Chapter 1149: So It's to Kill Ye Mo
Zhang Wu sought revenge for Zhan Shuiyong before departing. Upon Yu Tong's arrival to support Wen Caiyi, Zhang Wu, recognizing his inferiority, saluted, "Brother Yu is already in the nascent soul state tertiary stage; I cannot win." He then left.
Following Zhang Wu's departure, core disciples from major sects arrived, their true target being Wen Caiyi. The situation escalated, relieving Wen Caiyi's awkward predicament. Ye Mo remained preoccupied with Luo Ying; he would have left with her, were it not for his current inability to depart.
Six hours later, a powerful explosion drew their attention. Two cultivators, one hollow spirit state level five and the other level seven, were engaged in battle. The level five cultivator belonged to the Black Ice Sect, while the level seven hailed from Nan Gong Village, an eight-star sect. Ye Mo, though initially unconcerned, had grown interested in Nan Gong Village after hearing Shan Bingfeng's account of its former status as a nine-star sect, then known as Fish Jump Through Dragon Gate Village. He had planned to visit once he was stronger.
The Nan Gong Village cultivator decisively overpowered his opponent from the Black Ice Sect, inflicting grievous injuries. The Black Ice Sect elders and sect leader visibly reacted to this defeat. The competition, jointly organized by the Black Ice Sect and Infinity Sect, had turned disastrous for the Black Ice Sect; their last hollow spirit state level five disciple had been defeated. This was humiliating for the hosts, especially as they were losing their “wife” (Wen Caiyi) to other sects in front of the assembled dignitaries. Their more powerful sect members were all over sixty.
Even other sects were puzzled; Nan Gong Village, merely an eight-star sect, seemed to have gone to excessive lengths to defeat a Black Ice Sect member.
Observing Ye Mo's focus on the Nan Gong Village cultivator, Mi Zhenjie transmitted, "That is Nan Gong Village's prodigy, Nan Gong Yihui. A hollow spirit state level seven, ranked 39th on the hollow spirit state trial tablet, with twelve consecutive victories."
Ye Mo nodded, surprised by Nan Gong Village's bold display and blatant disregard for the Black Ice Sect.
A Black Ice Sect elder, acting as announcer, declared, "Nan Gong Village's Nan Gong Yihui claims victory. Does anyone wish to challenge him for Goddess Wen?"
Repeatedly posing the question yielded no response. The core disciples, witnessing Nan Gong Yihui's power, had lost their nerve.
Nan Gong Yihui smirked confidently, his gaze fixed on Wen Caiyi with undisguised delight; she was, to him, already his.
Then, a square-faced cultivator stepped forward. Nan Gong Yihui, unused to encountering worthy opponents, saw the hollow spirit state level six cultivator and his eyes gleamed.
"I've longed for a proper challenge! Friend, you've arrived at the perfect moment. Unleash your magic artifact; I'll grant you three moves." Nan Gong Yihui brandished his crescent blades.
The square-faced cultivator responded dismissively, "You are no match for me. I'm not challenging you; stand aside."
This unprecedented audacity chilled Nan Gong Yihui. He would have already dismembered his opponent, were it not for his elders' repeated instructions against mimicking Ye Mo's ruthlessness. They had strictly forbidden killing within the competition. This cultivator's words ignited his murderous intent.
"Let's see if you're truly unmatched," Nan Gong Yihui declared, releasing his crescent blades. Their deployment produced a piercing sound, unleashing circling sword light that enveloped the square-faced cultivator, the rings seemingly multiplying endlessly.
The onlookers knew the potency of this technique. The crescent rings were ominous; escape was extremely difficult once ensnared. Given Nan Gong Yihui's restrictions against killing, few would survive.
The square-faced cultivator, upon being trapped, altered his expression but sneered, executing several hand signs. A red mist surrounded him, causing the white blade rings to dissipate. He was soon completely free.
A large bell appeared above his head as he coldly addressed Nan Gong Yihui, "You may now fight me."
Before Nan Gong Yihui could respond, a more handsome and affable young cultivator intervened. Stopping the square-faced cultivator, he saluted Nan Gong Yihui, "Caiyi is our martial sister; we do not seek to contest her with you. This is my martial brother, Tie Baifei, who admires Goddess Susu's beauty. Martial Brother Nan Gong, you are not interested in Goddess Susu, are you?"
Nan Gong Yihui hastily waved his hand, "No, how could I be? I only desire Goddess Wen."
The smiling youth's disappointment was evident, but he continued, "With no further challengers, my sister is at your disposal."
"Right, right, my apologies for my earlier rudeness," Nan Gong Yihui realized the other cultivator was Wen Caiyi's brother. Offending him would have dire consequences. Despite his hollow spirit state level seven prowess and self-perception as a top genius, his addressing the level six Tie Baifei as "martial brother" revealed his deep infatuation with Wen Caiyi.
After Nan Gong Yihui's departure, the smiling youth looked at him with disdain, briefly patting the square-faced cultivator's shoulder before remaining silent.
It was clear to all that their arrival signaled trouble; even the possibility of Ye Mo's death.
Yan Guan recognized the Infinity Sect's intention to eliminate Ye Mo. A significant conflict clearly existed between them; otherwise, they would not have dispatched two masters so rapidly. Even with a teleportation formation, high-grade space transmission runes would have been necessary.
Should the Infinity Sect kill Ye Mo here, the Black Ice Sect would face Pill City's wrath.
Those favorably disposed toward Ye Mo lamented his plight, while those who resented him rejoiced.
After their departure, the square-faced cultivator loudly announced, "Infinity Sect's Tie Baifei admires Black Ice Sect's Luo Susu. I challenge anyone who shares his admiration."
Susu looked at Ye Mo, bewildered. She was already with Ye Mo; why was this being declared?
Fortunately, Tie Baifei's actual strength remained unknown, preventing undue concern and attempts to dissuade Ye Mo from the fight.
Few held a favorable view of Ye Mo's chances. He was powerful, but the disparity between him and a hollow spirit state level six cultivator was immense. Tie Baifei was comparable to Nan Gong Yihui, and everyone had witnessed Nan Gong Yihui's might.
Even Le Yao sighed; she had recently connected with Ye Mo, and now he was on the brink of death. Even if she wished to help, she was powerless.
Ye Mo comforted the two girls before approaching Tie Baifei and summoning Zi Xu. He said nothing, but his killing intent surged; Zi Xu hummed, seemingly anticipating the battle more eagerly than Ye Mo himself.