Chapter 4: Heavenly Task

At this moment, one of the Five Great Protectors, the smiling Maitreya, O Eleven, was the first to speak, still wearing a broad smile: "Haha, I say, Young Master Jin, your arrival has directly brought a significant business opportunity to my Sword Rain Tower. However, this is akin to seeking skin from a tiger; we must weigh our options, don't you think?"

The door was gently pushed open, and a figure floated in. "Master of the Tower!" said the person, dressed in a gray robe, with weathered eyes quietly gazing at Jian Wushuang. This person was Qiu Tian, one of the twenty-four stewards of the Sword Rain Tower. Qiu Tian's position among the twenty-four stewards was due to his unparalleled lightness skill, which is also one of the profound martial arts of the Sword Rain Tower, known as Rainfall Without Shadow.

Upon witnessing this scene, Jian Wushuang let out a soft grunt, dispersing the oppressive aura. Jin Shuping and the other two immediately felt a sense of relief, and they began to breathe heavily.

Upon hearing this, Jin Shuping felt a tightening in his heart and quickly changed his tone, saying: "Senior, please do not take offense. I was merely anxious and misspoke. However, the vengeance for my father cannot go unavenged. As for the payment, please feel free to state your price; my Jin family will certainly not alter it."

"Since it is known that Ye Xian is the number one in the martial world, how can my Sword Rain Tower possibly defeat him?" Jian Wushuang inquired with considerable interest

There are various types of martial arts, but they can generally be divided into two categories: one is internal martial arts, which require a strong internal energy to exert their power; the other is external martial arts, which are somewhat similar to hard qigong, not requiring profound internal energy, but demanding a higher physical constitution and specific techniques.

Under the immense pressure exerted by Jian Wushuang, Jin Shuping felt an intense sense of oppression in his heart, his legs trembled uncontrollably, and cold sweat poured out. Meanwhile, the two external martial arts experts behind Jin Shuping also wore tense expressions as they braced against the overwhelming pressure from Jian Wushuang.

This is the room of Sword Without Duality, located at the deepest part of the Sword Rain Tower. Through the paper window, a figure is seen sitting sideways, reading a book, illuminated by a flickering candlelight, while the rest is either darkness or silence

Of course I know, I bought Ye Xian's life. " Thinking of this, Jin Shuping could not help but say with resentment

Indeed, as soon as the words left his mouth, Jin Shuping felt a surge of murderous intent. He looked up and saw the elder Cangying, the guardian, coldly staring at him. A voice, icy and laced with killing intent, came forth: "Hmph! It is not your place, as a junior, to comment on matters of my Sword Rain Tower!"

The person designated for assassination by Luoye Valley, Jin Baiwan, dares to harbor them. Based solely on this, the resolute Luoye Valley would not hesitate to eliminate you, Jin Baiwan, in order to establish their authority in the martial world. It must be said that Luoye Valley truly acts with extreme dominance.

Of course, this is merely a general principle. It is important to understand that many matters in the martial world do not adhere to common rules. The level of martial arts skill is also influenced by factors such as the cultivation of martial arts manuals, practical experience, and luck. Therefore, the martial world is indeed unpredictable.

The Valley of Fallen Leaves is undoubtedly a revered and formidable presence in the martial world, possessing a powerful status that can cause the entire realm to tremble with just a slight tremor.

Hearing the implication in these words, Jin Shuping quickly asked, "Sword Master, please feel free to speak. No matter what you require, as long as it is within the capabilities of my Jinding Mountain Manor, I will certainly provide it."

Jian Wushuang did not speak, but instead narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing Jin Shuping

At this moment, Jian Wushuang chuckled lightly and said, "Do you know whose life you have purchased?"

Now

The silent night exudes an air of eeriness. It is so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

Not long ago, the head of the family, Jin Baiwan, and the guest official, He Xi Tiequan Tailin, were murdered and their bodies hung at the entrance of the Jin family. This unprecedented humiliation compelled the Jin family to vow to find the culprit. Ultimately, it was discovered that Jin Baiwan had helped someone evade danger, which led to his own demise, and that person was none other than He Xi Tiequan Tailin.

The two approaches emphasize different aspects; internal martial arts focus on the principle of accumulating strength gradually, while external martial arts emphasize rigorous physical training. It is akin to comparing a sword and a hammer; both can inflict harm. However, engaging in internal martial arts resembles a penetrating wound—subtle yet lethal, perhaps leaving no visible external injury even at the moment of death. In contrast, encounters in external martial arts often result in a chaotic state, with injuries that may leave one covered in blood, yet typically lacking any fatal wounds

This Tai Ling Kung Fu is quite impressive, but unfortunately, it has offended the most formidable force one should never provoke, the Falling Leaf Valley

In the conference hall, at this moment, Jian Wushuang was also intently staring at Jin Shuping, whose face was changing like a palette, displaying an array of vivid colors.

Host, when shall we depart

Ou Shiyi spoke, "Young Master Jin, it was not Ye Xian who personally killed your father, so why must you insist on taking his life?" At this moment, Jian Wushuang also raised his head to look at Jin Shuping

Compared to Falling Leaves Valley, places like Flying Emperor Castle and Great Ming Mansion can only stand aside; even Sword Rain Tower is not regarded by them.

"I wonder how the Sword Master has considered the matter? Will I receive a response today?" Jin Shuping looked earnestly at the seated Jian Wushuang, his eyes filled with anticipation

At this moment, Jin Shuping arrived at the Sword Rain Tower, also seeking the Sword Rain Tower's assistance to avenge his father, Jin Baiwan. Considering this, if there were any forces in the martial world daring to challenge the Falling Leaf Valley, it would likely be only the Sword Rain Tower.

Jian Wushuang said slowly

Come in!" Jian Wushuang, who was reading under the candlelight, suddenly spoke, turning a page of the book in his hand without even lifting his eyelids.

There is no need to worry about that; I have arranged everything within the building. Changqing and Ou Shiyi will take care of it. As for me? Hehe, knowing oneself and knowing the enemy, one will never be defeated in a hundred battles. I will set off tonight to the city of Luoye, where Luoye Valley is located, and will act according to the circumstances.

This Ye Xian is the foremost expert in the martial world.

This passage discusses the cultivation of martial arts internal energy. It is widely acknowledged that the proficiency in martial arts is entirely dependent on the depth of internal energy, which is further divided into nine distinct realms.

It seems that the rumors are true

Although this Ye Xian claims to be the best in the world, back in the day, the Sword Master of the Sword Tower was able to challenge the second, third, and fourth greatest masters of the martial world at the peak of Kunlun without suffering a defeat. Such strength must surely be on par with that of Ye Xian. Jin Shuping said with some admiration. It is important to note that this level of achievement is something he would never dare to aspire to in his lifetime

If this is indeed the case, then the original poster's martial arts will have the opportunity to truly reach the realm of the Nine Heavens.

"Haha, Young Master Jin is joking. I am truly overestimating myself. The gap between the first and second places is certainly not trivial. Moreover, I merely won by a stroke of luck back then. Considering that Master Ye possesses the divine Ye technique, even if I were to go, I would likely gain no advantage at all." Jian Wushuang said again with a cheerful smile.

I did not expect that this Yin-Yang Nine Extremes Elixir would truly be found within the Golden Cauldron Villa

"Is there anyone more suitable in Qiu Zhangshi's heart than me?" Jian Wushuang asked with a smile

Suddenly caught off guard by Qiu Tian, Jian Wushuang was also taken aback, and quickly rushed to help Qiu Tian up

Indeed, he should leave now," said Jian Wushuang

This person is me

Haha, I have summoned you tonight for this very purpose! Within the Sword Rain Tower, if it comes to lightness of skill, I fear that Qiu Tian would acknowledge no one as the first, and you are indeed of great use for this assassination.

Finally, Jin Shuping gritted his teeth, as if he had made a significant decision, and suddenly raised his head to look at the seated Jian Wushuang. He spoke each word clearly: "Alright, as long as Jianyu Tower kills that Ye Xian, this Yin Yang Nine Extremes Pill will be presented to you by my Jinding Mountain Manor with both hands."

Oh? I wonder who the person chosen by the original poster at www.hetushu.com is" Qiu Tian inquired curiously

"That being said, however..." Qiu Tian still felt it was inappropriate. Jian Wushuang waved his hand and said: "The foundation that my Sword Rain Tower has today is hard-earned, and Ye Xian is not an easy opponent. Sending others over would be akin to sending sheep into a tiger's den. I do not wish to add unnecessary sacrifices. Manager Qiu, please do not persuade me further."

Jian Wushuang still did not raise his head, merely engrossed in his own book. "Manager Qiu's lightness skill has indeed improved significantly; it was only when he was within seventy-three steps that I began to notice it, quite impressive."

Of course, Ye Xian, that remains a mystery

As soon as these words were spoken, many people in the conference hall gasped in shock; such an assassination marked with the character 'Tian' had never occurred since the establishment of the Sword Rain Tower

The first level: Foundation; the second level: Cultivation of Essence; the third level: Condensation of Qi; the fourth level: Subtlety; the fifth level: Great Achievement; the sixth level: Gathering of the Sea; the seventh level: Earth Realm; the eighth level: Universe; the ninth level: Heaven Realm; and within each realm, there are four grades: Heaven, Earth, Mysterious, and Yellow.

Not to mention how profound the Ye family's secret skill, the Divine Leaf Technique, is, just the fact that Ye Xian, the number one on the list of the top ten masters in the martial world, is the current leader of the Falling Leaf Valley, is enough to make many forces hesitate in fear.

Even when Jian Wushuang challenged the second, third, and fourth of the Jianghu, the three great masters, no one dared to claim that he was the number one in the world. It is important to note that before them, there was a true number one, Ye Xian. This unparalleled master had been famous for countless years.

Tao Tian hesitated for a moment, saying, "That Ye Xian has ranked first in the martial arts world for so many years, surely it is not without merit. For the time being, I do not dare to make a hasty conclusion"

The host, you? Qiu Tian was also quite surprised, "No, no, as the esteemed master of the Sword Rain Tower, how can you put yourself in danger? It is better to let the people below handle it."

Generally, practitioners of external martial arts can reach a maximum internal strength of the Sixth Level of Gathering the Sea, which is already extremely rare. Most experts in external martial arts typically possess internal strength at the levels of Subtle or Great Accomplishment. Under conditions of equal internal strength, those who practice internal martial arts cannot defeat experts in external martial arts. However, practicing internal martial arts offers the opportunity to attain a deeper level of internal strength, and once one reaches the realm beyond the Sixth Level of Gathering the Sea, external martial arts will no longer be a match.

At this moment, Jian Wushuang's internal strength had reached the eighth level of the Earth Realm. Such power is likely unmatched throughout the entire martial world.

The Golden Tripod Mountain Villa is said to be as wealthy as a nation, possessing countless assets. However, the Jin family is not a family of martial artists; they made their fortune through business. Nevertheless, the Jin family has always enjoyed befriending people from the martial world and has also hosted some highly skilled martial artists as guest scholars.

"Host, which guardian elder do you plan to send for this task?" Qiu Tian inquired. Jian Wushuang shook his head, stood up, and said: "Which guardian elder do you think can accomplish this task?"

"Then do you know who this Ye Xian is?" Jian Wushuang inquired again. His voice remained very calm, without a hint of fluctuation.

Although it was not Ye Xian who directly killed, if it were not for his permission, who in the Falling Leaf Valley would dare to kill my father directly? Even if it was not an explicit permission, at the very least it was tacitly approved. As the leader of the Falling Leaf Valley, could he possibly be unaware? As the saying goes, grievances have their origins, and debts have their owners. Since he is the leader, he must take responsibility for the actions of the Falling Leaf Valley

"He has left!" Qiu Tiangong respectfully replied

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the Sword Rain Tower let out a sigh of relief. At that moment, Jian Wushuang also exhaled, lazily leaning back against the chair, and said with a cheerful smile to Jin Shuping: "Young Master Jin, we at the Sword Rain Tower will take on this matter. In three months, the head of Ye Xian will be delivered as promised."

Jian Wushuang sat at the head of the conference hall, with the five great guardians and the ten great Asuras seated on either side of him. The twenty-four scattered individuals stood casually along the sides of the hall, their seemingly random positions creating an impression of order rather than chaos.

Qiu Tian felt a surge of great joy upon hearing what Jian Wushuang said

The Smiling Maitreya said with a smile, "I thought that the Sword Rain Tower was also renowned in the martial world, claiming that as long as it pertains to martial grievances, you would take them all on. Yet why have you become hesitant today when it comes to me, Jin? Is it that the Sword Rain Tower must consider who can be offended and who cannot? If that is the case, then it seems I have truly come to the wrong place." Upon hearing this, the Smiling Maitreya was about to evade the issue again, and Jin Shuping indeed felt somewhat anxious, causing him to speak rather harshly. If that is the case, then it seems I have truly come to the wrong place. Upon hearing this, the Smiling Maitreya was about to evade the issue again, and Jin Shuping indeed felt somewhat anxious, causing him to speak rather harshly.

Gradually, the noisy sounds in the hall ceased, and apart from Jin Shuping's heavy breathing, only the sound of everyone's hearts beating "thump, thump" remained

Jian Wushuang turned to look at Qiu Tian and said with a smile, "Putting that aside, what about the people from the Jin family?"

In addition to cultivating profound internal martial arts techniques, which are innate methods for enhancing internal energy, the improvement of internal energy can also be achieved through the use of rare natural treasures. For instance, the Yin-Yang Nine Extremes Pill has the effect of assisting individuals at the Eighth Level of the Qian Kun Heavenly Realm to enter the Ninth Level.

On a silent and pitch-black night, two figures floated out from the Sword Rain Tower. They appeared to move slowly, yet within a few blinks, they mysteriously vanished into the night sky

Seeing Jian Wushuang's resolute demeanor, Qiu Tian also let out a sigh. "I fear that others will not agree with the host's actions."

Sword Rain Tower, Conference Hall

In that case, my Sword Rain Tower will truly rise above the martial world, haha...

There is no need to worry, for I already have the most suitable candidate in mind said Jian Wushuang with a smile

This ambiguous and insidious remark is the most discomforting, and at this moment, Jin Shuping's face has turned red, leaving him momentarily at a loss for words

The young gentleman, dressed in a blue robe, exudes a certain elegance. This individual is Jin Shuping, the young master of Jinding Mountain Manor in the martial world. The two bodyguards, clad in black tight-fitting attire, possess sturdy physiques, rough hands, and prominent temples, indicating that they are skilled practitioners of external hard qigong.

Hehe, it is entirely thanks to the guidance of the original poster that I have made slight progress; I truly do not dare to claim anything remarkable.

Jian Wushuang was also moved by the loyalty of Qiu Tian, and at that moment, he patted Qiu Tian on the shoulder

Amidst the ongoing discussions, the expressions of Jin Shuping and his two companions were quite grim. The Yin Yang Nine Extremes Pill is a legendary elixir in the martial world, said to assist those who have reached the Eighth Level of the Universe in breaking through the barrier of the Ninth Level. However, if someone who has not attained the Eighth Level consumes it, they will be unable to withstand the potency of the pill, resulting in their body exploding and death.

The landlord, Jin Million, is also generous in helping those in distress within the martial arts community. He has many friends in this circle and enjoys a good reputation, thus he is considered somewhat well-known in the martial arts world

Hmph! Upon hearing this, apart from a very few individuals who remained unfazed, the rest of the people in the hall were once again taken aback.

Suddenly, Qiu Tian knelt down on the ground, clasping his fists: "If the master insists on going, please allow me to accompany you, to serve you in front and behind, so that the master may have someone to look after you."

Ouyi Eleven's expression revealed a satisfied smile: "Alright, very well. Since Young Master Jin is so straightforward, I shall not be pretentious. The intention of our Lord of the Tower is quite simple. As long as Young Master Jin can hand over a 'Yin Yang Nine Extremes Pill' from the collection of Jinding Mountain Villa, this matter will be accepted by my Sword Rain Tower"

"Hehe, as for the money, our Sword Rain Tower is not lacking in that regard. However, this matter has already exceeded the scope of our Sword Rain Tower's assassination operations. I fear we may have to set a precedent and resort to a Heaven-level assassination," said Ou Shiyi.

At this moment, directly in front of Jian Wushuang, three individuals stood in the center of the entire hall: a young gentleman and two middle-aged men resembling bodyguards.