Chapter 66: Truly Unfathomable—Embarrassment and the Woman Within the Black Sword

"That's right, if you wish, it’ll be a bargain for you, and you can experience double the pleasure..." As they spoke, the two women’s hands wandered shamelessly over Ling Tian’s body, groping and caressing.

Ling Tian tugged at the corner of his mouth—what nonsense was this? Two at once? Was it really something they could say so boldly?

The display stunned Xiao Ling’er, who was pushed aside. What were they doing? Weren’t they supposed to help Ling Tian feel better? Why were they behaving so intimately?

Though Xiao Ling’er was in her teens and had some understanding of relations between men and women, she knew little of the brothel trade. She’d only overheard them talking about happiness and thought to bring Ling Tian here.

Ling Tian felt an urge to berate Xiao Ling’er, but seeing her bewildered expression, he realized she hadn’t acted intentionally.

With the two women hanging onto him, Ling Tian wanted to push them away.

Just then, a voice rang out from afar—it was Huang Yu.

“So that’s where you’ve gone! I was wondering why I couldn’t find you. Turns out you’re here enjoying yourself! The wine hasn’t even been properly savored yet; you’re not allowed to run off!” As she spoke, Huang Yu stepped forward, handed several superior spirit stones to the two women, and winked at Ling Tian.

“Oh my, then we won’t disturb your refined pleasure!” The women took the spirit stones, eyes shining with greed. They hadn’t expected to earn so much for doing nothing—what a windfall! They released Ling Tian, casting flirtatious glances toward Huang Yu, hinting that Ling Tian could visit them at the brothel after he finished drinking.

Having received payment, they no longer had any reason to intrude on Ling Tian and his companions as they drank. The profit was made; whether Ling Tian came for more intimate pursuits was no longer important. Truly a pity—such a handsome man was rare, and, crucially, he seemed to be untouched!

These women, experienced in the trade, could tell at a glance whether a man was seasoned or not.

“Friend Tian Ling, why didn’t you let me know you were coming to this place? I could have introduced you!” After the women left, Huang Yu teased Ling Tian.

“Fine! Should I call them back then?” Ling Tian shot him a glare, pretending to summon the two women.

“Hey! No need for jokes. By the way, what made you come here at night?” Huang Yu eyed Ling Tian suspiciously. With so many women around him, he hardly seemed lacking for female company. Judging by his demeanor earlier, he’d clearly been reluctant.

“You’ll have to ask her.” Ling Tian sighed, helpless, and looked toward Xiao Ling’er.

“I—I saw he looked unhappy, and when we went to the inn, I overheard them say this was the happiest place for men, so I thought...” Xiao Ling’er’s voice grew softer and softer, her words trailing off as everyone’s gaze grew stranger. By the end, she could barely speak.

“Ling’er, do you really not know what kind of place this is?” Even Fox Immortal, usually seductive and mysterious, showed a hint of surprise as she looked earnestly at Xiao Ling’er.

Xiao Ling’er and Fox Immortal got along fairly well. Now, seeing Xiao Ling’er making such a blunder, Fox Immortal couldn’t help but try to correct her.

Xiao Ling’er shook her head, looking entirely innocent.

Seeing this, everyone understood it was just a misunderstanding. From most men’s perspective, such things certainly brought happiness, though not all would agree.

Fox Immortal leaned close to Xiao Ling’er, cupping her hand like a horn and whispering in her ear. Before their eyes, Xiao Ling’er’s face flushed red. She hadn’t expected to bring Ling Tian to such a place.

“I—I truly didn’t know what this place was! I...” Now she finally understood the strange looks, and recalling the two women’s actions, she felt mortified. Everyone else knew, but she alone was oblivious!

Unable to finish her explanation, Xiao Ling’er fled in embarrassment, unable to face them any longer. She’d brought Ling Tian to a brothel—thank goodness they hadn’t entered. If they had, things would have been far worse.

“This matter ends here. Let’s not mention it in front of her again.” Ling Tian smiled as he watched Xiao Ling’er’s embarrassed retreat, addressing the others. He hadn’t expected the girl to care about his feelings.

Everyone nodded; bringing it up again would only sour the mood.

They returned to the inn late into the night, and Ling Tian prepared to sleep. Yet in his sea of consciousness, a violent tremor arose. Pain—why such intense pain in his heart?

Ling Tian frowned, unable to comprehend the cause.

“Come forth!” He found the source—it was the black sword from the Sword Tomb. The once dim blade now shone with a faint light, gathering in the lowest, pearl-like depression, growing brighter and brighter.

When the glow fully awakened, a woman clad in white, dazzlingly beautiful, appeared before Ling Tian. She slowly opened her eyes, which seemed to contain immense power, drawing him in.

“You are... Chen Ningshuang! No, you’re not her!” Ling Tian stared in astonishment; her face bore a striking resemblance to Chen Ningshuang of the Heavenly Fire Sect. The difference lay in her powerful aura.

Though their faces were nearly identical, the feeling she gave him was utterly different. His heart trembled—why did she evoke such emotion?

Their eyes met, as if transcending the river of time and the trials of ages.

The woman gazed at Ling Tian’s face, gently bent forward, as if to touch it, but after a moment, the joy in her eyes faded to calm.

“You are him, yet not him.” Her voice was ethereal, cold, filled with endless longing and melancholy.

“This is the Heaven-Hating Sword Technique. Study it well.” She pressed a finger to Ling Tian’s brow, then turned and returned to the black sword.

In an instant, the light vanished.

It seemed a dream, but the “Heaven-Hating Sword Technique” in his memory was real.

Ling Tian quickly reviewed it, his eyes gleaming. This sword technique felt as if it had been crafted just for him.

Holding the sword, Ling Tian was full of questions—who was the woman within the sword? Why did she look so much like Chen Ningshuang? And what was the reason for the stirring in his heart?

If he was destined to her, why did his memories lack any trace of her?

The more Ling Tian pondered, the more puzzled he became. Sighing, he put the sword away. He’d made up his mind: since the woman in the sword so resembled Chen Ningshuang, he would seek her out upon his return, hoping to find some crucial information.

Perhaps he could also ask Jiang Xiqi for help—was she not able to divine anything?

With this thought, Ling Tian set aside his doubts and began to cultivate the “Heaven-Hating Sword Technique.”

Meanwhile.

At the Heavenly Fire Sect.

Chen Ningshuang, cultivating atop Spirit Peak, opened her eyes. Unlike usual, there was a trace of weariness in them. She gazed in Ling Tian’s direction, her exquisite face suddenly shining with a radiant expression. After a long moment, she departed from the Heavenly Fire Sect.

...

“Hoo, the ‘Heaven-Hating Sword Technique’ is truly overbearing!” After a night of cultivation, Ling Tian exhaled, his eyes bright with excitement.

The Heaven-Hating Sword Art consisted of ten strikes. With these ten strikes, even those three realms above him might struggle to withstand. Of course, that was his own assessment; as for the power of the later strikes, it was hard to say.

It could be said that this sword technique rivaled the great method given to him by Luo Qingqiu.

What a treasure!

Ling Tian had barely finished marveling when Huang Yu’s voice came from outside.

He rose, hastily ate, and set out for the Phoenix Clan.

It wasn’t urgent, so their journey was leisurely.

Several days passed before they arrived at the Phoenix Clan.

The demon domain was vast, to be sure. Compared to the countless human domains, the many tribes of the demon race required such expansive lands.

“Uncle Feng, what’s going on?” Upon reaching the Phoenix Clan’s territory, but before arriving at Huang Yu’s home, they were stopped by a burly man whose aura was deep.

Huang Yu was surprised to see him.

Uncle Feng was in charge of security patrols. For him to intercept them now—could something have happened?

“Third Saint Son, there’s trouble! Hurry to the training grounds!” Uncle Feng frowned, speaking urgently.

Hearing this, Huang Yu glanced at Ling Tian and the others. Ling Tian was unconcerned—he was happy to see some excitement.

“Uncle Feng, tell us as we walk.”

Huang Yu led Ling Tian and his companions toward the Phoenix Clan’s training grounds. Along the way, Uncle Feng explained.

The Black Flame Phoenix Clan had produced a rare genius—during a bloodline test, a Saint-level bloodline was detected. Now they were contesting for control of the Phoenix Clan!

It turned out the Phoenix Clan was divided into Black Flame and Red Flame branches. Red Flame was traditionally dominant, the original color of the clan.

But with this prodigy emerging from Black Flame, they seized the opportunity to challenge for power.

No wonder they’d been so docile before—it was all preparation for this moment!

If a suitable reason wasn’t given, even the neutral elders of the Phoenix Clan might have to take a stand.

After all, a Saint-level bloodline had the potential to reach the Emperor realm!

“A Saint-level bloodline?” Huang Yu murmured, his gaze falling on Xiao Ling’er behind him. If it were her...

Ling Tian narrowed his eyes, a plan forming—what a coincidence!

Moments later, a voice echoed in Ling Tian’s mind.

“Friend Tian Ling, I have a request...”