“That was then, when Zhou Chen was around. We wouldn’t dare touch Shengyuan Academy,” You Mo said, eyeing the Vice Dean, a flicker of wariness crossing his face at Zhou Chen’s name.
“But now, after all these years without a trace, that old man’s either dead or in the continent’s depths, right?” You Mo countered.
The Vice Dean responded with unwavering confidence. “Even without Dean Zhou, as the former hegemon of the chaotic lands, our foundation isn’t something anyone can easily shake. If Youtian Demon Palace wants a fight, be prepared for a heavy price.”
“Is that so?” You Mo sneered, unfazed. “From what I know, aside from you few, no other Martial Monarchs are in the Holy City, correct?”
His gaze shifted to Lin Xiao. “We don’t need to fight. The Youtian Demon Pillar is the origin treasure of our Youtian Demon Art, irreplaceable. Hand him over, and we’ll leave.”
Lin Xiao’s brows rose, his eyes icing over.
The Vice Dean frowned.
The Holy City Plaza fell silent.
“Vice Dean, with the enemy stronger, risking the entire city for one junior isn’t worth it!” Xiahou Lan spoke first, her tone righteous.
Lin Xiao’s face darkened with anger. Xiahou Lan was kicking him while he was down.
Ziling, Mu Yao, and Tianmen disciples bristled with rage.
Other hot-blooded youths fumed. Beyond Lin Xiao’s issue, they’d been at war with the Youtian Alliance for a year. Bowing to them now, as the chaotic lands’ hegemon, would make them a laughingstock.
How could their pride endure such shame?
All eyes turned to the Vice Dean, awaiting his decision.
Before he could speak, the Eight Directions Tower Master cut in. “Xiahou Lan, if my intelligence is correct, you’ve long colluded with Youtian Demon Palace. You personally tipped them off about Lin Xiao, didn’t you?”
“Xiahou Lan, you’re a traitor to Shengyuan Academy!” Baili He roared.
“A traitor dares speak here?” the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion Master added.
The crowd reeled. The Xiahou family, betraying the academy to join Youtian Demon Palace?
“You already knew?” Xiahou Lan paused, surprised her secret was exposed, then admitted bluntly, “Yes, the Xiahou family has aligned with Youtian Demon Palace. Their strength grows while the Holy City weakens. A wise man chooses the winning side. We made the right call. Besides, you’d sacrifice our elder for a junior—there’s no reason to stay.”
“Xiahou Lan, you’re shameless!”
“The Xiahou family are traitors!”
“Colluding with the enemy—despicable!”
“Cowardly rats!” Voices of fury erupted, each more vehement than the last.
The Xiahou clan was stunned, unaware of their family’s defection.
The insults stung, but seeing Youtian Demon Palace’s might and Lin Xiao, they accepted it. A major event was unfolding, and their elder had chosen wisely.
Xiahou Wanyu, after a moment’s shock, grinned viciously at Lin Xiao.
With Youtian Demon Palace’s power here, Lin Xiao was doomed.
Lin Xiao’s eyes narrowed. No wonder Xiahou Lan was so bold, daring to attack him despite Baili He.
Her confidence stemmed from Youtian Demon Palace’s backing.
“Well, Rong Wanqing? You have four Martial Monarchs; we have eleven. If we fight, the Holy City has no chance,” You Mo said, his tone laced with menace. “Will you sacrifice the city for one disciple or risk annihilation?”
The crowd frowned, faces mixing anger and worry, eyes locked on the Vice Dean.
“Boom!”
Without a word, the Vice Dean struck, a massive palm print of immense power hurtling toward Xiahou Lan and the Xiahou clan.
This was his answer to You Mo.
“Chi!” Xiahou Lan crushed a talisman, a dazzling light enveloping the Xiahou clan.
“Shua!” They vanished, reappearing at the city’s outskirts in a flash.
Boom!
The spot they’d occupied exploded into a crater, dust billowing, knocking nearby disciples back.
The Vice Dean’s control spared them serious harm.
A full strike would’ve devastated the crowd.
“Light Escape Talisman!” Lin Xiao frowned. Xiahou Lan was prepared, escaping with her clan under the Vice Dean’s attack. That talisman’s grade was high.
“Now I see your choice,” You Mo said, his face turning cold. “Since you’ve chosen, don’t blame us for being ruthless.”
“Hmph, you think you can demand someone and get them? Who do you take Shengyuan Academy for?” the Vice Dean roared. “You’re prepared, but so are we. Four Elders!”
“Xiu!” “Xiu!” “Xiu!”
Four figures shot from the cultivation zone like lightning, joining the Vice Dean and Lin Xiao on the platform, their sovereign auras radiating.
“The other four Martial Monarch Elders!” The crowd erupted in cheers, Shengyuan disciples’ blood pumping.
With four more, the Holy City now had eight Martial Monarchs, their strength nearly matching the Youtian Alliance.
Even You Mo and Xiahou Lan showed surprise. The four’s return was beyond their intelligence, though they’d accounted for the possibility.
