Volume 3 - Chapter 376: Bound by Life and Death - Part 1
"You dare!"
At the words of the Wind Spirit Clan Leader, the elder beside Meng Wanning narrowed his eyes and took a step forward. A torrent of overwhelming pressure surged from him like a tidal wave, bearing down on Jin Fengling.
Yet the Wind Spirit Clan elites behind Jin Fengling were prepared. In an instant, their own auras erupted in unison, forming a barrier of force to shield him.
"Go. Leave everything else to me."
The Wind Spirit Clan Leader's voice was cold as he barked at the hesitating Jin Fengling.
The crescent-shaped divine sword in his hand suddenly burst into brilliant silver-white light. The air around the imperial platform instantly transformed, as if a separate realm had descended. Above them, long crescent moons hung suspended in the sky, casting down rays of moonlight like piercing cold gazes that glared upon the Dream Clan.
Sensing that chilling sword intent, the Dream Clan cultivators’ expressions turned to alarm and fury. The old woman holding a withered staff, however, remained composed. Since the entire clan had come, she had never intended to retreat so easily.
Just as her spiritual power gathered and the divine stone in her palm began to radiate a seven-colored glow, a cool and steady voice rang out.
"Sect Master, Dream Clan, all of you."
Everyone turned in unison toward the youth standing at the edge of the imperial platform.
"Let them come. If they want my life, then let them try and take it."
Li Hao’s gaze swept across the Dream Master and her people. He spoke slowly, "I understand the sentiment behind your actions, and I am grateful."
The Dream Master grew anxious at his words. What she had done wasn't just for Li Hao’s gratitude—she intended to save him. "Don’t be rash."
"I don’t want to drag the innocent into this."
Li Hao interrupted her with a shake of his head. "If there is a future, I would gladly fight alongside you. But today, this is my matter to resolve alone."
"Boy, don’t overthink it. Since we’ve come, we won't just stand by."
The elder beside Meng Wanning spoke in a rare gentle tone, despite his usual gruff voice. His brows were sharp as sword edges, and his eyes held firm resolve.
Li Hao stared at the elder he had only just met, saw the sincerity in his eyes, and clenched his fists tightly. Precisely because the other party was genuine, he could not allow them to be caught in the crossfire.
If both sides fought to the death, it might not even lead to his escape.
After all, there were still two others nearby, watching like hungry beasts.
More importantly, the Supreme One had yet to express any will. No one could say whether others, like that white-haired youth, would rise to interpret the Emperor’s intentions and try to act accordingly.
Without saying a word, without lifting a finger, someone would naturally step forward to do it in their place. That was what it meant to be an Emperor.
They made their moves, and the Supreme One had not stopped them. That wasn’t a broken promise—but by not intervening, it was as good as granting approval.
Li Hao knew that relying on the Dream Clan’s deterrence to suppress everyone’s greed was nearly impossible. Perhaps the only way to end this was by dying here today.
But even if he died, he would drag every last one of them down with him!
"Seniors, what has Haotian done to deserve your favor? Today, anyone who bears a grudge against me, step forward! I’ll fight to the bitter end!"
Li Hao gave the Dream Clan a long, solemn look, then bowed deeply. When he straightened again, his voice was cold and resolute, spreading through the entire area.
He stood in the very eye of the storm, his gaze fierce and commanding, surveying all directions with disdain. Countless spectators were stunned.
The Dream Clan and the Wind Spirit Clan, both among the hundred great clans, had nearly come to open conflict over him. He had rejected a Supreme One’s offer, defied the Celestial Palace, and now, even on the brink of death, he still refused to yield!
Behind Li Hao, Ming Yue’s expression shifted slightly. She furrowed her brows, staring at his back. His upright figure stood like a divine sword piercing the heavens. Only when facing the gentle and conflicted gazes of those who cared for him did his spine bend in a deep bow. But when confronted by Jin Fengling and the Wind Spirit Clan’s blades and pressure, he stood tall like resilient grass braving the storm—unyielding and indomitable.
She couldn’t understand it. Why was he so stubborn? This was the Supreme One’s direct invitation—why reject it, even if it meant his life?
If he simply turned back now, lowered his head, and humbly begged the master, even if he might never be accepted as a disciple again, at the very least, the Supreme One would surely spare his life.
When Li Hao spoke those words, the Dream Master—Meng Wanning—visibly paled. The elder beside her and the rest of the Dream Clan all showed signs of worry. The old woman with the divine staff looked momentarily surprised, casting an unexpected glance at the youth. When she met the sharp, profound look in his eyes, something clicked in her mind.
And she fell silent.
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