Chapter 543: Awkward!
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Immediately after Yun Yang spat out his vehement challenge, a brawny man who had arrived with Hong Zhan glared at Yun Yang viciously and spoke spitefully, "Leader, why put up with the nonsense from this rich brat? Since the child admits that he was the one who killed our people, let's finish this here – kill him right away!"
The incendiary words instantly instigated the other Hall of Crimson Blade experts, hiking their killing intent into new highs.
Only Hong Zhan did not speak, his expression dark.
Although he had come with an aggressive front and his choice of words was purposefully ugly to show off his exceptionally tough character, he did not actually wish to kill Yun Yang right there and then. With Hong Zhan's character, why would he speak if he could speak with his saber instead? It would be easier to just start a battle and jump into the fray.
The core reason he had not struck out immediately was because he was certain that Yun Yang was not someone that could be easily killed, as he wore the title of King Xiaoyao's son. Just his identity alone was enough to hold all the assassins back. The fact that Yutang had broken the four-nation siege and gotten rid of the subjugation threat as well as acquire the ability to conquer Tianxuan, the blood grudge would leave no room for drawback if a finger was laid upon the only son of Empire of Yutang's King Xiaoyao.
Besides, Young Master Yun of Yutang's martial skill and cultivation base was tricky to handle. Despite his past reputation as a popinjay that was widespread, he had charged through the enemy's formation alone during the war between Yutang and Dongxuan; he breached the army as he entered a no-man's land and shot the marshal's flag. His heroic fame was known across the world. In addition, his sole achievement in tackling Ma-i Sect's several top-notch experts was more than enough to turn heads. It all but proved his status as a heaven realm cultivator!
Therefore, this Young Master Yun Yang had to be a tough player equipped with impressive martial skills who also happened to carry the identity of King Xiaoyao's young master.
Kill him?
Even if they could succeed, doing so would only bring them trouble!
Even if he possessed the strength of a top assassin organization, it was not enough! Once he killed Yun Yang, what would come after would only be an inevitable calamity!
A man's power, a top martial world organization's force – they could never compete against a prime empire. Faced with such troubles, Hong Zhan regarded himself highly, but he would never dare attract another burden to shoulder when he was already bearing an important mission.
Hence, Hong Zhan had already made his decision regarding the current situation. However, the issue now was Hong Zhan's five subordinates who came with him today; they clearly did not have the foresight to discern their opponent's background, despite the fact that their leader had already decided not to fight Yun Yang.
Yet as a leader, he had to portray the right mannerisms – the aura of intimidation. One could lose the game, but not the tenor. Even if Yun Yang had a solid background and excellent capabilities, Hong Zhan still had to say something; after all, the youth had killed so many of his men, would he say nothing about it?
This was the reasoning behind Hong Zhan's aggressive accusations, even as he was patiently hearing Yun Yang out. Furthermore, Hong Zhan knew that Yun Yang was not stupid; he would figure out that the other party had other intentions to appear in such weather than to watch the snow.
It was based on this rationalization that Hong Zhan believed this Young Master Yun would not want to forge animosity with him or risk his life. Hence, Hong Zhan was sure that Yun Yang would play along and explain himself; despite the arrogant tone and the angry attitude, he had still laid things out calmly enough. Once he had done so, both sides would be able to turn the situation around; they could end things amicably.
Hong Zhan did not care much as to how bad Yun Yang's attitude could be. He had spoken harshly first, how else could a noble young master take it? It was only expected that he would retort. Hong Zhan did not want to pursue the matter; if he did, it would have gone against his initial intentions.
To rape women was a big taboo in the martial world so killing the rapists was beyond reproach. Just as Hong Zhan was about to make some social comments, graze past the grudge and leave, his subordinates had talked about killing Yun Yang at this critical moment.
It held what Hong Zhan wanted to say right back in his throat and aggravated the already tense situation. No, they were basically about to go at each other's throats! Truthfully, Hong Zhan was utterly maligned.
He knew that his subordinates were insensible and dense, but he did not expect them to be so insensible and dense to actually snatch away their leader's authority. What the f*ck? He was speechless. What made Hong Zhan even more speechless was that there was not only one self-sabotaging teammate; he had brought a total of five men with him.
"Boss! Kill him! Avenge our brothers!" Another one spoke.
Hong Zhan's expression grew darker as he grew increasingly infuriated.
"Boss, don't let our brothers die in vain!" The cries of another team-mate rang out loudly.
"Did I say I wanted to let them die in vain? Was I not asking for an explanation for them righteously earlier?"
"Why didn't you fellows comment about the vile deeds they've done? Do all of you have the face to say it?" Hong Zhan thought to himself begrudgingly.
"Boss, the brothers have just passed on…" Another one spoke tearfully.
Who was Yun Yang? Of course, he understood Hong Zhan's current thoughts and even more, his initial intentions. Therefore, he watched as the man fell into a terribly awkward impasse with a beam of delight. He looked at him without adding another word; the grin he wore bore all kinds of sinister meanings.
Hong Zhan was the Hall of Crimson Blade's leader after all. He was able to pick it up and let it go, bend and stretch when he needed to; he glared at his subordinates and said in a low voice, "We, the Hall of Crimson Blade, live on the martial world's commission and blood let out from saber-cuts. We can do a lot of things, but we should never do revolting things…"
He had initially wanted to say, "Since they've violated the martial world taboo, they should repent for their crimes. They have received what they deserved. Even if Young Master Yun had not killed them, they would have died by my hands instead…" Then, he would have issued an aggressive warning to recover his dignity before they prepared to leave.
If he could do that, not only would he still have his pride and authority, it would be fine even though it looked like he was giving in; it would not affect his commanding presence.
At such a delicate moment, the dirty man clothed in white who had been on the ground actually stood up slowly and spoke with a cold voice, "What is a mere Hall of Crimson Blade? How dare you crow in front of me! Silver Saber Hong Zhan, only a lesser man with slight fame trumpets loudly about themselves. Do you dare to brag about it? Have you gotten bored of living?"
Hong Zhan was stupefied by the sudden interjection. The speech he had prepared and was about to deliver smoothly caught in his throat once more. His mouth was half agape as he turned to look at the old man who made a sudden appearance, feeling shocked.
"What is going on? I was about to beat the drum of retreat… What are you doing, hopping out like this? How can I walk away now? You're finding trouble here, whoever you are!" he thought to himself.
Venerable Lord Ice stood tall, his previously crestfallen tenor washed away in an instant. His gaze was like a slither of electricity as he looked at Hong Zhan and said coldly, "Hong Zhan! Kneel and beg for mercy! Do you truly want your grandfather to make a move and die without a complete body? Do you wish for the Hall of Crimson Blade to be wiped out completely?"
Hong Zhan was furious.
"Who are you?" Hong Zhan's rage soared as his killing intent surged.
The fury was genuine. Who did he think he was, brazenly calling himself Hong Zhan's grandfather? He had no right to say such things, even if he were Ling Xiaozui or the Four Seasons Tower's Mr. Nian… characters which he could not possibly be.
"I am your grandfather!" Venerable Lord Ice roared and attacked, without any further preamble. With a quick wave of his hands, two separate showers of ice daggers fell upon his target like an unavoidable avalanche.