Starting With The Martial Arts Holy Fire Order - Chapter 12

Chapter 012 – The Great Nine Heavens Palm and Heaven and Earth Shifting Technique

Several days later, Yang Dingtian led Ling Yihan into a hidden passage in Bright Peak, speaking solemnly:

“Yihan, this is the secret pathway of Bright Peak, known only to the cult leaders of the Ming Cult throughout history. Any other member attempting to enter this passage shall be executed!”

Ling Yihan feigned surprise, replying,

“Master, if that is the case, why are you bringing me here?”

Yang Dingtian’s gaze softened as he patted Ling Yihan’s shoulder, his tone heavy with meaning.

“Yihan, your martial skills are exceptional, and your wit and eloquence unmatched. You must have understood my intentions that day when I publicly declared you the Holy Son of the Ming Cult.”

Ling Yihan nodded.

“Master, I understand your reasoning, but I feel unworthy. I fear others in the cult may not accept this, which could lead to discord.”

Yang Dingtian laughed heartily.

“Yihan, during your duel with Han Qianye in the cold pond, I realized your extraordinary internal strength, rare for someone so young. Though I don’t know the serendipitous encounters that shaped your abilities, I am certain you’ve been guided by a master of unparalleled skill. When it comes to martial aptitude, no one in our cult can compare to you. That’s why I’ve already decided—you are the one to succeed me as the cult leader!”

Ling Yihan quickly assumed a posture of humility.

“Master, I am unworthy. If a successor must be chosen, why not pick from the Light Messengers or the Three Kings?”

Yang Dingtian sighed deeply, shaking his head.

“Yihan, my first choice was always the Golden Lion King, Xie Xun. He is both talented in martial arts and possessed of great charisma, far surpassing the unruly Light Messengers and the other Kings. Alas, though Xie Xun is righteous and loyal, his fiery temper leaves him vulnerable to schemers. Yet fate brought me you—a man of both intelligence and regal bearing. How could I let such a talent slip away?”

Hearing this, Ling Yihan couldn’t help but admire Yang Dingtian’s insight.

“As expected of the Ming Cult’s leader, Yang Dingtian! His martial prowess is unrivaled, and his vision is remarkable. In just a few words, he has laid bare the character of the Light Messengers and the Three Kings while planning for the cult’s future.”

“Master, it’s too early to discuss such matters. Let us speak of this another time.”

Yang Dingtian waved his hand with a sigh.

“I fear my time is running short. I wanted to officially name you the Holy Son of the Ming Cult yesterday so that, in the event of my demise, you could rightfully inherit the position of cult leader. But you… alas…”

“Master, why would you say such things? You’re in your prime; how could anything happen to you…” Ling Yihan trailed off, sensing something amiss.

Yang Dingtian remained silent, pulling a letter from his sleeve and handing it to Ling Yihan.

Ling Yihan opened the letter and began to read its contents. In essence, it revealed:

The previous cult leader had instructed Yang Dingtian to master the Heaven and Earth Shifting Technique and then lead the cult members to the Persian headquarters to retrieve the sacred relic, the Holy Flame Tablet. He was explicitly warned not to blindly follow the headquarters’ orders to surrender to the Yuan dynasty.

The letter also mentioned that, upon mastering the fourth level of the Heaven and Earth Shifting Technique, Yang Dingtian had discovered the affair between his wife and Cheng Kun. This realization had thrown his internal energy into chaos, leading to his current deteriorating state.

Reading this, Ling Yihan’s expression turned to shock.

“Master, this… How could Mistress…”

Internally, he thought, So you already knew about Cheng Kun sneaking around with your wife. No wonder you’re in such a rush to name your successor.

Yang Dingtian sighed deeply.

“Yes, Xinru likely never truly wished to marry me. But having done so, why did she turn to her senior brother, Cheng Kun? I have her body, but I’ve never had her heart…”

Tears welled up in his eyes as he spoke. Ling Yihan knew that “Xinru” referred to Yang Dingtian’s wife, Liu Xinru.

Ling Yihan’s eyes glinted with killing intent as he spoke coldly.

“If that’s the case, I would rather bear the stain of killing my own mistress than let such a woman continue to live…”

“Silence!” Yang Dingtian’s voice boomed.

“No matter how she has wronged me, she is still my wife. You will treat her as your mistress and show her respect. Do you understand?”

Ling Yihan thought to himself, You’ve been so utterly humiliated, yet you still defend her? There’s no saving you.

“Yes, Master. I understand.”

Yang Dingtian’s expression softened.

“I know you’re angry on my behalf, but love is complicated. I’ve already decided—when the time comes, I will lure Cheng Kun into this stone chamber and die with him, creating a chance for your mistress to escape the secret passage. Once you hear of my disappearance, deliver this letter to her. She will gather the Light Messengers, the Three Kings, the Five Scatters, and the Five Element Flags to support you as the new cult leader. If anyone refuses, kill them without mercy!”

At this, his eyes gleamed with a fierce determination.

Ling Yihan noticed the letter’s final instruction: for Yang Dingtian’s wife to aid him in becoming the Ming Cult’s leader.

“Master, let me kill Cheng Kun instead. There’s no need for you to perish with him!” Ling Yihan said earnestly.

Yang Dingtian caressed his head with a bitter smile.

“Foolish child, you are no match for him yet. Besides, my disrupted internal energy leaves me with little time. Your priority now is to master my two ultimate techniques: the Great Nine Heavens Palm and the Heaven and Earth Shifting Technique.”

With that, he handed Ling Yihan a manual and a blank scroll of sheepskin.

Ling Yihan glanced at the manual, which bore the title “Great Nine Heavens Palm.” The sheepskin appeared empty, but he knew it concealed the Heaven and Earth Shifting Technique’s instructions, revealed only with blood.

Although Ling Yihan could learn the techniques on his own, Yang Dingtian demonstrated both martial arts to him and explained the method for revealing the scroll’s secrets.

Finally, Yang Dingtian recited the Ming Cult’s sacred oath, though Ling Yihan had long since memorized it.

“Burn my body to ashes; with the holy fire ablaze, life has no joy, death no sorrow. To vanquish evil and uphold the light. Joy and sorrow, all return to dust. Pity my fellow men, for suffering abounds…”