Chapter 200: The Three Families’ Training, the White-Haired Scholar’s Plan

This time, they did not enter the Ice Heart Hall but continued straight along the previous route. In Liu Yi’s estimation, it was about twice the distance outside the city. Then, the two entered a door, and their footsteps echoed in the corridor inside—clearly, it was a long hallway. When Liu Yi lost his eyes, he became more careful and attentive, observing everything around him.

The corridor was very long. After walking for half a cup of tea’s time, Ye Luobaihua’s footsteps finally stopped. Soon after, the sound of the stone door opening came through, followed by Ye Luobaihua’s continued movement, which stopped shortly thereafter. Her pleasant voice reached Liu Yi’s ears: “Young Master Liu, there are chairs over there. Please sit wherever you like. I’ll go and invite your uncles out.”

Liu Yi nodded gently and said, “Please, Princess.” Then he slowly walked in the direction she indicated and sat down quietly.

As Ye Luobaihua reappeared, the hurried footsteps of two other people appeared in the hall as well—light yet steady. Liu Yi could sense that these two had high cultivation levels. Since Ye Luobaihua called them uncles, it was obvious they had a close relationship with her. Soon, all three sat down.

Ye Luobaihua’s pleasant voice came again: “Since Young Master Liu can’t see, let me introduce them verbally. These two are the elders of our Ye Luo family—Uncle Ye Luojianmu and Uncle Ye Luoming.” Then she turned to Liu Yi and said, “This Young Master Liu is the hero who fought against Lord Lei. I think no introduction is needed. Since the situation is urgent, we don’t need to go through formalities.”

Although Ye Luobaihua said formalities were unnecessary, the three still exchanged polite greetings. From their voices, Liu Yi could tell they were both in their white-haired years. Ye Luojianmu’s voice was the same one that had hosted the marriage selection competition.

Ye Luobaihua continued, “Uncles, earlier, Young Master Liu discovered rebels in the forest thirty li away from Wulai City. He came back specifically to inform us.”

At that moment, a deep voice asked Liu Yi, “Young Master Liu, could you explain again how you discovered the rebels’ whereabouts?” The voice sounded familiar, and Liu Yi recognized it as Ye Luojianmu’s.

Liu Yi nodded and recounted how he left Wulai City, how he spotted strange people, how he followed them, and some of their conversations. Of course, he also gave an approximate estimate of their numbers—several thousand at the very least.

After Liu Yi finished speaking, there was silence in the hall, with only the breathing of the other three audible. Then another voice, Ye Luoming’s, spoke up: “I think they didn’t attack you in Ye Luo City just to wait for more troops to gather. Judging from this, it seems they’re confident enough to capture Wulai City. Even if we get the news now and prepare defenses in advance, with our current numbers and strength, it will still be difficult to confront Ye Luoxiong.”

With a sigh from Ye Luo Jianmu, Ye Luo Baihua continued, “Uncle Ming is right. The number of rebels is growing. Even if we get news now, it’s hard to defend. It seems… we really have to accept fate.” Her voice was pleasant, but it conveyed a sense of helplessness and despair.

Liu Yi listened to their conversation, stood up, shook his head, and said, “If you rely on fate, your only outcome will be destruction. Fate can’t help you. You don’t need to follow fate—success depends on human effort. Fate is just an excuse.” His words were simple, yet seemed to convey something profound. The three of them fell into thought after hearing him speak.

Suddenly, Ye Luo Baihua seemed to think of something and said, “Young Master Liu must have a solution, right? One that can help us defeat the rebels?”

Liu Yi shook his head. “I don’t have a solution. But I’m interested in your story. Could you tell it to me?”

Ye Luo Baihua nodded. “Sure.” There was a hint of disappointment in her tone.

After a pause, she continued, “It happened a long time ago. At that time, the Netherworld was divided into three clans. The strongest among them was the Lan clan, while our Ye Luo clan was far stronger than the Ming Yue clan, ranking second. Back then, our clan was ruled by my father, and it was very prosperous. Our clan’s prestige was on par with that of the Lan clan. But good times didn’t last long. For some reason, my father suddenly left us and handed over power to me. This shift in leadership angered the other four elders, and thus, a split arose within our clan.”

“But since the sacred artifact of our clan was always in my hands, even though the rebellious forces were obvious, they didn’t dare to openly challenge me. Unexpectedly, one day the artifact was lost—I can’t even remember how. After that, the rebel forces led by Ye Luo Xiong kept pressing me, eventually forcing me to hand over the sword staff.” With that, Ye Luo Baihua sighed. She was facing an insurmountable difficulty.

Liu Yi nodded and asked, “What is the sacred artifact?”

Ye Luo Baihua replied, “It’s the most powerful treasure in our clan. Other clans also have such artifacts, but since they’re meant to protect their clans, we don’t use them unless it’s necessary to defend our interests. Moreover, the three clans pursue different paths of cultivation. Some require sacred artifacts to advance.”

Liu Yi seemed puzzled and asked, “Do people in different worlds cultivate in different ways?”

Ye Luo Baihua answered, “Yes. The Lan clan focuses on weapon cultivation. Of course, cultivating demonic powers also counts, but once weapon cultivation reaches a certain level, they tend to focus more on magic and martial arts, emphasizing the combination of natural forces and personal strength—just like Lord Lei’s magic and martial arts skills that day.”

Liu Yi nodded and asked, “What about you?”

Ye Luo Baihua replied, “We’re not much different from the Lan clan, but we place more emphasis on the cultivation of spiritual arts, that is, strengthening our own bodies. Although it’s not as advanced as your cultivation techniques, it’s several times faster than the self-cultivation methods of other clans.”

Liu Yi nodded and continued, “If that’s the case, then the cultivation method of the Mingyue clan must be the worst. Otherwise, they wouldn’t remain so obscure.”
Ye Luobaihua shook her head and said, “Your lordship, it’s quite the opposite. The Mingyue clan’s cultivation method is the most extraordinary. But because they keep a low profile and rarely get involved in conflicts, their strength has remained unknown to everyone. That’s why they’re ranked last among the three clans. However, their cultivation method is completely different from ours. I only know roughly that the highest level of their cultivation is ‘Illusion Art,’ a very powerful skill.”
Liu Yi nodded. After hearing Ye Luobaihua’s explanation, he had a general understanding of the Netherworld. It seemed that the cultivation level there was far higher than that of the human world. But soon another question arose in Liu Yi’s mind, and he asked, “So, is the cultivation method of each clan fixed?”
Ye Luobaihua replied, “There’s no specific rule, but if you want to learn from other clans, unless you steal it, no one will teach you.”
Liu Yi nodded without saying anything and slowly sat back down…
Ye Luobaihua seemed to be thinking about something as well. She continued, “What are your thoughts, your lordship? If it can help Baihua repel the enemies, Baihua will fulfill any request of yours, as long as it’s within her power.”
Just as she finished speaking, two elders seemed to want to say something, but their voices stopped before they could be heard. Of course, they understood what Baihua meant. But in doing so, Ye Luobaihua had already sacrificed too much for the City of Tearsless Joy. At her age, she should be free from worries, yet all that happiness had long since left her. Her family’s mission had turned her into a completely different person.
Hearing Ye Luobaihua’s words, Liu Yi shook his head and said, “Princess, you’re being too kind. You’ve already done so much for me. As for any requests, I think it’s better not to mention them. If needed, I’ll do my best. As for repelling the enemies, it will take everyone’s effort.”
A strange glint appeared in Ye Luobaihua’s eyes. In her experience, there had never been such a strange person—refusing temptations like money, beauty, and power. She immediately asked, “So, your lordship agrees to help the City of Tearsless Joy?”
Liu Yi nodded and said, “A small favor deserves a greater return. Perhaps the princess thinks helping me seal my heart technique was just a bet, but in my eyes, it was a favor. It’s not the City of Tearsless Joy I want to help—it has nothing to do with me. I want to help my benefactor. As for whether we can repel the enemies, let’s work together hard.” His words were extreme, but they clearly revealed his character.
Not only was Ye Luobaihua shocked by his words, but the two elders beside her also showed strange expressions. Such a person was truly rare.
Liu Yi continued, “But… I do have one small condition.”
A hint of disappointment flashed in Ye Luobaihua’s bright eyes as she asked, “Please speak, your lordship. As long as it’s within Baihua’s power.”
Liu Yi said, “I’m sure the princess and the two elders know that I can’t see. So, it’s very inconvenient for me to do things. As for this condition, it’s simple—just one word from the princess will suffice.”

Ye Luo Baihua was intelligent and quick-witted. By the time Liu Yi finished speaking, she seemed to understand his meaning and replied, “Does the young master need someone to take care of him? If the young master can find a way to relieve the crisis in City of Tearsless, then… Baihua agrees.” Her pleasant voice carried a calm tone, as if she had long been prepared for this request.

Hearing Ye Luo Baihua’s words, Liu Yi found it amusing. Sometimes, intelligence could lead one astray. Shaking his head, he said, “Princess, you misunderstand. Although I am blind, I’m not to the point of needing care. My condition is this: if I can help you repel the enemy, would you be willing to send someone to assist me in finding out more about Yu Chenxing?” Naturally, Liu Yi was aware of the difficulties of being blind, and having help would make things easier. Moreover, the longer there was no news about July, the more dangerous the situation became, so he needed to find July as soon as possible.

After Liu Yi clarified his words, the first responses were the doubts of two old men, followed by Ye Luo Baihua’s pleasant voice, “The young master is too polite. Even if there’s no need to repel the enemy, Baihua is still capable of helping.”

Liu Yi smiled bitterly and said, “It might be a small favor for the princess, but for me, it’s as difficult as climbing to the sky. Since you’ve agreed, I will surely do my best to help you repel the enemy as a form of repayment.”

With such simple words and conditions, the three of them began to reassess this strange man. Who exactly was he? There were countless people in the world who coveted Princess Chuiyan Baihua’s beauty—could it be because he was blind and couldn’t see her? There were even more who desired supreme power, and even more who were greedy for wealth. Yet he hadn’t mentioned any of these imagined advantages…

The hall fell silent for a while. Then Liu Yi continued, “Have you three considered asking for reinforcements?”

Ye Luo Jianmu was the first to sigh and say, “Young Master Liu, you’re oversimplifying things. Even though the Lan family is deeply divided internally, they still see us as enemies. It’s already unexpected that they didn’t ally with the Ye Luo family this time to attack us.”

Liu Yi thought for a moment before saying, “Elder Jian, I’m referring to another clan—the Mingyue clan.”

Ye Luo Jianmu immediately replied, “It seems Young Master Liu doesn’t understand the Mingyue clan. In my opinion, even if the Lan family might ally with the Ye Luo family, it’s impossible for the Mingyue clan to do so.”

Liu Yi then asked, “Why? Is the hatred between the Mingyue clan and the Ye Luo family even greater?”

Ye Luo Ming answered his question, “Young Master Liu, you’re wrong. There has never been any enmity between the Mingyue clan, the Lan family, and the Ye Luo family. For thousands of years, they have rarely appeared in the martial world and do not participate in its conflicts. It’s impossible to form an alliance with them, and it’s also impossible to get any information from them.”

Liu Yi nodded, thought for a while, and said, “In that case, we have to give up the idea of asking for reinforcements. It clearly won’t work.”

The hall fell silent again as all four of them pondered. With the enemy at the city’s gates, they had to solve this problem as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the only outcome waiting for them was destruction…

Suddenly, Liu Yi’s voice came through, “Princess, how many highly skilled people are there in City of Tearsless?”

Ye Luobaihua was surprised by this sudden question, but quickly replied, “There are probably around two thousand highly skilled fighters.”
Liu Yi seemed satisfied with this number and nodded, saying, “That should be enough.”
Ye Luobaihua asked urgently, “Enough for what?”
Liu Yi continued, “Has the princess heard the saying, ‘A dog in desperation will even jump over a wall’?”
Ye Luobaihua was stunned by this unrelated question but quickly replied softly, “I have indeed heard it.”
Liu Yi went on, “Since we’re already trapped, instead of waiting for them to gather their forces, we might as well strike them by surprise. If we wait until they’re fully assembled and then try to defend, it’s almost impossible. But if we gather our own forces now, investigate them thoroughly, and attack unexpectedly to eliminate their frontline fighters with minimal casualties, then at least we might still have a chance to fight to the death against the rest of them.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Ye Luoming quickly interjected, “Does Lord Liu mean we should take action first? Eliminate them before they gather their forces, and then plan for the rest?”
Liu Yi nodded and said, “Exactly as Senior Ming put it.”
Liu Yijianmu added, “This method could work, but… how can we minimize our losses while eliminating their frontline troops? You know, Ye Luoxiong has a very strong force. If we suffer heavy losses, we’ll have no way out.”
Liu Yi stood up, walked a few steps around, and said sternly, “First, since we’ve chosen battle, we shouldn’t think about alternatives. Everyone must understand that failure means death. Second, no matter how severe our losses are, there’s no way out, so all we can do is minimize casualties. Third, we’re in the dark while they’re in the light. If we launch a surprise attack, it will surely succeed.”
Ye Luobaihua also stood up. Even as a woman, she was deeply moved by Liu Yi’s words. A sense of excitement surged within her as she asked, “How does Lord Liu plan to launch the surprise attack?”
Liu Yi thought for a moment before continuing, “Of course, my suggestion to minimize casualties isn’t without reason. From what I can see, they’re camping in a circular formation, with varying heights. Based on my inference, it’s likely a basin-shaped area. If that’s the case, we can use a well-planned strategy and external help to eliminate them.”
Ye Luobaihua asked in surprise, “You can see things?”
Liu Yi pointed at the black silk in front of him and said, “All I can see are red and yellow dots. Without this treasure, I can’t see anything.”
The three of them didn’t fully understand, but they couldn’t help admiring Liu Yi’s keen observation skills. Then Liu Yi added, “This isn’t certain yet. So, I think the princess should send experts to confirm whether their location is indeed in that basin-shaped area. Only then can we be more confident.”
Ye Luobaihua asked, “Now?”
Liu Yi nodded and said, “Yes, the sooner the better. Only after confirmation can we make appropriate plans. Also… I think it’s best if one of the two elders goes, otherwise, we might alert them and be doomed.”

Ye Luojianmu stood up and said, “Young Master Liu, please wait a moment. I’ll go and see what’s going on right away.”
Ye Luobaihua added, “Uncle Jian, be careful.”
Ye Luojianmu nodded and hurriedly left the hall. Then, Liu Yi asked, “Princess, do we have bows and arrows?”
Ye Luobaihua nodded and replied, “We have five thousand.”
Liu Yi shook his head and said, “That’s too few. No matter what this surprise attack entails, bows and arrows are essential. A chaotic battle isn’t like a one-on-one fight, especially when the enemy is in the majority. We can definitely gain an advantage by using ranged attacks.”
At this point, Ye Luobaihua had a completely new impression of Liu Yi—every word he said seemed correct, leaving her no choice but to believe him. She asked, “What do you mean, Young Master Liu?”
Liu Yi continued, “Please inform everyone immediately to make as many arrows as possible before sunset—thousands would be ideal.”
Ye Luobaihua nodded and sent a guard away with the request. Soon, the guard left. Liu Yi added, “Also, I’d like to ask the princess—since there are so many demons, spiritual beasts, and divine beasts in the Netherworld, do you have any large flying beasts?”
Although she didn’t fully understand what Liu Yi meant, a sense of reliance made her reply, “Yes, sixteen ‘Scorpion Birds’.”
Liu Yi said, “We not only need to plan a surprise attack but also create chaos so that the enemy can’t fight back. By then, we can do whatever we want.”
Upon hearing this, Ye Luoming exclaimed happily, “Young Master Liu has thought of everything. You mean to create chaos in the air against them?”
Liu Yi nodded and said, “I wonder how many boulders these ‘Scorpion Birds’ can carry. That way, we can launch attacks from two fronts. Once the archers set the targets on fire and flames erupt, with boulders falling from above, the enemy will surely be in chaos…”