Nine Yang Sword Saint

Yang Dingtian was startled. He didn’t expect the final outcome and fate of the fight between two generational prodigies would be determined by him.

Anyone he wanted dead would be dead.

“Senior Yang, what are you waiting for? The Evil Dao is punishable by death, and you are a member of the Heaven Dao Union.” Dongfang Bingling’s eyes were fixed on Yang Dingtian as she spoke.

“Yang Dingtian, what are you waiting for? Dongfang Bingling is your biggest enemy in your entire lifetime. If you are not going to kill her, when are you going to?” Dugu Fengwu spoke with a subtly hoarse voice.

Ximen Lie didn’t try to take sides and just looked at Yang Dingtian. It didn’t matter what decision Yang Dingtian made. He would support him nonetheless.

Killing Dugu Fengwu? Then, Yang Dingtian would have to be prepared for the pursuit from the Temple of Ten Thousand Blood. The Temple was one of the leading figures for the Evil Dao, so how mysterious and formidable were they? Before Yang Dingtian became sufficiently strong, he didn’t wish to provoke such an enemy.

Helping Dugu Fengwu to kill Dongfang Bingling? That was something that was of an even lower possibility. Even if he hated Dongfang Bingling down to his bones, she was still his master’s only daughter. Most importantly, he wanted to defeat her fair and square in order to reclaim his dignity. He didn’t want to kill her like this.

Suddenly, Yang Dingtian gradually turned to face Dugu Fengwu.

This absolutely beautiful demon woman spoke indifferently, “Have you made your choice to be complete enemies with my Temple of Ten Thousand Blood? Don’t you hate Dongfang Bingling?”

“Of course I hate her!” Yang Dingtian said. “But you killed people like you were slaughtering chickens and dogs. You completely disregarded human’s lives as though they were rice straws. How can I stand on the same side as someone as evil as you? What mistakes did those people do? If you want to look for Dongfang Bingling, did you have to kill those innocent people?”

“Yet another pedantic fool. Weakness itself is a kind of mistake.” Dugu Fengwu sneered and said, “If you want to kill me, then do it.”

“Senior Yang, your heart is indeed one of righteousness,” Dongfang Bingling said.

Yang Dingtian didn’t bother about Dongfang Bingling. He faced Dugu Fengwu as he said, “I will count to ten. After I finish counting, Ximen Lie and I will immediately kill you.”

Dongfang Bingling was shocked. “Yang Dingtian, what do you mean? Are you going to release this demon woman?”

“One!”

“Two!”

“Three!”

Ximen Lie who was by the side drew his giant sword. As soon as Yang Dingtian counted to ten, he would make his move immediately.

At this moment, Dugu Fengwu revealed a pleased expression.

“Haha… Dongfang Bingling, your fiance is rather interesting, huh? He wants to release me, but he still found such a reason. But, you are such a failure as a human. Even your fiance is at odds with you.”

Soon enough, Dugu Fengwu’s delicate body turned into a shadow and swiftly vanished from Yang Dingtian’s eyes.

“Farewell. Dongfang Bingling, I will come to look for you again. The day I temper my Sword Soul will be the day of your death!”

“Yang Dingtian, you dare threaten me. The next time I meet you, I will surely tear you into pieces!”

“What the…” Yang Dingtian had a rush of anger. He didn’t obey Dongfang Bingling to kill Dugu Fengwu, but he didn’t wish for this demon woman to remember this debt. When he heard the demon woman’s ruthless declaration, he couldn’t help but feel this anger in his heart.

…

After Dugu Fengwu left, Dongfang Bingling used her beautiful eyes to glare at Yang Dingtian.

“Do you know what a huge mistake you have committed? You have released that demon woman today… Do you know how many more will die under her blade?”

Yang Dingtian had this mocking expression as he replied, “Today, there were already a lot of deaths. Even your little servant girl nearly died under the demon woman’s sword qi. Why didn’t I see you pity those people’s fate earlier?”

“What do you know?” Dongfang Bingling spoke with a chilling voice.

“I do not want to debate with you. Arguing with a woman like you is like preaching to deaf ears,” Yang Dingtian sneered and said, “I just want to offer you two statements.”

“The first statement. You can treat others like dirt, but you better give better treatment to the people that are close to you. Like Master’s Wife and that silly and flat-chested Ning Ruohan.”

“You are the one who is silly and flat-chested.” Ning Ruohan had just awakened. When she heard Yang Dingtian’s vicious tongue, she was immediately enraged as she said, “You rogue, I won’t let you speak to the Young Lady like this.”

Yang Dingtian said, “Do you see how silly this girl is? It isn’t easy to find one.”

Ning Ruohan was so angry that she couldn’t say anything.

“Second statement.” Yang Dingtian took a deep breath and said, “Five years later, I will go to Yin Yang Sect to challenge you. If I lose, I shall die in the Yin Yang Sect. If I win, I will take my dignity that you trampled on. I will take back the Sect Patriarch position of the Yin Yang Sect that Master handed over to me. I am serious, and you better not treat it as child’s play.”

Dongfang Bingling stared at Yang Dingtian with cold eyes and nodded. “Alright, I understand. Five years later, you will come to Yin Yang Sect, and we shall have a fight to the death. The winner shall become the Yin Yang Sect Patriarch, and the loser shall die!”

Yang Dingtian added on. “If I win, I will not take your life. I just want your apology.”

Dongfang Bingling spoke enthusiastically, “If I were to lose to the likes of you, what face do I have to continue living? When that time comes, I will cut off your head and warn the world that I, Dongfang Bingling, am not someone who can be profaned.”

She was still prideful and still treated people like dirt.

Yang Dingtian sneered but didn’t want to say anything else.

“Farewell. I will see you again at the Yin Yang Sect in five years!”

Yang Dingtian then turned and left with Ximen Lie, walking through Willow Silk Manor, which was now in ruins.

…

After Yang Dingtian walked out of Willow Silk Manor, he realized that Ning Ruohan, that flat-chested beauty, was following behind.

“What are you doing?” Yang Dingtian asked.

“I am here to send you off. Am I not allowed to?!” Ning Ruohan could even be this fierce when saying such things.

Yang Dingtian replied, “So you still have some conscience. Seems like I didn’t save you in vain.”

“Bah! Don’t think too much.” Ning Ruohan then said, “Young Lady wants me to tell you that because you didn’t foolishly work together with Dugu Fengwu, Cloud Heaven City shall not be expelled from the Heaven Dao Union.”

“Then give my thanks to Fairy Dongfang,” Yang Dingtian laughed grimly.

“Now, you rogue can just get lost,” Ning Ruohan said.

Yang Dingtian didn’t bicker and just waved his hand. After they walked out of the manor, they casually grabbed two warhorses that hadn’t died. They placated them a little before mounting them and galloping in Cloud Heaven City’s direction.

“Yang Dingtian, you repulsive rogue, I am not flat-chested. I also have breasts…”

*******

Yang Dingtian and Ximen Lie were traveling fast as lightning, and they finally arrived at the foot of Mt. Cloud Heaven the next afternoon.

Yang Dingtian originally wanted Ximen Lie to return to Black Blood Castle, but Ximen Lie insisted on escorting Yang Dingtian back into the city.

While ascending the mountain on the spacious stone pavement, Yang Dingtian felt something weird. Because on this stone pavement towards Cloud Heaven City, there wasn’t a single soul.

This wasn’t like usual. It was now noon, and there would normally be many people passing through at this time.

After walking several more miles, they were nearly at Cloud Heaven City, but there still wasn’t a single soul.

Yang Dingtian couldn’t help but exchange glances with Ximen Lie. They then quickly made haste towards Cloud Heaven City that was at the peak of the mountain,

…

Soon enough, the duo arrived at the gates of Cloud Heaven City.

But right now, the gates of Cloud Heaven City were actually shut tightly!

On normal days, the gates of Cloud Heaven City would only close around eight o’clock in the evening.

Furthermore, the warriors who were guarding the city on the city walls seemed like they were preparing for the enemy. The rarely used giant crossbow was actually set up at this moment, and it was armed with plenty of giant crystal arrows.

The city walls were packed with fully armed infantries of Cloud Heaven City.

It was at this instant that Yang Dingtian and Ximen Lie’s expressions changed.

Something happened in Cloud Heaven City!

“Who goes there? Leave immediately or face execution!” A shout echoed from the top of the city wall.

Soon enough, several power crossbows were all aimed at Yang Dingtian and Ximen Lie, who were below.

Ximen Lie took down his mantle and spoke coldly, “It is Young Lord, Yang Dingtian, and I, Black Blood Cavalry Commander, Ximen Lie. Open the gates immediately.”

Just as Ximen Lie finished his declaration, there was the sound of weapons being drawn on the city walls. They actually treated Yang Dingtian and Ximen Lie as the enemy.

“Are you not going to open the gates quickly?” Ximen Lie yelled coldly.

Moments later, the giant city gates slowly opened. A cavalry team emerged while fixing their gazes on Yang Dingtian and Ximen Lie with eyes like a falcon’s. They were completely on guard and icy-cold. The leader of the team was Ximen Yan.

“Ximen Yan, what happened in Cloud Heaven City? Why are the defenses so strict?” Ximen Lie asked indifferently.

“Young Lady Tang Xin has been killed.” Ximen Yan then continued, “The murderer is Ximen Yanyan, and she was put under house arrest by the Elder Committee while waiting for judgment. This matter is of significance, and in order to prevent anyone from saving her, the entire city’s defenses are on high alert.”

His voice wasn’t loud, but to Yang Dingtian and Ximen Lie, it was clear like thunder.

How was it possible? Yang Dingtian was very clear in regards to Yanyan. She might be willful and headstrong, but she was kind to the bottom of her heart. She might mistakenly injure someone in a moment of desperation, but she would never take the initiative to kill someone. What’s more, after that drastic change five years ago, Yanyan’s cultivation had greatly declined and was around the same class as Tang Xin. How was it possible for her to kill Tang Xin?

“Why did Yanyan kill Tang Xin? Is there any evidence?” Yang Dingtian asked with urgency.

“What are you? Why should I report to you?” Ximen Yan replied coldly.

Yang Dingtian desperately took a few hurried breaths and restrained his emotions and blood from exploding. He calmed himself down and turned to speak to Ximen Lie, “Big Brother, go back to Black Blood Castle immediately and lead the Black Blood Cavalry here to surround Cloud Heaven City.”

After Ximen Yan heard it, he exclaimed, “Yang Dingtian, do you want to rebel?”

“Understood!” Ximen Lie responded and immediately turned to mount his horse. He then said to Yang Dingtian, “Young Lord, before my Black Blood Cavalry arrives, do not make a move.”

“I understand,” Yang Dingtian replied.

Ximen Yan looked at Ximen Lei’s back view and yelled out at the top of his voice, “Boss, are you crazy? Are you trying to divide Cloud Heaven City?”

Ximen Lie replied with a cold voice, “You are ones who have gone crazy.”

Afterward, he suddenly whipped the horse and galloped rapidly towards Black Blood Castle.

Yang Dingtian, on the other hand, glared at Ximen Yan before he rushed into Cloud Heaven City.

*****

The moment he rushed into the city, Yanyan’s servant girl, Lü’er was already waiting as she yelled out to Yang Dingtian, “Young Master, Young Lady has been locked up by them. Quickly go rescue her.”

“What is the incident about Yanyan committing murder?” Yang Dingtian asked.

As Yang Dingtian asked, he suddenly lifted Lü’er onto the horse while urging her to explain.

“Yesterday, after Young Master left, Tang Xin came to Young Lady’s courtyard and started cursing. She cursed with very unpleasant things, which were all targeted at you, saying that she wanted to tear you into pieces. She even cursed at Young Lady, Madam, and the City Lord.” Lü’er then continued, “She cursed so much that the Young Lady was in tears. The Young Lady was very mad that time and said something in a moment of anger, saying, ‘Tang Xin, I wish that I could kill you.’”

“And then?” Yang Dingtian asked.

“Afterwards, Young Lady was fearful that Tang Xin would come cursing again. Hence, she left the city to avoid her before the sky turned bright. She said that she wanted to meet you midway, saying that she wanted to discuss with you about moving into Black Blood Castle to stay.” Lü’er cried and said, “In the end, after a few hours later, Young Lady was brought back by Ximen Ju, along with Tang Xin’s corpse. Later on, Young Lady was put under house arrest.”

Yang Dingtian frowned. There was too little information from Lü’er’s narration. Furthermore, Yang Dingtian believed firmly that Yanyan wouldn’t kill anyone. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have tried to avoid Tang Xin, exiting the city before the sky was even bright.

“Where is Madam and Sister Ningning?” Yang Dingtian asked.

“Madam is at the Elder Committee, confronting Grand Elder Yang Yan. Sister Ningning is waiting for you at the small house,” Lü’er replied.

Ying Dingtian pondered for a moment and decided to go to Ningning’s place first. There might be some things that would be clearer if Ningning explained it. Once he went to the Elder Committee, it would definitely be in a state of hostility.

…

After going back to the small house, Ningning tried to support herself up from her position, but because her lower body wasn’t able to move, she nearly fell over.

Yang Dingtian hurried over and caught hold of her.

Right now, Ningning’s eyes were flushed red, and she had this anxious expression, but she used a soft voice to comfort Yang Dingtian. “Xiao Tian, do not be in a hurry. Let us plan this carefully.”

(TL note: Xiao = Little, it is an intimate way of addressing someone who is younger or has a junior role)

“Sister Ningning, it doesn’t matter if Yanyan killed anyone. I do not believe that she would kill someone. Even though that bitch Tang Xin deserved to die,” Yang Dingtian said.

“I do not believe Yanyan would kill someone either, but they said that there are human witnesses and material evidence. We can only know if Yanyan killed anyone after we see her,” Ningning explained.

“Where is Yanyan being held at?” Yang Dingtian asked.

“Enforcement Pavilion,” Ningning said, “I have already sent out a few dozen birds, asking them to inquire from all the beasts on the Mt. Cloud Heaven. I am hoping that one of the birds or animals witnessed the situation. But those birds came back to report that none of them witnessed anything.”

“Sister Ningning, you continue waiting here for the birds. I will go to the Elder Committee,” Yang Dingtian said.

“Okay.” Ningning said, “Xiao Tian, you must remain calm.”

“I have already asked Big Brother Ximen Lie to bring his soldiers over. If the time comes to be thoroughly hostile, then we will use martial strength to compel them,” Yang Dingtian stated.

“Unless absolutely necessary, do not start a war,” Ningning said, “But be prepared for the worst and to use martial strength. I will immediately gather all the demonic beasts within a hundred miles to come assist us in battle.”

“Okay,” Yang Dingtian replied before leaving the pavilion and heading for the Elder Committee.

****

When he was within the Elder Committee, he didn’t see Madam Ximen’s figure and only saw Yang Yan.

“If you are here to plead for leniency, then you don’t have to say anything,” Yang Yan spoke bluntly, “The laws are merciless. Ximen Yanyan killed a clansman without any reason. Even if City Lord Ximen was here, he would sentence her to death.”

Grand Elder Yang Yan spoke cold-heartedly and immediately interrupted Yang Dingtian.

“Did Ximen Ju personally witness Yanyan committing the murder?” Yang Dingtian asked.

Yang Yan looked at Yang Dingtian insipidly and spoke with a cold voice, “Carry it in.”

Immediately, two warriors carried a corpse in.

“Take a look yourself.” Yang Yan forcefully lifted the cover on the corpse.

It was indeed Tang Xin’s corpse. It was currently naked from top to bottom, and all the scars could be seen clearly. On the chest area, there was a conspicuous sword wound.

This sword wound looked severe, and it was fiery red like a burst of flames.

Only Yanyan’s Phoenix Flame Sword could produce such an effect. Because the Phoenix Flame Sword had the innate energy of a raging inferno, once it penetrated the human body, it would roast the body and leave a bright-colored trace of flames.

“Tang Xin’s wound was created by the Phoenix Flame Sword while Ximen Yanyan’s wound was created by the sharp sword in Tang Xin’s hand. When Ximen Ju hurried over, Tang Xin had already dropped dead while Ximen Yanyan was wielding the Phoenix Flame Sword, which was dripping with blood. Was there any difference if Ximen Ju witnessed it personally?” Yang Yan then spoke again, “Furthermore, Ximen Yanyan had past grievances against Tang Xin. Ximen Yanyan even threatened to kill Tang Xin yesterday. There is a motive, human testimony, and material evidence. Are you able to turn this case around?”

It seemed like the pieces of evidence were conclusive, but Yang Dingtian was determined that Yanyan would never kill anyone.

Taking a deep breath in, Yang Dingtian asked, “What are you going to do? How are you going to punish Yanyan?”

Yang Yan spoke in a cold tone, “According to the second clause of the Cloud Heaven City’s Laws, those who kill a clansman shall be executed! This was personally enacted by City Lord Ximen. Ximen Yanyan murdered an innocent clansman, and the evidence is conclusive. She shall be hanged in three days.”

After finishing, Yang Yan stared at Yang Dingtian with indifferent eyes, seemingly waiting for Yang Dingtian to plea for leniency.

At this moment, Yang Dingtian was supposed to negotiate with him, but he didn’t want to negotiate now because Ximen Lie’s army had yet to arrive.

“I want to see Yanyan,” Yang Dingtian stated.

Despite all the evidence, he still didn’t believe Yanyan would kill Tang Xin.

When Yang Yan saw that Yang Dingtian didn’t want to talk about any conditions, his expression instantly turned cold as he said, “She under house arrest in the Enforcement Pavilion. Ximen Ju is in charge of all internal affairs of Cloud Heaven City. Whether are you able to see her is up to him.”

*****

When Yang Dingtian went to the Enforcement Pavilion, he saw a team of warriors standing guard as expected. All of them were fully armed and had icy-cold expressions, not allowing anyone to enter. Moreover, Yang Dingtian wasn’t familiar with any members of the guards.

Yang Dingtian found Ximen Ju in the backyard of the Enforcement Pavilion.

He was the Overseer of Cloud Heaven City, the once-loyal admirer of Yanyan and Ximen Wuya’s most outstanding adopted son.

Right now, he had this indifferent expression that didn’t look mournful at all. Tang Xin was his fiancee, and now that she was dead, he remained emotionless and didn’t have any traces of being stirred up.

Yang Dingtian had never spoken face to face with Ximen Ju because he felt this person was too gloomy, like a bottomless dark well.

“I want to see Yanyan,” Yang Dingtian requested.

Ximen Ju slowly looked at Yang Dingtian and nodded. “Okay.”

Afterward, Ximen Ju immediately left the backyard and came to the main door of the Enforcement Pavilion. He took out the keys to open the main door and walked down.

Yanyan was actually locked up in a solitary underground prison in the Enforcement Pavilion.

After opening the giant lock on the thick metal gates of the prison, Ximen Ju said, “She is in there. Go in yourself and see her.”

Yang Dingtian pushed open the metal gates and was about to enter.

“Yang Dingtian, do you want to hear a statement from me?” Ximen Ju suddenly asked.

“Speak,” Yang Dingtian responded.

Ximen Ju used deep eyes to look at him and said, “You are overly eager to prove yourself.”

Afterward, Ximen Ju turned and left.

…

Yang Dingtian gently opened the metal gates.

“Who is it?” Yanyan’s voice was filled with hostility and caution as it echoed from within.

“It is me,” Yang Dingtian spoke in a gentle voice.