Chapter Twenty Eight - Don't kill the messenger (3)

Yue Chen's entire body trembled as he bit his lower lip and opened his eyes. A single tear streaked down his face as he breathed out negative energy.

His adoptive father had once told him there were two types of mental energies that were fueled by the human emotions. Negative energy and Positive energy. Negative energy accumulated when thoughts such as doubts, worry, anger, hate and other emotions became overwhelming and lingered in the mind for a period of time. The same could also be said for Positive energy, the difference lying in the opposing source of energy. Positive energy was essential during cultivation as it's purpose was to ward off inner demons created from the accumulated Negative energy. Negative energy could be gathered at any point of the body while positive energy gathered fastest at the head. In order to get rid of negative energy it first had to be gathered then released from the body.

Using the simple energy circulation method he was taught Yue Chen gathered the negative energy in a single breath then exhaled slowly, wisps of dark energy escaping his mouth in the process.

Tan Tan sat at the side, realizing that Yue Chen had woken up she spoke what she had been silently pondering by herself "I heard from the squad leader that during reincarnations that occur from past life rebirths become fragmented over time so the memories are.....umm....I forgot"

Yue Chen decided to ignore his clothes that had become soaked in sweat and closed his eyes once more. Circulating his dark energy, Yue Chen smiled. An almost tangible shadow coalesced in his palm, forming a paper-like knife.

Witnessing Yue Chen's feat Tan Tan's mouth gaped in shock. "The human realm second sky!"

It was only natural for her to be shocked. Until recently they had reported Yue Chen a cripple at the third sky of the Nascent realm, skipping realms in such a manner was a feat only geniuses were capable of. Moving up a realm would take two months or even more, not to mention three minor levels!

Even though Tan Tan was bound by a slave contract Yue Chen wasn't keen on revealing his secrets. The Seven Shadow Forging Manual he had acquired beforehand memories of his past life had begun to resurface, which meant his tablet had yet to show any signs of reignition. According to Tan Tan the surveillance started after his tablet lit up, meaning the church had no records of his cultivation technique.

"I got lucky" Yue Chen was too lazy to make up an excuse and said the first thing that came to mind.

"Luck? the goddess of fortune must really like you..." when she thought of how clumsy and unfortunate her life had been since young Tan Tan couldn't help but pout in envy.

Yue Chen remembered the little girl's offer to take him to the Western Seas and urged Tan Tan to prepare for departure.

Under the smoldering hot sun the duo left the Phoenix Carving Inn.

In less than two minutes of leaving the inn, hundreds of stomping feet could be heard and Yue Chen was completely surrounded by imperial knights. A single glance at the golden emblem engraved into the chest plate was enough for anyone to know where these knights were from. The golden light crest was used to represent the the holy element of the royal Zhao family, who would be bold enough to falsely wear such crest?

"Cursed child Yue Chen of the Gou family, under direct orders of Emperor Zhao, return to the Xuan Empire immediately, resist and you will be cut down" a familiar voice travelled from the utmost rear of the company of imperial knights, making it's way to Yue Chen's ears.

In the next instant Yue Chen's figure had already flashed by the company of knights, both his daggers drawn, forming a perfect arch. Every soldier he passed by would spray fountains of blood, heads spinning in rapid motion.

"LI YAO!!!!" swiping both his blades forward, Yue Chen struck at Li Yao at a blinding speed.

Li Yao's lips arched in a menacing smile and his left hand that had been hidden behind him pulled forward a heavy chain that produced clanking sounds as he placed it before himself "Careful, you might just end up hitting her"

It was already too late with withdraw his blade. Forcefully changing the trajectory of his strike, Yue Chen bore the backlash of his own blade, blood gushing up his throat.

"Oh my, injuring yourself over this slut, you have disappointed me, you're no longer worth being called my rival" With a smug smile hung across his face Li Yao strutted next to Yue Chen, patting him on the shoulder. "It's been so long since we last met, alas Bo Yang isn't here to relish our reunion"

"!!" almost reflexively Yue Chen's arm twisted in an abnormal fashion, striking at Li Yao's throat.

Klang!!

Just before the blade could land a direct strike, Li Yao drew his longsword, blocking with his hilt. "Kill me and that girl dies as well"

Drowning in his rage Yue Chen could barely hear the words said by Li Yao but it was enough for him to suppress his rage.

"Li Yao you wanted a fair duel with me, now here it is, release the girl!"

"Why should I release her when I can have you both in the middle of my palm?" sheathing his blade Li Yao tugged at the chain in his left hand. "Today is your lucky day, the king requires you alive , our duel will have to be put on hold"

"Tch!" taking out the imperial knights wouldn't pose much effort for him but Li Yao was the biggest threat present. Circulating his qi Yue Chen activated his movement technique [Dance of the Shadow Demon],

"Oh poor me! Don't kill the messenger!" putting on a pitiful expression Li Yao parried Yue Chen's dagger with the sheath of his longsword. "Though as you are, I doubt your capability to do so"

"Bastard!" returning to his original position Yue Chen prepared for a second strike.

"This is getting boring, a bitch befitting a dog such as yourself, you can have her" releasing the chains in his palm Li Yao sneered, kicking the chained girl forward.

With his arms outstretched Yue Chen caught the falling figure "Xuer!"

It was the Cold Lotus Princess of the Xuan Empire, Zhao Xue!