Chapter 672: Ice Tomb! The Right Name! [Golden Alliance Leader wise Hai Chen adds 25 and 26]

Chapter 672: Ice Tomb! The Right Name! [Golden Alliance Leader wise Hai Chen adds 25 and 26]



Xue Yihong, one of the participants, had already stood up and was standing at the edge of the arena, hands behind his back, gazing calmly.

The divine sense auras of countless powerful individuals had slowly spread out, calming the restlessness of everyone in the area.

Everyone was puzzled.

Noon was approaching, and the decisive battle was about to begin, but only one party had arrived; where was Fang Tu?

In just a few breaths, it would be noon.

Even Yang Luoyu and Dong Changfeng found it strange, "Where did Fang Che go?"

In the arena, countless people began whispering to each other.

Could it be that Fang Tu was afraid and fled the battle?

Just then, Xue Yihong, standing by the arena, suddenly sensed something and abruptly raised his head.

Everyone else also froze in shock.

A mountain-toppling killing intent surged from a distant location outside the arena, sweeping in like a tsunami.

The killing intent filled the sky, and the evil aura was overwhelming.

But this killing intent seemed to be coming from a faraway place.

It was like a sudden surge in the tide, crashing waves against the shore, relentless and unceasing.

Everyone turned to look, astonished and bewildered.

In the arena, Dong Changfeng stood there, stunned for a moment, then turned around and shouted towards the source of the killing intent, "Fang Che, you've arrived, why aren't you coming in?"

Fang Che's cold voice echoed from outside, "The crowd is too dense, I can't get in. In this situation, I can't fly over everyone's heads either. Please make way for me."

The entire arena was in an uproar.

The main participant couldn't enter the arena! This was truly a joke in the eyes of the world.

From just that sentence, countless people sensed the unusual atmosphere within.

Dong Changfeng frowned and turned to look at the Hall Lord of the Heavenly Capital Guard Hall behind him, Miao Weide, "Hall Lord Miao, was Fang Che at your Guard Hall last night?"

Hall Lord Miao Weide's face turned ashen, "Yes."

"As a Guardian, did Headquarters ask your Guard Hall to accompany him to the martial arts competition?" Dong Changfeng asked again.

"Yes, but Captain Fang left early this morning... This..." Miao Weide clearly sensed that something was amiss.

He was well aware that Fang Che's actions were intentional.

With Fang Che's identity, he could have entered smoothly by revealing his identity. Even without doing so, he had countless ways to get in.

But Fang Che chose the least likely possibility.

He deliberately delayed.

Without a guide, without protection, claiming to not know the way, and with the path blocked, he couldn't enter.

The blame was directed at the Guard Hall.

At this moment, Miao Weide's heart was filled with anger and regret. He was furious that Fang Che disregarded the situation and openly criticized the Guard Hall in front of everyone.

In his heart, he cursed, "What good does it do you to lose the face of the Guardians?" He regretted that he should have escorted Fang Che, but he had denied it.

Now, looking at the direction where Fang Che was, Miao Weide's eyes seemed to be spitting fire.

At this point, the wedge of discord had been firmly driven into the Guard Hall by Fang Che.

Dong Changfeng's expressionless gaze swept across Miao Weide's face, but this was not the time to pursue the matter. He shouted, "Make way, let Captain Fang through!"

The crowd on the road slowly moved aside, parting to the sides.

Fang Che let out a long laugh, "Since Dong has spoken, I'll come in by myself."

As his words fell, the evil aura erupted again.

The people in front of him felt as if they were about to be torn apart, and they hurriedly made way. In an instant, the crowd parted, leaving a clear path in the middle.

Miao Weide's teeth clenched tightly.

Clearly, Fang Che could have entered with such grandeur, but he insisted on making it difficult for them.

Fang Che strode forward.

His face was cold and indifferent, his gaze icy.

I could have entered this way, but I wanted to give you a hard time first.

Regardless, if Headquarters ordered it, and you deliberately disobeyed, it would be dereliction of duty.

Additionally, the life and death inspection of the Heavenly Capital will begin immediately. If anyone has been acting recklessly, I'll kill without hesitation or mercy.

For those who are upright, there is no danger after this.

Sun Wuti's strength alone is enough to sweep through the Heavenly Capital. There's no need to worry, as he'll take care of everything.

Anyway, I, Fang Che, am just such an annoying person.

On the arena.

Xue Yihong had been standing at the edge of the arena, but when Fang Che appeared and started walking in, Xue Yihong gracefully descended and stood at the side of the arena, tall and straight.

To show respect for his opponent.

Fang Che saw this from a distance and his eyes flashed.

Then, he quickened his pace.

You treat me with respect, and I won't let you wait too long.

His body floated, and he was already under the arena.

Across from him, Xue Yihong looked up, her gaze sharp but without malice.

Fang Che nodded slightly.

In the first row, the white-haired ancestor of the Xue family spoke calmly, "Last year's agreement, today's gathering, Captain Fang's name shakes the world, benefiting the people, profiting the commoners, seeking peace for the world, and opening a prosperous era. We, the Xue family, admire you greatly! Captain Fang, well done!"

The Xue family collectively said, "Captain Fang, well done."

Fang Che had no choice but to float up onto the stage and cupped his hands, "It's just my duty, I dare not accept such praise.

The Xue family has been the backbone of the continent and the guardian deity of the mortal realm for generations, their fame unwavering for ten thousand years, their loyalty and righteousness unchanging for a thousand autumns. Fang Che admires them, and for the rest of his life, he will always look up to them as a role model!"

At the very beginning, a greeting of "Hello, my friend, hello everyone" was exchanged.

But everyone knew this was just a formality, yet it was also sincere.

Given the status of the Xue family and Fang Tu's prestige, they could have easily passed by without this formality. The reason they did this was out of genuine respect for each other.

A hint of satisfaction flashed in the eyes of the Xue family ancestor, and he said, "Today's appointment was prompted by a trivial matter from the past. Times have changed, and now it seems insignificant. But words are like the wind, witnessed by all under heaven. There's no turning back, and Captain Fang must feel the same."

Fang Che forced a bitter smile, "Indeed, if I had known about today's matter, I wouldn't have dared to be so reckless back then."

"I apologize for delaying official business and taking up Captain Fang's time."

The Xue family ancestor nodded.

"I dare not," Fang Che said.

At this point, the formalities were already over.

Dong Changfeng stood up, his voice like a golden thunder, "It's the second hour of noon, and the battle is about to begin."

It was currently the first hour of noon.

Fang Che was about to go down to the arena, but he saw a figure in white floating gracefully, with the color of snow, and Xue Yihong suddenly jumped up.

His gaze involuntarily froze.

I came up early because the Xue family's courtesy required me to stand above and be seen by the public. It was an unavoidable measure, but why did he come up early? Xue Yihong's cold and sharp face revealed a faint smile, "I've heard of Captain Fang's great name, but we've never had the chance to meet. After the competition, I'll immediately return to the Northern Border, and there won't be an opportunity to chat with Captain Fang. So, I might as well use this moment to have a chat with Captain Fang."

Xue Yihong's smile was extremely stiff, but it wasn't a fake smile.

Fang Che could tell that this person was probably like Ding Jue Ran, rarely smiling in his daily life. With a perpetually stern face, he probably had forgotten how to smile.

"Sir Xue, you guard the Northern Border, protecting the peace of the Guardian Continent. Nowadays, the continent is peaceful, and it's thanks to your efforts, Sir Xue. I admire you."

Fang Che said solemnly, "You've been guarding the extreme cold region for so many years, and you must have long forgotten how to smile, right?"

Xue Yihong smiled gently, and this time, it was much more natural, "I don't dare to take credit for guarding the Northern Border. After all, Captain Fang should also know that with our cultivation, we are far from qualified to guard the Northern Border. I'm just following my family's elders and training there."

Then he smiled bitterly, "But just as Captain Fang said, this face hasn't smiled for twenty-one years."

Upon hearing this, the entire crowd fell silent.

Twenty-one years without a smile.

As everyone knew, Xue Yihong was only forty-two or forty-three years old this year. In other words, a young man in his twenties had gone to guard the extreme cold region of the Northern Border during the most beautiful years of his youth.

Until now... he had even forgotten how to smile.

This matter, when mentioned, seemed comical, but upon careful thought, how much hardship, how much killing and frost, how much pain was endured! It was enough to make one's heart tremble.

Fang Che sighed softly, deep in thought, "How is the battle for the Northern Border going?"

Xue Yihong replied calmly, "Without the protection of spiritual energy, blood will freeze before it touches the ground. We have breath in our bodies! The fallen heroes of the Northern Border, after a thousand years, still look alive."

He took a light breath and said, "I'm talking about after their bodies are brought back home. Because after they fall in battle, there's no time to transport the corpses home in the short term. We must wait until the battle is over, and then people from the rear can come to retrieve them. But during this time, layers of ice form, and the cold constantly invades; the bodies become unmeltable ice."

"For a long time, our Xue family's ancestral cemetery has been ice-encased. It's become an ice-cold domain!"

"Yes, the ice tombs! Currently, the ice tombs stretch for two thousand miles in all directions!"

Ice tombs! Two thousand miles in all directions!

Upon hearing this, everyone imagined the extremely harsh environment, and the entire venue fell silent. Everyone's eyes turned red.

Countless people lowered their heads in shame.

Before this, these people had boasted about the Xue family being the number one martial arts family on the Guardian Continent, looking down on others, talking about how their descendants were living in luxury...

But now, they couldn't say a word. They even wanted to slap themselves.

Were those human words? Two thousand miles of ice tombs, how many people were buried there? The Xue family, as the number one martial arts family on the Guardian Continent, had indeed paid a heavy price.

Not to mention anything else, just the fact that the not-so-peaceful Capital City's ordinary people's lives, many Xue family members had never enjoyed in their lifetimes, and they had already become monuments in the ice tombs.

Upon hearing the mention of their ancestors, all the Xue family members stood up, their faces solemn.

Fang Che's heart was filled with surging emotions and countless thoughts. He could only sigh, "I can only offer my respect!"

Xue Yihong said indifferently, "The ice tombs are the glory of the Xue family. The reckless sons and unworthy descendants of the Xue family have no qualifications to be buried in the ice tombs! Among the family members, only those who obtain the Guardian Merit Medal during their lifetime are qualified to enter the ice tombs after death and accompany their ancestors!"

He rolled his eyes, and a cold light flashed in his eyes as he said solemnly, "The creator of our battle today, the Shit King who was publicly crowned on the arena last year, Xue Wanshi."

"Unworthy of entering the Ice Tomb!"

"Disgusting! Our ancestors would disapprove!" Xue Yihong's voice was as cold as ice.

Before this, since the arrival of the Snow Clan, not a single person had mentioned the term 'Shit King'.

Neither had the Snow Clan's Ancestor and Fang Che's conversation been brought up.

But now, Xue Yihong, on the arena stage and in front of everyone, spoke bluntly.

And she directly referred to him as the 'Shit King'.

However, everyone who heard it no longer felt like laughing.

Instead, they felt an endless sense of respect, like a volcanic eruption.

Fang Che contemplated for a moment, then said, "I'm sorry about what happened last year..."

"There's no need to apologize."

Xue Yihong interrupted, "Without that incident, he wouldn't be worthy either. I know everything that has happened, and I'm aware of Xue Wanshi's actions in the Heavenly Human Martial Academy. I also know how he conducts himself on the arena stage and what he said during his previous battles with other opponents."

"How can someone like that enter the Ice Tomb?"

Xue Yihong raised her head and declared, "If he goes in, I'd rather die than follow! My corpse will be buried here, forever guarding the Northern Border!"

"What a bold statement!"

Fang Che praised her loudly.

Xue Yihong said, "So, I'm not here today for Xue Wanshi's sake. He's not worthy!"

"Indeed, he's not worthy!" Fang Che agreed.

"But I still came. For the reputation of the Snow Clan! Regardless of winning or losing, after this battle, it will be a clean slate, with no further consequences!"

Xue Yihong spoke solemnly, "However, regardless of the outcome, there's something I need to say in advance."

Then, she took two steps back, held her sword in a salute, and said sincerely, "Thank you!"

Dong Changfeng, Yang Luoyu, and the others all looked on with admiration and gratitude.

They understood why Xue Yihong was expressing her gratitude.

Since taking the stage, Xue Yihong had spoken much more than Fang Che.

But all the topics were brought up by Fang Che.

He was intentionally drawing out the Snow Clan's glory, their dedication, and their sacrifices!

This was the true restoration of their name!

By talking about the 'Shit King', he was completely erasing its influence!

When having a conversation, it takes at least two people, and if the other party doesn't cooperate, even Xue Yihong's passionate words would be a solo performance.

But Fang Che's cooperation was not only icing on the cake but also a lifesaver!

Fang Che naturally understood the reason behind Xue Yihong's thanks, but his thoughts were simple. He had only one intention: to ensure that a hero's deeds were not overlooked!

So, upon hearing Xue Yihong's gratitude, Fang Che sincerely replied, "No need to thank me. The Snow Clan deserves it! They live up to the name of a continental martial arts family, the fame of Xue Fuxiao, the legacy of the Emotion-Slaying Blade, and the expectations of the entire continent. They are the true guardians of this land!"

Xue Yihong listened intently with a solemn expression as Fang Che spoke in front of everyone. After he finished, she responded word for word, "The Snow Clan may have made some mistakes, but the Snow Clan members have always been dedicated and self-sacrificing. They fight to live up to the glory bestowed upon them by the continent and to preserve the family's legacy for generations!"

Below the stage, all the Snow Clan members sat straight, their white clothes as pure as snow.

Although their numbers were few, a chilling aura slowly spread, making everyone feel a coldness akin to the timeless ice tombs.

Fang Che clasped his hands and said, "To the Snow Clan, thank you for your hard work. I'm grateful to you all!"

Suddenly, the crowd roared, "Snow Clan, thank you for your hard work! We are grateful to you!"

The members of the Snow Clan felt a surge of warmth in their hearts, and some couldn't hold back their tears, which suddenly welled up in their eyes.

Fang Che's voice boomed, echoing throughout, "Perhaps everyone thinks that the Snow Clan is a wealthy family, with luxurious lifestyles and privileges, looking down on others. But... even if that's the case, I still respect them! In other words, any family that can achieve what the Snow Clan has, I wouldn't complain if they received any special treatment!"

"Do you all know where the Snow Clan's Ancestors, who lead the family, come from? They all fought in the extreme cold regions, damaging their origins and suffering severe injuries. Only then do they return to the family to lead it!"

"The three elders who came today are like this. Martial arts experts rarely have white hair; it's because of the battles in the extreme cold that their origins were damaged."

Fang Che spoke softly, "Today's battle with the Snow Clan is inevitable. But my heart is filled with respect, and I must express it! Thank you for your hard work and dedication!"

The three white-haired elders of the Snow Clan stood up, their aged faces flushed with embarrassment. They felt awkward being singled out, so they repeatedly bowed, "You're too kind. It's just our duty, nothing more!"

Although they were embarrassed, and their faces and eyes were red, their eyes shone with pride.

The entire audience looked at the three elders with respect, and the atmosphere became solemn.

They were witnessing the heroes who had fought in the extreme cold and guarded the Northern Border!

"Thank you, Captain Fang!"

The three elders spoke in unison.

This was all part of Fang Che's intention. They understood his purpose.

He was using his own method to restore the honor the Snow Clan had lost due to an unworthy descendant, Xue Wanshi.

Having spent time with Xue Wanren and the others, Fang Che was intimately familiar with the Snow Clan's affairs, and his words flowed naturally.

Fang Che burst into laughter, "There's no need to thank me. You deserve it. Because of me, you've lost, so I'll make it up to the Xue family in my own way."

His expression turned solemn, and he said sternly, "But if in the future, any unworthy descendants of the Xue family fall into my hands, the matter of the Shit King will happen again!"

"That's only right!"

The Xue family members collectively agreed.

Fang Che felt relieved and said, "Since it's like this, this battle, regardless of victory or defeat, is already worth it! Dong Changfeng, it's already past noon, right?"

Dong Changfeng laughed heartily, "It's already past noon, but... it doesn't matter."

Even Xue Yihong on the arena couldn't help but laugh, "Captain Fang, I think this battle, whether we fight or not, is already settled."

Indeed, it was like that.

Everyone from the Xue family present felt that the matter had come to a perfect conclusion.

So why insist on defeating Fang Che in front of everyone in the hall, giving him a failure witnessed by all under heaven? How could the Xue family bear to do that?

Fang Che smiled bitterly, "Whether we fight or not today is no longer up to us."

He waved his hand, drawing a large circle in the air, and said, "If we don't fight, what about the billions of gamblers in the world? Who can spare us both? I've bet a hundred million on you, waiting for you to win so I can make some pocket money."

"Hahaha..."

Xue Yihong burst into laughter, leaning her long sword against the ground, and said between laughs, "Captain Fang, with this money, you might not necessarily win. It could be a total loss."

Fang Che took a few steps back, his slender fingers gripping the hilt of his sword, and said calmly, "Indeed, when I fight, I always give it my all."

Xue Yihong took a deep breath and said, "Not bad. Captain Fang, although you've restored the reputation of the Xue family today, I won't go easy on you either. You know, in this battle, I can't afford to lose either!"

Fang Che replied calmly, "Then how can I afford to lose?"

Can't afford to lose.

These three words made everyone present feel a heavy weight in their hearts.

Only now, upon careful consideration, did they realize that indeed, neither of them could afford to lose.

Xue Yihong carried the reputation of the Xue family for ten thousand years, as well as the command and glory of Xue Fuxiao, the top ranker of the Cloud Sword Spectrum.

He absolutely couldn't afford to lose!

And what about Fang Tu? Fang Tu, bearing the heavy responsibility of the Execution and Inspection Team, had a reputation that shook the world. He had never suffered a defeat.

If he were to lose to Xue Yihong, who was of the same rank, then the next time he went on inspection... his authority would inevitably plummet to an all-time low!

His formidable reputation might be ruined in an instant!

Fang Tu's Execution and Inspection Team, and his formidable reputation, accounted for at least half of his achievements!

How could he afford to lose?

A sense of solemnity emanated from both of them.

The entire arena fell silent in an instant.

On the arena, one in black and one in white, the two stood face to face.

Dong Changfeng let out a long, leisurely whistle, "The battle begins!"

Clang!

Clang!

The sword and knife unsheathed simultaneously!

In an instant, the knife's radiance illuminated the world, and the sword's aura soared to the heavens!

while I live! My cloak is not removed, not because I underestimate you, but because this cloak can reflect the color of snow. It's one of my deceptive weapons."

Xue Yihong spoke solemnly.

"Xue Yihong, my cloak is not removed, not because I look down on you, but because the dark patterns on this cloak can reflect starlight. It's also one of my deceptive weapons!"

Fang Che replied with equal seriousness.

Both of them smiled.

Countless people in the arena felt a sense of anticipation. Fang Che's cloak shimmered with starlight, creating a dazzling starry river. It was because of this cloak!

This cloak, with its dark gold patterns and shimmering starlight, had long been famous throughout the world!

It was one of Fang Tu's signature features!

"Please!"

"Please!"

The Dark Lord's blade unsheathed, emitting a cold, flickering light like a ghost's eye in the air, crystal clear and ice-cold.

Fang Che's robust body swayed, and suddenly, countless images of him appeared on the arena, surrounded by a mesmerizing starlight. In an instant, right before everyone's eyes, under the bright sky, a genuine starry sky appeared!

On the contrary, the sword's radiance completely disappeared.

It had merged into the starlight.

Xue Yihong shouted, "Good!"

The white robe shimmered, blending into the pitch-black starry sky, flickering like a flurry of goose feathers, gently falling snow.

The pitch-black starry sky and the fluttering snow were vividly portrayed on the arena.

It was a perfect imitation.

Even a chill emanated,

As if it were truly a time of heavy snowfall.

The sword's radiance also completely disappeared into the snow.

Amidst the starlight and swirling snowflakes, the sounds of the sword and knife clashing could be heard, only four times, before returning to silence. On the arena, the stars still shone brightly, and the blizzard continued to rage.

Fang Che's wrist felt slightly numb, while Xue Yihong's shoulders trembled slightly.

Both of them clashed four times, their hearts filled with solemnity.

These were four impacts to test each other's cultivation depth.

Both of them were shocked. Xue Yihong thought, 'Under the same rank, Fang Che's strength is not inferior to mine. I've pushed each level to the extreme before breaking through, supported by the Xue family's thousand-year foundation. But what about Fang Che?'

Fang Che also felt solemn, 'Under the same rank, Xue Yihong's strength is even stronger than mine. I have the support of both the Guardian and the Only Righteous Sect, but what about Xue Yihong?'

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end