Urban Martial Saint

Ye Qing and his companions traveled overnight, driving continuously for an entire day and night, all the way from Panlong Valley to the vicinity of the Capital in the North.

Near the Capital, the influence of the Wanyan family was somewhat weaker because this was the territory of the Nalan family. Although the Nalan family was not as powerful as the Wanyan family, at that time, the Wanyan family had not yet fully revealed their ambitious intentions and did not dare to openly expand their influence in the Nalan family’s domain. Therefore, currently in the Capital, the Wanyan family didn’t have much influence.

Of course, in the Meng District of the Seven Steering Committees of Hong Alliance, the Wanyan family’s influence was also previously weak. However, viewing the Seven Rudders as one of their formidable foes, after the great battle in Shenchuan City, the Wanyan family aggressively occupied the Meng District to achieve control over the Seven Rudders of the Hong Alliance. Because of this, the Meng District is now a place where the Wanyan family’s influence is quite strong and hence, has become unsafe.

Upon arriving in the Capital, the first group they sought was the Nalan family. The Nalan family’s influence in the Capital was not weak, and Nalan Jingwei had previously been controlled by the Wanyan family using the Heart Demon Technique, developing a deep hatred towards them. Therefore, the Nalan family is definitely a mortal enemy of the Wanyan family.

Even though Ye Qing had past enmities with the Nalan family, times had changed. Back then, the Wanyan family hadn’t yet surfaced, and grudges between the Nalan family and Ye Qing were relatively normal. But now, these grudges are no longer significant. The Wanyan family has gained control over the world’s fate, marking a crucial moment for the survival of both parties. If the Nalan family and Ye Qing were to fight now, it would truly be unwise, allowing the Wanyan family to enjoy the show.

Ye Qing understood this logic, as did Nalan Jingwei. So, right when Ye Qing and his group arrived at the Nalan family, Nalan Jingwei personally led people to the courtyard entrance, welcoming Ye Qing and his companions into the manor.

Within Nalan Jingwei’s manor, there were quite a few acquaintances of Ye Qing, like Nalan Tiancheng, who once sparred with Ye Qing. However, they were now not on the same level as Ye Qing. Though Ye Qing had lost his martial arts, he was once the Alliance Leader of the World Alliance, with an exceedingly high status. Moreover, now in the world, Ye Qing’s prestige was extremely high, and the younger members of the Nalan family were simply not on par with Ye Qing.

Nalan Jingwei led everyone to the main hall of the main building, and after some pleasantries, Ye Qing directly stated his purpose, wishing to temporarily stay at the Nalan family’s place for a while.

Upon hearing Ye Qing’s words, Nalan Jingwei contemplatively mulled over it for a moment. Though he knew he couldn’t clash with Ye Qing and even had to collaborate with him, collaboration was one thing, but allowing Ye Qing to stay here was another matter. Not to mention, Ye Qing was a key figure for whom the Wanyan family had set a substantial bounty, crucial to their quest for the Sun Shooting Bow. The Wanyan family could spare anyone but absolutely could not let Ye Qing go. Without Ye Qing, their plan would utterly fail.

Therefore, while it was fine for others to temporarily reside at the Nalan family’s place, having Ye Qing stay here was different. Regardless of where Ye Qing went, the Wanyan family would definitely not let him go. If he stayed at the Nalan family’s place, the Wanyan family would certainly target the Nalan family first!

Seeing Nalan Jingwei pondering silently, Ye Qing already knew what he was thinking and added, ”Of course, Prince Nalan, rest assured. When I said I wanted to stay here, I meant only my friends, not myself. I have other important issues to deal with and probably won’t be able to linger here at the Nalan family!”

Upon hearing Ye Qing’s words, Nalan Jingwei felt relieved instantly. With Ye Qing not here, everything else was manageable. Without Ye Qing, the Wanyan family’s attention wouldn’t focus here, so the Nalan family could remain safe.

”Alliance Leader Ye, your words are too serious!” Nalan Jingwei said, ”Now that we’re all in the same boat, the Wanyan family is our common enemy. In this situation, I would not hesitate to assist you all. Let’s do this, I will immediately have a separate courtyard prepared for your convenience, how about it?”

Nalan Jingwei readily agreed upon hearing that Ye Qing wouldn’t be staying here. He was indeed quite shrewd, realizing that solely relying on the power of the Nalan family wasn’t enough to counter the Wanyan family. The Wanyan family could easily deal with them. However, with Ye Qing’s group, it was different. With Ye Qing bringing along so many masters, if they stayed, the Nalan family’s strength would certainly increase significantly. With this, the Wanyan family wouldn’t swallow them up so easily. Under such conditions, the Wanyan family would have to think twice before acting against them. Nalan Jingwei even surmised that if Ye Qing wasn’t staying, the Wanyan family wouldn’t expend significant efforts to deal with them due to the potential losses they’d incur. Therefore, he readily agreed to let the others stay, aiming to strengthen the Nalan family and bolster their security.

”In that case, many thanks to Prince Nalan!” Ye Qing cupped his hands in gratitude and turned to look at his companions, saying, ”The Wanyan family’s campaign against the Sword Saint Sect will probably take some time. During this period, staying at Prince Nalan’s place will allow you all to rest a bit. When the Wanyan family finishes with their campaign against the Sword Saint Sect, another great battle might ensue. I think, if you all have no other engagements, you might as well stay here with Prince Nalan for now, what do you think?”

The group exchanged glances, and most agreed with Ye Qing’s decision. After all, everyone had suffered injuries. Although Lin Tianyou had treated them, the injuries had depleted their Vital Energy, and they needed time to rest and recuperate. Staying at the Nalan family’s place was quite suitable; the Nalan family’s power was evident, and the Wanyan family wouldn’t rashly launch an attack.

Everyone nodded in agreement, except the Bloody Monk, who shook his head and said, ”I have other matters and need to leave for a few days.”

Hearing the Bloody Monk’s words, Nalan Jingwei was visibly disappointed. The Bloody Monk was the strongest among them, and his staying here could match several Peak Masters. Yet, the Bloody Monk decided not to stay, much to Nalan Jingwei’s chagrin.

Ye Qing nodded and said, ”In that case, it’s settled. Prince Nalan, the Blood Robe Sect Leader and I won’t be staying here, so I’ll trouble you to arrange accommodations for the others.”

”No problem!” Nalan Jingwei readily agreed, saying, ”By the way, Alliance Leader Ye, what about the others from the Seven Rudders of the Hong Alliance and the Twelve Green Halls? And Liu Mubai, Wu Xiuming, as well as Southern Fist King Shen and his brothers? In these tumultuous times, gathering everyone here could handle a Wanyan family assault better!”

Ye Qing’s heart slightly stirred, realizing Nalan Jingwei’s ambition in wanting to gather everyone on his side, using this opportunity to incorporate everyone into the Nalan family to work for them.

”Others are temporarily engaged in various matters and might not be able to come over shortly!” Ye Qing said, ”However, Prince Nalan, rest assured, the Wanyan family is our common enemy, and no matter when, we will advance and retreat together with the Nalan family on this matter!”

Nalan Jingwei felt somewhat unwilling, wanting to continue inviting more people over, but Ye Qing had already stood up, saying, ”Prince Nalan, please first prepare the housing. Everyone has traveled day and night and is likely exhausted and will need a rest!”

With Ye Qing having said so, Nalan Jingwei could no longer pursue the matter of those others and immediately instructed his people to tidy up a courtyard to let Ye Qing’s group temporarily reside.

Upon entering the courtyard, Ye Qing and others finally carried out the Divine Clan’s corpse from the car. The coffin originally holding the corpse had been discarded by the group, leaving only a skeleton. After all, the coffin was too conspicuous, and the affair of the Divine Clan’s corpse was quite startling, so Ye Qing and his group didn’t want to expose this matter yet.

After hiding the Divine Clan’s corpse, Ye Qing and his group distributed accommodations. The Yelu family naturally stayed together, while Old Wang Ba, the old man, shared a room with Old Chen; it was unknown what that old man was thinking, enduring Old Chen’s chatter.

After arranging everyone, Ye Qing went upstairs to find Huangfu Ziyu, who was with Yelu Ying. Yesterday’s events had greatly increased Huangfu Ziyu’s affection for Yelu Ying, really treating her like a younger sister and taking special care of her.

Seeing the two women getting along well, Ye Qing felt more at ease. He approached them and said to Huangfu Ziyu, ”Zi Yu, I’ve arranged a place for you. These few days, you and Ying’er can stay together.”

”Ah?” Huangfu Ziyu was slightly startled, looking at Ye Qing in surprise and asked, ”What about you?”

Ye Qing replied, ”I have some other matters to handle, and I probably won’t be able to stay here these few days.”

”Then I’ll go with you!” Huangfu Ziyu promptly suggested, without any hesitation.

”No, you can’t come with me!” Ye Qing quickly refused.

”Why?” Huangfu Ziyu asked, looking at Ye Qing, ”Are you planning to venture into something risky, which is why you don’t want me to come with you?”

”No, I just...” Ye Qing was about to explain, when suddenly, a low and dull dragon’s roar from downstairs interrupted them, leaving everyone in a slight daze.

”It’s the Ink Pattern Black Gold Blade!” Huangfu Ziyu was the first to react, frowning and said, ”The Ink Pattern Black Gold Blade makes this sound when drawn from the wooden case.”

”Ink Pattern Black Gold Blade?” Ye Qing was surprised and asked, ”Why has the Ink Pattern Black Gold Blade been drawn?”

Everyone knew that once drawn, the Ink Pattern Black Gold Blade must taste blood. Thus, Cui Yulong usually kept the Ink Pattern Black Gold Blade sealed in a wooden case and rarely unsheathed it. He would only use the Ink Pattern Black Gold Blade in a fight, especially against strong enemies. But what was happening now? Could there be trouble on their end?