Chapter 319: No Need to Leave

Seeing Ye Mo's bleak face and silence, Hong Si felt uneasy. He hesitated before saying, “Today, we received news from Liang Qisheng of Ping River. He said…qian bei was at Chun An. So, we planned to exterminate the Ye family at midday to prevent Elder Tan and Feng from stopping us. Afterward, we planned to ambush qian bei at Chun An with Liang Qisheng's people. We didn't expect…”

“Liang Qisheng? Is he related to Huo Quming?” Ye Mo remembered the middle-aged man he’d seen at the Huo family.

Hong Si quickly nodded. “Yes, he’s Huo Quming’s martial brother. They’re from the Ping River sect, which is fading; only Huo Quming and Liang Qisheng remain.”

“Who are Elder Tan and Feng?” Ye Mo wondered who could stop the He Liu sect from killing the Ye family. Why hadn’t they intervened when ten Ye family members were killed yesterday?

“Tan and Feng are Tan Jiao and Luan Qingfeng. They were from a hidden sect, but now belong to the Heaven Squad,” Hong Si said, noticing Ye Mo’s unfamiliarity. He explained, “The Heaven Squad are martial artists beyond earth level peak stage, but below great heaven state. They enter the mortal world to seek breakthroughs, but must contribute to the country. They mediate between hidden sects and the government, handling matters beyond ordinary people’s capabilities. Since such things rarely occur, they mostly focus on cultivation, receiving substantial resources from the government.”

Ye Mo understood immediately. They were people who enjoyed the country’s resources without much effort, beautifying themselves under the guise of the Heaven Squad. He thought of his own struggles finding spirit things, nearly hunted for a blood coral at Liang Pu. Compared to him, these Heaven Squad members had it easy.

Seeing Ye Mo’s displeasure, Hong Si quickly added, “The Heaven Squad does undertake missions. They search for talented younger generations, and prevent hidden sects from harming the government.”

“How many are there?” Ye Mo asked. “Beyond earth level peak stage means they’re halfway to great heaven state.”

Hong Si shook his head. “Not many. You could count those at half great heaven state on one hand. Wu Dao qian bei is said to be the strongest, with Tan and Feng close behind. They’re the pinnacle masters of this world.”

Ye Mo said coldly, “With Tan and Feng here, you still dared to annihilate the Ye family in Beijing?”

Hong Si stammered, “The He Liu sect’s power surpasses Tan and Feng. And Elder Gong Zizai of the He Liu sect is Tan Jiao’s friend. So…”

Ye Mo understood. Han Zaixin had hidden things. The country’s power far exceeded what the Flying Squads displayed. There was the Heaven Squad, but they were largely inactive. He understood why Han Zaixin hadn’t stopped the He Liu sect; he couldn’t mobilize the Heaven Squad, and Tan Jiao and Gong Zizai were friends. He’d killed Gong Zizai; naturally, Tan Jiao wouldn't be pleased.

“Where is the He Liu sect?” Ye Mo’s killing intent focused on Tan Jiao. Hong Si, sensing it, trembled. “It’s located in Qi Yang mountain, Shadow Cliff Valley.”

“Give me the key,” Ye Mo said, knowing hidden sects required keys for entry.

“It’s with Elder Qu. He’s at Chun An, ambushing you,” Hong Si admitted.

Ye Mo looked coldly at Hong Si. “Are you going to do it yourself, or should I?”

Hong Si, unprepared for this, felt his doom. He regretted coming, yet knew Ye Mo would find the He Liu sect eventually. The He Liu sect was finished, but he didn’t want to die like this. He’d obtained an ancient martial arts cultivation method; after reaching yellow level, he’d abandoned his wife and son, searching desperately for Dao. He’d joined the He Liu sect, reaching earth level after decades of arduous cultivation, only to die here, even after begging for mercy and revealing everything.

“Qian bei, I offended you. Killing me is understandable. Please let me see my wife and son, whom I haven't seen in decades. This is my last hope. Afterward, I will return to accept death. Before that, I’ll destroy my dan tian.” Hong Si palmed his dan tian and spat blood.

Ye Mo saw his dan tian was destroyed.

“Brother, he’s pitiful. Let him go. He didn’t kill anyone yesterday,” Ye Ling pleaded, softening Ye Mo’s resolve.

A destroyed dan tian rendered an ancient martial artist virtually powerless, but their previous strength still made them dangerous to ordinary people.

“Go then,” Ye Mo conceded. Hong Si’s eyes widened with surprise and joy. He stood, thanking Ye Mo profusely. “I’ll see my wife and son, then return to accept death.”

Ye Mo waved his hand. “No need to return.”

Ye Beirong said to Ye Long, “Ye Long, escort Hong Si out.”

Ye Ling agreed, taking Hong Si from the room. His gaze at Ye Mo was fearful.

“Ye Mo…” Ye Beirong’s voice was dry. He didn’t know how to face this grandson.

Ye Mo said plainly, “I am me. My name is Ye, but I have nothing to do with the Beijing Ye family. Don’t mind me.”

Ye Beirong was speechless. He knew the Ye family had wronged Ye Mo. If Ye Mo hadn’t relied on himself, he would have died in Ning Hai. He had no right to say anything. Using Ye Zifeng as family leader was an attempt to manipulate Ye Mo. He was grateful Ye Mo wasn’t angrier. Ye Zifeng, while not bad, was too young to lead, yet he was leader because of Ye Mo.

“Brother, Grandpa…” Ye Ling began, but Ye Mo stopped her.

“Take me to Ye Zifeng. Afterward, I’m leaving on business.” Ye Mo had his own principles. His concern for Ye Zifeng and Ye Ling didn't extend to the entire Ye family.

As Ye Ling moved to go, Ye Mo stopped her. “Wait.” He burned the remaining body to ashes.

He’d just finished when Han Zaixin and Zhang Jue rushed in, worried.

“Ye Mo, you’re back? Leave now! Take your brother and sister. Leave Beijing!” Han Zaixin urged.

Ye Mo was touched by Han Zaixin’s loyalty, even if he was calculating.

Zhang Jue, also excited, added, “Tonight, the He Liu sect will arrive. You must leave. They’re earth level masters. One palm sent me flying…”

“You’re injured,” Ye Mo said, seeing Zhang Jue’s internal injuries.

Han Zaixin sighed, “Yes. Zhang Jue tried to help yesterday, but the He Liu sect was too strong. Elder Tan said Ye Zifeng and Ye Ling must be given to the He Liu sect to appease them. Leave quickly…”

Ye Mo’s anger flared. Why should Ye Zifeng and Ye Ling be given to the He Liu sect?

“Hmph…” A deep sneer echoed. Everyone felt their minds rupture, except Ye Mo. He patted Ye Ling, who recovered.

A white-robed man of indeterminate age appeared. “Since you’re back, there’s no need to leave. I’ll take you three to the He Liu sect. Old Han, I’ve decided.”

Han Zaixin’s heart sank. It was too late. Ye Mo couldn’t leave. Zhang Jue felt all hope was lost. Even if he tried to help, it would be useless against Elder Tan.