Chapter 520 The Boy Who Cried Wolf, the Duel, and to Save Them or Not?

To prove her innocence, you could say she had backed herself into a dead end.

So what would the Helian Family do next? What would Helian Wen do?

If they backed down, the “truth” they had previously announced would be discredited, and the Helian Family would become a complete laughingstock.

But if they accepted the challenge, what would the outcome be?

All over Immortal Ascension Island, there was a clamor of discussion. Nearly everyone was paying attention to the matter.

The Gongsun Family, which had always remained neutral during the conflict between the Tantai World and the Helian World, was also watching the situation closely.

The outcome of this battle could very well determine the future of the entire Immortal Ascension Island.

“Wen’Er, during all those years in the Demon Abyss, did you have any dealings with the Demon Race?” Within the Helian Family, some of the Elders were growing uncertain, worried that Helian Wen was hiding something from them.

“I struggled to survive in the Demon Abyss for many years, fighting Demons to the death. It’s only natural that I’d be tainted by some Demonic Qi,” Helian Wen explained.

The fact that he had consumed a Demon Essence Fruit, turning him half-human and half-demon, was his secret.

If he told the family, he wasn’t sure how they would treat him.

Furthermore, this matter involved his master, Huangfu Hao, who had repeatedly warned him never to reveal his existence.

That was why Helian Wen hesitated to accept Tantai Qing’s challenge.

Although he’d felt Tantai Qing was no match for him during their last encounter, there was no guarantee she hadn’t been holding back.

He wasn’t absolutely certain he could defeat Tantai Qing in a proper, life-and-death battle. And if his half-human, half-demon secret were to be exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable…

“Wen’Er, is something troubling you?” Helian Changkong asked.

“Father, I am indeed tainted with Demonic Qi. I’m worried this will bring trouble to the Helian Family. But if I don’t accept the challenge, our family will become a laughingstock again. I’m afraid even the Gongsun Family will side with the Tantai Family…” Helian Wen voiced his concerns.

“As long as your conscience is clear, the family will always stand with you. You’ve always wanted to kill Tantai Qing. This duel is a golden opportunity.”

“The family will handle any fallout,” Helian Changkong said earnestly, patting him on the shoulder.

“Yes, Father. I understand.” A look of gratitude washed over Helian Wen’s face, and a warm feeling spread through his heart.

Since Helian Changkong, the patriarch, had given his word, Helian Wen no longer had any reason to hesitate.

“Is this your decision, Changkong, or does it come from the ancestors?”

As Helian Wen departed to accept the challenge, several of the Helian family elders looked at Helian Changkong in confusion.

“Ancestor Helian Wuwang has already gone to the Gongsun Family’s territory to meet with Gongsun Mingtang…”

“The Tantai Family’s recent actions have crossed the line.”

“The conflict between Tantai Qing and Wen’Er is mere squabbling. The grander game is already set. Public opinion is just a tool for mortals; it can’t possibly shake the ten-thousand-year foundation of our Saint Noble Family. Tantai Qing thinks she’s being clever, but she’s just giving Wen’Er the perfect chance to settle his long-held grudge…” Helian Changkong said, his expression impassive.

That same day, Helian Wen appeared and accepted Tantai Qing’s challenge.

They agreed to fight to the death in three days on the Ancient Battle Platform in the main city of Immortal Ascension Island.

When the news spread, it sent shockwaves everywhere, sparking a storm of discussion.

Meanwhile, at the Tantai Family estate, Jiang Lan received a letter, just as he had expected. It invited him to meet at a treacherous location on Immortal Ascension Island called Jiyun Ridge in three days.

“Sir, the one who delivered the letter was just an ordinary local Loose Cultivator. He has no backing from any power.”

“He was just following orders to deliver the letter. He doesn’t know who sent him.”

said Xiang Xiao, who had brought the letter, her brow furrowed slightly.

“Heh…”

“This letter is from the Barbarian Race. Kong Xuan and Ao Yin are trapped at Jiyun Ridge. If I don’t show up in three days, they’ll be refined to death.”

Jiang Lan read the letter with a faint smile, then handed it to Xiang Xiao.

Jin Ming and Yuan Kong were also there. They gathered around to read the letter, and expressions of rage quickly appeared on their faces.

“The Barbarians are demanding that you go alone, Sir. No tricks, or they’ll fully activate the Grand Array ahead of schedule and refine Ao Yin and Kong Xuan to death…”

Xiang Xiao’s brow was knitted tightly.

Jin Ming, Yuan Kong, and the others looked grim.

This was a blatant trap.

The Barbarian Race would surely have laid countless traps at Jiyun Ridge, waiting for Jiang Lan.

If he didn’t go, Ao Yin and Kong Xuan would face certain death.

If he went alone, it would be a deathtrap. The Barbarians must have anticipated that Jiang Lan had numerous life-saving treasures, so they would have prepared an inescapable net.

“This is quite a headache…” Jiang Lan shook his head slightly and sighed.

In truth, he had long suspected the Barbarian Race would pull a stunt like this and use the two women to threaten him.

‘Honestly, Ao Yin and Kong Xuan brought this on themselves. If they hadn’t been so arrogant, complacent, and eager for glory, how could they have fallen for the Barbarians’ scheme?’

“Sir…”

Xiang Xiao, Jin Ming, and Yuan Kong all had complicated expressions.

Deep down, they naturally hoped Jiang Lan would go save Ao Yin and Kong Xuan. After all, they all hailed from the North Sea and were on friendly terms. Now, they were all followers of Jiang Lan.

But doing so meant trading Jiang Lan’s safety for theirs.

They couldn’t guarantee that Jiang Lan would be able to escape safely if he went.

And why should Jiang Lan risk his own life for two of his followers?

“Those two really know how to cause me trouble,” Jiang Lan said, waving a hand dismissively without giving a clear answer.

They all fell silent.

The Barbarians had chosen to make their move in three days, the very same day as the duel between Tantai Qing and Helian Wen. At that time, almost everyone on Immortal Ascension Island would have their eyes on the great battle.

Who would even notice whether two of Jiang Lan’s followers lived or died?