69: Grand Elder Mediates

At this moment, Zhou Hao truly unleashed all his might, his Aura emanating a profound gloom like an abyss, and a suffocating repression like a prison, clearly accumulating power for a big move.

Ji Mo, on the other hand, did not show weakness. He integrated the heaven and earth furnace into those specific Meridians, then once again activated the Sword Drawing and Heaven Slaying Technique to accumulate power.

The Grand Elder, witnessing the two in such a tense, life-or-death confrontation, had no choice but to intervene.

The truth was, the commotion from their exchanges was becoming increasingly alarming. If they were allowed to continue fighting like this, this area, including the towering Star Plucking Tower, would very likely be completely destroyed.

Moreover, the Grand Elder vaguely sensed that the Divine Sense of Saint Realm Experts had already taken notice of this place.

If they were not stopped, and the situation was allowed to escalate freely, the entire sect might suffer severe punishment.

Although the Grand Elder secretly wished to see the two fight to a conclusion of victory or defeat, life or death, as either outcome would benefit him to some extent.

However, if the entire sect were to be implicated because of this, it would undoubtedly give the Sect Master leverage.

The Grand Elder's figure remained still, yet he had already floated lightly between the two.

The immensely powerful Aura of a Half-Step Martial Saint suddenly erupted, and this space seemed to be separated by an invisible barrier.

Ji Mo and Zhou Hao were instantly suppressed by this powerful Aura, unable to move.

At the same time, the Grand Elder's voice drifted over:

"Enough. You are all Disciples of the same sect. Stop when you've made your point; a sparring match is just for show.

Save your strength and unleash it fully in tomorrow's arena.

Now, Saint Realm Experts from the Imperial City have already taken notice of this place. If you continue to fight, the Imperial City's Brocade-Clad Guards might have to intervene."

Upon hearing the Grand Elder's words, everyone awoke as if from a dream.

Indeed, private martial arts contests have always been strictly forbidden within the Imperial City.

Previously, everyone had shown some restraint, trying to avoid damaging the surroundings, but now these two had already gone berserk,

If they were allowed to continue fighting, everyone would suffer the consequences.

Zhou Hao was filled with unwillingness, but since the Grand Elder had already intervened, he could only swallow this silent grievance.

Ji Mo also understood that Zhou Hao was clearly a figure from the Sect Head's faction; otherwise, why would the Grand Elder only intervene after the other party had suffered such a great loss?

Watching Zhou Hao's gaze, as if he wanted to devour him alive, Ji Mo knew that this great humiliation was no less than a blood feud for Zhou Hao.

However, Ji Mo seemed indifferent; after all, the goal he wanted to achieve had already been accomplished.

This display of strength left Ji Mo quite satisfied.

Look, weren't all the watching Disciples now looking at him with awe? Even those few "sea turtles" who had returned from training in the Endless Sea Region had solemn expressions.

Ji Mo sneered disdainfully, that contemptuous look once again pushing Zhou Hao to the brink of madness.

Afterward, Ji Mo cupped his hands to the Grand Elder and leisurely strolled towards the lake behind the Star Plucking Tower.

As he passed by the Disciples of the Peerless Sect, they all consciously made way, watching Ji Mo leave with expressions of awe.

As soon as Ji Mo reached the lakeside, he heard Elder Mu's voice calmly drifting from a small boat in the middle of the lake:

"Ji Mo, boy, come up!"

Ji Mo's figure moved slightly, and he floated lightly onto the bow of the boat like a feather.

Elder Mu was seen leisurely reclining on a lounge chair, with a fishing rod placed in front of him. "Elder Mu, you're truly relaxed and at ease here!"

Ji Mo said with a smile.

"I was just waiting for you to come!

Heh, I didn't expect your strength, boy, to have improved so much in just one month.

Honestly, I, this old man, am quite shocked, and my expectations for you are even higher now!"

Elder Mu slowly sipped his wine while stroking his beard, his expression filled with satisfaction.

"This is all thanks to your help, Elder Mu; otherwise, how could I have made such great progress!"

Ji Mo replied sincerely.

"Let's not be so polite between us.

To obtain those Opportunities, it ultimately comes down to your own solid strength.

Ji Mo, boy, what do you think of Zhou Hao's strength?"

Elder Mu looked at Ji Mo with a serious expression.

Ji Mo pondered for a moment before slowly answering:

"Elder Mu, I feel that Zhou Hao's strength is probably more than what he showed.

Although I injured him this time, I think he was somewhat careless.

If we were to truly fight with full effort, it's hard to say who would win or lose."

Elder Mu was very satisfied with Ji Mo's current attitude and nodded, saying:

"Good, Ji Mo, boy. I was worried you might become arrogant and complacent; if so, I would be very disappointed.

After nearly ten years of venturing overseas, if he only had this much ability, he would have lost his life long ago."

Elder Mu took another sip of wine and continued:

"When Zhou Hao entered the sect back then, he was a Genius among the Disciples of that generation.

After advancing to Innate, he went to the Endless Sea to venture.

How could he not have trump cards up his sleeve upon his return?

At least until now, he hasn't even used the Peerless Sect's sect-founding martial art, nor has he used Cultivation Techniques above Earth Rank low-grade.

Moreover, he should have mastered more than one Concept. Boy, do you still think you can fight him now?"

Ji Mo just quietly looked at Elder Mu without speaking. Elder Mu was stared at for a moment, then suddenly burst into hearty laughter:

"Hahaha, Ji Mo, boy, it seems I, this old man, underestimated you.

Good, good, the stronger you are, the happier I am.

Now, I'm even more looking forward to this Martial Arts Gathering; let me see where your confidence comes from."

"Elder Mu, please rest assured, I will definitely not disappoint you.

I am determined to win this Martial Arts Gathering.

Whoever dares to stop me, I'll beat them to death!"

Ji Mo's eyes gleamed with determination and confidence.

The phrasing in this section was a bit colloquial and casual; the following has optimized the phrasing, enhanced its literary quality and readability, and corrected a few typos and logical inconsistencies:

"Boy, have you noticed that Zhou Hao harbors a faint killing intent towards you? After this incident, you've completely become enemies with him.

I suspect that someone might have instigated Zhou Hao to target you.

Ji Mo, have you offended someone?"

Elder Mu's gaze was filled with curiosity as he stared intently at Ji Mo.

Ji Mo then briefly informed Elder Mu of his grievances.

Elder Mu pondered for a moment before speaking:

"This matter was very likely instigated by the Sect Master in secret, but he shouldn't act against you in plain sight.

Is he perhaps wary that you might threaten Gu Jianyi in the future?

Regardless of who the mastermind is, you must be extra careful from now on.

Zhou Hao was able to establish himself in the Endless Sea Region not only because of his own strong abilities, but more importantly, because he has backing.

This backing does not come from the Peerless Sect, but from a force within the Endless Sea Region. Otherwise, why do you think those Elders treat him with such deference?"