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Chapter 200: 200

“W-w-what did you just call me?” Dugu Zhantian’s old eyes bulged and pointed a trembling finger at Luo Yunhai with a shocked face . The four generals were dumbstruck as well .

Marshal only agreed to take him as a soldier . How did it jump from that to being a godson?

Luo Yunhai had a genial face as he cupped his hands in respect, “Is it wrong of me to call you godfather?”

“Yeah, ol’ Marshal, didn’t you say it yourself that you wanted to be kin? The grand Marshal Dugu is going back on his word over such a trivial matter?” Zhuo Fan secretly snickered .

Dugu Zhantian was bug-eyed . It took a while to get over his shock and turned from Luo Yunchang to Luo Yunhai .

[True, Steward Zhuo only spoke of being kin, not carrying to elaborate on its type . ] For Luo Yunhai to call him godfather, was also a type of kin .

But since only Luo Yunchang was there at the time, they believed it could only be through marriage .

And the next thing they noticed was that Luo Yunhai was kneeling there, and offering the teacup . Wasn’t his actions clearly done for a godfather ceremony? [Sigh, how could I be so careless?]

Dugu Zhantian rested his forehead, and said to Zhuo Fan bitterly, “Steward Zhuo, then what you meant by kin, was in fact…”

“Yes . Did Marshal perhaps think otherwise?”

“I thought…” Looking at Luo Yunchang, then at his four godsons, Dugu Zhantian sighed in resignation, “The same . ”

The four generals’ faces crumbled with his last words . Zhuo Fan clapped with joy, “Ha-ha-ha, outstanding . Then young master, hurry and kowtow three times to your godfather . ”

“Yes!” Luo Yunhai shouted, more than eager in his obeisance .

Dugu Zhantian sighed bitterly with a shake of his head . He wanted to give his godsons a sister in law, only to end up giving them a younger brother instead .

He was left with no alternative, since he already accepted . If he were to switch facts now and say he wanted the girl instead, wouldn’t it be the same as robbing the common people’s women?

He was Dugu Zhantian, who had an illustruous military reputation, a man pursuing honesty and bravery as well as maintaining a strict order in his ranks . Was he just going to throw it all away just like that?

[Let it be . With his talent and Luo clan’s elite army, in two years of training under me, he ought to turn up as another tiger, no?]

Dugu Zhantian looked on the bright side . His face then turned serious as he looked at Luo Yunhai, “Yunhai, today, you take me as your godfather, so you must follow the rules of the Dugu house . I am a man that separates private and public matters . Now that you are in the Dugu Army and if I am still in armor, you must address me as Marshal . Disobey any military rule and I will punish you according to the martial law, no exceptions . Your four brothers can attest to that . ”

“Yes, godfather . Uh, Marshal!” Luo Yunhai cupped his hands in glee .

Dugu Zhantian nodded pleased, [Clever boy . ], “Furthermore, as you are now my godson you are not to shame my name . Or your head shall fall!”

“Yes, Marshal!” Luo Yunhai grinned and shouted .

Zhuo Fan smiled and cupped his hands, “Congratulations, Marshal, for getting another bright godson . I am most certain our young master will not let you down . ”

He then turned to the four generals, his smile ever present, “Congratulations, generals, you have now an outstanding brother . Young master shall be indebted to you looking after him, ha-ha-ha…”

Turning from the beaming Luo Yunchang, a fairy upon this mortal world, to the grinning Zhuo Fan, the four looked bitter and depressed .

[Enough blabber! We have enough brothers as it is, millions in fact! We don’t need more, all we wanted was a sister in law!]

Dugu Huo had it worse, feeling such disappointment that his eyes glistened with tears .

[Goddamn wretched Luo clan! You ignited our desires without us knowing and you give us a little brother instead?]

[I feel like crying! I’ve been in the field of battle for decades and now I don’t wanna go back…]

Knowing exactly what they were grumbling about in their minds, Zhuo Fan gave Luo Yunchang a thumbs up as he laughed inside . [Who knew the young miss knew how to work her charms? She got the four of ’em hooked without so much as an eye batting . ]

Luo Yunchang stuck out her head in womanly pride and returned Zhuo Fan an enchanting smile .

This only worked to fuel the lamentation in the four men’s hearts .

“Steward Zhuo, now that I have Yunhai as godson, don’t you think it’s time I see your Clan Head?” Dugu Zhantian asked .

Shuddering, Zhuo Fan sighed a nod, “Indeed, I do believe Clan Head wished he could meet Marshal for a long time . ”

Luo Yunhai and Luo Yunchang showed sullen faces .

Dugu Zhantian’s group was startled, following them in silence .

Not fifteen minutes later, they reached a large tent . Zhuo Fan allowed them to enter first . What they saw left them speechless .

On the table in the middle of the large tent stood a lonely spirit tablet . It was actually inscribed with Luo Clan Head’s name .

“Clan Head, your most esteemed and revered Marshal Dugu has come to see you . You must be so happy . ” Zhuo Fan’s knees hit the ground, wailing to high heavens .

Luo Yunhai and Luo Yunchang had tears streaming down their cheeks .

Unlike Zhuo Fan, theirs was no act, but genuine pain . The loss of their father happened two years ago and this spirit tabled was very much real .

How could they not feel sorrow when gazing upon the spirit tablet?

Dugu Zhantian’s group was stunned . They never would’ve thought the battle of Windgaze City just now was so disastrous it robbed them of their Clan Head .

They had come too late .

Shaking his head, Dugu Zhantian and the generals felt their pain, paying their respects as well by burning incense . Their hearts were bleak thinking the Clan Head died not a few days ago .

“Steward Zhuo, if you don’t mind me asking, are the four 5th-grade arrays outside due to Clan Head?” Dugu Zhantian asked after showing his respect .

Zhuo Fan jumped to his feet and held his head high, “It is indeed so . Clan Head was but a Bone Tempering cultivator, but that didn’t stop him from reading the starry sky and the land’s layout, grasping arrays and alchemy alike . Those arrays were personally placed by the Clan Head . ”

“Clan Head was a truly extraordinary man . I see why His Majesty sent me to your rescue!” Dugu Zhantian sighed .

Regarding the intricacies of a 5th-grade array, not even a Radiant Stage expert could claim to understand them fully . But as a mere Bone Tempering cultivator, the Luo Clan Head could set four 5th grade arrays . He had to be the genius of the millennium .

[A pity that he was only in the Bone Tempering Stage and was too weak to control the arrays fully and repel the stronger invaders . ] Dugu Zhantian could even imagine Clan Head’s last moments . He sighed, “A true pity . If only he was still alive, I would’ve asked him to join my army as general . He would’ve been a great help to my army in fighting back the Quanrong . ”

Zhuo Fan’s eyebrow flickered and clicked his tongue inwardly . [Thank god I wasn’t stupid enough to say I set them up, or they’d be hauling me to the borders . That would be dreadfully scary!]

“And who was the filth that dared attack the Luo clan, making you suffer so much, and even kill Clan Head?” Dugu Zhantian’s killing intent spiked .

He was only sent here by the emperor to protect the Luo clan . As for the enemy, he had no idea who it was .

Zhuo Fan snickered inwardly, [Perfect . ] and sobbed, “Marshal does not know how cruel and terrifying they were . We had a hundred thousand people on Blackwind Mountain, now reduced to less than ten thousand . ”

The sorrowful siblings jumped in fright, looking at Zhuo Fan with horror .

Nothing seemed beneath this guy, no act to foul, no ditch too filthy . The siblings thought to themselves . [When were there ever a hundred thousand men on this mountain? Better yet, we couldn’t feed them even if there were!]

Dugu Zhantian was boiling mad, “Such bastards slaughtering common folk live in my country? Now that I’ve returned to court, I will make sure to uproot this evil from our nation and bring it to peace!”

“Please godfa-, Marshal, bring justice to the Luo clan!” Luo Yunhai bowed .

Luo Yunchang rushed to do the same, “Please Marshal, bring us justice!”

“Be at ease, I do not tolerate such meaningless slaughter . I will have them taste the fist of justice for you . ” Dugu Zhantian flicked his sleeve and roared .

Dugu Feng grabbed Luo Yunhai and Luo Yunchang’s arms and helped them to their feet . But his eyes never left Luo Yunchang, “Ha-ha-ha, even if Yunhai wasn’t my brother, The Four Tigers will never let such criminals live . ”

The other three were gnashing their teeth in frustration .

[That’s eldest brother for you . Swift to act . How come we didn’t think of it? But there’s plenty of chance to pursue her, now that Luo Yunhai is our little brother . ]

They then started crowding around her and extended their clutches, justifying it with sympathy . While their eyes glared at Dugu Feng as if to say, ‘Let the girl go! It’s my turn!’

But then Zhuo Fan passed through and took Dugu Feng’s wretched hand as well as the three clutches with ardent passion, “We couldn’t thank the four generals enough . ”

“Ha-ha-ha, it’s only proper…”

Taking their hands back in annoyance, the four still had a smile, but their hearts were vexed . [We want to cope a feel of that young miss you got over there, so why the hell a rotten steward butts into our business?]

[Humph, such a killjoy!]

Watching them with a cold eye, Dugu Zhantian was pondering . [As their godfather, I have the final say in not only the peace on Tianyu, but to what lady fits them as well . ]

“Steward Zhuo, who are they, where do they come from? I will immediately send my troops to flatten them all!” Dugu Zhantian bellowed with majestic power .

Zhuo Fan cupped his hands, “Marshal Dugu is a true God of War, in power and manners . I will be straight with you . One of those fiends was Hell Valley . I am certain that Marshal’s army can uproot every single one of them, raze their nest to the ground, restore peace…”

“Wait wait wait, come again?” Dugu Zhantian stammered, his scalp numb as cold sweat trickled down .

Zhuo Fan held his head high and spoke clearly, “It was Hell Valley! Why, is it perhaps difficult, Marshal?”

Dugu Zhantian’s face twitched

[Difficult, he says . That couldn’t even begin to describe it! Since when was it so easy to act against the seven houses?] He was from the Four Pillars, but he couldn’t just up and march on the seven houses! That’d start a civil war!

Dugu Zhantian held his forehead and sighed .

[I got too carried away with boasting!] Who’d have thought the reason why the emperor would send him over was to repel the seven houses? It was only natural, since only the Four Pillars could reign in the seven houses of Tianyu .

[Why didn’t you say anything, Your Majesty? Now I can’t go back on my word after boasting about it!]

Finding the hopeful gazes of Zhuo Fan, Luo Yunhai, and Luo Yunchang, for the first time ever, Dugu Zhantian flushed in embarrassment, trying to look elsewhere…

Chapter 201, Foolproof

“Old Marshal, would it be possible for us to go with your army when you set out? To cheer you on!?” Zhuo Fan looked as guileless as a newborn blinking those big eyes of his.

Dugu Zhantian’s face froze, slapping himself with his calloused hand, and stammering to find the right answer. He just had to go and brag about getting justice for Luo clan. Now, he got his just desert. Just what excuse was good enough to get out of this one?

Dugu Lin felt his godfather predicament and said with a roll of his eyes, “Steward Zhuo, are you sure it’s Hell Valley? Do you have any proof? This is a very serious matter. Attacking the seven houses without a reasonable charge, the whole empire will rise up against us!”

“Right, that’s my concern as well!”

Dugu Zhantian recovered quickly and stared on the steward and the siblings as he asked tense, “Do you have any proof?”

Looking at each other, Zhuo Fan and the siblings frowned. The three houses’ elders and Venerables were wiped out. How would they get evidence now?

After muttering for a while, Zhuo Fan spoke, “They fled too fast and left nothing behind.”

Dugu Zhantian sighed in relief, then gestured at Dugu Lin in appreciation for lifting that rock off his heart, “Since there’s no proof, I…”

“Although…”

Zhuo Fan’s interjection got Dugu Zhantian on the edge, “However fast they ran, their spies, the Sun clan and Cai Rong, our former elder, with his son, were left behind and are in our custody. That should be enough proof.”

“Uh…” Dugu Zhantian hinted at Dugu Lin for help. Dugu Lin was the wisest and most level-headed among the Four Tigers. It now fell onto him to uphold the reputation of the Dugu Army, to let this matter die.

Dugu Lin shook his head, “A spy of no importance, that has absolutely no relation with anyone from Hell Valley, can hardly be considered proof.”

“Exactly!”

Dugu Zhantian shook his head in dismay, “I’m not trying to avoid this, but my hands are tied without hard evidence. Or I would’ve set out with my army at once, trampling Hell Valley into the ground.”

Roaring with such zeal, Dugu Zhantian sighed at the end, while giving Dugu Lin a thumbs up on the sly.

Dugu Lin gave a covert nod as well.

Their ol’ Marshal was a military man, hating evil to the core, but not a hot headed one. He couldn’t just attack the important seven houses on a whim.

Or it would ruin Tianyu!

While Zhuo Fan couldn’t care less. The world could burn for all he cared, as long as his enemies perished in the fire. Seeing Dugu Zhantian not easily pushed to make an enemy out of Hell Valley, pointing out one lame excuse after another, Zhuo Fan frowned.

[What to do? How can I make Dugu Zhantian and those bastards get in a conflict? Even a minor skirmish is better than nothing.]

Zhuo Fan’s plan was similar to what he did during the battle in Windgaze City. This time though, the grudge between the Luo clan and the seven houses would shift into the grudge between Four Pillars’ Dugu Zhantian and the seven houses.

[That’ll keep Luo clan safe and sound for a few years at least.]

Zhuo Fan saw it was far fetched to get rid of Hell Valley any time soon and didn’t make all these preparations for that. He wanted Dugu Zhantian to be the face of Luo clan and let everyone know they’d have to go through Marshal before getting to them.

[But this old goat keeps skirting around instead…]

Zhuo Fan’s eyes darted around in deep thought.

“Steward Zhuo, our scouts report three floating lights above Windgaze City. What are they?” Captain Pang burst into the tent.

Zhuo Fan raised an eyebrow and everyone went outside.

Up above, three light indeed spiraled in the sky. They had erratic movements, as if flies with no way home.

“That’s a messaging jade slip!” Dugu Zhantian was shocked, “Feng’er, grab them and see who sent them.”

“Understood!” Dugu Feng cupped his hands.

But before he acted, a figure flashed in the sky with a rumble. It caught the jade slips and was back in a flash.

Dugu Zhantian and the four generals were dumbstruck. Zhuo Fan was just a 5th layer of Bone Tempering cultivator yet, could fly as fast as a Profound Heaven expert.

And his Lightning Wings could turn in mid air, as if alive. It was shocking enough for Clan Head to set up the 5th grade arrays and no one was expecting such a skill from the young steward.

One had to wonder what faces they’d make when they realized his speed wasn’t limited to match the Profound Heaven Stage, and that he had killed many renowned Profound Heaven experts in Tianyu.

But since they only now returned from the battlefield, they were still out of the loop as to how dreadful this devoted and fervent servant of the Luo clan was.

Chuckling at their reactions, Zhuo Fan took the lead to look into the three jade slips then he snickered.

“Marshal Dugu, weren’t you looking for proof? Here it is, he-he-he…”

Dugu Zhantian took the three jade slips skeptical. But when he read them, his face darkened and cursed inwardly.

[Are these three houses packed with idiots? Couldn’t they have taken these jade slip with them before leaving?]

These were Hell Valley, Pill King Hall, and Merry Woods’ three house leaders sending their orders to their elders and Venerables.

When a messaging jade slip arrived, only their respective house elder could retrieve it through a specific gesture. In the case when no one was there to take them, the jade slip would float around for two hours before finally returning to the sender.

It was a pity that these important elders and Venerables in Windgaze City had long since kicked the bucket. The jade slips floated about idly and Zhuo Fan took them as the much needed irrefutable proof to set Dugu Zhantian into motion.

“Marshal Dugu, is this enough?” Zhuo Fan’s smiled inside, but his face calm as ever.

Dugu Zhantian spoke with hatred, “Enough!”

“Is this proof, foolproof?”

“It is!”

“So when can we expect you to charge on Hell Valley?”

“Uh…” Dugu Zhantian’s face was solemn, “I will need His Majesty’s approval to move the army. Don’t worry, I will take the proof to court and definitely bring justice to the Luo clan.”

Zhuo Fan beamed, [As long as you do it.], “Marshal, won’t it be convenient to deal with Pill King Hall and Merry Woods as well since you’re at it? Look, the foolproof also involves them as well…”

Dugu Zhantian felt a headache coming, [Hell Valley is bad enough, now you want those two dealt with as well? Why not repeat history and jump straight to a full blown war with the seven houses like the one a thousand years ago?]

Dugu Zhantian smiled dejectedly, “I will report to His Majesty and abide by his ruling!”

“Oh, that’s also fine!” Zhuo Fan nodded. Then he recalled something, “But Marshal, since you’re returning to the court, mind including one little thing in your report?”

“What, there’s more?” Dugu Zhantian was speechless. [Just how many houses did you step on anyway?]

Zhuo Fan scratched his nose, “This might be a bit tricky though. We knew they were working behind the scenes, but there’s no solid proof about them. It’s up to Marshal if you wish to mention them.”

“The one behind three houses? Who?” Dugu Zhantian’s voice trembled.

Zhuo Fan smiled and spoke vaguely, “Ha-ha-ha, to Marshal it is no one important. But to us, a small clan, it is a colossus. Only under Marshal’s wing can we survive.”

“Who exactly are they?” Dugu Zhantian was growing anxious.

“Regent Estate!”

Sss~

Gasping, not just Dugu Zhantian, but even the generals were in complete shock. [Did the Luo clan poke the heavens or something? Not only offending the three houses, but even Regent Estate!]

Dugu Zhantian may not fear Regent Estate, but his losses would be disastrous.

His Dugu Army was the defense of the nation, how could it be worn down in civil war?

“What’s wrong, Marshal Dugu?” Zhuo Fan blinked his large eyes.

Dugu Zhantian hurriedly walked away with his four godsons for fear Zhuo Fan could read his mood, “You guys sure are awesome, but I can’t make a rash decision in this. I will return to camp and think it through. Oh, why do I suddenly feel so dizzy.”

“Marshal Dugu, if you disregard us, what about the promise you made in front of Clan Head’s spirit tablet to bring us justice?” Zhuo Fan shouted as he showed them out.

Luo Yunhai cried, “Godfa-, Marshal, you promised me…”

“Fine fine, I am a man of my word. However, let me wrap my head around it first. My camp is only ten miles from here. With me here, no one will bother you. Let’s leave it at that, goodbye.”

Dugu Zhantian cupped his hand in a rush, then ran away. The Four Tigers of Tianyu gave Luo Yunchang one last look then followed suit.

They vanished the next second.

Zhuo Fan grinned seeing them gone in a blink, “This Marshal Dugu may not want to contest with the seven houses, but he did promise us safety at least!”

“Big bro Zhuo,” Luo Yunhai said, “Do I really have to join Marshal’s army?”

“Of course. It is your fortune to be trained by Dugu Zhantian, the man who held the frontiers for decades, with Four Tigers under him.”

“Why don’t you do it then? Wasn’t he fascinated by your arrays?”

Zhuo Fan snorted, “As the saying goes, a good man doesn’t enlist. Why the hell would I go for?”

(StarReader: points at him being an honest to God, faithful and righteous man who does no evil. Or he’s one hell of a smart guy to avoid enlisting.)

“Then what about me?”

Shooting him a look, Zhuo Fan spoke coldly, “You either go with Dugu Zhantian, or cultivate twenty hours a day.”

“Army, here I come!” Luo Yunhai ran out in fear.

Luo Yunchang smiled, then muttered, “Zhuo Fan, what if… making him a godson fails? Would you have married me off to make a tie with Four Pillars?”

“Perhaps.” Zhuo Fan spoke as if it was obvious, “In regards to political marriage, using you to get the Four Pillars on our side is as good a move as any. In fact, we’d be the ones truly winning here. We can even go a step further and get the best out of it by having you marry Dugu Huo. He is so impulsive and easy to use…”

“Go to hell!” Luo Yunchang glared at him and kicked him off the mountain before leaving in a huff.

Zhuo Fan ate dirt before he got to crawl to his feet and shouted behind her, “What the hell? Isn’t it all for Luo clan? Besides, what difference does it make who you aren’t even marrying… “

This only worked to fuel Luo Yunchang’s rage as she stomped faster…

In another place, Dugu Zhantian’s group descended the mountain post haste, in fear Zhuo Fan would go after them with more excessive demands.

Suddenly, Dugu Lin stopped with a frown, “Marshal, why do I have the odd feeling we’ve been played?”

The others stopped as well, now noticing something was very off about all this. In their trip to Blackwind Mountain, they didn’t get anything cleared up, yet ended up with a godson and a heavy responsibility. At the end of the day, they were now tied with Luo clan.

To the point they’d be fighting four houses together!

[What’s going on here?]

Dugu Zhantian and the tigers scratched their heads in complete loss…

Chapter 202, Taunt

A fortnight later, Zhuo Fan was patiently cultivating, taking advantage of the short idle time he rarely could afford.

He had to handle every little matter in the Luo clan these few days. It was his duty as a steward to make sure everything ran smoothly. Adding to that, he had to look after the guards and shadow corp’s cultivation. Thus, his own training suffered.

Since Luo Yunhai was now Dugu Zhantian’s godson, he also had to constantly ferry this young master to Dugu Zhantian’s camp and strengthen their relationship.

Their interactions were rocky at first, with Dugu Zhantian in a bad mood, but the kid was sharp and slowly started to grow on the old guy. Soon, Marshall began treating him like his favorite. Even though he was aware of Luo clan’s intent, he nonetheless agreed to it in a moment of carelessness.

And they got so close that Luo Yunhai was staying at the Dugu Army camp ten miles out for two or three days sometimes. It was such a relief to Zhuo Fan to hear this.

[This pair of godson and godfather finally shows results…]

Suddenly, Zhuo Fan opened his eyes and grinned wickedly, “He-he-he, I was beginning to worry I’d have no excuse to get that old man to march on you. But who’d have thought you’d come instead. It doesn’t get any better than this!”

“Old Pang!”

Zhuo Fan got out and shouted. Captain Pang rushed to him and cupped his hands, “Steward Zhuo, what do you need of me?”

“Go to Dugu Army camp and tell the old man, trouble has come to Luo clan!”

“What, enemy attack? Where? Can I go see?” Captain Pang was growing anxious in his rush outside.

Zhuo Fan flicked his forehead with a smile, “Stop using that excuse. Don’t worry about that and just go ask for help!”

Captain Pang scratched his head, puzzled. But since Zhuo Fan said it, he’d have to follow his order. After all, Zhuo Fan’s every move was meticulously made and surely had a good reason for this. As long as they followed his instructions everything would be all right.

Zhuo Fan smiled as Captain Pang ran like the wind. Then he also flew towards Windgaze City’s gate.

At the same time, people started appearing nearby the entrance of Windgaze City, people from Veiled Dragon Pavilion, Drifting Flowers Edifice, and Sword Marquise Abode.

Chu Bijun looked beyond the gates with worry, “I wonder if the attack already started. I hope we’re not too late.”

“If there ever had been an attack, it had to have happened already with how quiet the city is. However…” Long Yifey muttered, “Windgaze City is forbidden to us from the seven houses. Shouldn’t we scout it first?”

Everyone turned quiet.

They didn’t know how Hell Valley and the rest infiltrated the city, but one thing was certain, they didn’t just waltz in. If they go in and get discovered, adding to that the possibility of Luo clan being laid in ruins, they would be the ones to ultimately take the fall.

With the weakened imperial family, they wouldn’t suffer much, but the Regent Estate wasn’t that benevolent. They’d accuse them of rebelling with this excuse. They’d fall right in their trap.

But they wouldn’t know the situation without going in first, and they also couldn’t just stay here fiddling their thumbs either. It was hard no matter what choice was made!

Sighing, Chu Bijun tapped her golden dragon head cane, “One must do what he has to do! Let’s go!”

She then led Iris and Peony Overseers to the gates. Long Yifey and Xie Xiaofeng nodded, not far behind either.

Grandmother may be known as the Lady of Steel, but these two men were just as bold as her.

They all disregarded the ban and any traps that may be about, going straight through the front gate into Windgaze City.

“Chu Bijun, stop!” A shout came from above and figures block their path. On a closer look, they were clearly people from Hell Valley, Pill King Hall, and Merry Woods.

Chu Bijun squinted, “Valley Lord You, what’s the meaning of this?”

“He-he-he, we all know why we’re here. Too bad, you’re too late!” You Wanshan and Yan Bogong’s group started laughing.

Chu Bijun frowned, “You mean you already…”

“Correct, we knew you’d come to help Luo clan. But no matter how fast you rushed here, could it be faster than the message jade slips? Humph, I will let you in on a little secret. If my calculations are correct, our forces hidden in the Windgaze City had long received our orders and assaulted the Luo clan two weeks ago. By now, the Luo clan should be nothing but a pile of corpses, ha-ha-ha…”

Yan Bogong laughed , soon joined by the rest. Chu Bijun and Long Yifey were unsettled.

It all bore down to imperial family’s response. If they were any more passive, the Regent Estate’s campaign would go unchecked, with these three houses as their very first targets.

In a blink, Drifting Flowers Edifice, Sword Marquise Abode, and Veiled Dragon Pavilion found themselves in an imminent danger.

But then, a carefree laughter echoed, “I do hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me. It seems we have sorely disappointed you. The Luo clan hasn’t seen blood for over a month, not even a chicken’s.”

They turned in shock to see a youth with an evil grin plastered on his face, leaning on the city gates.

“Z-Zhuo Fan?”

They all cried in unison. Long Jiu’s group was ecstatic. Since this kid was here, Luo clan’s safety was a done deal. And by contrast, You Wanshan’s group was filled with dread.

Except for Hell Valley’s 5th elder, none of them saw Zhuo Fan before. But having seen the Hell Kill Order, they knew his appearance.

“W-weren’t you supposed to be killed on your way back? How…” You Wanshan was overwhelmed.

Zhuo Fan snickered evilly, “Oh, you mean those dead bags of bones? He-he-he, they all died by my hands, no exceptions.”

“That’s impossible!” You Wanshan’s group screamed, not daring to even believe such grievous news.

Hell Valley and Merry Woods each sent two elders in the 5th layer of Profound Heaven Stage, the cornerstones of their houses, even Regent Estate supplied with two peak Profound Heaven experts.

Not even a 9th layer of Profound Heaven cultivator could kill them all off, so how could it be possible for a 5th layer of Bone Tempering Zhuo Fan?

Zhuo Fan easily saw through them and smiled, “You call a 5th layer Profound Heaven expert and above strong? Ha-ha-ha, they didn’t look like it. From the mental point of you that is!”

Zhuo Fan pointed at his noggin, with disdain, “Let’s take it from the top. Merry Woods’ elders were retards, no question about it. I mean, who the hell closes his eyes when laying an ambush? I had an easy time getting behind them and making sure their eyes forever remained closed. He-he-he, guess that’s where Merry Woods excels at. All the merrying got to their heads till they went crazy! “

Pff!

Iris Overseer and Peony Overseer stifled their laughter, while Lin Rufeng was red as a crab.

Yan Bogong and You Wanshan threw him a condemning look, [Is that the kind of fools you should be sending?]

“As for Regent Estate, humph, they’re too complacent, always looking down on me. You tell me, am I someone to be underestimated? As for the end of all arrogant elders, I’m sure you gentlemen can easily figure it out.” Zhuo Fan flicked his nose.

They all approved in their hearts. If Regent Estate had a fault, that would be conceit. Although when taking their power into consideration, that wasn’t much of a weakness really.

But before a freak like Zhuo Fan, they’d be no different than lambs to the slaughter.

“What of my 3rd and 4th elders?” You Wanshan barked.

Zhuo Fan snickered and dissed him, “Valley Lord You, chill, of course they died too. But you can’t blame me for that. Who told them to be ponces? All I could do was fulfill their cherished wish and send them on their merry way together, to never part even in afterlife, he-he-he… “

“What?!”

You Wanshan trembled. He already knew this would be the case, but it was hard to accept this fact until Zhuo Fan had to spell it out for him.

Hell Valley’s 5th elder, was boiling mad. Zhuo Fan already robbed his arm, and now two of his brothers. He was outraged, “Zhuo Fan, it’s either you or me!”

“Tch, that’s my line!” Zhuo Fan quipped in mockery.

Chu Bijun’s group was filled with shock. This was their general reaction ever since they heard two elders from Merry Woods got killed.

After all, Zhuo Fan killed four and crippled one back in Drifting Flowers City, having long shocked the world.

But then, they heard how Hell Valley and Regent Estate’s elders suffered the same fate, despite Regent Estate’s elders being far stronger than Diamondback Ape.

This clearly pointed out the other two houses’ elders were by no means weak.

And even with all that, he killed all six of them perfectly, coming out of it without so much as a scratch. This was the real reason for their shock.

Especially to Chu Bijun, who just woke up, finding it hard to cope to a world that changed so greatly so quickly. The revered seven houses were not only taunted but ridiculed to such a degree!

A storm was brewing one that would shuffle the ranks of the seven houses.

Chu Bijun’s eyes trembled. Her gaze was fixed on Zhuo Fan, however, as they glinted…

Chapter 203, Borrowing Power

“Zhuo Fan, you rotten punk, today I will bury you!”

Wailing like a banshee, You Wanshan glared at Zhuo Fan with bloodshot eyes. Yan Bogong and Lin Rufeng were also releasing their bloodthirst.

Long Yifey and Xie Xiaofeng held their guard up. Since Zhuo Fan was safe, of course they’d to jump to his rescue. The same thought ran through Chu Bijun’s mind as well. For Drifting Flowers Edifice’s benefit, Zhuo Fan had to come out unharmed.

It all became a stand off in an instant, as six house lords surrounded Zhuo Fan as they were on guard regarding each other’s reaction; each out of their own selfish desire. Meanwhile, Zhuo Fan was peachy, taking but a light jump backward and through the city gates. He then pointed at You Wanshan in taunt, “You old farts, come and get me if you have the guts! You won’t get to touch a single hair of mine regardless of where we’d been. That goes especially here, in my domain. Well, any takers?”

“Zhuo Fan!”

You Wanshan had long lost his patience with Zhuo Fan’s taunts, roaring as he charged after him with the others.

With so many Profound Heaven experts burning to eat his heart out, even Zhuo Fan felt somewhat overwhelmed.

Chu Bijun’s group rushed to block them, but You Wanshan’s team were long since prepared.

“Rainbow Cloud Palm!”

Yan Bogong was the furthest behind, turning around and spreading his arms. The seven colored mists flew at Chu Bijun and others, making the stop and withdraw in panic.

“Split up!”

“Ha-ha-ha, quite clever!” Yan Bogong laughed with pride. But seeing the rest of You Wanshan’s group going after Zhuo Fan, the anxiety ramped up in Chu Bijun.

Regardless how outstanding Zhuo Fan was, or how many Profound Heaven experts he got under his belt, none of them believed it to be from a head on fight, but earned through cunning and subterfuge. This time, You Wanshan’s team was all going after him.

In this desperate situation, even with Zhuo Fan’s godly skills, his chance at life would be slim at best.

Yet, for some odd reason, Zhuo Fan’s was as relaxed as ever, even having time to throw them his trademark evil grin.

This sounded off an alarm in the enraged mind of You Wanshan. As to why, he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, with a booming sound, a bluish light landed smack in the center of Windgaze City’s gates. You Wanshan’s team was in mid flight when a wave of bluish power erupted from the light and sending them barreling.

When they recovered, they looked upon a ten foot long bluish crescent blade, having seven foot long hilt engraved with a blue dragon and a three foot long blade shooting blinding red rays. It spoke of its thirst of tasting the blood of everyone it touched.

And on the blade was a shimmering silver dragon image.

You Wanshan’s team cried in fear, “6th-grade spiritual weapon, Dragonslaying Crescent Blade!”

“Ha-ha-ha, You Wanshan, I didn’t think you’d recognize my trusted battle companion!” An aged voice boomed, followed by Dugu Zhantian floating next to the crescent blade.

Picking it up as if it was nothing, the blade started ringing out dragonic roars.

The Four Tigers of Tianyu brought Luo Yunhai to Zhuo Fan. They were glaring at You Wanshan’s team, releasing their imposing auras all the while.

Scalp numb, You Wanshan never considered this scenario. For Tianyu’s great Marshal, God of War Dugu Zhantian, to descend upon Windgaze City, a backwater town.

Chu Bijun’s group were slackjawed from the sudden turn of events.

“Marshal, this is between us and the punk. I hope you won’t meddle!” You Wanshan’s brow trembled, his mood sinking dangerously low.

Making a half swing with the blade, Dugu Zhantian roared, “Ha-ha-ha, that’s rich! The Emperor ordered me to defend Windgaze City, and you’re implying your casual words carry more weight than His Majesty’s? Humph, You Wanshan, the seven houses’ prestige must have gotten to your head and forgot your place!”

“What, the Emperor’s edict?”

You Wanshan shuddered, his face white as paper. The hearts of the other house leaders hit rock bottom.

The whole purpose of Windgaze City operation was to test the imperial family’s bottom line. If the Luo clan fell to ruins and the imperial family gave a cold shoulder, then they’d ramp up their already obnoxious arrogance to swallow whole every other houses while completely disregarding the imperial family.

But now they met face to face with God of War Dugu Zhantian of the frontier. This was Emperor’s warning to the seven houses, to stay in line.

This time, they really went and groped a tiger’s butt!

You Wanshan sighed, filled with grievances. He didn’t want to grope anything, but the Regent Estate made him.

Now that the tiger left the mountain, Regent Estate would shirk off the blame, falling in the background, while letting them take the fall. The emperor would then make a harsh example of these three houses.

The three house leaders looked at each other’s eyes, ready to explode in tears.

Chu Bijun’s group was elated at their misery. For the first time in a century, the imperial family stood their ground. This should curb Regent Estate’s arrogance in the future.

At the very least, it would greatly delay their plan to swallow the seven houses.

Grumbling, You Wanshan cupped his hands, “Marshal, knowing that you stand guard at Windgaze City, I shall not cross into it. However, Zhuo Fan killed many of our elders and even crippled my 5th elder’s arm. I ask that you hand him over for us to handle. This great favor will one day be repaid by our three houses.”

Since goin in Windgaze City was out, ripping Zhuo Fan apart wasn’t that bad of a trade off.

Frowning, Dugu Zhantian turned his incredulous eyes to Zhuo Fan, as if seeing him for the first time, “Is what he said, true?”

The Four Tigers of Tianyu, were also looking at him in amazement.

At first they were impressed such a youth could hold the position of steward in a clan. It was a rare occurrence indeed.

But who’d ever stop to think that this kid was so incredible, so outrageous, that he would kill so many of seven houses’ elders.

Perhaps telling them now that Zhuo Fan didn’t just stop at killing elders and went a step further in slaughtering Regent Estate’s second young master, might perhaps cause their brains to stop working.

“Well…”

Zhuo Fan was caught in the middle. So he chose another path, that of pulling Luo Yunhai forward and cursing at You Wanshan, “What are you droning on about? Do you know how close we are with Marshal Dugu, uh? How dare you have such gall as to ask Marshal Dugu to hand me over? That is outrageous!”

All were too dumbstruck to even reply.

[Dugu Zhantian had lived his life by the blade, fighting day in day out on the border. You have no relation to him, zero! So how damn close could you possibly be?!]

Then came Zhuo Fan’s laughter in response to their thought. He patted Luo Yunhai’s shoulder, “Humph, bunch of ignorant fools is what you are! Our young master is Luo Yunhai, Marshal Dugu’s fifth godson!”

Say what?!

The dull and shocked stares creaked towards Dugu Zhantian. The grand and mighty God of War, second of Four Pillars, Dugu Zhantian, just up and took a third rate clan’s young master? Could this relation get any more inappropriate than this?

Despite being done in a not so honorable way and barely a half a month old, Dugu Zhantian was forced to nod.

What a shocker!

For Luo clan to hug such a big tree was like a pheasant turning into a phoenix. Regarding fame, Luo Yunhai would be no less than at the level of the seven houses’ geniuses!

“Kid, don’t push it!” Knowing where Zhuo Fan was going, Dugu Zhantian gave the brat a warning.

Zhuo Fan chuckled in response, borrowing the man’s power to lay it down even thicker, “You Wanshan, you got any idea who I am? I’m the great Luo clan’s steward, the trusted aid of young miss and young master. Asking for Marshal to hand me over is the same as asking for my young master, the same to having Marshal hand over one of his four generals. Now you tell me, will Marshal ever agree to that? Will young master? Will our million strong Dugu Army?”

That had the expected effect of driving fear into their very bones.

[Just how did a simple matter got a million warriors in the mix? How? This guy would stoop to anything!]

“Furthermore, you even dare ask Marshal to hand me over? Humph, how then are your houses going to answer for the slaughtering you did in the Luo clan not a few days ago?” Zhuo Fan held his chest with pain in his voice, he cried, and he sniffed, “Oh, my poor hundred thousand unfortunate souls of my clan, how could you maniacs have robbed them from us…”

Pff!

You Wanshan was holding back the blood threatening to come out. The Sun and Cai clans acted as his eyes and ears in Windgaze City, so he at least knew the basic facts about Luo clan.

[What hundred thousand men?! Your third rate clan never had them! Stop talking rubbish! Not even the Seven Noble Houses has that many people!]

The cheeks of every one there started twitching and dark clouds loomed over their faces. Even Long Yifey, who was the most friendly with Zhuo Fan, scratched his head dazed.

[I get you’re framing them, but can’t you be a bit more realistic?]

Oh, but Zhuo Fan was just getting started, raining charges on the poor blokes, “Outside of the vile and inhuman slaughter you’ve lowered yourselves to, your greatest crime is disobeying Tianyu’s most brilliant, wises, amazing, and sacred holy Emperor. Our holy Emperor had explicitly stated this area banned for the seven houses, but you dare come throwing it in chaos. This is no longer disobedience, but plain insurrection!”

“Marshal Dugu, as the nation most esteemed patriot, how could you ever allow such conduct to take place before your very eyes? You must strike at once, take their heads and make them pay their crimes! The emperor would certainly not punish you for ridding the empire of this foul beasts!”

“Yeah, godfather, I shall go bring the soldiers here to crush Hell Valley and protect the sanctity of our holy Emperor, your patriotic heart, the people’s hope.” Striking while the iron was hot, Luo Yunhai cupped his hands and asked Dugu Zhantian for permission to go fetch the million head Dugu Army.

Dugu Zhantian felt like cursing right now, [How did these two brats’ topic ended with sicking the army on Hell Valley? This isn’t a joke, but the start of civil war!]

You Wanshan’s team was dumbfounded. Their demand was perfectly reasonable, to settle their grudge with Zhuo Fan. How did it degenerate to making Dugu Zhantian going after them and even sending the million strong army for their heads?

You Wanshan looked at the rest and saw that everyone was sweating buckets.

If these kids spurred Dugu Zhantian long enough, those brats would really get to make him send the army to uproot the millennia long foundation of Hell Valley…

Silavin: Damn. I had a good laugh.

Though, it made me wonder, why on NovelUpdate, this novel is rated so low? Like 3.7? Are we even reading the same novel?

Well, maybe they were reading the MTL version shared online, which means, they don’t even understand the humour.

Though, what do you guys think?