Chapter 484: Scheme Against Han Yan

Translator: Tim Editor: GlobeGlotter

Scheme Against Han Yan

At this moment, the youth on the stage understood that without Ye Mo, he would be dead or maimed. As the youth walked off the stage, he bowed before Ye Mo and said, “This one is Zhang Hua from Wu Dang Mountain’s Guang Yao Temple. I thank you for saving my life.”

“En, prepare for your next match,” Ye Mo nodded. He knew many obscure places possessed rich heritages. He’d heard of Wu Dang Mountain but not Guang Yao Temple. However, judging by the name, Ye Mo guessed their expertise lay in pill refinement. No wonder the youth possessed qi recovery pills.

Ye Mo knew the Gourd Cave wouldn't let this go, but he couldn't predict their actions.

Despite Feng Wu’s instructions to be gentle, the tournament intensified with only 20 spots remaining. Everyone employed every allowable tactic. After this round, seven contestants suffered light injuries, five heavy injuries, and one had died.

But no one cared, including Ye Mo. Though some sects urged Ye Mo to intervene, he seemed unconcerned, focusing solely on the Gourd Cave. He believed participating sects should accept responsibility for their actions.

…

At lunchtime, Han Yan asked while eating, “Big Brother Ye, I feel you're targeting the Gourd Cave. Do you have enmity with them?”

Ye Mo nodded. “I’ve killed several hidden sect members, and their sect seeks vengeance. Xiang Mingwang won’t let me go, and I won’t let him go. But he held back today, so I expect an attack after the tournament.”

“Big Brother, be careful. My master said the Gourd Cave is the strongest outer hidden sect. They have many masters, far surpassing the He Liu Sect,” Han Yan advised worriedly.

“Don’t worry. If he weren’t afraid, he would’ve attacked this morning. Focus on your match. Wait—” Ye Mo stopped abruptly.

Han Yan looked at Ye Mo worriedly. “What’s wrong, Big Brother Ye?”

Ye Mo frowned. “Xiang Mingwang is impetuous, and their sect lost face today. They can’t attack me, but I suspect they might target you.”

“Target me? I’m always with you. What can they do?” Han Yan asked in surprise.

Ye Mo said seriously, “They could easily send a master to fight you. If they do, things will go badly. They might even try to kill you. You could withdraw from the tournament…”

Han Yan shook her head. “Big Brother Ye, I’ve learned much these past few days. Power rules all. I can’t retreat every time. I must face certain things. I came for the black rising pill, but being black level, I no longer need it. Avoiding fights hinders my cultivation. Besides, I’m confident I can handle the Gourd Cave’s disciples.”

Ye Mo nodded. He knew she was right.

Thinking, Ye Mo produced materials and crafted two wind blade rune papers for Han Yan. “Keep these. In desperate moments, throw them, saying ‘Lin.’” He feared fireballs would cause too much commotion, so he gave her wind blades.

Han Yan looked at Ye Mo awkwardly. “Big Brother Ye, wouldn’t that be a bit extreme?”

Ye Mo smiled. “If you trust me, save them for your opponent.”

Han Yan smiled and accepted. “Thank you, Big Brother Ye. Besides my grandpa and master, I trust you most.”

“If a Gourd Cave disciple tries to kill you, kill them. Don’t worry about the consequences,” Ye Mo said.

…

Forty people remained for the afternoon matches, with one elimination round left. Han Yan’s match was near the end. Ye Mo noticed the frigid woman he’d saved seemed stronger, easily defeating a similarly ranked opponent.

Ye Mo sensed her inner qi differed from yesterday’s. He frowned. Was it the yin yang fish or the jade slip she’d taken? He’d checked both with his spirit sense and found nothing.

He couldn’t ask to examine them again.

Zi Xu wasn’t so lucky. She faced a black level fighter and was eliminated.

Zeng Zhengxia told Ye Mo, “I got the list. Han Yan fights the Gourd Cave’s Lu Ran. He’s the second seed, nearing peak black level. This doesn't look good for Han Yan. No wonder Xiang Mingwang was silent yesterday.”

Ye Mo smiled derisively. It was as expected.

“Brother Zeng, don’t worry. Even if Han Yan loses, Lu Ran won’t harm her.”

Ye Mo had given her rune papers and taught her some moves. He was sure she wouldn't lose badly, even if she couldn’t win, especially with her defensive bracelet.

Zhang Hua’s next fight pitted him against a yellow level tertiary stage fighter. Though skilled, the fighter lost to Zhang Hua.

After Zhang Hua, it was Han Yan’s turn. Though Ye Mo didn't know Lu Ran, he recognized his strength upon seeing him.

Two other contestants were familiar: Shi Zhongzhi from Jiu Ming Academy and Zeng Zhengxia’s disciple, Zeng Xihou. These three were top five contenders.

Seeing Lu Ran, Han Yan knew Ye Mo’s conjecture was correct. She’d observed the others and knew who was strong.

A fist salute was customary, but knowing her opponent sought to kill her, Han Yan didn't bother.

Lu Ran looked coldly at Han Yan and sneered, “You’re Han Yan? I didn’t expect a small place like Guang Han Sect to produce a top 20 contender. You’re lucky and unlucky. Unlucky to meet me. But, being a woman, if you crawl before me, I’ll let you go.”

Han Yan ignored him, attacking with her sword.

Lu Ran’s face turned cold. “You die now!” He drew his sword and attacked. Han Yan’s sword flower attack scattered against Lu Ran’s sword rays.

Zeng Zhengxia’s face changed. “Lu Ran uses the Dust Removing Sword, one of the Gourd Cave’s Three Great Swords. Han Yan’s sword mustn’t clash with it!”

Clank clank clank—

Han Yan’s sword clashed with the Dust Removing Sword, but remained undamaged.

Zeng Zhengxia relaxed. “I forgot Brother Ye provides excellent weapons, haha!”

Though Han Yan’s sword held, her heart sank. Lu Ran’s swordsmanship surpassed hers, and his inner qi was far greater. After a few clashes, she nearly spat blood.

Lu Ran snarled, “Die, bitch!” Before Han Yan could recover, he lunged, stabbing at her chest.