The Silver Dragon of the Heavens: Blood Price

Tang Myung was savoring the spicy Sichuan dishes while listening to Yuji Cheong’s account.

He had expected the Tang family’s story to have spread far and wide across the martial world, but the truth was quite the opposite. LT__p>Only the major sects and the leading figures of the martial alliance truly knew about the Tang family and the Heavenly Grant Forest. LT__p>Tang Myung, still chewing, asked, “Why keep it a secret from the martial world?” LT__p>Yuji Cheong opened his mouth as if to answer, only for his eyes to dart left and right. He clicked his tongue. LT__p>“Perhaps you wish to boast about something?” Tang Myung gave a slow nod, thinking, ‘This fool knows nothing.’ LT__p>The power of the Tang family… it all came from Tang Mi-mi. If even the martial alliance tried to hide her presence… LT__p>After a brief moment of reflection, Tang Myung nodded again. LT__p>‘In my previous lives, when I slew the Heavenly Mountain Demon and the Demon Lord… the martial alliance tried to hunt down hidden experts using the clan as bait. So this time they’re using us the same way?’ LT__p>Using the Sichuan Tang family as bait did not sit well with him. Yet… he found the thought of eliminating those who dared show their faces before the Tang family quite satisfying. LT__p>As long as Tang Mi-mi remained, the Demonic Cult could never invade without facing consequences. Provided they never left the Heavenly Grant Forest. LT__p>The real question was whether the martial alliance would gain anything from this. LT__p>“Young Master, the chicken leg is excellent.” Tang Hong lifted a drumstick and placed it into Tang Myung’s bowl, then began devouring the fiery dish with obvious delight. LT__p>Tang Myung glanced at him and then at Yuji Cheong. LT__p>“You’re not slowing down for the Tang family at all.” LT__p>“Slow down? I’ve arranged inns along the entire route to Chengdu… on schedule.” LT__p>Yuji Cheong’s words trailed off as Tang Myung nodded. LT__p>“If you wish to cancel, cancel it. Understood.” LT__p>“Tell me about the rumors regarding the family head as well.” LT__p>“Has the Milyeong Unit been idle lately?” LT__p>Yuji Cheong’s words caused Tang Hong to jerk slightly. In his past life, Tang Song had entrusted the Milyeong Unit to Tang Hong, and now Tang Hong was learning its operations from Tang Song. LT__p>“The Milyeong Unit members are currently training deep in the Heavenly Grant Forest.” LT__p>“Under Great-Grandaunt?” LT__p>Tang Myung raised an eyebrow and saw Yuji Cheong smiling brightly. LT__p>“Since you and I are brothers, the elders of the Tang family have become Great-Grandaunt to me as well.” LT__p>Tang Myung, watching the shameless grin, let out a soft chuckle. LT__p>“So you’ve been training under Great-Grandaunt.” LT__p>“Amazing.” LT__p>When the elders of the Wise Family had heard tales of the Tang family, they had been stunned beyond words. LT__p>Even a single Gang Qi Materialization expert could dominate an entire region. Yet the Tang family possessed experts who surpassed that realm, transcending masters. At first they could not believe it. LT__p>Jealousy also arose; why did the Wise Family lack such a predecessor? LT__p>Upon reflection, however, the Wise Family had nothing to lose. Their chance to enter the Five Great Families had vanished, yet they had Tang Myung, their only true friend. LT__p>Should the Tang family, led by Tang Myung as Family Head, grow even stronger, the Wise Family would one day reap the benefits. LT__p>And… if Tang Myung spoke favorably to Tang Mi-mi, he might even receive a lesson or two himself. LT__p>“Once this martial tournament concludes, I wish to pay my respects to Great-Grandaunt.” LT__p>“To Great-Grandaunt?” LT__p>“My good name is that of a sworn brother and blood brother to you. If I fail to pay my respects to the greatest elder of the Tang family, what sort of impropriety is that?” LT__p>Tang Myung nodded, as the words were only natural. LT__p>“Very well.” LT__p>‘Good.’ LT__p>Yuji Cheong inwardly cheered and continued, “What does Great-Grandaunt like?” LT__p>“To be favored?” LT__p>“Hahaha! Isn’t it only natural for a person to wish to please the elders?” LT__p>“What kind of snacks do children like?” LT__p>“Snacks? Does Great-Grandaunt enjoy sweets?” LT__p>Tang Myung answered with a knowing smile, “She likes watching children eat snacks with gusto.” LT__p>“Then I must prepare an abundance of treats that children adore.” LT__p>Yuji Cheong noticed Man Song and nodded. From his sleeve he produced a small booklet and, using ‍‍‌‌⁠⁠‌‍‍‌⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠‌‌‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠charcoal, began writing. LT__p>“Tang Mi-mi, children enjoy watching her savor snacks.” LT__p>Tang Myung finished eating and rose from his seat. LT__p>Squeak! Squeak! LT__p>As Tang Myung stood, every Tang family warrior immediately rose with him. Even the Wise Family experts, watching from the side, began to stand as Tang Myung declared, LT__p>“We ate hometown food in celebration of entering the city of Sichuan. But we are not here for pleasure. The family head…” LT__p>He paused, drew a steadying breath, and continued, “We will press on at full speed until we reach the family head.” LT__p>“Understood!” LT__p>Tang Jang answered, and Tang Myung stepped out of the inn. LT__p>At the stables he selected a horse and mounted without delay. Dozens of riders followed close behind as they set out. LTGT

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Tang Myung’s group rode straight to Chengdu without stopping at any village along the way. LT__p>After days of hard riding, they reached the vicinity of the resting place when midnight had long passed. LT__p>“The terrain is rugged here. We should set up camp and depart at first light.” LT__p>Tang Hong’s words earned Tang Myung’s nod of approval. LT__p>“Prepare to rest.” LT__p>Following the order, the escort warriors began moving to their assigned tasks. Some gathered dry grass and spread it across the ground, others collected dry branches, while still others scouted for water. LT__p>The Tang family experts preparing the camp drew the attention of the Wise Family experts, who spread out to guard the perimeter. LT__p>Once Tang Myung sat, the Tang family experts hung a pot over the campfire and began boiling water. LT__p>Watching quietly, Yuji Cheong remarked, “Sitting here like this reminds me of what happened in Hebei.” LT__p>“You hated resting then, didn’t you, Man Song? That was why you scolded you so much?” LT__p>“Hahaha! That was back when I was a child.” LT__p>It had been the first journey Tang Myung had ever taken with him. They had planned to stay at fine inns, enjoy fine food, and treat it as a casual outing. LT__p>But Tang Myung had forced their way into the mountains instead, and they had suffered greatly. LT__p>At the time it had been because of his father’s orders to build a closer relationship, which Tang Myung had found unpleasant. Yet now he saw it as a cherished memory. LT__p>As Yuji Cheong recalled the memory, Tang Jang rose. LT__div style="text-align:centerborder:2px solid #00219bpadding:20pxbox-shadow:0 0 15px rgba(0,33,155,0.5),inset 0 0 15px rgba(0,33,155,0.1)background:linear-gradient(135deg,#000 0%,#0a0a1a 100%)border-radius:6pxmargin-bottom:20px">

[Warning: Hostile forces detected. Number: approximately 110.] [Estimated strength: 20 peak experts, the rest first-class. Recommend immediate engagement.] Tang Myung’s voice transmitted in a low whisper, “How many?” LT__p>“A little over a hundred.” LT__p>“What are their ‍‍‌‌⁠⁠‌‍‍‌⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠‌‌‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠levels?” LT__p>“About twenty peak experts and the rest first-class.” LT__p>“Kill them all.” LT__p>“Understood!” LT__p>Tang Jang answered with a shout that carried a dragon’s roar. LT__p>“Total annihilation!” LT__p>The dragon’s roar echoed through the forest, and moments later faint screams began to rise from every direction. LT__p>“Kyah!” LT__p>“They’ve been detected! Kill them!” LT__p>The Tang family experts, already aware of the ambush, had been prepared. LT__p>The moment Tang Jang gave the order, the clash erupted. LT__p>The sudden development caught the Wise Family experts off guard. They quickly converged around Yuji Cheong and formed a defensive circle, swords drawn. LT__p>Clang! Clang! Clang! LT__p>The sound of swords being drawn and qi flaring drew Tang Myung’s approving nod. LT__p>‘As expected, the Wise Family is strong.’ LT__p>Their ambition and pride had led them to join the Five Great Families. Without strength, they would never have dared such boldness. LT__p>Watching the Wise Family warriors scanning the surroundings with razor-sharp intent, Tang Myung noticed Man Song. LT__p>Man Song too had drawn his sword and was guarding his surroundings. ‍‍‌‌⁠⁠‌‍‍‌⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠‌‌‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠ LT__p>Though Man Song usually appeared friendly, the moment danger appeared he exuded the aura of a renowned martial master. LT__p>“What is it? Enemies?” LT__p>Yuji Cheong glanced around warily, drew his sword, and, after a brief glance at Tang Myung, began circulating qi along his blade. LT__p>Whoosh! LT__p>The Sword Gang surged forth as Yuji Cheong’s face twisted into an arrogant grin. LT__p>Tang Myung said calmly, “You’ve been training diligently.” LT__p>“After the Tang family incident, I threw myself into relentless cultivation for revenge. My Joo family suffered the same fate. How could I stand by idly?!” LT__p>The last words carried added force, and Tang Myung smiled faintly. It was the same arrogant expression he had once seen in his past life. LT__p>“Thank you.” LT__p>“Hahaha! What is there to thank us for?” LT__p>Yuji Cheong then shouted toward the Wise Family warriors, “Assist the Tang family!” LT__p>The sudden order left Man Song momentarily stunned. The sounds of weapons and shouts indicated a sizable enemy force. LT__p>Not knowing the enemy’s exact location or strength, charging into the forest after the Young Master would be reckless. LT__p>Seeing Man Song hesitate, Tang Myung spoke, “The Wise Family experts should guard this perimeter.” LT__p>“Really?” LT__p>“If the Wise Family experts engage, who will protect us?” LT__p>Yuji Cheong replied with a sigh and nodded. LT__p>“Guard the surroundings. Protect the Tang family head at all costs!” LT__p>“Understood!” LT__p>The Wise Family experts returned to their posts, and Man Song sent Tang Myung a grateful look. LT__p>Tang Myung nodded in return and turned to Tang Hong. LT__p>Four Tang family experts remained beside him at present. LT__p>As Tang Myung scanned the forest, black-clad figures suddenly burst forth. LT__p>“It’s the Tang family head! Kill him!” LT__p>The black-clad warriors drew qi from their weapons and charged forward. Ten of them were peak experts. LT__p>Behind them came thirty first-class warriors. LT__p>Yuji Cheong’s face twisted in fear as he looked at Tang Myung. LT__p>“W-we should run. There are too many of them.” LT__p>Tang Myung shook his head lightly. LT__p>Patter! Patter! LT__p>The Tang family experts shook off the dust as well. LT__p>Patter! Patter! Patter! LT__p>Tang Myung glanced at Yuji Cheong and said, “The Family Head of the Sichuan Tang family is here. Those who desire my head—come!” LT__p>As Tang Myung’s dragon’s roar echoed and he stepped forward boldly, surprise flashed across Yuji Cheong’s face. LT__p>After hiding was insufficient, he had boldly revealed his identity and even charged forward? LT__p>Stunned, Yuji Cheong bit his lip. LT__p>“Follow me, Tang Myung!” LT__p>Yuji Cheong pushed off the ground, and Man Song immediately positioned himself beside him. LT__p>“Do not leave my side.” LT__p>“I am no longer a child, Man Song! I am a peak expert!” LT__p>Seeing the Sword Gang forming around Yuji Cheong, Man Song bit his lip and sent a transmission to the escort force. LT__div style="text-align:centerborder:2px solid #00219bpadding:20pxbox-shadow:0 0 15px rgba(0,33,155,0.5),inset 0 0 15px rgba(0,33,155,0.1)background:linear-gradient(135deg,#000 0%,#0a0a1a 100%)border-radius:6pxmargin-bottom:20px">

[Command: Remain within one li of Young Master.] [Form a defensive circle around Young Master. Engage enemy on my order.] Man Song’s transmission was answered with a nod, and the escort warriors formed a protective circle around Yuji Cheong while charging at the black-clad attackers. LT__p>Whoosh! LT__p>Tang Myung’s hand moved lightly. On it rested thin, leaf-shaped throwing knives that cut through the air like a willow branch. LT__p>Each step forward sent five knives flying. Another step and another five. One full rotation and the blades returned to his hand, only to be hurled once more. LT__p>Twenty knives erupted from Tang Myung’s hand in the space of two steps and one rotation—faster than a breath could be drawn. LT__p>The peak experts rushing forward swung their weapons desperately. LT__p>Clang! Clang! Clang! LT__p>Just as they were about to block the flying knives, a series of thuds sounded from behind them. LT__p>Thud! Thud! Thud! LT__p>The peak experts glanced back. Their faces hardened. Every warrior who had been chasing them lay fallen. LT__p>“Ugh!” LT__p>“Gah!” LT__p>Groaning, they turned their gaze toward Tang Myung and the Tang family experts. LT__p>Tang Myung had hurled twenty knives, and the Tang family experts had added another twenty. Over a hundred knives rained down. LT__p>“Instead of lying there after being pierced by throwing knives, stand up and fight!” LT__p>The apparent leader charged forward. He was attempting to close the distance so Tang Myung could not use his knives. LT__p>Moving to the side, Tang Myung said, “Two.” LT__p>Tang Hong and the Tang family experts immediately dove between the peak experts. LT__p>Papa-pat! Papa-pat! LT__p>The black-clad warriors scattered left and right to avoid the poison needles. ‍‍‌‌⁠⁠‌‍‍‌⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠‌‌‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠LT__p>Two peak experts charged directly at Tang Myung. LT__p>[If I judge it necessary, I will intervene.] LT__p>Tang Hong’s transmission reached Tang Myung, who nodded. The words “two” meant he was sending the two peak experts to fight him. LT__p>One of the things Tang Myung had learned in his previous lives was that nothing strengthened a person more than a life-and-death battle. LTGT

☯ LIFE-AND-DEATH BATTLE ☯

Peak Expert 1 & Peak Expert 2 vs. Young Master Tang Myung

An unmatched test of resolve. Victory will be decided by the one who remains unmoved.

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The Silver Dragon of the Heavens: Blood Price

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