"Uh, I..." Jun Moxie rolled his eyes and quickly slipped away from the four of them, vanishing without a trace.

The joke was, was he really supposed to tell them that yesterday he had snuck into the Heavenly Punishment Forest and held a very friendly and pleasant discussion with the Seven Great Beast Kings? Based on the premise of friendly cooperation and mutual interest, they had reached a mutually beneficial cooperation intention.

The four exchanged glances. Strolling around casually? This was his first time in Tiannan City; he didn't know anyone. Where on earth did he go? And he was gone for a whole day and night—he certainly could stroll! If this wasn't far, wouldn't exploring further mean walking all the way back to Tianxiang City! Did this brat have any idea how worried the four of them were? However, Jun Moxie’s demeanor clearly indicated he didn't want to talk about it. Since he was safely back, they weren't keen on pressing the issue. Jun Wuyi, in particular, knew his nephew was genuinely capable; it was only because they were in Tiannan. If they were back home, he wouldn't have worried even if he hadn't returned for several days.

But what the four of them never expected was that Jun Moxie's little excursion hadn't been very far at all—it had only taken him into the core area of the Heavenly Punishment Forest, just enough time to gather some herbs and perhaps "burst" a few minor beasts for their cores.

The four shook their heads, about to follow him in. They had been worried sick all night. Seeing Young Master Jun return finally eased the tension in their chests. The great battle would commence tomorrow, and everyone’s mind was heavy; they needed to rest well. Just then, a guard at the entrance suddenly reported that the Young Master of Blood Soul Villa, Li Tengyun, had arrived.

Jun Wuyi pondered for a moment and said, "Invite him in."

Third Master Jun inwardly thought that during this morning's meeting of all the leaders, Jun Qiangyi's position as the supreme commander for the decisive battle—in essence, the vanguard sent to die—had been essentially confirmed.

But when everyone had finalized their choices today, Blood Soul Villa suddenly dispatched a Third Elder, who was at the Divine Feast realm, intending to replace Jun Wuyi as commander. This left everyone perplexed.

This so-called commander position held little substantive authority. Victory brought no credit, defeat meant taking the blame, and the commander would be the first to die in battle. Furthermore, one even had to guard against sabotage from their own allies. It was truly a thankless role that offered one hundred percent effort for zero reward! Nobody understood's intentions. Why send a Divine Feast realm expert to his death when they already had Jun Wuyi, the perfect scapegoat? Wouldn't that be a waste?

However, this was the opinion of the Alliance's top expert, so nobody dared to easily reject it. Thus, the final choice for commander was temporarily shelved, but it boiled down to only two people: either that Third Elder or Jun Wuyi!

Li Tengyun's arrival here must be related to this matter; they would wait to see what he had to say.

During this morning's pre-battle preparation meeting, the major clans and various factions had also sent top experts to participate. Blood Soul Villa and Wind Snow Silver City, who initiated this whole affair, naturally dared not slack off—or rather, they couldn't afford to. This whole mess was entirely due to the two families pushing Jun Wuyi into an abyss, a fiery pit. If they contributed too little manpower, wouldn't they earn universal scorn?

Everyone knew the chances of victory in this battle were infinitesimally small, perhaps nonexistent, but even if it was a suicide mission, people still had to be sent!

Under the strenuous negotiation and pressure exerted by Jun Wuyi, the Dongfang Family, the Duanmu Family, and the Sikong Family, the Wind Snow Silver City side dispatched Elders Three, Six, and Nine, two Tianxuan experts, Mu Xuetong and Xiao Han, and the Seven Swords of Silver City—seven masters! Compared to the total fighting strength Wind Snow Silver City had brought to this location, this accounted for over seventy percent of their power; their contribution was certainly substantial.

After all, sending only Three, Six, and Nine would be too flimsy an excuse. The Seven Swords of Silver City possessed the strongest sword formation power; if they were separated, their strength would diminish by more than a notch, so all seven had to go. The real filler contribution was Mu Xuetong and Xiao Han; there was no helping it, in this gathering place packed with top experts, Tianxuan experts were not as rare as they usually were.

However, Wind Snow Silver City’s plan was meticulously laid out: with so many experts protecting them, even if this battle were lost, no one would absolutely die! The loss to Silver City would not be significant; sending too few people would truly be sending them to their deaths!

As for Silver City's other experts, Elders Two, Five, and Eight, because Xiao Buyu held a grudge against the Dongfang Family, and all three Dongfang members were participating, they naturally could not go. Otherwise, if conflict erupted between their own people, wouldn't that be disastrous?

In truth, this was largely due to Xiao Buyu, the person currently in charge for Wind Snow Silver City, being small-minded. Regardless of any personal grudges he held with the Dongfang Family, at such a crucial juncture concerning the survival of humanity, they would certainly not dredge up old scores for the sake of the greater good.

The Duanmu and Sikong Families, always having friendly relations with the three Dongfang brothers, naturally sided with Dongfang Wenqing, who clearly stood with Jun Wuyi.

Blood Soul Villa also exerted great effort, dispatching nearly a dozen top-tier individuals, including three hundred Yu Xuan experts, one hundred Di Xuan experts, thirty Tian Xuan experts, and five Shen Xuan powerhouses. Among all the factions, Blood Soul Villa sent the largest contingent of troops.

The weaker Baili Family sent only three people. Besides two Tian Xuan masters, only Baili Luoyun, who was at the Yu Xuan level, was included alongside Jing Ran. This decision caused all the major families present to secretly sigh, unconsciously looking down on him somewhat.

For such a young genius to be treated this way by the Baili Family was truly short-sighted.

Regardless of what grievances existed, even if they were irreconcilable enemies, they should still value this peerless genius who could drive the entire family forward! Even the harshest punishment—expelling Baili Luoyun from the family—would have sufficed.

Even if Baili Luoyun became a wandering rogue, his surname would still be Baili, and in the eyes of the martial world, he would remain a member of the Baili Family. Moreover, given a few decades to cultivate, he would surely become at least another Shen Xuan expert, perhaps even a Supreme Being!

At that time, Baili Luoyun would be the protective deity of the Baili Family. Even if Baili Luoyun held a grudge against the family then, anyone attempting to deal with the Baili Family would have to consider Baili Luoyun’s attitude. At the very least, he would be a threat! The Baili Family would invisibly rise in stature.

But now, the Baili Family was determined to destroy this person here, almost impatiently wishing for this genius to die! This caused widespread contempt among the onlookers for the Baili Family's decision-making. As a grand aristocratic family, how could they be so lacking in foresight, so devoid of a sense of the bigger picture, so narrow-minded, and still hope to achieve anything great?

Some even asserted: From this moment on, the Baili Family had already begun its decline, perhaps even... was already finished!

Among the twenty thousand soldiers led by Jun Wuyi, only three hundred were selected to fight, including over two hundred Yu Xuan experts; the rest were almost all at the early stages of Xuan Chu level. Moreover, these people were basically the escorts sent by the various major families to protect their young masters.

Once these men were chosen, Jun Wuyi immediately understood the Emperor’s intention. The young masters of those families would naturally be safe under his careful protection, but the ones truly being sent to die were himself and these men.

In the capital, the power of the major families was quite dispersed. After this reorganization, they would stabilize somewhat. While these men might not be considered top experts on the continent, they represented a considerable force within Tianxiang City; after all, where there are no tigers, the monkey reigns supreme.

But if most of these men died here, the strength of the aristocratic families would be further severely weakened. And when these precious treasures of the various families, these personal bodyguards, were all killed, their principals would naturally be resentful. Upon returning to their clans, seeing their brothers and sisters safely at home, their sense of imbalance would intensify. In this way, whether it was power struggles or direct challenges to the position of heir, immense changes would ensue, further fragmenting and eroding the already shrinking strength of the major families.

The consequence of being whittled down step by step, bit by bit, in this manner, was only that the Emperor could use imperial power to hold these families more tightly in his grasp. By then, the phenomenon of the family heads uniting to threaten imperial authority would inevitably become a thing of the past.

What profound calculation! What an exquisite scheme!

It turned out the Emperor’s far-sighted strategy had already accounted for all this!

As Third Master Jun was deep in thought, the handsome and spirited Li Tengyun entered, dressed ostentatiously in a shimmering silver outer robe, looking like a walking lighthouse. Jun Wuyi and the three Dongfang swordsmen were stunned, scarcely believing their eyes: dressed like that, this kid was too **!

If there were assassins, he would be a perfect, living target. Even with poor aim, throwing blades and swords at the shining spot would give him a serious run for his money.

Li Tengyun walked in with two expert escorts, clasping his hands, his demeanor arrogant, and his tone presumptuous: "General Jun, I apologize for this unannounced visit. I hope Third General Jun will not take offense."

"Not at all, Young Villa Master is too polite," Jun Wuyi returned the bow impassively. "May I ask the reason for Young Villa Master's visit?"

Li Tengyun chuckled, looking around hesitantly, pausing before speaking.

The three Dongfang Wenqing brothers laughed knowingly, realizing he had reservations, and tactfully excused themselves.

As soon as the three departed, Jun Moxie emerged from behind a curtain. Sitting behind the curtain were two other figures: Guan Qinghan and Dugu Yi.

Jun Moxie and Guan Qinghan had already guessed the purpose of Li Tengyun’s visit and had stepped out early; Young Dugu Yi naturally followed.

"Everyone present is one of our own, Young Villa Master Li can speak frankly," Jun Wuyi said, a faint smile on his face, though his eyes held a barely concealed cold sharpness. Jun Wuyi was no fool and had already guessed some of Li Tengyun's intentions.

"Since General Jun says so, this Young Villa Master will be direct," Li Tengyun said, a confidence suggesting everything was under control shining in his smile. He didn't pay any attention to the newly emerged Jun Moxie, nor did he truly care about the entire Jun Family. After all, compared to a behemoth like Blood Soul Villa, the Jun Family was clearly insignificant.

"When I was last traveling in Tianxiang, I happened to meet Miss Guan Qinghan. I was utterly captivated by her celestial beauty, and since then, my heart has been restless, unable to forget her for a single day."

Li Tengyun smiled charmingly. "I hear Miss Guan has been widowed for many years, but her status is still that of the Jun Family’s eldest grandson's wife. Hehe, in truth, everyone knows this engagement shouldn't count for much; at best, it’s just a nominal title. Today, I have come to ask Third Master Jun to grant Miss Guan her freedom, to fulfill our beautiful union—wouldn't that be a win-win situation?"

"If the Jun Family is willing to let her go, my Blood Soul Villa will certainly reward you!" Li Tengyun waved his hand to stop Jun Wuyi from speaking. "Third Master Jun must realize that this morning, our Third Elder of Blood Soul Villa only volunteered to seize control of the decisive battle command under my instructions. Everyone knows this decisive battle is no ordinary one. The opponents are all high-level Xuan Beasts. I believe one wrong move could lead to a desolate end of returning one's soul to the Nine Springs. General Jun's strength is naturally supreme, his mastery of Xuan Gong... hehe, is naturally outstanding; I genuinely admire that. However, General Jun has been disabled for years. When facing high-level Xuan Beasts, I imagine General Jun knows that once you engage, there is... no hope of survival!"

Jun Wuyi kept his eyes lowered, preventing Li Tengyun from seeing the rage in them, and said deeply, "The Young Villa Master's purpose must be more than just lamenting my impending doom. State your true intention!"

"Good. Since General Jun is a man of few words, I will be direct. As long as you agree to my demand, then General Jun will not have to go to his death."

Li Tengyun felt a little tired of beating around the bush and came straight to the point. "At that time, my Blood Soul Villa will absolutely be able to seize command with overwhelming force, and the Jun Family's prestige will certainly not be harmed. Under the protection of our Blood Soul Villa, not only will the Jun Family members participating in this Xuan Beast battle be safe, but we will also do our utmost to smooth over any hidden arrows coming from the Silver City side!"

Li Tengyun narrowed his eyes, an expression of absolute certainty on his face. "This Young Villa Master also knows what General Jun is worried about, and I will certainly not make things difficult for you. The Jun Family’s contribution is merely one woman, and she is a woman who, in essence, has almost no real connection to the Jun Family."

"Does the Young Villa Master mean to say this woman has no value whatsoever?" Jun Moxie interjected coldly.

"This woman... hehe, Young Master, your words are a bit too undignified for someone of your aristocratic standing; it surprises me," Li Tengyun coldly rolled his eyes. "How many women in this world hold value? Even those who achieve something merely rely on their husband's fame. For families like ours, exchanging a few horses, a few dogs, or hehehe... women, is an extremely common occurrence, isn't it? Just for amusement; why make such a fuss?"

"Just for amusement?" Jun Wuyi’s voice turned cold, like the icy wind of a snow mountain. "Young Villa Master Li, is this your condition?"

"The condition I offered is full of sincerity. Is General Jun still not satisfied?" Li Tengyun detected the coldness in Jun Wuyi's tone and suddenly glared at him with fierce light, his voice laced with heavy threat: "Third General Jun, you must think carefully. If you refuse this sincere offer, tomorrow might just be your death anniversary! Besides facing the frenzied Xuan Beasts and sharp-tongued enemies, you will also have another insurmountable, even stronger force arrayed against you. Trading a woman who has almost no connection to you for General Jun’s own life and the peace of the entire family—surely anyone knows how to choose. Furthermore, this decision would bring that woman immense happiness. General Jun, facing two roads, life and death, you wouldn't be so unwise, would you?"

"No connection? Guan Qinghan is a member of my Jun Family, at least she is for now," Jun Wuyi stared at him coldly. "As long as she is a Jun Family member for one day, an outsider will never be allowed to insult her! As for the life and death of the Jun Family, and its survival, that is not for Young Villa Master Li to worry about. Guards, escort our guest out!"

"Jun Wuyi, you refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit! I came to negotiate with you merely to show you respect and offered exceedingly generous terms. Do you really think you are someone important?"

Li Tengyun shot up violently. "Since you are ungrateful and determined to seek death, why should I worry about you? It makes no difference whether you live or die. Even if you survive, can you stop me from getting Guan Qinghan?"

Jun Moxie clicked his tongue twice. "Young Villa Master Li, you truly are strange. Since when did our Jun Family members become your concern? Who do you think you are? The sole son of the Supreme Being Jue Tian, the dignified Young Villa Master of Blood Soul Villa, and yet you behave like this? You've truly opened my eyes. No wonder my sister-in-law dislikes you; I believe any woman would dislike you. Because apart from a father renowned as the second strongest in the world, you are utterly worthless! Blood Soul Villa truly is..."

"Very well! Jun Moxie, you will pay the price for your loose tongue. Wait tomorrow to collect the corpse for your Third Uncle!" Li Tengyun snorted, stood up, and threw his sleeve. "This Young Villa Master disdains to argue with you verbally; Jun Moxie, you are not worthy, and your Jun Family is even less worthy of bargaining with me."

Jun Moxie let out a cold chuckle. "Who is worthy and who is not is hard to say right now. At least in front of me, there is a toad eager to eat swan meat. Is that worthy?"

"You!" Li Tengyun’s anger flared up but vanished instantly. He said coldly, "The woman I, Li Tengyun, desire has never been unattainable! Jun Moxie, look out for yourself. Here in Tiannan City, if you lose the protection of your Third Uncle and your three maternal uncles, I’d like to see how arrogant you can still be! Tomorrow it’s your Third Uncle; perhaps the day after, it’ll be you! Are your three Shen Xuan Uncles so great? Jun Moxie, the power you rely on is worthless in my eyes! Let me tell you, in this world, the one with the bigger fist speaks the ultimate truth!"

"I knew long ago that the bigger fist speaks the truth! If the Xuan Beasts weren't so powerful, would Blood Soul Villa have become a nest of Xuan Beasts? If his fist wasn't big enough, would the arrogant Supreme Being Jue Tian have cast aside his reputation to issue the Supreme Being Summons? Even at this stage, you’re still so arrogant—a new peak of shamelessness!"

Jun Moxie shook his head speechlessly. "Blood Soul Villa truly is stubborn to the end. Since that’s the case, let’s see whose family will be mourning after tomorrow’s battle!"

"Fine, let's see whose family mourns. Jun Moxie, you just wait to wear sackcloth and mourning garments!" Li Tengyun turned to leave. As he reached the doorway, he stopped briefly and asked one last time, "Jun Wuyi, are you sure... you won't regret this?"

"Get out!"

This was Jun Wuyi's reply. His patience with this shameless Young Villa Master of Blood Soul Villa had reached its absolute limit!

A sharp light flashed in Li Tengyun's eyes, and he snorted heavily before turning to leave.

"Slow down, you bastard Tengyun," Young Master Jun suddenly called out.

Li Tengyun turned back and sneered. "Afraid now? Young Master Jun, hurry up and persuade your Third Uncle, and your grandfather. Why risk the entire Jun Family for a woman? A wise man submits to circumstances."

"Ah? Young Master Tengyun must have misunderstood what I meant by calling out to you. I'm just kindly reminding Young Master that you have an unlucky glare between your brows—your left eye is green, your right eye is red, you look like a complete idiot, and misfortune clings to you. You are about to face a bloody disaster very soon, one you cannot avoid."

Young Master Jun said slowly, "Instead of worrying about others' lives, you should worry about your own safety. If I turn out to be correct, it will cause your father to send his white hair to the grave for his black-haired son, which would be extremely unfilial."

"Supreme Being Jue Tian is over a hundred years old; he probably can’t manage to have another child now. Young Villa Master, take care of yourself."

Li Tengyun's nose was nearly crooked with rage. He snorted heavily and walked away without looking back.

"Third Uncle, have the combatants for tomorrow's battle all been confirmed?" Jun Moxie asked.

"They are confirmed. Besides myself, there will be the experts from the various major families. To handle this battle, I have pulled out everyone available. In terms of military strength, our Tianxiang Empire is the best on the entire continent, but when it comes to Xuan Gong strength, we are the opposite—almost the weakest among all the factions present today. This is a universally acknowledged fact! As for your two hundred-plus guards and military officers, I haven't drawn a single one of them!"

Jun Wuyi smiled faintly. "A battle that is certainly lost and where death is certain—why sacrifice too much?"

Jun Wuyi didn't voice some of his thoughts, but Jun Moxie understood clearly: those two hundred-plus personal guards were Moxie’s core direct lineage, the hope for the Jun Family’s future. Since it was a guaranteed death battle, him dying alone would be enough; why would he sacrifice this group of people?

Waves of emotion surged in Jun Moxie's heart. Jun Wuyi did not know that he possessed the ability to ensure the Jun Family members suffered no harm. Therefore, this time, Jun Wuyi had fully resolved to sacrifice himself, yet even in this moment, his thoughts were still on Moxie, still on the Jun Family.

"Third Uncle," Jun Moxie pondered for a moment, then stated heavily, "Rest assured, everything will be fine! Although tomorrow's battle is unpredictable, with perhaps an even greater chance of defeat, you, Third Uncle, will absolutely come to no harm! I can guarantee that!"

Jun Wuyi gazed at him for a long time, then suddenly broke into a smile. "Let's hope so."

With that, he suddenly called out, "Qinghan, can you come out now? You've hidden and eavesdropped long enough, haven't you? Come out!"

Guan Qinghan and Dugu Yi walked out somewhat sheepishly. The way they looked at Jun Wuyi was thick with concern, especially Guan Qinghan, whose face, beyond worry, held a deeper shade of desolation.

Jun Wuyi coughed twice, then suddenly fell silent. A look of conflict flickered in his eyes, and he remained quiet for a long while. After a pause, he finally rasped, his throat dry, "Today, the three of you are before me. One is my nephew, one is my Jun family's daughter-in-law, and the third is the pearl of the Dugu clan, fully capable of representing the Dugu family. Xiao Yi, I trouble you to bear witness for me, Jun Wuyi."

Dugu Xiao Yi did not know what he intended to say, but instinctively she felt a pressure, as if Jun Wuyi was about to make an extraordinarily significant decision! She nodded almost involuntarily.

Guan Qinghan's heart jolted. She guessed what Jun Wuyi was about to do and cried out in despair, "Third Uncle, no, you absolutely cannot!"

(Uh, I acted rather disgracefully after drinking yesterday..." sweatdrop, but please believe me, I am actually a very pure person when I don't drink. (To be continued)