Chapter 83: Chapter 83: Yuan Shanglong’s Schemes and Calculations
Buzz!
Before he could finish speaking, a yellow halo suddenly appeared behind Ji Haoyuan.
And from within that yellow halo, a powerful hand exuding a terrifying aura abruptly extended, reaching straight for Pan Yongshan!
"What?"
Everyone was shocked.
They never anticipated that Ji Haoyuan would dare to make a move directly here.
Pan Yongshan’s face also changed drastically.
He knew this person was extremely powerful; even his Senior Brother Yuan Shanglong was no match for him before.
Yet, he didn’t expect that the other would really dare to attack him here.
With a booming sound.
The Defensive Spiritual Artifact Pan Yongshan summoned was instantly knocked away by the giant hand.
Immediately afterward, the hand descended, trying to capture Pan Yongshan within it.
"Presumptuous!"
At last.
Yuan Shanglong, sitting at the head, let out an angry shout.
In the next moment, a Flaming Greatsword abruptly appeared before him, slashing towards Ji Haoyuan with overwhelming force.
"Hmph!
A defeated foe dares to scheme against us with such means.
It seems the lesson I taught you that day was not enough."
As these words fell, everyone seemed to see a giant Fire Snake, baring its fangs and brandishing its claws.
With a thunderous roar.
Potent Magical Power surged.
In mid-air, countless sword forces and flames scattered.
With a crack.
The chair beneath Yuan Shanglong exploded directly.
He was unable to control himself, taking several steps backward.
"What?"
This scene once again left everyone present in shock.
Even Gu Zhengfei, who was not far from Yuan Shanglong, showed a trace of astonishment in his eyes.
"How could this be...?"
Su Wen Yuan was also unable to conceal his surprise.
Clearly, the strength Ji Haoyuan displayed was beyond everyone’s expectations.
"Senior Brother Yuan, save me!"
At this moment, Pan Yongshan’s terrified scream rang out.
Everyone turned their heads in astonishment.
Only to see that, at some point, Pan Yongshan had been firmly grasped by the enormous hand.
Crunching sounds—
The piercing sound of bones breaking echoed.
One could imagine that if Ji Haoyuan hadn’t intentionally controlled himself, Pan Yongshan might have already been crushed by that hand.
But even so, Pan Yongshan wasn’t in a good state.
Blood constantly flowed from his nose, mouth, ears, and eyes.
And even from every pore of his body, blood seemed to be oozing as time went on.
If this continued, Pan Yongshan might actually be crushed to death this way.
"Daoist Ji..."
Finally, Gu Zhengfei, the Hall Master of the Inheritance Hall, spoke.
He looked at Ji Haoyuan, his expression solemn:
"What happened before was indeed Junior Brother Pan’s fault.
Here, I apologize to you on his behalf.
Please release Junior Brother Pan first; we can discuss everything calmly."
"We can talk, but I need a satisfactory explanation from them."
Ji Haoyuan’s gaze suddenly shifted to Yuan Shanglong, his expression cold.
He knew that since things had happened, it was impossible to change anything.
But the explanation he deserved had to be given.
Otherwise, if everyone started learning from Yuan Shanglong and Pan Yongshan, stabbing him in the back, did they really think Ji Haoyuan was to be made of mud?
Yuan Shanglong’s face immediately turned livid.
But soon, a cold smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
He suddenly turned to Gu Zhengfei, speaking in a cold tone:
"Junior Brother Gu, this person is arrogant and reckless, daring to attack our Crimson Sunset Sect’s steward here in the Yuan Guang City Lord’s Hall.
This conduct cannot be allowed to continue, or where would the dignity of our Crimson Sunset Sect be? Where would the face be?
Therefore, I suggest that you and I join forces to activate the third-tier array here to directly eliminate this man. What do you think?"
As Yuan Shanglong’s words fell, Liu Hongyu and the other three beside Ji Haoyuan felt their hearts jump violently, their faces changing drastically.
Not good!
They almost forgot that within this City Lord’s Hall, there indeed existed a third-tier Array.
Once the third-tier array is activated.
Even if Ji Haoyuan’s strength is formidable, he might face the danger of perishing.
Wait, that’s not right!
It seems they had been part of the opponent’s calculations from the beginning.
From gathering them at the City Lord’s Hall, to learning that their family cultivators were sent to the Red Jade Spiritual Ore, to Ji Haoyuan making a move.
Each event seemed to converge towards a single goal.
Which was to activate the third-tier array here, using its power to kill Ji Haoyuan.
And judging from Yuan Shanglong’s words earlier, it seemed that even with him alone, he couldn’t activate the third-tier array; he needed the consent of another person in charge, which was Gu Zhengfei.
The opponent had even calculated the reactions of Gu Zhengfei and Ji Haoyuan.
Knowing that in the earlier situation, Ji Haoyuan would not back down easily.
And this provided Yuan Shanglong with the opportunity to suggest activating the third-tier array.
This... cannot be underestimated.
A deeply calculated mind, meticulously planned.
At this moment, the expressions of Liu Hongyu and the others were more than just unsightly.
Thinking about what might happen next, even with their mental fortitude, their faces couldn’t help but turn slightly pale.
On the other side, Su Wen Yuan silently shook his head in his heart.
In fact.
He had already warned Ji Haoyuan earlier.
Unfortunately, Ji Haoyuan did not listen to him.
And at most, he could only go that far.
It was impossible for him to completely disclose everything and directly offend Yuan Shanglong due to their mere "polite exchanges."
This did not align with his interests.
Ultimately, in this Cultivation Realm, strength and interests came first.
There were virtually no people willing to stand up and reveal the truth in such a situation.
At least, it wouldn’t be him, Su Wen Yuan.
At this moment, upon hearing Yuan Shanglong’s words, seeing the awe in the eyes of many Cultivators present towards Ji Haoyuan, Gu Zhengfei couldn’t help but sigh deeply.
He knew that he could not refuse Yuan Shanglong’s proposal now.
As a Cultivator of the Crimson Sunset Sect, when it came to matters involving the sect’s dignity and honor, he had to stand with Yuan Shanglong.
Even if he knew in his heart that he might also be getting used by Yuan Shanglong today.
He had no choice but to do so.
This was a matter of position, a matter of principle.
In the end, the other’s background was still somewhat lacking.
Even if the person was just an Honored Guest Elder of their Crimson Sunset Sect today, he would still have enough reason and grounds to reject Yuan Shanglong’s current proposal.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
Even if he wanted to invite the other to become an Honored Guest Elder of their Crimson Sunset Sect now, it was already too late.
So...
This was Ji Haoyuan’s own ordeal.
Thinking of this, Gu Zhengfei’s gaze also became sharp.
Since the decision had been made, he would no longer hesitate. He immediately nodded slightly at Yuan Shanglong.
"Alright!"