He was inherently rebellious, inclined to break conventions and challenge authority. The more he fought against opponents stronger than himself, the more thrilled and fulfilled he felt. Yet, this very nature meant that in a world where the powerful reigned supreme, he likely wouldn't survive long; perhaps enjoying freedom today only to be wiped out by some master’s casual gesture tomorrow.

His character was further defined by a complete lack of moral distinction; he acted solely according to his own desires.

Concepts like the ‘greater good,’ the ‘path of the chivalrous hero,’ or sacrificing for the nation and its people held absolutely no sway over him. Had his strength not grown steadily, step by step, ultimately allowing him to ascend to his current peak, he would likely already be a cold corpse, perhaps even utterly annihilated, with the sole trace of his existence serving as a cautionary tale in history!

Yes, Jun Mo Xie was precisely such a person.

He saw himself with profound clarity. In truth, Jun Mo Xie was human, and like all ordinary people, he possessed countless flaws, whether in temperament or habit. He was far from perfect; in certain aspects, one might even call him wicked.

But he had one distinct advantage over others: he possessed tremendously formidable power, allowing him to disregard these weaknesses—or perhaps, because he was incredibly lucky to possess the Heaven-defying, super-cheat artifact known as the Hongjun Pagoda, coupled with the knowledge from his previous life and the wisdom gained from living two lifetimes. These were things not everyone could possess.

And Jun Mo Xie encountered them! Thus, his temperament became his unique personality, and his shortcomings ceased to be flaws. Combined with his unyielding perseverance and the miraculous Hongjun Pagoda, his life became a legend!

What is termed a legend, after all? It is simply the spectacular experience written by an ordinary person, even one riddled with defects, through a confluence of fate!

The emperors of history, the founding monarchs—once they achieved success, who cared if they stole a neighbor’s chicken as a child? Or spied on young girls bathing? Or robbed others?

Even if such deeds were known, they became colorful anecdotes for inspiration, not evidence for sentencing!

History is littered with countless petty thugs, yet only Liu Bang became truly famous. Countless others suffered humiliation beneath the groin, but the most widely transmitted remains Han Xin. Millions have sold shoddy goods, but only one Li Ka-shing was made!

History has always judged right and wrong based on merits and faults, never the other way around. This is perhaps the strangest phenomenon in human society.

Everyone criticizes, everyone resists such practices, and everyone looks down on countless acts, yet we hold up the past weaknesses of famous figures to educate ourselves and spur ourselves on.

A petty thug stealing a chicken would be chased for blocks by the owner and the populace, cursed relentlessly; people speak of it with utter contempt. But when they speak of the founding emperor stealing a chicken, they only chuckle heartily.

Or they might sigh, lamenting the hero’s moments of helplessness in adversity! And they completely understand and agree: In that dire situation, it was the only thing he could have done...

Both actions resulted in chicken theft. Why is the former condemned while the latter only elicits sighs of sympathy or even agreement?!

What logic is this?

The reason is simple; there is only one point—

Because the latter succeeded!

Only success!

Once you have achieved success, even your defects transform into shining merits!

Do not mistake my words for alarmist nonsense; this is the truth! Even if it seems utterly absurd, it is fact!

A gust of wind, rustling sleeves, suddenly swept past as a cold, sharp, and detached voice broke the air: “Fighting alien scum—how could I, Chu Qihun, possibly miss out on such a glorious affair!”

With a swoosh, a figure in white appeared outside the tent like a javelin, eyes sharp as a falcon’s, fixed upon Jun Mo Xie.

“Chu Qihun! You’re here!” Jun Mo Xie exclaimed with inexplicable delight.

Who else could this visitor be but the King of Assassins!

The foremost assassin of the Xuan Xuan continent, the Supreme Assassin, Chu Qihun!

Chu Qihun offered a slight smile and walked slowly inside.

In truth, Chu Qihun’s current cultivation stood only at the Third Level of the Venerable Realm. Anyone casually present in this tent likely surpassed him greatly; he was utterly insignificant in comparison. Yet, facing so many formidable experts, Chu Qihun’s expression remained unchanged. His entire being was still like a drawn longsword—razor-sharp and imposing!

A sharp sword might break, but it would never bend!

“How did you arrive so quickly?” Jun Mo Xie sounded genuinely puzzled. The emergency at Tianzhu Mountain and the news of the impending massive alien invasion had only just spread. Not a single great family, near or far, had arrived yet. How was it that Chu Qihun, who always kept to himself and rarely involved himself in the mundane world, and should have received the news last, managed to arrive first?

“I accepted a contract previously for thirty thousand silver taels. The target kept fleeing, eventually managing to escape into a desolate desert not far from here.”

Chu Qihun smiled; the muscles of his face were cold, as if sculpted from ice and snow. Though he was smiling genuinely now, to everyone else, the King of Assassins still exuded a chilling aura. Even knowing his power posed no threat to them, they couldn't help but feel a sense of dread!

“During this pursuit, I expected it to take too long, and I was feeling frustrated; then I encountered a natural disaster and almost perished in that desert. I never imagined I would stumble upon such a rare, once-in-an-eon grand occasion!” Chu Qihun chuckled softly: “…Am I too late?”

“No, no, Old Chu, you’ve arrived perfectly on time, not even a moment late. Exactly on schedule,” Jun Mo Xie boomed with great laughter, warmly ushering Chu Qihun inside.

“The Supreme Assassin!?” A Saint from one of the Three Great Holy Lands scoffed, “Merely someone at the Venerable level, and he rushes over too? Has he come to die?”

Chu Qihun’s eyes narrowed as he fixed his gaze on the Saint who had just spoken. With chilling indifference, he stated, “Compared to everyone present, my strength is undoubtedly low. Naturally, I cannot be mentioned in the same breath as peerless masters like yourselves. However, for a matter as significant as fighting the alien race—even if I, Chu, possessed the strength of a mere chicken, I must come to share the danger! Whether I live or die is my own affair; I care little for this life. I wonder why it concerns you, Sir?”

The Saint’s face flushed purple with anger, and he slammed his hand on his chair, preparing to stand up and lash out.

“Furthermore,” Chu Qihun added with a cold snort, “I was not invited here by you! You must be from the Three Great Holy Lands, yes? Heh heh… If this place were filled only with your Holy Lands, then—even with a blade to my throat—I wouldn't wade into this murky water!”

Chu Qihun stared hard at the Saint, his voice icy: “Though I am only at the Venerable cultivation, it is not certain that a Saint could not fall beneath my blade! If you doubt me, feel free to test it!”

Chu Qihun truly possessed only Venerable cultivation, yet facing the assembled Saints and Saint Emperors, he spoke eloquently, meeting challenge with challenge, his posture tense and aggressive, showing not a shred of timidity! However, what he said was not untrue; with his assassination arts, if he was determined to kill a Saint, it was by no means an impossible feat!

“Audacious!” the Saint roared, his Saintly dignity unable to tolerate such provocation from an expert below his own rank, even if this man was the famous First Assassin of the Xuan Xuan Continent!

“Audacious!” Jun Mo Xie immediately bellowed in return, his eyes filled with chilling divine light as he stared toward the Saint, his tone grim: “You are merely some petty Saint-level figure. In front of me, Jun, what right do you have to be so presumptuous?!”

The Saint had just chastised Chu Qihun for his low cultivation; now, Jun Mo Xie was using the same low cultivation argument to rebuke him—a direct, immediate retaliation.

For those he admired, even if their strength was mediocre, he would not allow outsiders to profane them casually. It was the same for the former Tang Yuan, and it was the same for Chu Qihun now!

The Saint was so enraged his face turned ashen, and his chest felt ready to explode. Yet, he stood there, utterly speechless.

Though he dared to shout down Chu Qihun, even intending to attack, he dared not utter a single word of retort to the reprimand coming from Jun Mo Xie, because the one shouting was Jun Mo Xie!

Chu Qihun dared to argue with him, but he dared not oppose Jun Mo Xie. The difference in status between the two was self-evident.

“Sit down!” Mo Wudao commanded with a deep, angry shout, glaring at the Saint: “We are at this juncture, and you still have the heart to exclude allies? Are you seeking internal conflict? Regardless of whatever past grievances Chu Qihun might have with the Holy Lands... his presence here today proves his willingness to strive for this continent! He is a hero! He is our friend!”

The Saint sat down sheepishly, his face darkening. First, he was rebuked by Young Master Jun, and then lectured by his companion—it would be strange if his face wasn't black!

“Mo Wudao, ha ha, well done! I’ve crossed paths with you a few times before, but only now do I feel there is some rationale behind why the Hidden Immortal Palace of the Three Great Holy Lands is led by you as Palace Master!” Jun Mo Xie offered praise.

Mo Wudao managed a wry smile but offered no reply.

Hidden Immortal Palace? Where was the Hidden Immortal Palace now? Only ruins buried under shattered stone... within lay countless skeletal remains—all his former family and friends...

The thought brought agonizing pain to everyone from the Hidden Immortal Palace!

It was a terrible shame that Zhan Lunhui, the main culprit, had managed to escape during the previous engagement. Even if only his soul got away, he was still alive...

Now that the continent faced imminent collapse, they could not dwell on personal vendettas. They feared they would never have the chance to exact personal revenge in this lifetime! This regret was undoubtedly shared by all affiliated with the Three Great Holy Lands, their greatest regret in this existence!

Jun Mo Xie linked arms with Chu Qihun and walked in, casting a cold glance over the assembled company. He stated, “Everyone, starting now, large numbers of allies will arrive one after another! Those who come might be Supremes, or Divine Profound, or Heaven Profound, or Earth Profound. In your eyes, their cultivation might be nothing to speak of, perhaps just the existence of ants! But remember this: everyone who arrives here at this moment is a true man willing to dedicate himself to this continent! They are true iron-blooded warriors! Their hearts are redder than yours, and their blood is hotter!”

“I absolutely forbid anyone insulting them again! Not even a single word! If anyone dares utter similar words again, there will be only one consequence: death without mercy!”

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