Chapter 2588 There is Always a Higher Mountain

Huo Xingdu's arrival was no different than the descent of a legendary existence for the people present. Upon seeing him, their faces became filled with awe.

The Water Cloud State encompassed three hundred and sixty cities. Having the capability to be the lord of such a territory, the impression of might had long been carved into the hearts of every cultivator during these countless years.

“My lord, please save my poor child!” Qin Xiaotong, who had been knocked down by Lin Xun's slap, broke the silence, shouting excitedly like he had finally found a lifeline.

Huo Xingdu frowned. He directed his gaze at Lin Xun and asked, “What do you think of my proposal, Little Friend?”

Everyone couldn’t help but look over at Lin Xun.

Even Lord Huo Xingdu is here now. How can you not give him face?

Contrary to their expectations, he ignored Huo Xingdu and turned to Xiao Xi, “Do you think that little bastard is stupid?”

Xiao Xi was stunned for a moment before she answered, “Definitely not.”

He asked, “Then do you think that old fogey is stupid?”

She answered, “Anyone who can take on the role of a city lord is definitely not stupid.”

Lin Xun nodded, “You're correct. They're looking pitiful now because they provoked me, but if I weren’t here this time, what do you think would have happened to you?”

Xiao Xi shivered when she imagined the possibility. If she was captured, then how would she fight back with her strength?

In that scenario, she probably would be subjected to humiliation and torture that would make her want to die, but it would be a situation in which she could not die!

“Similarly, if any of those onlookers were in your shoes, their fate would be doomed to be miserable as well. Whereas this pair of father and son would just keep on enjoying a good life with their status.”

When Lin Xun said these facts out loud, the expressions of the onlookers all became a little awkward. Because this was the reality!

There weren’t that many miracles in this world, and Qin Xiaotong and Qin Huiran were by no means stupid. The only reason they had fallen into distress this time was because they had kicked a tough nut.

As a matter of fact, who would have thought that a plainly dressed young girl would be followed by a well-hidden, powerful expert?

“Young man, what do you mean by this?” Huo Xingdu's face became unsightly. Being left hanging by Lin Xun in front of a big crowd was a severe provocation to his dignity. This kind of treatment, to someone with his status, made him feel extremely uncomfortable.

"What do I mean? If it was your daughter in this situation, would you still be screaming ‘it's better to squash enmity than to drag it on’ like you just did?" Lin Xun's lips curled in a sneer. “In that scenario, suppose someone suddenly jumped out and advised you to take a step back and call it a day, how...would you feel?”

Huo Xingdu grimly said, “After all is said and done, you're still not going to give this old man face?”

The atmosphere of the hall became oppressive.

“I only tried to reason with you on the basis that there's no injustice or enmity between us, but you're threatening me with your so-called face,” Lin Xun couldn't help but laugh as he gazed deeply at Huo Xingdu. “More like...I gave you face, but you shamelessly refused it.”

These words were more than discourteous; they carried scorn and insult. The spectators’ eyes widened in disbelief.

This guy has lost his mind! Is he really not scared of death, slandering Lord Huo Xingdu like this?!

Meanwhile, Huo Xingdu's old face had turned livid, his eyes boiling with killing intent. Having lived for so long, this was the first time he had encountered someone this arrogant and unruly.

Boom!

A terrifying Ancestor energy erupted on him. His might became as vast as the sky as its pressure caused the entire hall to shake violently. The surrounding cultivators quickly retreated far away with horrified expressions.

Lin Xun, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to it as he indifferently said, ''Resorting to violence after you’ve been embarrassed? If that’s your choice, then I will have to cripple your cultivation as well, old fool."

“That’s some big talk!” Huo Xingdu laughed out of utter anger and was about to make a move.

“Stop!” an icy voice suddenly resounded, followed closely by a woman who walked into the hall. She was clad in a dark-purple cloak, her inky hair was coiled in a bun, and her beauty was stunning. Her absolutely outstanding bearing made her the focal point of the entire field the moment she appeared.

Those onlookers, however, were creeped out after merely a glance at her. They quickly lowered their heads afterward like servants seeing the king, as if to take another glance at her would be a great blasphemy and a sin.

The furious Huo Xingdu also looked surprised. He immediately walked toward her and bowed, “Madam, have you been startled?”

Seeing this, the entire crowd felt dizzy, their hearts reeling.

Someone as lofty as Lord Huo Xingdu is acting so humble?!

At this point, anyone could see that the stunning woman who had suddenly appeared had an extraordinary identity. Otherwise, how could she make the lord of Water Cloud State bow his head?

However, the woman paid no attention to Huo Xingdu. Instead, she came straight to Lin Xun and performed a meek bow, her voice soft with a trace of awe in it, “It’s been a year, Dao Brother, it’s great to see you again.”

The crowd was stunned silent, their jaws almost dropping.

What...what’s going on?!

Huo Xingdu, who was still in a humble posture of salutation, felt like ten thousand horses were galloping in his mind as utter confusion took over him.

Could it be that he...had offended a...deeply hidden big shot?

The thought of it caused him to stiffen. The muscles on his cheeks seemed to be paralyzed, and the expression on his old face looked even uglier than someone blubbering.

What the f*ck have I gotten into?!!

“It's you, you’re that beautiful big sister!” exclaimed a dumbstruck Xiao Xi.

How could she have forgotten this gorgeous, purple-clad woman who had appeared in Yunying Village a year ago? This person was precisely Nie Qingrong, a vice principal of Liangyi Academy.

“After a year, you’ve grown so pretty, little sister,” replied Nie Qingrong gently.

All the people in the grand hall currently looked as though they had been struck by lightning, stupefied at what they were seeing. It was not hard for them to realize that Lin Xun’s and Xiao Xi's background was far higher than what they thought it was.

“You're here to advise me to end this matter here as well?” Lin Xun frowned.

After his warning to Nie Qingrong a year ago, nothing had changed or happened to him or Yunying Village up until now, which undoubtedly showed how smart this woman was. She hadn't divulged anything about the matter between them, much less taken any retaliatory action.

This alone had changed his impression of her in a positive way, but if she was here to persuade him to stop, then it would be a different story.

Nie Qingrong hurriedly explained, “Please don’t misunderstand. I’m here because Liangyi Academy’s disciple selection in Water Cloud State this year has fallen under my responsibility. I really didn’t expect to see you here, Dao Brother.”

“I see.” Lin Xun understood. It was reasonable for Nie Qingrong to be here for the selection as a vice principal of Liangyi Academy.

Right at this moment, Huo Xingdu walked over and bowed with shame on his face, his voice trembling, “This old man was blind to offend you, but it was not my intention. I hope that you’ll allow me to atone for my actions!”

He bowed so low that his head was almost about to touch his feet.

His humble gesture of atonement caused jaws to fall to the ground. Was this still the supreme lord of Water Cloud State who everyone viewed as a god?

Qin Xiaotong also froze in place, chills roaming all over him like he had fallen into an ice cave. All the scenes that had been transpiring before his eyes gave him an extremely bad feeling, as though a disaster would befall him at any moment!

Meanwhile, Lin Xun looked at Huo Xingdu, who was bending his knees in front of him, and sneered, “So, only under this circumstance will an ‘old man’ like you learn to be humble and risk your so-called face?”

Huo Xingdu buried his head even lower, his voice hoarse and bitter, “Please don't be angry, my lord!”

Right now, even Nie Qingrong was acting respectful and even fearful, so who was he to put on airs? How could he dare talk about his so-called dignity? He had forsaken his old face!

In the eyes of true behemoths in the Eternal True Realm, an Emperor Ancestor was nothing more than a toy in their hands who they could destroy at whim.

“To quell my anger is quite simple: you only need to personally cripple the cultivation of this father and son pair,” said Lin Xun casually.

Plop!

The horrified Qin Xiaotong, who had just climbed up with difficulty, directly fell to his knees again. He knocked his head against the floor, wailing, “Please spare my life, please spare my life!”

Lin Xun paid him no heed and asked Xiao Xi, “What are your thoughts now, kiddo?”

“Ah...” Xiao Xi was about to say something, but Lin Xun stopped her with a smile.

“Whatever they are, keep your opinions in your heart. As your cultivation grows, you'll slowly understand the logic behind this,” he said before leading her straight out of the hall. Throughout this exchange, he never spared Huo Xingdu or Qin Xiaotong another look.

“You will settle the matter here. If you can’t do it in a satisfactory way, then I'll do it for you.” Nie Qingrong glanced at Huo Xingdu tellingly before she turned and chased after Lin Xun and Xiao Xi.

It wasn't until Nie Qingrong's stunning figure disappeared that Huo Xingdu raised his head. His expression was horribly chilling, and his eyes glowed with an intimidating light that said he wanted to eat someone alive.

“Qin Xiaotong, do you know your crime?” His voice was ruthless.

“My lord, I...” Qin Xiaotong’s face was white as a sheet as he was already out of his wits. The second he opened his mouth, Huo Xingdu struck out his palm.

Bang!

Qin Xiaotong spat out blood and convulsed. Like a poked ball, his cultivation deflated quickly until there was nothing left. He looked like he had aged countless years at once.

“Don't blame me, you brought this all on yourself,” said Huo Xingdu as he turned his gaze to Qin Huiran who was not far away.

The youth in his late teens had also long been scared witless. Under Huo Xingdu's stare, his eyes rolled up, and he actually fainted.

“Worthless trash!” Contempt crossed Huo Xingdu's eyes as he flicked his finger.

Bang!

Qin Huiran's cultivation had also been crippled completely.

Huo Xingdu ordered, “Men, come and throw these two out. From now on, the position of Qingliu City Lord will be handed over to a different person!”

Immediately, the group of guards who had previously been obedient to the father and son duo marched out and dragged them away.

Witnessing all of this, those who had gathered in the vicinity struggled to return to their senses for a long time. The shock in their hearts spread uncontrollably to every inch of their bodies. Before this, who would have dared to imagine that this dispute would end in such a bizarre manner?