have the right to choose now?
“Fine. Liangce, we’ll give you a chance too, but you’ll have to decide the outcome by yourselves.” Ni Jingshen was helpless.
He Liangce grinned. “Thank you, Great Ancestors.”
His voice was deep yet powerful, and he sounded incredibly confident.
The great ancestors shook their heads because they did not know if the arrangement was a blessing or a curse. Ou Yangming and Ni Yinghong arrived at the great ancestors’ courtyard the next morning. When they saw He Liangce, who was standing in front of the great ancestors, they were taken aback.
Ni Yinghong was clueless, but Ou Yangming knew very well why the young master had come, thus he was on guard.
“Great Ancestors, why did you summon us here?” Ni Yinghong approached Ni Jingshen with a sweet smile.
“Yinghong, I’ve already told He Liangce about the strange bamboo forest that I told Lil’ Friend Ou yesterday.” Ni Jingshen smiled bitterly, then he said after a pause, “Now, I’d like the three of you to enter the immense forest to find that bamboo forest. The immense forest is exceptionally dangerous, and a half-spirit beast is probably guarding the odd bamboo forest, so you must be careful.”
Ni Yinghong was dumbfounded, but she quickly agreed.
She could not figure out why the three great ancestors made such an arrangement, but she would not doubt their intention.
Once the three of them left, Ni Jingtong shook his head and expressed, “We’ve let Lil’ Friend Ou down by doing this…”
“I know, but in the face of such a crucial matter, we can’t care about his grace.”
“Ah, Lil’ Friend Ou’s is inferior to Liangce in terms of strength. Do you think…”
“No,” Ni Jingshen said without any hesitation, “Since he cultivated Iron Blood Loyal Heart, he’s certainly not a despicable person, so you don’t have to worry about that.”
The great ancestors fell silent and sighed.
Chapter 190 - Arranged In Advance
When Ou Yangming, Ni Yinghong, and He Liangce left the big residence, Ou Yangming glanced at He Liangce. The graceful young master was cool and collected as though he had nothing to do with the changes.
He Liangce only nodded with a grin when Ou Yangming looked hatefully at him, and he had no intention to give the blacksmith tit for tat.
Ou Yangming furrowed his eyebrows because he felt like he had punched cotton.
He scoffed and asked softly, “What exactly did you do to bewitch the three great ancestors?”
“That’s what I want to ask you. Why are the great ancestors so supportive of you?” He Liangce questioned.
Both of them had a trump card each that they were extremely confident about, so they did not expect the Ni family’s great ancestors to make this choice in the end. Did the great ancestors send them to travel together for Ni Yinghong to make a decision?
At the very least, the three great ancestors looked like they were not taking sides.
As such, Ou Yangming and He Liangce attached more importance to each other.
He Liangce said, “Young Sister[1], we’re about to enter the forest soon, so you should make some preparations.”
“Thank you for reminding me, Elder Brother[2], I’ll be getting ready now,” Ni Yinghong replied to him, then she winked at Ou Yangming before she left.
The smile on Ou Yangming’s face disappeared once Ni Yinghong was far away. He turned to smirk at He Liangce. “Great move, Brother He. I wonder-what do you plan to do in the forest?”
“Nothing. I just want to get closer to the two of you,” He Liangce answered with a smile. He sighed and explained, “Brother Ou, I honestly have nothing against you, but there are some things that even I am helpless with…”
“Brother He, you must be so helpless!” Ou Yangming sneered. He then lowered his voice and said, “You have an incredible martial arts cultivation base, which is truly admirable. Are you taking the opportunity to kill me in the immense forest?” He Liangce could not help but laugh. “If I plan on doing that, would I have agreed to travel with Miss Ni?”
Ou Yangming was a little dumbfounded. Although he was not fond of He Liangce, he had to admit that if He Liangce killed him in front of Ni Yinghong, he would be dreaming if he wanted to marry the young lady after that.
‘But God knows what lost study this young master from an influential family has? If I’m careless, perhaps the immense forest will be the place of my death,’ Ou Yangming wondered.
He Liangce expressed frankly as if he saw through Ou Yangming’s thought, “Brother Ou, you don’t have to worry so much because I only want to pursue Miss Ni in an upright manner. Whether you’re in the picture or not, I’ll do the same.”
Ou Yangming laughed. “You’re such an upright person, Brother He. Aren’t you afraid that I’ll secretly kill you in the immense forest?”
“I believe I won’t die so easily. Besides, I trust you won’t resort to such a measure,” He Liangce responded proudly.
“That might not necessarily be the case. Is there a need to be lawful against a rival in love?” Ou Yangming grinned with squinted eyes.
Nonetheless, he was surprised that He Liangce still kept a smile on his face. “If you’re not afraid that Miss Ni will think little of you in the future, go ahead and use your tricks.”
Ou Yangming was taken aback. He scoffed and left.
He returned to his bedroom to inform Old Craftsman of his trip to the immense forest to find the strange bamboo, then he packed some things in a bag and fully equipped himself.
Even though Ou Yangming had the peculiar stones, he did not smith a full equipment set made of magic tools. Instead, he only brought two pieces of equipment at the peak of Fine Grade Rank Five, as well as a gift for Ni Yinghong
After all, one magic tool was enough to shock the world, thus if he smithed a whole set…
Ou Yangming had given the Ni family enough benefits, and he wished to maintain the current relationship. Before he possessed stronger power, he would not be too unrestrained in certain things.
If Ou Yangming did not do so, he would not be giving favors; he would be giving them tests to control their greed.
Once he left the courtyard, he was instantly delighted because he spotted a graceful figure.
Ni Yinghong had come to find him first.
“Lil’ Ming, that fella’s a little strange, so you must be careful!” Ni Yinghong whispered in Ou Yangming’s ear.
Ou Yangming blushed when he sensed warm air being blown into his ear, but he quickly nodded and responded, “Elder Sister Ying, that fella has ill intentions indeed, so you must be extra careful!”
Though the words ‘Lil’ Ming’ sounded weird, Ou Yangming thought it was sweet because Ni Yinghong was the one who said it.
Ni Yinghong’s face reddened when she heard the words ‘Elder Sister Ying’, but she was quickly attracted by his words.
“Ill intentions? Do you know what he plans to do?”
Ou Yangming was struck dumb. ‘Oh no.’
He could not tell Ni Yinghong the truth, and he did not want her to be curious about He Liangce. The best thing to do was to let her treat He Liangce as a stranger, where they would never meet again after their trip to the immense forest.
“This…” As Ou Yangming was being stared at by Ni Yinghong’s bright eyes, he racked his brain faster than usual. One would normally be quick-witted during an emergency-Ou Yangming came up with an idea in no time. “Your great ancestors said a half-spirit beast guards the bizarre bamboo!”
“Oh, but what does that have to do with him being ill-intentioned?” Ni Yinghong was confused.
‘Yes, what does this have to do with him being ill-intentioned…’
Ou Yangming repeated Ni Yinghong’s words in his head, but he said with a mysterious look on his face, “The great ancestors kept us in the dark about the bamboo forest and the half-spirit beast. Ah, perhaps the great ancestors are the only ones who can answer your question.”
He was secretly proud because he indirectly stated that they were on the same line.
Ni Yinghong furrowed her beautiful eyebrows. “The great ancestors won’t harm me for sure.”
“They obviously won’t! But they might’ve been deceived by the bad guy…” Ou Yangming immediately explained.
Ni Yinghong nodded. It was probably a sign of her agreeing with him. Ou Yangming sighed a breath of relief, then he suddenly handed a longsword to her. “Elder Sister Ying, I smithed this weapon for you. Take a look at it and see if you like it?”
Ni Yinghong was startled, but her eyes lit up right away. She accept
ed the longsword and pulled it out of the scabbard.
At once, an intense cold-intent was released from the sword, and it gushed toward her face.
Ni Yinghong shivered as she felt a chill. While she had already guessed it, she could not help but feel surprised and overjoyed.
“T-this is…”
Ou Yangming nodded. “Elder Sister Ying, I noticed you only use a longsword when you practice martial arts. This sword has the same specifications as the one you usually use, but it’s slightly heavier.”
Ni Yinghong pursed her lips. She did not usually practice with her sword for long and only did it a few times in front of Ou Yangming. In fact, Ou Yangming had only held her sword once or twice.
Even then, Ou Yangming was able to remember so much.
The young lady felt a warmth in her heart, and she suddenly had the urge to cry.
Nevertheless, Ni Yinghong’s dignity as the eldest young lady disallowed her from doing something as impolite as such. Hence, she only wrinkled her nose and remarked, “Okay, at least you’re attentive. This sword is mine from now on!”
Ou Yangming nodded and was elated. Honestly, he was surprised and aware of He Liangce’s tricks.
It was worth noting that Ou Yangming had done huge favors for the Ni family’s great ancestors, yet they were still moved by He Liangce. Although it seemed like the great ancestors were being fair by sending the three of them to the immense forest, He Liangce was a Yang Grade martial artist-an unordinary one.
Ou Yangming would not be able to do anything if He Liangce did his best to please and woo Ni Yinghong, thus he gave her the most precious gift before they set out. With the gift around, Ni Yinghong would surely be able to turn a deaf ear to He Liangce’s sweet words.
Following that, Ou Yangming and Ni Yinghong conversed happily and returned to where they left He Liangce earlier. Seeing as they were so close to each other, He Liangce was neither mad nor embarrassed. Instead, he looked at them with pity.
Ou Yangming was astonished. This fella’s mind is imperceptible.’
The Ni residence had prepared horses for them. This time, more than twenty people came to see them off, and among those people were three Yang Grade elders.
Immortal Path to Heaven c1-725 Page 113
