Chapter 69 - 69 66 Spring Begins in March

69: Chapter 66: Spring Begins in March 69: Chapter 66: Spring Begins in March Clouds and mists enshrouded the solitary peak where the chilly wind blew fiercely, rustling the mountain forest loudly, and the summit was covered with a thick layer of ice and frost, which was almost unbearable for ordinary people. On a clearing atop the solitary peak, a man and a monkey sat around a stone stump, with a campfire blazing nearby. On the stump were placed two large jars of wine and some fruits and snacks. “Brother Monkey, how do you like the taste of this wine?” The figure was Ye Xuan, who held a wine cup and smiled at the black Demon Monkey sitting across from him. He had promised before that once his cultivation improved, he would come and properly thank the monkey, and now he was here to fulfill that promise. The monkey across seemed to understand Ye Xuan’s question and nodded repeatedly, occasionally sipping the wine and showing an extremely enjoyable expression on its face. “As long as Brother Monkey likes it, come, let’s have a drink.” In the lengthy battles they shared, Ye Xuan had lost his initial hostility towards the Demon Monkey and instead felt a sense of kinship. Otherwise, he would not have made a special trip here to thank the monkey. The attitude of the monkey towards him was similar, no longer swinging a staff at him upon sight but rather sitting quietly across from Ye Xuan. Now that Ye Xuan had brought fine wines and delicacies, the monkey harbored no malice towards him whatsoever. Clang! Their cups touched, and Ye Xuan drank down the wine, exhaling a breath of warm air as he looked into the distance at the vast white fog. It was already the deep winter and not far from the onset of spring in March, with less than a month left before the start of the Hundred Tribes Trial. At this moment, the children of the major families throughout Great Xia Kingdom were likely eagerly waiting, rubbing their hands in anticipation of showing off in the trials. There was no semblance of day or night in the mountains, and after spending three days drinking merrily with the monkey, Ye Xuan calculated the time, and it was time for him to descend the mountain. By now, the princely heirs from different states and provinces of Great Xia Kingdom must have already set off towards the trial ground. After bidding farewell to the monkey, Ye Xuan descended the mountain alone and returned to the Ye family. He had previously inquired about the monkey’s desire to leave the mountain, but the creature seemed unwilling to leave its nest, so Ye Xuan did not probe further. Considering Wushan Mountain was not far from the Ye family, it wouldn’t take him long if he wanted to visit the monkey. The great hall of the Ye family. “Xuaner, during this Hundred Tribes Trial, you must be cautious of the Jun family. Whether or not you can secure a position within the top three doesn’t matter, as long as you are safe, the Ye family will surely rise,” Ye Tianxiong advised before Ye Xuan’s departure. “The Hundred Tribes Trial is held under the supervision of Green Leaf Valley, gathering the forces of major families for the event, and the rules of the trial clearly prohibit killing. Surely no one would dare to commit murder during the trial, would they?” Ye Xuan asked, knowing that Ye Tianxiong wouldn’t raise concerns without reason. “It is true that Green Leaf Valley supervises it, and generally, no one dares to break the rules, but the trial locations are often chosen in perilous areas frequented by Demon Beasts. Even if someone were killed, as long as it was done cleanly, Green Leaf Valley wouldn’t be able to uncover anything. Besides, in every past instance of the trials, there have been princely heirs who vanquished, and though some died at the hands of Demon Beasts, most were likely due to foul play,” Ye Tianxiong said gravely. “I see.” Ye Xuan’s eyes narrowed slightly. In that case, it wouldn’t be strange for the people of the Jun family to attempt murder during the trials; from their perspective, this indeed presented an excellent opportunity to get rid of him since acting within the confines of the trial ground would leave Ye Xuan without immediate aid, regardless of whether a Martial Sect Master backed him. “Among the younger generation of the Jun family, Jun Wuyan can only be considered mediocre. The most outstanding individuals there are Jun Kui and Jun Wuming, with the former being merely a step away from becoming a Seventh Grade Martial Master, and Jun Wuming already a seasoned Seventh Grade Martial Master. Searᴄh the ηovelFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If not for Green Leaf Valley’s strict rule that all major families of Great Xia Kingdom must participate in the trial, our Ye family would rather not join,” Ye Tianxiong expressed his worries. He was concerned for Ye Xuan’s safety against the formidable juniors of the Jun family, doubting Ye Xuan’s ability to defend himself. “It seems the younger generation of the Jun family does have some notable figures. But don’t worry, grandfather. If they really intend to harm me, I’ll give them a surprise when the time comes.” Ye Xuan smiled coldly—now he was no fish on the chopping board. What of a Seventh Grade Martial Master? A Seventh Grade Martial Master from the Black Demon Sect had still fallen by his hand. Although he had taken advantage of a surprise attack, the trial rules did not stipulate that combat must be honorable and fair, and with his current strength, even open confrontation might not necessarily mean defeat for him. “Oh? It’s good that you are confident,” Ye Tianxiong’s eyes lit up, trusting Ye Xuan’s words. Since Ye Xuan spoke with such conviction, it indicated he had reliance and was not afraid of the opposition. “This trial, Ye Ba and the others will not accompany you. With their capabilities, they would only hold you back. This time, you will stand alone for the Ye family, and given the situation, you must strategically plan, gauge the circumstances, and act within your capabilities.” Ye Xuan was now the pillar of the Ye family, indispensable as many of the family’s recent favorable circumstances had been brought about by him. Furthermore, given Ye Xuan’s limitless potential, advancing his realm to become the next Ye Xiao was not out of reach. “Hmm, I know all these things.” Nodding his head, Ye Xuan was no novice; he was already experienced. After surviving multiple life-and-death battles, his body had adapted to high-pressure combat. His combat power was evident in various aspects. Strength was merely one part; other aspects like psychological quality and judgment ability, where he excelled extraordinarily in his previous life as the Martial God. Fighting alone also had its advantages; he could use various tactics without restraint. … After resting for two days and bidding farewell to the Ye family, Ye Xuan mounted the Two-headed Demon Tiger and set off south. This journey was a solitary one again. Others, who were less skilled than he, would only be a burden; the only one mightier was Ye Tianxiong, who needed to stay and oversee the Ye family. This time, the Hundred Clans Trial was set in the Panlong Mountain Range. Although it was a familiar territory for Ye Xuan, this trial wasn’t just on the outskirts but in a slightly deeper area, given the vast expanse of the Panlong Mountain Range; using the entire range as a trial site would make the trial last for over half a year. Heading south, Ye Xuan passed through Little Stone Town and stopped to rest at an inn. After several days of continuous travel, it was impossible for Ye Xuan not to rest, especially on the eve of the trial, when he needed to maintain ample energy. There was still plenty of time before the trial began; there was no need to rush. Pouring a cup of tea, Ye Xuan was just about to take a sip when he was distracted by the noise from a distance. Clatter clatter clatter… A rapid series of hoofbeats grew louder, and a group of riders, covered in dust, stopped beside the inn. The leader, a young man in ochre clothing with an extraordinary demeanor, took a seat near Ye Xuan’s table. The appearance of the ochre-clothed young man immediately attracted many eyes and whispers began spreading. “Isn’t that Song Peifeng from the Song family? It’s said his cultivation is nearly at the rank of Seventh Grade Martial Master, and he’s already a core disciple in Green Leaf Valley, holding a status more distinguished than even a typical princely heir. Considering the direction he seems to be headed, he looks to be participating in the Hundred Clans Trial, too. The top three in the trial are awarded the status of core disciples of Green Leaf Valley, but it seems unnecessary for Song Peifeng to participate.” “You don’t know the whole story. His family was recently demoted from the first-tier families, and this trial is crucial for restoring their honor; he has to participate.” “Song Peifeng is quite a figure. When he first joined Green Leaf Valley, his talents weren’t acknowledged; he was just an outer sect disciple. But in just three or four years, he became a core disciple. In this Hundred Clans Trial’s top three, there’s a chance for him to secure a place.” “Top three? Haha, that might be difficult; Xia Yunxing of the Royal Family, Jun Wuming of the Jun family, and Xie Cangsheng of the Xie family are all at the level of Seventh Grade Martial Masters. If anyone has the greatest chance at the top three, it’s them.” An older martial artist chuckled, shaking his head and stroking his beard as he spoke condescendingly. “Old fool, you know nothing! Stop spouting nonsense.” However, just as he finished speaking, a young man beside Song Peifeng stood up and pointed at the judgmental old martial artist, cursing. The verbally attacked elder’s face turned sour, but he dared not say more due to the imposing manner, quickly leaving to avoid any disaster. “Forget it, these are just mediocre figures from the jianghu, no need to mind them. I, Song Peifeng, am a core disciple of Green Leaf Valley; outsiders naturally don’t recognize my methods. After the trial, they’ll realize how shallow they are,” the ochre-clothed young man declared coldly. After the recent events, the murmuring in the inn rapidly ceased, with no one daring to carelessly judge others. “It seems this trial will indeed be like encountering lurking dragons and crouching tigers.” Ye Xuan listened to the entire conversation, his gaze becoming more focused; he had never heard of this Song Peifeng before but now realized he was definitely a formidable character. Such figures, Ye Xuan believed, would not be unique to this experience; more might emerge during the trial. After sitting for a while and having some refreshments, Ye Xuan put down a gold note, then got up and left. At that moment, the previously cursing young man looked towards Ye Xuan’s departing figure, “Judging by his attire, he must also be from a prominent family. I wonder which family he belongs to.” “Just a Fifth Grade Martial Master, a mere minor figure.” Song Peifeng glanced at Ye Xuan then withdrew his gaze, paying him no further mind.