Chapter 919: Only One Move
Ye Mo surveyed the ravaged valley, the evidence of a recent battle stark. The opposing force, he surmised, had been cultivators from the South Peace State. Guang Wei’s assessment proved correct; they had come with a specific purpose. The South Peace State boasted significantly higher cultivation levels than other regions, dwarfing even the comparatively weak North Far State.
“It’s you? Where are Martial Brothers Luo and Xin?” a fifth-level Golden Core cultivator demanded, recognizing Guang Wei. He found it inexplicable that a first-level Golden Core cultivator like Guang Wei had returned unscathed, while their fourth and third-level cultivators remained missing.
Guang Wei sneered. “What’s their disappearance got to do with me? Am I their keeper?”
The North Far State cultivators erupted in laughter. Qin Muxin, noticing Ye Mo, asked Guang Wei, “Martial Sister, why is he here? Isn’t this… unwise?”
Guang Wei gestured to Ye Mo. “Martial Brother Ye, come here.” Then, addressing Qin Muxin, she explained, “I sought Martial Brother Ye’s aid, unaware you already had assistance.”
A nearby cultivator, close to Zhe Qiushui of Duo Heart Valley, guffawed. “You found a Foundation Establishment cultivator to help?”
Guang Wei’s reply was icy. “Laughing at others? You’re a Foundation Establishment cultivator yourself.” She knew the cultivator—a Foundation Establishment Hall of Fame member—but held him in utter contempt.
Qin Muxin sensed Guang Wei’s unfairness, but the laughter had unsettled her as well. However, given Duo Heart Valley’s recent aid, she merely glared at the laughing cultivator.
Zhe Qiushui quickly chided, “Hai Xin, show some respect. Martial Sister Guang Wei is your senior; such rudeness is unacceptable.”
Hai Xin bowed to Guang Wei, falling silent. Zhe Qiushui then addressed Guang Wei, “Those Golden Core cultivators were formidable. Even I couldn't guarantee victory against either. Furthermore, while Hai Xin is a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator and second in the Hall of Fame, he’s out of line speaking to a Golden Core cultivator.” He delicately conveyed his disapproval of Guang Wei's choice of assistance. Guang Wei remained silent; Hai Xin posed no threat to Ye Mo. Indeed, even Zhe Qiushui himself might not fare well against Ye Mo, a prodigy unlike any she'd encountered.
Seeing Guang Wei's unconcealed disdain, Hai Xin, feeling slighted, approached Ye Mo. “I’ve heard of your strength. Let’s see. Three moves will suffice.”
Ye Mo, already frustrated by his inability to locate the Yellow Three Leaves, found this challenge unwelcome. Hai Xin’s supposed superiority meant little to him.
Observing Ye Mo’s lack of weapon preparation, Hai Xin forewent his own. He raised a hand. “Bare-handed combat. Three moves.”
Ye Mo’s gaze was cold. “What is your relationship to Hai Dan?”
Hai Xin, momentarily stunned, replied, “She’s my sister. Why?” His expression darkened; Ye Mo’s question implied his sister had been harmed.
Ye Mo nodded. “Then make it quick. I haven't the time. One move.”
Hai Xin’s face flushed. Even Li Zhaohua, the top-ranked Foundation Establishment cultivator, wouldn't dare such arrogance.
Without further words, Hai Xin unleashed his full cultivation essence in a powerful punch, aiming to cripple Ye Mo.
Qin Muxin winced; months prior, she would have been no match for Hai Xin. Zhe Qiushui sighed, producing a recovery pill—for Ye Mo, to avoid offending Guang Wei. Both he and Qin Muxin found Guang Wei’s unconcern perplexing.
Ye Mo felt the crushing force of Hai Xin’s attack, sensing the intent to inflict grievous injury. His eyes narrowed as he countered with a single punch.
Hai Xin’s technique, which bound opponents and forced them to receive the blow, was ineffective against Ye Mo, who effortlessly broke free and delivered a direct strike.
The impact sent Hai Xin reeling. Zhe Qiushui caught him, discovering his hand was shattered. He administered a healing pill.
The onlookers were astounded. Even a first-level Golden Core cultivator wouldn't have dispatched Hai Xin so easily with a bare fist.
Ye Mo dusted his hands. “You’re much like your sister. But for Yu Ruyu’s sake, I’ll only break one arm.”
The mention of Yu Ruyu, Hai Xin's sister's fiancé from the God Sword Sect, left no doubt of Ye Mo's identity.
The reality settled upon them: this Foundation Establishment cultivator possessed overwhelming power, having vanquished the second-ranked Foundation Establishment cultivator with a single, seemingly effortless blow.
Qin Muxin murmured, “He’s that strong?”
Guang Wei nodded. “He is strong, but has a peculiar personality. After saving me, you know what he said? He repeated my words back to me: ‘Go home and concoct pills.’”
“He saved you?” Qin Muxin exclaimed, even more shocked.
Before Guang Wei could respond, the Golden Core cultivator who had earlier confronted Qin Muxin addressed Ye Mo icily. “Do you have something to do with our missing Martial Brothers?” Ye Mo's power rivaled a primary-stage Golden Core cultivator, and his presence with Guang Wei was suspicious.
Ye Mo cast a contemptuous glance and remained silent, his mind on the elusive Yellow Three Leaves and Guang Wei's inaction.
At that moment, more sword lights arrived, bringing reinforcements for both sides.
The peak Golden Core cultivator from the South Peace State declared, “We have sufficient numbers. Let's proceed.”