Chapter Nineteen: Intelligence (Revised)
As an undercover agent secretly trained by the Guardians, Ye Meng knew exactly what her role was.
Orphaned since infancy, her parents having fallen on the battlefield fighting the One Heart Sect when she was just two years old.
From the age of two and a half, she began intensive training at the Shadow Hall.
Alongside Ye Meng, there were four hundred children of similar age undergoing secret training at this base.
Over time, some were reassigned as assassins, others as killers; some were eliminated, some shifted to administrative duties, or sent to the Guard Legion or various specialized departments.
In the end, only fifteen remained.
The brutal elimination system was beyond mere culling—it was merciless.
Among these fifteen, both boys and girls, three had already perished on missions.
Ye Meng was the first among them—top in aptitude, most proficient, and the most discreet.
Her exceptional talent made her the focus of intensive training and various teachings; and, of course, because her appearance was somewhat bewitching.
Her eyes were unusually large.
She also had a natural baby fat.
From the moment she opened her eyes, she radiated a kind of endearing innocence.
No matter how shrewd she was inside, outwardly she seemed dazed, naive, and adorable.
Anyone who saw her would assume she was simple-minded.
Yet, she naturally inspired affection.
With her eyes slightly drooped, she could pass as a devastating enchantress; but when wide open, she transformed instantly into a cute, innocent little girl.
Everyone wanted to pinch her cheeks.
Such a talent, coupled with extraordinary martial aptitude, was simply too precious to be released.
Until now, when the higher-ups decided it was time to test her.
When Fan Tiantiao submitted his report, he heard she was just a fledgling recruit with low strength, so the mission was deemed quite safe.
Thus, this relatively low-risk task was assigned to Fang Che, allowing Ye Meng to train alongside him first.
After all, Fang Che’s line of work had limited utility.
Because of his low rank—a mere warrior at seventeen years old...
They thought, if there were any gains, good; if not, they would just recall her later.
It was like striking a few times hoping for some fruit—Ye Meng’s chance to hone her skills.
But now Ye Meng was somewhat bewildered.
The mission was going too smoothly!
Fang Che practically provided the most lenient environment for her undercover work, and his reasons were airtight!
She felt deeply that this was indeed how it should be.
So although she wasn’t asleep, she felt as if dreaming—dazed.
“Successfully infiltrated Fang’s side.”
“Fang Che’s cultivation is around the fifth rank of warrior, with exceptional aptitude; his training progress is rapid. At this pace, he is guaranteed to place in the top ten at the Guardian Martial Institute’s monthly competition; top three is possible.”
“Fang Che intends to foster my practice to aid him in the future.”
“...”
With a few simple phrases encoded in secret language, she sent off the report.
...
From then on, Fang Che began practicing diligently, not only training himself but also urging Ye Meng to train harder, setting stricter demands.
His harshness bordered on obsession.
Any slight imperfection would result in beatings or scoldings, filled with curses like “Useless! Truly hopeless! What kind of quality is this? Wasting my resources!”
Ye Meng dared not express her anger or reveal her true abilities, swallowing her pride and practicing tirelessly, her head breaking out in layers of welts from the constant abuse.
“You can’t even hold a sword!”
“Why are you watching me train?”
“Three days and you still haven’t grasped the fundamentals—useless!”
“You can’t stand properly, can’t walk properly, certainly can’t run! What are you good for? Do you think you’re a maid just pouring tea?”
“...”
Whenever Fang Che had rest time, Ye Meng’s nightmare began!
His mouth spewed venomous words like a poisonous snake.
Cold and cruel.
“With your aptitude, if you don’t improve soon, you’ll be good for nothing but childbirth!”
“Flat chest, no curves, skin and bones—no flesh on you! You’d hurt anyone as a concubine…”
“If you’re this stupid, I’ll sell you to the brothel!”
Ye Meng’s anger burned fiercely; many times she almost struck him down in fury.
His words were unbearably poisonous!
She felt like exploding, yet instinctively followed his commands, enduring the torment—aching waist, sore legs, and a pounding head from all the scolding.
At night, after serving Fang Che to sleep, she would gather the day’s gains.
One by one, movements flickered through her mind.
Eventually, she paused at the sword-drawing motion.
Suddenly, she was surprised.
Carefully recalling her original stance and comparing it to the current one, she visualized multiple sword-drawing images in her mind.
She was struck by the realization that this way of drawing the sword was smoother than her original method, and at the moment the blade left the scabbard, it already possessed lethality. If properly cultivated, the sword’s aura could directly harm opponents!
Her original habit could not achieve this!
Though it was only a single form, if she unleashed her true strength with this technique, her combat power would unexpectedly double or more!
And the damage potential would increase even further.
“How is this possible?”
Unconsciously, Ye Meng felt confused.
She decided to investigate again the next day.
Could this be the true correct method? Or something previously undiscovered? Was her former training actually incorrect?
While Ye Meng pondered, Fang Che lay in bed, secretly amused.
She’d slipped up.
Hmph, a weak woman who’d never experienced martial training before, just recently recovering from serious injuries, yet after an entire afternoon wielding a four-pound green steel sword, her arm wasn’t even swollen.
She was lucky to have met him.
Otherwise, she’d probably be subjected to harsh interrogation by now.
Morning came.
Seeing Ye Meng come in with water, Fang Che snorted, “What, arm hurts? Just knew you were useless—after an afternoon of sword practice you’re like this? What a waste!”
Ye Meng broke out in a cold sweat.
She suddenly realized she’d revealed such a glaring flaw!
She hurriedly replied, “It’s... my first time practicing swordplay, it felt novel... I didn’t pay attention to my body...”
“You need to combine it with the mental technique I’m teaching you. Today, practice that first.”
Fang Che snorted, “That’s my master’s unique technique.”
“Your master?”
“Of course.”
Fang Che said proudly, “My master is known as the Flying Blade King. You don’t understand now, but you will someday—what it means to bear the title ‘King’!”
Flying Blade King!
Ye Meng’s heart jolted.
Countless pieces of information flooded her mind: Flying Blade King, Sun Yuan; a figure both righteous and rogue, a wandering martial artist.
Could it be...
“You’re so impressive, sir!” Ye Meng complimented.
“Of course!” Fang Che raised his head proudly. “I’m a genius, and I know many big shots—you wouldn’t understand.”
Ye Meng beamed, “Big shots? I’ve never seen any big shots before. To me, sir, you are the greatest big shot.”
Fang Che boasted, “How many people truly rule the clouds? You’ve just begun your martial path. Those above the clouds—like the Yin Divine Palace I just met—you’ll understand someday.”
Yin Divine Palace?
Ye Meng restrained her shock, shaking her head in confusion. “I don’t understand.”
Fang Che waved disdainfully, “Talking to you is like casting pearls before swine. Enough, you may leave.”
Better give her time and space to send messages.
The Yin Divine Palace certainly wasn’t here for her initiation into the sect—she wasn’t that important.
So their presence meant something major!
Send the report immediately!
...
The next day was all about training.
Fang Qianyi saw her son practicing enthusiastically and even joined in.
As they trained, she kept praising, “Che’er, your master’s teachings are actually quite effective.”
Indeed, Fang Qianyi noticed the benefits.
But Fang Che was indifferent.
They were family—the stronger they were, the better.
Except for the Infinite Scripture, which couldn’t be taught, everything else was fair game.
In these few days, Fang Che had advanced the Infinite Scripture slightly, reaching the first level; mastered Ice Clear Spirit Platform and Phantom Bone Shape Change.
The Blood Spirit Seven Swords and Divine Ape’s Heart Extraction Thirteen Techniques were now proficient.
Most importantly, he inherited Sun Yuan’s legacy—the various blade techniques, footwork, and mental arts were all thoroughly internalized.
He meticulously studied each sword, spear, and halberd form.
...
Meanwhile, the Guardians had begun their arrangements.
Only two people in the entire hall were authorized to view Ye Meng’s intelligence reports.
Chen Ruhai and Fan Tiantiao.
These two who disliked each other had to meet daily to discuss matters.
“The Flying Blade King Sun Yuan is now under surveillance!” Fan Tiantiao’s troubled face deepened. “But the key intelligence is this line: ‘Fang Che mentioned the One Heart Sect’s leader Yin Divine Palace today, saying: “For example, those I met today, including Yin Divine Palace.”’ This is critical.”
“This is of utmost importance. That girl probably doesn’t even realize she’s conveyed such a vital piece of information.”
Chen Ruhai immediately became alert, pondering deeply: “It’s Yin Divine Palace—and others... The ‘others’ are very significant. Also, how did Fang Che meet Yin Divine Palace?”
Chen Ruhai said, “Fang Che is just an external relative of a ninth-rank minor clan. At his level, he shouldn’t even know the name Yin Divine Palace. Now he’s met them—there must be a reason.”
“Yes. What reason?”
“The most likely is that Yin Divine Palace has arrived, and Fang Che has seen them, meaning Yin Divine Palace is in Bibo City.”
“What qualification does he have to meet Yin Divine Palace?”
“The most plausible is sect initiation. Without that, there’s no way he could meet Yin Divine Palace.”
“So Fang Che has been inducted—that’s certain.”
“Yin Divine Palace is the head of a sect, and the One Heart Sect’s main base is not here. They wouldn’t come all this way just for Fang Che’s induction. That would be overkill.”
“Exactly, so Yin Divine Palace must be here for something else—something major.” Fan Tiantiao’s face grew more troubled.
“When Yin Divine Palace personally moves, it means a great event is underway. In this region within two thousand li, what could warrant such attention?”
Their conversation grew sharper and clearer.
“If it were to attack the Guardian Hall, Yin Divine Palace wouldn’t dare. So...”
Chen Ruhai’s gaze suddenly hardened.
“The Ironblood Fortress?! Damn!”
“Report immediately!”