A dispatch, late today! Apologies: the second installment will follow shortly. “Brother, once this Tiannan affair is concluded, how about we take a trip to Tianxiang together?” the short, stout man asked cautiously as they sped along.
“Go where? To look for trouble or to kill someone? Which one isn't a thankless task? Did I teach you nothing back then that you still haven't learned your lesson?” the black-bearded middle-aged man snapped, rolling his eyes.
“No, I haven't forgotten what happened back then. I was just pondering if perhaps we should bring that child, Mo Xie, over to stay with little sister for a couple of days…” I hear that recently, the child isn't as tyrannical or bullying as he used to be. He's matured quite a bit—Little sister, she’s been unconscious for ten years now,” the short man said, his face etched with heartache.
“That matter… requires further deliberation. Do you think I don't feel for my little sister? But what that brat Mo Xie has done is truly deplorable. The terrible things he did years ago, and then when Old Monkey Head returned home last time to report his good nephew’s actions to Mother, she was so enraged she nearly passed out, expecting news! Have you forgotten? If he weren't my nephew, I would have done away with him myself! The rumors say he has improved, but they are still just rumors. If the rumors are wrong, or if the boy’s conduct is even worse than rumored… wouldn't Mother truly be angered to death? Let’s investigate secretly first,” the black-bearded man sighed, a hint of sadness in his eyes.
“Yes, that’s true. That boy really doesn’t make us proud! Little sister has transcendent talent, and brother-in-law Wu Hui is also a dragon among men. How could their offspring be so inadequate? But let’s see first. What if the prodigal son truly has repented? Wouldn't that be an unexpected joy? Besides, it wasn't easy for us to come out this time. We should accomplish something before heading back.” Brother, people will certainly come to Snow-Wind Silver City this time. Why don't we pick a few of them off for fun? When it comes to venting frustration, taking it out on the youngsters from Silver City is the most satisfying thing!” The short man bared his teeth, revealing a sinister, subtle grin.
“Indeed, if the opportunity arises, killing a few for sport wouldn't be out of the question,” the black-bearded man nodded. He cautioned: “But we absolutely must not let anyone know it was us.”
“Of course! To manage to kill a few of those arrogant, ignorant Silver City disciples would be the most delightful thing! It avenges brother-in-law and vents sister’s anger,” the other two chuckled sinisterly, their fists clenched, brimming with fighting spirit.
Outside the jungle, at the three-way fork.
Jun Mo Xie, standing with his hands behind his back, suddenly froze, his expression shifting slightly before quickly returning to normal. Young Master Jun’s gaze focused on one specific direction. It was because three immense auras were rapidly closing in! Judging by their trajectory, their apparent target was right where he stood.
Jun Mo Xie narrowed his eyes, his thoughts churning. Truly, if one doesn't leave Tianxiang, one won't know the vastness of the world; if one doesn't travel ten thousand miles, one won't know the beauty of the landscape. This saying is absolutely correct.
Judging by these three auras alone, any single one possessed the cultivation level of a Divine Profound expert, perhaps even comparable to the elders of Snow-Wind Silver City he had encountered before. This alone wasn't enough to make the great killer Jun change countenance. What truly caught his attention was the faint, almost imperceptible hint of astonishing killing intent flowing from each of them. Had Jun Mo Xie not himself been a peak assassin, he would have definitely failed to notice it. The great killer Jun could even assert that if the three Great Elders of Silver City—Three, Six, and Nine—were to oppose these three, they would die a miserable death.
Such masters would be exceedingly rare and difficult to find in a place like Tianxiang City, yet here were three appearing at once!
If one only stayed cooped up in Tianxiang City, how would one ever know that so many extraordinary people and events existed in the world? Only by venturing out could one witness such splendid company! It seems I really should travel around more!
As Young Master Jun’s thoughts shifted, three figures flashed and arrived before him in an instant.
The leader was cloaked in black beard and long robes, his expression placid. The second was of medium build, slightly lean. The third, however, was rather short and stout with a large head and small eyes, his appearance resembling a great ape, quite comical.
The moment the three landed, they too were stunned.
They had sensed that surge of killing intent earlier and assumed some formidable major figure had arrived. Hence their haste to investigate, perhaps even to forge an acquaintance; at the very least, that shocking aura alone made them worthy of connection. But upon arrival, everything was beyond their expectations.
There were only three youths, a boy and two girls, and four burly men standing there. Their cultivation levels were all immediately apparent. The two peerlessly beautiful girls both seemed to possess cultivation above the mid-stage Golden Profound level; for their age, this was already a talent rarely seen!
As for the boy, at such a young age, he had already reached the Jade Profound level! He was truly someone to be admired for the future.
However, while such cultivation was rare, it was not enough to truly impress these three. At most, they felt a moment of surprise at what faction could nurture these three contemporary prodigies. In terms of threat, they posed none whatsoever.
As for the four burly men behind them, although their murderous intent was strong, their overall standard was merely average. The highest cultivation among them was at the Jade Profound level, while the other three were all Golden Profound. For men of their age, while not weak, they were hardly worth mentioning.
As for the several hundred people working diligently in the jungle, everyone seemed to possess Golden Profound strength. For a unit of this size, this was exceptionally precious and impressive; yet, it still failed to enter the sight of these three grandmasters.
To manage a small contingent where nearly every member possesses Golden Profound strength, even in this current age, is practically unparalleled; the sheer extravagance has reached a frightening degree. Even the major empires might not be able to afford such a feat—easily assembling a small detachment composed purely of Golden Profound experts.
Therefore, judged by ordinary standards, the fighting force currently assembled by Jun Mo Xie could absolutely influence the outcome of any secular war!
Yet, when viewed by grandmasters at the Divine Profound level, this fighting force was no different from ordinary mortals, at best being slightly stronger ants. This difference arises from the varying perspectives of experts at different tiers. Thus, this formidable squad capable of moving any worldly emperor was, in the eyes of these three grandmasters, still just so-so!
What truly managed to move and intrigue these three great masters was that prior surge of aura. What exactly was that?
“Boy, I’ll ask you, did anyone stop here just now and then instantly leave? Just answer truthfully, and there will be benefits for you. Understand?” The short man, Dongfang Wendao, was the third of the trio. The other two were the black-bearded middle-aged man, Dongfang Wenqing, and the lean man, Dongfang Wenjian; the three were actually brothers.
Dongfang Wendao saw his two older brothers holding back, so he, being the lowest in status, naturally took the initiative to speak.
His asking the question was one thing, but his attitude was entirely wrong. Not only did he refuse to look directly at them, but he spoke condescendingly, like an interrogator.
In truth, it was understandable; one couldn't even say Dongfang Wendao’s manner of questioning was entirely inappropriate. Though his strength was the lowest among the three brothers, he still possessed the formidable power of a second-grade Divine Profound. Facing a few Jade and Golden Profound cultivators, he felt that deigning to speak to them was already a great courtesy, let alone promising benefits.
If a (Xuan practitioner) could receive guidance from a Divine Profound expert, it would truly be an immense blessing. Even a mere move or a few stray words could result in lifelong benefit.
Even Dongfang Lao Da and Lao Er beside him wore looks of taking it for granted, not thinking their brother's questioning was improper in the least.
If he had questioned someone else, that person might have conceded. They might even have replied with joyous detail and tried their utmost to curry favor with these three great deities!
But the real pity was that his target was Jun Mo Xie, the great killer Jun.
This man was inherently resistant to both softening and hardening tactics, and he absolutely refused to accept any form of coercion!
Even threats delivered face-to-face by three Divine Profound experts!
To speak of it, Mo Xie had only vaguely seen his three maternal uncles over a decade ago, when he was only six or seven. Given his original dissolute nature, he had long forgotten those three big men completely. The current Jun Mo Xie, having taken over the body, had no memory of them whatsoever. He was too busy trying to forget the trashy notions of the former Mo Xie to truly recall anything.
And the uncles of former Mo Xie were the same. Who could possibly connect a mischievous brat dripping snot from ten years ago with the elegant, imposing, exceptionally talented, and transcendent young beauty standing before them? They too had mostly forgotten. While they noticed the youth was handsome and faintly familiar, they certainly didn't connect him to anything specific.
In their minds, the rumored nephew was a complete wastrel and good-for-nothing. How could he resemble the youth before them—handsome, lovable, with a noble and proud bearing? Moreover, the youth before them possessed genuine, exquisite cultivation above the mid-stage Jade Profound, whereas their nephew was rumored to be a spoiled brat whose meridians were completely ruined. The two simply couldn't be linked.
“Heh heh, little sister Xiao Yi, did you see? We never see trees like this back home. When late autumn arrives, the leaves turn silver but never fall, and when spring returns, they regain their verdant green. It’s truly miraculous. If possible, shall we take a couple back with us when we return home?” Jun Mo Xie seemed to completely ignore Dongfang Wendao’s question, smiling faintly as he pointed to a tree and introduced it to Dugu Xiao Yi.
Dongfang Wendao immediately flew into a rage!
The other party completely disregarded him? This was too damaging to the reputation of this Third Master Dongfang. He roared, lowering his voice, and asked viciously, “Brat, I’m asking you a question. Are you deaf? Didn't you hear Third Master’s question? Are you asking for a beating?”
Meanwhile, the black-bearded man, Dongfang Wenqing, frowned slightly. “Third brother, asking questions is fine, but don't scare the children.” He was also pondering inwardly. Given this boy’s cultivation, he should certainly be able to sense their auras. Yet, not only was he unafraid, but he was so composed, even dismissive! Could he have some major backing? Or perhaps be the descendant of some famous lineage?
But even with powerful backing, one shouldn't be so arrogant when facing three Divine Profound experts simultaneously! There were no other peculiarities in this location. Could the supreme master who emitted that startling killing intent earlier be connected to this boy? Or perhaps hiding nearby?
Dongfang Wendao turned back, grinned, and said, “Big Brother, I know, but children always need a little discipline.”
Only then did Jun Mo Xie snort, glancing sideways at him, and ask, “You… were asking me?” (To be continued)
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