Chapter 2054: Incense Stick

Master?

As soon as Lao Yang said this, the crowd who had been gazing at the city outside turned around in unison, all fixing their eyes on Ye Chen. They were all jianghu people, each one sharp and clever, and they could easily grasp the implication in Yang Ge Lao's words—that Ye Chen was the disciple of Yinshan Laodao.

"Don't mess around. I'm self-taught—who needs a master?"

With all those eyes on him, Ye Chen spoke gravely, his tone firm and righteous.

"Surely not! Then why do you have his family heirloom?"

Yang Ge Lao looked curious, his eyes probing as if digging for the truth.

"Can't you just keep quiet for once?"

"Have I said something wrong?"

Lao Yang was taken aback.

"Get out of the way."

Yang Xuan stepped forward and pushed Yang Ge Lao aside. His eyes were red, his face dark with anger, and he stared intently at Ye Chen, sparks seeming to ignite in his gaze. Even with a slow mind, he was starting to piece things together now.

"It's just a misunderstanding."

Ye Chen chuckled.

"Misunderstanding my foot!"

Yang Xuan exploded in rage, like a frenzied lion. He grabbed Shangguan Jiu's purple gold sword and lunged at Ye Chen to strike.

The others quickly intervened, pulling him back. With enemy forces already at the gates, how could they start fighting among themselves?

"You jerk!"

"This is how you screw me over? What did I ever do to you?"

Although restrained, Yang Xuan's anger kept flaring up. He'd been duped for so long, hunted mercilessly, and narrowly escaped death multiple times—all thanks to Ye Chen. Now it all made sense: Ye Chen knew every detail of that night because he was the main player. It was Ye Chen who had robbed Yinshan Laodao under Yang Xuan's name.

The onlookers were baffled, completely lost as to what was going on.

Even those outside the city exchanged confused glances, wondering what was happening with the martial arts experts on the city wall—why had they suddenly started fighting?

"How entertaining."

Yan Wang smirked, watching with keen interest.

"I swear I'll cut you to pieces."

Yinshan Laodao snorted coldly, his face twisted in a ferocious scowl. He had come specifically for Yang Xuan—to reclaim his family heirloom and capture Yang Xuan alive, making his life a living hell.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, the scene on the city wall grew even more chaotic. Yang Xuan was truly furious; the more they held him back, the more he struggled, as if he wouldn't stop until he stabbed Ye Chen.

"Come on, let him go."

Ye Chen wasn't having it and pushed through the crowd. "Today, I need to have a proper talk with him."

Surprisingly, the others listened and released Yang Xuan.

Yang Xuan rolled up his sleeves, cursing as he went. "You jerk, why did you screw me over?"

"Nonsense! He just assumed that himself—I never claimed to be you."

Ye Chen shrugged.

"And that's it?"

"I told you, it's a misunderstanding. Don't sweat the small stuff! On my conscience, I didn't mean to trick you. That night, I was just starting out and didn't even know who you were. He insisted I was Yang Xuan, and he wouldn't believe otherwise! I thought about silencing him, but I got carried away and forgot. Besides, even if I did trick you, I also saved you—count how many times. That's a debt of gratitude you owe me. If you really want to stab me once, fine, but then I get to stab you a few times too."

Ye Chen rattled on, spinning his tale vividly. His storytelling skills were top-notch—clearly honed for moments like this.

Yang Xuan's face had turned completely black. It was his first time hearing someone make deception sound so casual and refined. He'd nearly been killed because of it, yet Ye Chen acted like nothing had happened.

As for Yang Ge Lao and the others, their expressions were a mix of amusement and disbelief. From Ye Chen's words, they pieced together the full story and understood why Yan Wang was pursuing Yang Xuan. It wasn't because Yang Xuan had crossed Yan Wang, but because he'd crossed one of Yan Wang's favored people. Ironically, it was Ye Chen who had pulled off the deed, while Yang Xuan suffered the consequences.

"You fooled me so badly!"

Yang Ge Lao rubbed his forehead, having always thought Ye Chen was Yinshan Laodao's disciple.

"You tricked me too—I even mistook you for Dugu Jian Sheng."

Shangguan Jiu rubbed his forehead as well.

"At least you didn't use my name to cause trouble."

Ling Feng chuckled and shook his head. Cases like the knife fanatic and Yang Xuan were perfect examples: Ye Chen's robbery of Yinshan Laodao had led to Yang Xuan being wanted; his elimination of the Xuan Ming duo had entangled the knife fanatic with the Xuan Ming Sect. What a troublemaker! Compared to them, Ling Feng felt fortunate.

The martial arts experts stroked their chins or beards, eyeing Ye Chen up and down with meaningful looks, as if to say: What kind of master raised a disciple like this? What a character!

"Yang Xuan, will you come out on your own, or must I capture you myself?"

Amid the tension, Yinshan Laodao's cold voice echoed up to the city wall.

The group turned collectively, giving Yinshan Laodao a knowing glance. They had sorted out their side of things, but he was still in the dark, convinced that Yang Xuan was the one who had robbed him.

However, whether they clarified now or not didn't matter anymore. Both Yang Xuan and Ye Chen were trapped in Gui Yu Cheng today. Yan Wang had mobilized 200,000 troops, not for a leisurely outing, but to wipe them out. If they wouldn't serve him, he'd destroy them to avoid future headaches.

"Hand over Yang Xuan and the meteorite from beyond the heavens, and I will spare your lives."

Yan Wang also spoke up, lounging casually on his war chariot, toying with his ring as he smirked at the Gui Yu Cheng wall.

No one responded, and they all looked to Ye Chen. Their gazes were full of significance, treating him as the leader of the martial arts world. With the two sides facing off, when the enemy issued a demand, their leader had to reply—it was an age-old custom.

"How about we discuss this?"

Ye Chen smiled.

"I am feeling generous—I'll give you the time it takes for one incense stick to burn."

Yan Wang replied leisurely, clearly enjoying himself. He rarely visited Ghost Mountain and didn't want to leave too soon.

"Your Highness, we shouldn't delay. Let's attack now—it's more straightforward."

Yinshan Laodao whispered. "To avoid any complications from waiting."

"With 200,000 troops here, are we afraid of a few martial arts experts?"

Yan Wang sneered mockingly.

"They are stalling for time."

"Of course I can see that."

Yan Wang stretched his neck comfortably. "It's about the fun, the enjoyment. There's nothing quite like the despair on an ant's face."

"But what about Bei Lang Cheng..."

"Those vermin think they can covet my Bei Lang stronghold?"

Yan Wang let out a cold laugh.

Yinshan Laodao wanted to say more but held back, simply closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. From Yan Wang's words, he realized that this most powerful warlord was doomed never to unify the land. His pursuit of fleeting pleasure revealed his careless nature, which would lead to missed opportunities and put Bei Lang Cheng in grave danger. With 200,000 troops pulled to Ghost Mountain, if the other warlords allied and attacked Yan territory, Bei Lang Cheng would fall. Losing that stronghold would let enemy forces sweep straight through to Yan's capital.

"Can someone like that really be a warlord?"

Even Yang Ge Lao, who wasn't the sharpest, couldn't help but sigh on the city wall. Something that could be ordered in an instant, and he waits for an incense stick? Doesn't he know Bei Lang Cheng is undefended? What if someone attacks from behind?

"From what I can tell, he has no destiny to be an emperor."

Yang Xuan said meaningfully.

"I see his forehead is dark and foreboding."

Shangguan Jiu crossed his arms. "So arrogant and dismissive of strategy—who like that usually meets a bad end."

Ye Chen said nothing, just glanced at Yan Wang and squatted down.

The others followed suit, squatting as well.

"What are you pondering, you half-immortal?"

Shangguan Jiu grumbled.

"Just stay put—I'll keep you all safe."

Ye Chen replied, head down.

No one understood what he meant or what his plan was, let alone where his confidence came from to fend off 200,000 troops. But they all trusted Ye Chen unconditionally. That seemingly unreliable young man had a certain charisma— with him around, everything would be fine.

Time ticked by, and the incense stick in the burner burned down completely.

Only then did Yan Wang stretch and yawn, waving his hand casually. "Attack the city."

"Oh, come on!"

Ye Chen stood up. You're not playing by the rules! The incense has burned out— at least ask us something first! No preamble, just straight to attacking?

"Watch out."

Yang Ge Lao reached out and pulled Ye Chen back down to squat, as the archers outside had already released their strings. Arrows rained down like a storm—if you stood too tall, you'd be an easy target. Yan Wang's archers were no joke.

"Capture them alive."

Yan Wang laughed leisurely, settling in as if for a show.

At his command, the infantry advanced, ramming the city gates with siege engines. Once they breached, no sword saint or knife fanatic would stand a chance.

"Is this what you call keeping us safe?"

The group shot Ye Chen looks, their mouths twitching.

"It's coming, it's coming."

Ye Chen wiggled his fingers.

No sooner had he spoken than the gates were breached. Countless armored soldiers roared, spears in hand, surging in and heading straight for the Gui Yu Cheng wall.

In that moment, Ye Chen closed his eyes.

As he did, a mournful cry echoed from outside the city, growing louder: "Your Highness, the eight warlords are attacking! They've taken Bei Lang Cheng!"

At those words, Yan Wang, who had been so relaxed, shot to his feet. In his haste, he lost his balance and tumbled from his war chariot.

The guards were startled and rushed to help him up.

"Quick, retreat! Go back and defend!"

Yan Wang staggered through the crowd, his roar from the depths of his soul, eyes turning blood-red in an instant. His once ruddy face was now deathly pale. Only now did he realize his colossal mistake—waiting for that incense stick had cost him a city, half his territory.