Demon Thirteen waved his right hand, instantly extinguishing the sword light in his palm.
Blazing Mountain Heaven Sword quickly pulled the red-robed woman aside to safety.
Demon Thirteen turned and saw Blazing Mountain Heaven Sword standing there, hair flowing, eyes fixed on him. The sword on Blazing Mountain Heaven Sword’s back had already been drawn. It was four feet long, etched with markings, and glowing with a dazzling sword light. Sword intent swirled all around him.
“Master Blazing Mountain, are you getting involved too?” Demon Thirteen said with a light smile. “This is between my young master and that woman. It might not be your place to interfere.”
“I don’t know this man, and I don’t like him either,” the red-robed woman quickly said, shaking her head.
“You’re putting my young master in a tough spot. You clearly just said you felt an instant connection. How can you take it back?” Demon Thirteen snorted.
“Sir, I’ll apologize on her behalf. Can we let this go?” Blazing Mountain Heaven Sword said, bowing slightly.
“No can do. If you insist on standing in my way, I’ll suppress you too,” Demon Thirteen said calmly.
He waved his hand, and a black-tinged staff appeared in the air and dropped into his hand. He tapped the ground with it. With a loud boom, Samadhi Flames erupted, turning into a sea of fire that surged toward the two.
Blazing Mountain Heaven Sword shielded the red-robed woman, his eyes serious. The sword in his hand released massive sword intent, cutting down from the sky like a tidal wave.
It was a powerful strike, but their gap in strength was too wide. Demon Thirteen’s fire casually devoured the sword wave and then continued on, about to engulf them both.
Seeing this, Qingmu Xuan in the nearby pavilion narrowed her eyes. She pulled out a small jade bottle from her sleeve. A single crystal-clear drop of water fell from it. She caught the drop with her hand, where blue and purple spiritual energy swirled.
She flicked the water droplet, and just before the fire reached Blazing Mountain Heaven Sword and the woman, the drop turned into a vast ocean. One drop transformed into a sea.
This vast sea absorbed all of Demon Thirteen’s flames. Then it turned back into a droplet and returned to Qingmu Xuan’s hand. The moment it landed in her palm, it shattered with a soft pop and turned into steam.
Qingmu Xuan’s eyes narrowed. She knew exactly what kind of water was inside that bottle. Losing even a single drop was no small matter.
“You’re stepping in too?” Demon Thirteen asked calmly.
“Senior, you’re thousands of years older than us. Bullying juniors isn’t appropriate,” Qingmu Xuan said softly. Her clear eyes were like still water.
“I’m not bullying anyone. I’m just following my young master’s orders,” Demon Thirteen replied.
“I believe that unless it’s a deep personal grudge, matters between the younger generation should be resolved among themselves. If seniors interfere, don’t think Ninelands Immortal Palace will just let it slide,” Qingmu Xuan said.
“You want to bring destruction to your sect?” Xu Zimo said calmly as he turned from his pavilion.
“Then prepare to pay the price for your words,” Qingmu Xuan replied firmly.
Ninelands Immortal Palace may only have one Grand Emperor, but within the Ninelands region, they never feared anyone.
“The reason I haven’t acted is that I might kill you all by accident. You don’t even make me want to make a move,” Xu Zimo said, shaking his head.
“Who’s this bold fellow?” A voice came from above.
A large group descended the stairs. Leading them was a young man in white robes, long hair, and a scholarly aura. He had sharp eyebrows, a calm smile, and his long hair was tied and draped down his back.
As he walked, a powerful and indescribable aura surrounded him.
“It’s Nanmen Tianhong,” someone whispered nearby.
“This is getting interesting. Everyone knows he’s been courting Qingmu Xuan, and their elders support the match.”
“No way. Aren’t they both aiming for the Heaven’s Will? How could they become Dao partners?”
The crowd murmured and gossiped.
“Xuan’er, what’s going on?” Nanmen Tianhong asked gently as he approached.
“Please call me Qingmu Xuan. We’re not that close,” she replied coldly.
Nanmen Tianhong smiled, unfazed.
Someone stepped forward to explain the situation briefly.
Nanmen Tianhong looked at Xu Zimo and said, “Brother, I’ve invited all the young elites here today. Could you let this go, just this once? It was only a joke.”
“You’re hosting the party, and I’m freeloading. I guess I should give you some face,” Xu Zimo said with a smile. “How about we play a game?”
“Oh? What kind of game?” Nanmen Tianhong asked curiously.
“I’ll strike three times. If you can take all three, I’ll drop the matter. If not, you kill her yourself. How’s that sound?” Xu Zimo grinned. “This is your chance to be a hero. Her life is in your hands.”
Before Nanmen Tianhong could answer, others nearby started shouting.
“Outrageous! Who do you think you are?”
“The Holy Son of Supreme Tower spoke kindly to you out of courtesy, and you repay him ? Know your place.”
“Must be some nobody from a backwater. So arrogant! I could crush him with one hand.”
Amid the noisy protests, Nanmen Tianhong waved his hand to silence everyone.
He looked at Xu Zimo with growing interest.
“Honestly, you intrigue me. It’s been a while since I’ve met someone this bold. I wonder, are you truly confident, or just overconfident?”
“If you won’t play, I’ll kill her myself. The rest of you can all come at me. It’ll be a hassle, but that’s fine too,” Xu Zimo replied.
“Alright, three moves it is. Let’s see if you can surprise me,” Nanmen Tianhong said. “I’ve been getting bored of Supreme Tower. Time to meet some real talent from beyond.”
He stared calmly at Xu Zimo, his white robes fluttering in the breeze.