Ling Tian Sword God

At this moment, Ling Chen and his companions were unaware that they were already embroiled in a massive manhunt.

Almost all the Capture Officers and bounty hunters in Yi Zhou had received three portraits. Whoever managed to apprehend these three criminals would not only gain the eligibility to join the Tang Sect but also be rewarded with a King-Level Art and a Martial Arts Secret Manual. This was why all the Capture Officers and bounty hunters were highly motivated.

In reality, the Art and martial arts manual were secondary. The main attraction was the first point: the eligibility to join the Tang Sect. This was a highly coveted opportunity for everyone.

The Tang Sect was based on a family structure; only members of the Tang Family were allowed to join. But now, just by completing this task, anyone could acquire the eligibility to join this great establishment. It would be a significant benefit not only to oneself but also to subsequent generations.

The person who had issued this bounty was undoubtedly someone wielding great authority and influence in the Tang Sect.

「Linjiang City was a medium-sized city in the northwestern part of Yi Zhou.」

Though only a medium-sized city, its prosperity rivaled that of any capital in the Five Kingdoms. Ling Chen and his companions had settled at the largest inn in the city, resting after a day’s travel.

”Linjiang City is only a thousand miles away from Mount Taiyue. We should be able to reach there by tomorrow. Ms. Luo, are you sure your Brother Shen, Shen Qianlang, will be at that location?” Ling Chen took a sip from the teacup on the table and then asked.

”Brother Shen said he was going to train at Mount Taiyue the last time he left. If he hasn’t left, he should still be around the mountain,” Luo Xian’er responded.

”Let’s rest here for tonight and continue our journey tomorrow.” Ling Chen nodded. They had been on the road continuously for the past few days, dust-covered and weary. While it didn’t bother him, Luo Xian’er, being a delicate woman, naturally found the extended travel quite challenging.

During these few days, Ling Chen had also learned quite a lot from Luo Xian’er about the Nine Provinces Land.

The Central Dynasty, after countless generations of Emperors, was currently ruled by Empress Yunyao.

Speaking of this Empress Yunyao, even Ling Chen had to acknowledge her as a legendary figure.

Empress Yunyao was originally just a woman from a collateral branch of the Imperial Clan, possessing neither notable lineage nor power. The throne was certainly not something she could have inherited, as the direct descendants of the royal family held the primary right of succession. However, with her terrifying cultivation talent and outstanding political acumen, she slowly climbed to the pinnacle of power, garnering support from all quarters. After gradually amassing formidable strength, she deposed the debauched, ineffectual previous Emperor and ascended to the supreme position herself.

To ascend to the supreme position in the Nine Provinces Land as a woman, Empress Yunyao was truly a pioneer.

What Ling Chen admired even more was the empress’s cultivation. At only twenty-eight years old, she was already a Saint, an achievement extremely rare throughout the entire history of the Nine Provinces.

This was also why Empress Yunyao could suppress various opposing forces. After all, as the first empress of the Imperial Court, she naturally faced a multitude of conservative objectors. But in the end, all of them were bloodily suppressed without exception.

Ling Chen held Empress Yunyao in high regard. If he had the chance, he would want to visit the Divine Capital to witness her legendary demeanor.

The Liu Family, one of the Nine Great Families, was a Super Power that controlled the entire Yongzhou region.

Even among the Nine Great Families, the Liu Family’s influence was top-tier. The Great Minister was Empress Yunyao’s most trusted and important official.

As for the Ling Family, from which his father, Ling Tianyu, hailed, they controlled Qing Province, adjacent to the East Sea. Known as the Swordsaint Family, the Ling Family was one of the oldest aristocratic families on the continent. It was established almost simultaneously with the Central Dynasty.

These two great aristocratic families were colossal entities in the Nine Provinces Land. Ling Tianyu and Liu Xiling were direct lineal descendants of these families. Theoretically, Ling Chen’s lineage should be the envy of all, coveted by everyone in the world.

However, the current situation was such that Ling Chen dared not even reveal his identity. The Liu Family even wanted him dead. As for what the Ling Family was like, Ling Chen had no idea.

Until he was strong enough, Ling Chen would not let anyone know about his connections with the Ling and Liu Families. Even if he did, no one would believe him. After all, who would believe that the distinguished Swordsaint Family and the Heavenly Constructor Family would have such a wretched direct lineal descendant?

As Ling Chen was deep in thought, the crowd in the inn gradually thinned. Eventually, only four Capture Officers in brocade robes remained, and they walked towards Ling Chen, Luo Xian’er, and their companion.

The four Capture Officers surrounded Ling Chen’s party. After glancing at the portraits they held, one said, ”You three are the wanted criminals from the Dudufu’s list? Surrender at once, or don’t blame us for being impolite.”

”May I ask what crimes we have committed?” Although Ling Chen was somewhat surprised, he remained calm and asked nonchalantly.

”That, we do not know.” The leading Capture Officer shook his head. ”We only know that you are criminals of the Imperial Court, targets wanted by the Tang Sect and the Dudufu. We are merely following orders.”

”The Tang Sect? So that’s it.” Ling Chen sneered coldly. It seemed the expert behind Tang Long and the others was unwilling to use the Tang Sect’s power directly. Instead, they intended to use the strength of these Yi Zhou Dudufu Capture Officers to apprehend them. In this way, they would truly become criminals. Being captured by the Imperial Court would be perfectly justifiable, raising no suspicions or unforeseen complications.

”You’ve been used by the Tang Sect! We are not criminals at all. Please find evidence and investigate clearly before drawing conclusions!” Luo Xian’er quickly interjected.

”After we apprehend you, we will naturally investigate thoroughly. But for now, please come with us,” the leading Capture Officer said impassively.

”And what if I say no?” A faint smile touched Ling Chen’s lips. This so-called Yi Zhou Dudufu, although a local institution of the Central Dynasty, now seems to be merely an appendage of the Tang Sect. If they were arrested by these people, it would be no different from falling into the hands of the Tang Sect.

”Dare to resist the Imperial Court? Then you’ll be leaving horizontally!” A fierce-looking Capture Officer’s eyes flashed with a cold light. He then launched a powerful palm strike straight at Ling Chen’s chest.

Unperturbed, Ling Chen tapped his foot, and his entire person, along with the chair, slid backward, smoothly evading the Capture Officer’s strike.

BANG!

The palm struck the wooden table forcefully, instantly shattering it into pieces. Wood splinters flew in all directions.

”Get this kid first!” All four Capture Officers could see that Ling Chen was the strongest of the three. As long as they could take him down, their mission would essentially be a success.