Sorry, I Don't Leave Loose Ends.
A sharp clash of metal echoed through the arena. With it, Yeop Hyeon was pushed all the way to the edge of the Life-Death Platform.
But it was only for a moment!
His body reappeared right in front of An Ranxiu.
The instant he moved to strike, the tip of her spear aimed straight at his brow. At that moment, An Ranxiu's eyes wavered. Her spear tip was blocked by Yeop Hyeon's sword, unable to advance further. The corner of her mouth curved up slightly.
"That was good, just now."
No sooner had the words left her lips than she lightly shook her right hand. Her spear shot forward like a venomous serpent from an impossible angle, grazing Yeop Hyeon's shoulder. Undaunted, he pressed straight into her guard. Taking the spear shaft on his shoulder, he used the rebound to thrust at her heart.
Give flesh to take bone?
An Ranxiu's lips curved higher. In a flash, she withdrew her spear and held it vertically.
Clang!
Once more, the metallic ring resounded through the arena. Though his decisive strike was blocked, Yeop Hyeon didn't hesitate. He pivoted right, his single sword arcing from an eerie angle toward the space between her brows.
An Ranxiu narrowed her eyes and lightly stomped the ground with her right foot. As her body recoiled backward, Yeop Hyeon had already seized her spear shaft and yanked it toward himself. In the process, An Ranxiu ended up in his arms.
With all eyes upon them, Yeop Hyeon let out a roar and hurled her to the ground.
Thud!
As both collapsed, the entire Life-Death Platform shook.
At that moment, a figure flew off the platform. It was Yeop Hyeon. Slowly rising outside the arena, he wiped the blood from his mouth and called out to An Ranxiu.
"I had no other intentions."
An Ranxiu looked at him and smiled in reply.
"I understand. As a martial artist myself, I won't fuss over such things. I knew your swordsmanship was impressive, but I didn't expect your close-quarters combat to be this refined. You strike me as a warrior rich in real battle experience."
Yeop Hyeon nodded silently. An Ranxiu continued.
"This duel felt unfair due to our difference in realms. Let's spar again sometime. What do you say?"
"Gladly!"
The woman before him was a true master unlike any he'd faced. From this bout, he'd gained more insights than even from his shadow spars. An Ranxiu reached into her bosom, then tossed a white jade plaque at his feet.
"If you're at a loss for where to go, try Cangmu Academy. This plaque means I've recommended you!"
Emotion welled up on Yeop Hyeon's face. Without refusing, he picked up the plaque.
With this plaque alone, he could bring Yeop Ryeong to Cangmu Academy and cure her illness!
Carefully stowing the plaque, Yeop Hyeon cupped his fists toward An Ranxiu.
"Even if I die, I won't forget this grace!"
"I simply recognized your talent. Until next time."
An Ranxiu turned and left the arena. No one could tear their eyes from her dignified, swift stride. The men from Yansheng and Naseong approached Yeop Hyeon. Cupping their fists, they said,
"Young Master Yeop, if opportunity allows, please visit Yansheng and Naseong sometime."
They wanted to draw him into their factions. Since An Ranxiu had already suggested Cangmu Academy, they settled for building rapport now. Yeop Hyeon returned the gesture.
"If the chance arises, I will surely visit!"
The man smiled.
"Then it's a promise. Farewell for now."
The two departed. Suddenly, Yeop Chang shouted,
"Guards! Seize the Great Elder!"
Amid the Ye Family's confusion, guards dragged the Great Elder before Yeop Chang.
Yeop Chang hesitated briefly before addressing Yeop Hyeon.
"Yeop Hyeon, from this moment, I appoint you crown prince. And heir to the Ye Family leadership."
"Crown prince? I must not have heard right—say it again. I, Yeop Hyeon, am no longer of the Ye Family. Got it?"
Yeop Hyeon turned and strode into the Ye Family Mansion. The Ye clansmen left behind wore twisted, ugly expressions.
They'd realized they'd lost a genius—one nurtured by the clan, no less—a precious sword cultivator. And that sword cultivator now harbored grudge against the Ye Family!
"Hahaha!"
Zhang Lie, patriarch of the Zhang Family, burst into booming laughter that shook the arena.
"Impressive, truly impressive! To drive out a genius warrior like Yeop Hyeon with your own hands! I never knew the Ye Family was this formidable before! Hahaha!"
Li Yu, beside him, sneered as well.
"Not just any genius warrior—a sword cultivator! And from what we've seen, Yeop Hyeon must have drawn the attention of the National Scholar. Why else would she seek him out? Yet they thought Yeop Rang was the star. Pathetic!"
Though Qingcheng's city lord Gang Yeom remained silent, his smile said it all. Yeop Chang's face drained of color as he clenched his fists.
"City Lord Gang, Patriarch Li, Patriarch Zhang... We've been rude to you all lately from the Ye Family. If you would perhaps..."
Zhang Lie cut him off with a wave.
"Rude? You call it rude? By your own words, it was grave indeed. Claiming to be Qingcheng's top clan and monopolizing the mines for a decade... Now that things have changed, you want to make amends? Pah! Dream on!"
Li Yu spoke up.
"The Li Family stands the same. From this instant, any Ye Family member who appears before us will be cut down without mercy!"
Li Yu glanced at Gang Yeom.
"What say you, City Lord Gang?"
"Brother Li, Brother Zhang, I share your view."
"Ha... haha... hahahaha!"
Li Yu's laughter filled the arena.
Meanwhile, the Ye Family's faces turned ashen. The Ye Family was finished!
Patriarch Yeop Chang walked to the Great Elder and slapped his face with an open palm.
"Useless old fool. This is all your fault!"
Struck, the Great Elder crumpled to the ground. The Ye warriors glared at him with venomous eyes. Had he not bungled things, the Ye Family wouldn't have fallen like this.
The Great Elder threw his head back and laughed maniacally at the sky.
"Hahaha... Yeop Hyeon was right after all... In the Ye Family, the powerless are treated worse than dogs! Hahaha..."
Yeop Chang glared and bellowed,
"Cripple this useless wretch's dantian and lock him in prison until he dies!"
Yeop Hyeon went straight to Yeop Ryeong. Spotting him rushing over, she broke into a wide grin. Tears streamed down her smiling face. Yeop Hyeon smiled back at his sister.
"Brother!"
Yeop Ryeong rose and hugged him tightly. Yeop Hyeon scooped her up and left the Ye Family Mansion.
As dusk fell, Yeop Rang sat cross-legged in his quarters. His hair disheveled, his face fierce, he muttered,
"Yeop Hyeon, if you think this is over, you're mistaken. One day, I'll repay today's humiliation a hundredfold!"
At that instant, a black shadow appeared behind him. A silver gleam flashed in the dark room.
Thump!
Shattering the silence, Yeop Rang's head hit the floor. Yeop Hyeon gazed at the rolling head with icy coldness.
"Sorry. I don't leave loose ends."
With that, Yeop Hyeon vanished into the shadows.
Having finished his business, Yeop Hyeon carried Yeop Ryeong on his back as they left Qingcheng.
"Brother, are we going back to the Ye Family?"
"No."
"Then where's our home now?"
"Anywhere you are is my home!"
"Cough... Brother, I'm cold..."
"Just a bit longer. We're going to cure your illness now."
"What if it can't be cured?"
"It will be! I'll make sure of it!"
Pausing mid-stride with Yeop Ryeong on his back, Yeop Hyeon faced three familiar shadows blocking his path: Gang Yeom, Li Yu, and Zhang Lie. Gang Yeom approached with a smile.
"We've come to see Young Master Yeop off."
Yeop Hyeon set Yeop Ryeong down and cupped his fists.
"My deepest gratitude."
Gang Yeom smiled and drew a white vial from his bosom, handing it over.
"Yangshin Pills. Thirty of them—useful for all sorts. A small token from us three. Please accept without refusal."
Yangshin Pills!
Yeop Hyeon stared at them in disbelief. Reading his expression, Gang Yeom chuckled.
"To be frank, we three wish to forge a good bond with you. You're no longer of the Ye Family, but you're still Qingcheng's own, aren't you? If you make your name in the wide world, we'll share in the glory."
Yeop Hyeon accepted the white jade vial and bowed deeply.
"Thank you!"
He hated owing favors, but for his sister's sake, principles meant nothing. Li Yu asked,
"Are you headed to the Imperial City, Young Master Yeop?"
"Yes. To Cangmu Academy in the Imperial City."
Li Yu smiled and raised a hand. A carriage raced from the city toward them.
"It's a long road to the Imperial City—half a year on foot for ordinary travelers. Take this carriage to Tianshan City, then a ship from there. You'll arrive just before Cangmu Academy's enrollment deadline next month."
Zhang Lie then produced a money pouch and a scroll.
"Young Master Yeop, the Imperial City demands coin. It's not much, but my humble gift—please take it. This scroll marks dangerous areas. Avoid them."
Yeop Hyeon cupped his fists to the three.
"I'll engrave your kindness in my heart and repay it one day far hence. Farewell!"
He stowed the items, boarded the carriage with Yeop Ryeong, and departed. Watching it fade, Li Yu murmured,
"Think he'll remember us when he grows strong?"
Gang Yeom smiled.
"Did you see his sister?"
The other two understood. Yeop Hyeon treasured her more than life. He'd never forget those who'd shown them kindness. Gang Yeom eyed the now dot-like carriage.
"He's bold and ruthless. Had the Ye Family not let him go, Qingcheng's powers would have bowed to them for years. Elevating the Heaven's Chosen One was fine, but they erred in driving out another genius. The Great Elder and patriarch are utter fools."
Li Yu laughed.
"Lucky for us, no?"
"Of course!"
Zhang Lie smiled and spoke.
"Gentlemen, now there's a juicy morsel called the Ye Family. How shall we divide it?"
Li Yu laughed heartily.
"As we each desire, naturally. Come, let's sip tea and discuss leisurely!"
With that, the three strolled slowly back into Qingcheng.