Chapter 278 - 167: Meeting Old Friends Again, Famous Throughout the World

Chapter 278: Chapter 167: Meeting Old Friends Again, Famous Throughout the World

The threat in his words was so strong that even a fool could smell the danger.

However, Master Beardless smiled indifferently. As if throwing caution to the wind, his eyes filled with modesty as he said, "Although my cultivation is not as profound as yours, Senior Brother Saint Venerable, I am still at the Peak of the Ninth Heaven of the Saint Realm. If I utilize the Ten Directions Sacred Artifact left behind by my sect’s patriarch, I might just be able to exchange a few moves with you, Senior Brother."

RUSTLE!!!

The moment Master Beardless’s words echoed out, all the Cultivators who had come to watch the ceremony turned pale with shock.

The two seemed to be merely exchanging polite words, but their conversation conveyed boundless, murderous intent.

Di Changqing’s words could be deciphered as: Master Beardless, do not force me to attack.

And Master Beardless’s words could be deciphered as: Senior Brother Saint Venerable, the Beardless Sect will protect this person at all costs. If you truly wish to fight to the bitter end, I will fight you head-on even if I have to use the Ten Directions Sacred Artifact.

Although an expert at the Peak of the Ninth Heaven of the Saint Realm was no match for a Saint Venerable, if they fought desperately, even a Saint Venerable would find it troublesome.

Although the fury in his heart had burned to its absolute peak, Di Changqing continued to restrain himself.

"Beardless, you will harm this child. Do you truly want his future to be ruined by your hands?

"If you really keep him, you will be making an enemy out of Wanli. Although I am the Cyan Mist Sect Leader, I cannot control the entire Supreme Elder Council of the Cyan Mist Sect. If they decide to take this boy’s life, what will you do then, Junior Brother?"

Reaching this point, Di Changqing’s intentions were already very clear.

If Jiang Hao stayed in the Beardless Sect, he would compete with Mu Wanli for the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top. Any genius participating in the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top would become a mortal enemy, and the Cyan Mist Sect would spare no cost to clear the obstacles for the Cyan Mist Saintess.

However, Master Beardless was absolutely determined, and he immediately replied in a gentle voice.

"Senior Brother, my Beardless Sect only lacks Cultivators in the Saint Realm; our Daoist Cultivators have not declined. Nowadays, the ones capable of suppressing and killing geniuses are those in the Daoist stage. If I mobilize the full strength of our sect’s Daoist Cultivators, I can still protect a single disciple."

After Master Beardless finished speaking, Master Wuwei, who had been pondering on the side, chimed in. "Old ghost, you’re not being much of a friend. How could you leave your old pal out of a suicidal endeavor?

"If the Beardless Sect doesn’t have enough Daoist Cultivators, my Wuwei Sect can make up the numbers."

Following Master Wuwei’s words, countless Cultivators were shocked once again.

The Wuwei Sect was planning to face Di Changqing head-on alongside the Beardless Sect.

But it wasn’t hard to understand. For Master Wuwei to step forward at this moment, he had clearly also taken a liking to the youth’s potential.

To put it bluntly, the two great Holy Sects were gambling, betting the entire future of the Wuwei Sect and the Beardless Sect on Jiang Hao.

Master Wuwei stepping out now was more impactful than making a stance at any other time. It was tantamount to offering a timely lifeline.

The declarations of the two Holy Sects completely ignited Di Changqing’s fury to the absolute limit.

"Beardless!"

Di Changqing shouted suddenly. He was clearly on the verge of losing control, but in the end, he let out a deep breath and suppressed the rage in his heart. His expression was helpless yet left no room for argument.

"I have made my decision on this matter, and it will not be changed. Qin Fan will return to Cyan Mist with me. If any of you dare to continue to clamor, do not blame me for disregarding our past friendship."

BOOM!!!

As soon as Di Changqing finished speaking, a terrifying coercive pressure enveloped the Celestial Universe, crushing half the heavens.

Seeing this, even Master Beardless, Master Wuchen, and Master Wuwei experienced a drastic change in expression.

Evidently, Di Changqing had sensed an extremely dangerous threat from the youth and was willing to attack just to take him away.

And once Jiang Hao was brought back to the Cyan Mist Sect, the consequences were predictable. If he didn’t become a stepping stone or a pawn for Mu Wanli’s bid for the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top, his only path would lead to death.

Just as Master Beardless’s expression abruptly shifted, a sudden commotion erupted.

RUMBLE!!!

From the other end of the horizon, deep within the endless islands, several terrifying auras surged forth.

At the same time, several voices carrying immense holy might transmitted from beyond the boundless region, their power blanketing heaven and earth.

"Changqing, stealing away what others love—is that the conduct of a gentleman?"

"Hahaha, Evergreen Saint Venerable! This old saint has lived for ten millennia, yet I never knew when the Thousand Sects Island Realm had become the sole dominion of the Evergreen Saint Venerable!"

"Worthy Nephew Changqing, since this young Daoist friend doesn’t wish to go to Cyan Mist, why must you force him? Could it be that you lack confidence in your own daughter and fear that he might steal the victory in the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top?"

"A hundred thousand years ago, that supreme existence declared that the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top makes no distinctions and excludes no one. The capable shall obtain it. Having one more genius in the competition is of little consequence."

"Senior Brother Changqing, in my opinion, you might as well grant Beardless his wish. Fulfill the boy’s desires and let him become the Eldest Senior Brother of the Beardless Sect. Leave a spark for the Beardless Sect’s inheritance; there is no need to extinguish even this sliver of a chance. Could it be that you wish to wipe out the Beardless Sect, Senior Brother?"

RUMBLE!!!

Several Saint Venerable auras descended, causing the winds and clouds to change and the great world to tremble.

It was obvious that the Saint Venerables of the Holy Sects from the other two Celestial Veins were making their stance known.

The appearance of that youth had already broken the existing balance among the younger generation of Thousand Sects Island, drawing the attention of all the Saint Venerables.

This was actually one of the reasons why Master Beardless dared to stand out. The situation in Thousand Sects Island was incredibly complex. With the intertwined interests and endless struggles among the Holy Sects, no one would willingly watch the Cyan Mist Sect gain another genius qualified to compete for the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top within their younger generation.

Consequently, by the same logic, the Cyan Mist Sect would become a threat to them.

Seeing several great Saint Venerables step forward at the same time, Di Changqing’s face darkened to the extreme. His gaze toward the other two Celestial Veins turned incredibly cold.