“Given that you made such a huge contribution, you’re making things difficult for me,” Wu Xuanji commented as he nodded. He stroked his beard and smiled. “I won’t be rewarding you for it; His Majesty should reward you instead.”
The other powerhouses were relieved. After seeing Wu Xuanji’s attitude, they understood that the imperial family did not intend to confine Ou Yangming through force. As long as the imperial family showed a gesture of conciliation and did not make things irreparable, the powerhouses would not need to make a difficult choice.
Ou Yangming smiled and responded, “Senior, I don’t need to be rewarded. I only hope to bring like-minded friends to Changlong County to contribute toward the Humans’ upcoming disaster.”
“Master Ou Yangming, since you know Changlong County’s disaster is about to happen, you shouldn’t go and risk your life.” Wu Xuanji furrowed his eyebrows and had a grave expression on his face. “Your value doesn’t lie in the enemies you kill in the battlefield, but in the number of Supreme Great Ancestors you produce and the magic tools you smith for the Humans.”
Woo Lejia and the other people were stunned. They exchanged glances and agreed with what the elder said.
From a certain aspect, Ou Yangming had a more important existence than the imperial family’s supreme powerhouse. In particular, given that the catastrophe was about to take place, having more Supreme Great Ancestors and magic tools could help to reduce the Humans’ overall damage.
That said, Ou Yangming shook his head without any hesitation. “Thank you for your kindness, senior, but I can’t stop worrying.
“Master Ou, I’m sure you’re aware of His Majesty’s decree,” Wu Xuanji noted sternly, “His Majesty ordered that you’re not allowed to leave the capital’s area before the disaster ends.”
In actual fact, His Majesty the Emperor decreed that the young fellow was not allowed to go beyond the capital’s walls, but the Five Imperial Elders dared not say it so bluntly.
“Changlong County’s my hometown, so I can’t watch it undergo war and let my fellow soldiers sacrifice themselves while I do nothing,” Ou Yangming expressed in a deep voice after he looked up. He sounded as firm as a rock as he stressed, “I’m returning to Changlong County, and anyone who stops me will be my enemy forever!” Wu Xuanji’s face darkened at once. He questioned coldly, “Master Ou, are you going to defy His Majesty’s order?” Ou Yangming shook his head gently. “I respect His Majesty and the imperial family very much, but there’s no room for discussion for this matter.”
Woo Lejia and the other people began to worry again. Seeing as both parties were slowly becoming headstrong and were giving each other tit for tat. As such, it was incredibly torturous for the other powerhouses.
The temptations given by Ou Yangming were too noteworthy, and each clan had now gained more than two Supreme Great Ancestors. Even if the powerhouses were to die the cruelest death to repay his kindness, it would not be too much.
Moreover, Ou Yangming was so potent that it made him fearsome. The powerhouses were not willing to have an enemy like him.
Having said that, if they were to disobey the imperial family for Ou Yangming…
When they thought about the imperial family’s prestige, which lasted for more than a millennium, as well as the Humans’ number one powerhouse, who was hiding in the secret realm, they felt uneasy.
Wu Xuanji took a deep breath and glanced at the other people.
Three days ago or even a month ago, most of the people present were still at the peak of Yang Grade, and they were not qualified to speak to the Five Imperial Elders. Now, there were 100 Supreme Great Ancestors here.
How many Supreme Great Ancestors were there in total among the Humans?
Nobody did the math before, but even when the Humans were at the peak, there were less than 500 Supreme Great Ancestors in total.
The Humans occupied the capital and eight counties, thus the 500 Supreme Great Ancestors were scattered like pepper. Normally, powerhouses of such a level could not be easily met.
However, 100 Supreme Great Ancestors gathered in this square at the moment. Most importantly, they had all advanced through Ou Yangming’s help.
In a way, the Human’s high-end combat power increased by at least a fifth.
Even though the Supreme Great Ancestors were not disrespectful toward the imperial family, Wu Xuanji was still not confident. What would the Supreme Great Ancestors choose to do if he had the guts to attack Ou Yangming? The Five Imperial Elders looked at each other and felt aggrieved.
For many years, the imperial family was prestigious enough to oppress everything and everyone. Not to mention the five elders acting together, even if only one of them made a move, nobody would question them.
This time, the five elders were timid.
Despite that, they could not be blamed. After all, they were faced with 100 Supreme Great Ancestors.
The Supreme Great Ancestors had just advanced, but they were still in the Extreme Grade…
“Master Ou, His Majesty is only doing this for the sake of your safety,” Wu Xuanji explained gently after he sighed. He paused and turned to ask, “You’ve become Supreme Great Ancestors, so you’re considered top-notch figures now. Do you truly agree to let Master Ou risk his life?”
Woo Lejia and the other people were taken aback. Qian Yuxing stood out after some time and stated loudly, “Master Ou, please stay in the capital. We’ll head to Changlong County together and will slaughter that spirit beast even if it costs our lives.”
“Exactly. Master Ou, please trust us.” Woo Lejia stood out too and assured the young fellow. “Based on our powers, we’ll find the spirit beast for sure and kill it.” “Master Ou, please believe in us. Regardless of the price, we won’t let the spirit beast wreak havoc in Changlong County.”
Supreme Great Ancestors stood out one after another, and they gave Ou Yangming their word.
Ou Yangming was deeply moved. He could tell that Woo Lejia and the others were not forcing the emperor to be renounced, but they were genuinely worried about his safety.
If Ou Yangming was only worried about Changlong County’s people, he would have agreed to it.
Nonetheless, deep down he had other concerns.
The young fellow took a deep breath and nodded at Woo Lejia and the other powerhouses. “Thank you for your good intentions, brothers, but there’s another reason I insist on going back. If I don’t, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”
Everyone else was struck dumb, but they could feel how resolute Ou Yangming was.
At last, Woo Lejia sighed and uttered loudly, “Great Ancestors, please allow me, Woo Lejia, to set out to Changlong County with Master Ou.”
“Please allow me, Chen Yixian, to set out to Changlong County with Master Ou.” “Please allow me, Chen Yilian, to set out to Changlong County with Master Ou.” “Please allow me, Qian Yuxing, to set out to Changlong County with Master Ou.” “Please allow me…”
One by one, a hundred people’s voices echoed in the square. The voices spread far and wide, so much so that Heaven and Earth were also moved.
Chapter 359 - Do You Trust Me?
Chapter 359 Do You Trust Me?
The five Imperial Elders’ faces were a metallic shade of green. Woo Lejia and the others’ declaration were no different from renouncing the imperial palace.
Throughout all these years, the imperial family was like an immovable mountain that had towered over the rest of the families and oppressed them, forbidding them from showing even the slightest trace of defiance. However, that was no longer the case. With the power of Ou Yangming’s Simulated Spiritual Fist and the hundred of Supreme Great Ancestors he had created, his presence alone had begun to shake the very foundations of the imperial family’s reign.
Wu Xuanji’s expression sank. He wanted nothing more than to retaliate with everything he had. However, once he saw the conviction within the Supreme Great Ancestors’ eyes, he started to have second thoughts.
His opponents were not just the hundred Supreme Great Ancestors alone, as he needed to consider their families as well. Although relations between the imperial family and the other aristocratic families had deteriorated over the years, not to mention the complex web of relationships that had formed, if Wu Xuanji were to declare war against the Supreme Great Ancestors, all forces would unite to deal against the imperial family.
As such, the problem before him was almost impossible to solve.
Just as the five Imperial Elders were at a loss of what to do, a mellow voice suddenly rang out, “Are you doing this for her, Ou Yangming?” Wu Hanning stepped out of the shadows and into the square. Her face was covered with a veil as usual, but everyone could tell that her eyes were razor-focused onto Ou Yangming, to the extent that the hundred Supreme Great Ancestors meant nothing to her.
Ou Yangming froze. After giving a bitter chuckle, he greeted, “Greetings, Your Royal Highness.” Wu Hanning slowly stated, “So… You ARE doing it for her.”
Ou Yangming’s refusal to reply had made his intention as clear as day.
Everyone was aware of this. However, upon Wu Hanning’s appearance, Woo Lejia and the others had instantly sensed the change in atmosphere.
If one were to call the previous atmosphere tense and precarious, then the atmosphere after Wu Hanning’s appearance could be regarded as charming but awkward.
Despite that, it was good enough of a change that everyone on the scene had mentally heaved a sigh of relief.
“You! You heartbreaker!” Wu Hanning snorted and slapped her palm across his face. Deep vehemence could be found within the slap, as the air around the two had instantly turned chilly.
The Supreme Great Ancestors present exchanged quizzical glances at one another.
On the other hand, Ou Yangming was deeply surprised, and his eyes were wide open.
‘Heartbreaker?’
‘Since when did I become a heartbreaker…’ Ou Yangming was clueless as to what he had done to make Wu Hanning misunderstand him to this extent. However, before the slap had managed to land on his face, Ou Yangming rapidly retreated. Although the lady before him was unbelievably strong, as a man, Ou Yangming refused to retaliate against her.
Fortunately for him, with all the Supreme Great Ancestors present, someone should be able to help him.
Much to his chagrin, however, no matter where he retreated, the Supreme Great Ancestors on that spot would immediately back off without lending him a hand.
It was as if these Supreme Great Ancestors who had defied the Imperial Elders in the face were more afraid of the princess than the elders themselves!
Worse still, he noticed that there were three-or-so of them who wanted to leap into action but were held back by their peers as if the Supreme Great Ancestors had unanimously made the decision.
While mentally cursing them, Ou Yangming shouted, “Brother Woo…” Woo Lejia immediately faced off against Ou Yangming and yelled, “What did you say, Brother Ou? I can’t hear you!”
Ou Yangming was mad beyond comprehension, but no matter where his gaze landed, the people would immediately avoid his eyes. Worse still, it looked as if they were trying to stifle their laughs.
Upon noticing this, Ou Yangming instantly understood that he had thought too highly of them.
Ou Yangming glared at Wu Hanning. The unified atmosphere he had so painstakingly created was shattered by her in an instant.
However, Ou Yangming had also understood that this was only a lie he told to console himself.
After heaving a sigh, Ou Yangming activated his abilities and slipped away from the square while avoiding the princess’ attack like a slippery fish. The imperial elders glanced at one another. They were all equally relieved at the turn of events.
Chen Yilian whispered, “Brother, are we correct in choosing such a course of action?”
Chen Yixian spat back in response, “What else did you expect? Do you really want to risk your life over the petty squabble between lovers?”
Woo Lejia nodded in agreement. “Indeed. Brother Yilian, did you not see how Her Highness attacked him? It’s clear that she only wishes to teach him a lesson.” After a slight pause, he then added, “Master Ou is a good man, though I do wish that he can do something about that womanizing side to him.”
He Xinfang laughed out loud. “Indeed, I’m sure we’ve all seen Master Ou’s abilities first-hand. Despite that, he’s still no match for Her Royal Highness. Hehe, in my opinion, Master Ou is probably enjoying this quarrel.”
The others nodded with smiles on their faces.
Qian Yuxing laughed boisterously. “Master Ou’s still young after all. It’s normal for the young’ uns to be brimming with energy!” A wan smile appeared on the Imperial Elders faces as well. Usually, if anyone were to spin up fictitious rumors that were potentially harmful to the imperial family’s dignity, the elders would pummel the person senseless. However, since it was gossip between the Supreme Great Ancestors, and since they had linked both Ou Yangming and the princess together, not only did they not object to their words, they had even hoped that they would say more.
However, what surprised the five elders the most was the fact that Ou Yangming had planned all this without the imperial family’s prior approval. This proved that he thought little of the imperial family.
Especially since he could force Wu Hanning to call him out as a heartbreaker in front of so many people…
The elders dared not think any further. ‘If this punk so much as dare to abandon the imperial family, we shall eliminate him, regardless of his immense talent and potential!’
The elders’ gazes shifted to the Supreme Great Ancestors who were gathered on-site, and suddenly, anxiety plagued their hearts.
Wu Xuanji cleared his throat and snorted. “What are you guys lingering around for? Are you guys planning to revolt?”
Woo Lejia and the others immediately bowed and dispersed like a flock of wild animals.
However, their hearts were at ease. After all, it seemed that they had plenty more to expect from Master Ou and Her Royal Highness.
Ou Yangming sprinted forward non-stop. Naturally, although he could detect Wu Hanning’s overwhelming aura, he could also tell that there was no malicious intent.
Moreover, upon recalling how Wu Hanning had stood up for him back when he had accidentally barged into her room, his heart went soft, and he could no longer muster the will to fight her to the death.
Although they moved at breakneck speeds, they did not stir up any commotions while they ran through the city.
Suddenly, Ou Yangming’s heart froze, as he could “hear” a voice in his mind.
“Let’s stop, Brother Ou.”
Ou Yangming flinched. He was certain that it was one of the imperial family’s ultimate techniques, usable only by those who possessed an extraordinary amount of talent. Although Wu Hanning’s mental power was inferior to Ou Yangming’s, compared to the average martial artist, it was far superior.
However, that was not the part that surprised Ou Yangming. Rather, it was her calm “voice” that had caught him off guard. There was no anger to be found within it.
Nas
As such, after giving it some thought, Ou Yangming decided to stop. After all, he was also curious as to what grave sin he had committed that prompted Wu Hanning to chase after him so shamelessly.
A moment later, Wu Hanning caught up to him. There was a complex look in her eyes, and it looked as if she still harbored some hate towards Ou Yangming.
Ou Yangming cleared his throat. Upon noticing how conflicted she looked, every ounce of anger within him evaporated.
“Your Royal Highness… You scared me earlier.” Ou Yangming chuckled.
Wu Hanning calmly replied, “Brother Ou, let me ask you something. Had I not appeared earlier, how would you have dealt with the situation?”
Ou Yangming thought long and hard. “I don’t think the decision lies with me, but rather, the five Imperial Elders, n
o?”
Wu Hanning responded without an ounce of hesitation, “To preserve the imperial family’s honor and dignity, the elders would never have backed down in that situation.” She then turned serious and continued, “Should the standstill proceed any further, humanity would have lost several assets.”
Ou Yangming snorted. “Had it not been for His Majesty’s decree, none of this would have happened in the first place! Heh, although I might not be strong, I shan’t allow anyone to restrict me!”
Wu Hanning responded, “I understand, I’ll make sure this never happens again.”
Ou Yangming raised his brow in surprise. In his heart, the imperial family was a powerful force that was not to be reckoned with. As such, the moment he heard Wu Hanning’s apologetic-like words, he was caught off guard.
Wu Hanning continued, “Brother Ou, since you’re so adamant about leaving, I’ll try to convince my father to retract his decree. However…” She raised her head and looked into Ou Yangming’s eyes. “Do you trust me, Brother Ou?”
Ou Yangming stared into her eyes that glittered like the stars and realized he was unable to say no.
Furthermore, he could also feel the sincerity and warmth within those eyes, as there was not an ounce of malicious intent to be found from it.
It was in that instant that Ou Yangming felt truly connected to the lady’s heart. It was to the extent that he could even feel a connection between their mental conceptions.
He believed in her wholeheartedly, and there was no rationality behind his trust.
It was a situation where only those with immense mental power and who had voluntarily put down their mental barriers could trigger.
Without a shadow of a doubt, Ou Yangming declared, “I trust you!”
Wu Hanning narrowed her eyes and grinned. “Follow me then.”
Ou Yangming followed along, and together, they headed towards the palace.
Chapter 360 - Reaching The Peak In A Day
Immortal Path to Heaven c1-725 Page 214
