Chapter 992: Already Made a Move

The moment he decided to attack, Ye Mo unleashed Zi Xu and maximized his Purple Eye Soul Sever, disregarding the self-inflicted damage. He combined this with the Illusion Cloud Whirlpool Strike, unleashing his most potent and self-destructive attack. His fifth-level Golden Core cultivation amplified the Illusion Cloud Whirlpool Strike's power significantly, creating a dense purple whirlpool of sword rays that completely enveloped Mo Qianli.

Ye Mo covered the intervening thousands of meters in an instant, arriving as the purple sword rays surrounded Mo Qianli. But Mo Qianli's sneering expression chilled Ye Mo to the bone. He sensed a profound unease. He finally understood: Mo Qianli had underestimated him—not the other way around. Mo Qianli had seen through his feigned injuries, both times.

His earlier comment about letting Ye Mo's opponents die first was a calculated ruse, designed to lower Ye Mo's guard. Even while engaging Tong Zhong and Ao Qilong, Mo Qianli remained acutely aware of Ye Mo's potential ambush. His claim of having seen through Ye Mo's trap formation served only to lull him into a false sense of security. From the outset, Mo Qianli had been actively targeting Ye Mo, while Ye Mo remained preoccupied with his own schemes.

Realizing his error, Ye Mo attempted to withdraw Zi Xu, knowing his whirlpool strike was insufficient to kill Mo Qianli. However, before he could react, countless black strings coalesced into a thumb-sized strand that struck his chest, causing a horrifying sensation of suppression within his dantian.

He saw clearly that these spear-like black strings originated from the mace, instantly mobilized by Mo Qianli. Ye Mo lacked the time to interpose Zi Xu. He’d faced numerous Golden Core masters, but none possessed Mo Qianli's speed. Even a direct confrontation might have been impossible, let alone an ambush.

Undeterred, Ye Mo spat out essence blood and again maximized his Purple Eye Soul Sever, determined to retaliate even in death. Just as the black string was about to pierce his chest, the pressure—and the string—paused. Seizing the opportunity, Ye Mo released Zi Xu to shield himself.

He knew this pause wasn't mercy, but a consequence of his Soul Pike. Without it, he would be dead. Immediately, he unleashed his Illusion Cloud Exert Will Strike with all his might.

Mo Qianli gasped, a trickle of blood escaping his lips, yet his sneer remained. "You didn't disappoint me," he stated. "I've devoted 40% of my focus to those two Ao Cheng Merchant Association 'idiots,' 60% to you, and you still managed to injure me. Even so, you still die…"

The thick black strand exploded into countless finer strands, encasing Ye Mo. Tong Sheng, barely alive thanks to Ye Mo, watched in stunned silence. Mo Qianli hadn't been using his full power in the earlier fight; this—the heaven-covering black strings—was his true strength. Even Tong Zhong trembled at the sight.

He now understood: the fifth-level Golden Core's feigned injuries were not for their fight but for Mo Qianli. The trap formation had been set not for them but for Mo Qianli. From beginning to end, they had been targeting each other.

A terrifying Golden Core mid-stage cultivator. Tong Zhong knew Ye Mo’s death was inevitable; he’d never seen a fifth-level Golden Core cultivator so powerful. The thought that he and his young master had considered Ye Mo an arriviste was laughable.

Ao Qilong, barely clinging to life, also stared in disbelief. He knew Ye Mo's death was certain; yet, without Mo Qianli, this "insect" of a fifth-level Golden Core would have long since finished them off.

"The outside world is dangerous," Ao Qilong finally grasped his father's warning. His power was insignificant in North Far State; his respect stemmed from the Ao Cheng Merchant Association, not his own strength.

Even Mo Qianli sensed Ye Mo's imminent demise, feeling a sense of relief. This fifth-level Golden Core was the strongest he’d encountered. Only careful planning and strategy gave him the advantage. Now, surrounded by the evil soul strands, escape was impossible, even for a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Still, Mo Qianli remained wary. He relentlessly assaulted Ye Mo with the black strands, ignoring Tong Zhong and Ao Qilong. Only Ye Mo himself didn't believe he would die. He had regained his composure.

He knew he couldn't be pierced by those strands; it would be his end. He activated his Illusion Cloud Exert Will Strike, generating countless sword rays that formed a defensive formation, precisely blocking each strand.

Initially, Mo Qianli was unconcerned, but as his strands were consistently thwarted, his face changed. He diverted one strand to pierce Tong Zhong and Ao Qilong, focusing the remainder on Ye Mo. The strands increased in number and speed. He intended to kill Ye Mo swiftly.