Under the sweep of his Divine Sense, Li Mu saw a massive spirit ship approaching Wanxing Island. The high-ranking members of the Ten Thousand Islands Sect and Sea God Sect, dressed in their finest attire, along with the entire Wanxing Island, which was adorned with lanterns and festive decorations, were bustling with noise, all welcoming the arrival of this spirit ship.
Li Mu felt a bit disoriented. He had been so engrossed in Artifact Refining recently that he hadn't noticed such a major event occurring. The Central Province was dispatching its main forces, preparing to head to the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain to conquer the Nine Demon Sect and the Demon Abyss!
In this vast fleet, Li Mu saw the spirit ships of the Xuantian Sword Sect and Taiyi Sect, as well as the Kun Family, Ji Family, Shangguan Family, and other eight major cultivation Families of the Central Province. There were two Body Integration Great Powers, nearly a hundred Void Refining Cultivators, hundreds, even thousands of Venerable Deity Transformation, not to mention Nascent Soul cultivators and Golden Core cultivators!
"Lord Li?" Xue'er looked at Li Mu, who had suddenly fallen into a daze, and asked anxiously.
"It's nothing! They've already arrived!"
Looking at the anxious Xue'er, Li Mu quickly reassured her, his expression firm as he said, "Let's go! Follow me to greet them!"
At this moment, several figures swiftly appeared at the entrance of Li's Treasure Pavilion. They were Tianshang Honored One, Celestial Venerable Kun Ling, and more than a dozen high-level Cultivators with extraordinary Auras.
The atmosphere at the entrance of Li's Treasure Pavilion was unusually tense. Several groups of people had not even entered the firm yet, but their words were already at odds, filled with hostility.
"Ji Wuheng, Little Friend Li has shown kindness to my Kun Family. We owe him a favor. If you dare to cause trouble here today, I will absolutely not stand idly by!" Celestial Venerable Kun Ling's face was serious, and he glared directly at Ji Wuheng, sternly rebuking him. His deep, powerful voice echoed all around, making everyone's eardrums buzz.
"Kumu is a member of my Ji Family. His death must be accounted for. I will settle this matter with him myself. Your Kun Family had best not interfere." Ji Wuheng's tone was icy, and a fierce glint flashed in his eyes as he looked at Celestial Venerable Kun Ling, warning him in a low voice, "If your Kun Family intervenes, it will only escalate the matter, and the Ji Family will not let it go easily!"
The confrontation between the two Void Refining Great Powers instantly enveloped the entire Li's Treasure Pavilion and the entire street in an extremely terrifying atmosphere. Their Auras were like two invisible sharp swords, clashing and colliding in the air, emitting a 'hissing' sound of tearing through space. The surrounding people felt a suffocating sensation, as if an invisible mountain was pressing down on their chests, making it difficult to breathe.
The pedestrians on the entire street instantly cleared out, some fleeing, some running, all wishing they had more pairs of wings.
Liu Yalan, the manager of Li's Treasure Pavilion, and the female shop assistants were pale at this moment, trembling with fear and not daring to breathe. Previously, Li's Treasure Pavilion had also been besieged by many high-level Cultivators, but compared to the current situation, it was simply insignificant.
It was too terrifying!
The Void Refining Cultivators and Soul Transformation Cultivators from the Ji Family and Kun Family were at loggerheads, with a battle on the verge of breaking out. If they really started fighting, let alone Li's Treasure Pavilion, it would be hard to say if the entire Wanxing Island could even exist!
Normally, they had seen many Cultivators fighting, but this was the first time they had witnessed a confrontation between two Void Refining Great Powers like today. The immense Aura filled them with unprecedented fear. Their eyes were filled with terror and helplessness, as if they were tightly bound by an invisible force.
"Two Senior, let's talk this out, let's talk this out!" Chen Xuanzi was sweating profusely, repeatedly trying to mediate.
"Thank you, Senior Kun, for your protection. For the Ji Family's matter, Li will take responsibility for his own actions!"
At this moment, Li Mu strode forward, his figure arriving in a hurry. He gratefully saluted Celestial Venerable Kun Ling and Tianshang Honored One, expressing his thanks. His gaze was firm, and his tone was steady. Facing Ji Wuheng's questioning, he showed no fear.
With Li Mu's appearance, everyone's gaze focused on him.
A young man of twenty-four or five, with sword-like brows and starry eyes, a high nose bridge, and a handsome face with a hint of heroism. He wore a Qing robe, his eyes deep and bright, his expression firm and steady. Even facing a Void Refining Great Power and the numerous members of the Ji Family, his expression showed no wavering or retreat. His entire being exuded a unique charm.
His words, though brief, were full of power, leaving no room for rebuttal.
"You are Li Mu, who killed Kumu!" Ji Wuheng looked at Li Mu with a gloomy expression, his entire Aura instantly becoming sharp, as if he could unleash a powerful attack at any moment.
"That's right! It is I." Li Mu admitted without fear, explaining, "He acted improperly, relying on his high cultivation, disrespecting his elders, and attempting to kill and seize treasures. I killed him in self-defense."
After speaking, Li Mu said without fear, "Let your Ji Family use whatever moves you have; I, Li, will take them!"
Li Mu's words surprised everyone present. He admitted to killing without any hesitation, and he showed no fear in the face of the Ji Family's threat. This made some people admire him and others wary of him.
Looking at this courageous Nascent Soul cultivator with a firm Dao Heart, Ji Wuheng secretly sighed. Just by daring to face him directly, this Nascent Soul cultivator's future achievements would be immeasurable.
Thinking that Kumu had caused such trouble for the Ji Family even after his death, Ji Wuheng couldn't help but dislike him even more.
However, although Ji Wuheng felt disgusted with Ji Hongsen, he also understood one thing: this matter concerned the entire Ji Family's prestige and interests, and it could not be easily dismissed. Even if he were to settle it with this person, he could not simply brush it off.
Just as Ji Wuheng was pondering how to handle the current situation, a voice suddenly rang out: "I can testify to this matter. That shameless old fellow Kumu, in order to seize Little Friend Li's supreme treasure, shamelessly attacked a junior, but was then killed by Little Friend Li. It's quite laughable!"
"Heh! Just him, a mere Nascent Soul cultivator, can kill a Void Refining Cultivator of my Ji Family? He must have used some despicable means to ambush Kumu, Kun Ling! This matter is none of your business, don't talk nonsense here!" Ji Wuheng looked at him with cold eyes, expressing strong dissatisfaction with Celestial Venerable Kun Ling's words.
Facing Ji Wuheng's threat, Celestial Venerable Kun Ling chuckled, laughing fearlessly, "How is it none of my business? I witnessed this matter with my own eyes. I want to stand up for Little Friend Li and will never allow your Ji Family to bully others!"
Celestial Venerable Kun Ling's words were firm and powerful, moving everyone present. He was strongly supporting Li Mu, even at the cost of offending the Ji Family?
Ji Wuheng's face sank, and a sinister glint flashed in his eyes. He never expected Celestial Venerable Kun Ling to strongly support this young man at such a crucial moment, which undoubtedly made the matter even more difficult.
"This is a matter between my Ji Family and this young man, Kun Ling! You, a mere collateral branch of the Kun Family, truly want to drag the entire Kun Family into this?" Ji Wuheng's face showed a serious expression, and he emphasized his tone, warning him severely.
Facing Ji Wuheng's threat, Celestial Venerable Kun Ling did not back down. He had long wanted to leave this Kun Family.
Celestial Venerable Kun Ling smiled indifferently, and said righteously, "Although I am an outsider, this matter concerns morality and justice. Since I witnessed it with my own eyes, I cannot stand idly by. Ji Wuheng, if you want to bully others and falsely accuse Little Friend Li, then you must be prepared to bear the consequences!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the entire hall immediately became tense. The confrontation between Ji Wuheng and Celestial Venerable Kun Ling made the atmosphere on the scene even more strained.
Seeing this, Chen Xuanzi had no choice but to mediate, urging anxiously, "Let's talk this out, let's talk this out. Now that a major battle is imminent, let's not lose sight of the bigger picture and act impulsively!"
At this moment, Ji Wuheng also saw through Kun Ling's mentality. This old fellow must be the sacrifice thrown out by the Kun Family this time, acting recklessly and insisting on protecting someone, completely unafraid of his threats.
"Kun Ling! You can protect him for a while, but you can't protect him forever." Ji Wuheng calmed himself down, looked at Celestial Venerable Kun Ling, and said earnestly, "Now, my Ji Family intends to settle this matter with him. If you continue to act unreasonably, you will truly be harming him!"
Upon hearing this, Celestial Venerable Kun Ling instantly fell silent. He naturally understood the meaning behind Ji Wuheng's words. He was just a pawn abandoned by his Family, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't change this fact.
And if he continued to persist, not only would he be unable to save Li Mu, but it might also make his situation even more difficult.
The smile on Kun Ling's face immediately vanished, and he lost the desire to speak. Tianshang Honored One reached out and stroked his silver-white long beard, his gaze towards Li Mu also dimming.
Seeing this scene, Li Mu frowned slightly, sensing something abnormal about Celestial Venerable Kun Ling and Tianshang Honored One. From the moment Kun Ling forcefully backed him, Li Mu had felt that something was amiss!
Now it seemed their situation was even more complex than he had imagined.
Seeing that Kun Ling was held by his words and should no longer interfere, Ji Wuheng couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
"Young man, whether Kumu killed and seized treasures, or you ambushed Kumu, the result now is that you killed a member of our Ji Family and tarnished our Ji Family's reputation! How about we settle this matter today!" Ji Wuheng looked at Li Mu and spoke again, his tone unyielding and resolute.
Ji Wuheng's words made the entire scene fall silent once more. His tone was simple and clear, full of deterrence.
The prestige of the eight major cultivation Families of the Central Province was not to be challenged. As one of them, the Ji Family possessed undeniable strength and influence. Now, Li Mu had killed a member of the Ji Family, which was undoubtedly a great provocation to the Ji Family.
The faces of everyone present tightened. They understood that this battle was ultimately unavoidable.
For the Ji Family, the Family's prestige and honor were of paramount importance. Li Mu killing a Void Refining Old Ancestor of the Ji Family was undoubtedly a provocation and insult to the Ji Family. This matter could only be thoroughly resolved through a fair duel!
"Alright! Senior, just lay down the rules!"
Li Mu met Ji Wuheng's gaze without fear. If he could settle this with the Ji Family, even a battle with a Void Refining of the Ji Family wouldn't scare him. Of course, if the Ji Family played dirty and sent out Void Refining Cultivators, he certainly wouldn't stand by idly; he would summon Qing Yue and the others to fight together.
"Ji Wuheng, I have no objection to you settling this matter with Little Friend Li. However, Little Friend Li is only a Nascent Soul cultivator, surely your Ji Family wouldn't bully him with numbers!" Just then, Tianshang Honored One spoke up in time, reminding him solemnly.
Tianshang Honored One's implication was to remind Ji Wuheng that Li Mu was only a Nascent Soul cultivator. If the Ji Family sent out Cultivators with higher cultivation than Li Mu, then this duel would be unfair, and he and Kun Ling would not stand idly by.
Ji Wuheng naturally understood his meaning. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Don't worry about that. Our Ji Family acts with discretion. We will ensure the fairness of this duel."
At this moment, Ji Wuheng also felt a bit tricky. For this duel, he certainly couldn't send a Void Refining Cultivator, but sending a Soul Transformation Cultivator was also unsuitable. If they lost, the Ji Family would be even more disgraced. If they sent a Nascent Soul cultivator, there was probably no hope of winning this battle!
"Enough! The Clan Chief's intention is to settle this matter with this young man, so let's not cause any more trouble!"
Ji Wuheng secretly sighed in his heart, then sternly shouted, "Ji Tianyong, step forward!"
"Yes!"
From the Ji Family's ranks, a tall, determined-looking Cultivator responded and flew out.
Ji Tianyong wore a suit of black iron armor and carried a massive ancient sword on his back. A powerful Sword Intent emanated from him, sharp and seemingly capable of cutting through anything, making people revere him. His eyes were firm and piercing, like a leopard, constantly ready to pounce on its prey.
His appearance instantly eased the tense atmosphere in the entire scene, because this Cultivator named Ji Tianyong only had a Late Stage Nascent Soul cultivation, not a Venerable Deity Transformation, let alone a Void Refining Cultivator.
All the Cultivators present could feel the powerful Aura emanating from this Cultivator. However, such strength was clearly not enough to face Li Mu. Although Li Mu only had a Middle Stage Nascent Soul cultivation, he was capable of killing a Void Refining Great Power across cultivation levels. Ji Tianyong, a Late Stage Nascent Soul, had almost no chance of winning against him.
Seeing Ji Tianyong's appearance, Xue'er and Xiao Jin behind Li Mu's eyes brightened, and their previous worries vanished.
The surrounding high-level Cultivators, Chen Xuanzi, Kun Ling, Tian Shang, and others, were all stunned for a moment, looking at Ji Wuheng as if they didn't recognize him, their eyes filled with a peculiar expression.
They had originally thought that Ji Wuheng would personally enter the arena to duel Li Mu, but they didn't expect him to only send a Late Stage Nascent Soul cultivator. This was not about holding Li Mu accountable; it was clearly about giving him an out!
Celestial Venerable Kun Ling gave Ji Wuheng a meaningful look. Now he finally understood what he meant earlier. The Ji Family was preparing to completely resolve their grievances with Li Mu and turn hostility into friendship!
Li Mu also looked surprised, carefully assessing his opponent's strength, without any hint of underestimation.
"Daoist Friend Chen, does your Sect have an arena? May we borrow it?" Facing the meaningful gazes, Ji Wuheng, with a thick-skinned and expressionless face, looked at Chen Xuanzi and gestured a question.
"Yes, yes! Our Sect's arena is just ahead, please follow me, everyone!" Chen Xuanzi came back to his senses and quickly nodded with a smile.
Now, Chen Xuanzi also understood Ji Wuheng's intention: to have a 'fair duel between the two sides' to completely resolve the grievances, and the Ji Family would also regain its prestige.
So, Chen Xuanzi, with a joyful expression, led the way, and everyone followed. (End of chapter)
