Chapter 1153: Yang Feicheng’s Determination
Lu Wuhu produced a jade box, sealed the Li Ming Fire within, and then fixed a cold gaze on Yang Feicheng. “Since when, in the cultivation realm, did the victor return the belongings of the defeated? I’ve heard it’s the spoils of war. The Li Ming Fire has been known for a long time. If I, Lu Wuhu, wished to take it, I would have done so already. Brother Ye gave it to me; everyone heard it. Are your ears defective, Sect Leader Yang?”
Everyone understood Lu Wuhu's character. He never made a bad deal, but he also never robbed anyone, regardless of the treasure's value. This earned him the respect of the cultivation realm. However, once something was given to him, it was irretrievable.
Everyone witnessed Ye Mo give the Li Ming Flame to Lu Wuhu. Yang Feicheng’s rage was palpable, but he was powerless. He glared at Ye Mo, his hatred too profound for words. Ye Mo had already slain their prodigy, Yuan Guannan, and three more Infinity Sect Hollow Spirit State prodigies before his very eyes, yet he could do nothing.
He regretted summoning Ming Wujian. The Fire Eating Bugs were now dead, and he blamed Ming Wujian for concealing their weakness and for foolishly displaying them. However, Yang Feicheng misjudged Ming Wujian; he had only recently obtained the bugs and was unaware of their vulnerability.
Upon receiving the black gourd and the jade slip detailing the bugs, he was ecstatic. He immediately destroyed the jade slip and focused on nurturing them, neglecting his sword dao in the process. He didn't mind; he had used the Fire Eating Bugs in battle several times, and they proved invincible. He had even unknowingly slain a Body Condensation State Level One cultivator with them, solidifying his belief in their invincibility.
But the jade slip mentioned another creature—the Shadowless Worm. If the Fire Eating Bugs encountered them, they would be instantly overwhelmed. The slip also stated that the Shadowless Worm wasn't a spirit bug and rarely appeared in the cultivation realm. Unfortunately, Ming Wujian encountered one.
Ye Mo’s Shadowless Worm was subtly deployed, but a few noticed. Unsure of its nature, and with Lu Wuhu standing behind Ye Mo, no one dared to question it. Many speculated about what Ye Mo released later into the black gourd, but their curiosity remained unsated.
Ye Mo's presence prompted many sects to withdraw their prodigy disciples. He was undeniably formidable; only a Body Condensation State cultivator could reliably defeat him, but a sixty-year-old cultivator of that level was exceptionally rare.
Wang Chuanhe stated grimly, “Even if Fei Yu and the others were here, they couldn’t fight. They are no match for Ye Mo. He cannot be defeated by a cultivator of the same level.”
The Lightning Cloud Sect cultivators disagreed, but their sect leader's order silenced them.
Wen Caiyi coldly observed Ye Mo until Nan Gong Yihui's persistence irritated her. Then she calmly declared, “My husband must be the strongest, and you haven't defeated City Lord Ye. I cannot love you.”
Nan Gong Yihui was stunned. He hadn't noticed Wen Caiyi’s dismissal upon his arrival. Why would she want him to challenge City Lord Ye? He hadn't previously considered Ye Mo a threat, but after Ye Mo killed Tie Baifei and Ming Wujian, he realized Ye Mo's strength.
Wen Caiyi sneered silently.
Nan Gong Yihui hastily said, “Martial Sister Caiyi, City Lord Ye showed no interest in you…” realizing his words were inappropriate, he quickly amended, “…City Lord Ye stated that those pursuing you shouldn't challenge him.”
Wen Caiyi’s face hardened. “But I like him because he is the strongest. If you can defeat him, I will love you immediately. But if you fear challenging him, and still claim to love me, isn't that shameful? I, Wen Caiyi, desire only the strongest. If you are afraid, I will not force you.”
She then ignored Nan Gong Yihui.
Nan Gong Yihui was bewildered. He hadn’t anticipated this, but considering Wen Caiyi's words, he knew that failing to challenge Ye Mo would leave him without a chance.
He nodded. “I will challenge City Lord Ye. I will make the person you love the strongest.”
Wen Caiyi smiled softly. “Then be careful; his purple ray is very powerful.”
“I know.” Nan Gong Yihui’s heart soared.
Ye Mo was returning to his seat when Nan Gong Yihui stopped him.
Before Nan Gong Yihui could speak, a Nan Gong Village elder shouted, “Yihui, return!”
Nan Gong Yihui smiled at Ye Mo. “City Lord Ye, wait a moment. I will fight you soon. Don't worry; I'm not here for Goddess Susu, but for Caiyi.”
Ye Mo smiled; he knew Nan Gong Yihui was a pawn in Wen Caiyi’s game.
Shortly after, the elder told Ye Mo, “Yihui is injured and cannot fight today. Please forgive us, City Lord Ye.”
Ye Mo cupped his fists in a salute. “Brother Nan Gong is a Hollow Spirit State Level Seven cultivator with more than ten consecutive victories. Even Ye Mo is no match for him.”
Ye Mo returned to his seat. The elder was relieved; he prevented Nan Gong Yihui from fighting not out of fear of Ye Mo, but to prevent him from being manipulated by Wen Caiyi.
With no further challengers, Yan Guan rose. “Many prodigies participated today, and some injuries were unavoidable. Thankfully, the competition has concluded successfully. City Lord Ye may depart with his beloved, our core disciple Susu…”
Susu bowed to Yan Guan. “Susu thanks Sect Leader and Master.”
Yan Guan smiled, while Fan Lianzhu’s expression was somber.
Yan Guan continued, “Infinity Sect Goddess Wen…”
The elder who spoke with Ye Mo interrupted, “Thank you, Sect Leader Yan. Our sect will propose a marriage to the Infinity Sect…”
Yan Guan breathed a sigh of relief. The Nan Gong Village elder's statement, bypassing a direct greeting to the Infinity Sect, revealed their lack of genuine interest in a proposal. This intervention saved Yan Guan from an awkward situation. Wen Caiyi’s disinterest in Nan Gong Yihui, and the Infinity Sect’s in Nan Gong Village, was clear to all, except perhaps Nan Gong Yihui.
“Then the competition concludes. Black Ice Sect thanks all sect leaders and elders for attending. Feel free to stay as long as you wish; you are our VIP guests.”
Applause erupted, though everyone knew it was a polite dismissal. The Black Ice Sect wanted them to leave.
The Black Ice Sect and Infinity Sect had convened this gathering for the South Alliance, but after the competition, Yan Guan made no mention of it. He clearly deemed the matter unfavorable. Yang Feicheng and the Infinity Sect elders remained silent; even the Black Ice Sect showed no support, signifying the South Alliance’s implausibility.
All because of Ye Mo! Yang Feicheng's singular thought was Ye Mo's demise. Despite Lu Wuhu's presence, he believed that utilizing the full might of the Infinity Sect would grant him a chance. The Infinity Sect possessed five Truth Realization State cultivators, and by cooperating with the Lightning Cloud Sect to first restrain Lu Wuhu, killing Ye Mo would be feasible. The conflict was now overt; swift action was necessary. He doubted Pill City would fight two 9-star sects to the death for Ye Mo.