"Master Lin, do you really wish for a fight to the bitter end with my Qiao Family?" Qiao Tianhao glared angrily at Lin Mu, a hint of madness flickering in his eyes.

Lin Mu glanced indifferently at the surroundings of the Qiao Mansion and chuckled. "If you think those snipers hiding around here are enough to deal with me, I suggest you abandon that hope."

The Qiao Mansion was encircled by artificial hills. The trees were lush, perfect for concealment. At this moment, within those rockeries and the forest, at least dozens of snipers were hidden. Their dark muzzles were firmly trained on Lin Mu, fingers resting quietly on the triggers.

At a single command from Qiao Tianhao, these snipers, hired at great expense, would immediately open fire to assassinate Lin Mu.

So what if he's a Grandmaster? Can he be faster than a bullet? With so many snipers equipped with the finest gear, can he, Lin Wudi, truly be impervious to blades and bullets?

Qiao Tianhao gritted his teeth, hoping Lin Mu would back down.

Unfortunately, since Lin Mu was determined to take Qiao Zishan's life, he would certainly follow through. There was no possibility of him making a deal with Qiao Tianhao.

"He alone might not be enough, but what if you add us?"

Just as Qiao Tianhao was about to order the snipers to fire, an emotionless voice suddenly cut in.

Following the voice, several figures slowly walked in from the main gate. At the forefront was an elder in traditional Tang-style clothing, exuding an air of dignity and an impressive aura. Most striking were the two large men standing behind him, both towering over two meters tall. Their hair was a fiery red, like blazing flames, and their bodies radiated an intense heat, as if they were two large furnaces.

The two men stood like iron towers behind the elder, staring at Lin Mu with murderous intent.

The elder's own strength was average, only at the Late Stage of Inner Strength. However, these two men were even stronger than him; compared to Daoist Buji and Master Chixiao, they were by no means inferior.

These are two powerful existences, both Half-step Grandmasters!

This elder was, naturally, the Martial Alliance Elder and a disciple of the Fire Cloud Sect, Elder Qi.

As soon as he appeared, Qiao Tianhao let out a huge sigh of relief.

"Elder Qi, you've finally arrived," Qiao Tianhao said, drenched in sweat, a wave of post-traumatic fear washing over him. If Elder Qi had been any later, Lin Mu might have already made his move. Facing a Grandmaster, he felt his heart pound in his chest, no matter how well-prepared he was.

"Are you Lin Mu?" Elder Qi looked at Lin Mu with indifference, as if gazing upon a corpse.

"I am," Lin Mu nodded, his eyes sizing up Elder Qi and his entourage.

The lineup was indeed formidable. Aside from the two Half-step Grandmasters, the rest were all Inner Strength experts. And this Elder Qi, who led them, seemed significantly stronger than the average Inner Strength Martial Artist. He appeared to be at the Internal Energy Peak.

"Was Fan Shuai killed by you?" The Fan Shuai Elder Qi mentioned was the Young Sect Master of the Fire Cloud Sect. Now, they had come seeking trouble with Lin Mu.

"That was also me," Lin Mu admitted calmly.

Elder Qi nodded, seemingly satisfied with Lin Mu's answer. "Since you've admitted it, come with us."

"Fan Shuai was the esteemed Young Sect Master of my Fire Cloud Sect. His status was noble. To think he would die at your hands just after arriving in River City!" Elder Qi's tone was icy. "The Sect Leader has given an order: since Lin Wudi killed his beloved son, you must be brought back to the sect to face your punishment!"

"And what if I refuse?" Lin Mu countered.

"If you refuse, we naturally have ways to make you comply." Elder Qi glanced at the two large men beside him. "You two, this man is yours."

The two men nodded and took a simultaneous step forward.

BOOM!

As their feet landed, a terrifying, searing power erupted from their bodies.

Qiao Tianhao and his son stumbled back several steps, their faces aghast with astonishment.

These two are terrifyingly powerful!

The two burly men continued forward. With each step, the ground turned scorched black, as if seared by high temperatures.

"Lin Wudi, these two are the Left and Right Protectors of our sect. Individually, they may not be a match for you, but together, they can even fight a Grandmaster." Elder Qi spoke sternly, his hands clasped behind his back. "Moreover, do you really think that even if you defeat them, the matter will end here? You should know, behind us stands an ancient martial arts sect!"

The threat in his words was palpable.

"Is that so?" Lin Mu's expression remained unchanged as he replied nonchalantly, "I wasn't afraid to accept the challenge from Zhang Daoyun of the Celestial Master Mansion. Why would I fear your insignificant Fire Cloud Sect?"

As his voice fell, Lin Mu suddenly strode forward.

*Heavenly Emperor Nine Steps!*

With one step, the earth shook and the mountains trembled. Everyone swayed, nearly losing their footing.

One Step, Rivers Shatter.

He took another step.

A sinister wind howled as if the gates of the underworld had been thrown open. A ghastly gale raged ceaselessly, and piercing shrieks filled the air.

Terrify Ghosts and Gods with the Second Step.

What kind of technique is this? Elder Qi's expression shifted slightly.

However, Lin Mu's steps did not cease; he took two more in quick succession.

Third Step, Heaven and Earth Change.

Fourth Step, Stars Tremble.

Heaven and earth seemed to flip, and the stars began to shift. An invisible, overwhelming pressure instantly bore down on them.

The two large men shuddered violently, their advance halting involuntarily as shock washed over their faces.

This young man's power is terrifying!

Exchanging a look, they both saw the grave expression in each other's eyes. The two men let out a low growl, and a red True Qi suddenly erupted from their bodies. The True Qi solidified into a tangible form—the mark of a warrior on the cusp of becoming a Martial Arts Grandmaster!

"Lin Wudi, stop this futile struggle! Surrender now, and you might save your life!" Elder Qi shouted, though a sense of unease crept into his heart.

"Hahaha, surrender?" Lin Mu stood with his hands behind his back, his expression proud and his eyes filled with rebellious defiance. "In all my life, when have I ever begged anyone for mercy?"

THUD! THUD!

He took two more steps, and the very color of the world seemed to change, heralding an apocalypse.

Five Steps to Make the Buddha Kneel.

Sixth Step, Evil Demons Weep.

The Heavenly Emperor Nine Steps: one step to decide life or death.

The two large men's faces turned deathly pale. Their bodies trembled violently, as if unseen hands were forcing them to their knees. But their cultivation level was high; with a shout, they gritted their teeth and resisted.

They could withstand it, but the others were not so fortunate.

PFFT!

On the other side, Daoist Buji, who was clashing with Li Xiaotian, had just leaped into the air, preparing to deliver a fatal blow. He never expected Lin Mu to unleash the Heavenly Emperor Nine Steps at that very moment. Each step felt like it stomped directly on his heart, causing him excruciating pain.

As the final step landed, Daoist Buji could no longer hold on. He plummeted from the air, giving Li Xiaotian the opening to strike him down.

"Daoist Buji, accept your death!"

A roar erupted from the Heavenly Punishment Blade as a phantom image materialized and cleaved downward.

"No—" Daoist Buji bellowed, his eyes filled with terror.

SPLURT!

A head soared into the sky, trailing a spray of blood.

With a THUD, Daoist Buji's head landed heavily on the ground, his eyes wide open in death.

Li Xiaotian also dropped to one knee on the ground, his face pale with a trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth, clearly having suffered a serious injury.

"My Senior and Junior Brothers, Dao Zheng, and Junior Sister..." Li Xiaotian grabbed Daoist Buji's head and roared to the heavens, "Daoist Buji is dead! You can all rest in peace now!"

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