Chapter 154 - 120: What Are You Afraid Of?

Chapter 154: Chapter 120: What Are You Afraid Of?

After Mu Yiyi finished speaking, she even cast her senses outward. Still, she found nothing.

Mu Zhen swept his hand, tossing out a Night-Exploring Pearl and channeling his energy to make it emit an endless, brilliant light. In an instant, the entire courtyard was illuminated, the beams of light stretching dozens of meters outward.

At the very edge of the illumination, two pairs of legs appeared on the ground. However, they instantly took a step back, retreating into the pitch-black darkness beyond the light’s reach.

In a flash, both Mu Yiyi and Mu Zhen drew their swords, their eyes filled with vigilance. Even Jiang Hao’s pupils contracted sharply.

Seemingly aware that they had been exposed, it wasn’t long before two figures slowly walked out, stepping into the light. They were an old man dressed in a gray robe and a young man in plain clothes.

"Hehe, Jiang Xiaoyou truly deserves his reputation as a peerless prodigy who topped the Holy City’s Celestial List. To think you could sense our presence—it truly humbles this old man."

As the old man appeared, he immediately voiced his admiration. Earlier, when Jiang Hao had suddenly stopped in his tracks, both the old man and the youth beside him had been utterly astonished.

Seeing the two step into view, endless scrutiny burst forth in Jiang Hao’s eyes. In truth, he hadn’t noticed the old man’s presence at all; he had merely sensed a faint trace of an aura from the young man. It was an aura he couldn’t be more familiar with—the distinct fluctuation typically found only on disciples of the Celestial Sword Sect.

Sensing the hostility slowly rising from Jiang Hao, the old man gave a slight bow with cupped hands. "Jiang Xiaoyou, I am Qi Tianmu, the Vice Outer Sect Leader of the Celestial Sword Sect. This is my disciple. We have come today with no ill intent toward you, so please do not take offense."

At Qi Tianmu’s words, the expressions of Mu Zhen and Mu Yiyi drastically changed.

"The Vice Outer Sect Leader of the Celestial Sword Sect?"

"The Peak Master of Red Sword Peak and one of the eight Celestial Sword Elders, Vice Outer Sect Leader Qi Tianmu?"

The expressions on the Mu Family Siblings’ faces nearly froze. They found it hard to believe that the person standing before them was none other than the Vice Sect Leader of the Celestial Sword Sect, who had shaken the Eastern Domain with his might two hundred years ago—the Sword Venerable, ’Qi Tianren’.

Compared to the Mu Family Siblings, Jiang Hao’s face displayed a faint murderous intent and hostility. This trace of killing intent caught Qi Tianmu by surprise. After all, he was a peerless powerhouse renowned throughout the Eastern Domain and a Vice Sect Leader of the Celestial Sword Sect. When other youths heard his name, even if they weren’t frightened into trembling submission, they would at least show him the utmost respect. Yet, the young man before him had eyes brimming with murderous intent, completely devoid of fear.

"He truly lives up to the title of a peerless prodigy of his generation. What a pity," Qi Tianmu thought. "If he wasn’t destined to be an enemy of our Celestial Sword Sect, recruiting him would definitely give us a formidable foundational pillar."

Qi Tianmu inwardly lamented, though he tried his best to look amiable.

"Jiang Xiaoyou, there is no need for such immense hostility," Qi Tianmu said earnestly. "I know that you might have had some misunderstandings with our Celestial Sword Sect in the past. I have come this time precisely to resolve those misunderstandings.

"More than a decade ago, Father Jiang indeed had some friction with our Celestial Sword Sect, but it wasn’t at all like what the outside world claims.

"The conflict your father had with our sect back then was actually a dispute with certain individuals within the sect, rather than an enmity with the entire Celestial Sword Sect.

"Zhao Wuji was one of them. To avenge a personal grudge, that man actually mobilized the sect’s core disciples without authorization to surround and kill you, Jiang Xiaoyou. It is truly an unforgivable crime, and the Sect Leader and the Supreme Elders have already punished Zhao Wuji for it.

"Of course, words alone are no proof. You are more than welcome to ask around. Because of this matter, the Sect Leader almost executed Elder Zhao.

"Your father is an honored guest of our sect and shares a deep personal relationship with the Celestial Sword Sect. When Father Jiang met with disaster back then, it was the eight Supreme Elders of our sect who joined forces to escort him safely out of the Eastern Domain.

"Now, more than a decade later, your father is right within the Celestial Sword Sect. However, he has suffered extremely severe injuries.

"I came here today entrusted by the Sect Leader and the Supreme Elders, as well as urged by your father, in hopes of clearing up this misunderstanding between you and our sect."

As he spoke, Qi Tianmu continuously observed the expression on Jiang Hao’s face. He then shifted his tone and continued, "Xiaoyou, there are things you don’t know about what happened back then. There are far too many hidden circumstances involved.

"But it is all a misunderstanding. You will naturally understand in the future."

Before Jiang Hao or the other two could even speak, Qi Tianmu had already babbled on and on. After finishing his long speech, he even put on a look of utter helplessness and remorse.

Hearing this, Mu Zhen frowned deeply. Although he was somewhat intimidated facing such a big shot, the thought that they were currently in the Nanling Sacred City immediately bolstered his confidence.

The grudges between Jiang Hao and the Celestial Sword Sect had long spread throughout the entire Eastern Domain, and the Mu Family Siblings had heard of them as well.

Mu Zhen spoke up, "Sect Leader Qi, as far as I know, your noble sect once ruthlessly hunted down my brother here, itching to slay him under your swords. Now, Your Excellency claims it was all a misunderstanding with just a few mere words. Do you really think anyone would find that convincing?"

At Mu Zhen’s words, an imperceptible flash of killing intent crossed Qi Tianmu’s eyes, but he maintained a superficial smile.

"As I just said, I am here today not only representing the Celestial Sword Sect but also at the behest of Jiang Xiaoyou’s father. Naturally, I brought Father Jiang’s token as proof."

As Qi Tianmu spoke, an object mysteriously appeared in his hand.

The three of them looked over and saw a crystal-clear Jade Pendant, one that bore a striking resemblance to the one hanging at Jiang Hao’s waist.

The moment this Jade Pendant appeared, Jiang Hao’s entire body trembled. He recognized it immediately—it was indeed his father’s Jade Pendant, and it still carried faint traces of Father Jiang’s aura.

"Father?"