The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2671 - 2646: An Invitation from the Young Lady

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Previously on The Unparalleled Sword Emperor...
Lin Bai learns about the Tang family's privileged disciple, Tang Yang, who slept with the Zhao family patriarch's wife and received minimal punishment due to his lineage. He also hears about Tang Yuezhi, the current patriarch's daughter and the Tang family's top young prodigy. Lin Bai then settles into his new residence within the Tang family's guest quarters, adjacent to Ban Ye's yard, and resolves to obtain the "Black Water Divine Thunder Skill" and visit the Sword God Family.

Lin Bai's cultivation has always followed the 'Scripture of Five Elements'.

Having now mastered the 'Qingmu Divine Thunder Secret Skill', upon reaching sainthood in the East Continent, Lin Bai had dispatched individuals to seek the remaining portions of the 'Scripture of Five Elements'.

However, no intelligence was ever received.

Upon his arrival in the Northern Continent, Lin Bai became aware of information regarding the 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill'; it was only natural that he would not let this opportunity pass him by!

"If I wish to breach the defenses of the Sword God Family, achieving renown in the Northern Continent swiftly will prove exceedingly difficult. The sole viable path is to enter the Martial Arts Competition held in Sky Sword City. This represents my most straightforward route into the Sword God Family!"

"Ban Ye previously stated that the Sky Sword City Competition commences in three months' time. Currently, countless Sword Cultivators from across the Barbaric Ancient Continent are beginning their migration into the Northern Continent!"

"Should I fail to secure the 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill' within the three-month timeframe, I will have no alternative but to set it aside temporarily, proceed first to the Sword God Family to claim the 'Water Mirror Sword', and then devise a method to obtain the 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill' thereafter!"

Lin Bai meticulously charted the course of his future endeavors within the Northern Continent.

According to Lin Bai's strategic planning, his sojourn in Black Water City was limited to a mere three months, possibly even less!

"Within this three-month period, I am determined to acquire the Black Water Divine Thunder Skill!"

Lin Bai declared with unwavering resolve.

In the ensuing days, Ban Ye served as Lin Bai's guide throughout the Tang Family's domain, facilitating Lin Bai's rapid acclimatization to the family's environment.

After the passage of several more days, Ban Ye also accompanied Lin Bai on an extensive tour of Black Water City itself.

In what felt like an instant, Lin Bai had already resided in Black Water City for ten full days!

Yet, Lin Bai had still not accrued any merits; the Tang Family had yet to initiate distributions, as a full month had not elapsed.

This situation instilled a sense of unease within Lin Bai.

As dusk settled on that particular day, Lin Bai and Ban Ye concluded their explorations of Black Water City and made their return to their lodgings!

At that precise moment, concealed within the deepening shadows, a vigilant Warrior observed the return of Lin Bai and Ban Ye before swiftly melting away beyond the vicinity of Lin Bai's residence.

This individual resurfaced shortly thereafter within the opulent confines of a majestic palace belonging to the Tang Family.

"Young Master Tang Yang, he has returned!" The shadowy figure materialized within the palace, promptly knelt upon a single knee, and spoke with utmost deference.

This figure, in truth, was none other than Mo Qian!

And the young man before him was unmistakably Tang Yang!

Tang Yang's eyes gleamed with a sharp intensity as he sneered, "A good one, he has finally returned!"

Mo Qian immediately implored, "Young Master Tang Yang, grant me one more opportunity, and I shall assuredly bring you that brat's legs!"

Tang Yang regarded Mo Qian with evident disdain, stating frigidly, "You? Humph, forget it. Back in the Guest Quarters, you were the one groveling on the ground, begging for your life!"

"Do you still believe that was not sufficiently humiliating?"

Upon hearing these words, Mo Qian seethed with concealed indignation, recognizing this as the paramount shame of his existence.

That day had initially presented a golden opportunity for his ascendancy, yet it was utterly obliterated.

Tang Yang continued with a chilling tone, "Does he intend to remain within the Tang Family? Very well, I shall ensure his inability to do so! This time, neither you nor I need to lift a finger; I possess my own methods for dealing with him!"

"I will orchestrate a scenario where he cannot possibly remain within the Tang Family!"

Tang Yang let out a cold laugh, a malevolent stratagem contorting his features!

Witnessing Tang Yang's demeanor, Mo Qian involuntarily trembled, a surge of relief washing over him for having not incurred Tang Yang's wrath; otherwise, he might have found himself expelled from the Tang Family long ago!

...

The moon hung high in the celestial expanse; Lin Bai and Ban Ye were seated in their modest courtyard, engaging in leisurely conversation over drinks.

Ban Ye regaled Lin Bai with tales of his itinerant life traversing the Northern Continent, to which Lin Bai listened with rapt attention, finding the martial lifestyle of the Northern Continent starkly distinct from that of the East Continent.

This very disparity was a significant draw for Lin Bai.

However, at this precise juncture, Tang De approached the exterior of Lin Bai's small courtyard, calling out, "Guest Official Lin Bai, are you present?"

Lin Bai and Ban Ye rose from their seats and exited the courtyard, offering respectful salutations with cupped fists.

Lin Bai inquired, "Steward Tang De, gracing us with your presence so late at night, is there a particular matter?"

Tang De, holding a scroll within his hand, chuckled and stated, "Brother Lin Bai, do you happen to be acquainted with our eldest miss? She specifically requests your presence at this time."

Lin Bai furrowed his brow, "The eldest miss?"

Ban Ye, momentarily taken aback, whispered into Lin Bai's ear, "The eldest miss is Tang Yuezhi, one of the most exceptional talents within the Tang Family, whom I mentioned previously!"

"Oh." Lin Bai nodded, finally understanding. However, upon deeper reflection, it was peculiar. If he had arrived in the Northern Continent with no known affiliations, why would Tang Yuezhi wish to meet him? He didn't know her at all!

With a hint of curiosity, Lin Bai inquired, "The eldest miss desires an audience with me?"

Tang De affirmed, "Indeed, her maid just delivered the summons, requesting your presence! The maid is presently awaiting you outside the Guest Quarters."

Lin Bai was taken aback, feeling somewhat bewildered.

"The hour is quite late, would it be possible to postpone this until tomorrow?" Lin Bai ventured.

Tang De, however, shook his head. "That is not feasible! Lin Bai Guest Official, you have not been with the Tang Family for long. Being summoned by the eldest miss at this juncture should be a cause for joy!"

"Proceed now; perhaps the eldest miss has a task for you."

"This could be a splendid opportunity to accumulate merits!"

Initially hesitant to go, Lin Bai couldn't help but feel a stir of interest upon hearing the word "merits."

After all, Lin Bai's purpose in coming to Black Water City was to obtain the "Black Water Divine Thunder Skill."

This formidable skill demanded thirty thousand merit points for its acquisition, a resource Lin Bai currently lacked, causing him considerable anxiety.

"Very well then!" Lin Bai conceded with a nod. "Uncle Ban Ye, we shall have to share a drink another time."

Ban Ye chuckled warmly. "Naturally, naturally. This is your chance for advancement; I shall not hinder you. Go forth!"

With a final nod, Lin Bai accompanied Tang De towards the Guest Quarters.

Upon arrival, Lin Bai noticed a young maiden standing there.

As Lin Bai and Tang De approached, the girl offered a smile. "You must be Lin Bai Guest Official. I am Nie Qian’er, the eldest miss’s maid. Please follow me!"

Lin Bai clasped his fists in a gesture of respect. "My apologies for the intrusion, miss. Please, lead the way!"

Without delay, Lin Bai followed Nie Qian’er out of the Guest Quarters, navigating through the expansive, high-walled courtyards of the Tang Family estate.

Before long, the pair reached an area exuding an atmosphere of profound tranquility and elegance.

As they entered this zone, Lin Bai detected a distinct aura, recognizing it as the domain of the Tang Family's most esteemed members.

Nie Qian’er opened a door and announced, "The eldest miss resides within. Lin Bai Guest Official, please enter. I shall wait outside. Should you require anything, do not hesitate to call for me!"

Lin Bai offered another respectful clasp of his fists. "Thank you!"

With that, Lin Bai stepped across the threshold.

As Nie Qian’er gently closed the door behind him.

Once these arrangements were complete, Nie Qian’er's expression shifted to one of evident distress.

At that precise moment, a charismatic young man emerged from the shadows, a playful laugh on his lips. "Thank you, Qian’er!"

Nie Qian’er shot the handsome youth a sharp, accusing glare, her voice laced with coldness. "After this deed, I can no longer remain within the Tang Family. What of the reward you promised?"

The charming young man let out another laugh, producing an identity token from his person.

Nie Qian’er looked up in stunned disbelief. The merit points displayed on the identity token were… a staggering five hundred thousand!