604: The proper way of reverence and respect

Yao Delong listened with a smile, his doting gaze falling on Linger's pretty face, which was slightly flushed with excitement.

The market was indeed bustling, with shops lined up in rows and stalls filled with a dazzling array of goods.

The cries of vendors rose and fell, making the vitality of the Moyang Sect Disciples and the Sect's prosperity evident.

The trace of coldness in his heart toward the hidden spies was also temporarily suppressed by this lively atmosphere and the warmth beside him.

He understood that as an outsider, directly interfering in the Moyang Sect's internal affairs was not justified; his primary task was to ensure Linger's safety.

He had already quietly infused that high-grade heavenly artifact Sword Pellet with a stronger Nirvana Sword Intent to serve as the core triggering Restriction.

Should Linger encounter an attack far beyond her capacity to withstand—such as from the Void Refining Realm or even someone of Old Demon Hundred Refinements' level—

the Restriction would automatically erupt, forming a powerful Nirvana Sword Qi shield capable of blocking a full-strength strike from a Void Refinement Mid-stage expert!

Combined with the rapid response of the Moyang Sect's high-level members, it would be enough to hold out until reinforcements arrived.

Just as Linger was excitedly pulling him to buy some freshly baked "fire spirit crisps" that gave off an enticing aroma,

several figures clearly carrying ill intent blocked their path.

There were five newcomers, all wearing the robes of Moyang Sect True Disciples, which symbolized their core status.

The leader was tall and quite handsome, but there was a forced arrogance in his expression.

His gaze was as sharp as an eagle's, falling directly on Yao Delong with unconcealed scrutiny and... hostility!

His Aura had actually reached the Peak of the Early Stage Spirit Transformation!

The four following him had slightly lower cultivation, but they were still at the Nascent Soul Perfection stage.

They stood with their arms crossed, malicious sneers on their faces.

“Junior Sister Linger,”

The leading man's voice was loud, carrying a hint of intentional aloofness and questioning that instantly attracted the attention of many nearby Disciples.

“This person... looks very unfamiliar.”

“I wonder who this esteemed guest is, to have our Moyang Saintess personally accompany him as he strolls through this core market?”

“Could it be... that some ill-intentioned person has deceived you with sweet words, Junior Sister?”

The smile on Li Linger’s face vanished instantly, replaced by cold fury!

She recognized this person—a True Disciple of the Blazing Sun Hall, Zhao Long!

This man was usually quite full of himself, acting rather overbearingly because the Blazing Sun Hall Master was his Grandmaster.

“Senior Brother Zhao Long!” Linger's voice was crisp but laced with coldness.

“What do you mean by that? This is my fiancé, Yao Delong, a True Disciple of the Yin Yang Sect!”

“Our engagement was personally arranged by the Sect Heads of both Sects! The news has already spread throughout the entire Sect!”

“By putting on this act and speaking so rudely, are you questioning the Sect's decision, or are you looking down on me, Li Linger?!”

Linger took a step forward, her petite frame shielding Yao Delong like a protective mother beast, her Aura surging!

Her powerful words immediately drew more onlookers, who began to whisper among themselves.

Yao Delong’s gaze was calm, as if he were watching a farce. He didn't know this Zhao Long at all, nor did they have any past grievances.

The fact that he jumped out now with such biting words meant he was surely acting on someone else's instructions, either to test him or simply to put him in his place.

If he were still his former self, with a Spiritual Power Affinity of only 2 and meager cultivation, he might have had to swallow the insult.

But now... the corner of his mouth curled into a tiny, almost imperceptible arc.

Zhao Long felt he was losing face after being scolded by Linger in public; a flash of jealousy flickered deep in his eyes, especially upon hearing the word “fiancé.”

He forced himself to remain composed and said with a fake smile:

“Oh? So it's Senior Brother Yao of the Yin Yang Sect? My apologies!” Those words of apology held no respect at all; instead, they were thick with irony.

He changed his tone, becoming aggressive once more:

“However, Junior Sister Linger, it's not that I'm being over-suspicious.”

“The Sect's core market involves the flow of many resources, and security is of paramount importance.”

“Senior Brother Yao is an outsider after all. No matter how noble his status...”

“...according to the rules, shouldn't he first register at the Deacon Hall and be guided by a Deacon Disciple?”

“If he walks around so freely and something goes wrong, or if he sees something he shouldn't, who will take responsibility?”

“We can't just break the Sect's rules because he's your fiancé, can we?”

He spoke with high-sounding words, every sentence revolving around “rules,” “safety,” and “responsibility.”

He painted himself as a defender of the Sect's interests while painting Yao Delong and Li Linger as people who might break the rules and ignore the bigger picture.

The lackeys behind him immediately chimed in:

“Exactly! Senior Brother Zhao is right! Rules are rules!”

“An outsider, even with a special status, cannot be so casual!”

“Who knows if he really has ulterior motives?”

Li Linger’s face turned red with anger, and she was about to scold them for their twisted logic.

Just then, Yao Delong gently patted Linger’s shoulder, signaling her to stay calm.

He took a step forward, standing beside Linger and looking at Zhao Long with a calm gaze.

There was no scolding, no explanation, not even a superfluous movement.

But in that very instant!

An indescribable, terrifying pressure that seemed to come from the Nine Nether Abysses descended like an invisible, immeasurably heavy mountain.

It pressed down with unerring precision and immense force onto Zhao Long's Primordial Spirit alone!

This was no ordinary Late Stage Soul Transformation pressure! This was fused with the power of pure Yin and Yang Origin,

further mixed with a trace of the terrifying mental suppression from the Nirvana Heart Sword Intent that could slay all things!

Its level of condensation and destructive nature far exceeded the Domain pressure of an ordinary Void Refining Early Stage expert!

“Ugh—!”

The fake smile on Zhao Long’s face froze instantly, then twisted!

An indescribable sense of dread, like ice water being poured over his head, instantly surged through his entire body!

He felt as if he had fallen into an endless swamp, or like he was being targeted by a primordial beast; even his Soul was wailing!

The majestic pressure acting on his Primordial Spirit made his vision go dark and his breathing stop!

Every bone in his body emitted a faint “creak” under the unbearable weight!

Cold sweat poured from his forehead like a stream, and veins bulged like earthworms on his temples and neck!

His legs trembled violently, nearly forcing him to his knees! He desperately circulated the Nine Yang True Manual, a Legacy of Blazing Sun Peak.

The Primordial Spirit in his Dantian shone brightly as he attempted to resist the pressure, but it was as futile as a mantis trying to stop a carriage!

The pressure was not only as solid as a physical object, but it also carried a destructive Sword Intent that seemed ready to slice his Primordial Spirit apart at any moment!

‘Impossible! This is impossible! He’s only at the Peak of the Late Stage Soul Transformation! How could he have such terrifying pressure?!’

‘It's... it's ten times more terrifying than the pressure the Blazing Sun Hall Master gives me!’

Zhao Long roared frantically in his heart, fear biting at him like a venomous snake!

He finally understood what a terrifying existence this seemingly calm young man was!

His previous provocation was nothing more than an ant trying to shake a tree—utterly foolish!

Yao Delong looked at Zhao Long’s terrified and struggling state and spoke slowly, his voice not loud.

Yet it reached everyone's ears clearly, carrying an indifference that suggested total control:

“Junior Brother, you and I are strangers, and we have no grievances.”

He looked calmly into Zhao Long’s eyes, which were nearly bulging out of their sockets.

“Why were your words so aggressive from the start? Why did you resort to wild speculation and slander?”

“Could it be... that your Sect's elders only taught you how to cultivate, but failed to teach you... the way of proper awe and respect when facing a Senior whose cultivation Realm far exceeds your own?”