134: A life-or-death challenge!

"I didn't forget!" Wang Yanran cried out, "But I couldn't help it. For the Family, I could only..."

Lin Mo's eyes were filled with disappointment. In his eyes, 'for the Family' and 'couldn't help it' were nothing but excuses from Wang Yanran.

"You would betray our promise just to go to Central Continent?"

Wang Yanran's heart was twisted with pain, but she could only grit her teeth and say,

"Brother Lin Mo, I'm sorry... I let you down. I hope you can find a better girl in the future."

After speaking, she suddenly turned around and ran out of the courtyard crying, not daring to look back at Lin Mo again.

Lin Mo stood rooted to the spot, watching Wang Yanran's retreating figure, his eyes immediately turning bloodshot.

"Chu Lu! Chu Family! I won't let you off!"

...Wang Xiong arrived directly at the Chu Family with a grand dowry. At the front of the procession were two strong men carrying a redwood gift box, inside which were a thousand-year-old ginseng and a hundred-year-old snow lotus.

Behind them followed more than ten servants, each carrying heavy wooden boxes filled with High-Grade Spirit Stones and rare Artifact Refining Materials, attracting many onlookers to stop and watch.

"My heavens, the Wang Family has really gone all out!"

"So many treasures, they must have emptied their entire fortune, right?"

"I heard the Chu Family is moving to Central Continent. The Wang Family must be trying to climb the social ladder!"

"If Wang Yanran really marries into the Chu Family, she'll be a Fairy Mistress in the future. I'm so envious."

Inside the discussion hall, Chu Shanhe and the Chu Family Elders were discussing the relocation matters.

The Chu Family still had many fixed assets in Furong Town, and they had to dispose of all these shops, medicinal fields, and spirit mines within three days.

Soon, the butler rushed into the hall and then reported,

"Clan Chief, Clan Chief Wang has brought many gifts, saying they are Wang Yanran's dowry."

"What?"

Inside the hall, everyone looked at each other, wondering what Wang Xiong was trying to do.

"Let's go take a look first."

Everyone walked to the outer courtyard and then saw Wang Xiong and the gifts behind him.

"Clan Chief Wang, what an honor to have you! We failed to meet you at the entrance!"

Chu Shanhe smiled and cupped his hands, his gaze sweeping over the gifts, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Beside him, Chu Shanhu also said politely,

"Brother Wang, bringing so many things today, is there something important?"

Wang Xiong's face was wreathed in smiles, and he gestured for the butler to hand over the betrothal gift list.

"To be honest, I came today for my children's marriage.

My Yanran is gentle and obedient, and she is deeply devoted to virtuous nephew Chu Lu. I want her to marry Chu Lu and complete this beautiful union."

Immediately after, he pointed behind him.

"This is my daughter's dowry; I've sent it over in advance."

Chu Shanhu took the list, his gaze sweeping over the treasures on it, but a hint of disdain flashed in his eyes.

Now that the Chu Family was about to move into Yun Yao Holy Land, his son Chu Lu would be associating with Holy Land Prodigies in the future. How could Wang Yanran be worthy?

He put down the list, his tone flat.

"Clan Chief Wang, marriage is a serious matter.

Our Chu Family will be departing for Central Continent in three days. Chu Lu's future is still long, so this matter probably needs further consideration."

Wang Xiong's smile instantly froze. He hadn't expected Chu Shanhu to refuse.

"Brother Chu, Yanran is a sensible child. She can take good care of Chu Lu's daily life even in Central Continent."

Wang Yanran's face was even more unsightly. She hadn't wanted to marry into the Chu Family in the first place, yet she didn't expect to be disliked even when she came to their door voluntarily.

If her father hadn't mentally prepared her before they came, she would have wanted to leave immediately.

The Chu Family members heard the commotion and gathered around to look.

"Is Uncle Shanhu looking down on Young Miss Wang?"

"We're going to Yun Yao Holy Land soon. What kind of girl can Big Brother Chu Lu not find?"

"I think Chu Lu is deeply devoted to Young Miss Wang. He probably only has Wang Yanran in his heart."

"The Wang Family's betrothal gifts are truly generous, but it's a pity. The Chu Family is not what it used to be."

Just then, a hurried footsteps sounded, and Chu Lu burst in, panting.

He saw Wang Yanran standing beside Wang Xiong, his eyes instantly lit up, and his face was full of pleasant surprise.

"Sister Yanran, why are you here?"

Wang Yanran's cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head, whispering,

"I... I came with my father."

Seeing Chu Lu appear, a glimmer of hope rekindled in Wang Xiong's eyes, and he immediately spoke,

"Virtuous nephew, I came today to discuss your marriage with Yanran. Are you willing to marry my daughter?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Lu first froze for a moment, then immediately nodded heavily.

"Of course, I want to marry Sister Yanran!"

Chu Shanhu frowned, "Lu'er, you're being foolish!"

Seeing the father and son whispering, Wang Xiong's heart immediately rose to his throat.

Chu Shanhu had long since looked down on their Wang Family. If he wanted his daughter to marry into the Chu Family, he could only rely on Chu Lu.

He only hoped that Chu Lu's devotion remained unchanged and that he could persuade Chu Shanhu.

Chu Shanhu pulled Chu Lu aside and whispered his persuasion.

"We are about to go to Central Continent. Now that you have awakened the Immortal Emperor Bloodline, breaking through to Golden Core or even Nascent Soul will be no problem in the future. What kind of Fairy won't you be able to find then? Why be so fixated on Wang Yanran?"

"I don't care about any Fairy!" Chu Lu broke free from his father's hand, his gaze burning as he looked at Wang Yanran, "I like Sister Yanran. I've liked her since childhood. Whether we go to Central Continent or not, I will marry her."

At this, the Chu Family members couldn't help but start discussing.

"Chu Lu is truly in love."

"Young people are impulsive, but this kind of affection is rare."

"Before, Big Brother Chu Lu pursued Wang Yanran so much, but she wouldn't agree. Now she's actively coming to their door; it's truly laughable."

Listening to the surrounding discussions, Chu Shanhu's expression grew even more serious.

"No, if your father doesn't nod, this marriage cannot happen."

Upon hearing this, Chu Lu's heart immediately grew anxious.

His gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on Chu Feng, as if he had seen a savior.

"Brother Chu Feng, please help me."

As soon as the words fell, everyone's eyes fell on Chu Feng.

Currently in the Chu Family, Chu Feng's words held more weight than his father's. Everyone had long since regarded Chu Feng as the backbone of the Family.

Chu Lu clearly understood this point. As long as Chu Feng nodded, his father would have no choice but to agree.

Chu Feng was visibly stunned. He had only intended to watch the drama unfold, but he hadn't expected to get himself involved.

Seeing Chu Lu's hopeful gaze, he really couldn't bear to refuse.

"Uncle Shanhu, since Brother Chu Lu likes her, why not agree to this marriage?"

Chu Shanhu hesitated for a moment, looked at the stubbornness in his son's eyes, and finally sighed.

"Fine, fine. A grown son is beyond his father's control. Since Chu Feng has spoken, I'll let you have your way."

Chu Lu was overjoyed and quickly bowed to Chu Feng and Chu Shanhe.

"Thank you, Father! Thank you, Brother Chu Feng."

He turned to look at Wang Yanran, his eyes full of tenderness.

"Sister Yanran."

Wang Yanran also looked up, a blush spreading across her face.

She hadn't expected Chu Lu's devotion to her to be so deep, even to the point of opposing his father.

Seeing this, Chu Shanhe immediately smoothed things over.

"Don't stand outside anymore. Everyone, quickly come inside the hall for a chat."

Just as everyone was about to enter the hall, an angry roar suddenly came from outside the courtyard, like a clap of thunder.

"Chu Lu, get out here!"

Everyone looked towards the sound, only to see Lin Mo, dressed in a faded green robe, his eyes bloodshot, furiously storming in.

He pushed aside the obstructing Chu Family disciples all the way, rushing directly into the courtyard, staring intently at Chu Lu.

The crowd watching outside the gate couldn't help but discuss amongst themselves.

"Isn't that the Lin Family kid?"

"The Chu Family is far from what it used to be. This kid actually dares to barge into the Chu Family."

"I heard he and Wang Yanran were in love. He's probably here because of Wang Yanran."

Wang Yanran's face changed drastically the moment she saw Lin Mo.

She knew Lin Mo's personality, and this time, it would likely be difficult to resolve peacefully.

"Brother Lin Mo, why are you here?"

After glancing at Wang Yanran, Lin Mo pointed at Chu Lu and angrily said,

"Chu Lu, do you dare to duel me?

It's a life-and-death battle. Only the winner is qualified to marry Yanran!"

Wang Xiong's face immediately darkened. He had finally managed to settle the marriage, and this kid actually dared to come and cause trouble.

"What are you, to dare to be so presumptuous here?"

Lin Mo coldly swept his gaze over Wang Xiong. If it weren't for Wang Xiong being Yanran's father, he would have long since been impolite to this old fellow.

"This is between Chu Lu and me. It has nothing to do with you."

Chu Lu frowned, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness.

"Lin Mo, Yanran has already agreed to marry me. We are about to go to Central Continent."

Upon hearing this, Lin Mo sneered, his eyes filled with mockery.

"She doesn't truly like you; she's merely forced by her Family.

Chu Lu, if you're a man, fight me.

If you don't dare to fight, then give Yanran back to me."

Chu Shanhu's face darkened, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes.

His agreeing to his son's marriage with Wang Yanran was already the biggest concession he could make, yet he hadn't expected Wang Yanran to have a lover outside.

"Wang Xiong, you'd better sort things out before we discuss the marriage."

As soon as these words were spoken, Wang Xiong's spiritual power instantly erupted, and a vast pressure enveloped Lin Mo.

"Brat, you're courting death!"

Seeing this, Lin Mo immediately shouted loudly,

"Chu Lu, what kind of ability is it to rely on your Elders? If you have guts, come out and duel me. Otherwise, you'll never win Yanran's Heart!"

Just then, Chu Feng stepped forward.

He looked at Lin Mo's furious appearance and spoke calmly,

"Brother Chu Lu, since he wants to challenge you, then accept the challenge."

Some things, only by facing them himself, can Chu Lu truly grow.

Furthermore, a brat who dares to provoke the Chu Family must be dealt with by a Chu Family member, to let him know how high the heavens are.

Chu Lu was stunned for a moment, turned to look at Chu Feng, then looked at the provocation in Lin Mo's eyes, and his pride was ignited.

He could choose not to bother with Lin Mo, but he couldn't let Yanran be accused of being greedy for wealth and status.

Chu Lu slowly drew the long sword from his waist, his gaze sharpening.

"If you lose, you are not allowed to pester Sister Yanran again."

A fierce glint flashed in Lin Mo's eyes, and his long sword suddenly unsheathed.

He wanted Wang Yanran to know that only he was worthy of her.

"This will determine life and death, and also the winner. The loser will leave Yanran forever."

...Chu Family, martial arts training ground.

Lin Mo's sword tip pointed directly at Chu Lu, his eyes filled with mad rage.

"I know you are only at Level 4 Qi Refining cultivation. Today, I will make you lose convincingly.

I will suppress my cultivation to Level 4 Qi Refining and have a fair duel with you!"

Before he finished speaking, a faint blue spiritual power emanated from Lin Mo's body. His original Level 6 Qi Refining aura began to rapidly recede, finally stabilizing at Level 4 Qi Refining.

He deliberately spread his spiritual power fluctuations so that everyone around could clearly perceive them, a look of smugness on his face.

Even with his cultivation suppressed, within the same Realm, his cultivation was far more profound than Chu Lu's.

Adding to his daily diligent sword practice, Chu Lu absolutely could not be his opponent. Hmm.

Upon hearing this, the Chu Family members all showed strange expressions.

"No way, Chu Lu already broke through to Foundation Establishment Stage Level 1. Is Lin Mo still suppressing his cultivation?"

"Lin Mo is just asking for humiliation. Does he really think Young Master Lu is still at Level 4 Qi Refining like before?"

"Young Master Lu probably didn't want to hurt his pride, so he didn't expose it."

"Just wait for a good show; Lin Mo will definitely be stunned later!"

Chu Lu's hand, gripping the sword hilt, tightened slightly, a trace of helplessness rising in his heart.

He had intended to reveal the fact that he had already broken through to Foundation Establishment, but seeing Lin Mo's confident expression, he ultimately just sighed softly, only displaying Level 4 Qi Refining cultivation.

At this moment, his thoughts were the same as Lin Mo's.

Even if their Realms were the same, his spiritual power would inevitably be much purer than the other party's.

"Please."

Chu Lu spoke faintly, his sword tip still pointing diagonally at the ground.

Lin Mo saw Chu Lu's calm expression and only took it as him feigning composure.

"If I strike first, you won't have a chance."

He suddenly stepped forward, his body darting out like an arrow released from a bowstring, the longsword in his hand emitting a dazzling green light.

"Azure Edge Splitting Jade Sword!"

As he roared, the green sword shadow suddenly swelled, transforming into a ten-foot-long green Sword Qi. The wind howled around the Sword Qi, subtly forming a small whirlwind.

The whirlwind, mixed with fine stone fragments, slashed towards Chu Lu with a roar.

This sword strike condensed all of Lin Mo's spiritual power at Level 4 Qi Refining; the sword's momentum was fierce, tearing even the surrounding air.

The surrounding Wang Family members couldn't help but show shock.

"What a powerful sword, I didn't expect Lin Mo's swordsmanship to be so formidable!"

Wang Yanran stood in the front row of the crowd, her hands tightly clutching her skirt, a glimmer of hope igniting in her heart.

She knew that Lin Mo's swordsmanship was ancestral and he had practiced it for nearly ten years; Chu Lu definitely wouldn't be his opponent.

She turned to look at Wang Xiong, her voice carrying a hint of urgency.

"Father, if Brother Lin Mo wins, will you please stop trying to separate us?"

Wang Xiong sneered, shaking his head slightly.

"Do you really think Chu Lu is only at Level 4 Qi Refining? Look closely at the spiritual power fluctuations around him."

"What?"

Wang Yanran's pupils constricted abruptly; she quickly looked at Chu Lu, but only saw faint golden spiritual power swirling around him, seemingly no different from Level 4 Qi Refining.

She bit her lip, her heart full of doubt.

"Father, are you mistaken? Chu Lu is clearly at Level 4 Qi Refining..."

Just at this moment, Chu Lu moved.

He lightly tapped his toes on the ground, his body dodging the green Sword Qi like a flowing cloud, while simultaneously swinging his longsword fiercely, golden spiritual power instantly condensing.

Flowing Cloud Shattering Moon Sword!

As he lightly shouted, the golden sword light transformed into a crescent moon mark, its trajectory elusive, intertwining with Lin Mo's green Sword Qi like flowing water.

The moment the golden moon mark collided with the green Sword Qi, the golden light suddenly surged, and the green Sword Qi instantly shattered.

The moon mark's momentum remained undiminished, flying towards Lin Mo with a roar.

Lin Mo's face changed drastically; in the blink of an eye, his body was locked by the golden light, and he could only hastily raise his longsword to block.

Bang--

The golden moon mark struck the longsword. Lin Mo only felt a massive force transmit from the sword body; his arm instantly went numb, and his entire body was sent flying backward like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily onto the bluestone ground and sliding several feet away.

He violently spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his Qi and blood surging, his sword-holding hand trembling slightly.

How is this possible?

He suppressed his cultivation to Level 4 Qi Refining, yet he was repelled by Chu Lu with a single strike?

"How could this be... You clearly only have Level 4 Qi Refining!"

Lin Mo struggled to get up, his eyes filled with disbelief.

He could clearly feel that although Chu Lu's spiritual power was also Level 4 Qi Refining, it was several times purer than his own, not at all the strength expected at the same Realm.

Seeing this, the Chu Family members all burst into laughter.

"I told you, Lin Mo is just asking for trouble."

"How can Chu Lu's strength be compared to his? A mere clown."

"He was so arrogant just now, now he knows how formidable he is, right?"

Wang Yanran stood rooted to the spot, the hope on her face instantly solidified, a trace of panic rising in her heart.

Chu Lu's strength seemed to be much stronger than she had imagined.

Lin Mo clutched his chest, looking at Chu Lu's calm expression, the unwillingness in his heart instantly erupting.

He suddenly raised his head, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes, and the spiritual power around him surged again. The aura of Level 4 Qi Refining instantly broke through to Level 5 Qi Refining and Level 6 Qi Refining.

The surrounding crowd instantly erupted, taunts rising one after another.

"Finally couldn't hold back, going to unleash his cultivation now?"

"Just now he said it was a fair duel, now he's backing out after losing?"

"So shameless, if you can't afford to lose, just say so directly."

Listening to the discussions around him, Lin Mo roared.

"In a life-and-death battle, one should use all means. Why should I suppress my cultivation?"

Chu Shanhu stood in the crowd, his face sinking.

"A person who breaks his word is also worthy of talking about a life-and-death battle?"

Chu Shanhe, on the other hand, shook his head slightly, his eyes filled with disdain.

Lin Mo's action not only lost the competition but also lost his character.

Wang Yanran heard the taunts from around her, her face burning, and her last trace of defense for Lin Mo gradually dissipated in her heart.

She had never seen Lin Mo so out of control; the gentle and elegant Brother Lin Mo of the past was now completely gone.

A wave of disappointment surged into her heart; she subconsciously lowered her head, not daring to look at Lin Mo again.

Lin Mo, however, paid no attention to the surrounding taunts. Green spiritual power surged wildly around him, the green light on his longsword becoming even denser than before, even condensing into a faint green wolf shadow.

Azure Edge Howling Moon!

Lin Mo roared, his longsword carrying the wolf's howl, slashing towards Chu Lu with a roar.

The green Sword Qi was twenty feet long, the wolf shadow roared within the Sword Qi, and the surrounding air was torn apart.

This sword strike condensed all of Lin Mo's spiritual power at Level 6 Qi Refining, its power several times stronger than the previous Azure Edge Splitting Jade Sword.

However, the Chu Family members were not flustered at all, even showing mocking smiles.

"With this much power, Chu Lu can block it with just one finger."

"Is Level 6 Qi Refining very impressive? Chu Lu is at Foundation Establishment Stage Level 1."

"This sword can't even break Young Master Lu's defense!"

Chu Lu looked at the howling green Sword Qi. He slowly raised his longsword, and the golden spiritual power around him also began to surge. The aura of Level 4 Qi Refining instantly broke through to Level 5 Qi Refining and Level 6 Qi Refining.

"Since you want to compete, I will compete with you to the end."

Chu Lu spoke faintly, golden spiritual power condensing on the sword body, forming a golden wave phantom.

"Flowing Cloud Breaking Wave!"

As he lightly shouted, the golden wave suddenly surged, transforming into three superimposed golden sword shadows. Each sword shadow carried immense power, crashing towards the green Sword Qi with a roar.

The moment the golden sword shadows collided with the green Sword Qi, a thunderous sound seemed to echo between heaven and earth.

The golden light instantly engulfed the green Sword Qi, and the wolf shadow phantom let out a tragic wail, instantly dissipating.

The golden sword shadows' momentum remained undiminished, flying towards Lin Mo.

Lin Mo's pupils instantly widened.

"No--"

Crack!

The golden sword shadow struck Lin Mo's right arm, a crisp sound of bone breaking echoing throughout the entire training ground.

Lin Mo's right arm instantly twisted and deformed, the hand holding the longsword falling limply, and the longsword dropped to the ground.

He painfully knelt on the ground, cold sweat instantly drenching his clothes, the severe pain from his right arm almost making him faint.

Crippled!

"My arm, my arm..." Lin Mo looked at his dangling right arm, "How could I lose? How could my swordsmanship, which I practiced for ten years, lose to Chu Lu?"

Wang Yanran stood rooted to the spot, trembling all over, her eyes filled with shock.

She looked at Lin Mo's pained appearance and was surprised to find that she didn't feel much pity in her heart.

What shocked her more at this moment was Chu Lu's cultivation. Just as her father had said, the other party was definitely not as simple as Level 4 Qi Refining; perhaps Level 6 Qi Refining was not his true cultivation either.

"How is this possible."

At this moment, Wang Xiong's meaningful voice sounded in her ear.

"Chu Lu was originally only at Level 4 Qi Refining, but because he is a Chu Family member and awakened his Bloodline, his cultivation directly broke through to the Foundation Establishment Stage.

No matter how hard Lin Mo tries, he will never catch up to Chu Lu's pace in his lifetime.

Choice is more important than effort. Do you understand now?"

Wang Yanran slowly lowered her head, her fingernails digging deep into her palms.

She didn't want to admit it, but in her heart, she had to admit that her father was right.

Chu Lu sheathed his sword, and the sword light dissipated.

He looked at Lin Mo, who was kneeling on the ground, his tone cold but with a hint of restraint.

"You lost. Let's end it here."

"How could I lose!"

Lin Mo suddenly looked up, his eyes bloodshot.

He trembled as he pulled out a dark red porcelain bottle from his bosom; the bottle emitted a faint bloody smell.

"Chu Lu, do you think you can beat me like this?"

The onlookers were instantly surprised, wondering what other trump card Lin Mo had.

When they saw Lin Mo take out a Medicinal Pill from the porcelain bottle, they exclaimed in shock.

"That's a Blood Evil Burning Heart Pill!"

"It's said to be an evil pill from the Demonic Path Old Ancestor. After taking it, one's cultivation will forcibly increase, but one will fall into the Demonic Path and lose their Heart-Nature."

"He's crazy! Lin Mo actually dares to use such an evil item just to win."

Wang Xiong's face sank, and he whispered to Wang Yanran.

"He even dares to take an evil pill to win. This kind of person is not worth your lingering affection!"

Lin Mo ignored the exclamations around him, tilted his head back, and swallowed the Medicinal Pill. The Medicinal Pill melted upon entering his mouth, and a scorching power instantly erupted from his Dantian, surging wildly along his Meridians.

"Ah--"

Lin Mo let out a tragic scream, his body twisting violently.

His skin rapidly turned red, his veins bulged like earthworms, and a strong black Evil Qi emanated from his body. His originally clear eyes turned blood red.

His cultivation began to surge madly: Level 7 Qi Refining, Level 8 Qi Refining, Level 9 Qi Refining.

In just a few breaths, he broke through from Level 6 Qi Refining to the Peak of Level 9 Qi Refining, but his aura was incredibly sinister.

"Chu Lu! Feel this power!"

Lin Mo stood up, laughing wildly. The injury to his right arm was temporarily suppressed by the power of the evil pill. He picked up the longsword from the ground, its blade entwined with black Evil Qi.

"Today, I will make sure you die without a complete corpse!"

Wang Yanran stood in the crowd, her body cold, her stomach churning.

She hated evil cultivators the most. She never expected that the gentle and elegant Lin Mo of the past would resort to such despicable means, taking an evil pill and falling into the Demonic Path, just for victory.

The last trace of her lingering affection for the past completely dissipated, replaced by a deep-seated disappointment.