Novel Full Chapter 243: Gathering - 6
Chapter 243: Gathering – 6
“Presumptuous.”
Mu Lan’s expression turned cold.
At once, she activated a secret art.
A faint radiance emerged around her body, and an overwhelming aura burst forth, so oppressive that everyone present felt their blood and vital energy tremble violently. It was as if their very life force was being drawn away under her presence.
A jade-green scythe appeared in her hand.
The weapon radiated an eerie brilliance, carrying with it the terrifying aura of harvesting all life beneath heaven.
Li Yun’s eyes narrowed sharply.
Only now did he truly understand how frightening Mu Lan was. Though her cultivation appeared to be only at the ninth level of the Qi Sea Realm, her actual combat strength had likely already reached the first level of the Essence Qi Realm.
“Whoever dares make another move,” Mu Lan said, her voice as cold as frost, “I will kill them.”
For the first time, even Fan Qing hesitated.
His expression darkened as he stared at her and said, “Mu Lan, what exactly do you mean by this?”
Among everyone present, she was the only one he truly feared.
Although Fan Qing had already reached the eighth level of the Qi Sea Realm, he still did not dare underestimate Mu Lan in the slightest who was at the ninth level.
Mu Lan possessed the rare ten-star aptitude, placing her among the greatest geniuses of the entire Southern Martial Domain. With such talent, her true combat strength was unquestionably in a league of her own.
“Since Junior Sister Mu has spoken, all of you would do well to behave yourselves.”
Wu Lin stepped forward to stand beside Mu Lan, and as he did, his aura also surged outward, filling the hall with oppressive force.
At that moment, Shi Mo rose to his feet as well and said, “Fan Qing, there is no need to rush into settling old grudges. The most important matter right now is finding the tomb. Once the tomb is discovered, you may fight as much as you like, and none of us will interfere.”
Although Shi Mo had not stepped in earlier to assist Li Yun, that did not mean he had been indifferent. He had been prepared to act if Li Yun’s life had truly been in danger.
Yet after watching Li Yun exchange blows with Xue Ming so calmly, he chose instead to remain where he was and observe. Only then did he realize how greatly he had underestimated Li Yun’s true strength.
Fan Qing and Xue Ming both fell silent, their expressions shifting uncertainly. Among them, Yan Luo’s face was the darkest.
A deep resentment had already taken root in her heart toward Mu Lan and the others for intervening. She could sense it clearly that if Li Yun was not killed now, the chance to eliminate him in the future would only become more difficult.
Inside her heart, Yan Luo cursed bitterly. “One day, when I become stronger, I will make every one of you pay with your lives.”
Xue Ming finally let out a long breath, suppressing the rage boiling inside him, and said coldly, “Thief, I will spare you for now. But once we find the tomb, I will make certain that there is nowhere left for you to run, neither in heaven nor on earth.”
He understood that acting now would be foolish. Against the combined strength of everyone present, the three of them had no chance of victory.
Clang.
Xue Ming’s long saber slid back into its sheath with a sharp metallic sound.
Fan Qing also withdrew his killing intent, though his eyes remained fixed on Li Yun like those of a predator staring at prey.
“I must admit,” he said coldly, “your luck is exceptional. But once my staff is drawn, it must taste blood. Since it failed to do so today, I will collect double the price from you next time.”
In Fan Qing’s eyes, Li Yun was already as good as dead.
Since death was inevitable, it made no difference whether it came now or later. In fact, leaving him alive for a while longer might make killing him even more satisfying.
Li Yun responded with a warm smile and casually waved his hand at them.
“Very well, then I will be waiting for all of you inside the tomb. Come and kill me if you truly have the courage.”
His words were like sparks thrown into dry oil.
Xue Ming, Fan Qing, and Yan Luo all stiffened, their anger flaring so fiercely that they nearly lost control and attacked on the spot. Yet in the end, each of them forced themselves to suppress the rage burning in their hearts.
Seeing Li Yun’s calm and almost playful demeanor, Mu Lan’s lips curved into a faint smile.
In her eyes, Xue Ming and Fan Qing’s group were likely the ones walking into danger.
True predators never needed empty threats. The moment they revealed their fangs was the moment death arrived.
Of course, she also understood that killing the three of them would be no easy matter for Li Yun. There was even a chance that he might fall at their hands instead.
In this world, no one could truly predict what fate had in store.
“Very well,” Mu Lan said calmly. “Once we find the tomb, whatever happens between you afterward will no longer concern me. Since everyone is here, let us combine the maps and depart.”
She gave Wu Lin a slight signal.
Wu Lin immediately took out his incomplete map and spread it open.
“These maps are far too complicated for anyone to memorize individually,” he said. “We must piece them together first and determine the general direction.”
As everyone gathered to combine the incomplete maps, the sound of heavy footsteps suddenly rose from below.
A large group of patrol soldiers arrived in the street outside, accompanied by four martial artists whose cultivation had all reached the peak of the Qi Sea Realm.
One of them stepped forward and said sternly, “Sirs, I do not care what sects you belong to. You have caused serious damage to the buildings of Iron Mist City. According to city law, compensation must be paid. Otherwise, do not blame the Ice God Valley for enforcing its regulations.”