Chapter 1923: Substantial Kill Intent

Upon hearing Puppet King’s words, Xu Yang and the six Martial God-level elders from Changyuntian Sect beside him all burst into laughter.

“None of that matters anymore,” Kuangtu interjected, laughing. “The only reason you’re still alive is because of Sir Xu Yang’s immense power. If we had been the ones helping you, you’d probably be dead or crippled by now. We couldn't save you, but us old-timers could certainly help turn you into a cripple.”

Kuangtu stood by, laughing heartily as he mocked Puppet King.

Privately, Kuangtu and Puppet King were considered the closest companions, as Puppet King shared the same interests as Kuangtu.

“Alright, in any case, everyone from Changyuntian Sect is now free,” Xu Yang announced. “Our current location should be close to the main imperial palace hall. Moving forward from here, we’re bound to encounter stronger enemy resistance. From now on, if any of you wish not to participate in the subsequent battle, you are free to leave. After all, all members of Changyuntian Sect are now safe, and you were not originally required to join this conflict. Lan Linger can also leave with you.”

As Xu Yang finished speaking, the Martial God experts from Changyuntian Sect exchanged glances, their expressions turning serious.

It wasn't that these elders were heartless; rather, they had come with a specific mission: to rescue their young lady, Lan Linger, and nothing more.

Moreover, when they departed, the Sect Master of Changyuntian Sect, Lan Linger’s father, had personally instructed the seven elders not to get involved in any conflicts beyond their own faction’s interests.

The team of shadowy disciples led by the High Priest, whom Xu Yang was about to face, possessed a power far beyond what Changyuntian Sect could contend with.

If this battle were won, all would be well, as they would have helped the Imperial Family avert a crisis. However, if they lost, this unforeseen disaster would undoubtedly engulf Changyuntian Sect itself.

Facing such a decision that would determine the future fate of Changyuntian Sect, none of the elders dared to make a definitive judgment on their own. No one had the personal authority to make a blind decision at such a critical juncture.

Just as everyone was unsure how to respond, Lan Linger, as the young lady and next Sect Master of Changyuntian Sect, spoke up in support of Xu Yang.

“What is there to hesitate about?” Lan Linger declared. “Right now, you do not represent Changyuntian Sect; you represent yourselves. Every person here owes Sir Xu Yang a life debt. Sir Xu Yang and his companions have not yet been rescued, and the battle within the palace has not ended here. Are you truly going to abandon your benefactor and leave alone?

“I understand your concerns. Changyuntian Sect did not instruct you to participate in this conflict. However, setting aside your identities, each of us has a responsibility and obligation to help Brother Xu Yang complete the subsequent fight.

“While I believe Brother Xu Yang can achieve his ultimate goal with his own strength, an extra pair of hands means an extra chance. Our opponents have clearly been prepared and waiting for a long time; they will devise all sorts of methods to limit Brother Xu Yang’s power. More importantly, once the direct confrontation begins, if the enemy holds hostages, it will tie Brother Xu Yang’s hands, preventing him from unleashing his full strength. In such a situation, we can become the key to determining the outcome of the war.”

Xu Yang was surprised that, at such a critical moment, Lan Linger had suddenly become so clear-headed. She no longer seemed to possess the naive, sweet demeanor she had before; instead, she appeared more like a decisive leader capable of determining the future fate of a faction.

“Heh heh, the young lady has finally spoken!” one of the elders chuckled. “Now, no matter how much trouble we cause, there’ll always be someone to take the blame for us. Who said we were leaving? We never intended to abandon Sir Xu Yang and leave on our own. It’s just that, as members of Changyuntian Sect, we didn’t want to be held responsible for defying orders.

“Now that you, young lady, have voluntarily stepped forward to take the blame, us old fellows naturally have no more qualms. Even if we fall on this battlefield, the Sect Master will have no right to blame us! Hahaha.”

The elders all burst into laughter. Seeing their unrestrained and heroic demeanor, Xu Yang was deeply moved. He didn't expect them to actually accomplish much.

However, with a formidable enemy ahead, having these genuine and willing companions by his side was a tremendous source of inner strength for Xu Yang.

It also made Xu Yang feel that his previous decision to save Changyuntian Sect had been entirely correct. Xu Yang didn't overreact; the smile on his face was enough to convey his current feelings.

“I appreciate your decision,” Xu Yang said. “I, Xu Yang, also promise all of you: since you are willing to follow me, the only thing I can guarantee is that every one of you will leave this imperial capital safe and sound. As long as I am here, no one can harm you.”

“Hahaha, where did this little brat come from?” boomed a voice. “How dare you speak so brazenly in the imperial palace’s core! Where do you get such confidence? Could it be that we old fellows have slept for too long and can no longer keep up with the pace of the current ancient martial god cultivation world?”

Just as Xu Yang’s words fell, two immensely loud voices suddenly echoed from the surrounding void. Their profound resonance startled the Martial God-level experts from Changyuntian Sect standing nearby.

Soon, six figures appeared one after another from the ruins of the collapsed palace. Unlike the shadowy disciples they had encountered before, these six individuals were genuine Martial God-level powerhouses, true human warriors.

All six were male, uniformly old men with white hair. They appeared to be the Imperial Palace’s Grand Ancestor Living Fossils.

Upon seeing these six self-important old men appear, Xu Yang immediately exuded an incredibly dense killing intent. Dark red light spontaneously materialized around his body. This aura was so powerful that it forced Lan Linger and the Martial God-level elders nearby to instinctively back away.

They all realized that within ten meters of Xu Yang, no one could withstand the intensity of this murderous aura.

“Oh my goodness, what’s wrong with Sir Xu Yang?” a red-clothed woman, who had been observing Xu Yang closely, exclaimed.

“Silly girl, that’s not so-called evil intent,” someone else responded with a chuckle. “Who here could possibly invade Sir Xu Yang’s soul world? Even if they had the intention, they lack the ability. Xu Yang possesses the strongest soul strength I have ever witnessed. This red halo around him is pure killing intent, condensed into a materialized form.”