“And us!” A clear, sharp voice rang out. Three figures flew toward the valley, moving through the air without vital energy wings, as if gliding effortlessly.
Leading them was a graceful woman in a purple dress, her beauty ethereal, exuding extraordinary talent. Powerful spiritual energy fluctuations surrounded her, giving her an air of vibrant elegance and otherworldly charm.
The two young men beside her were also striking, radiating spiritual energy.
“Spirit Gate disciples?” Su Jinguang’s brows furrowed. The woman was Zi Ling, second on the Human Star List, far stronger than him, surpassing even Xiahou Wanyu and capable of challenging Mo Jiutian.
The two beside her were lesser-ranked Human Star List disciples from the Spirit Gate, both early third-grade spiritual controllers.
“Zi Ling?” Xiahou Wanyu’s brows knitted. Having lost to her once, he was wary, though a sinister glint soon crossed his face.
Others frowned at Zi Ling’s arrival. Spiritual controllers were notoriously troublesome.
But with their numerical advantage, they were confident they could suppress her.
Standing in the void, Zi Ling glared at Mo Jiutian. “Mo Jiutian, Xiahou Wanyu, attacking fellow disciples violates Holy Origin Academy’s principles and the vice-dean’s will.”
“We’re only after Hu Yue. Leave now, and we won’t act,” Mo Jiutian replied coolly.
Zi Ling’s appearance was unexpected, but their numbers gave them confidence she couldn’t save Hu Yue.
“Face Lin Xiao in a fair fight if you have the guts. Threatening a girl—what kind of man are you?” Zi Ling snapped.
“I’ll face him, but he lacks the courage,” Mo Jiutian said, his gaze locking onto Zi Ling. “You’re not that close to him. Are you sure you want to get involved?”
“Lin Xiao is someone my master values. His friends are my responsibility,” Zi Ling stated firmly.
The crowd was stunned. Lin Xiao, favored by Master An Miao?
It made sense—his spiritual talent would attract even a sixth-grade spiritual controller.
But if Master An Miao learned of this, they might face consequences.
Still, with Xiahou Lan backing Mo Jiutian and Xiahou Wanyu, they felt less concerned. A senior wouldn’t likely feud with juniors over a dead disciple.
“If that’s your choice, there’s nothing more to say. I, Mo Jiutian, don’t need your permission to take someone!” His abyss-like eyes turned icy, a terrifying aura radiating.
Hu Yue, Ma Bi, and their allies tensed. Mo Jiutian was about to strike, and their side was at a clear disadvantage.
“My people aren’t yours to take!” A thunderous voice roared from the horizon.
A golden light, brimming with torrential aura, swept over the peaks, landing at the valley’s center.
Seeing the youth atop the Void Phoenix Wings, the crowd’s expressions hardened.
“Lin Xiao?” Mo Jiutian, Xiahou Wanyu, and their group froze.
They’d targeted Hu Yue to lure Lin Xiao, yet before capturing her, he’d come to them?
Ma Bi, Bull Nose, and the others were equally stunned by his arrival.
Relieved to see Hu Yue unharmed, Lin Xiao’s anger surged.
His icy gaze fixed on Mo Jiutian. “Mo Jiutian, didn’t you want to fight me? I’m here.”
Mo Jiutian’s expression tightened.
“I formally challenge you for the top Human Star List spot. A fight to the death—do you dare?” Lin Xiao’s voice boomed, brimming with battle intent, echoing through the valley.
The crowd was shocked. Lin Xiao was challenging Mo Jiutian to a death match?
Mo Jiutian, the top Human Star List disciple, a sixth-level Martial King, was peerless in his tier. What gave Lin Xiao the confidence?
Even Hu Yue’s group was stunned. Though Lin Xiao might have grown stronger in the Mysterious Domain, they doubted he could match Mo Jiutian.
Zi Ling, knowing Mo Jiutian’s terror best, looked worried. “Lin Xiao, you don’t need to do this. I’ll handle Mo Jiutian. Get Hu Yue out.”
Lin Xiao shook his head, his gaze unwavering. “I killed your brother and your fiancée. If you’re a man, step up and fight me yourself!”
Mo Jiutian’s eyes flashed with killing intent, his voice chilling. “As you wish. Everyone, watch closely—don’t let him escape!”
“Hmph, Lin Xiao, I’ll kill you myself!” Xiahou Wanyu roared, surging with aura and charging.
“Two against one? Xiahou Wanyu, have you no shame?” Zi Ling snapped, darting like lightning between them, blocking Lin Xiao’s rear.
Their intervention set the crowd on edge, a battle imminent.
“No one else moves!” Mo Jiutian shouted, halting his restless allies.
It was effectively two-on-two. Xiahou Wanyu could hold Zi Ling, if not win, without issue. Mo Jiutian was confident against Lin Xiao one-on-one, wary only of him fleeing or a chaotic brawl. Better to let their side stand guard.
If Lin Xiao tried to escape, they could block him.
Since Mo Jiutian’s group held back, Lin Xiao’s allies refrained too. Outnumbered, they trusted Lin Xiao’s confidence, knowing he wasn’t reckless.
*Boom! Boom!*
Zi Ling’s spiritual energy clashed with Xiahou Wanyu’s sword beam. On the other side, Mo Jiutian’s fist shot toward Lin Xiao, who countered with his own.
A resounding clash, and both were pushed back.
The battle paused.
Mo Jiutian’s group tensed. When Lin Xiao struck, a fifth-level Martial King aura erupted, his punch matching Mo Jiutian’s in force.
