Chapter 133: A Real Man Fights Head-On
Shen Mo looked up and saw Song Chaofeng, Wei Xiongtie, Zhao Ting, and others approaching quickly, their faces full of joy.
He smiled and responded, "Thank you, everyone."
These people certainly knew how to handle things.
Realizing that he had entered a state of enlightenment, they had immediately ordered guards to keep anyone from approaching the training ground, ensuring his enlightenment was not disturbed.
"Young Master, another group of outer disciples has arrived at the sect's gate. I'll go help escort them," Wei Xiongtie said respectfully.
"Go ahead, both of you have important tasks," Shen Mo nodded slightly.
Wei Xiongtie and Song Chaofeng were stationed here under orders, with their daily responsibilities leaving them little time for cultivation.
Naturally, Shen Mo wouldn't behave like some spoiled young master, insisting they accompany him all the time.
After Song Chaofeng and Wei Xiongtie left, Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan quickly stepped forward.
Both looked at Shen Mo with expressions of admiration.
His comprehension ability was truly astounding.
When it came to learning techniques and martial arts, he accomplished twice the results with half the effort.
"Oh right, Young Master, there's a significant matter related to you. News has come from the north," Zhao Ting suddenly said.
Shen Mo smiled, "No need to be so formal in private. Just call me Shen Mo. What's happening in the north?"
"Alright," Zhao Ting smiled in return. "It's the governor. I've heard he's sent another gift for you."
Shen Mo raised an eyebrow.
Ji Shilong sent people over again?
This time, it seemed a little different.
It was as if the entire thing had been deliberately made into a spectacle, making sure everyone knew about it.
"How many people did they send? Which places did they pass through?" Shen Mo asked.
Zhao Ting explained everything in detail and added, "These are reports from merchant caravans, so the specifics might differ slightly."
"If you need, our Qingxuan Sect can investigate immediately."
Qingxuan Sect had now risen to the status of a first-rate sect.
After destroying Flying Frost Sect, they had followed up by wiping out Blood River Sect.
Their momentum was unmatched at the moment.
No matter the sect or faction, everyone now had to show Qingxuan Sect respect.
If Qingxuan wanted to investigate something, merely spreading the word would bring countless cultivators eager to present information, hoping to curry favor with the sect.
"No need. I've already figured out their intentions," Shen Mo waved it off.
Luo Shengnan scratched her head. "Intentions? Isn't Ji Shilong just trying to recruit you because of your limitless potential?"
Shen Mo smiled and shook his head. "That's not it."
"He's not trying to recruit me; he's putting me in a difficult position."
Luo Shengnan was confused.
Zhao Ting, however, seemed to grasp something.
Shen Mo continued, "Ji Shilong sent a large team south, making such a huge commotion. Everywhere they go, it draws crowds, announcing his intent to recruit me."
"Even if some sects didn't know about Qingxuan Sect or weren't aware of my recent deeds, they will investigate."
"They'll quickly learn about the destruction of Flying Frost Sect and Blood River Sect and will find out that I was the one who killed Feng Lieshan."
"Once the news spreads, I'll soon become the target of many."
"The surrounding sects will become wary of Qingxuan Sect, possibly even our allies."
"That's hardly a good thing."
After hearing Shen Mo's analysis, Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan both froze.
Luo Shengnan even started cursing on the spot, "Damn it! Ji Shilong didn't have good intentions at all!"
"What kind of grand gift is this? Might as well not take it."
Shen Mo chuckled, "Why wouldn't we take something that's free?"
"And since they made such a big spectacle, it must be different from last time."
"I suspect it really is a valuable gift."
Zhao Ting nodded in approval, "Shen Mo's right. Their goal has already been achieved. The gifts they bring now are just bait; it'd be a waste not to take it."
At that moment, a disciple outside the training ground called out loudly.
"Young Master! A team from the north has arrived, claiming to be from the Giant River City's government office. They request to see the Young Master!"
Shen Mo laughed lightly, "Ah, here they are. Let's go and take a look."
At the entrance of Profound Frost Cave.
Luo Shuanghan stood calmly.
Behind him was an extravagant entourage, composed entirely of handsome men and beautiful women.
They all rode tall, majestic horses, exuding an air of confidence.
Each person held a signboard.
Every signboard bore the two characters "Shen Mo," written in elegant, flowing script.
Just this display alone was enough to attract countless eyes.
One could imagine how flamboyant and grand their procession must have been when they passed through the city streets.
Luo Shuanghan was still dressed in white, still the same handsome figure.
However, the arrogance and domineering attitude were now gone.
While he had always been somewhat proud and aloof, he wasn't foolish.
During the journey over the past two days, he had come to understand Ji Shilong's intentions.
Ji Shilong wasn't sincerely trying to recruit Shen Mo.
On the contrary, he was putting Shen Mo in a difficult position, making him the star of Xuanjing Prefecture.
Eventually, someone would make a move against Shen Mo.
Thinking of this, Luo Shuanghan actually felt a bit sympathetic toward Shen Mo.
What good was unlimited potential or formidable strength?
Even if he could kill a Core Formation perfection expert while only at mid-stage Core Formation, what difference did it make?
Once you stand against the powers of the world, it doesn't matter if you're a god, a saint, an immortal, or a Buddha—you will still fall.
At that moment, Luo Shuanghan heard footsteps approaching.
He lifted his head and immediately saw three young men walking toward him in long strides.
At the forefront was a tall figure with a commanding presence—it was Shen Mo, with whom he had briefly crossed paths before.
Luo Shuanghan looked at him for a few moments longer, feeling that the Shen Mo of today had an unexplainable aura that hadn't been there before.
It even sent a chill through his heart.
"Is this the pressure that comes from slaying a Core Formation perfection cultivator?" he muttered to himself.
"The Governor's messenger? What gift have you brought me this time?" Shen Mo smiled.
Luo Shuanghan felt a chill in his heart.
He had introduced himself last time and mentioned his name. As a Core Formation cultivator, there was no way Shen Mo could have forgotten.
Addressing him as "the Governor's messenger" clearly showed Shen Mo's disdain for even mentioning his name.
But despite this, Luo Shuanghan remembered Ji Shilong's words clearly and didn't let any of his emotions show on his face.
With a smile, he spoke confidently.
"Young Master Shen, the Governor has sent me to present a grand gift."
"In this storage ring, you will find 3,000 top-grade spirit stones, two supreme-grade Profound-level spiritual weapons, and 20 bottles of Profound-level elixirs."
"The Governor hopes that you will recognize the world's grand scheme and soon choose the right side."
At this point, Luo Shuanghan cupped his hands and bowed slightly.
He then retrieved the storage ring and placed it in his palm, offering it with both hands.
Shen Mo raised an eyebrow.
This man was interesting.
Compared to his arrogance and smugness from last time, he had now completely restrained himself.
Shen Mo smiled. "Alright, I'll take these. Convey my thanks to the Governor."
"And also, deliver a message to him for me."
Luo Shuanghan's eyes flickered. "Please, speak."
Shen Mo said calmly, "A master uses a stick to drive away wild dogs. But on the day when a wild dog is tamed into a house dog, the stick will inevitably be broken by the dog that now holds a grudge."
A strange expression flashed in Luo Shuanghan's eyes. "Understood, I will deliver these words to the Governor."
With that, he immediately turned to leave. "Return to Giant River City!"
"Yes, sir!" the entire entourage responded in unison, turning their horses and departing swiftly.
Luo Shengnan scratched her head. "Wild dogs, house dogs, and sticks? What does that even mean? I don't get it!"
Zhao Ting, deep in thought, chuckled mischievously. "With your brain, it's no surprise you don't get it. As long as Ji Shilong understands, that's what matters."
Luo Shengnan, now irritated, snapped, "Fine! Let's head to the training ground and fight! Who cares if I'm not smart, as long as I'm stronger than you!"
Zhao Ting coughed a few times, "Ah, my stomach hurts. Young Master, I'll take my leave first."
He quickly turned and bolted.
Luo Shengnan, now even more furious, yelled, "Running away? If you're a real man, come and fight me!"
With that, she stomped the ground and dashed after him.
Seeing this unfold, Shen Mo burst into hearty laughter.
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