Chapter 533: Mr. Dugu
The arrival of Mr. Dugu made the Pill Alliance of Xuan Country treat the situation with caution.
After all, Mr. Dugu was an influential figure within the Dugu Family, part of the absolute upper echelon, and even the brother of the Family Head. He was one of the top-ranking masters throughout the Xuan Country.
When someone of his stature visits the Pill Alliance, Chen Yongnian must personally greet him; otherwise, it would be considered a breach of etiquette.
Mr. Dugu arrived alone, without any entourage. Nevertheless, even his solitary presence exerted pressure on the entire Pill Alliance of the Xuan Country.
“Sir Dugu, your presence graces our Pill Alliance,” said Chen Yongnian with a clenched fist salute.
Mr. Dugu returned the salute. He might not regard anyone from the Pill Alliance with particular concern, but Chen Yongnian deserved his respect.
After all, Chen Yongnian’s status was exceptional. Even though Mr. Dugu was an upper-echelon member of the Dugu Family, if the two were compared, Chen Yongnian held more weight.
Besides Chen Yongnian, a few other high-ranking elders of the Pill Alliance were present to greet him. Mo Ziming stood behind Chen Yongnian, appearing quite indifferent, as if he did not imprison Dugu Qingyun.
“Elder Chen, I hope my uninvited presence has not upset anyone,” said Mr. Dugu indifferently, casting a side glance at Mo Ziming.
Chen Yongnian chuckled, “Of course not, the Pill Alliance always welcomes heroes and warriors like you, Sir Qi.”
“And yet, some people do not appear to welcome this old man,” Mr. Dugu replied indifferently.
The intention behind his words was clear to all present—it was directed at Mo Ziming, expressing dissatisfaction with him for imprisoning Dugu Qingyun.
Chen Yongnian laughed, “It seems you are unsatisfied, Sir Qi. However, we are already aware of the previous incident and would like to apologize for it. I believe you are a generous man and won’t hold a grudge over such trivial matters.”
Mr. Dugu snorted, “Qingyun was impudent in the Pill Alliance which led to his confinement. I won’t take sides.”
“Sir Qi, if this is your standpoint, that is the best case for us,” Chen Yongnian chuckled.
Mr. Dugu, without beating around the bush, went straight to the point, “Where is Fang Lin? I would like to meet him.”
Upon hearing Mr. Dugu mention Fang Lin, a glint of surprise flashed across Chen Yongnian’s eyes, “Please wait, Sir Qi, Fang Lin will be here shortly.”
Mr. Dugu nodded briefly and then fell silent.
Not long after, Fang Lin arrived and saw several Pill Alliance dignitaries accompanying a lean old man. His eyes flickered at the sight.
“Greetings to Elder Chen and honorable elders,” Fang Lin greeted with a salute towards Chen Yongnian and several high-ranking members of the Pill Alliance.
Mo Ziming gave Fang Lin a blink, seemingly signalling something to him. Naturally, Fang Lin understood his intentions.
Mr. Dugu turned to look at Fang Lin. His eyes were particularly sharp, making Fang Lin feel as if he was being watched by a terrifying beast.
A wave of invisible pressure flowed from Mr. Dugu, heading straight towards Fang Lin.
Fang Lin felt a sudden weight on his body as if a mountain were pressing on him, causing his body to bow down.
Fang Lin’s expression stiffened. He was being pressured from the get-go. Was this some kind of show of power?
Chen Yongnian and the others naturally perceived the anomalies but did not act on behalf of Fang Lin. After all, Mr. Dugu hadn’t gone too far; he had merely exerted a bit of his own pressure, incapable of causing any harm to Fang Lin.
Of course, if Mr. Dugu were to exert a stronger pressure, Chen Yongnian would then have to intervene.
Fang Lin gritted his teeth. Even though Mr. Dugu had exerted only a small portion of his pressure, his strength was overwhelming. Just this minor pressure made Fang Lin feel breathless.
However, Fang Lin did not yield. He gritted his teeth hard, with his body remaining upright, appearing as unyielding as a pine tree in a snowstorm.
Upon seeing Fang Lin’s tenacity, Mr. Dugu squinted and exerted greater pressure.
Fang Lin’s body swayed. Evidently, he felt the increase in pressure; his legs trembled, and sweat instantly appeared on his forehead.
Chen Yongnian glanced at Mr. Dugu, hoping he would stop. However, seemingly oblivious to Chen Yongnian’s gaze, Mr. Dugu continued to put pressure on Fang Lin.
Mo Ziming looked worried. If it went on , Fang Lin would struggle to withstand it.
Mr. Dugu had an expression of triumph—he wanted Fang Lin to yield and understand the consequences of crossing the Dugu Family.
Even though they were at the Pill Alliance, Mr. Dugu was not bothered—he could even kill Fang Lin in front of Chen Yongnian. At most, it would result in their dissatisfaction, but it wouldn’t lead them to risk their lives for Fang Lin.
In plain words, Fang Lin was still too weak; the Pill Alliance wouldn’t risk a major conflict with the Dugu Family over such a weak individual.
Just when Mr. Dugu and those present believed Fang Lin was on the verge of buckling, Fang Lin stoically straightened his body once again.
Even though Fang Lin’s body was shaking continuously, even though there was a flash of red in his eyes, and even though the pressure exerted by Mr. Dugu could potentially crush any Earth Element martial artist, Fang Lin never gave in.
Even if his bones cracked, Fang Lin would stand tall and never bow his head.
“Hmph!” Mr. Dugu was angered. His pressure failed to crush an Earth Element ant. This was a disgrace to him. He put forth more pressure, which was enough to bear down on a martial artist with a first layer Heavenly Origin status.
The pressure fell, causing Fang Lin to stumble and almost collapse.
But the next moment, Fang Lin clenched his fists. His veins bulged, and he looked ferocious. Blood seeped from the corners of his mouth, but he still didn’t fall.
This development took everyone present by surprise, including Mr. Dugu, who was taken aback.
Mr. Dugu was confident that the pressure he exerted was enough to disable a martial artist with a Layer One Heavenly Origin from moving.
Yet, Fang Lin, a mere practitioner of the Ninth Layer Earth Element, not even a Half-Step Heavenly Origin, managed to resist his pressure for such a long time—it was indeed unexpected.
Fang Lin’s eyes widened in determination. He kept his gaze fixed on Mr. Dugu, his eyes filled with grim determination.
Mr. Dugu exerted even stronger pressure, determined to force Fang Lin to kneel before him. Only then would he be able to quell his anger.
“Sir Qi, enough is enough,” Chen Yongnian finally spoke up. With a slight wave of his hand, he effortlessly dispelled the pressure Mr. Dugu had applied.
Fang Lin suddenly felt a sense of relief washing over him as if an intense burden had been lifted. However, he did not feel good internally; his body felt as if it would regurgitate blood any moment.
Mr. Dugu looked at Chen Yongnian in shock. The depth of Chen Yongnian’s power, as demonstrated by his casual display, was quite formidable.