Chapter 569

Chapter 569: Ming Yue

Mo Lanyun frowned and said gloomily, "I can’t do it. I couldn’t bring myself to kill so many innocent people!"

Fang Lie shrugged and declared, "If it were me, I’d show no hesitation—kill them all!"

Mo Qianxun’s eyes brightened, his expression pleased.

But Mo Lanyun protested angrily, "Senior Brother, how could you? Those mortals did nothing wrong!"

"True," Fang Lie replied sternly, "but their fate was sealed when they were captured. Even if they don’t die today, they’ll perish in the next fight under that scoundrel Prince Gu Ren. Either way, they’re doomed. So why not strike? Eliminate that bastard to prevent more suffering while avenging these souls. Seems right to me. Don’t you agree?"

Mo Lanyun bit her lip. "Your logic makes sense, Senior Brother… but isn’t there any way to save them?"

"A Semi-Immortal could manage it," Fang Lie said flatly. "But that’s beyond our strength. That monster’s roamed free too long. This chance to end him won’t come again for decades—maybe a hundred years. Think of how many more would die by his hand in that time."

Mo Lanyun’s eyes widened in realization. She nodded firmly. "You’re right. I’ll challenge him myself and stop his cruelty!"

"Good intentions," Fang Lie chuckled, "but leave the dirty work to me. No need to stain your hands."

"But I—" Mo Lanyun began.

Mo Qianxun cut in, smiling. "Let him handle it. Young ladies shouldn’t wallow in bloodshed."

With a resigned sigh, Mo Lanyun bowed her head.

On the Celestial Platform, Prince Gu Ren’s Fire Dragon pursued Young Taoist Ming Yue. But the Xuan Sect heir’s secret escape technique kept him effortlessly ahead.

"Keep running, little priest," Prince Gu Ren snarled, "and I’ll roast every last worm here!" A flick of his wrist sent flames coiling through the Fire Dragon’s body. Hundreds of mortals burst into screaming human torches—burned slowly for maximum agony.

"FACE ME, COWARD!" Ming Yue roared, trembling with rage.

"This is your fault!" Prince Gu Ren taunted. "Stay still and take your beating like a good boy, and they won’t suffer!"

Ming Yue’s fists clenched. "If I don’t dodge, my protective treasure’s backlash will crush them!"

"Then discard your defenses!" The prince grinned. "Play the righteous hero—let me break you while ‘saving’ these ants. Don’t worry, I’ll stop before killing you."

"Never!" Ming Yue lunged forward.

"Bold words!" Prince Gu Ren waved his sleeves, summoning twenty more Fire Dragons. Each now held tens of thousands of mortals—nearly a million hostages total. "Go on. Attack. But know this—I’ve gathered hundreds of millions of these worms. Slay me, and their deaths become your karma. How ‘righteous’ will you seem then?"

Tears of fury streaked Ming Yue’s face as helpless rage choked him.

At that moment, the Sect Leader of the Xuan Sect suddenly spoke up, "Enough, we concede!"

"Sect Leader!" Young Taoist Ming Yue stammered with flushed shame, "I, I—"

"I understand. You could’ve won, but chose mercy," the Sect Leader said kindly. "You’re still young. Excessive killing clouds wisdom and hinders your Dao path. Never gamble your future for momentary victory. You’re far more valuable than that worthless Prince Gu Ren!"

"But I can’t accept this!" Ming Yue protested bitterly. "That scoundrel deserves death!"

"Patience," the Sect Leader said calmly. "He won’t live long. The next round will see justice served."

His sharp gaze fell upon Fang Lie, carrying unspoken intent.

Fang Lie immediately understood – the Xuan Sect wanted him to eliminate this nuisance.

Admiring the Xuan Sect’s principles and sharing their disdain for the prince, Fang Lie had no reason to refuse. He gave the Sect Leader a firm nod, silently vowing to challenge the wretch immediately in Round Three.

Young Taoist Ming Yue caught the implication. Reluctantly yielding, he spat, "Fine! Consider yourself lucky, bastard! I concede!"

"Not so fast!" Prince Gu Ren crowed. "Celestial Platform rules require mutual consent for surrender! I’ll only agree if you pay tribute with Eighth-rank Treasures!"

"Enough!" Ming Yue shouted, trembling with rage. "You cheated your victory! Push me further and we’ll perish together!"

"Empty threats," the prince sneered. "Your precious Sect Leader declared you’re worth ten of me. You wouldn’t dare."

The Xuan Sect Leader’s patience snapped. He turned to the Golden Crow Emperor. "Does your kingdom truly seek war with Xuan Sect?"

Though rare, the Sect Leader’s threat held deadly weight. While small in numbers, Xuan Sect boasted three Semi-Immortals and seven public Ninth-Rank Treasures – surpassing even Mo Sect’s arsenal. This unrivalled might made them untouchable.

The Golden Crow Emperor paled. "Merely youthful jests! Not worth noting!" He barked at the prince, "Stand down!"

"Ugh, fine!" Prince Gu Ren scowled, retreating from the Celestial Platform without fear of Xuan Sect’s retaliation – knowing their pride prevented public deception.

Though honor-bound to accept defeat, Young Taoist Ming Yue slumped dejectedly. Young Taoist Qing Feng comforted his junior while shooting death glares at the departing prince.

Normally, Qing Feng could handle any opponent. But Prince Gu Ren’s vile tactic of threatening mortal lives created an impossible dilemma – even tenfold power couldn’t justify slaughtering millions and bearing catastrophic karma.

Only Fang Lie, that reckless justice-obsessed fool, would act first without karmic concerns. Hence the Sect’s silent plea.

After tense silence, Qing Feng strode forward. He pointed at Five Elements Sect beside Golden Crow’s delegation. "Five Elements Sect! Face judgment!"

The crowd erupted in muffled laughter. Everyone knew the two sects were thick as thieves – since Qing Feng couldn’t strike Golden Crow directly, their accomplices would bear the wrath.