The person who made the move turned out to be Wang Tiangu, his robes fluttering in the air.
“Brother Yun, no need to be so hasty! I merely wish to confirm whether you truly intend to claim only the contents of the box and forfeit your right to select anything else,” Wang Tiangu said calmly, his expression unreadable.
“Naturally, I must first examine the contents of the box. If they prove utterly useless, would I still be expected to choose them?” The elderly man surnamed Yun had regained his composure but stared at Wang Tiangu with undisguised hostility.
“If I recall correctly, we agreed that the two of you would first select two treasures, and the remaining items would be divided equally. But if you take all three jade boxes, do you think there will be enough left for the rest of us?” Wang Tiangu showed no fear, instead casting a glance at the three solitary jade boxes on the icy bed before speaking with measured calm.
“If you have any intentions, speak plainly. Do you mean to go back on your word?” Marquis Nanlong stepped forward to stand beside the elderly man, his gaze sweeping coldly over the three from the Ghost Spirit Sect.
“I have no intention of breaking my promise. However, the second floor holds few treasures, and since these jade boxes cannot be penetrated by spiritual sense, it’s highly likely they contain the most valuable items in this pavilion. Perhaps the unfathomable techniques of the late Sage Cangkun or secrets about the Fallen Demon Valley lie within. Under such circumstances, demanding to inspect the contents before deciding seems rather excessive, don’t you think?” Wang Tiangu smiled faintly, his demeanor composed.
“Excessive? All I know is that you personally promised us priority in selecting treasures. If there aren’t enough items left, that’s hardly our concern!” The elderly man surnamed Yun scowled, his voice icy.
“That’s not entirely fair. The second floor’s treasures are still yours to choose from first, but there’s no need to open the boxes for inspection. If you’re uneasy, you may select other items—such as this Frost Jade Bed before us. It’s a rare treasure, invaluable to those cultivating Yin-cold techniques,” the elderly woman unexpectedly interjected in support.
At these words, Marquis Nanlong’s expression darkened further. He took a sudden step forward, releasing an overwhelming aura that forced Wang Tiangu and the elderly woman to retreat half a step, their faces paling slightly.
The gap between mid-stage and early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators was no trivial matter.
“Anyone else who agrees with Brother Wang, step forward now. I presume he wouldn’t dare speak so boldly without more than just Lady Tai’s support!” Marquis Nanlong narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp as blades as he scanned the others.
“Marquis Nanlong, there’s no need for anger. Brother Wang’s words aren’t without reason. Surely you don’t intend to leave us with nothing but scraps?” The dark-faced cultivator spoke up after a moment of silence, his tone calm.
Meanwhile, the cultivator surnamed You frowned slightly before quietly moving to stand behind Wang Tiangu, seemingly forgetting their previous discord. In an instant, the group in the pavilion split into two factions, facing off against each other—all except Han Li.
Marquis Nanlong and the elderly man surnamed Yun were visibly shaken.
“It seems you’ve all conspired together. When did you even have the chance to discuss this? There was no opportunity during our journey,” Marquis Nanlong quickly regained his composure and asked.
“Conspiracy is too strong a word. We merely gathered briefly before departure to discuss contingencies and strategies for unexpected situations. This scenario is precisely one we anticipated, hence our current stance,” Wang Tiangu replied leisurely, as if it were of little consequence.
Marquis Nanlong fell silent, his face frosty, before his gaze settled on Han Li. “Brother Han, do you share their view?” he asked gravely.
With two mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators facing off against four early-stage Nascent Soul and two late-stage Core Formation cultivators, the balance of power was precarious. Han Li, who had yet to declare his stance, suddenly became pivotal.
Han Li did not respond immediately. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over Wang Tiangu and the others, taking in their expressions.
Wang Tiangu remained unperturbed, even offering Han Li a mild smile, betraying no hint of concern. Behind him, Wang Chan and Yan Ruyan appeared bewildered, seemingly unaware of Wang Tiangu’s alliance. Yet, Wang Chan’s eyes soon gleamed with excitement, while Yan Ruyan seemed at a loss.
Lady Tai and the cultivator surnamed You showed no trace of panic, but their gazes toward Han Li were icy and devoid of emotion.
A sense of unease prickled at Han Li’s instincts, heightening his vigilance. He took a few casual steps, positioning himself at a distance from both groups, before chuckling lightly. “I have no particular opinion. Whatever conclusion Brother Wang and Marquis Nanlong reach, I won’t oppose it.”
Marquis Nanlong wasn’t surprised by Han Li’s neutrality—it had been evident from the start. His question had merely sought confirmation.
Nodding at Han Li with a slightly eased expression, Marquis Nanlong turned his attention back to Wang Tiangu, a cold sneer forming on his lips as he prepared to speak.
But at that moment, the white-robed elder suddenly stepped forward, his voice frigid. “Marquis Nanlong, why waste words? Do these people truly believe their alliance can force us to yield? Ridiculous!” With that, he opened his mouth, a white light flickering as if he were about to summon a treasure.
“Brother Yun, wait—” Marquis Nanlong frowned, intending to stop the elder’s impulsive action, as they stood little chance in a direct confrontation. But before he could finish, the elder abruptly turned, and a silver wheel shot from his mouth like lightning, striking Marquis Nanlong at point-blank range.
A dull *thud* echoed.
Under Marquis Nanlong’s stunned gaze, the silver wheel sliced through his protective golden light and slammed into his chest, sending him staggering back several steps. His chest caved inward visibly.
Recovering from his shock and fury, Marquis Nanlong flicked his sleeve, and a golden dagger shot from his palm, hurtling toward the elder.
But the elder had already darted to Wang Tiangu’s side, recalling the silver wheel to block the dagger. He then stared coldly at Marquis Nanlong’s chest, where tattered robes revealed a shimmering cyan armor—though deeply dented, it remained intact.
“Green Rhinoceros Armor! So you *were* wearing it,” the elder murmured impassively, his eyes flickering.
“Good, very good! I never imagined you’d betray me too,” Marquis Nanlong spat, his face flushed with rage as he clutched his chest, his golden dagger hovering defensively before him. It was clear to all that he had suffered severe internal injuries.
“Be careful, everyone. We cannot let him escape. Given his cultivation, he’d cause us endless trouble,” the elder said coolly to Wang Tiangu and the others, as if he and Marquis Nanlong were now complete strangers.
“Rest assured. With so many of us here and him gravely injured, he won’t escape this time,” the cultivator surnamed You sneered, summoning a gleaming white flying saber.
Wang Tiangu, however, turned to Han Li with a warm smile. “Brother Han, if you join us now in dealing with him, we’ll share his treasures with you. What do you say?” His tone was earnest, as if past grudges with Han Li and Wang Chan meant nothing.
“Join you?” Han Li, still reeling from the sudden betrayal, exhaled deeply. His gaze flickered toward the staircase.
The moment the elder struck, the elderly woman had silently positioned herself there, blocking any escape. The pavilion’s walls shimmered with restrictive formations, making it impossible to break through.
Han Li didn’t believe Wang Tiangu’s offer for a second. Once Marquis Nanlong was dealt with, the Ghost Spirit Sect elder would have no qualms about eliminating him too. Otherwise, they would have included him in their initial alliance. From the start, he’d likely been marked as collateral.
Keeping his expression neutral, Han Li opened his mouth to respond when Marquis Nanlong cut in with a cold laugh.
“Brother Han, surely you don’t believe such a shallow ploy? I don’t know how Wang Tiangu convinced so many, even my century-old friend, to turn against me. But if we join forces, we stand a chance. If we’re divided, we’ll both perish!”
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