Chapter 254: Sacrifice to the Sword, Exert Dominance

Zhang Zhihui remained silent; no reply was necessary. More than ten people had already surrounded them.

Ye Mo coldly scanned the twelve assailants: one Earth Level (elementary stage), four Black Level, and seven Yellow Level.

The Earth Level cultivator, Zheng Chengfa, mistakenly believing Ye Mo to be apprehended, addressed Zhang Zhihui: "Brother Zhang, we of the Broken Fist Hall understand your purpose. We merely request you relinquish Mo Xiao Bei after acquiring the Liu Blue carrot. I, Zheng Chengfa, will compensate you."

Ignoring the Earth Level martial artist, Zhang Zhihui respectfully addressed Ye Mo: "Senior Ye, these are members of the Broken Fist Hall. Because Senior Ye killed their leader's brother, Zheng Chengze, they've brought nearly all their elites. Their leader is Zheng Chengfa."

Zheng Chengfa, shocked by Zhang Zhihui's words, exclaimed, "Zhang Zhihui, what are you doing? While we have numbers, they're useless against Earth Level masters."

Ye Mo surveyed Zheng Chengfa and flatly stated, "From this day forward, the Broken Fist Hall ceases to exist. I will erase it."

Zheng Chengfa, though apprehensive about Zhang Zhihui's actions, refused to let revenge slip away. He believed Ye Mo's boldness stemmed from Zhang Zhihui's support. He retorted, "How dare you? Zhang Zhihui, do you think you can single-handedly take on the Broken Fist Hall? Your Zhang family will face a bloodbath!"

"You talk too much," Ye Mo said, his flying sword transforming into a purple beam that shot towards Zheng Chengfa's forehead like a falling star.

Zheng Chengfa blocked the sword, but his own weapon shattered. Before he could react, Ye Mo's flying sword pierced the back of his neck. "Flying Sword..." he gasped, collapsing dead, eyes wide with shock. The purple-glowing sword remained suspended in the air, striking fear into the hearts of the onlookers.

The eleven remaining men froze. A flying sword—the legendary weapon! They couldn't believe it, yet their strongest leader was dead, felled with a single blocked strike, his precious sword sacrificed in the process. Far weaker than Earth Level, and lacking comparable weapons, they wouldn't even see the sword before being killed.

Zhang Zhihui broke into a sweat. He wouldn't have lasted more than three strikes against the comet-like speed of the sword. Even an Earth Level master could barely withstand ten strikes; only a Great Heaven Level master could hope to do better.

A Black Level peak cultivator reacted first, screaming as he fled at the sight of the hovering sword, fear overwhelming him.

Ye Mo sneered. He wouldn't leave any alive. Unlike Zhang Zhihui, the Broken Fist Hall was a hidden sect, and leaving survivors would guarantee their return. He had already killed their leader's brother, leaving no room for reconciliation; only annihilation would suffice. Zhang Zhihui, however, possessed significant wealth and a large family, and their feud was less significant, making his survival more useful.

With a thought, Ye Mo's flying sword became a purple blur, swiftly piercing the heads of the remaining fighters.

In an instant, only two remained. Ye Mo's sword spun in the air, then stilled.

The terrified survivors fell to their knees, heads bowed in submission.

The bloody scene made Zhang Zhihui shudder—this was pure carnage. He no longer doubted Ye Mo's ability to annihilate his entire family. This man killed without emotion, clearly a seasoned killer.

The Broken Fist Hall, a mid-ranked hidden sect, had lost over ninety percent of its elites. This Senior Ye was far more ruthless than he’d imagined; he spared Zhang Zhihui's life for unknown reasons. A wave of icy dread washed over Zhang Zhihui; he noticed Ye Mo's sneering gaze.

"Senior Ye..." Zhang Zhihui felt a prickle of fear.

Ye Mo merely stared, then looked away, closing his eyes.

Zhang Zhihui was terrified. Was he next? Yet, why spare two?

Ye Mo's gaze drifted to his sword, then to the two remaining men, and Zhang Zhihui understood: Ye Mo wanted him to kill them. Failure to demonstrate loyalty would mean instant death.

Without hesitation, Zhang Zhihui swiftly killed the remaining two. They were bewildered; they had expected the flying sword to kill them.

"You're very good," Ye Mo said, retrieving his sword.

Zhang Zhihui wiped his brow, muttering about the cryptic nature of Ye Mo's command.

Relieved, he said, "Senior Ye, these Broken Fist Hall members were evil; they deserved their fate. Allow me to dispose of the bodies."

He began to clear the scene; even among hidden sects, such matters required secrecy.

Ye Mo smiled, "No need."

He casually launched over ten fireballs—his Stage 3 Chi Gathering peak allowed for fourteen at most. The bodies were reduced to ashes, cracking the earth.

Zhang Zhihui was stunned. If the flying sword had shocked him, the fireballs showcased the power of a god. He stared in disbelief at the ashes, speechless.

Ye Mo, having asserted his dominance, dropped the polite formalities. "Zhang Zhihui."

"Yes, Senior Ye," Zhang Zhihui responded with reverence and fear.

Ye Mo knew he needed to reward Zhang Zhihui. Satisfied with his fear, Ye Mo asked, "Do you know the Broken Fist Hall's location?"

"Yes, I've been there," Zhang Zhihui replied readily.

"Good. Finish them. That shouldn't be a problem, right?" Ye Mo's tone carried an implicit threat; he was certain of Zhang Zhihui's compliance.

Zhang Zhihui dared not refuse. Even if he didn't kill them, he wouldn't defy Ye Mo.

"Excellent. After eliminating them, meet me at the Zhang family estate. You've been stuck at Earth Level Middle Stage for some time, haven't you? If you please me, I'll help you break through." Ye Mo offered the promised reward.

Zhang Zhihui was astounded. Decades of striving had failed to yield a breakthrough. This offer was like a nuclear bomb. He believed Ye Mo implicitly—a Great Heaven Level master wouldn't lie about such a minor thing.

Only Great Heaven Level masters could significantly extend lifespans. Reaching Earth Level Tertiary Stage was crucial for his survival.

Ye Mo's promise resonated profoundly. Zhang Zhihui understood Ye Mo's intent: a test of loyalty.

He immediately pledged, "Senior Ye, rest assured, not a single member of the Broken Fist Hall will escape."