Chapter 831
by fanqienovelChapter 831: Duel (Final)
Twenty-four warriors stood in formation on either side, each gripping a long flag, their dark blue banners fluttering vigorously in the wind.
The two golden-white "Qinyun" characters inscribed on the flags were strikingly prominent.
The flag bearers radiated an overwhelming aura as they rode forward, their battle intent palpable, each one an innate martial artist!
Such a vanguard formation could only be described as extravagant.
It is worth noting that an innate martial artist is capable of commanding a city. In Chibi City, where Wang Chen had once resided, there was only a single innate martial artist.
Yet, in this contingent, innate martial artists were commonplace!
Following these innate flag bearers were a series of opulent cloud palanquins.
Each palanquin was drawn by four purebred horses, with the drivers also being innate martial artists.
In total, there were thirteen palanquins, with the central one being a grand eight-horse cloud palanquin, two ranks higher.
Those acquainted with the protocols of Qinyun Palace would recognize that such a palanquin is reserved for elders!
Additionally, hundreds of heavily armored knights flanked the sides and rear.
These knights, though not innate martial artists, were encased in heavy armor, revealing only their piercing, blade-like eyes, exuding a formidable sense of oppression.
Though numbering only two to three hundred, their charging momentum could rival that of a thousand armies!
Once such heavy cavalry launched an assault, no innate martial artist could withstand them directly.
“Halt!”
This formidable troop came to an abrupt stop about a hundred paces from White Deer Academy.
The leading flag bearer moved aside, allowing the central eight-horse cloud palanquin to advance to the forefront.
Seated atop the elevated palanquin was a middle-aged cultivator in a white robe with a long beard, his expression stern and commanding, his gaze fixed intently on Wang Chen, who sat at the academy’s courtyard gate.
“Wang Chen!”
The middle-aged cultivator bellowed sternly, “Do you acknowledge your crimes?”
His voice resonated powerfully, audible to those miles away.
“Hu! Hu! Hu!”
The twenty-four innate riders and hundreds of heavy cavalry shouted in unison, instantly unleashing a formidable momentum directed at Wang Chen.
This was the killing intent of a battle array!
The killing intent of a battle array is the ultimate weapon for martial artists against cultivators, possessing the destructive power to shatter souls and seize hearts.
However, the killing intent of a battle array cannot be summoned lightly; it requires warriors of immense strength, indomitable spirit, and extensive battle experience to coalesce.
Ordinary cultivators faced with such a fierce battle array would be compelled to kneel on the spot.
Yet Wang Chen remained seated and unmoved, enduring the incoming killing intent with an unaltered expression, as if a gentle breeze brushed his face, without any sense of pressure.
“Acknowledge my crimes?”
He smiled and retorted, “What crimes? Are you fabricating charges?”
Though Wang Chen did not recognize the middle-aged cultivator, it was not difficult to surmise from his appearance and demeanor that he was likely Sikong Hongfei’s father, Sikong De Ping, the chief officer of Taiwu Pavilion!
Sikong De Ping, given his status, was not entitled to ride the eight-horse cloud palanquin.
But he had a powerful father.
Elder of Qinyun Palace, extraordinary state practitioner Sikong Changming!
Undoubtedly, this palanquin and these knights and cultivators were all orchestrated by Sikong Changming, intended to rescue his grandson.
“Do you dare to deny it?”
The middle-aged cultivator bellowed in fury, “Did you kidnap my son Sikong Hongfei?”
“Sikong De Ping, you are mistaken.”
Wang Chen replied with a smile, “Hongfei is indeed here with me, but he is merely a guest.”
Clap! Clap!
Wang Chen clapped his hands, and Gao Zhuang appeared behind him with Sikong Hongfei.
In truth, “held hostage” would have been more accurate, as Gao Zhuang held a battle knife against Sikong Hongfei’s neck.
The young scion looked pitiful, one side of his otherwise handsome face swollen, resembling a bee sting, making him appear quite ridiculous.
“Dad, Dad!”
Upon seeing Sikong De Ping a hundred steps away, Sikong Hongfei cried out as if he had found a lifeline, “Quick, save me!”
In his agitation, his neck brushed against the blade.
Instantly, his skin broke and bled.
“How bold!”
Sikong De Ping’s eyes about to burst with rage, he shouted, “Wang Chen, if you value your life, release my son at once!”
“This is simple.”
Wang Chen smiled and said, “As long as Sikong De Ping delivers Mo Han and the Mo family here, I will immediately release Hongfei.”
“Dream on!”
Sikong De Ping suppressed his anger, saying disdainfully, “Mo Han has violated the alliance’s rules and must face severe punishment. The Mo family has caused trouble and must also be punished.”
“Wang Chen, I advise you to turn back from this wrong path and not foolishly resist. If you release Hongfei, I will grant you a chance to defend yourself before the elder, otherwise…”
Before he could finish, Wang Chen made a slicing gesture.
Gao Zhuang swiftly swung his battle knife, accurately severing Sikong Hongfei’s left pinky.
“Ah!”
Sikong Hongfei was caught off guard and let out a piercing scream from the intense pain.
It was as if he had lost a parent!
Sikong De Ping nearly spat out blood.
Having a child as a practitioner is not easy, and Sikong Hongfei, being his only son, had been spoiled into a young scion.
Despite his anger towards this good-for-nothing son, Sikong De Ping’s heart held a firm place for Sikong Hongfei.
He did not expect Wang Chen to be so ruthless as to cut off Sikong Hongfei’s finger before his eyes.
It felt like a heavy slap across Sikong De Ping’s face!
“Issue my command!”
Sikong De Ping shouted furiously, “The Mo family members shall be executed ten for one, and Mo Han’s left arm shall be severed as punishment. Execute it immediately!”
He could not tolerate being threatened by Wang Chen, so he chose an even harsher means to intimidate him.
Wang Chen responded by making another slicing gesture.
“Ah!”
Sikong Hongfei’s left hand fell to the ground at the wrist.
Who’s more ruthless?
Wang Chen was not afraid.
Although he used Sikong Hongfei to pressure Sikong De Ping to save someone, he would never be threatened in return.
Even if Sikong De Ping killed all the Mo family members, Wang Chen would never bow to him!
Sikong De Ping’s eyes twitched with rage, reaching a boiling point yet feeling powerless.
He realized the only way to save his son was to agree to Wang Chen’s terms.
Moreover, if he dragged this out, Sikong Hongfei’s severed hand might never be healed!
“You are indeed ruthless!”
Sikong De Ping replied with a grim voice, “Fine, I will have someone bring Mo Han and the Mo family here, but you must save Hongfei first.”
“This is simple.”
Wang Chen got up, picked up Sikong Hongfei’s bloody severed hand, and connected it to his wrist.
With a lightly flash of white light, the hand miraculously reattached!
Seeing this scene, Sikong De Ping felt a shiver down his spine.
Wang Chen’s recently displayed abilities were truly extraordinary; not to mention himself, probably even Sikong Changming could not achieve this!
Wang Chen’s strength was indeed terrifying.
Sikong De Ping suddenly realized that choosing to oppose Wang Chen seemed to be a colossal mistake!