Chapter Thirty-One: The Ninety-Sixth Level of the Profound Nether

Jiang Ming’s face turned slightly pale, his breath quickening for an instant. This was the result of simultaneously deploying two ultimate techniques, which momentarily drained his internal energy. The next moment, his sea of qi surged, true energy rushing forth and overflowing throughout his body, returning him to his peak state.

At this moment, the surroundings fell silent. All faces revealed shock and horror.

Although Xiao Yuanrang had been severely injured, he had just used a forbidden secret technique, temporarily restoring his strength to its zenith, and his explosive strike was terrifyingly powerful. Then there was Zhang Tong, the Divine Constable of the Six Gates, a formidable master who presided over Kaoshan City as a local overlord. Both were at their peak as grandmasters, yet they were slain on the spot.

It was inconceivable, chilling to the bone.

“Not even a great grandmaster could do this!” The black-clad woman beside Lu Yuan murmured, her tone betraying her astonishment.

“I told you, Brother Jiang is strong—exceptionally strong,” Lu Yuan exhaled slowly, having almost intervened, but restraining himself.

He had witnessed Jiang Ming’s strength before, yet what transpired just now still left him stunned.

“Yes, exceptionally strong. His rise is unstoppable now!” The black-clad woman nodded. “Will he show no mercy from here on?”

“He will,” Lu Yuan nodded, though with a trace of reluctance.

Jiang Ming stood silently, sweeping his gaze around. Everyone instinctively retreated before his eyes.

At last, his gaze fell upon Chief Jin. He smiled slightly. “Will you arrest me?”

“No!” Chief Jin’s face still bore traces of astonishment, but now it flushed with excitement. She leaped forward, cupped her hands in salute, and declared, “We have already investigated thoroughly. Zhang Tong was sustained by the Xiao family, providing shelter for their misdeeds. He even secretly supported mountain bandits and colluded with the Demon Sect. We were preparing to seize him and bring him to the capital for judgment. Unexpectedly, you killed him, Brother Jiang. Well done! You have eliminated evil and brought justice to the people.”

Jiang Ming’s lips twitched. This Chief Jin truly was—truly was quite adorable.

He shifted his gaze, glancing at the still-stunned Liang Dashan, but paid him no mind, instead turning to the remaining Xiao family members.

“Commander, leave it to us!” Chang Qing had come near, his reverence for Jiang Ming deepening, his gaze toward the Xiao family members now cold and merciless.

“Commander, spare us!” Before Jiang Ming could speak, a middle-aged man rushed forward at astonishing speed—a congenital master—arriving in an instant.

His face was pale, his breathing labored. Seeing Xiao Yuanhai slaughtered and Xiao Yuanrang dismembered, grief welled up within him, yet he forced himself to remain composed. Bowing to Jiang Ming, his voice trembled: “The saying goes, affairs of the martial world are resolved in the martial world. Rights and wrongs are ever tangled, never clear. Today, my Xiao family has been defeated and is willing to bear all consequences.”

“I am Xiao Xiong, third son of Xiao Yuanhai. I only ask Commander Jiang to grant the Xiao family a way to survive.”

“The conditions you previously proposed, I accept on behalf of the Xiao family—all of them.”

“This is the Lesser Yang Manual.”

“The other items are being gathered as we speak.”

“Additionally, we are willing to relinquish the ancestral residence, though we need some time to vacate it. Alternatively, Moon Lake in the city is our private property. There is a grand estate on the lakeshore, and another on the central island. Both can be offered to you, Commander Jiang.”

Xiao Xiong bowed, holding a booklet above his head.

“Don’t you want revenge?” Jiang Ming took the booklet, opened it, and asked.

Xiao Xiong forced a bitter smile, suppressing his grief. “For those who roam the martial world, sooner or later a blade finds them—it's only a matter of time. Dynasties rise and fall, sects wax and wane, let alone a single family. Life and death, death and life, it’s all part of the cycle. I only wish to preserve our family’s heritage from now on.”

He bowed deeply again.

Xiao Xiong knew the Xiao family now stood on the edge of extinction—any misstep, and they would be exterminated without mercy.

Just as the Xiao family had done to its enemies during its rise—showing no mercy.

Jiang Ming made no comment, instead flipping through the Lesser Yang Manual. This technique was entirely different from the Lesser Yin Manual. The Lesser Yin Manual cultivated yin-aspected true energy, whereas the Lesser Yang Manual produced true energy that was pure and robust, nearly opposite in nature.

“Is it authentic?” An aged voice sounded. In the distance, a gray-robed elder walked over, but each step carried him more than ten meters, and he arrived in an instant.

His hair was white, yet he was energetic, his face as fresh as a newborn.

“It’s authentic,” Jiang Ming replied without raising his head, continuing to read.

“Legend has it that the Nine Yang Sutra and the Nine Yin Divine Art, after fierce contention, were scattered across the land, eventually splitting into nine Yang manuals: Initial Yang, Lesser Yang, Old Yang, Radiant Yang, Fiery Yang, Vast Yang, Ultimate Yang, Solar Yang, and Pure Yang. The Pure Yang Sect acquired the Pure Yang Manual, founding their order. The True Martial Sect obtained the Old Yang Manual and established their mountain gate,” the elder recounted past secrets.

He continued, “The Nine Yin Divine Art likewise split into nine: Greater Yin, Lesser Yin, Terminal Yin, Ultimate Yin, Refined Yin, Old Yin, Pure Yin, Initial Yin, Absolute Yin.”

“Cold Moon Palace holds one. The imperial palace keeps another. The Sun and Moon Demon Sect possesses both yin and yang manuals. Dali Monastery has at least two.”

“Unexpectedly, passing through here, I not only witnessed a spectacular battle but also acquired both Lesser Yin and Lesser Yang manuals.”

“Cultivating both yin and yang may help me break through the barrier between mortal and celestial—how marvelous!”

The elder laughed heartily, clearly delighted.

“You’re quite optimistic!” Jiang Ming finished reading, committing it all to memory, and said to Xiao Xiong, “Moon Lake, then. I’ll reside there. Prepare the furnishings for me. Chang Qing, send someone along.”

“Yes!”

“As you command!”

Xiao Xiong withdrew. Chang Qing immediately dispatched thirty men to follow.

“I have always been optimistic,” the elder chuckled. “If you know who I am, you’ll agree with what I’ve said.”

“Who are you?” Jiang Ming asked, curious.

He could sense the elder’s immense strength—far surpassing Zhang Tong and the others—and a chill emanated from him.

The spectators were also puzzled, but all understood that this elder, who had stepped forward, was no ordinary figure; otherwise, he would not dare face Jiang Ming, the god of slaughter.

Another spectacle was about to unfold.

Many hoped Jiang Ming would be killed, so they might seize the two manuals.

Lesser Yin and Lesser Yang, united, would make one invincible!

“I know now—you’re Master Xuanming. There’s a birthmark above your left eye!” the black-clad woman beside Lu Yuan exclaimed. “You—you’re still alive!”

“To think someone still recognizes me—what a surprise, ha! What a surprise indeed.” Master Xuanming laughed, then his face darkened. “I am but ninety-six years old—why shouldn’t I still be alive?”

“I heard that you were killed by Master Zhang?” the black-clad woman asked again. “No, wait—you were struck off a cliff with a single blow.”

Master Xuanming’s expression suddenly grew cold, chilling air spreading around him.

Exclamations arose from nearby.

“I know the story! There was once a founder of the Xuanming Sect, whose Frost Palm was unrivaled. He colluded with the Demon Sect, committing all manner of evil, and held some unknown grudge against the True Martial Sect. He killed one of Master Zhang’s disciples. Master Zhang, furious, descended the mountain, only to discover a conspiracy against him. He was beset by several formidable foes, one of whom was Master Xuanming, ancestor of the Xuanming Sect. Master Zhang struck him with a single blow—blood spurted thirty meters—and sent him plunging off a cliff. He was presumed dead. Master Zhang then assaulted the Demon Sect alone, nearly exterminating them. But, astonishingly, Master Xuanming survived!” Tang Xiaotian of the Pure Yang Sect shouted.

Feeling a cold gaze upon him, Tang Xiaotian involuntarily shivered.