Chapter 297 - 142: Qing Province Observatory, A Martial Saint at His End

Chapter 297: Chapter 142: Qing Province Observatory, A Martial Saint at His End

"Yes." Hong Miaojin nodded and sat down, her posture radiating respect.

"And this is?" Yang Tian looked at Fang Xing, his cloudy eyes fixed on him.

From that one glance, Fang Xing felt a lingering sense of dread.

Even a Celestial Martial Saint at death’s door still possessed terrifying power.

Hong Miaojin quickly made the introduction. "Elder Yang, allow me to introduce you. This is my capable subordinate, Fang Xing."

"I, Fang Xing, pay my respects to Lord Yang!"

Fang Xing bowed deeply with clasped hands.

Yang Tian looked at him, a sharp glint flashing in his cloudy eyes. "Are you the one who made it onto the Hidden Dragon List?"

"Yes, that’s him," Hong Miaojin confirmed with a nod.

A smile spread across Yang Tian’s aged face. "A rare talent, then. Excellent."

"You flatter me, Lord Yang," Fang Xing said modestly.

Yang Tian gave a faint smile. "Go on, sit. No need for ceremony."

"Thank you, My Lord."

Fang Xing offered another bow with clasped hands before taking a seat.

Yang Tian looked at Hong Miaojin and sighed. "Miaojin, when was it we last saw each other?"

"It must have been about six years," Hong Miaojin replied.

Yang Tian smiled. "Six years... You’ve truly grown up, my dear. I’m sure Qing Province will have a bright future with you at the helm."

"It’s a pity, though. I’m afraid this old man won’t be around to see it."

At his words, Hong Miaojin looked at Yang Tian. "Elder Yang, are your injuries truly beyond treatment?"

Yang Tian smiled faintly. "It’s a hopeless case. I can only resign myself to fate."

Hearing this, Hong Miaojin’s expression grew serious.

"Elder Yang, rest assured! I will make the Demon Alliance pay for this and avenge you!"

Yang Tian looked at her and sighed. "Child, don’t be impulsive. The Demon Alliance is far stronger than you can possibly contend with right now. There might be hope when you’ve reached your father’s level of strength, but not before."

"That day will come!" Hong Miaojin declared, her face set with determination.

"I have faith in your natural talent, but progress doesn’t come easily. You need to be further tempered and must not grow complacent," Yang Tian said as he looked at her.

Hong Miaojin nodded.

She then glanced at Fang Xing before turning back to Yang Tian. "Elder Yang, I intend to appoint him as the Qing Province Demon Suppression Envoy."

At her words, Yang Tian froze. He stared at Fang Xing, his expression one of utter astonishment.

"Elder Yang, do you have any thoughts on the matter?" Hong Miaojin asked.

Yang Tian snapped out of it and gave a faint smile. "You can make your own arrangements, my dear. This old man won’t meddle. Besides, I must leave tomorrow."

"To the Capital City?" Hong Miaojin asked, looking at Yang Tian.

Yang Tian nodded. "Yes, to the Capital City. His Majesty has summoned me for an audience."

Hong Miaojin’s worried frown eased, and a hopeful smile bloomed on her face. "Then His Majesty will surely be able to heal you!"

"We’ll see what fate has in store. These old bones don’t have much time left," Yang Tian said with a faint smile, his tone nonchalant.

"With His Majesty’s help, you’ll be fine, I’m sure of it!" Hong Miaojin said with firm conviction.

Yang Tian chuckled. He then took out a scroll and handed it to Hong Miaojin. "My dear, this contains intelligence on the Demon Alliance. Read it through and commit it to memory. The strength of the Demon Alliance must not be underestimated."

Hong Miaojin nodded and accepted the scroll.

COUGH... COUGH...

Just then, Yang Tian coughed violently, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. The black, deathly aura around his body instantly became so dense it was visible to the naked eye.

At the same time, a vast, demonic aura pulsed from him.

"Elder Yang!" Hong Miaojin cried out in alarm. She acted at once, channeling a stream of pure energy into him. The terrifying black, deathly aura and demonic presence radiating from his body were finally suppressed.

Yang Tian’s face grew even paler, and the light in his eyes dimmed considerably.

"Thank you, my dear."

Yang Tian smiled.

Hong Miaojin looked at him, her expression grave. "Elder Yang, are you all right?"

Yang Tian wiped the trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth, his expression remarkably casual. "Don’t worry. I’m not about to die just yet."

...