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Ning Tianchen's group traveled at great speed, arriving back in Binhai City a full day earlier than the messengers. As such, neither the Cang family nor the city lord's residence was yet aware of their return.
By mid-morning, the Duke's son—Mo Li—received orders from Crescent Moon City and immediately led his men to surround the city lord's residence.
Upon learning of the situation, Zhang Chenghuan promptly stepped out of the residence and scolded, "Mo Li, though you are the Duke's son, that does not give you the right to surround the city lord's residence. You'd best give me a reasonable explanation, or I will report you to the Emperor and impeach you!"
The city lord held both military and political power over the city. In wartime, the city lord was equivalent to the commander of an army—how could he be so easily manipulated by the son of a Duke, who himself held no noble title!
Without haste, Mo Li retrieved an imperial decree from his sleeve, handed down from Crescent Moon City.
"Zhang Chenghuan, as the city lord of Binhai, you have neglected your duty to serve the nation and instead committed acts of treason. Your crimes deserve death."
After reading it aloud, he cast a taunting glance at Zhang Chenghuan, then swept his gaze over the soldiers within the residence. "What? Are all of you planning to rebel alongside this traitor?"
Treason was no small crime. If implicated, one's entire family would be executed, even extending to nine generations of relatives.
The soldiers hesitated briefly before tightening their grips on their spears, pointing them directly at Mo Li.
At the end of the day, they were Zhang Chenghuan's men. Their pay came from him—not Mo Li!
Zhang Chenghuan sneered and waved his sleeve. "The armies of the Radiant Sun Empire have already invaded our borders. As the great-grandson of the Earl of Lai, you do not think of serving the nation but instead target ordinary citizens with baseless accusations."
"I may not dare say much else, but as long as someone resides within Binhai, whether native or not, they will be treated fairly and justly under my governance."
With these words, the gathered townsfolk burst into applause.
Though Zhang Chenghuan might not have been a perfect city lord, at least Binhai had never experienced famine, and corruption between officials and merchants was rare.
Facing the crowd's disdain, Mo Li chuckled coldly. "It seems the local soil nurtures its own kind of people. These troublemakers should be sent to the battlefield to serve their country."
Zhang Chenghuan responded indifferently, "That is not for you to decide."
"You speak endlessly of loyalty to the nation, yet you act selfishly. Is this all the Earl of Lai amounts to?"
"Hmph! How dare you question the legitimacy of my family's title!"
Mo Li was well aware that it was difficult for an outsider to topple a deeply entrenched local power.
In the past few days, he hadn't rushed to act, waiting instead for reinforcements from the Earl of Lai's household.
Standing beside him was the first elder of the Earl of Lai's household—a powerful figure.
"Mr. Wang, I leave this matter in your hands," Mo Li said respectfully, bowing deeply to the elderly man beside him.
Zhang Chenghuan noticed the gesture and frowned deeply.
Even he couldn't gauge the strength of this "Wang"-named elder.
"The young master speaks too highly of me. It is only natural that I serve the Earl of Lai's household." The elder took a step forward, his presence unmasked.
According to protocol, the eldest son of an earl wouldn't hold the title of "crown prince."
Zhang Chenghuan's frown deepened.
If Mo Li was being referred to as "crown prince," it meant either the current Earl of Lai had been bestowed the title of a non-hereditary king, or Mo Li himself was soon to be granted a princely title.
Either way, Mo Li's background was terrifying—far beyond what a mere city lord like Zhang Chenghuan could challenge.
"I see now—it's none other than Wang Zhong, the Mountain-Crushing Tiger." The voice of Cang Tianyou rang out.
The strong members of the Cang family entered the scene in succession, standing firmly by Zhang Chenghuan's side.
Recognized, Wang Zhong gave a faint smile and responded, "Cang Tianyou, you old fellow, you've certainly lived comfortably."
"I am curious—why would two major powers like yours bother to protect these commoners?"
By the time Wang Zhong revealed his strength, the onlookers had already dispersed. With no civilians present, there was no need to mince words.
Cang Tianyou sneered, offering no reply.
Cang Jinghong stepped forward and bowed to the elder and Mo Li. "Respected Elder Wang, Young Master. This matter isn't something we wish to intervene in lightly, but we have no choice."
"I believe you understand—the people we are protecting, despite offending the Earl of Lai's household and even Elder Wang, are individuals whose backgrounds we cannot ignore."
While Wang Zhong was formally titled as a respected elder of the Earl of Lai's household, in truth, he was merely a hired hand—incapable of making decisions on behalf of his master.
Hearing Cang Jinghong's words, Wang Zhong's gaze shifted toward Mo Li.
At this moment, Mo Li fell into deep thought.
Though he was indeed a second-generation heir, he wasn't a fool. Anyone with eyes could see the underlying implications.
Yet why, despite using his connections and even investigating through the Earl of Lai's household, had he failed to uncover any information about Chen Haobai's group?
Could it be that these rural villagers knew some influential figures?
After pondering this, Mo Li quickly dismissed the idea. If Chen Haobai truly knew some powerful figures, they would have intervened long ago. As for the "Ning Tianchen" mentioned by Chen Haobai, Mo Li had never heard of such a person.
In fact, after inquiries, there was no one of that name on the continent, nor any prominent families with the surname "Ning."
Thinking of this, he sneered. "Truth and lies, reality and illusion—who can say for sure? Perhaps those people desecrated the Earl of Lai's ancestral tomb under your families' orders."
"To cover up their crimes, you've gone to such lengths to conceal the truth!"
"Do not slander us with baseless accusations! The Cang family has always acted honorably!" Cang Jinghong's face darkened as he emphasized his words.
The Cang family was the largest clan in Binhai and the entire province. How could they possibly engage in such underhanded deeds?
Mo Li's temper flared as he shouted, "If this matter has nothing to do with your Cang family, then step aside and stop delaying my arrest!"
"What if I refuse?" Cang Tianyou stepped forward, his presence unmasked.
Both Cang Jinghong and Zhang Chenghuan followed suit, each revealing their martial souls and soul rings.
Wang Zhong possessed the strength of a Soul Douluo, albeit a low-level one. Facing three Soul Sages, he dared not act recklessly.
If anything happened to the young master, he'd have much to answer for upon returning.
Mo Li sneered.
As the heir of the Earl of Lai's household, how could he lack manpower?
"Come out," he clapped his hands, and two middle-aged men emerged from behind his entourage, both possessing Soul Sage-level strength.
"Young Master, I initially intended to spare your family out of respect for the Cang family. But since you refuse this olive branch, don't blame me for being harsh."
"Go! Arrest the criminals in the city lord's residence. Kill anyone who dares obstruct you."
With the addition of two more Soul Sages, Wang Zhong no longer hesitated. Activating his martial soul, he took eight steps, each step revealing a soul ring beneath his feet.
After eight steps, eight soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, purple, black, black, black—appeared in full view.
The other two Soul Sages both possessed mid-level Soul Sage strength. Neither Cang Jinghong nor Zhang Chenghuan could match them in terms of raw power.
"This is your final warning. Anyone who obstructs me will be considered guilty of treason!"
Zhang Chenghuan's expression darkened as he asked in a low tone, "Elder Cang, have our friends not returned yet?"
Cang Tianyou shook his head.
The Cang family had dispatched messengers over a month ago, yet there was still no word from Ning Tianchen's group.
If Ning Tianchen didn't return, they stood no chance against the opposing forces.
The Cang family and the city lord's residence needed to maintain their standing on this continent. Offending the Earl of Lai's household would bring endless trouble in the future.
However, from what Cang Jinghong and Zhang Heng had learned, Ning Tianchen possessed eight hundred-thousand-year soul rings. Such a powerful individual was someone they absolutely needed to ally with.
As the enemy closed in step by step, Cang Tianyou made up his mind. His seventh soul ring suddenly lit up, and his martial soul, the mighty eagle, let out a sharp cry, momentarily forcing the opponents back!
Wang Zhong cracked his neck and sneered. "Since the Cang family has made the wrong choice, it no longer deserves to exist. We're quite interested in your family's treasures."
"Then let's fight!" Cang Tianyou gritted his teeth.
Compared to offending the Earl of Lai's household, forming a good relationship with Ning Tianchen and his group was clearly the better option.
Anyone with eyes could see that the situation on the continent was dire. The Crescent Moon Empire stood no chance against the invading Radiant Sun Empire.
If the Radiant Sun Empire was determined, crushing the Crescent Moon Empire was only a matter of time. By then, whether the Cang family could continue to thrive on this continent would depend entirely on Ning Tianchen and his group!
"Cang Tianyou, next time you're reborn, make sure to open your eyes and choose better allies!"
Wang Zhong's martial soul was the Mountain-Crushing Tiger. With a single leap, he exuded the ferocity of a tiger descending from the mountains.
Cang Tianyou was advanced in age and couldn't afford to clash head-on.
Just as he prepared to evade, a streak of silver light cut across the sky.
"Fifth Soul Skill: Earth-Shaking Strike."
The Coiling Dragon Seven Kill Sword landed before Cang Tianyou, emitting an irresistible force that repelled Wang Zhong. Countless sword qi then erupted from the blade, surging toward Mo Li and his men.
"Young Master, be careful!"
Wang Zhong immediately turned and formed a soul barrier, barely managing to block all the sword qi.
Frowning deeply, he glanced at the approaching young man. "Such powerful sword qi… how can a mere basic soul skill possess such overwhelming might?"
Wang Zhong stood firmly in front of Mo Li, not daring to move an inch.
Ning Tianchen's gaze was cold and stern as he took measured steps forward. "I heard you wanted to harm my people?"
"Perfect! It's those friends we've been waiting for—we're saved!" Cang Jinghong couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Mo Li ground his teeth in anger. "Who do you think you are, daring to interfere with the Crown Prince's affairs?"
Wang Zhong reminded him, "Young Master, this is the powerful backer behind those people."
"Do I need your reminders?" Mo Li snapped, his mood plummeting to its lowest point.
First, there was the Cang family and Zhang Chenghuan blocking his way, and now Ning Tianchen had appeared. Did they think he was an easy target?
The dignity of the Earl of Lai's household could not be challenged.
Ning Tianchen's gaze sharpened, his killing intent radiating without restraint. With just a glance, he sent chills down Mo Li's spine.
"I don't care who you are. If you dare touch my people, even if you're the Crown Prince, I'll kill you all the same!"
He had originally planned to spend his journey back digesting his insights into the Asura God's divine techniques. Now that this troublemaker had ruined his plans, how could he possibly show any mercy?
Mo Li swallowed hard.
In his eyes, Ning Tianchen was like an Asura from hell. For a fleeting moment, the street in front of the city lord's residence transformed into a scene of mountains of corpses and rivers of blood—what terrifying power was this!
Coming to his senses, he pointed at Ning Tianchen and shouted, "Men, kill him for me!"
Wang Zhong had already gauged Ning Tianchen's strength and hurriedly tried to dissuade him. "Your Highness, this person's strength is extraordinary. It's better to seek friendship than to fight."
Before he could finish, the two Soul Sages under Mo Li had already charged ahead.
Ning Tianchen didn't bother recalling the Seven Kill Sword. Instead, he raised his right hand in a sword-like gesture and flicked it lightly.
Seven Kill Sword Art: Annihilation Slash.
Extermination of life, cutting through everything!
A sharp burst of sword qi erupted from his fingertips. The two Soul Sages didn't even realize what happened before their bodies were sliced in half, blood splattering the ground.
"How is this possible?!"
Only now did Mo Li believe Wang Zhong's words.
Two mid-level Soul Sages had been killed in an instant—what kind of horrifying strength was this?
This man's strength was at least that of a Title Douluo.
Offending a Title Douluo was something even the Crescent Moon Empire's royal family couldn't afford, let alone the Earl of Lai's household.
Mo Li's legs gave out, and he collapsed onto the ground.
Wang Zhong took a deep breath and then bowed deeply. "Esteemed elder, Young Master never meant to offend your might. Please forgive us. If you're willing to let this matter go, the Earl of Lai's household will surely present generous gifts to thank you for sparing our lives."
Ning Tianchen paid no heed to their status.
The Cang family and the city lord's residence had protected Chen Haobai and his group—not out of so-called "friendship."
After today, Ning Tianchen's group would leave the Sun and Moon Continent. They couldn't leave behind a mess for these allies to deal with, could they?
Today, he had to assert his dominance and ensure that these two families wouldn't face retaliation in the future!
"I said it before—I don't care who you are. If you dare touch my people, you should be prepared to die."
"A Soul Douluo and a Crown Prince—whom do you think the Earl of Lai values more?"
Ning Tianchen sneered. "Only one of you can live. Do you want to choose, or should I choose for you?"
Wang Zhong's face darkened.
How could a proud Soul Douluo allow himself to be threatened like this?
"Are you trying to make an enemy of the Earl of Lai's household? Young Master is a talented individual favored by the Emperor. The Crown Princess has already become engaged to him, and their wedding will soon take place!"
"Are you trying to make an enemy of the entire empire?!"
Ning Tianchen nodded. "In that case, you can die in his place."
As soon as the words left his mouth, his figure flashed, and the Coiling Dragon Seven Kill Sword returned to his hand. He launched an attack without hesitation.
Wang Zhong's eyelids twitched violently as he hastily dodged.
How could Ning Tianchen let him escape? He chased after him with the sword in hand.
Before Mo Li could even feel relieved, a shadow suddenly appeared beside him. From within the shadow, a sharp claw extended and pressed against his throat.
Zhu Zhuqing smiled faintly. "Don't move, or you'll die."
Earlier, Ning Tianchen had drawn everyone's attention, allowing Zhu Zhuqing to hide in the shadows.
When Wang Zhong was forced to dodge, she seized the opportunity to strike.
"Young Master!"
Wang Zhong was thrown into chaos. He wanted to return and support Mo Li, but he couldn't break free from Ning Tianchen's relentless pursuit.
"If you die for him, he'll naturally survive," Ning Tianchen repeated.
Wang Zhong was, after all, a Soul Douluo—a top-tier powerhouse on this continent.
How could he willingly die for some spoiled brat of a Crown Prince?
Seeing that he remained silent, Ning Tianchen shook his head in regret.
Immediately, eight blood-red hundred-thousand-year soul rings emerged beneath his feet.
If he wanted to establish dominance, killing a Soul Douluo would have far greater impact than killing a Crown Prince.
As for that useless Crown Prince, he could serve as the "messenger" of his demonstration.
The overwhelming pressure from the soul rings caused everyone present to tremble uncontrollably.
Zhang Chenghuan and Cang Tianyou felt a surge of relief, grateful that they had made the right choice.
At the same time, they couldn't help but feel pity for Mo Li and his group.
The Earl of Lai had truly raised an excellent son—one who had managed to provoke such a formidable foe. Let's see how they would clean up this mess!
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