Chapter 474

Chapter 474: Going All Out

After calculating Fang Lie’s weaknesses, the old demons rejoiced and settled on the arena battle plan.

Fang Lie had only undergone serious cultivation for a few years following the three unyielding tortures. No matter how talented, he couldn’t have become that formidable in such a short time.

Their Core Inner Gate Disciples were different—these scoundrels had cultivated since birth. Over decades, they’d consumed top-grade spirit pills daily and received guidance from centuries-old masters. Their magic reserves and cultivation base were immense, and they’d spent years perfecting Powerful Divine Skills and secret techniques until mastering them completely.

By any measure, Fang Lie stood little chance against them in pure spell-based combat.

Of course, Fang Lie’s wealth posed a problem. If the contest involved treasures or Outer Path abilities fueled by resources—like the Fire Spirit Peak gu insects he’d recently acquired—the demons wouldn’t dare challenge him.

Hence their cunning choice to force a battle of spells, exploiting Fang Lie’s perceived weakness.

This blatant unfairness gave Fang Lie every right to refuse without losing face. To corner him, the shameless demons targeted his women.

Among Fang Lie’s companions, Mao Mao and Mo Lanyun were both powerful figures with sensitive statuses—impossible to ambush. The only vulnerabilities were Qingyu Island’s managers: Mi Qing and Little Peach Red.

While Little Peach Red remained stationed permanently on Qingyu Island handling Mo Sect communications and finances, Mi Qing frequently traveled for diplomatic duties. Her father Poison Heart Young Master became the demons’ leverage—they captured him, forced him to lure Mi Qing to Poison Heart Island, and easily took her hostage.

They then sent Fang Lie their challenge: agree to an arena battle wagering the White Jade Divine Fish, and Mi Qing would be returned unharmed after the match. Refuse, and they’d drown him in endless humiliation.

Furious, Fang Lie slammed his fist. "Bastards! They won’t surrender until destroyed? I’ll wipe them all out!"

His three brothers exchanged worried glances. Ice Second Brother cautioned, "Big Brother, those Core Inner Gate Disciples have trained since infancy. You handle treasure contests well, but spell battles…"

"Spell battles?" Longxing Tianxia cut in bluntly. "Those twenty-year-old elites each master multiple peak-level Powerful Divine Skills—some could rival Wind Tribulation Immortals! You’ve focused solely on magic reserves these years without proper instruction. How could you match them?"

"Don’t take the bait," Fang Huo added. "She’s just a Demonic Path maid. Why risk everything?"

"Enough!" Fang Lie’s roar silenced them. "She’s mine. Protecting what’s mine defines a man. I won’t let this stand!"

As Fang Huo lowered his head unconvinced, Fang Lie smirked. "Think me helpless? Among the Seven Contests—spells, treasures, combat, gu insects, beasts, banners, soldiers—I only lack Dao soldiers. The rest? Bring them on."

"But we’ve never seen your divine skills!" Longxing Tianxia protested.

Fang Lie simply smiled. Half a year ago, he’d indeed been unprepared. But the Star Gold Element Core had transformed him—now his magic reserves matched any elite. His Soulfire Lance, Great Heart Technique, Void Claws, Past King Fist, and Blood Clone Technique all reached perfection. Each blood clone mirrored his full strength. Eight clones fighting together? Let them try.

Even death meant nothing. Fifteen blood clones stockpiled, each holding three Nirvana Fire Seeds for instant resurrection. At worst, he’d overwhelm them through sheer persistence.

With such cards held close, why fear any arena?

Under such circumstances, Fang Lie didn’t hesitate. He instantly activated the teleportation array to reach Qingyu Island.

Emerging from the glowing portal, Fang Lie gaped at the transformed landscape. Though he’d only been absent a year, the island had undergone dramatic changes. What was once an ordinary seafaring outpost with a single manor and tiny settlement now hosted dozens of hundred-mile palaces teeming with Wind Tribulation Immortals and higher experts. The old hamlet had ballooned into a sprawling town spanning hundreds of miles, accommodating nearly a million residents.

Qingyu Island’s population had exploded from ten thousand to over three hundred thousand Cultivators. The bustling streets and crowded markets made the place nearly unrecognizable to Fang Lie.

A welcoming party approached, led by three figures. At the front stood Little Peach Red, the scarlet-clad Great Demon. Behind her trailed Mao San and Gou Si – Fang Lie’s Golden Pool realm subordinates, their cultivation feeble but loyalty unquestioned.

All three dropped to their knees. "We greet the young master!"

"Rise." Fang Lie gestured dismissively. "This place has changed beyond recognition!"

"Your Sect’s efforts combined with the spirit pills and Spirit Liquid’s popularity drew Cultivators from vast distances," Little Peach Red explained with a curtsy. "This prosperity flows from your influence."

"Flatterer." Fang Lie chuckled. "But credit also goes to you, Mi Qing, and these two." He nodded at the tearful Mao San and Gou Si.

Though Fang Lie’s current stature attracted Wind Tribulation Immortals, he kept these Golden Pool subordinates as head stewards – their positions exceeding many higher Cultivators’. Their early loyalty during his struggles outweighed weak cultivation. True devotion proved rarer than power.

Little Peach Red suddenly paled and knelt again. "I failed Sister Mi Qing! Punish this fool!"

"What occurred?" Fang Lie’s brow furrowed.

"Her father summoned her to discuss family matters," the demoness stammered. "She resisted, fearing traps after you humbled the Ghost Realm Sect. But I convinced her to go, thinking parental love would protect her…"

"Simpleton!" Fang Lie sighed. "Apologize when she returns."

The chastened demoness nodded, then ventured: "Will you accept their challenge?"

"Of course!" Fang Lie’s voice rang clear. "The Fang Family fears no Competition Method! My ancestors never retreated from Arenas – shall I tarnish their legacy?"

"Bold words, cub!" boomed a voice as scarlet-robed Huo Wufang descended – Mo Sect’s Righteousness Token Lord. "They exploit your brief cultivation and lack of Powerful Divine Skills. Certain of victory despite disadvantages?"

"Rabble beneath my palm." Fang Lie smirked. "They deliver themselves to slaughter. Refusing would disappoint!"

"Ha! Your cunning reputation holds." Huo Wufang grinned. "I’ll spread word across the realms – let thousands witness you crush the demonic sect!"

"Perfect!" Fang Lie’s eyes gleamed. "Public execution of their elites? Nothing sweeter!"