Chapter 1191: I Will Be Back

Yong Yuer was dazed, but immediately exploded, pointing at Ye Mo and shrieking, “It’s you! You dare come here? I’m going to kill him! Kill him!” Her face flushed crimson, her ample bosom heaving with agitation. Her appearance was alluring, yet no male cultivator dared meet her gaze.

“Yuer, what’s happening?” a tall, gentle-looking man beside her asked worriedly.

Yong Yuer took a breath and pointed again at Ye Mo. “He’s the bastard who damaged my chariot! If I hadn’t moved quickly, he would have harmed me. I’m going to kill him; his storage ring is compensation!”

The tall man’s face hardened, and he stared coldly at Ye Mo. “A mere body condensation state cultivator dares to touch my daughter? You’re asking to die!”

The surrounding cultivators felt a palpable wave of killing intent.

Ye Mo’s heart sank. This man was a Truth Realization state peak cultivator, his killing intent far exceeding Lu Wuhu’s. He was clearly Yong Yuer’s father, the leader of the Tong Hai Sect. Seeing the man’s rage, Ye Mo doubted he’d even have a chance to enter the Qu 18 Disks.

Meng Qi was more worried than Ye Mo and looked desperately at her master, hoping for intervention. Meng Hanan didn’t disappoint. Before Yong Lanyi could attack, she bowed. “Hanan greets Cult Leader Yong. Ye Mo will represent us in the tournament. If he failed to recognize Princess Yuer earlier and offended her, Hanan apologizes. Please forgive him this once, for the sake of the Sea Cultivator Alliance.”

Yong Lanyi’s face turned cold; he sneered. “I will kill him, even if he’s the overlord of the Heartless Sea! If you dare to stop me, don’t blame me.”

Ye Mo’s heart plummeted. He’d underestimated Meng Hanan, but still overestimated her influence.

“Martial Brother Wang…” Meng Hanan appealed to Wang Cang.

Wang Cang looked coldly at Ye Mo, poised to speak. His eyes revealed his intention to kill Ye Mo himself. There was no consideration for Ye Mo’s potential or the Sea Cultivator Alliance’s interests.

Ye Mo knew, without Wang Cang uttering a word, that he wouldn't receive assistance. Wang Cang might even disavow any connection.

Before Wang Cang could speak, Ye Mo rose and saluted Yong Lanyi. “Cult Leader Yong, I offended Princess Yuer earlier through ignorance. But now, I represent the Sea Cultivator Alliance. Killing me before everyone will shame the Alliance; who would dare join us?”

Yong Lanyi laughed, his eyes cold. “I’ll kill you now. So what?”

Wang Cang’s discomfort was evident, but he remained silent.

Ye Mo continued, “Cult Leader, you desire my death for offending Princess Yuer. But I’m a grateful man. Sea Cultivator Alliance Leader Wang greatly aided me; I wish to compete in this tournament for him. Afterwards, you can do as you please.”

Wang Cang’s cold exterior masked fury. He’d never met Ye Mo before today, yet the man claimed a debt. Ye Mo's participation was crucial for the Alliance, but Wang Cang refused conflict with Yong Lanyi over this insignificant cultivator.

“Hmph! I will rip your tendons and burn your soul! You think the tournament offers escape? Fail, and you'll be immediately teleported out. But I want you dead now,” Yong Yuer spat.

Ye Mo said calmly, “That is acceptable. Once I repay Alliance Leader Wang, you can do as you wish.”

Whispers rippled through the crowd.

Wang Cang knew he must speak, saluting Yong Lanyi. “Brother Yong, I misjudged him. I wouldn’t have helped had I known. Since he offended Princess Yuer, he deserves death. Do as you see fit. I won’t interfere.”

Ye Mo’s heart grew colder. Wang Cang's cowardice was staggering.

“Give me your storage ring,” Yong Yuer demanded.

Ye Mo, relieved, readily surrendered his storage ring. “I offended Princess Yuer; I don't intend to live. Please take my ring.” He then saluted Yong Lanyi. “Cult Leader, if you doubt me, kill me now.” He saluted Wang Cang. “Alliance Leader Wang, my gratitude remains unchanged. If Cult Leader Yong wishes to kill me, please don't intervene. Though I cannot compete for the Sea Cultivator Alliance, I remain eternally grateful.”

Wang Cang's face darkened; Ye Mo had publicly humiliated him. Still, he offered no help.

Ye Mo considered escape. His Five Element Mobility was potent, but could he overcome a Truth Realization state cultivator like Yong Lanyi? He would not die passively. Even in death, he would take someone with him.

He felt helpless. Relying on others was unreliable. Meng Hanan's efforts were ultimately futile.

Yong Lanyi, observing Yong Yuer examining the storage ring and noting Wang Cang's grim face, declared, “You cannot escape. Your delaying tactics are transparent. I’ll grant Alliance Leader Wang face and let you live… a little longer.”

“Father, not for long,” Yong Yuer said, addressing a towering man. “Brother, I leave this to you. Surely you can subdue a ringless man?”

The man sneered. “Sister, don’t worry. Such trash is crushed with a finger.”

Ye Mo recognized Yong Wuzi, a Cauldron Filling state level three cultivator. His thick lips and dark features were menacing. Meng Qi’s fear was understandable. Ye Mo wondered how Yong Lanyi produced such a son.

Meng Qi felt a fleeting relief, but then remembered Yong Wuzi’s participation in the Qu 18 Disks. Their survival was far from assured.

“The Qu 18 Disks formation is open. Contestants, enter the first disk,” the announcer declared.

Ye Mo was exhilarated. The Qu 18 Disks offered escape. Failing that, he'd use the Golden Page World. He could only hope to protect Meng Qi by killing Yong Wuzi.

Ye Mo entered with a bowed head, appearing to accept his fate. Meng Hanan, burdened by guilt, remained silent.

Yong Wuzi snarled, “You'll regret entering.” Then he followed.

At the entrance, Ye Mo turned to Yong Lanyi. “Cult Leader Yong, I will be back.”