Death… and me

Outwardly, Tie Bu Tian's gaze appeared ordinary. However, it was actually one that was created by a combination of the Emperor Saintly and Icy Heart Jade Bone Saintly Techniques.

He wanted the other person's first impression of him to be that of invincibility and to give him the feeling of a 'heaven-borne king'.

All he needed to do was to instil such feelings in the other person so as to ensure that the other party would be of great help when he solicits help from this person in the future. This would allow any future cooperation to have a higher chance of running smoothly!

At that moment, Tie Bu Tian instinctively thought that the other person was simply passing by and that he was unprotected against his intense gaze. Besides, whether in conflict or in a simple conversation, people were typically inclined to pay attention to the eyes of the other person. However, who would have thought that such a gaze could have such a strong effect?

Moreover, Chu Yang's gaze was even more deliberate!

To create such a gaze, Chu Yang had siphoned off all the cold energy from Seven Shades Congregation Grounds in the Nine Tribulations Sword point to create an icy atmosphere that was akin to a field of ice and snow that was a thousand mile wide. This had given him an added advantage in gathering his aura beforehand. Ultimately, he could gather all the thoughts and determination from within his heart for this gaze!

This one gaze had to create an everlasting impression on Tie Bu Tian!

Chu Yang's gaze was arrogant and wild like the King of the Wolves in Northern Grassland. At the same time, it was sharp as a sword and cold as ice. His eyes were filled with ruthlessness!

With this gaze, all the living things in the world were like ants that could be killed without mercy! All of Nine Heavens were nothing more than just grass that could be trampled on!

On the other hand, Tie Bu Tian's gaze was peaceful, warm and calm like the still surface of a pond. It was just like an ocean accepting thousands of tributaries with endless domination… Otherwise, it could be said that he was condescendingly watching over all the people from the clouds up high, with a majestic gaze that was scattered to the people below by the wind! It said, "I am the Emperor!"

"All that is beneath Heaven belongs to me; it is only logical that all shall bow down to me!"

While a part of his gaze was intentional, the other part seemed slightly unintentional. Without any prior arrangement, they have collided with full force!

This was a duel of power!

Nonetheless, this duel would have no outcome. If Chu Yang's gaze was in the form of the ocean's waves, then Tie Bu Tian's gaze would be in the form of the rocks. The waves simply rolled but did not cease to push forward. The rocks remained still and unwavered.

Ultimately, would the rocks break the waves? Or would the waves consume the rocks? How could it be clearly determined who the winner or loser would be?

However, Chu Yang's gaze was like a strong gust of cold wind that blew from all directions at Tie Bu Tian's troops. With a swoosh, he became an illusion that disappeared at the citadel's gate.

From the very beginning till the end, Chu Yang's gaze did not change one bit.

Tie Bu Tian slowly recovered his gaze, as he appeared to be pondering over something.

It was as if this was just a coincidental and brief encounter.

In fact, to the troops around Tie Bu Tian, this was merely a chanced meeting!

"That was a really terrifying person." Behind Tie Bu Tian, more than a dozen martial arts experts, with their martial energy activated, finally heaved a sigh a relief. Their faces were stern. Some of them even had a few drops of cold sweat on their noses. There were some rumbling noises beneath their feet as well. Since some soldiers were unable to control their energy well, their sudden release of martial energy caused the earth beneath their feet to crumble!

Just moments ago, they had felt as if they were thrown into a large field of ice and snow, giving their bodies a chill.

Although the stranger simply flew by without any actions taken against them, everyone was in a state of fear. It was as if a sharp sword with intentions to kill with insurmountable power had pierced through the air and could not be stopped!

"Really scary? How scary?" Tie Bu Tian asked thoughtfully as he looked in the direction that Chu Yang had gone.

"Based on this person's momentum and eyes, it could be presumed that he must be the world's number one killer!" A person in blue who was next to Tie Bu Tian paused for a moment, took a deep breath and continued in a thoughtful tone, "Fortunately, you were not his target, Prince, for there was not a single hint of killing intent in his eyes when he gazed at you… Only indifference."

After saying this, more than a dozen people around him thought instantly, "Facing the Prince of a country and such a grand ceremony… Yet being so dismissive… His resolve and determination must be out of this world."

This group of martial experts could not think of anyone in Jiang Hu who was so powerful. Evidently, this person was very young and at most seventeen to eighteen years old. They could not seem to pinpoint anyone that matched his powers among all the talented youths in Jiang Hu. Who could this person be?

"Oh?" A faint smile appeared on Tie Bu Tian's white, jade-like face as he spoke gently. "A scary person? How very interesting! If he did not view me as a target, then he mustn't be an enemy. If he is not an enemy, could he possibly be a friend?"

He turned around and looked at Du Shi Qing's carriage. Tie Bu Tian thought, "Did it appear that that person was the one who had split up from Physician Du's group earlier? There were no signs of him beforehand! He must have been a part of Du Shi Qing's group, right?"

Everyone turned and looked at one another. They had no other answer, so they simply nodded.

It was very obvious.

"If such a martial expert was a part of Du Shi Qing's group, then he must know this person very well." Tie Bu Tian spoke calmly, "And this person was headed at Iron Cloud Citadel…"

His eyes glimmered as he chuckled and said, "How could we let go of such a talent? Quickly send two people to see if they can catch up with him. No one is allowed to get into any fight with him regardless of the outcome."

Two of his subordinates that were standing behind him nodded and split from their formation. They whipped their horses and rode off at high speed. As the sounds of the horses' hooves thundered on the ground, they disappeared at the citadel gate within seconds.

Without turning around, Tie Bu Tian waved his sleeve slightly and said, "Follow me to welcome Divine Physician Du."

After facing Tie Bu Tian for just a short moment, Chu Yang left like a whirlwind. Yet, by the time he had entered the citadel, the convulsion in his heart had not subsided and he still had not managed to calm down.

"How could it be?" Chu Yang's mind was full of questions, "How could it be Icy Heart Jade Bone Saintly Technique? How could he know that technique? It's not odd that he knows Emperor Saintly Technique since it belongs to Iron Cloud Nation's royal family and it has been passed down for many generations. But… He clearly used Icy Heart Jade Bone Saintly Technique as well! How?!"

Icy Heart Jade Bone Saintly Technique belonged to the Divine Clan. Moreover, there was a very special set of requirements for its cultivation. Only either extremely feminine men or, for maximum effect, virgin maidens could cultivate it.

Masculine men would most probably not gain anything in their entire lifetime by cultivating the Icy Heart Jade Bone Saintly Technique. What puzzled Chu Yang the most was that Tie Bu Tian, who had such a powerful position, could cultivate any technique he desired. Why did he choose to cultivate Icy Heart Jade Bone Saintly Technique?

Nonetheless, the Prince of Iron Cloud Nation had also left a deep impression on Chu Yang. What intrigued him were his eyes that were clear as water, cold as ice, yet calm and peaceful, benevolent and unimaginably deep…

However, Chu Yang's greatest impression was that those magnificent eyes appeared as if they did not belong to the human world…

As his thoughts reached this point, Chu Yang could not help but bust out laughing. This prince seemed fearless, but he was probably too handsome that it seemed like he was a sissy! He was a perfect example of a pale, wealthy young master. Now that he thought about it, it was not that surprising that he cultivated Icy Heart Jade Bone Saintly Technique…

Finally, Du Shi Qing's carriage arrived in front of everyone. Manager Gao lifted up the curtain and Du Shi Qing stepped out carefully.

Tie Bu Tian took a step forward before bowing deeply, "Senior Du must have had a long and rough journey… I, Tie Bu Tian, warmly welcome you to Iron Cloud Citadel."

His voice was soothing and light-hearted, with a hint of calmness. Moreover, he was implicitly expressing how much he valued Du Shi Qing by using the word 'I' in its casual form instead of 'I' in its third-person, royal form. Judging from this, it was apparent that the Prince of Iron Cloud cared deeply about his father's illness.

"His Royal Prince is too kind. This old man is not that talented for your majesty to come all the way here just to greet me. I'm afraid that I am not worthy of receiving such kindness." Du Shi Qing hurriedly paid his respect as his face showed a hue of excitement.

"You need not be so modest. All you need to do is to treat my father's illness and you will be a great benefactor of all of Iron Cloud Nation! Any privilege would become ordinary." Tie Bu Tian let out a smile and politely stretched out his arm as he continued, "Senior Du, this way please!"

Du Shi Qing replied, "Your majesty, please lead the way!"

He then turned around and headed towards his carriage, amidst the cheers of the people at the citadel's gate.

"Senior Du, there is something that I wish to find out from you." Tie Bu Tian smiled and continued, "Earlier on, I saw a person from your group that moved so fast that it seemed like he was flying. Was this person a part of Senior Du's group?"