The White Whale Demon Emperor had violated the pre-battle agreement, so Li Mu certainly wouldn't stand by and wait.
At the critical moment, with a "Zila!" sound, a pair of Thunder Wings unfurled behind Li Mu, and as he spread his wings, his figure suddenly vanished from his original spot.
Instead of retreating, Li Mu Advanced. The moment the giant sea hand smashed down, a lightning shadow flickered past, and he reappeared a thousand feet up in the sky.
With a thunderous "Boom!" the giant sea hand slammed down hard on the island, instantly pulverizing the entire island, leaving nothing behind.
For a moment, the entire sea region was raging with tumultuous waves.
"Demon Emperor, you're playing dirty! I won't fight you anymore!"
Li Mu, with his Thunder Wings spread behind him, floated in the air, looking down from above at the White Whale Demon Emperor, who was moving on the waves, and said calmly.
Hearing this, the White Whale Demon Emperor's originally dark greenish face immediately turned crimson with a mix of anger and hatred.
"Fellow Daoists, let's talk this out. Why get so angry? How about I act as a mediator? Whatever conflict you have, let's discuss it and resolve it peacefully!"
Just then, a kindly voice suddenly interjected, signaling his intention.
The only Void Refining Cultivator present, the Grand Elder of Wanxing Sect, suddenly interjected, stepping into their fight.
"Old man Chen Xuan, you've come at a good time. This brat, even if that demon Flood Dragon massacred my clan and stole my clan's treasure, if you don't give me an explanation for this matter, my White Whale Clan will exert all its power to instigate all Sea Clans to attack the Human Race, and completely wipe out your Wanxing Sect!" The White Whale Demon Emperor's crimson vertical pupils stared intently at Chen Xuanzi, who had interjected, and he said with hatred.
Hearing this, Chen Xuanzi's scalp tingled, and he deeply regretted interjecting! He had taken on a hot potato.
"Demon Emperor, please calm your anger. This Little Friend is probably just a passing Human cultivator and doesn't reside permanently in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, right! This matter has nothing to do with the Human cultivators of the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region!" Chen Xuanzi glanced at Li Mu, having probably already guessed his identity, and not daring to offend him, he advised the White Whale Demon Emperor.
A Five Elements Cultivator, covered in six-tier spirit treasures, with unparalleled combat power, who had successively slain Void Refining Cultivators—Blood Nether Demon Ancestor, Yin Jiong Demon Ancestor, the Ji Family's Old Ancestor Kumoku, the Nine Demon Sect, and the Ji Family had all issued high-priced bounties on him in the Tianji Building. The renowned 'Li Jianxian' was even a Grandmaster Refiner.
"Senior, your insight is sharp. I am indeed a passing Cultivator. Shameless Demon Emperor, if you want to fight, then fight; come at me, why involve others?" Li Mu praised Chen Xuanzi.
Having said that, Li Mu looked down from above, indifferently observing the White Whale Demon Emperor.
"If you dare to slander and implicate the innocent again, believe it or not, I will slaughter your White Whale Clan!" Li Mu looked coldly at the White Whale Demon Emperor, his eyes revealing intense killing intent.
"You!"
The White Whale Demon Emperor was so furious he was fuming. If his aerial combat skills weren't slightly inferior, he would have immediately rushed up to fight Li Mu again, to obliterate and tear apart this arrogant Human cultivator.
He hadn't expected this killing star to have such heavy killing intent, even daring to threaten to slaughter the White Whale Clan, which was a major clan among the many Sea Clans!
However, thinking about it, this young master even dared to kill the Void Refining Old Ancestors of the Nine Demon Sect and the Ji Family, so slaughtering a Sea Clan was probably not just empty talk.
Upon hearing Li Mu's words, Chen Xuanzi couldn't help but be startled, and he quickly advised: "Let's talk this out, let's talk this out."
After a pause, Chen Xuanzi looked at the White Whale Demon Emperor, gently persuading him: "Demon Emperor, this Little Friend is quite renowned in Central Continent and Southern Barrens, and the Sect he is associated with is not one your White Whale Clan can afford to provoke. In the Nascent Soul Stage, his strength is already on par with yours. If he breaks through to the next Realm, slaughtering your White Whale Clan won't be empty words. You must not think Little Friend Li is just boasting."
Hearing this, the White Whale Demon Emperor's expression slightly changed, and he immediately became wary. He pondered deeply over Chen Xuanzi's words.
Having personally fought that Nascent Soul brat, no one knew his formidable power better than the White Whale Demon Emperor. To possess such combat power at such a young age, his backing force must be extraordinary. Forming a deep enmity with such an enemy would likely bring about the demise of the White Whale Clan in the future!
Li Mu gave Chen Xuanzi a meaningful look. He couldn't help but admire the old man's high emotional intelligence. It was not surprising that he was recognized for his background, but to take advantage of the situation and fabricate a powerful force behind him was a stroke of genius.
If Li Mu hadn't clearly understood his own situation, he might have even believed his words.
"Demon Emperor, it's better to resolve enmity than to deepen it. I think it's best to turn conflict into friendship in this matter, to prevent more of your clan from losing their lives." Seeing the White Whale Demon Emperor's solemn expression, Chen Xuanzi redoubled his efforts to persuade him.
A hint of wavering flashed across the White Whale Demon Emperor's face. He looked up and glanced at the Double-Horned Azure Moon Flood Dragon, who was Undergoing Tribulation, then looked back at Li Mu, and said sternly and solemnly: "The matter of that demon Flood Dragon slaughtering thousands of my clan members can be dropped, however, it stole the supreme treasure guarded by my clan. You must order it to return it, otherwise, you and I will fight to the death!"
"Little Friend Li, what do you think?" Chen Xuanzi looked at Li Mu, asking for his stance.
Li Mu pondered for a moment, then calmly replied: "Regarding whether that treasure was stolen by Qing Yue, a conclusion cannot be easily reached. This matter cannot be judged solely by the White Whale Demon Emperor's one-sided account. We will discuss it after my companion finishes his Lightning Tribulation."
After a brief pause, Li Mu looked at the White Whale Demon Emperor with a strange expression, smiling as he said: "As for the claim of Qing Yue slaughtering White Whale clan members, I do not agree. You and I are both living beings; hunting and killing to satisfy hunger is a matter of course. What revenge is there to speak of? If you were merely devouring Human cultivators in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region to sate your hunger, I would have nothing to say."
Upon hearing Li Mu's reply, the Soul Transformation Cultivators of the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region all glared in anger, furious beyond measure. They didn't understand why Li Mu would treat this matter so lightly. Did he not understand the seriousness of it?
If the Sea Clan truly launched an attack on the Ten Thousand Stars Islands, could he bear that responsibility?
The entire scene instantly became tense and awkward. Li Mu stood high in the air, his eyes firm and calm, completely unaffected by the surrounding atmosphere.
Time seemed to freeze, and the atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive.
The roar of the Lightning Tribulation overhead, however, was incessant. Streaks of lightning struck the hundred-zhang Flood Dragon in the sky, emitting a deadly and violent aura.
"Ang!"
Just then, a clear and resonant Dragon roar pierced through the sky. The Dragon roar contained endless joy and excitement, instantly breaking the silence and dullness of the scene.
This magnificent, high-pitched Dragon roar echoed over the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, making all living beings present feel the strong emotions it conveyed, and it further indicated that Li Mu's companion—the Double-Horned Azure Moon Flood Dragon—had successfully passed the Seven-rank True Spirit Thunder Tribulation, becoming a true Seven-rank True Dragon.
Everyone looked up at the Flood Dragon under the Thunder Tribulation!
No!
It should be a Seven-rank True Dragon!
The black clouds of the Thunder Tribulation dissipated, and large amounts of tribulation lightning dew fell, with specks of green light integrating into the Twin-Horned Azure Dragon's body, repairing its charred body that had been struck by the tribulation lightning.
The charred scales peeled off one after another, revealing azure crystalline scales that shone with a brilliant, emerald-like luster. A pair of sharp fleshy horns stood high on either side of its head, its strong four limbs generated clouds beneath its feet, and several long whiskers swayed in the wind.
Having undergone the baptism of the Lightning Tribulation, the Double-Horned Azure Moon Flood Dragon successfully endured the tempering of the Lightning Tribulation, and its Bloodline underwent a drastic transformation, advancing to a Seven-rank Azure Dragon. Its pair of sharp vertical pupils were filled with confidence and pride, and its entire body exuded a Dragon's might that inspired awe and voluntary submission.
"Master!"
The Azure Moon True Dragon flew to Li Mu's side, its attitude unchanged, respectfully addressing him with loyalty.
The Azure Moon True Dragon looked at Li Mu, its vertical pupils filled with gratitude. If Li Mu hadn't stopped it from Undergoing Tribulation before and spent a large amount of resources to allow it to Cultivate the Spirit Devouring Life Nurturing Art to Perfection before permitting it to Undergo Tribulation, it would probably have died under the True Dragon Thunder Tribulation long ago.
That it could safely pass the True Dragon Thunder Tribulation this time was entirely thanks to Li Mu. The Azure Moon True Dragon was immensely grateful, and its address of "Master" was exceptionally sincere and heartfelt.
"You and I don't need to be so formal! Your identity is no longer what it once was. From now on, we can address each other as Fellow Daoists!" Li Mu smiled and waved his hand, indicating.
"No! If not for Master's guidance, Qing Yue would probably have died under the Lightning Tribulation long ago. Even if I've Advanced to a True Dragon, you are still my Master." The Azure Moon True Dragon looked at Li Mu, its attitude sincere.
Seeing this scene, all the Cultivators present couldn't help but feel envious. To subdue a Seven-rank True Dragon was undoubtedly something extremely worth showing off.
The True Dragon Clan, as one of the noblest races in the world, had always held themselves in high regard, disdaining to associate with ordinary beings. They possessed immense power and supreme dignity, noble Bloodline, and formidable strength, making them unattainable for other races.
Therefore, gaining the true submission of the True Dragon Clan was an extremely difficult task. Only powerful Cultivators who had achieved the Dao Lord, Dao Venerable, or Great Emperor level might succeed.
The True Dragon Clan, as one of the highest-level Divine Beasts, if subdued, could not only bring powerful assistance to its master but also symbolize status and position.
Unlike the envy of the other Cultivators, the White Whale Demon Emperor's eyes were bloodshot with uncontrollable rage.
"The True Dragon Clan having a degenerate like you is simply a disgrace to the Dragon Clan!"
The White Whale Demon Emperor spat at the Azure Moon True Dragon with a face full of disgust, as if he had seen something repulsive, filled with anger and hatred, wishing he could pounce on the Azure Moon True Dragon and tear it to shreds.
"The White Whale Demon Emperor said you took a treasure that the White Whale Clan had guarded for a long time. I just had a fight with him, but couldn't resolve it. This matter is now for you to handle!" Li Mu glanced at the White Whale Demon Emperor and said calmly.
"Good!"
The Azure Moon True Dragon lightly nodded its Dragon head, its vertical pupils fixed on the White Whale Demon Emperor, and it asked in a deep voice: "White Whale Demon Emperor, you keep saying I took the treasure guarded by your White Whale Clan, but do you have any evidence? Everything requires evidence; don't just spout nonsense."
The White Whale Demon Emperor was instantly furious, but he couldn't find any evidence for a moment, and he became anxious.
Although the White Whale Demon Emperor insisted that the Azure Moon True Dragon had taken the treasure, he had no real proof. The reason he was so certain was that all the White Whale guards protecting the treasure had been slaughtered, leaving no complete corpses.
"You massacred thousands of my clan members in this sea region, and even those few giant whale guards fell victim to your poisonous hand. If that treasure wasn't taken by you, then who took it?" The White Whale Demon Emperor sharply questioned.
Hearing this, a hint of killing intent flashed in the Azure Moon True Dragon's eyes, and it snorted coldly: "Hmph! Thousands of clan members? I was merely hunting. All the creatures in this sea region are my prey. Why do you say I took the treasure you guarded?"
"You're twisting words! Besides you, who else could slaughter living beings so unscrupulously in this sea region?" The White Whale Demon Emperor roared in exasperation.
"What a joke! This sea region is vast and boundless, with countless powerful creatures. You kill a few more white whales and then blame it on me?" The Azure Moon True Dragon said disdainfully.
After a pause, the Azure Moon True Dragon looked at the White Whale Demon Emperor and added contemptuously: "Besides, I only care about hunting. Those lowly creatures are merely food. Why should I care?"
Hearing the Azure Moon True Dragon's insulting words about whales, the White Whale Demon Emperor trembled with rage, but for a moment, he couldn't find a more powerful rebuttal.
In the eyes of the True Dragon Clan, other races were lowly ants, not worthy of respect. This statement perfectly aligned with the True Dragon Clan's disposition.
"You!" The White Whale Demon Emperor was furious and still wanted to argue.
A hint of killing intent flashed in the Azure Moon True Dragon's eyes, and it shouted: "Get out of my sight immediately! If you dare to utter another word, I will tear you apart right now!"
As soon as the words fell, the Azure Moon True Dragon erupted with a powerful Dragon's might, exuding the formidable aura of a high-ranking Demon Emperor. Its entire body's scales shimmered with azure light, and its eyes seemed to burn with flames.
This pressure made all the Cultivators present feel a surge of fear, their breathing instantly stopped, and they felt incredibly uncomfortable. This was the Bloodline pressure from a superior being.
The White Whale Demon Emperor felt it most deeply. Sensing the Azure Moon True Dragon's intense killing intent and pressure, a wave of terror surged in its heart. It knew that if it stayed any longer, its life would truly be in danger.
In desperation, the White Whale Demon Emperor could only turn and leave, departing from this sea region indignantly, not even daring to utter any threats. Among Demon Races of the same Realm, the combat power of the True Dragon Clan far surpassed that of other Demon Races, and in water combat, no Sea Clan could rival them.
After the White Whale Demon Emperor left, the killing intent in the Azure Moon True Dragon's eyes gradually faded. It lowered its head, looked at Li Mu, and smiled: "Master, the trouble is resolved!"
"Good!" Li Mu smiled and nodded, roughly understanding the meaning behind Qing Yue's words. The treasure guarded by the White Whale Clan had indeed fallen into its hands.
"Fellow Daoists, if there's nothing else, Li has other important matters to attend to. I'll take my leave first. Farewell, Fellow Daoists!"
Li Mu looked at Chen Xuanzi and the other Cultivators of the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, bowing respectfully as he bid them farewell.
As soon as he finished speaking, Li Mu flew back to the Earth Element Spirit Ship with Qing Yue.
"Alright! Farewell, Little Friend Li!"
"Farewell, Master Li!"
...
Chen Xuanzi and his group of Soul Transformation Cultivators quickly responded in unison, watching as the Earth Element Spirit Ship transformed into a streak of light and vanished into the horizon in an instant.
"What a promising young man!"
Watching the Earth Element Spirit Ship's departing figure, Chen Xuanzi sighed with a complex expression.
"Indeed! Such a talented individual, when he advances to a higher Realm, who knows what a heroic figure he will be!" Situ Lan imagined for a moment, but lacked the imagination to fully grasp it.
Ye Qiuming frowned, always feeling that this Li Jianxian looked quite familiar, yet he couldn't remember where he had seen him.
