Chapter 1032: Chapter 1031 Proving Innocence_1
"Well, the Array System has changed?"
"Who on earth formed this Nine Profound Great Array?"
A few Heaven Realm Martial Emperors had gloomy expressions on their faces.
Just now, from within the Nine Profound Great Array, they felt an unprecedented coercive force. This kind of pressure should not belong to the Void Origin Realm.
After all, even the Forbidden Martial Emperor is essentially at the Void Origin Realm level; his strength may be stronger at most. Thus, the only explanation is that the first Void Origin Realm Array System of the grand era has appeared!
"Bastard!"
The Hanguang Emperor, who had been knocked away, quietly flew back.
Although his chest had been pierced, such an injury wasn’t fatal for a Heaven Realm Martial Emperor like him. What galled him instead was the humiliation he had just suffered, and with these thoughts in mind, his hatred for Shi Xiaole and Nine Heavens Mountain deepened.
"Kirin, you’ve been on a killing spree earlier. Don’t you think you owe an explanation?"
An old man with a short beard stepped forward. He was the Xueluo Emperor from the Blood Emperor’s cave.
No one answered.
"Kirin, do you truly intend to sever ties with the Martial World and let the entire Nine Heavens Mountain fall with you? A Void Origin Realm Array may stop us temporarily, but certainly not forever! I advise you to take this rare opportunity; otherwise, when the Array breaks, it will be your day of doom!"
Compared to the Xueluo Emperor, the middle-aged man standing next to him was much more ferocious, with bone-chilling coldness and threats in his voice that could be felt even through the Array.
"If you came just to say this kind of nonsense, you might as well leave now; I don’t have time for it."
This time, someone finally responded.
Atop one of the peaks of Nine Heavens Mountain, Shi Xiaole slowly opened his eyes. His gaze crossed the layered ridges and first settled on the ferocious middle-aged man, then it slowly moved away.
"What a huge display of arrogance! You’ve killed and yet remain so self-righteous. Kirin, do you think everyone else is powerless against you? I’ve seen plenty like you who are so full of themselves, and their ends were never good."
The ferocious middle-aged man seemed to sense something. Not only did he not restrain himself, but he also became even colder, the corners of his mouth curving into an icy smile.
Upon learning the Nine Profound Great Array was a Void Origin Realm Array System, he wasn’t panicked. According to ancient records, such a high-level Array was immensely powerful and while being constructed, was also limited by heaven and earth, and would never attack others on its own.
Before Shi Xiaole could reply, the Xueluo Emperor interjected, "Kirin, our purpose here is simple. Regarding the previous incident, we suspect Nine Heavens Mountain may be coerced by Outer Heaven Demons and wish to offer our aid. Yet, you killed indiscriminately without discerning the truth. If you don’t provide an explanation, it might be hard to let the matter rest."
The people of Nine Heavens Mountain were stunned by these shameless, utterly ludicrous accusations.
"Scram!"
Shi Xiaole had only one word.
The Xueluo Emperor and the ferocious middle-aged man both had drastic changes in their expressions.
"Kirin, think carefully before you answer again. This time, we represent the Qingmo Organization. If you are not willing to explain in person and clarify your relationship with Shenzong and the Yan family, we will be forced to report the truth. Once the Qingmo Organization makes a decision, don’t blame us for what comes next."
After a moment of stunned silence, the ferocious middle-aged man wore a cold smirk.
An individual can never fight the greater power, and the Qingmo Organization is currently the prevailing power in the East Victory continent. He, in fact, hoped that Shi Xiaole would continue to be defiant. That way, even those in the organization who advocated for amicable relations with him would change their stance, and they wouldn’t have to worry about not being able to bring down this young man!
Hearing the ferocious middle-aged man’s words, Qu Wuyan, Zhu Ling, and Gui Zhihang inwardly sensed trouble.
They weren’t afraid of anything except being implicated by the Qingmo Organization. Once it defined the relationship between Nine Heavens Mountain and the Outer Heaven Demons, they would face condemnation from all over the world. Under such circumstances, every step would be challenging.
This was no exaggeration; the world is full of those who follow the tide, and if the Qingmo Organization intentionally slandered them, Nine Heavens Mountain, with its current strength, would simply be unable to withstand it.
In fact, the Xueluo Emperor and others were so confident because they believed Shi Xiaole would naturally come to see them and offer an explanation.
"Qingmo Organization’s interests lie with the world, and I believe it will make a just decision. A few clownish figures like you can’t represent the Qingmo Organization. Scram!"
Shi Xiaole’s voice boomed like thunder, shaking all directions and causing the faces of the Xueluo Emperor and his companions to turn varying shades of green and white. They were pleased to see Shi Xiaole being tough, but being called clowns was a different matter entirely.
"Good, very good."
The Xueluo Emperor’s hands trembled with rage. A Heaven Realm Martial Emperor like him, who ranked top five in the Blood Emperor’s cave, to be unable to even meet Shi Xiaole’s face was an insult that could become a laughing stock. The Xuelo Emperor silently noted this grudge, a hint of murderous intent flashing through his eyes.
The ferocious middle-aged man’s lips curled upward. Go ahead and go mad; insanity is the beginning of destruction. Kirin, you won’t be pleased for long!
The other Heaven Realm Martial Emperors also had cold expressions, not saying a word.
After the group had left, Shi Xiaole continued to meditate with closed eyes.
He wasn’t afraid of these people’s interference. If the Qingmo Organization was foolish enough to send these people to probe the situation and decide on actions targeting him, then such an organization wouldn’t last long.
If Shi Xiaole hadn’t guessed wrong, the Qingmo Organization was likely doing this deliberately, testing his attitude and bottom line. After all, even the Qingmo Organization wouldn’t want to make an enemy of someone like him without good reason.
If he panicked right away, he would be at a disadvantage every step of the way, which would not be beneficial for the future.
As expected.
Just two days later, the Xueluo Emperor, the ferocious middle-aged man, and their group came again, but this time there were a few more companions, and based on their aura, each one was a Heaven Realm Martial Emperor.
"Kirin Sword Emperor, would you come out for a talk? I am the Third Elder of the Holy Heaven Sect, and I can fully represent the Qingmo Organization."
A refined, white-clothed old man stood in the middle and spoke.
Holy Heaven Sect?
Shi Xiaole, who was at the back hill, opened his eyes.
This was the number one martial arts force of the Flying Horse Dynasty, the sect had an abundance of skilled experts, and the reach of its connections was so extensive that no one could clearly grasp its full extent. The simplest example was the grand competition of heroes from each province years ago, which was orchestrated by the Holy Heaven Sect behind the scenes.
Yet such a powerful force maintained an extremely low profile; its deeds were rarely heard by the public. The last time Shi Xiaole had heard of them was in the Heavenly Will Sect, where Zhuo Wansheng mentioned that someone from the Holy Heaven Sect had impersonated an expert of the Divine Sect in an attempt to subsume them.
With a flicker of his shadow, Shi Xiaole stepped out from the Nine Profound Array System.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh.
A variety of different gazes immediately fell upon him, some scrutinizing, some hostile, some murderous, and some appreciative.
"Kirin Sword Emperor, do you have any explanation for the last incident?"
the Third Elder of the Holy Heaven Sect asked.
The title of Kirin Sword Emperor was a moniker the Martial World bestowed upon Shi Xiaole. As for the title of Junior Sword Emperor, it was eventually disputed by others, who believed that it was too early to bestow the title of Sword Emperor since the grand era had just begun.
"If someone tries to kill or harm me, I will respond with my sword. This is a rule known to everyone in the Martial World, Third Elder, there’s no need to be so aggressive."
Shi Xiaole said.
The Third Elder’s gaze brightened, appreciating Shi Xiaole’s response, which showed neither weakness nor a softening of stance in a subtle manner.
In reality, regarding the incident at hand, there wasn’t much that needed to be said. The Qingmo Organization had never forced Nine Heavens Mountain; it was solely the initiative of powers like Blood Emperor’s Cave and Oblivion Assembly, and Dragon View Ridge that had led to the current situation.
Upon reflection, had another top force presided over the matter, such an aggravating incident would not have occurred. It could be said that powers like Blood Emperor’s Cave had not only lost face for themselves but also for the Qingmo Organization, and the higher-ups had already expressed strong dissatisfaction.
Noticing Shi Xiaole’s attitude, the Third Elder felt relieved. Putting aside their positions, he truly appreciated Shi Xiaole and thus he said with a smile, "Let’s not dwell on this matter for now. So tell me, what is your relationship with Master Shenzong, and even the Yan family?"
"A man of honor is clear about gratitude and grudges. The Yan family once saved me, and I have repaid that favor. Now my debt and gratitude with them is settled. From now on, if anyone finds the Yan family committing acts that harm East Victory, Shi Xiaole will be the first to not forgive them. As for Master Shenzong, it’s quite the opposite—I’ve saved him, so I can’t control his actions. Currently, I do not know the whereabouts of Master Shenzong."
Shi Xiaole spoke eloquently, leaving no room for objections.
"Do you dare to swear that what you say is the truth?"
Xueluo Emperor sneered.
"What are you to question me? Even if I were to swear, I wouldn’t do it in front of you. Shut your mouth."
Shi Xiaole sternly rebuked without mercy, causing Xueluo Emperor’s face to redden with anger.
The Third Elder narrowed his eyes. In fact, whether the Yan family were Outer Heaven Demons or not was still inconclusive, and especially at his level, he could easily see the dirt behind the extermination of the Yan family. He decided to gloss over it without delving further: "Alright, I will tentatively believe what you have said. Actually, there’s a simple way for you to prove your innocence, and that is to undergo the test of the Demon-testing Stone."
"Third Elder, this man has killed the innocent; how can you let him off so easily?"
"Third Elder, if everyone follows his example, wouldn’t East Victory be thrown into chaos? This precedent must not be set."
Hearing the Third Elder’s indication of letting Shi Xiaole off without holding past incidents against him, Xueluo Emperor and others grew anxious. If it really came to pass, wouldn’t the deaths of their Void Origin Realm Martial Emperors be for nothing?
"Ladies and gentlemen, you know the truth of the matter better than I do. If you were in the Kirin Sword Emperor’s position, what would you have done? The damage has already been done. What we need to do now is to try to eliminate the barriers between us, not fight amongst ourselves and become the laughingstock of the Outer Heaven Demons. This is also what the organization means. Do you understand?"
The Third Elder said coldly.
One’s position shapes one’s outlook. To some, the value of a Kirin far exceeds that of those perished Void Origin Realm Martial Emperors, and only a fool would cast him out.
Not to mention, the Qingmo Organization itself was not monolithic; various factions existed within it. Seeing powers like Blood Emperor’s Cave suffer heavy losses was a cause for covert joy.
The complexions of Xueluo Emperor and others were ugly, but they dared not defy the Third Elder and so remained silent, although their downcast eyes were filled with malice.
"Test my bloodline, right? If everyone were as amiable and kind-hearted as the Third Elder, then Nine Heavens Mountain would have already cleared any suspicions."
Shi Xiaole said with a light chuckle.
"Hmph, Kirin Sword Emperor, flattery will get you nowhere with me."
The Third Elder said with feigned anger, secretly pleased within his heart.
Nowadays, everyone knew that Shi Xiaole was indifferent in nature and possessed peerless talent. There were few whom he appreciated, and even fewer that he would openly compliment.
The Third Elder knew that being excited over flattery from a junior was not appropriate, but he couldn’t help it; perhaps this was the personal charm of a Kirin.
Taking out the Demon-testing Stone, the Third Elder gently pushed it forward.
Everyone tensed up, especially those from Nine Heavens Mountain.
They knew that Shi Xiaole was unlikely to be an Outer Heaven Demon, but until the results were out, they couldn’t help but feel anxious. After all, many Outer Heaven Demons had not been aware of their own identities prior to testing.
In a secluded corner of Nine Heavens Mountain known to few, Uncle Wang was secretly gathering his strength, his palm sweating coldly. Shi Xiaole had informed him of a way to cope, but in case it did not succeed, he would have to stand out immediately.
Shi Xiaole took a deep breath in secret.
He had underestimated the difficulty of top-level martial arts. Despite his strenuous practice during this period, along with the enhancement from the crystal Demon Bone and the Demon Martial Way, he had still not achieved minor success with the "Purple Blood Great Method," and he was not entirely confident about passing the test, but at this moment, there was no choice but to take a gamble.
Now, as he circulated the "Purple Blood Great Method" to change the properties of his bloodline, Shi Xiaole sliced open his finger, and a droplet of his blood fell onto the Demon-testing Stone.
