Rumble! Rumble!
The ground shook and countless booming sounds echoed. The houses and buildings on either side of the street seemed to sway due to this shaking.
Commuting passersby all took shelter at the sides. They were gazing at the rising dust cloud in the distance. After they clearly saw that spectacle, they couldn’t help letting out a peal of alarming cries.
“So many! So many wild beasts!”
“How did a herd of beasts get into the city?!”
“Quick, get out of the way! They’re undomesticated wild beasts!”
“Be careful—”
And yet, some people discovered some clues and their voices were even more amazed:
“Wait a moment, that’s—”
“No, look at what’s on those wild beasts’ backs!”
“There’s, there’s actually people on them?”
“Then — In the end, who are they!?”
Once that herd of wild beasts galloped closer, everyone saw the real appearance of the group.
It was a herd of rhinos.
They only saw that each beast was ten meters tall and about twenty meters long. Its entire body was pitch-black and its hide’s surface was even covered with a thick layer of plate armor, resembling steel. That plate armor bore arm-length barbs on both sides. In addition, that long tail was like an iron whip. It appeared extremely fierce, and gave a sense of feral valiance!
Furthermore, there was a meter-long black horn on the top of their heads. The horn was surrounded by a wheel-like cluster of numerous, shorter horns, which were about a foot-long each. They only needed to fling their heads back to shred all encroaching enemies like a rotating sharp blade!
These were —
Armor-Plated Rhinos!
A pronounced bloodline of a valiant beast race which was known to potentially evolve into Spirit-Grade wild beasts!
At this moment, there were really people sitting on the backs of the Armor-Plated Rhinos.
Moreover, there weren’t just one or two people.
The leading Armor-Plated Rhino’s black horn was practically coated in a layer of golden light. It had to be at least a grade five wild rhino or stronger to be capable of this kind of formidable majesty. The rider on its back was a handsome young man with a tall stature. His robe sleeves floated in the wind and his brocaded clothes billowed. His appearance was bright like the moon and his temperament was clear like the breeze.
Closely following behind were several wild beasts with teenaged youths riding on their backs. Their appearances were similarly handsome, but they couldn’t compare to that handsome young man, who was a cut above the rest. He was also a rare prodigy.
Most of all, when they steered the wild rhinos, they exhibited vigorous and heroic spirits!
Many people recognized that these young masters were all members of the Gongyi Clan.
In that case, this herd of wild beasts was certainly a resource belonging to the Gongyi Clan!
For a moment, countless martial artists showed envy.
The father and son duo, Gongyi Zhuoyue and Gongyi Yan, straightened their backs. Gongyi Mingxia lended her arm to support the Gongyi Clan’s Madam Liu Suyan. Their eyes all flickered with intense joy.
Because they all recognized that the one who emerged the fastest and whose power was the strongest was the family member who already entered the Sect: Gongyi Tianheng!
Liu Suyan almost wanted to drop to her knees and cry, but she was a strong woman in the end. She quickly settled her state of mind and waited for her eldest son’s return. Gongyi Mingxia watched her eldest brother as well as her second brother, who rode a wild rhino close behind. Her cherry-red lips faintly curled and a smile formed across her whole face.
As for Gongyi Yan and Gongyi Zhuoyue, they were both extremely proud in their hearts.
That herd of wild beasts quickly made their way straight to them. Basically without any orders, the whole herd came to a halt. One after another, those Gongyi Clan young masters all jumped off their steeds. Each person was high-spirited.
Gongyi Tianheng also jumped off. There was a teenager embraced in his arms. At this time, everyone realized that Tianheng hadn’t been sitting by himself atop that wild rhino. Rather, it was carrying an additional person.
However, the appearance of this person didn’t make Gongyi Yan and the others feel strange — After all, they’d known long ago that this teenager was Tianheng’s personal pharmacist, whom Tianheng wanted to raise with great care. Journeying together with steadfast loyalty; this was as it should be.
After Gu Zuo came down, he promptly waited behind Tianheng.
When the family members reunited, he didn’t go to join the festivities… Although it was once said that the Gongyi Clan treated him as a family member, the only one who could be said to be family to him was this big brother of his. The others hadn’t fostered too much affection. He was giving face to his big brother, and they were also giving face to his big brother. Both were because Tianheng was the link that established this bond.
Gongyi Tianheng took a step forward and paid his respects: “Father, mother, grandfather, Mingxia. Long time no see. How have you all been doing?”
Gongyi Yan helped him up: “We’ve been doing very well.” Then, it seemed like he discovered something, and he abruptly said with joy, “My son has already become Xiantian! Good, good, good!”
Liu Suyan’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. She only constantly took measure of her eldest son, whom she hadn’t seen in so long. She wanted to see if he was doing alright.
Gongyi Zhuoyue didn’t speak, but he was filled with gratification. Meanwhile, Gongyi Mingxia’s eyes gleamed with reverence. Only, she couldn’t help tugging at Tianheng’s sleeve. When Tianheng smiled, she let go and smiled bashfully.
The atmosphere between the family was harmonious and happy.
Gongyi Tianyang also promptly came over and stayed with them.
However, at this moment, Tianheng hadn’t come to irresponsibly chat. He looked towards the numerous Gongyi Clan members and similarly greeted them.
Those Gongyi Clan members returned his greetings, and there was an unending stream of praises and compliments.
Although not everyone knew what kind of noble rank Tianheng had attained, they also understood that the achievements of the current Tianheng were ones that they could never catch up to. Moreover, the Clan Head had gradually taken out some things that had transformed the entire clan. And after making them realize that many matters were related to Tianheng, when they were treating with Tianheng, they viewed him as the treasure of the clan and didn’t dare show the slightest degree of disrespect.
After quickly exchanging pleasantries, someone asked: “Eldest young master, those wild rhinos are—”
The others all had eyes full of anticipation — They understood that these wild rhinos could only have something to do with Gongyi Tianheng. They weren’t obtainable with Gongyi Tianyang and the others’ skills.
Tianheng calmly smiled: “I seldom make trips back home to visit family. It’s just a meager gift I’m offering to my clan.”
When the numerous members of the Gongyi Clan heard this, their hearts settled. Soon after, they were wild with joy.
They had roughly counted just now. There was an excess of two hundred wild rhinos here, and all of them were grade four and above. If they could all be tamed, then that was equivalent to the Gongyi Clan gaining over two hundred Xiantians! Moreover, when the wild rhinos were paired with martial artists, it really wasn’t just a doubling of strength. Rather, it was even more formidable and even more frightening!
…Although the Gongyi Clan had a Cavalry Field, it bred generation after generation of Dragon-Scaled Horses. However, that species of wild horse was far inferior to the Armor-Plated Rhino.
The wild beasts kept by the clan couldn’t compare to undomesticated wild beasts in terms of fighting strength. Dragon-Scaled Horses only had a sliver of the ancient wild dragon bloodline. Before awakening the dragon blood, the bloodline concentration couldn’t compare to the ancient Armor-Plated Dragon’s bloodline of the Armor-Plated Rhino.
Gu Zuo withdrew to the side. As he watched the animated appearances of these Gongyi Clan members, he couldn’t help wanting to roast them again.
Yes! It was only natural that these wild rhinos were very expensive and pleasing! It was impossible to find two hundred wild rhinos that were grade four and above in a single mountain range! In order to do this, he and his big brother had to ride the flying boat all over the Tianwu Continent. They captured this huge herd and finally stuffed them into a cavern!
This present really took a lot out of them.
However, looking at the happy expression of Tianheng’s father, he also thought that it was worth it. Even though his big brother normally showed a refined and courteous appearance as if he was disaffected, in actuality, he was very filial.
Everyone was pretty happy over there, but it wasn’t good to block the road. Gongyi Tianheng led Gu Zuo, and followed everyone into the mansion. The Armor-Plated Rhinos, under the guidance of the leader, followed the attendants of the clan into an area customized for raising wild beasts.
As for who the beasts were allocated to and the quota for distribution, since this was a huge matter of the clan, it would be discussed after giving Gongyi Tianheng a welcoming feast.
The banquet had already been prepared at an earlier time. This was a clan feast.
Since this was a clan feast, some elders who were devoted to the clan as well as their descendants were allowed to participate. As for those whose loyalties couldn’t be ascertained, they weren’t allowed to come for the time being.
Every elder and cadet branch who was qualified to participate was incredibly happy. There were those who normally weren’t sincere in their allegiance to the Clan Head. Now, it was too late for regrets. They hated that they couldn’t have prevented those commotions from happening.
At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng was in the seat of honor, and Gu Zuo sat beside him.
— Reaching this point, the other members of the Gongyi Clan should’ve had a deeper understanding of Gu Zuo.
Tianheng first raised his cup: “Cheers, everyone!”
The numerous Gongyi Clan members simultaneously raised their cups as well: “Cheers!”
After a round of wine drinking, the faces of many clan members turned red. Those younger generations all uniformly looked at Gongyi Tianheng. The feelings of veneration in their eyes practically overflowed.
Gu Zuo watched this and didn’t feel it was strange at all.
Because there were many times in the past — Even now, every once in a while, when he’d also look upon his big brother like this.
His big brother looked like a novel’s protagonist. His presence was attractive, his strength was attractive, and his resolution was attractive. In short, he was attractive in all aspects.
To put it simply, perhaps one might call it… The embodying aura of the king?
He didn’t know if that first impression was the strongest, but after observing so many outstanding disciples in the Qingyun Sect, he never felt that any of them could be mentioned on equal terms with his big brother.
Just like now, his big brother only raised a cup out of respect and everyone was in awe.
Moreover, after the numerous clan members ate a round of dishes, they gradually started to chat about some matters during the banquet.
Gongyi Tianheng listened to the praise and even flattery coming from those people’s mouths. He grinned and nodded humbly, not lacking in any manners. When it was about time, Tianheng whispered softly to Gongyi Yan and Gongyi Zhuoyue.
The two hesitated slightly, before nodding.
Tianheng’s smiling expression deepened.
Gu Zuo hadn’t released his psychic power, so he naturally didn’t hear it. At this moment, he couldn’t help inquisitively asking in his mind: Big brother, what were you guys discussing?
Tianheng’s eyebrows rose, and he replied: Qingyun Sect.
Gu Zuo stared blankly: This matter isn’t going to be concealed?
Tianheng said: If we’re going to bring people over, then there’s no need to hide it.
Gu Zuo thought the same.
Currently, his big brother was considered to have a bit of a foundation in the Qingyun Inner Sect. While he was short on manpower, he made this return trip to bring people over… One always needed to make things clear, and it was better to tell the truth.
In any case, there was nothing shameful about this, right?
They didn’t say anything before because of habitual secrecy and that the Qingyun Sect hadn’t had citizens of the Cangyun Empire for hundreds of years. The fewer who knew about it the better. But there were people there now, and everything was developing well. Thus, so long as those people over there weren’t wiped out, there would aways be ways to bring more people over. Maintaining secrecy was no longer necessary.
Sure enough, at the next moment, Tianheng said: “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention.”
As soon as he spoke, it quickly became quiet.
Tianheng’s bearing was composed: “Everyone surely has their suspicions on why I’ve returned now. Since everyone here is one of us, I also won’t hide it and will inform you all.”
In the blink of an eye, the Gongyi Clan members were all stirred up.
There were some elders whose complexions were even more odd because they were the ones who knew about Gongyi Tianheng’s true whereabouts. They were particularly concerned about the cause of this.
While he previously followed Gongyi Tianyang to handle matters, Gongyi Tianhe, who also rode a wild rhino, suddenly opened his mouth: “Cousin, what exactly is going on?”
Once these words were uttered, he closed his mouth again. He spoke without thinking.
Tianheng didn’t take offense, and smilingly said: “Previously, I didn’t really follow an Immortal Realm powerhouse to practice martial arts. Rather, that Immortal Realm was one among countless others. I joined an enormous Sect whose existence far exceeds the Cangyun Empire — The Qingyun Sect!”
The many clan members immediately went into an uproar.
None of them knew what the Sect was, so naturally everyone starting talking over each other and asking about it. Some well-informed elders enlightened the others. Gongyi Tianheng also took the time to tell them all about of the matter of his previous participation in the Hundred Countries Tournament and joining the Sect.
The clan members listened and their imaginations ran wild. Like how the people who first learned of the Sect’s existence, they similarly perceived the vastness of the world and their own insignificance.
In the end, however, this matter only circulated within the aristocratic family itself, and only the core-most clan members had appeared here and were qualified to know.
For a moment, many clan members’ hearts jeered.
Those shortsighted clan members who made trouble with the Clan Head basically didn’t have the qualifications to know these secrets. At the same time, they had certainly lost many opportunities.
It was funny. It was really too funny!
Gongyi Tianheng swept a glance and everyone’s expressions were taken into his eyes.
After that, he opened his mouth: “Currently, I’m already a Qingyun Inner Sect disciple. I have ten nominal disciple slots on hand, so I’ve returned this time to bring some staff along.”
The clan members suddenly exploded.
Quite a few elders had their faces flushed red with excitement. Their lips opened and closed like they wanted to immediately say something.
Only, Gongyi Tianheng raised a hand and faintly pressed down, stopping them from speaking.
The numerous clan members were practically unable to hold themselves back. In particular were those younger generations. They knew that if Tianheng was going to pick people to go, then only they were the ones with the highest probability!
Yet, Tianheng said: “Although there are ten slots, the ones I need are helpers. Therefore, there are only three slots available for you all. The other seven people have been chosen earlier.”
These words were like a bucket of cold water that been poured over everyone’s heads.
“Only three placements?”
“This, this…”
“Isn’t the quota too…”
Gu Zuo released his psychic power to listen carefully.
He couldn’t allow people who had complaints against his big brother to join them. Otherwise, those people might become obstructions once they went to the Sect.
When choosing, a person could only select the ones they trusted or the ones who knew to be grateful…
What was worth rejoicing over was that there wasn’t a single person who genuinely complained or said that Tianheng was at fault. At most, they wished that there were a few more placements, so that their chances of getting in were greater.
Gu Zuo set his worries aside.
Sure enough, no matter how old or young, the people who could join the Gongyi Clan’s core were those who understood the current situation.
Gongyi Tianheng then answered the doubts of many clan members: “I have many Tianlong Guards under my control. Dragon One and Dragon Two have already followed me there. Later on, Dragon Three to Dragon Seven, these five people, will be my helpers — I’ve just established myself, so I need those who’re united, loyal, and will follow my orders. In addition, my younger brother Tianyang and my younger sister Mingxia, are included in the placements.”
Once he said that, the Gongyi Clan members calmed down.
Their excited moods had settled. Now that they thought about it, their eldest young master’s way of handling things really wasn’t without reason.
Because, no matter how obedient the clan’s children were, they could never be like the Tianlong Guards, who obeyed Gongyi Tianheng’s orders to the death.
Everyone was aware of the differences. Although the numbers of people were varied, basically all of the children of the main branch had such personal guards. And personal guards were very clear about their own loyalties.
After Gongyi Tianheng gave them a slap, he sweetened the deal: “Of course, everyone doesn’t need to worry about the placements.” His words were full of confidence, “In just half a year, I’ve already found my footing in the Sect. Once I’ve taken another step, the quota will inevitably increase. And among the children going together with me, if they can advance from nominal disciple to Outer Sect disciple to Inner Sect disciple, they’ll possess their own placements. When that time comes, I’ll naturally return to bring back even more children!”
In a split second, the clan members boiled over with passion again.
Gu Zuo: “…”
Did his big brother have fun leading the clan like they were on a leash? His dramatic pauses made the others happy at one moment, dejected the next, and then happy again…
— Of course, Tianheng was just testing the clan members’ temperaments. After all, if they left for Qingyun Sect and they weren’t united, then it would be no good.
Hence, through Gu Zuo’s secret transmissions, Gongyi Tianheng combined his own previous understandings and selected some candidates from within. After preparing another round of observations, he would determine the placements.
Because of the matters of Qingyun Sect, all the clan members felt that they had good prospects. They had private discussions with members of their own branch families about which children would be put forward as candidates and which ones would compete on their own to determine the superior recommendation. For a moment, it was very lively.
At the same time, near the seat of honor, Gongyi Tianyang’s expression of shock turned to joy: “Big brother, I’ll also be going this time?”
Tianheng said warmly: “Naturally.”
Gu Zuo had a very good impression of this stubborn teenager. Without thinking, he started to boast about his dear big brother: “Of course! Previously, big brother hadn’t brought you guys along because he hadn’t sussed out the situation. After figuring out how some things worked, big brother did his best to enter the Inner Sect and establish himself so that Tianyang, you and the others, can go to the Sect to receive an education! Right now, there’s a chance, and the earlier you guys are brought over the better. Once you all go to the Sect, you’ll discover that the situation there is very different from the one here! There are even better conditions over there!”
Gongyi Tianyang suddenly had a sense of longing. He turned his head to look at his parents and grandfather: “I…”
Gongyi Yan’s ever-dignified face showed a smiling expression: “Go for it! Thoroughly practice martial arts, and your achievements will live up to your elder brother’s hard work and our expectations.”
Tianyang still hesitated a little: “Then, the position of Clan Head in our clan…”
All of a sudden, Gongyi Zhuoyue crooked a finger and bopped his second grandson’s forehead. Hating iron for not becoming steel, he scolded: “Foolish boy! How can the position of Clan Head to an insignificant Gongyi Clan compare to one’s prospects along the martial path!? If you become an Immortal Realm, even if you aren’t the Clan Head, the Clan Head must give you face!”
Tianyang suddenly understood. He promptly nodded, his face shining: “En!”
Tianheng witnessed his second brother’s realization, and also nodded his head.
Off to the side, although Gongyi Mingxia was a candid young lady, she revealed some rare apprehension: “Big brother. Can, can a girl like me also go?”
Tianheng was even more amiable to this younger sister: “Mingxia, even though there are fewer female martial artists in the world, female martial artists have never been any weaker than male martial artists among the true powerhouses. Right now, you’re only eleven years old and you’re already a Blood Refining stage two martial artist, so your aptitudes aren’t lacking. When you reach the Sect and get a suitable cultivation method, martial skills, and resources, you’ll be able to advance by leaps and bounds.” Speaking up to here, he looked to Gu Zuo, “Ah Zuo, would you say that I’m right?”
Gongyi Mingxia also promptly looked over, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Of course, Gu Zuo didn’t go against Tianheng’s opinions. Moreover, what he said was true, so he diligently said: “Big brother spoke correctly. In the Inner Sect, there are no fewer women than men. Currently, we have access to the Earth Leaderboard. Although the Earth Leaderboard’s first place is a man, the second place is a woman. Also, this woman is in close pursuit of first place and her influence isn’t weak at all. If she truly encountered a battle of life and death, she wouldn’t necessarily be any weaker than the guy in first place.
He continued: “In addition, the top ten of the Earth Leaderboard is evenly split between men and women. Furthermore, women have established the majority of powers for women in the Inner Sect. They fiercely compete with the powers established by men, fighting tooth and nail. None of them are people who’d retreat. As of right now, they’ll likely recover some lost ground, and even obtaining the upper hand is possible.
“I’ve met many female martial artists who were valiant and formidable. Their strengths were great and they could keep male martial artists under control. In addition, I’ve also met a young lady who had a heart disease that might’ve taken her life at any moment. However, she endured the pain, and persisted in practicing martial arts. She didn’t give up treatment until she was about to die. Afterwards, she finally found a method. Once she’s completely cured, she’ll certainly reach soaring heights. It’s clear that her will is strong. Furthermore, there are similarly many women in the enforcement squadrons.
“Right! Miss Mingxia, do you still remember Princess Yaomin? She was unafraid of hardships and followed the Ninth Prince to enter the Sect. She was willing to conquer the fears in her heart and did her best to cultivate. She obtained the attention of a Senior Sect Brother of the Inner Sect and followed him to the Inner Sect. After some time passes, she’ll become a low-level pharmacist. Then maybe she can enter the Inner Sect Pharmacist Hall…”
Listening to the recounting, Gongyi Mingxia’s eyes rippled with extraordinary splendor and her heart was a tide that rolled endlessly.
T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.
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