C19 The Hong Family Is Here

Ye Xiangyang was well aware that the pearl was the most treasured possession of the Sea Guarding Mansion, an inestimable jewel of immeasurable worth. Yet, it had been forcibly taken by a small cauldron. Filled with indignation, he had declared his intention to reclaim it.

The Heavenly Martial Turtle, panting heavily and nearly coughing up blood in its anger, had never encountered someone so miserly.

For over 100,000 years, the Heavenly Martial Turtle had served its former master, witnessing innumerable treasures of the world. To it, the Earth Spirit Bead was merely a trinket of the lowest order. It required an earth elemental treasure to gradually restore its former power.

Its present master, Ye Xiangyang, was indeed quite frugal. What kind of future awaited it with such a master?

But Ye Xiangyang's frugality wasn't without reason. An Earth Spirit Bead could fetch hundreds of thousands of gold coins, or even billions of iron coins. For many, this sum promised a life of ease and comfort. Having endured a childhood marred by poverty, Ye Xiangyang's thriftiness was understandable.

"I've consumed the Earth Elemental Bead," the Heavenly Martial Turtle grumbled. "Only by regaining a mere fraction of my strength, one ten-millionth, can I manifest my form within your mind."

Ye Xiangyang's mouth fell open in astonishment. The creature had devoured a treasure beyond value and yet had regained less than a ten-millionth of its might. To fully restore its power seemed an impossible task, a veritable abyss of need. "But you're a Soul, aren't you? How can you consume an actual pearl?"

Shaking his head in feigned magnanimity, he conceded, "Well, I suppose it's just my bad luck. Time to focus on my cultivation."

Putting the matter out of his mind, Ye Xiangyang refused to dwell on the loss. He was not one to quibble over such things; the Earth Spirit Bead was gone, and that was that.

Cultivation was paramount, and he resumed his practice with renewed vigor.

From that day forward, Ye Xiangyang and the Profound Warriors of the Ye family trained together on the martial arts field every morning and noon. In the afternoons, he practiced solo, wielding the hefty Ancient Great Halberd.

The Overlord Halberd's techniques were comprised of four formidable moves: Long Dragons Resurface, Star Pierce Moon Chopping, Invisible Land Painting, and Wind Chasing Strike.

The Sky Swallowing Halberd's forward attack, known as Long Dragons Resurface, was akin to a mighty dragon leaving the water to launch a sudden and unstoppable assault. Star Pierce Moon Chopping built on this, delivering a slanted slash so powerful it could sever an enemy's head with a single blow. Invisible Land Painting transformed the halberd into a spinning whirlwind, shrouded in an aura of mystery. The most enigmatic of all was the Wind Chasing Strike, capable of killing unseen.

These four techniques were formidable, and every afternoon, Ye Xiangyang dedicated himself to mastering them on the martial arts field. The Heavenly Martial Turtle, with a long sigh, admonished the young warrior, "Brat, a hundred years of such practice won't bring you any closer to true progress."

"Long Dragons Resurface is about going with the flow, like a dragon surging forth, a relentless river. Star Pierce Moon Chopping possesses the might to cleave through all creation. Invisible Land Painting captures the elusive essence of moonlight dancing on the earth. And the essence of Wind Chasing Strike lies in the exhilarating stealth of its lethal force."

"Without seeking deeper understanding, what good are millennia of practice? Moreover, advancing in the Celestial Rank Cultivation Arts like the Martial God Heavenly Arts will prove difficult with only the Ye Family's resources at your disposal."

"Watch closely; I'll demonstrate," said the Heavenly Martial Turtle, proceeding to execute Ye Xiangyang's quartet of moves.

With each strike of the halberd, the power unleashed was like the mighty Yangtze River in full flood, an unstoppable force that could overwhelm any challenger. The appearance of the Divine Dragon with a single strike symbolized seizing the momentum of an era, rendering any opposition as futile as an ant shaking a tree or a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

Ye Xiangyang watched, spellbound. He too had performed Long Dragons Resurface, but the Heavenly Martial Turtle's execution of the move stirred chaos itself. Its power was undeniable.

The subsequent techniques rolled out like ocean tides, each more formidable than the last. Clutching the Ancient Great Halberd, Ye Xiangyang moved it forward slowly, intent on internalizing the Heavenly Martial Turtle's practice session. He was determined to unravel the secrets of the technique.

The advice of the Heavenly Martial Turtle echoed in Ye Xiangyang's mind: "Venture out to witness the vastness of the world; gain insight through your battles with Demon Beasts, and harness their blood to enhance your Martial God Heavenly Arts."

Ye Xiangyang agreed with the Divine Tortoise's counsel, yet he sensed the timing wasn't quite right.

His pace slowed progressively.

Many Profound Warriors of the Ye family were puzzled by Ye Xiangyang's daily activities.

A flurry of horses tore through the bustling streets of Zhenhai City, throwing the crowd into chaos, as if a tranquil pond had been violently stirred.

As people scrambled out of the way, a cavalcade of forty to fifty white horses thundered past.

Astride the horses were men and women clad in purple robes, weapons slung across their backs.

Those too slow to evade received lashes from the riders, their moans rising continuously as blood streamed from their wounds.

"Who are these people?"

"Enough talk. They're from the Hong family, under Marquis Konghai."

"The Hong family wields great power. Their presence in Zhenhai City bodes ill."

Fifty unicorns came to a majestic halt before the Ye family's gates, their riders' skill and the beasts' might drawing awe from onlookers.

One rider, towering above the rest, addressed a Profound Warrior by the stone lions guarding the Ye residence: "Hurry inside and announce the Hong family's arrival."

He then berated the other guards: "You blind fools, take care of my unicorn—feed it well!"

Apart from the messenger, only seven Ye family members remained. This was Ye territory, and the Hong family was a thousand miles away. Flaunting their power here was a clear sign of disrespect to the Ye family.

One of the Ye family members made a move to confront them but was held back by the head gatekeeper.

The strangers' origins were unknown, their presence formidable; they were not to be trifounded with.

The Ye family would endure the slight for now, avoiding giving the intruders any leverage. The family would handle the matter in due course.