Chapter 425

Chapter 425: The Conflict Begins

The townspeople screamed and wept when they saw the terrifying fireball approaching. Nearly everyone believed their deaths were certain. The despair and helplessness of impending doom overwhelmed them, causing immense suffering.

At that critical moment, another warship in the sky saved them. The survivors felt profound gratitude, with most kneeling excitedly and kowtowing repeatedly toward Fang Lie’s Earth’s Magnetic Force Warship.

Though the common folk thanked Fang Lie, the attacking Demonic Path cultivator felt insulted. He roared furiously, "Who dares interfere with this VIP Sir’s affairs? Do you have a death wish?"

As he spoke, he manipulated a thousand-foot Netherworld Ghost Fire skull—a massive flaming skull construct—to viciously charge at Fang Lie’s warship.

This divine skill appeared formidable but was merely for show, containing little actual power.

He wasn’t afraid of Fang Lie, but rather feared Mo Lanyun. The Mo Sect had two representatives here, and Mo Lanyun far surpassed him in strength. Remembering the adage "even when beating a dog, mind its owner," he only sought to intimidate Fang Lie, not truly fight.

Though the Ten Demonic Sects appeared numerous, their internal conflicts exceeded even those among righteous sects, often displayed openly.

If bullied by Mo Sect’s pair, his Demonic Path allies might well add insult to injury rather than help.

How could he dare actually harm Fang Lie?

Unfortunately for him, Fang Lie’s unyielding nature rendered these calculations pointless.

Fang Lei showed no mercy regardless of others’ restraint. All thirty-six Earth’s Magnetic Divine Light Towers on his warship activated simultaneously, firing thick beams of Divine Earth’s Magnetic Force Light that shattered the skull construct.

The residual force then slammed into the opponent’s large treasure weapon.

Though blocked, this constituted a stinging slap to the face.

Fang Lie sneered coldly, "Worthless cur! I’ll meddle in your affairs as I please—what will you do about it?"

"Damnation!" The Demonic cultivator’s face purpled with rage. "Fang Lie! Don’t push too far! I merely slaughtered some ants to strengthen myself for better protecting others in coming battles! This doesn’t concern you!"

"Humph!" Fang Lie retorted, "Seek strength by butchering your father, mother, and eight generations of ancestors! Those who spawned such filth deserve hell! But these innocent townsfolk? Harm one, and I’ll claim your wretched life!"

"Insolence!" The cultivator’s face turned livid. "Fang Lie! Do you seek war?"

"Come then!" Fang Lie shot back coldly. "The coward’s a turtle’s spawn!"

"You—!" The opponent choked on his rage. Alone, how could he oppose two Mo Sect experts?

A new voice emerged from the Demonic faction—a Blood Sea Sect disciple long antagonistic toward Fang Lie. Infuriated by Fang Lie’s open protection of mortals and disregard for Demonic masters, he taunted:

"Fang Lie! Think you can shield these worms? Watch me slaughter them before you!"

The blood-drenched temple floating above a crimson sea suddenly blazed, conjuring a massive scarlet cloud that drifted over the town.

Blood Rain began pouring down—a Blood Sea Sect divine skill where each drop contained Deadly Poison. Any mortal touched would instantly dissolve into bloody pus.

The downpour threatened to exterminate the entire population.

Fang Lie moved to intervene, but Ghost Realm Sect disciples seized the moment. Laughing wildly, they assailed him with Netherworld Ghost Fire attacks—not to injure, but to prevent rescue efforts.

Though frantic over ten thousand imperiled lives, Fang Lie found himself pinned. The Seventh-rank top-grade Netherworld Ghost Fire’s combat power demanded full attention—a single misstep meant ghostly flames overwhelming him.

At this crucial juncture, a shimmering water screen materialized around the town. The Blood Rain battered against the barrier but failed to penetrate.

Moreover, the crimson poison gradually paled upon contact, transforming into harmless clear water before reaching the ground.

All present immediately recognized Mo Lanyun’s handiwork.

Mo Lanyun immediately retorted boldly, "What? Does your Blood Sea Sect dare oppose my senior brother? I’ll handle this in his stead!"

As she spoke, the Dragon Turtle paddled through the water, charging toward the blood palace atop the Blood Sea.

The Blood Sea Sect disciple instantly regretted his actions. Had he known Mo Lanyun would intervene, he’d never have acted impulsively.

Not only was Mo Lanyun significantly stronger, but she also commanded a Seventh-rank Divine Beast descendant Dragon Turtle. In a real fight, she could defeat him quickly.

Terrified, he hastily cried, "Just a joke! Farewell!"

He swiftly steered the blood palace away, not daring to confront her.

Young Taoist Ming Yue flew closer, grinning, "Fighting? Include me! I’ll aid Senior Brother Fang!"

Mo Lanyun closed in simultaneously, trapping the Ghost Realm Sect’s ghost head between them.

Other Demonic Path cultivators scattered, none daring to approach.

The Ghost Realm Sect scoundrel’s face paled. Handling Fang Lie alone seemed impossible – now with Mo Lanyun and Ming Yue joining, this became suicidal. He bitterly regretted tossing that fireball.

With no escape, he stammered, "We’re all here to save humanity. Internal conflict now seems unwise!"

"VIP Sir!" Fang Lie roared. "You ‘save humanity’ by slaughtering ten thousand for amusement? Disgusting demon filth! Truly a despicable little demon!"

"Insolence!" the Demonic Path cultivator spat. "Who are you to speak, Fang Lie? Without those two, you’re worthless!"

"My worth matters not!" Fang Lie sneered. "I dare stand here cursing you! If you’re so mighty, let’s duel alone – to the death! Cowards are motherless curs!"

"You…" The Demonic Path cultivator choked on his rage.

High above, eighteen powerful cultivators faced off in two factions. Ten Demonic Path leaders stood left, headed by Ghost Realm Patriarch. Behind him stood Thunder Tribulation Immortals from various sects.

Opposing them stood eight figures led by Mo Qianxun and Sword God. Normally each side deployed one Semi-Immortal, but inexplicably the righteous sects sent two. Though West Kunlun’s spot went to Mo Lanyun, they’d dispatched a Thunder Tribulation Immortal Elder as observer.

Enemies normally, both factions now united against the demonic crisis. Through Water Mirrors, they monitored the Secret Realm’s events, particularly Fang Lie’s confrontation.

Ghost Realm Patriarch sneered upon seeing his disciple’s humiliation: "Mo Sect oversteps! Does Fang Lie truly believe himself invincible?"

"Precisely his conviction!" Mo Qianxun replied cheerfully. "As elder, I’m powerless. The world holds countless experts who could humble him!"

This uncharacteristically meek response puzzled listeners. But Mo Qianxun continued: "Naturally, none hail from Ghost Realm Sect. Thus despite his weakness, he rightly disregards your petty demons!"

"Arrogant fool!" Ghost Realm Patriarch thundered. "Let them duel! Prove who deserves contempt!"

"Gladly!" Mo Qianxun produced a green Treasure Pearl swirling with Netherworld Ghost Fire. "Should Fang Lie lose, this Eighth-rank Ghost Realm treasure becomes yours!"

The Patriarch nearly choked. This Eighth-rank treasure required Thunder Tribulation Immortal cultivation – meaning Mo Qianxun had slain one of their experts! Before witnesses, this humiliation burned.

Facing two Semi-Immortals, the Patriarch swallowed his rage. "Cruel indeed, Mo Qianxun! I accept! If my disciple fails, you’ll get an Eighth-rank treasure!"