Chapter 978: Threatening with Ye Qingchen

Chapter 978: Chapter 978: Threatening with Ye Qingchen

Xue Wei stood there, quietly watching Jiang Qi’s anger, as if observing a tantrum from a child.

His gaze was as steady as water, carrying a wisdom and detachment that sees through worldly affairs.

He knew the source of Jiang Qi’s fury and understood that he had lost the means to retaliate at this moment, but that did not mean he would easily succumb.

Jiang Qi’s angry tirade gradually ceased. Staring at Xue Wei’s unperturbed calmness only fueled his anger further, as if his wrath and disdain were striking a cotton ball, unable to deliver any substantial blow.

Xue Wei’s composure brought Jiang Qi a deep sense of frustration, as if no amount of rage could disturb the inner peace of this former enemy before him.

Finally, Jiang Qi gritted his teeth and said, "Xue Wei, what’s the use of pretending to be calm? You have nothing left! What can you rely on to negotiate with me? Don’t think I’ll be deceived by your appearance!"

Xue Wei still did not reply, merely watched Jiang Qi with those deep eyes, as if observing an ongoing chess game, with himself as the player holding control over the pieces, and Jiang Qi’s anger just a ripple on the board.

He knew Jiang Qi would eventually calm down, realizing the weight of his words. Only then would the real negotiations begin.

Xue Wei slowly lifted his head, locking eyes with Jiang Qi, and a slight, faint smile curled the edges of his lips, seemingly awaiting this very moment.

His voice was low yet carried undeniable power: "Jiang Qi, do you think your fury can obscure the truth? Perhaps you’re unaware, but Ye Qingchen has reached the Eighth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm, matching your strength. Do you think he’ll just leave you alone after finishing with me? I just received news that he’s already on his way to find you. Do you think you can handle him then?"

Xue Wei’s questioning was like a cold wind piercing into Jiang Qi’s heart.

The information within his words was heavy as a thousand pounds, with an undeniable certainty.

The flames of anger in Jiang Qi’s eyes froze for a moment, but soon, a sneering smile of utter disdain appeared on his face.

"Hahaha!" Jiang Qi suddenly burst into laughter, filled with contempt and ridicule. With a wave of his sleeve, his eyes brimmed with disdain and confidence, "Xue Wei, you’re becoming more ridiculous! Do you think you can threaten me with Ye Qingchen? Just him? What of the Martial Emperor Realm’s Eighth Layer? Have you forgotten, behind me stands the entire Jiang Ancient Clan! Our clansmen are like stars, and the number of strong individuals is countless. Even if Ye Qingchen’s strength is comparable to mine, what can he do?"

Jiang Qi’s words were full of confidence and pride, convinced the power behind him could crush any invader.

The deep foundation of the Jiang Ancient Clan boasts countless strong figures; no matter how formidable Ye Qingchen is, what can he do? Jiang Qi simply doesn’t believe Ye Qingchen can challenge the entire Ancient Clan single-handedly.

"Xue Wei, are you insulting me?" Jiang Qi’s voice was low and filled with anger, "Do you think such a mere Ye Qingchen can make me, Jiang Qi, afraid? You’re too naive! The power of our Jiang Ancient Clan is not something he alone can shake! Even if he can surpass me, he won’t gain any advantage before our Jiang Ancient Clan!"

Jiang Qi’s tone was filled with disdain and arrogance, seemingly seeing through all the illusions.

To him, Xue Wei’s threats were nothing but bravado, insufficient to waver him.

The Jiang Ancient Clan’s might is enough to suppress any assailant; no matter how strong Ye Qingchen may be, he is only overestimating himself in vain.

However, Xue Wei was not swayed by Jiang Qi’s reaction; he maintained that calm and steady demeanor, with a gaze bearing a hint of profundity, as if having anticipated Jiang Qi’s response.

Xue Wei chuckled lightly, with an undertone of deeper meaning, and said leisurely, "Jiang Qi, Ye Qingchen’s prowess isn’t merely about his strength. I heard that after you fought him last time, you were severely beaten by an expert at his side and barely recovered after half a month. Do you really think Ye Qingchen only has that one expert by his side? How can you be sure he won’t bring more powerful figures this time? He isn’t as simple as you believe."

Xue Wei’s voice, though soft, was like a sharp blade piercing Jiang Qi’s deepest fears.

That painful memory resurfaced—during his duel with Ye Qingchen, though believing himself to have victory in hand, unexpectedly faced a heavy defeat by a mysterious expert at Ye Qingchen’s side.

That devastating defeat not only impaired his prestige within the clan but also required a full half-month to barely restore his vitality.

Xue Wei’s every word seemed to expose the unhealed scars within Jiang Qi’s heart.

The arrogance and confidence on Jiang Qi’s face vanished instantly, replaced by an indefinable gloom.

His smile grew stiff, and the corner of his mouth twitched as if involuntarily; a flicker of panic and resentment passed through his eyes.

Jiang Qi’s expression suddenly became unpleasant; his pale face flushed with an uneasy red.

He struggled to suppress his inner agitation, yet found his confidence was slowly crumbling.

He dared not meet Xue Wei’s gaze, as if the other’s eyes were a mirror reflecting the deepest fears and fragility within him.

"Hmph!" Jiang Qi forcibly pressed down the panic in his heart, let out a cold snort, attempting to cover his unease with indifference, but his voice quivered slightly, revealing a lack of confidence, "Xue Wei, stop trying to sow discord here! Even if he has experts by his side, what of it? I, Jiang Qi, am not so easily subdued!"

However, his words lacked the former firmness and confidence, revealing more of a strained self-comfort.

His eyes flickered uncertainly; his expression grew extremely unattractive, as if a haze shadowed his heart, unable to disperse.

Xue Wei sighed softly, a trace of sincerity in his eyes, his tone now less cold and more humble.

He slowly said, "Saint Son Jiang, I know you are a wise man, and I understand the incident with the Clan’s Guardian Stone has caused you and the Jiang Ancient Clan considerable trouble. Here, I sincerely apologize. The situation at that time was indeed special, and my actions lacked consideration; I hope you can understand. This time, I’ve come to you for cooperation not just to resolve the current crisis but also to compensate you. After all, there is still room for our relationship to recover."

Xue Wei’s voice was calm and sincere, carrying a rare humility.

His posture was extremely low, seemingly genuinely offering an apology to Jiang Qi. This attitude, contrasting sharply with his prior assertiveness, appeared exceptionally genuine.