The smile on his face froze slightly, and Guan Qin did not expect Wang Junze's words to be so blunt.
This, on the contrary, made it even more difficult for him to guess Wang Junze's current state.
"Young Master Wang, you misunderstand. I came here indeed with good intentions and have absolutely no intention of harming you." With a wry smile, Guan Qin had no choice but to forcefully explain.
"Then I must thank you."
With a smile, Wang Junze leisurely said, "In that case, you may leave."
"..."
Pausing slightly, Guan Qin also found himself caught in a struggle.
Wang Junze's words just now had indeed struck right at his thoughts. The reason he hurried over was precisely to take advantage of Wang Junze's weakness and kill him.
If he were to leave now...how could he willingly accept that?
Moreover, his true intentions had already been seen through by Wang Junze. Once Wang Junze recovered and returned to the Nether Sea, how could he not bear a grudge against him? At that time, would Guan Qin even dare to go to the Nether Sea?
"What, still unwilling to leave?"
Looking at Guan Qin with a half-smile, Wang Junze spoke again, "Can't bring yourself to act on your intentions to kill me, yet can't bear to miss this last opportunity... Indecisive and plotting without courage, how does a waste like you manage to Enter the Saint Realm?"
This almost seemed as if he were pointing at Guan Qin's nose and scolding him.
But precisely because of this, the fear in Guan Qin's heart grew stronger.
Whether it was the previous defeat or the demise of the masters from the Four Symbols Sect, the psychological pressure was too great for him. Now, facing Wang Junze again, he finally powerlessly realized he truly lacked the courage to strike against Wang Junze.
"I was wrong!"
Gritting his teeth, Guan Qin bowed deeply to Wang Junze and replied honestly, "I did plan to take advantage of your serious injuries to strike against you, but...this matter is unrelated to the Guan Family. It's solely my actions, and I hope you won't hold a grudge against the Guan Family. I am willing to pay any price."
"Any price?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Junze couldn't help but sneer, "Even if it means you must kill yourself, would you still be willing?"
"..."
"No matter the time, it's best not to speak too recklessly." Shaking his head, Wang Junze replied calmly, "Considering your honesty, I'll give you an opportunity: return to the Nether Sea with me now, and everything will be erased."
"..."
For a moment, Guan Qin fell into a long period of silence and struggle.
No one knew whether en route, others might attempt to kill Wang Junze. If he accompanies him, it means he must help Wang Junze fend off this potential danger.
Even without danger, just the news spreading would suggest that the Guan Family had declared their stance prematurely and might even be suspected by the Four Symbols Sect of colluding with Wang Junze to deliberately kill Jingchen and others.
Yet, if he refused, though Wang Junze might not kill him today...he likely couldn't return to the Guan Family, or it would only implicate his entire family.
Wang Junze didn't urge him to hurry, but after a full quarter of an hour had passed, Guan Qin finally made a decision.
Bowing deeply to Wang Junze, Guan Qin earnestly said, "Guan Qin is willing to follow the young master's command."
"Very good!"
Nodding with satisfaction, Wang Junze smiled, "As long as you remain loyal, this will be the most correct decision of your life."
Wang Junze really didn't mind the danger of returning to the Nether Sea; at this point he was confident in returning safely. However, Guan Qin is a Saint Realm Powerhouse, and bringing him along could enhance his authority when dealing with the Four Great Celestial Sects and the Court.
...
Time quickly passed.
Seven days later, Wang Junze finally entered the territory of the Nether Sea.
With the news that Guan Qin returned to the Nether Sea with Wang Junze, neither the Four Great Celestial Sects nor the Court sent anyone to hunt Wang Junze, allowing the journey to be remarkably smooth.
Receiving the news of Wang Junze's return, Yang Hong, the Maiden of the Sea, and others didn't wait in the Netherworld City. Instead, they hurried at the fastest speed to welcome Wang Junze.
For a moment, the entire Nether Sea was boiling with excitement.
Wang Junze's return meant everything was finally settled. Whether people wanted to admit it or not, Wang Junze had truly established himself in the realm, earning the right to speak on equal terms with the Four Great Celestial Sects and even the Court.
"Congratulations on your return. However, there is still one final matter to address now."
Looking at Wang Junze, Jing Yuan spoke with a light smile.
"Xuankong Temple?"
With a slight shift in his thoughts, Wang Junze understood Jing Yuan's implication and responded with a question.
"Exactly!"
Nodding, Jing Yuan replied, "Now that the Profound Moon Sword Sect has retreated from the Nether Sea, but the people from Xuankong Temple haven't left. More precisely, Monk Benyin hasn't left."
Monk Benyin!
Upon hearing the name, Wang Junze showed a hint of seriousness in his eyes.
Regarding Monk Benyin, Wang Junze's emotions were somewhat complex. On one hand, he was able to save Qu Lishang and seize the Nether Sea greatly due to Monk Benyin's help. Monk Benyin could be considered his benefactor.
However, on the other hand, even now he must admit Monk Benyin is one of the most top-tier Saint Realm Powerhouses in the worldβeven if not equal to Qu Lishang, the gap isn't significant. Such powerhouses, even Wang Junze at present, couldn't guarantee an ability to fend off.
Given all that happened, Monk Benyin could not possibly be ignorant of the recent events. Yet, even now, he chose to remain in the Nether Sea, leaving his true intentions unclear.
If Monk Benyin intended to challenge him, then to truly control the Nether Sea, Wang Junze must face this hurdle with Monk Benyin.
This could very well be the greatest danger he would encounter.
"Let's go; it's a confrontation we must face. We'll return to the Netherworld City!"
Taking a deep breath, Wang Junze quickly made his decision.
Delaying serves no purpose, and Jing Yuan's reminder at this moment suggests that they failed to elicit any response from Monk Benyin, also unsure of his true attitude.
Of course, theoretically, whether Jing Yuan or Yang Hong, none truly hold the prestige to converse with Monk Benyin.
Monk Benyin is waiting for Wang Junze, as only he can address this.
The Netherworld Flying Ship soared into the sky, carrying Wang Junze, Jing Yuan, and their companions towards the Netherworld City.
In less than half a day, Wang Junze stepped into the Netherworld City.
In a newly built temple within the Netherworld City, Monk Benyin finally opened his eyes slowly, raising his head to look in Wang Junze's direction.
Everyone was waiting for this meeting between him and Wang Junze, longing for closure and resolution.
