Chapter 83: Eyes Instantly Clear

How brave!

After sighing inwardly, Ye Liuyun continued walking forward.

But his destination was no longer his own residence—instead, he headed straight for the city gates.

This He Long probably knew that you couldn’t just strike out in the Imperial City, which is why he’d been following, waiting for the right moment. Well then, let me give you one.

Thought I’d have to wait a few more days.

But now, it seems—

Those two purple trait slots? I want them right now.

"This direction?"

After trailing for a while, He Long realized Ye Liuyun had changed course—apparently to leave the Imperial City.

He’d clearly sensed my killing intent, yet instead of running away in panic, he even leads me out of the city?

Confident, are you?

Think just because the little emperor backs you, I wouldn’t dare make a move?

At that thought, He Long’s lips curled higher in a sinister grin as he followed Ye Liuyun out of the Imperial City.

,,,

In a patch of woods not far from the Imperial City.

Moonless, windy, a night for killing—a hundred-household officer of the Embroidered Uniform Guard had been disposed of by Ye Liuyun right here. Clearly, this really is a fine place for murder.

"Not running anymore?"

Seeing Ye Liuyun stop.

He Long didn’t bother hiding, and instead leapt down, landing not far in front of Ye Liuyun.

He didn’t rush to attack, seeming eager to see fear and panic on Ye Liuyun’s face as he spoke with wanton arrogance.

"Didn’t you have plenty to say before? Why are you quiet now?"

"Afraid? Realized you’re about to die?"

The more he spoke, the more smug He Long sounded.

"..."

But.

Ye Liuyun replied only with a silent, curious gaze, as if wondering why He Long hadn’t made his move yet.

"Hmph. Blame yourself for siding with that little emperor."

"You don’t really think he can save you, do you? Listen— in this Great Qian Dynasty, there are people who can make my foster father wary, but that sure as hell does not include the little emperor. If you’re hoping he’ll show up and save you, forget it, you’re dreaming..."

Probably trying to scare Ye Liuyun with those words, make him afraid.

The more he talked, the louder and less restrained he became.

So, in the next instant—

"Swish!"

Before he finished speaking,

A saber strike flashed past, nicking He Long’s cheek.

His eyes cleared instantly, all that grandstanding abruptly cut short.

He raised his hand to his face, feeling something wet on his fingertips—blood. The blade had left a thin cut across He Long’s cheek.

If Ye Liuyun hadn’t deliberately missed, that strike would’ve been fatal.

"Impossible!"

My innate gang qi was broken—just like that?

The reason I had the guts to hunt down Ye Liuyun was simple—by my reckoning, this kid’s still green, his strength at best first-class, maybe postnatal at most.

There’s no way he matches my mid-innate Realm.

But now, things are completely different than I expected.

"Honestly, you might want to hope that His Excellency steps out to save you!"

Ye Liuyun hoisted the Ink Saber onto his shoulder, looking at He Long with amused interest.

"Who the hell do you think I am?"

To think he—the hunter—had been startled by his own prey.

He Long’s expression soured in an instant, glaring viciously at Ye Liuyun.

"No way you’re a grandmaster at your age!"

That earlier strike must’ve only worked because I wasn’t expecting it.

Ye Liuyun’s so young—unless he’s broken into the Grandmaster Realm, I’m still confident about taking him on.

As he spoke, He Long drew a saber and a sword from his waist, rushing straight toward Ye Liuyun.

"Clang!"

Blade and sword clashed, sparks flying.

Seeing He Long swing his other weapon, Ye Liuyun sidestepped to evade it.

This talent for wielding both blade and sword is impressive—combining the two made his moves seamless.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

In just moments, several exchanges had passed already.

"Are both of those spiritual artifacts?"

Ye Liuyun glanced at He Long’s saber and sword and suddenly grinned.

If they were ordinary weapons, they would’ve snapped by now against the Ink Saber—but both have held up, clearly on par with the Ink Saber in quality.

Otherwise, you’d have been finished already.

"At least you know your stuff."

He Long didn’t deny it.

After all, as the biggest adopted son of His Excellency, it’s no wonder he’s got two spiritual artifacts—it’s not that strange, right?

And with both spiritual artifacts, He Long dared to say, so long as his opponent hadn’t reached the Grandmaster Realm, he was always confident in a fight.

After discovering He Long’s two weapons were spiritual artifacts—

Ye Liuyun looked not the least flustered, but rather, delighted.

"Looks like I’m pretty lucky tonight."

"?"

"Just happens I’m short two spiritual artifacts for my collection. Yours look just right."

"..."

After a moment of silence, He Long suddenly let out a laugh.

Laughed from sheer anger.

I’m still alive and breathing, and you’re already coveting my weapons? What, you think I’m guaranteed to lose?

"If you think you can, then try me!"

Damn it, you really think I can’t beat you?

As He Long charged in again, Ye Liuyun stepped forward, stance low and steady.

At the same time, he focused his qi, holding the Ink Saber crosswise before him.

The blade, previously dark as ink, now glowed red and hot under Ye Liuyun’s inner strength, beginning to emit wisps of white smoke.

He Long sensed the danger.

But now the arrow’s notched—no turning back.

He vaulted into mid-air, saber and sword both slashing at Ye Liuyun.

Just as He Long closed in, Ye Liuyun struck.

"Overlord Saber Slash!"

The Overlord Saber style is all about a single, decisive kill.

Focus all inner strength at one point—release the strongest slash. Mastered to the limit, nothing in the world remains uncut.

"Boom!"

Even with spiritual artifacts to block it,

The sheer force hurled He Long’s entire body flying.

He crashed hard into a tree trunk, snapping it in half as it toppled to the ground.

"Puh!"

Innate Martial Artists have true qi for protection, but even so, He Long spat out a huge mouthful of blood.

"Impossible!"

Clearly neither of us are Grandmaster Realm, so why is he this strong?

I’ve fought Innate Perfection Martial Artists before—while I couldn’t win, I could still hold my own with spiritual artifacts.

But now? I’m just getting steamrolled.

...