Chapter 666 - 660: Standoff

Inside Central City, all the Martial Artists turned their gazes to Shen Haoran. Half a month ago, before the competition for the Pill Emperor had even begun, the White Tiger Clan was attacked by a mysterious individual. However, that person’s strength was absolutely formidable, likely no less than that of the four great patriarchs. How could it possibly be Shen Haoran?

"Shen Haoran, there’s no need to hide anymore. When you resisted that white-robed youth just now, you gave yourself away. The one who attacked my White Tiger Race... it was you!" Two cold gleams flashed in Bai Zhennan’s eyes, piercing straight into Shen Haoran’s.

Hearing Bai Zhennan’s words, Shen Haoran finally understood how his identity had been revealed. ’When I attacked the White Tiger Race, I used Elder Yan’s aura as a cover to avoid detection. But just now, to withstand the white-robed youth’s assault, I had no choice but to use Elder Yan’s power. In doing so, I completely exposed myself to Bai Zhennan.’

"That’s right. It was me who attacked your White Tiger Clan!" Shen Haoran stood up with Long Aotian’s support, his gaze meeting Bai Zhennan’s directly, without a hint of evasion. Since he had been found out, there was no longer any need to deny it.

An uproar erupted among the Martial Artists of Central City at Shen Haoran’s admission. They never would have imagined that the person who had attacked the White Tiger Clan was actually him.

In mid-air, Yao Wuchen and the patriarchs of the other three great clans frowned deeply. Within Central City, while the Four Great Clans often had their share of friction, their relationships were mostly defined by mutual interests. Moreover, since the Four Great Divine Beast Families represented the four strongest races within the Demon Race, they handled most of its affairs, effectively making them its leaders.

To better protect their own interests and govern the Demon Race, the Four Great Divine Beast Families had established a pact. Under this pact, they were forbidden from warring with one another. More importantly, if anyone appeared who posed a threat to the Four Great Divine Beast Families, they were obligated to join forces and eliminate that person. And now, Shen Haoran was exactly that kind of person.

"Nephew Shen, you can’t just take the blame for something like this! Otherwise, even I won’t be able to save you!" Long Xiaotian stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Bai Zhennan. He spoke to Shen Haoran in a low, serious tone, then winked, as if urging him to deny the accusation.

"Brother Shen, my father is right," Long Aotian also whispered in Shen Haoran’s ear. "As long as you deny it, he has ways to make this go away. Otherwise, you’ll be hunted by the Four Great Divine Beast Families. At that point, not even our Cyan Dragon Race will be able to protect you!"

Shen Haoran glanced at the father and son. He knew Long Xiaotian and Long Aotian were trying to protect him, but he was the one who had done this. A man must take responsibility for his own actions. ’And I’m not afraid of the White Tiger Race!’

"Uncle Long, I was the one who attacked the White Tiger Race," Shen Haoran said, cupping his fists toward Long Xiaotian. "If I hadn’t needed to conserve my strength for the Pill Emperor competition, I would have slaughtered their entire race, leaving no one alive!" Though a faint smile played on his lips, the killing intent in his voice was raw and unrestrained, so palpable it seemed to freeze the very air.

Hearing the sheer killing intent in Shen Haoran’s voice, Long Xiaotian couldn’t help but draw in a sharp breath. He immediately turned to look at Bai Zhennan. ’I know a little about Haoran’s character,’ he thought. ’He’s not the type to stir up trouble. What in the world did Bai Zhennan do to make him willing to risk his own life just to admit to attacking the White Tiger Race in front of everyone?’

"Hmph. What arrogance," Bai Zhennan snorted, his expression turning frigid. "Do you really think my White Tiger Race can be annihilated just because you say so?"

’Initially, after Shen Haoran displayed his skill in Alchemy and his Talent for Arrays, I intended to recruit him. But now that he’s admitted to attacking the White Tiger Race, there’s only one thing to do: kill him.’ Bai Zhennan’s thoughts raced. ’His Talent is terrifyingly strong. I know what my clan did... That woman with the Nine-tailed White Fox Bloodline must be deeply connected to him, and my clan nearly killed her. This is a feud to the death; it can’t be resolved. I must kill him before he becomes any stronger. That white-robed youth from earlier actually did me a huge favor. As he is now, Shen Haoran has little strength left to resist. Killing him will be as easy as flipping my palm.’

"Whether I can annihilate you or not, you of all people should know the answer," Shen Haoran sneered, giving Bai Zhennan a disdainful glance.

Bai Zhennan’s brow furrowed at Shen Haoran’s words. He recalled the attack from half a month ago. ’If I and the two clan elders hadn’t intervened, the White Tiger Race would have been half-destroyed. If he attacked like that a few more times...’ Bai Zhennan couldn’t guarantee they could withstand it. ’Come to think of it, he really does have the power to destroy the White Tiger Race. Judging by the heaven-defying Talent he just displayed, even if he can’t do it now, in less than five years, the White Tiger Clan will likely be kneeling at his feet!’

"Hmph. Arrogant fool!" Bai Zhennan sneered, a savage expression twisting his features. "Even if you have the power to destroy my White Tiger Race, you’ll never get the chance. Because today is the day you die!" ’Shen Haoran must die today!’

"Wait, Bai Zhennan!" Long Xiaotian stepped in front of Shen Haoran, his brow furrowed as he blocked Bai Zhennan from striking. "If it weren’t for Shen Haoran today, we all would have died at that monster’s hands! He saved our lives, and you’re repaying his kindness with hatred!"

"Long Xiaotian, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten the pact between our Four Great Clans," Bai Zhennan said coldly, staring at the man before him. "Are you really going to violate our agreement for this Human Race brat? If you do, your Cyan Dragon Race will be scorned by all citizens of the Demon Race. There will be no place left for you here!"

Long Xiaotian’s brow tightened at Bai Zhennan’s words. ’The pact between the Four Great Divine Beast Families is indeed important,’ he thought, ’but Shen Haoran’s life is more important.’ He had no intention of backing down.

"I’m telling you, Bai Zhennan, don’t try to scare my brother with that pact!" At that moment, Xuan Potian also stepped forward to stand beside Long Xiaotian, roaring at Bai Zhennan with eyes full of indignation. "The whole reason the pact of the Four Great Divine Beast Families exists is to protect the Demon Race! Today, Shen Haoran saved our entire race single-handedly, and you still dare to make a move against him? Aren’t you afraid of being scorned by every member of the Demon Race?"

"Xuan Potian, you intend to interfere in this as well?" Bai Zhennan asked, his expression growing grim as he stared at him.

"I just can’t stand that smug look on your face," Xuan Potian shot back, rolling up his sleeves. He completely disregarded Bai Zhennan. "What about it? You got a problem? Bring it on!"

"Good... Very good!" Bai Zhennan forced the two words through his gritted teeth, then turned his gaze to Feng Qingwu, who was standing nearby.

"I will naturally abide by our pact. Rest assured," Feng Qingwu said with a faint chuckle, knowing exactly what Bai Zhennan meant. His gaze drifted, seemingly unintentionally, toward Shen Haoran, his mind clearly hatching some devious plan.

In the air, the four patriarchs split into two opposing sides: Bai Zhennan and Feng Qingwu on one, Long Xiaotian and Xuan Potian on the other. A tense standoff began. It seemed that, because of Shen Haoran, a war was about to erupt among the Four Great Divine Beast Families...