bookbashuk Chapter 46 Reverse Wind
Chapter 46 Reverse Wind
Chapter 46 Reverse Wind
Outside the villa.
Just as Wang Quanba rushed to the manor gate and his gaze fell upon Yang Yifang and the others, and he was about to greet them, Zhou Yi's figure suddenly disappeared before his eyes without warning.
next moment.
Inside the villa, on the bluestone path leading to a secluded courtyard.
Butler Fei, who was holding the King's Sword, feeling heavy-hearted and walking slowly, only felt a slight sway of light and shadow before his eyes.
A figure in black robes appeared as if it had materialized out of thin air, hovering about ten feet in the void in front of him.
The man neither flew on a sword nor borrowed a talisman; he simply stepped casually with both feet, as if there were invisible yet solid steps beneath his feet supporting his extraordinary figure. In this way, he "walked" along the direction indicated by the soaring and then suddenly receding sword intent of the king, seemingly slow but actually swift.
It wasn't until he saw Steward Fei holding the sword, his expression complex yet respectful, and sensed that there was no fighting spirit in the sword's intent, that a hint of understanding flashed across Zhou Yi's eyes.
"So—" he began, his voice clear and resonant, standing out sharply in the quiet path, "not an invitation?"
"I thought it was the head of the Wangquan family who wanted to test his skills against me."
Butler Fei was startled by the sudden appearance of the figure, and upon recognizing the person, he felt even more alarmed! He quickly bowed, adopting an extremely humble posture: "You misunderstand, sir. The master merely instructed this old servant to hand over this sword to the young master and announce that the young master would succeed him as the head of the family. There was absolutely no intention to disrespect you in any way."
He paused, then added, "The young master has personally gone to the manor gate to welcome Your Excellency—"
"I saw him," Zhou Yi interrupted him, his tone calm. Almost as soon as he finished speaking, another slender and graceful figure appeared at the end of the path, hurrying over. It was Dongfang Huaizhu, who had received the news.
"Butler Fei—" Dongfang Huaizhu first nodded slightly to Butler Fei, then her gaze fell on Zhou Yi, who was standing in the void. Her calm, watery eyes instantly rippled with complex and indescribable emotions, and her voice trembled slightly, "Senior Brother Zhou—"
"Mm." Zhou Yi nodded to her in response, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment before looking away.
He stopped looking at Butler Fei and ignored Dongfang Huaizhu who had rushed over. With a slight movement, he passed the two of them and headed straight for the main hall of the manor.
Upon seeing this, Dongfang Huaizhu immediately whispered to the maid standing beside her, "Quickly prepare tea, the best of it."
Butler Fei silently stepped aside and bowed to see him off.
Before long, Wang Quanba led Yang Yifang, Yang Yan, Mu Mie, and Dongfang Qinlan, who was being led by Yang Yan, into the manor. As soon as Dongfang Qinlan saw her sister, she immediately broke free from Yang Yan's hand and flew over like a fledgling returning to its nest, tightly hugging Dongfang Huaizhu and burying her face in her waist. The two sisters had met before.
In Wang Quanba's hands, the Wangquan Sword, symbolizing the family's authority, was already firmly in his grasp. In the short journey just now, Butler Fei had conveyed the family head's decision to him in the most concise words. At this moment, his heart was heavy with complex emotions, a mixture of the solemnity of accepting a heavy responsibility and the trepidation of facing the current situation.
The group entered the magnificent main hall.
Then, everyone's gaze sharpened slightly.
In the very center of the main hall, at the highest position, sat a figure in black robes.
Turning the tables and taking control.
He sat casually, even with a touch of leisure.
Yang Yifang's eyelids twitched slightly. Even though he was used to seeing all sorts of things, he was still a little alarmed by Zhou Yi's undisguised assertiveness and "rudeness." This kid really didn't show any mercy and had "I'm here to cause trouble" written all over his face.
Wang Quanba tightened his grip on the Wang Quan Sword. He opened his mouth, his throat bobbed a few times, and finally uttered a somewhat hoarse voice: "Senior Brother Zhou—"
"What," Zhou Yi picked up the celadon teacup that the maid had just served, his eyelids not even fully lifted, only glancing at Wang Quan Baye from above the rim of the cup, his voice flat and emotionless, "Does wielding the Wang Quan Sword give you the confidence to contend with me?"
"I dare not!" Wang Quanba's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately lowered his head in response, adopting an extremely humble posture. He quickly walked to the first guest seat on the left below the main seat and sat down, gently placing the Wang Quan sword, which symbolized supreme authority, horizontally on the table beside him.
He raised his head and looked at Zhou Yi, his voice clear but carrying an undisguised heaviness: "However—my father just suddenly sent me a message, ordering me to succeed as the head of the family. Moreover—" He paused, took a deep breath, "my father has decided to relinquish his position as the leader of the Qi Dao Alliance."
Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall except for Steward Fei, who already knew the truth, including Yang Yifang, Yang Yan, and even Dongfang Huaizhu, were shocked and astonished.
"My father said," Wang Quan Baye continued, his words clear and distinct, like reiterating an unquestionable judgment, "that in the matter of Nantian City, he was wrong, and it was our Wang Quan family that was wrong."
"He believes he is no longer worthy of the position of leader and should give way to someone virtuous and capable."
"Brother Fei, is this really true?!" Yang Yifang was the first to lose his composure, his sharp gaze shooting like lightning towards Steward Fei, who stood respectfully beside Wang Quan Baye. Wang Quan Shouzhuo's actions were nothing short of a monstrous wave sweeping through the Dao Alliance! And after stepping down, in terms of strength, prestige, and achievements, the one most qualified to sit on the throne of Alliance Leader was probably none other than the lone swordsman, who sat high in the main seat and whose brilliance was fully revealed!
In this world, who else but Wang Quan Shouzhuo can rival him?
Facing Yang Yifang's piercing gaze, Butler Fei remained silent for a moment before slowly and firmly nodding, confirming that what Wang Quanbaye had said was true.
Yang Yifang turned to Zhou Yi with a complicated expression, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.
"Heh." A soft chuckle, devoid of emotion, came from above. Zhou Yi finally set his teacup down completely, the porcelain bottom striking the rosewood table with a crisp sound. His eyelids remained half-closed, his tone indifferent. "Patriarch Wang Quan, you truly have considerable courage. The position of Alliance Leader, coveted and unattainable by countless cultivators, can be so easily discarded."
These words, though seemingly a compliment, were actually sarcastic, and the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became even more tense.
Butler Fei shifted slightly, the ever-present warm smile on his face vanished, replaced by an almost martyr-like solemnity and resolve. He took a step forward, leaving Wang Quanba's side.
"Butler Fei!" Wang Quanba seemed to sense something, his heart tightened, and he immediately tried to stop him. Some things are already set in stone, and further explanation and responsibility will not help the outcome, but may only increase the rift.
However, before he could finish speaking, a seemingly ordinary hand, yet containing unimaginable power, gently pressed down on his shoulder.
Wang Quanba felt a powerful, yet gentle and resilient force emanating from that hand, instantly enveloping his entire body and forcefully pressing him back into his seat as he tried to stand up! His internal magical power instinctively tried to surge and resist, but it vanished like a mud ox sinking into the sea, easily dissolved by that force. He abruptly looked up, astonished, at the old man beside him who had watched him grow up, always smiling, seemingly just a shrewd steward.
He never imagined that this "Butler Fei" would possess such unfathomable cultivation!
Butler Fei ignored his astonished gaze, instead looking at Zhou Yi in the main seat. His voice was steady and clear, echoing in the silent hall: "So that Your Excellency may know."
He interrupted Wang Quanba's unspoken advice, placing his hand firmly on the young master's shoulder, as if pressing down on a restless volcano.
"The blame for what happened in Nantian City lies with me, and has nothing to do with the patriarch or the young master." Butler Fei spoke each word as if carved into stone. "It was I who, relying on the patriarch's trust, acted on my own initiative and blocked all battle reports and requests for reinforcements, without informing them of anything. This is why you are left to defend the isolated city alone, trapped in a desperate situation, isolated and without help."
He slightly raised his chin, his neck taut: "If you harbor resentment or anger, it is all because of me. Please execute me to vent your anger. Do not—do not let this matter cause you to look down on the head of the family and the young master."
His tone was resolute, filled with unwavering sincerity and determination: "They are all like you, passionate and righteous people. If they had known the truth at the time, they would surely have rushed to Nantian's aid without hesitation, just as you have done! It was I, this old, blind, and arrogant servant, who, relying on the master's deference and years of favor, forgot my duty and committed such a foolish and heinous act!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Butler Fei pointed his left hand like a sword and made a move in mid-air!
"Clang!"
A guard outside the palace gate drew his sword from its sheath with a snap, transforming it into a streak of light as it flew into the palace and landed steadily in Steward Fei's left palm. With a flick of his wrist, the cold, sharp blade was already positioned against the side of his neck, pressed tightly against his skin. With just a little force, blood would splatter five steps away.
He looked directly at Zhou Yi, his cloudy old eyes filled with calmness, even a hint of pleading: "As long as you nod your head."
"This old servant will take my own life and will never—dirty your hands."
"Brother Fei!" Yang Yifang shouted sternly, his beard and hair bristling.
"Butler Fei! No!" Dongfang Huaizhu also turned pale and hurriedly stopped him, subconsciously taking a step forward.
Wang Quanba's eyes were bloodshot. He struggled desperately under the terrifying power of Steward Fei, but could only let out a low growl like a trapped beast, watching helplessly as the sword blade pressed against the old steward's wrinkled neck.
Inside the main hall, the air seemed to freeze, a mixture of killing intent and sorrow filling the air. All eyes were fixed on the figure in black robes sitting in the main seat, observing his reaction.
But then, a soft, ambiguous laugh came from the seat of honor.
"Oh----"
The laughter was soft, yet it was like an icicle scraping against glass, clear and cold.
"Such a deep bond between master and servant, their loyalty is truly admirable, it is truly moving."
Zhou Yi slowly raised his eyelids, his gaze sweeping over Steward Fei, who stood with a sword to his neck and a resolute expression, then over Wang Quanba, whose shoulders were being held down and whose eyes were bloodshot, before finally settling on Yang Yifang and Dongfang Huaizhu, who looked anxious. The faint curve of his lips held no emotion, only an almost weary indifference.
"It's really... boring."
He stopped looking at them, as if this scene of dying to prove their loyalty, so tragic and earnest, was nothing more than a tedious play with a predetermined ending. He picked up the still-warm cup of tea beside him, tilted his wrist slightly, and the clear tea soup poured slowly like a small waterfall onto the smooth ground in front of him, splashing a small patch of dark water.
It was as if he were offering a sacrifice, or as if he were simply casually tossing away a cup of leftover tea that he no longer wanted to drink.
"Compared to his kingship, which is characterized by its simplicity and humility, he still has such loyal servants who are willing to die to preserve their lord's honor—" Zhou Yi's voice lowered, as if he were talking to himself, or as if he were speaking to an old friend across time and space. His tone carried an indescribable complex emotion, which included concern, anger at his lack of ambition, and deep regret and sorrow.
"Oh, Lonely Moon of the East—how could you be so—so blind to human nature!"
His voice suddenly rose, like long-suppressed lava finally finding a crack!
"I told you frankly back then that Jin Renfeng was a wolf in sheep's clothing, cunning as a fox, and that you must be wary of him! But you thought I was just young and impetuous, jealous of his favor with you, and argued with me endlessly. Afterwards, you became even more biased towards him, treating him like your own son, and even wanted to marry your daughter to him!"
Beside her, Dongfang Huaizhu, who was tightly holding her younger sister Qin Lan, trembled slightly upon hearing this. Tears, which had been welling up in her eyes, finally rolled down silently, wetting Qin Lan's hair. Qin Lan seemed to understand, but she reached out her small hand and clumsily wiped away the tears from her sister's face, whispering, "Sister, don't cry—"
"Stupid! Stupid! You're absolutely stupid!!"
Zhou Yi slammed his hand on the table beside him, the hard sandalwood emitting a dull thud as if it could no longer bear the weight! His chest heaved slightly, and his eyes flashed with lightning. Anyone who saw someone else's servants and disciples loyally protecting their master and willing to die, and then thought of their own "good disciple" who had been entrusted with high hopes but had turned against his master, would probably find it difficult to remain calm.
At that moment, he desperately wanted to rush into the underworld, drag that stubborn old man out of the ground, and personally pry open his eyes, which had been blinded by pretense, so that he could see clearly and remember everything—
What exactly did his "good disciple," whom he treated like his own son and protected in every way, do?! He has the heart of a wolf, so vicious!
The hall was deathly silent, save for the lingering echoes of Zhou Yi's heartbroken and furious voice between the beams and pillars, and the faint sobs that Dongfang Huaizhu tried her best to suppress.
After a long while, as if the pent-up anger in his chest had finally been released with this outburst, Zhou Yi slowly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, his eyes had returned to a deep, calm state.
"Put down the sword." He looked at Butler Fei, who still held the sword to his neck, his tone as calm as if he were talking about something trivial. "If I really wanted to kill you, no one in this world could stop me, and it has nothing to do with whether you want to or not. The fact that I haven't killed you now should make you understand what I mean."
Butler Fei's body trembled, and the fingers gripping the sword hilt loosened slightly, causing the longsword that had been held across his neck to fall to the ground with a clang. He took a deep breath, and solemnly and slowly bowed towards Zhou Yi, performing a deep salute that almost touched the ground.
"Your Excellency is magnanimous. I will remember it forever."
Zhou Yi stopped looking at him and turned his gaze to Wang Quanbaye, who was finally freed from suppression and had a complicated expression.
"Royal power and hegemony."
"I need you to do something." Zhou Yi's tone left no room for doubt, but his gaze turned to Dongfang Huaizhu, who was weeping beside him, and his eyes revealed a hint of brotherly gentleness.
"Please speak, Senior Brother Zhou. I will do my utmost to help you," Wang Quan Baye replied solemnly.
"Announce it to the world."
He spoke each word clearly, his voice carrying to everyone's ears: "Just say it, you, Wang Quan Ba Ye, the new head of the Wang Quan family, will be here in three days."
"I will formally marry Dongfang Huaizhu, the eldest daughter of Dongfang Guyue of Shenhuo Mountain Manor."
"Senior Brother Zhou—" Dongfang Huaizhu suddenly raised her head, her eyes blurry with tears as she looked at him, her voice choked with emotion, filled with overwhelming gratitude and relief. A proper marriage, a formal and respectable union—this was not only her personal dignity, but also the dignity of her father Dongfang Guyue's entire lineage!
Without the slightest hesitation, Wang Quan Ba Ye declared resolutely, "Senior Brother, rest assured! I will use all the resources of the Wang Quan family to announce to the world that Huai Zhu will receive the grandest wedding befitting her status!"
"This old servant is willing to do everything in my power to assist the young master in handling this matter with utmost brilliance and without the slightest mistake!" Butler Fei immediately bowed and expressed his willingness, his tone earnest.
"Three days later?" Yang Yifang, who had been silently observing, frowned slightly and pondered, "In my opinion, that day does not seem to be an auspicious day, and is probably not suitable for a wedding—"
"I say it is," Zhou Yi interrupted him, slowly rising from the main seat, his posture upright like a drawn sword, an invisible majesty naturally emanating from him, "that is it."
His gaze swept over everyone in the hall, finally settling on the vast sky outside. His voice was not loud, but it carried a certainty that seemed to be etched into the annals of history: "Not only is this an auspicious day, but it will also be a day recorded in history."
"Even a thousand years from now, the world will remember this day."
"Because that day will also be the day I, Zhou Yi, take over as the leader of the Yi Qi Dao Alliance. I will personally preside over their wedding on that day."
Upon hearing this, Yang Yifang was first taken aback, then clapped his hands and laughed, his laughter filled with admiration and a hint of excitement: "Hahaha! Good! What spirit! You're so sure that the position of alliance leader is already in your pocket?"
"Not certain." Zhou Yi stepped down from the main seat and walked out of the hall, his black robes brushing against the smooth ground, his steps steady.
"But from today onwards..."
He had already reached the palace entrance, the sunlight gilding his tall figure. He slightly turned his head, his words like a divine pronouncement, clearly imprinted in everyone's heart: "All the people of this world will revere me—"
"As if worshipping deities."
As everyone knows, for a demon to become a demon emperor, it must gain the approval of a region and draw upon the power of heaven and earth to achieve the emperor's throne and dominate the region.
So, what about the human race?
The moment he finished speaking, Zhou Yi stepped out of the hall.
It has not landed.
He stood gracefully, seemingly floating in mid-air beneath the vast sky of Wangquan Manor. The mountain wind whipped around him, ruffling his dark robes and causing his ink-black hair to fly wildly.
He turned around, his gaze piercing through the palace gate and landing on Dongfang Huaizhu's tearful yet smiling face. His voice carried on the wind, clear and warm: "As your senior brother, it seems I've never given you a decent gift in my life."
He smiled slightly, a smile that carried both pure concern and an icy resolve.
"Today, we will use Jin Renfeng's head."
Consider it my first dowry to you.
Shenhuoshan Manor.
The once blessed land of cultivators, imbued with spiritual energy and shrouded in flames, is now shrouded in a deathly silence and oppressive atmosphere, as if a storm is brewing. The mountains, clouds, and even the distant skies beyond the reach of ordinary mortals are now densely packed with cultivators from all corners of the land and from various powerful families. The faint glow of magical artifacts flickers everywhere, like restless fireflies on a summer night.
There was no commotion, only suppressed whispers and heavy breathing. Everyone knew that what they were about to witness was a life-or-death duel unprecedented in the Dao Alliance's records for a thousand years—on one side was the mysteriously returned Lone Peak Sword, whose sword reigned supreme in the southern sky and whose fame was as high as the sun; on the other side was Jin Renfeng, who had been exposed for murdering his master and betraying his clan, a crime of unimaginable strength, and who had once briefly clashed with Wang Quan Shouzhuo without being defeated.
With grudges and blood feuds entangled, and evenly matched forces, this battle is destined to be brutal and will profoundly impact the entire world's格局 (geju, a term referring to the overall situation or landscape).
Time ticked by in the suffocating wait.
suddenly-
Right under everyone's noses.
In the distance, on the horizon, someone seemed to be pulling the fierce winds from the sky.
At the edge of sight, the once clear sky suddenly twisted and boiled! The fierce winds were forcibly gathered and dragged by some unknown force, transforming into a chaotic pillar of energy that stretched across the sky and connected heaven and earth, like an enraged silver wind dragon being pulled down from the heavens in an unimaginable way!
Before the wind dragon, a dark figure appeared, initially as small as a mustard seed, but in the next moment it became clearly visible.
He treads on the void, relying on nothing external. With each step he takes, the space beneath his feet ripples with visible, minute waves. The terrifying gale that could tear metal and stone to dust and make even demon kings retreat now flows like the most docile silk, wrapping around him and roaring and surging as he moves forward, becoming the most awe-inspiring testament to his boundless power!
His black robes fluttered in the wind, and his ink-black hair danced wildly.
The visitor was none other than Zhou Yi.
He lowered his head slightly, his gaze like a solid icicle piercing into the depths of the mountain villa below.
"Jin Renfeng! Come out and face your death!!!"
I'm really in trouble, guys. The subscription numbers are jumping way too high. The author is going to flop.
I even suspect it's because I update too much, otherwise, if I update 20,000 words a day, the average subscription rate would be 250.
Who could stand that!
I burst into tears!!
I'm begging for monthly votes! There will be another chapter soon, and then I'll finish with 20,000 votes yesterday.
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