Chapter 812: I Will Be Killing Someone
The sword blossoms erupted before Ye Mo. Wang Yijian was astonished; Ye Mo neither drew his sword nor dodged. Was he courting death? Even Cai Ji and Zeng Zhengxia felt a chill despite knowing Ye Mo would prevail.
Ye Mo, of course, wasn't suicidal. Wang Yijian was skilled, but far inferior to Len Quan and his peers. Len Quan had fallen to Ye Mo; Wang Yijian, now facing a significantly stronger Ye Mo, posed no real threat. Ye Mo didn't dodge because he didn't need to. His hands described a half-circle, effortlessly containing the icy sword rays and lethal intent. It was as if he held a sphere of water; closing his hands, he dissipated the attack completely.
Those with keen eyes saw the explosive sword force contained within Ye Mo's grasp, unable to escape. Wang Yijian stared, dumbfounded. His sword was held fast, immovable despite his exertion of internal energy. His face paled. He'd lost—in a single move! Worse, he hadn't even managed a counterattack, and Ye Mo could have easily killed him. He'd anticipated defeat, but only after a protracted battle. This effortless loss was humiliating. He'd underestimated Ye Mo profoundly.
Shame burned Wang Yijian's face. Half a century devoted to martial arts, yet he was defeated so easily, his confidence shattered.
Ye Mo released Wang Yijian's longsword, unwilling to further embarrass the dedicated martial artist. He bore him no ill will.
"I lost," Wang Yijian finally admitted, still clutching his sword. He realized his limited perspective. Ye Mo's earlier claim of superiority hadn't been arrogance, but a respectful assessment. He hadn't even warranted a full attack.
Seeing Wang Yijian's despair, Ye Mo sighed, "Sect Leader Wang, your defeat stems not from a lack of talent or willpower, but from a failure to comprehend true ancient martial arts. If you retain your faith, speak with Sect Leader Zeng and Cai Ji. Complete dedication to ancient martial arts isn't always the optimal path. You might miss something crucial, like—"
"Like the fact that you're not the true number one master of Jiu Ming Academy."
Wang Yijian recalled Cai Ji and Zeng Zhengxia's rapid advancement after a single night with Ye Mo. Hope rekindled. Perhaps his understanding of martial arts was flawed. He could learn from them. And as for not being the number one master, he interpreted it as Ye Mo acknowledging his skill.
"Thank you, City Lord Ye," Wang Yijian bowed deeply. He knew the chasm between himself and Ye Mo was vast.
The onlookers were stunned. Many hadn't expected Wang Yijian's defeat, let alone its swiftness. Was this the anticipated pinnacle battle? It was a joke.
Wang Yijian remained, curious about Ye Mo's next target and his earlier assertion of invincibility. Then, a chilling thought struck him: was there someone in Jiu Ming Academy stronger than himself?
Pang Wei's pupils dilated as he watched Ye Mo effortlessly disarm Wang Yijian. He knew Ye Mo was powerful, but not to this extent. This far surpassed Wang Yijian's skill. He could likely have done the same, but he knew the Jiu Ming Academy style, while Ye Mo didn't. Their equal skill was undeniable.
Pang Wei's eyes darkened. Ye Mo's youth and strength hinted at a hidden secret. He wouldn't let Ye Mo escape; he would kill him. He couldn't allow a potential threat to exist.
Turning to leave, he heard Ye Mo: "As I said, I have other matters to attend to beyond sparring with Sect Leader Wang. I will be killing someone today. That person is Jiu Ming Academy's Pang Wei."
Silence fell. Ye Mo offered no explanation, yet none was needed. Did the strongest among the hidden sects require justification?
Jiu Ming Academy was shocked. Pang Wei, the second-in-command, maintained a low profile. Why would Ye Mo target him? Feng Wu, far more likely to offend Ye Mo, seemed a more logical target. Feng Wu was equally stunned.
"City Lord Ye?"
Ye Mo silenced Feng Wu with a wave. His gaze locked on Pang Wei, "Come forward. If you kill me, it will be by your own strength, and no one will seek vengeance."
Pang Wei turned, narrowing his eyes. "I have no involvement in Jiu Ming Academy's affairs. Why do you seek my death?"
A sword materialized in Ye Mo's hand. "Because I dislike you. Is that insufficient?"
Pang Wei laughed scornfully. "City Lord Ye, you overstep. Jiu Ming Academy is a major sect. You'd kill its members without cause? Do all powerful figures revel in slaughter? You annihilated Gourd Cave; now you target our academy?"
Many watched tensely. An admission would incite a full-scale assault.
Ye Mo sneered, "You're a master of deception. Twenty years ago, you robbed a family, murdered them all, and raped three women. Have you forgotten?"
"You're courting death!" Pang Wei was shocked. How did Ye Mo know? And why reveal it publicly? He had to kill Ye Mo; the secret of the Wu God Chant couldn't be revealed.