As Mo Jiutian’s few words reached his ears, a hint of solemnity appeared on Dao Yi’s face. Mo Jiutian’s reputation was exceedingly prominent even within the Inner Court. Offending him would likely make life difficult, even within the Sword Alliance.
“Everyone will eventually enter the Inner Sect, and you’re not unaware of Mo Jiutian’s reputation. By allowing someone Mo Jiutian has marked for death to join the Sword Alliance, you, as the one who recruited him, probably won’t fare well, will you?” Duan Cangsheng asked calmly in response.
Dao Yi’s expression grew increasingly grim. Although his rank and influence were inferior to the other’s, the Sword Alliance was also one of the top three powers in the Inner Court. Having already spoken, he couldn’t afford to lose face for the Sword Alliance.
Even if he had no choice but to clash with Duan Cangsheng, he still had his own trump cards.
Without responding to Duan Cangsheng’s words, Dao Yi turned his troubled gaze to Lin Xiao and said, “I’ll say it again, Lin Xiao. As long as you join my Sword Alliance, you’ll be a member, and the Sword Alliance will protect you.”
A trace of anger flashed across Duan Cangsheng’s face. Before Lin Xiao could reply, he interjected, “I just wonder if your Sword Alliance can actually protect him!”
The crowd was astonished. They hadn’t expected Dao Yi to disregard Duan Cangsheng’s dignity for Lin Xiao’s sake. If the two fought, it would undoubtedly be hailed as the most thrilling battle in the Outer Court.
The scene fell into a brief stalemate.
However, at that moment, a soft, feminine laugh rang out, “Hehe, if one person faced Brother Duan alone, we certainly wouldn’t be his match.”
Hearing this gentle voice, the crowd was startled again and turned to look. They saw two women dressed in moon robes gracefully approaching the group, standing out like cranes among chickens. Both were strikingly elegant, their beauty extraordinary.
“That’s Moon Gate’s Phantom Butterfly, Yun Lian!”
“Both of them are incredibly strong, especially the sect leader, Phantom Butterfly. Her illusions are unmatched, capable of killing with a single glance. She’s ranked second in the Outer Court!”
“Those two are truly terrifying!”
Hearing the crowd’s remarks, Lin Xiao also looked at the two women with some surprise. One appeared seventeen or eighteen, already at the ninth level of the Heavenly Martial Realm, exuding an impressive aura.
The other, in her early twenties, was even more stunning. Her curvaceous, graceful figure radiated an alluring charm that made it hard for Lin Xiao to tear his eyes away.
Yet, there was no detectable aura from her. Still, Lin Xiao had a feeling this woman was no ordinary beauty, but rather an extremely dangerous figure.
Glancing at the crowd’s reactions, he noticed that none of the onlookers showed admiration or intent in their gazes. Instead, they all wore expressions of deep wariness.
“She’s terrifying!” Lin Xiao thought to himself. This woman was far from as simple as she appeared, likely possessing extraordinary methods. Otherwise, with such beauty, it was impossible no one would covet her.
Upon seeing Phantom Butterfly’s face, even Duan Cangsheng’s expression shifted slightly. This seemingly delicate beauty was no pushover.
“Little Brother Lin Xiao, how about joining our Moon Gate? If you join us, I reckon Brother Duan wouldn’t bully two weak women, would he?” Phantom Butterfly cast a frail glance at Lin Xiao, then at Duan Cangsheng, smiling sweetly.
Her pleasant voice made Lin Xiao pause. To the unaware, she might seem like a fragile woman, but treating her as such would be naive.
“If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t care, but him? No chance!” Duan Cangsheng’s expression cooled, his tone hardening.
He knew Phantom Butterfly was formidable, but as the top-ranked in the Outer Court, he had his own confidence. Even against Phantom Butterfly and Yun Lian, two three-star disciples, he harboured no fear.
Not to mention Lin Xiao had killed Mo Jiuxiao, even if Lin Xiao were faultless, for the Martial Alliance’s reputation, he wouldn’t let Lin Xiao go.
“Oh my, Brother Duan is so fierce!” Phantom Butterfly let out a pitiful whimper, then turned her pleading gaze to Dao Yi, saying, “Brother Dao, it seems our smaller factions are being bullied. How about we look out for each other? Whether Little Brother joins the Sword Alliance or Moon Gate, shall we unite to oppose anyone who stands in his way?”
“Oh?” Dao Yi’s face lit up with a smile. “That sounds agreeable.”
Beside them, Duan Cangsheng’s expression darkened instantly. Their words were clear: if Lin Xiao joined either faction, and he made a move, they’d team up to stop him.
This was tantamount to the Sword Alliance and Moon Gate joining forces to challenge the Martial Alliance.
Normally, the Martial Alliance held sway over both factions, so they’d long had intentions of uniting against him.
Both of their strengths were formidable. If they teamed up, even he might not gain the upper hand.
This gave him a headache, while also stoking some anger within him. Yet here they were, casually declaring it in front of everyone.
Still, he wasn’t reckless. Fighting them both would hardly be wise.
“Heh, I really don’t know what this kid’s got that makes you willing to offend my Martial Alliance just to recruit him,” Duan Cangsheng let out a cold laugh. “I wonder which faction your so-called genius will choose?”
With a mocking smile, Duan Cangsheng looked at Lin Xiao. Though the two showed signs of an alliance, if Lin Xiao picked one faction, the other would surely be displeased. If he then forced his hand, whether the latter would still intervene was another matter.
After all, he wasn’t some nobody.
“Hehe!” Phantom Butterfly giggled charmingly, her captivating eyes glancing at Dao Yi. “Brother Dao, you’d better keep your word.”
“Naturally. It’s Moon Gate that shouldn’t go back on it,” Dao Yi replied, crossing his arms with utmost confidence.
“This little lady’s word is her bond,” Phantom Butterfly said, smiling at Lin Xiao. “Little Brother Lin Xiao, our Moon Gate ranks second in the entire Inner Court, filled with countless super geniuses. You’ve offended Mo Jiutian, and only we can shelter you. Why not join me at Moon Gate?”
Phantom Butterfly blinked, her abyss-like eyes radiating a captivating mental ripple.
Staring into her eyes, Lin Xiao felt as if he’d fallen into a bottomless abyss, his mind growing dazed.
“Ahem, Sect Leader Phantom, no using illusions on him,” Dao Yi’s voice interrupted the mental wave, snapping Lin Xiao back to his senses.
“What a terrifying illusion!” Lin Xiao’s heart jolted. Phantom Butterfly hadn’t even fully unleashed her illusion, yet it had dazed him. If she used her strongest attack, the terror of that illusion was unimaginable.
