The five hall masters were renowned figures across the northwest of the continent, but now they found themselves in a difficult predicament.
When it came to Yu Mu, his status was not inferior to theirs, and he was highly favored by the sect master. Moreover, two elders within the sect had deep connections with him.
If they were too heavy-handed, it would be disastrous. These individuals had intricate relationships built over hundreds or even thousands of years, and their understanding was evident.
Exchanging glances, they simultaneously formed seals to cast spells! Chains crackling with silver lightning coalesced, resembling dancing silver serpents as they lunged toward Yu Mu to bind him.
However, Yu Mu was not one to be easily subdued. If he didn't make Ye Tian and Fairy Zi Li pay a price, if he didn't let them suffer, why should he endure pain? Why should his master suffer?
"I said it—today, those who block me will die!"
With a thunderous roar, the piercing sound of the Heaven's Question gun echoed like a dragon's roar in Yu Mu's hands, revealing an extremely fierce killing intent.
At that moment, Yu Mu's chaotic aura surged, his hair wildly dancing as his once-clear eyes filled with a terrifying crimson hue, as if a demon lord had descended!
"Do not harm Mu'er!"
Fairy Zi Li's eyes were filled with urgency. Many disciples of the Yunhe Sect nodded secretly; despite having raised him since childhood, she still felt a connection to him. Although she was a female cultivator, her character was truly commendable.
"Ha."
A cold smile crossed Yu Mu's lips. The power of his soul that he wielded was already rejected by heaven and earth; now it had diminished to a certain extent.
But… so what?
"Boom!!"
A deafening explosion shook the entire Yunhe Sect, causing it to tremble slightly. With just one strike after Yu Mu's return, the fierce magic spear Heaven's Question re-emerged!
The chains of lightning conjured by the five hall masters shattered explosively, and the force propelled them back dozens of feet!
In that single blow, they were horrified! Yu Mu… had become this strong? If they weren't mistaken, his true cultivation level was at the late golden core stage…
Under the pressure of the sect's protective formation and the five infant stage masters' combined might! Yu Mu stood tall like a pine tree! Even though he used secret techniques, what extraordinary talent and potential he possessed!
"Ye Tian, die!"
In that instant, Yu Mu transformed into a bolt of black lightning, the tip of his spear ignited with purple flames as it aimed directly at Ye Tian's head.
Ye Tian felt an overwhelming sense of dread; even the ancient spirit cat was alarmed. They couldn't withstand this shot! Would they have to resort to life-threatening techniques just to escape?
"Clang!"
Just as Ye Tian closed his eyes in apparent resignation while secretly preparing his secret technique, a delicate hand suddenly grasped the tip of the Heaven's Question spear tightly. Blood mist erupted as large drops of blood fell to the ground.
Fairy Zi Li's face turned pale as she shielded Ye Tian behind her; her strength was formidable enough that Yu Mu's spear could not advance an inch.
"Mu'er, must you do this? Your spear is aimed at your master and your junior brother…"
"I beg you—let this matter pass…"
Fairy Zi Li trembled as she spoke; it had been a long time since that day in the fields when they parted ways. This was the first time Yu Mu had looked at her directly in so long—how familiar those eyes were…
She had seen that gaze several times in her nightmares—filled with anger, unwillingness, confusion, and despair.
But now, all that remained was indifference.
This wasn't how Mu'er should be; he wouldn't have the heart to hurt her or watch her bleed.
"Just like before—you will never change."
Finally, his eyes moved again, but within them shone only mockery and derision! Once again, she protected him.
Ye Tian stared at him with wide eyes filled with scorn and triumph—just like in their last battle in a past life.
She pleaded for herself.
However, Yu Mu was devoid of any chaotic emotions; all he felt was anger at how quickly his power was dissipating. If he were in his state from the Demon Departure Realm, he could have pierced through both of them with a single shot!
At this moment, no one dared to move; Fairy Zi Li had taken action, leaving them no room to intervene.
"Mu'er... I promise there won't be a next time! Really!" As Yu Mu continued to exert his strength, a rare panic flickered in Fairy Zi Li's eyes.
He... wanted to kill her?!
"Senior Brother! We... we haven't offended you! Please don't do this; He'er is scared..." Liu He, trembling, dared not approach Yu Mu and nervously fidgeted with her clothes.
In the past, whenever she acted like this, Yu Mu would smile and pinch her cheek, always forgiving her.
"Yu Mu, you are being reckless!" Xiao Yue brandished her sword. If Fairy Zi Li hadn't stopped her, the blade might have already plunged into Yu Mu's chest.
"Your promises aren't worth much."
Seeing their reactions, Yu Mu laughed maniacally, veins bulging on his arms as his soul force surged deep within his consciousness. He gripped the Dao Seed tightly.
"Demon Emperor!"
The spirit of the Dao panicked. It was eager for Yu Mu and Ye Tian to truly face off; it anticipated Yu Mu to kill Ye Tian ten times! But… don't involve me in this!
"Buzz!"
However, Yu Mu wasn't trying to uproot the seed. The immense soul power flowed through the connection between the Dao Seed and himself, creating an insatiable pull.
In an instant, the power accumulated by the Dao spirit was frantically devoured by Yu Mu's soul. This power was unlike that of cultivators; it was the power of heaven and earth!
In just three breaths, the Dao spirit's visage began to blur again while Yu Mu's expression turned solemn as he spoke with a voice that resonated deeply yet carried a fierce intent.
"Souls… return!"
At that moment, a tremendous thunderbolt split the sky—heavenly retribution was about to descend! Yet Yu Mu's once bloodshot eyes now appeared extraordinarily calm.
"When you plotted against my master, you should have anticipated today."
"Fairy Zi Li… I will not allow you to harm those I love again."
In an instant, the purple flames at the tip of Heaven's Question flared even brighter! But on Yu Mu's face and neck appeared ghastly blood streaks!
This mortal body… was about to reach its limit, but it was just a mortal body after all.
"Die! Die! You really can go this far! Hahaha! If you die, they will all be mine!!" Ye Tian laughed maniacally in his heart. His spirit sword reappeared as he shouted, "Master, be careful!"
Simultaneously, he thrust his sword toward Yu Mu's forehead with speed and precision—he wanted Yu Mu's life!
But now Yu Mu… wielded the power of heaven's way; how could it be countered?
In an instant, Fairy Zi Li couldn't hold onto the spear any longer. The purple-flamed tip pierced through her left shoulder.
At the same time, Yu Mu grasped Ye Tian's thrusting sword with one hand while elbowing him hard behind his ear before Ye Tian could even react!
With a piercing scream from Ye Tian, an overwhelming surge of demonic energy erupted! The intensity of that energy forced Yu Mu back several feet…
"Ah!!"
Ye Tian's shrill cry sounded almost inhuman as everyone stared in shock. Demonic energy?! How could such dense demonic energy emanate from Fairy Zi Li's junior disciple?