Chapter 340: Xu Yan, Who Never Followed the Rules

Chapter 340: Xu Yan, Who Never Followed the Rules

"Haha, I, Xie Lingfeng, am ready to rise!"

As Xie Lingfeng honed his sword intent, he heard the manager's words and burst into laughter.

"Brother Xu actually came looking for me!"

His figure leaped into the air, heading straight for the outer perimeter of the City Lord's Mansion.

Xie Tianheng was taken aback. Xu Yan was here?

Does that mean he doesn't need to go to the Eighteen States?

"Xu Yan? Could it be the Xu Yan from the Eighteen States?"

Fu Yun's face showed disbelief, and he glared at Xie Tianheng. "Don't tell me your father and son know Xu Yan?"

Xie Tianheng nodded. "Feng'er's sword technique was passed down by Xu Yan. The sword technique I cultivated also originates from the same source. Feng'er cultivates Xu Yan's martial arts."

Standing outside the Yun Tian City Lord's Mansion, Xu Yan couldn't help but marvel at Xie Tianheng's capabilities. He had somehow managed to marry into a wealthy family, and Xu Yan wondered how he had won over Xie Lingfeng's mother.

It was unimaginable that the daughter of the City Lord of Yun Tian City, a superior sect in the spiritual realm, would marry an inner realm warrior like him.

As for Fu Yun's suitors from years ago, when Xu Yan arrived in Yun Tian City and inquired about the whereabouts of the Jade Sea Sword King, he was informed that he resided in the City Lord's Mansion.

The informant spoke with disdain, mocking the Sword King for being a kept man despite being the top sword cultivator in the Jade Sea. However, Xu Yan could see the envy lurking in his eyes.

Making his way to the Yun Tian City Lord's Mansion, Xu Yan was impressed by its grandeur, resembling a grand city in its own right. He couldn't help but admire the supremacy of the Superlative Spirit Sect that ruled over the Jade Sea.

Stating his purpose for his visit, Xu Yan waited.

Before long, a figure flew into view—the long-unseen Xie Lingfeng.

"Brother Xu!"

Xie Lingfeng's eyes welled up with tears. Finally, he could continue his cultivation, reclaim his glory, and once again suppress those who had once been defeated by him.

"Brother Xie, it's been a long time!"

Xu Yan wore a smile.

"It's been years, and I've missed you," Xie Lingfeng sighed.

"Brother Xu, this isn't the place to reminisce. Let's go inside and catch up properly!"

"Sure!"

Xu Yan nodded.

Just as he was about to step forward and follow Xie Lingfeng into the City Lord's Mansion, a mocking voice suddenly rang out: "Well, well, if it isn't the Sword King's son, the once-proud Xie Lingfeng. How bold of you to show your face today?"

The speaker emphasized the word "once," clearly intending to belittle Xie Lingfeng.

Xie Lingfeng's expression darkened, but Xu Yan didn't even bother to turn his head. With a casual flick of his hand, he sent a slap backward.

"I hate it when flies buzz in my ear."

Slap!

The mocker was sent flying and crashed to the ground, his face swelling up.

"Brother Xie, let's go!"

Xu Yan smiled as he spoke, treating the mocker like nothing more than an annoying fly.

Xie Lingfeng paused for a moment, then smiled. This was more like Xu Yan's style.

"Please!"

As he escorted Xu Yan into the City Lord's Mansion, Xie Lingfeng wore a helpless expression. "I apologize for the embarrassment, Brother Xu. That man has some influence in Yun Tian City. He lost to me in the past, but now his strength surpasses mine, and he's become arrogant."

"It's fine. Brother Xie will soon be able to crush him again," Xu Yan assured with a smile.

The fact that someone dared to mock Xie Lingfeng, the grandson of the City Lord, showed just how far the once-proud genius had fallen.

"In Yun Tian City, it's customary for the elders to stay out of matters concerning the younger generation, especially among the major powers of the city," Xie Lingfeng explained with a bitter smile. "Unless there's a matter of life and death, the elders won't intervene."

Xie Lingfeng's smile was filled with bitterness as he explained that he had not left the City Lord's Mansion in a long time to avoid being beaten by his former subordinates.

As the son of the Sword King and the grandson of the City Lord, Xie Lingfeng had both a prestigious background and a heavy burden to carry. If he were defeated, it would bring shame to the City Lord's Mansion, and none of the powerful elders would step in to seek justice.

"Xie Lingfeng, how dare you let someone attack me openly right under your nose! You're too arrogant! I challenge you to a duel. If you have the guts, come out and fight!"

"Hand over the attacker! It's an outrage to attempt to murder a proud genius in front of the City Lord's Mansion. I implore the City Lord's Mansion to apprehend the perpetrator!"

Outside the City Lord's Mansion, angry shouts rang out.

The commotion was growing louder.

Xu Yan paused in his tracks.

"Brother Xu, don't worry about him. My mother will handle this matter," Xie Lingfeng said with a hint of helplessness.

"I can handle minor matters myself. There's no need to trouble anyone else!" Xu Yan replied, turning around and walking away.

Xie Lingfeng's mouth twitched, and he hurriedly followed, his face betraying his headache. He glanced around for his parents, wondering why they hadn't come to his rescue yet. Knowing Xu Yan's temperament, he knew the situation would only escalate.

"Great Commander, someone is committing a heinous act in front of the City Lord's Mansion, openly provoking Yun Tian City. We implore the Great Commander to uphold justice!"

"Yes, we implore the Great Commander to uphold justice!"

Outside the City Lord's Mansion, a crowd had gathered, including Xie Lingfeng's former subordinates and members of influential families who held a grudge against Xie Tianheng. They seized the opportunity to pile on the pressure.

Outside, a crowd had gathered, with most onlookers eager to witness the spectacle.

The arrogant young man who had been slapped now had one hand covering his swollen cheek as he pointed at Xu Yan, shouting, "It was him! He dared to commit assault right in front of the City Lord's Mansion. I demand that the Great Commander uphold justice!"

Slap!

Before his words could finish, the other side of his face was met with another stinging slap, causing his head to twist to the side, and his whole body froze in place.

Everyone else was stunned as well.

Who was this bold assailant, daring to strike someone right under the Great Commander's nose?

"You... You audacious brat!" The humiliated young man covered his face with both hands, feeling like his head had swollen up.

"Who else wants a taste?" Xu Yan's gaze swept coldly over the outraged crowd.

A heavy silence fell outside the City Lord's Mansion.

Too arrogant!

When had there ever been such an audacious person in Cloud Sky City, daring to act so boldly right at the City Lord's doorstep?

"Great Commander, how can you, as the guardian of order in the City Lord's Mansion, tolerate such insolence? Where is the dignity of our Cloud Sky City now?" The aggrieved young man's elder spoke up, his voice filled with indignation.

The Great Commander wore an expression of helplessness. Why was this young man so brazen? Aside from the fact that he had assaulted someone, his words were extremely provocative.

If it weren't for the fact that he was with Xie Lingfeng, he would have taken action already and executed him on the spot.

However, given the current situation, he had no choice but to step in. As for the punishment, he would leave it to the City Lord to decide.

After all, this matter was somewhat related to his granddaughter-in-law.

"According to the rules of Cloud Sky City, no fighting, use of force, or harming of others is allowed in front of the City Lord's Mansion. You have broken the rules of our city, so please come with me." The Great Commander stepped forward, his tone righteous and unwavering.

Xu Yan glanced at him and scoffed, "Rules are meant to constrain the weak and hold no power over the strong. What a useless rule, it doesn't apply to me!"

Once again, the crowd fell silent, shocked by Xu Yan's audacity.

The onlookers were bewildered. Even with the Great Commander's presence, this young man remained defiant?

Could it be that he was relying on his connection with Xie Lingfeng? After all, the Great Commander was the one responsible for maintaining order in Cloud Sky City, a formidable figure, yet this young man dared to provoke him so openly?

Xie Lingfeng felt a tingling sensation on his scalp and couldn't help but ask through a sound transmission, "Brother Xu, can you give me some reassurance here? What's your strength like? Can you handle this?"

Although he knew that Xu Yan must have his reasons for acting this way, he still felt a bit uneasy.

"It's nothing serious. My strength is decent enough that I could pin your grandfather down and beat him up without any issues," Xu Yan replied through a sound transmission, full of confidence.

"That's good, that's good!" Xie Lingfeng heaved a sigh of relief.

The Great Commander's face twitched, and he said with a forced smile, "Young man, rules are rules. They are not to be broken just because you are strong."

"Rules are made by the strong to maintain order. Whether or not to follow them depends on the strong one's mood. Don't you, the City Lord, also follow these rules?" Xu Yan asked calmly.

"Of course! Our City Lord has always been a model of compliance with the rules!" The Great Commander affirmed solemnly.

Even if the City Lord could break the rules, he couldn't openly admit it.

Xu Yan sneered, "That's your City Lord. He hasn't faced any challenges, so he can meekly follow the rules. But if he did, there could only be one reason."

"Oh, and what reason is that?" The Great Commander's eyebrows furrowed, curious about the young man's answer.

"It's simple," Xu Yan said indifferently. "It's because your City Lord is too weak and can only meekly abide by the rules!"

The Great Commander's face twisted in anger. This kid was getting more and more outrageous, even daring to look down on their City Lord, who was the strongest among the recent generations of City Lords.

The onlookers were stunned, mouths agape. Where did this young man come from?

To be so arrogant in front of the City Lord's Mansion, even looking down on their City Lord?

"You insolent brat! How dare you insult the City Lord's authority!" The Great Commander roared, his aura exploding with the might of a cultivator who had refined the essence of the heavens and earth's laws.

He had originally intended to stall for time, waiting for Xie Lingfeng's mother, the City Lord's beloved daughter, Fu Yun, to resolve the situation. But now, not only had she not shown up, but this young man had also insulted the City Lord.

At this point, he had no choice but to take action.

"You're too weak. I advise you not to make a move," Xu Yan said, shaking his head.

"Me, weak?" The Great Commander's face flushed with anger, and he reached out, summoning a wisp of the essence of the heavens and earth's laws, shaping it into a giant hand that grabbed towards Xu Yan.

"Young man, identify yourself. Let's see if you..." The Great Commander's words trailed off as Xu Yan raised his hand, a sword light flashing, and with a single strike, the giant hand was obliterated.

In the next moment, Xu Yan took a step forward, his figure instantly appearing in front of the Great Commander.

Judging by his age, he was only in his twenties!

With a furious roar, the Great Commander unleashed a mighty attack, his fists glowing with power, as three mysterious auras whirled around him. The forces of heaven and earth's laws converged, forming a formidable assault.

However, Xu Yan remained calm, his palm shooting out. This palm strike resembled a vast landscape of mountains and rivers, and in an instant, a majestic mountain range emerged, enveloping the Great Commander's attack. Immediately afterward, the mountains and rivers directly engulfed the Great Commander.

Boom!

At that moment, the Great Commander was horrified to discover that he couldn't gather the power of heaven and earth's laws.

It was as if an invisible barrier was obstructing him! Unless he broke through this barrier, he wouldn't be able to harness the power of heaven and earth's laws!

What kind of martial art was this?

Before he could even formulate a counterstrategy, a hand reached out, grabbed his collar, and lifted him off the ground.

"I already told you, you're too weak," Xu Yan said.

The Great Commander's face turned red, his body unable to muster any resistance as his strength was completely restrained.

Xu Yan nodded in satisfaction. His idea had indeed been correct; by using the mountain and river sword intent to create a barrier that impeded Spiritual Realm warriors from gathering the power of heaven and earth's laws, he could greatly weaken their strength.

Even if it could only hold them off for a moment, that moment was enough to decide victory, life, and death.

Of course, this was also because Xu Yan's mountain and river sword technique was already extremely powerful and refined. It was also due to the Great Commander's underestimation of him and his failure to anticipate that the power of heaven and earth's laws could be obstructed.

From the moment the Great Commander attacked to the moment he was captured by Xu Yan, it all happened in the blink of an eye.

When the onlookers snapped back to their senses, they were utterly stunned.

The Great Commander had been captured?

And he seemed to have no room to fight back!

Who was this young man, and why was he so powerful? Even the arrogant young man with the swollen cheek was dumbfounded, his pain forgotten. After all, if the Great Commander had no chance to resist, what chance did he have?

The fact that he was still alive was likely due to his opponent's mercy.

"May I ask who you are?" The Great Commander asked, his face darkening.

"Sword God, Xu Yan!" Xu Yan replied with an indifferent smile.

Holding the Great Commander, Xu Yan entered the City Lord's Mansion with Xie Lingfeng and released his captive.

"Brother Xie, let's go!" Xu Yan said with a smile.

"Alright!" Xie Lingfeng nodded.

In his heart, he marveled, "As expected of Xu Yan. Whether it's in the Inner Realm or here in the Spiritual Realm, he's always been powerful and invincible."

"Sword God Xu Yan?" The Great Commander froze, and then his scalp tingled as he thought of someone.

"The unparalleled genius who once blocked the mountain gate of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple and brazenly took away their divine artifact, the Cold Refined Blade!"

"He actually came to Yun Tian City? And he's causing a scene in the City Lord's Mansion, no less!"

"This is very much in line with his style. Years ago, he dared to challenge the Thousand Martial Arts Temple, and now his strength has become even more formidable. Causing a ruckus in the City Lord's Mansion is nothing to him. Killing someone would be a minor matter for him!"

Outside the City Lord's Mansion, the spectators were taken aback.

"Sword God Xu Yan? If the Sword King hears this title, he'll probably explode with anger!" someone whispered.

"What do you know? Sword God Xu Yan is an unparalleled genius from the Eighteen States. Years ago, he blocked the mountain gate of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple and took away their divine artifact right in front of their strong practitioners. He's a notorious figure!"

"I knew there had to be an explanation for such audacity. It makes sense now that it's Xu Yan. There's no one else I can think of who would be this bold."

"Xu Yan has come to Yun Tian City, and it seems he has a deep friendship with Xie Lingfeng, that reclusive genius. Things are about to get interesting."

"Do you think the City Lord will intervene to suppress Xu Yan after such provocation?"

"No, the City Lord won't take that risk. If he succeeds, he'll be accused of bullying the weak, and if he fails, he'll lose face. He won't take such a chance."

"...How dare you question the City Lord's strength!"

...

News spread like wildfire throughout Yun Tian City, reaching every corner.

The self-proclaimed Sword God, Xu Yan, who had challenged the Thousand Martial Arts Temple and taken their divine artifact without regard for rules, had arrived in Yun Tian City!

Gradually, more rumors emerged, suggesting that Xu Yan had come to suppress the Proud Genius of the Azure Sea. He intended to proclaim to the Spiritual Realm that among geniuses, he was the supreme one!

When this news reached the Proud Geniuses of the Azure Sea, they were stirred into a frenzy.

However, Xu Yan's display of strength as he captured the Great Commander left countless geniuses disheartened. They knew they couldn't win against him; it was simply impossible! But there were still proud and unyielding geniuses who desired a battle with Xu Yan.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end