Wan Ziliang’s gaze gradually turned sharp, and his Aura subtly escalated, like a volcano on the verge of erupting.
Wan Ziliang slowly stood up, his tone carrying an undeniable authority: “Mu Daoyou, the former Pavilion Master’s Legacy is of utmost importance to my Wanbao Pavilion. If it falls into external hands, it might attract unnecessary trouble. Although my Wanbao Pavilion is built on commerce, we are certainly not to be trifled with. If Fellow Daoist insists on not handing over the Legacy, I’m afraid today’s matter will not end well.”
Li Mu’s expression remained unchanged, still standing calmly and at ease, his gaze meeting Wan Ziliang’s peacefully as he said in a deep voice: “Pavilion Master Wan, what do you mean by this? Are you trying to forcibly detain me?”
Wan Ziliang snorted coldly, a hint of severity flashing in his eyes: “Mu Daoyou, my Wanbao Pavilion has always prioritized harmony, but if someone is unappreciative, then don’t blame us for being merciless.”
Before his words faded, several spiritual lights suddenly appeared around the private room, subtly forming a sealing Formation that enveloped the entire room. At the same time, a flurry of hurried footsteps came from outside the door. Eight Cultivators with profound Auras surrounded the room, emanating Void Refining Realm Qi. Their cultivation was extraordinary, clearly indicating they were elites of the Wanbao Pavilion.
Li Mu surveyed his surroundings, his expression still composed, as if completely unconcerned by the current situation.
Wan Ziliang looked at Li Mu and said coldly, “Mu Daoyou, at this point, you cannot refuse. The former Pavilion Master’s Legacy must not be allowed to fall into external hands. If you hand over the Legacy today, my Wanbao Pavilion will still treat you with courtesy; if not, then don’t blame us for being impolite!”
Upon hearing this, Li Mu’s lips curved slightly upward, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes: “Pavilion Master Wan, it seems you were well prepared. However, do you think these methods are enough to keep me?”
Wan Ziliang sneered, his tone carrying a degree of confidence: “Mu Daoyou, this Formation is called the ‘Nine Locks Spirit Sealing Formation,’ and it is specifically designed for high-level Cultivators. Even a Body Integration expert would find it difficult to break through in a short time. Moreover, my Wanbao Pavilion’s eight Void Refining Realm Guest Elders are waiting outside. Mu Daoyou, there’s no need for futile struggles.”
Li Mu gently shook his head and sighed: “Pavilion Master Wan, you underestimate me too much.”
Before his words finished, a silver-glowing Talisman suddenly appeared in Li Mu’s hand. The Talisman was covered with profound runes, faintly emitting a spatial fluctuation.
“Teleportation Talisman!” Wan Ziliang’s pupils contracted, and his face instantly changed. “Quick! Stop him!”
However, Li Mu’s movements were even faster. He unhesitatingly crushed the Teleportation Talisman in his hand, and a silver light instantly enveloped him. Spatial power surged, and he was about to be teleported away.
Just at this critical moment, a Guest Elder suddenly raised his hand, and a golden light flew out from his sleeve, transforming into an ancient bronze mirror that floated in mid-air.
The bronze mirror flashed with spiritual light, and an invisible fluctuation spread out, instantly sealing the surrounding space!
“Imprisonment Formation Artifact!” Li Mu frowned slightly, clearly not expecting the Wanbao Pavilion to have such a trick.
The silver light flickered a few times around Li Mu, eventually dissipating into nothingness. The power of the Teleportation Talisman was blocked by the spirit communication treasure mirror’s spatial seal, and Li Mu’s figure remained in place.
Seeing this, Wan Ziliang’s face showed a hint of triumph: “Mu Daoyou, this mirror is a supreme treasure of our Pavilion, specifically countering spatial techniques. Your Teleportation Talisman, I’m afraid, will be useless.”
Li Mu’s eyes showed regret, and he said: “Pavilion Master Wan indeed has extraordinary methods, but do you think this can trap me?”
Wan Ziliang snorted coldly: “Mu Daoyou, at this point, why bother with verbal sparring? Hand over the former Pavilion Master’s Legacy, and my Wanbao Pavilion can still let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, you won’t leave this place today!”
Li Mu’s gaze turned cold, his tone carrying a hint of chill: “Pavilion Master Wan, by committing such banditry, are you truly throwing away Wanbao Pavilion’s ten thousand years of reputation?!”
Wan Ziliang’s face was ashen, but he still maintained his authoritative demeanor, saying: “Mu Daoyou, don’t slander us! My Wanbao Pavilion acts openly and honorably, only seeking to retrieve the former Pavilion Master’s Legacy to prevent it from falling into the hands of villains. If you are sensible, hand it over obediently, and nothing will happen; if you are unappreciative, hmph, then don’t blame my Wanbao Pavilion for being impolite!”
Li Mu sneered repeatedly, saying: “What an ‘open and honorable’! Wan Ziliang, what you are doing, how is it different from a bandit? I will remember today’s matter, and there will be a generous repayment in the future!”
Seeing this, Wan Ziliang’s face changed drastically, and he shouted urgently: “Quick! Suppress him with all your might, he must not escape!”
Upon hearing this, the eight Void Refining Realm Guest Elders immediately unleashed their Magic Treasures, attacking Li Mu. For a moment, spiritual light shot out in the private room, and roaring sounds were incessant.
Facing the combined assault of the eight Void Refining Realm Guest Elders of Wanbao Pavilion, Li Mu’s figure advanced instead of retreating. Spiritual power surged around him, as if Dragons and snakes were coiling, his Aura suddenly surged. With a light tap of his foot, his figure moved like a ghost through the room, each evasion perfectly dodging the attacks.
“Five Elements Escape Technique, Escape!” Li Mu shouted lowly, and his figure suddenly vanished from the spot, leaving only a faint earthy-yellow afterimage.
The attacks of the eight Guest Elders missed, and for a moment, they couldn’t even capture his whereabouts.
Seeing this, Wan Ziliang’s face grew even darker, and he anxiously ordered: “Search for him, he can’t have disappeared into thin air!”
Just then, Li Mu’s voice echoed from the courtyard outside the Wanbao Pavilion: “Pavilion Master Wan, do you think the Nine Locks Spirit Sealing Formation can trap me?”
As he spoke, Li Mu took out a small teleportation array artifact from his storage ring, setting it up in the blink of an eye. The next moment, he placed his storage ring on it.
With a “whoosh,” the storage ring, containing high-level Spirit Treasures such as the nine-leaf azure lotus and limitless qi, transformed into a stream of light as the teleportation array artifact activated, speeding away into the distance.
Watching the storage ring disappear, Wan Ziliang’s expression was filled with surprise and uncertainty.
At this moment, the sudden battle that erupted in the Wanbao Pavilion caused many customers in the shop to flee, watching from afar. The eight Guest Elders surrounded Li Mu, and for a moment, the atmosphere fell into a stalemate.
Seeing that Li Mu had no intention of leaving immediately, thinking there was still room for negotiation, Wan Ziliang, despite his anger, put on a smile: “Mu Daoyou, it’s a misunderstanding. Why don’t we sit down and have a good talk?”
Li Mu stood in the courtyard, surrounded by faint spiritual power fluctuations, his gaze cold as he looked at Wan Ziliang, a sneer hanging on his lips: “Pavilion Master Wan, you want to sit down and talk now? If you had known this, why did you act as you did in the first place?”
Wan Ziliang’s face changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He slowly walked out of the private room into the courtyard, standing opposite Li Mu: “Mu Daoyou, today’s matter was indeed handled improperly by my Wanbao Pavilion, but the former Pavilion Master’s Legacy is of great significance to our Pavilion. I hope Mu Daoyou can understand our predicament.”
Li Mu sneered: “Predicament? You used your power to coerce and forcibly demand. Is that your predicament? Hmph, Wanbao Pavilion’s reputation is ruined in your hands today.”
Although angry, Wan Ziliang maintained a cordial smile: “Mu Daoyou exaggerates. My Wanbao Pavilion has always been based on integrity, and today’s matter was truly unavoidable. As long as Mu Daoyou is willing to return the Legacy, our Pavilion is willing to offer generous compensation and guarantee that such incidents will never happen again between Wanbao Pavilion and Mu Daoyou in the future.”
Li Mu’s eyes flickered, seemingly considering Wan Ziliang’s proposal. However, just then, he suddenly swayed, executing the Five Elements Escape Technique, his figure instantly blurring as if merging with the world.
“Trying to leave? Not so easy!” Wan Ziliang shouted loudly, a Formation Flag appearing in his hand, which he forcefully waved. Spiritual light flashed on the Formation Flag, instantly resonating with the surrounding Nine Locks Spirit Sealing Formation. The entire courtyard’s space seemed to solidify.
Li Mu’s figure, just as it was about to disappear, was forcibly pulled back by this powerful spatial force, reappearing before everyone.
“Hmph, Mu Daoyou, you’d better hand over the Legacy obediently.” Wan Ziliang looked at Li Mu, a hint of triumph in his tone.
Li Mu’s gaze was cold, and spiritual power surged around him, clearly unwilling to submit.
Just as Wan Ziliang thought victory was assured and Li Mu was about to surrender, Li Mu’s lips curved into a mysterious smile. This smile seemed to contain endless mockery and ridicule, causing an inexplicable ominous premonition to rise in Wan Ziliang’s heart.
“Pavilion Master Wan, do you truly think you’ve won?” Li Mu asked with a smile, his voice carrying an indescribable strangeness.
Wan Ziliang frowned tightly, feeling increasingly uneasy!
At the same time, seeing the mysterious smile on Li Mu’s lips, the eight Guest Elders felt a great alarm. Without hesitation, they each activated the Magic Treasures in their hands. Spiritual light flashed, transforming into sharp attacks that surged towards Li Mu like a tidal wave.
Wan Ziliang also tightly gripped the Formation Flag, concentrating fully on controlling the Nine Locks Spirit Sealing Formation, attempting to completely suppress Li Mu.
Throughout the courtyard, spiritual light flickered, and roaring sounds were incessant, the atmosphere tense to the extreme.
Facing this overwhelming assault, Li Mu showed no sign of panic. His figure moved slightly, as if merging with the world, each evasion perfectly dodging the attacks, like a dancer moving on the edge of life and death.
“Hmph, petty tricks!” Li Mu snorted coldly, his figure blurring again, about to use the Five Elements Escape Technique to escape the area.
But just then, Wan Ziliang’s Formation Flag violently swung, and the power of the Nine Locks Spirit Sealing Formation instantly surged. A powerful spatial force firmly locked onto Li Mu, preventing him from using his escape technique.
“Take him down!” Wan Ziliang shouted loudly. Upon hearing this, the eight Guest Elders attacked even more fiercely. Beams of Magic Treasure light streaked across the night sky like meteors, directly targeting Li Mu’s vital points.
“Bang bang…” Li Mu’s body suffered successive heavy blows.
To everyone’s horror, after Li Mu’s body suffered severe damage, no blood splattered, nor did flesh and bone separate. Instead, a crisp metallic clanging sound erupted. As the attacks intensified, the spiritual power fluctuations emanating from him gradually weakened, replaced by a cold metallic sheen.
“This… this is…” Wan Ziliang’s eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief as he stared at the scene before him. He immediately realized that the person he had been dealing with all along was not a flesh-and-blood being, but merely a Puppet!
“A Puppet Body!” A Guest Elder exclaimed, his voice filled with shock.
This sudden turn of events caught the Wanbao Pavilion members off guard. They never expected that their opponent all along was merely a Puppet.
“Stop! Everyone stop!” Wan Ziliang called out urgently.
Upon hearing this, the eight Guest Elders halted their attacks, looking at Wan Ziliang with confused expressions, not understanding why. Meanwhile, Li Mu’s substitute Puppet took the opportunity to retreat several steps, standing steadily in a corner of the courtyard. The injuries on his body healed at a visible rate, and a strange smile hung on his face, as if mocking everyone’s ignorance and foolishness.
“Mu Daoyou, what a Divine Ability! What skill!” Wan Ziliang looked at Li Mu and couldn’t help but praise him. He finally understood why he had just teleported that storage ring away and why he had chosen to stay and contend with them alone.
Presumably, the real Mu Daoyou had already succeeded and obtained the gains from this transaction.
“You’re too kind! I never expected that the esteemed Wanbao Pavilion would also be a group of deceivers. Fortunately, this old man was prepared!” Li Mu smiled slightly, mocking and ridiculing.
Wan Ziliang’s face flickered between emotions, but he quickly regained his composure. He knew very well that now was not the time to dwell on these matters; he had to find the true Mu Daoyou as soon as possible and reclaim the former Pavilion Master’s Legacy.
“Mu Daoyou, today’s matter was indeed handled improperly by my Wanbao Pavilion. I hope Mu Daoyou can be magnanimous. However, there is actually no deep-seated enmity between us. Why not turn hostility into friendship and seek common development?” Wan Ziliang looked at Li Mu and suggested.
Li Mu narrowed his eyes slightly, and said mockingly: “We Cultivators seek freedom and ease, so how could we easily form enmities with others? But today’s actions by your Wanbao Pavilion were truly excessive. If this old man hadn’t been prepared, I’m afraid I would have truly fallen into your hands.”
Upon hearing this, Wan Ziliang secretly rejoiced. Listening to the other party’s tone, he hadn’t completely cut off the possibility of cooperation. He quickly pressed on: “Mu Daoyou is right, today’s matter was indeed a mistake on the part of my Wanbao Pavilion. But Mu Daoyou should also understand that the current situation is difficult, and our Pavilion faces the danger of its Legacy being cut off. I had no choice but to resort to such a measure!”
After a pause, Wan Ziliang looked at Li Mu and pleaded: “Wanbao Pavilion has been able to stand until today by relying on integrity and strength. Today’s incident was merely a misunderstanding. I hope Mu Daoyou can give me a chance to make amends.”
Upon hearing this, Li Mu’s lips curved into a playful smile: “Make amends? How does Pavilion Master Wan intend to make amends?”
Seeing that Li Mu’s tone had softened, Wan Ziliang was secretly delighted and quickly said: “Mu Daoyou, today’s matter was indeed our Wanbao Pavilion’s fault. To show our sincerity, I am willing to offer three seventh-tier Spirit Treasures as compensation, and I promise that all future transactions between Wanbao Pavilion and Mu Daoyou will be treated with the highest regard, and prices will be discounted by thirty percent! What do you think, Mu Daoyou?”
Upon hearing this, Li Mu’s eyes flashed with a playful look. He looked at Wan Ziliang with a half-smile: “Pavilion Master Wan, you are certainly willing to pay a hefty price. However, your Wanbao Pavilion’s actions today have already caused me to feel resentment. A mere three seventh-tier Spirit Treasures, I’m afraid, will be difficult to compensate for my losses, won’t they?”
Wan Ziliang’s heart sank, but his face still maintained a sincere expression: “Mu Daoyou, if you feel that three seventh-tier Spirit Treasures are not enough, please name your conditions. As long as it is within the capabilities of my Wanbao Pavilion, I will do my utmost to satisfy them.”
Li Mu pondered for a moment, then said faintly: “Since Pavilion Master Wan is so sincere, then I will propose a condition. If Pavilion Master Wan agrees, I will let bygones be bygones regarding today’s matter.”
Wan Ziliang quickly said: “Mu Daoyou, please speak!” (End of Chapter)
