Chapter 1608: On What Basis?

“Hmph!” Haotian Hong grunted. It was clear that the sect master was still annoyed by Ye Qing’s earlier disrespect and did not have a good impression of him.

Yue Hanhai wasn’t saying anything, but it was equally clear from his gloomy expression that he did not have a good impression of Ye Qing.

Xuanyuan Wang was the only one smiling and returning the salute with all the graciousness one expected from a senior. “Well met, young friend Ye. Please, enlighten us.”

“I am not qualified to enlighten you, senior. I simply wish to notify you about some things,” Ye Qing replied smilingly, but he was only looking at Xuanyuan Wang. He had no reason to curry favor with someone who could not even be bothered to return his greeting.

“You should know about the Earthly Sovereign’s suppression of the Four Evils, right?”

Ye Qing jumped straight into the topic. “A long time ago, the Four Evils ravaged humanity and took countless lives. The Earthly Sovereign used his immense power to exile the Four Evils and seal them in the world beyond. He was the one who saved humankind and secured ten thousand years of peace for humanity.”

Before Ye Qing could finish, Yue Hanhai interrupted impatiently, “Cut to the chase already. Do you seriously think we wouldn’t know about this better than you?”

“However, the Four Evils are born from primal chaos. They are easy to suppress but much, much harder to eliminate. Even the Earthly Sovereign is only able to seal them, not eliminate them once and for all. As a result, the threat they posed remains even to this day.”

Ye Qing ignored Yue Hanhai and continued his story, “The Earthly Sovereign once told this to me: In thirty years, the seal that suppresses the Four Evils will run out of power. When the time comes, the Four Evils will definitely break free and return to humanity.”

“Are you telling the truth?” Xuanyuan Wang’s smile faded away, leaving behind only stern concern.

Haotian Hong and Yue Hanhai were frowning as well.

“I am. I would not dare to lie about this.” Ye Qing continued, “The only way to stop them from breaking free is to slay them before their seals are permanently broken. Not only that, the Earthly Sovereign Bell is absolutely necessary to slay them.”

“This junior once promised the Earthly Sovereign that he will slay the Four Evils and protect humanity before the seals have run out of power. That is why the Earthly Sovereign Bell acknowledges me as its master, and why I am unable to return it to you at this moment.”

A moment of silence later, Yue Hanhai accused, “This is just your one-sided statement. Who knows if what you said is true or false?”

Haotian Hong echoed in agreement. “Indeed, it could only be a lie you fabricated to continue monopolizing the Earthly Sovereign Bell.”

Ye Qing replied, “I can swear an oath.”

Haotian Hong let out a cold chuckle. “Not even dogs believe in oaths these days!”

Ye Qing had predicted this reaction and so did not take offense at Haotian Hong’s rude comment. “It is the truth. It is not my fault that you don’t believe me.”

Seeing that the atmosphere was growing tense, Xuanyuan Wang asked, “It is not that we don’t believe you, young friend, but this is a matter of grave importance. Do you have proof? Is there anyone who can testify on your behalf?”

Ye Qing kept silent.

“I can act as his guarantor.” Haotian Hong and Yue Hanhai were about to mock Ye Qing when the Chief Libationist set down his cup and spoke up. “I can prove that what he said is the truth!”

Haotian Hong and Yue Hanhai immediately swallowed his words. If the Chief Libationist was anyone else, they would only scoff and mock him harder. However, this was the Chief Libationist they were talking about.

The Chief Libationist wasn’t just the world champion, he was also the greatest scholar under the heavens. No one valued promises and honor more than him, so he would never lie or joke about such things. If he gave his word, then it was most likely the truth.

“Alright. Even if what you said is the truth, junior, who do you think you are to bear such a heavy responsibility?”

A few breaths passed, and Haotian Hong looked at Ye Qing sternly. “Do you understand what would happen if you failed to slay the Four Evils?”

Ye Qing nodded. “Of course I do.”

Haotian Hong pressed, “If you do, then what makes you think you can fulfill his will? What makes you think you are strong enough to slay the Four Evils and protect humanity from danger?”

“What makes me think I am capable of all these things?” Ye Qing stared him in the eye fearlessly and declared in an equally determined voice, “I think I am capable because the Earthly Sovereign acknowledged me, because the Earthly Sovereign Bell acknowledged me, and because I have the courage and determination to overcome all obstacles and hardships.”

“Well said!” The Chief Libationist vocalized his support right after Ye Qing said this. “A youngster should possess this much courage!”

The three sect masters said nothing, though it wasn’t because they were impressed by Ye Qing’s declaration. After all, who doesn’t know how to talk pretty and boast big? The only reason they didn’t argue was because the Chief Libationist had spoken up, and his face could not be ignored.

“If you still think that isn’t enough...” Ye Qing knew exactly what they were thinking, of course. So, he spoke up once more, “Then allow me to tell you exactly why I am qualified.”

“It’s because I am already a Sage even though it hasn’t even been a decade since I began practicing martial arts.”

“It’s because I’m standing on the same level as you before I’m thirty years old.”

𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

“It’s because I have suppressed and slain warriors stronger than I not long after I have become a Sage.”

“It’s because I dare to ruin King Taishan’s ten-thousand-year-old conspiracy with only a bell and my gall to support me.”

Every time Ye Qing made a statement, his aura, energies, and presence would grow a tad stronger. When he was done making his argument, a beam of profound light had shot into the sky and dyed the nine heavens with its colors.

“You ask me why I think I am capable? Because I am powerful. That enough for you?”

Everyone was silent when Ye Qing had finished his declaration.

It wasn’t just because of what he said, but also because they felt some pressure and danger from his energies.

“They” were Haotian Hong, Yue Hanhai and Xuanyuan Wang, of course.

This meant that Ye Qing actually possessed the strength to threaten them.

Although their rational mind was telling that this was ridiculous—Ye Qing had only become a Sage for a few months after all. How could he possibly threaten them, veterans who had reached this level for many decades?—their instincts and senses were telling them that it was the pure, unadulterated truth.

A truth that could not be denied even if they chose to disbelieve it.

Ye Qing stared at them with bright, fiery eyes. “Allow me to ask a rhetorical question. Assuming I hand you the Earthly Sovereign Bell, are you one hundred percent certain that you can slay the Four Evils before they break free from their seals?”

The trio still did not say a word. It was a guarantee they could not give.

After all, this was the Four Evils he was talking about; Strangers that even the Earthly Sovereign himself was unable to slay. How arrogant would one have to be to claim that they could definitely slay the Four Evils?

Forget them, was there anyone present who would dare to make such a guarantee? Not even the Chief Libationist would dare to make such a guarantee, would he?

“I can!” But one man ripped their so-called logic to shreds and declared audaciously, “I have already become a Sage less than a decade into my cultivation. Give me another ten years, and I’m certain that I will surpass not just the three of you, but also the Chief Libationist.”

“The arrogance!”

Haotian Hong and Yue Hanhai instinctively felt offended and wanted to rebuke Ye Qing, but when they saw how serious he looked, when they recalled his earlier statements, they found themselves unable to think of a single counterargument. They could only glare at him gloomily.