Qin Hao's proud Dou Technique was scattered with a soft word from Zhao Li:
"So that's what Return to the Void means. Thank you, Young Master Qin, for going easy on me."
Hearing this, Qin Hao was consumed by rage, completely losing his composure.
To utterly crush Zhao Li, he hadn't held back at all. The Return to the Void Sword was his greatest trump card, yet it hadn't even touched the hem of Zhao Li's clothes. In fact, Zhao Li hadn't even moved his hands to break his strongest attack.
He reacted quickly, looking up at the high platform, and sneered:
"Heh, Danyuan Sect, the number one sect in Great Qian, is nothing special. To use such despicable methods in a fair fight, do you think everyone in the world is a fool?"
The inherent flaw in human nature is to always find excuses for one's failures; few can calmly accept the truth. Clearly, Qin Hao was not one of those few.
As his words fell, the onlookers unconsciously felt a sense of agreement. Compared to Zhao Li breaking that terrifying sword with just a word, they were more willing to believe that Lin Lan had secretly intervened.
Lin Lan didn't care about the suspicious gazes at all. Amidst his shock, there was mostly joy. This was his disciple, Lin Lan's disciple!
Taking in the disbelief and suspicion of the crowd, Zhao Li felt secretly pleased. He quietly glanced at Ye Yunsheng. Unbeknownst to him, she had started smiling. Zhao Li was momentarily lost, feeling that in the presence of her smile, the world itself dimmed.
"Little brother, you're great. You've been wronged. If you accidentally die, I'll definitely burn more money for you in the future."
Seeing the fairy's smile, Zhao Li's mood improved. He thought about how Qin Hao had actively come forward, allowing him to put on a show, and silently gave him a thumbs-up.
Immediately, Zhao Li put away his laziness and roguishness, becoming serious. He even deliberately released a trace of his aura, his sharp gaze sweeping over the crowd. He spoke word by word:
"Harmony brings wealth. Danyuan Sect is unwilling to stir up trouble and make enemies, but it is also not afraid of trouble. If guests come, there is fine wine. If enemies come..."
His voice paused, then Zhao Li flicked his finger, and a sword broke through the air, soaring as it met the wind!
By the time it passed over the heads of the crowd, it had already surpassed the previous Return to the Void by an unknown amount. The Void around the sword body shattered inch by inch, constantly repairing itself. The occasional aura that leaked out sent shivers down everyone's spines.
"Whether you are friend or foe, you all can judge for yourselves."
Zhao Li's voice was cold and flat, yet within its calmness, there was an overwhelming confidence.
"Gulp—"
Someone swallowed, and then the sound of gulping connected into a chorus.
Zhao Li waved his sleeve, and the giant sword dissipated, as if it had never appeared.
Only the commotion from within the crowd let everyone know that it wasn't an illusion:
"Why is there a smell of urine? Huh? What's wrong with you? Get away from me."
There were quite a few of these strange sounds.
These were people who had harbored ill intentions or had grievances with the Danyuan Sect. Although they weren't specifically targeted, they were still scared out of their wits...
And Qin Hao, consumed by rage, had fainted. Seeing this, Zhao Li beckoned two disciples and said:
"Qin Hao provoked this sect without reason. As a minor punishment and a warning, he will work for my Danyuan Sect for one year."
At this point, no one dared to have even a shred of doubt about Zhao Li's words.
The Danyuan Sect disciples were now utterly devoted to Zhao Li. Seeing his actions, they quickly stepped forward, preparing to help Qin Hao down.
"Impudent brat, what arrogance!"
A sudden change occurred. A shout of reprimand spread, causing the crowd to feel admiration for the newcomer. They actually dared to antagonize the Danyuan Sect.
When the newcomer appeared, it caused another stir. Someone recognized him; it was the ruthless Qin Wushuang. It turned out that Qin Hao's Guard, seeing the situation was unfavorable, had summoned him.
From Qin Hao's few words, Zhao Li had already guessed Qin Wushuang's doting on him and knew he would never let anything happen to him. Seeing the Guard's small movement, he didn't stop him.
With just a glance, Zhao Li saw through Qin Wushuang's strength. He was merely a Two-Star Dou Venerate, which could be considered a peak expert in this Eastern Region, and even the entire Continent.
Qin Wushuang didn't pay attention to Zhao Li. He scanned the area and finally fixed his gaze on Lin Lan:
"Brother Lin, your disciple is so overbearing. He'll likely suffer quite a bit when he's outside in the future. I'll teach him a lesson on your behalf, let him know that there are always people stronger than you, and skies beyond the sky."
Saying this, without waiting for Lin Lan to reply, he suddenly extended his palm and struck towards Zhao Li's Dantian, clearly intending to cripple Zhao Li directly.
Those in the Great Qin Region who were familiar with Qin Wushuang were filled with fear, worrying about Zhao Li:
"He's a dignified Dou Venerate, yet he's still resorting to sneak attacks. This new Sect Master is probably going to be replaced again."
Someone immediately retorted. Although he wasn't familiar with the Danyuan Sect, he knew that Lin Lan wasn't a simple person:
"Idiot, the old Sect Master is still sitting there. If his disciple is so powerful, how could he be a simple person?"
Seeing this, Zhao Li gently shook his head, muttering:
"Heh, of all things to do, why resort to a sneak attack? This is bad! Since you insist on a Buy One Get One Free deal, just stay here together."
Saying this, he lowered his head to look at his palm. At this moment, a small sword was circling his fingertip.
With a thought, the small sword seemed to come alive, suddenly soaring and stabbing towards Qin Wushuang.
Zhao Li had already put on enough of a show and didn't want to waste any more time on these trivial matters. As long as he suppressed Qin Wushuang, fewer people would dare to cause trouble in the Danyuan Sect in the future.
The giant sword reappeared, but this time, not a single trace of its aura leaked out. The onlookers stared intently at it, wanting to know if it was as terrifying as they perceived.
Qin Wushuang was now utterly terrified and his liver and guts were splitting. Facing the giant sword, he couldn't mobilize his Dou Qi whether he tried to defend or counterattack. He wanted to dodge, but he couldn't control his body, only watching the giant sword grow larger and larger in his eyes.
Swish—
The giant sword passed through his body, becoming illusory, and then dissipated.
"Pfft—"
Qin Wushuang spat out a mouthful of fresh blood and collapsed at the feet of a Danyuan Sect disciple.
He had no external injuries, but the meridians throughout his body were completely severed.
Although Zhao Li was usually amiable, since he had sensed Qin Wushuang's killing intent, how could he hold back?
He had always been this way: he wouldn't use his strength to do evil, but he also wouldn't put down his weapon and allow himself to be bullied.
"Take them away together. I apologize to everyone for the spectacle. The ceremony ends here. My previous promise is still valid. From now on, I ask for everyone's support."
Zhao Li first nodded to the Danyuan Sect disciples, giving them instructions. Then, he returned to his usual calm and composed demeanor, reassuring the crowd, as if the person who had just displayed divine power wasn't him.
Zhao Li's promise was the same, but in everyone's hearts, its weight was immeasurably greater than before. Even the Danyuan Sect Elders felt envious.
Qin Wushuang lay on the ground, completely powerless and unable to move. He could only watch helplessly as the ants he usually easily crushed reached out to grab him. His eyes flashed with ferocity, momentarily frightening the young disciples and making them hesitate to approach.
This appearance, however, ignited the disciples' anger. One of them, hardening his heart, endured the pressure and dragged Qin Wushuang away like a dead dog. Zhao Li could even hear his curses:
"Behave yourself! Do you still think you're a high and mighty Dou Venerate expert?"
Zhao Li chuckled softly, thinking well of that young disciple.
He returned to Lin Lan's side. Before he could speak, Lin Lan laughed:
"Kid, that one move of yours was earth-shattering. Tsk, that kind of power, even I'm scared. After this incident, your name will likely resound throughout the Eastern Region. The Danyuan Sect will benefit from your glory and reach a higher level."
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