Arc 13: Wild Beast Plains | Chapter 236: Recruitment
Translator: Lynn
Yun Lie dispelled the sword field, maintaining his indifferent expression. As Xu Ziqing approached, Yun Lie’s eyes softened slightly.
Relieved that his shixiong was unharmed, Xu Ziqing suggested, “Shixiong, you just used a powerful technique. Why not take an elixir to replenish your energy?”
Yun Lie nodded, accepted the elixir, and consumed it. His aura no longer stood out as it did before but returned to normal. Though still indifferent, the overwhelming sense of danger dissipated.
Understanding his shixiong’s unspoken message, Xu Ziqing recounted the recent events, leaving no detail unmentioned.
On the other side, when Yun Lie retracted the fourth-level sword field, the illusory sword field above Xi Lin’s head shattered instantly. The aura on his ice and snow long sword dimmed, indicating significant vitality loss. Thankfully, the withdrawal of the sword field prevented harm to Xi Lin.
Putting away his natal spirit sword, Xi Lin returned to the silver-clothed youth’s side.
Concerned, the silver-clothed youth inquired, “Are you seriously injured?”
Xi Lin shook his head, explaining, “The fourth stage is formidable. I suffered internal injuries, and my foundation was shaken.”
Frowning, the silver-clothed youth expressed concern. Xi Lin reassured him, saying, “Fortunately, my cultivation realm remains intact. With some quiet meditation, I’ll recover from these injuries.”
The silver-clothed youth raised an eyebrow, maintaining a solemn expression. “Can you discern this person’s origin?”
Xi Lin’s demeanor turned serious as he analyzed, “In his sword intent, the killing intent is pure, without any impurities. Initially, I believed someone from the Southern Ten Thousand Swords Immortal Sect could defeat me in swordsmanship. However, encountering him now dispels that notion. If I’m not mistaken…” After a pause, he continued, “This person is likely a newly-promoted Golden Core Stage cultivator on the Tianlong List. He quickly climbed to the fifth position upon entering the list. Killing Sword Yunlie is the core disciple head of the 382nd generation disciples in the Wuling Immortal Sect. The sword method he practices is the ‘Ruthless Killing Swordsmanship.’ The characteristics exhibited align with this description.”
In a few sentences, Yun Lie’s background was elucidated.
The silver-clothed young man raised his eyebrows, remarking, “Oh? I recall the thirty-first brother being on that list.”
The Tianlong List comprised individuals who achieved golden cores before turning a hundred. The thirty-first brother had abundant resources and royal responsibilities, making condensing the golden core within a century challenging.
Unless the individual on the Tianlong list has achieved something remarkable or possesses considerable potential, they might not be easily remembered. Hearing Xi Lin talk extensively about Yun Lie and witnessing his recent actions, the silver-clothed youth became intrigued.
Xi Lin, well-acquainted with the silver-clothed youth after years of service, sensed a subtle change in his expression, indicating some thoughtful considerations.
After concluding their conversation, Xu Ziqing finished speaking. The silver-clothed youth, wearing a smile, took the initiative to approach the cloud, extending a friendly greeting, “Brother Xu, could you introduce me to your shixiong?”
Understanding the signal, Xu Ziqing looked toward his shixiong, Yun Lie, who remained motionless, showing no signs of intervention.
Xu Ziqing chuckled, “This is indeed the shixiong of this junior, Yun Lie. Shixiong has always been reserved, so I hope the senior won’t take offense.”
The silver-clothed youth responded with a smile, “Your shixiong is great and matches my skills. How could I take offense? The ongoing battle won’t conclude soon, and there might be more than ten days of strife ahead. After such exertion, why not return and rest for a while?”
Hearing this, Xu Ziqing concurred, “Shixiong and I were thinking the same. We do need to go back and recuperate first.”
The silver-clothed youth continued with a broader smile, “My brother was a bit impulsive earlier, and he refrained from going all out with fellow Daoist Yun. I also had a connection with both of you. How about allowing me to host and express my gratitude?”
The silver-clothed youth strategically built up to his proposition, making it sound logical and difficult to refuse. While declining was an option, refusing such a sincere invitation might imply ingratitude.
Moreover, Xu Ziqing couldn’t shake the feeling that this silver-clad individual didn’t appear entirely human. After a brief glance at Yun Lie, he replied with a smile, “The junior extends gratitude to the senior on behalf of shixiong.”
The group swiftly turned away, leaving the battlefield teeming with wild beasts, and headed straight for the town.
Many cultivators on the city wall were still utilizing their individual skills, but upon spotting the red cloud approaching, they opened a gap in the formation, allowing the group to enter.
Within the city, the red cloud floated directly towards a bluestone-built house. Although it wasn’t overly extravagant, it stood out compared to the residences of many soldiers, boasting several stories.
Guiding the two brothers, the silver-clothed youth lowered the cloud head and ushered them into the house, leading them to an inner room. Taking the first seat, he positioned his “brothers” on the left—essentially his subordinates—while Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie sat on the right.
In no time, several lovely maidservants appeared, presenting fragrant tea brimming with spiritual energy. The scent indicated a high-quality spiritual tea, and upon sipping it, a refreshing warmth coursed through the body, providing an incredibly enjoyable experience.
The group quietly savored the tea for a while without exchanging words.
After some time, in the midst of sipping the spirit tea, the silver-clad youth grinned and asked, “Brother Xu, Fellow Daoist Yun, how do you find this ‘Youlan Fragrant Tea’?”
Xu Ziqing also smiled warmly, “Its fragrance is sweet, the taste is boundless. I am grateful to the seniors for their hospitality.”
The silver-clothed youth had long observed the deep camaraderie between the two brothers. Despite Yun Lie’s reserved nature, it was Xu Ziqing who interacted with them, fostering a high level of trust. Therefore, even though he didn’t hold Xu Ziqing’s Golden Core Formation cultivation stage in high regard, seeing Yun Lie’s approval, he treated Xu Ziqing with politeness. Naturally handsome, his courteous demeanor put people at ease.
“You’re welcome. If you both like it, I’ll have the servant girl bring you a box later as a gift for our meeting.”
Seeing the host’s kindness, Xu Ziqing expressed his gratitude repeatedly, engaging in a lengthy conversation.
Eventually, the silver-clothed youth said, “I’ve been talking for a while now but forgot to introduce myself. My name is Xuanze, the twelfth son of Emperor Yan.” He gestured to the left, continuing, “These few are my disciples, having been with me for years, no different from real brothers.”
Xu Ziqing was momentarily surprised but composed himself upon reflection.
The silver-clothed youth had been distinctive since his arrival, and his residence in the city hinted at an extraordinary background. Learning that he was the twelfth prince of the Dayan Empire didn’t astonish Xu Ziqing much; it merely seemed fitting. However, there had to be a reason why the twelfth prince was showing such courtesy to them.
Xu Ziqing’s thoughts raced, and though he had contemplated various possibilities, his expression betrayed a hint of surprise as he clasped his hands and said, “So the senior’s status is quite distinguished. I apologize for any rudeness on my part.”
Xuanze responded with a generous smile, “Brother Xu, not being from the Western Regions, my identity holds no weight right now. I neglected to mention it earlier, so it would be unfair to consider you rude.”
The two exchanged pleasantries courteously.
Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but sigh inwardly as he navigated the interactions with the prince. While dealing with royalty, he felt a sense of internal helplessness. Uncertain about when the prince would finally get to the point and reveal his true purpose, Xu Ziqing remained patient.
During his conversation with Xu Ziqing, Xuanze began to realize that the younger man was still quite inexperienced.
Despite his straightforward temperament, Xu Ziqing was principled and not given to capricious or malicious behavior.
With over two hundred years of experience dealing with people, Xuanze grasped Xu Ziqing’s background and perceived Yun Lie’s temperament. He decided to abandon the circumlocution and directly stated his purpose: “I, Xuanze, hold the title of Tiancheng King in the Dayan Empire. I aim to advance further and gain more court benefits, requiring assistance from many reliable individuals. Witnessing the potential of Fellow Daoist Yun, I admire it greatly. I wish to invite both of you to be guests at my palace. May I know if you are willing?”
Upon hearing this, Xu Ziqing was taken aback.
Was he being recruited? Xu Ziqing couldn’t fathom that the Tiancheng King truly held affection for him. It seemed more plausible that the king sought his shixiong’s strength and brought him along. However, with his shixiong’s elevated status in the Wuling Immortal Sect, enjoying abundant resources, why would he consider joining a prince from the Western Regions? Tiancheng King’s aspirations appeared overly optimistic.
Recognizing that Tiancheng King Xuanze wasn’t one to speak frivolously, he clarified, “I don’t intend for Fellow Daoist Yun to serve me for a lifetime. I’m inviting both of you to stay at my palace for a while. The term ‘door guest’ is merely a formality, and my invitation is to ensure a bit more certainty when seizing the secret treasure.”
…Secret treasure?
Indeed, it must be the recently discovered Tianlan secret treasure, a topic known to cultivators with some influence.
Continuing his discourse, Xuanze inquired, “Have you two heard of… sword-shaped wood?” This time, his gaze was fixed on Yun Lie.
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