Xiao Shixiong laughed, his expression full of disdain. Of course he was disdainful. He was the famous King of the Southern Town. For a mere Hall Master from the Ghost Medicine Sect's Ninth Hall to spout such wild words... Who gave him the courage?

Xiao Shixiong naturally had a kind face and a portly build, and his laugh was reminiscent of the Maitreya Buddha. However, the murderous aura that gradually seeped from his eyes had already completely enveloped Li Shilin.

Li Shilin returned a disdainful smile of his own. "Xiao Shixiong, don't get so excited. This isn't over yet."

"What do you mean?"

"It's like this: I went undercover at your side for three years with the real purpose of recruiting you. I have to say, you're a true talent—capable and resourceful. Someone like you should join our Ghost Medicine Sect, not serve as a puppet for the Heavenly Machine Pavilion."

Xiao Shixiong laughed at his words, feeling as if he'd just heard the most ridiculous joke. The insignificant Ghost Medicine Sect, daring to compare itself to the Heavenly Machine Pavilion? Who gave him the nerve to say something so foolish?

"What are you laughing at?" Li Shilin demanded.

Xiao Shixiong snorted. "I'm laughing at your stupidity, of course. What makes you think the Ghost Medicine Sect is even worthy of being compared to our Heavenly Machine Pavilion?"

A malicious glint flickered in Li Shilin's eyes. He had gone undercover at Xiao Shixiong's side for three years, working hard to gain his trust just for the opportunity to bring him into his fold. He never expected Xiao Shixiong to be so uncooperative. How could Li Shilin possibly be pleased? Furthermore, for Xiao Shixiong to look down on the Ghost Medicine Sect so brazenly... as the Hall Master of the Ninth Yama Hall of the Ghost Medicine Sect, Li Shilin could never tolerate it.

"Xiao Shixiong, is this your final decision?"

"Cut the damn crap," Xiao Shixiong snarled. "You're just a piece of trash from the Ghost Medicine Sect, yet you dare run your mouth? Li Shilin, have I been too easy on you?"

Li Shilin suddenly burst into laughter, his eyes filled with contempt as he looked at Xiao Shixiong.

"Xiao Shixiong, oh, Xiao Shixiong, I wanted to give you a chance to live. Since you don't want it, don't blame me for being discourteous!"

As he spoke, Li Shilin's killing intent surged as he stared down Xiao Shixiong.

Xiao Shixiong snorted coldly. "You court death. Guards! Seize him!"

As soon as he gave the order, two expressionless young men strode into the room. Both were elite experts trained by the Heavenly Machine Pavilion. One was named Li Xiaosong, the other Li Rusong. They were biological brothers as well as fellow disciples. Upon entering, both of their gazes immediately locked onto Li Shilin.

"How do you wish to die?" the elder disciple, Li Xiaosong, asked in a chilling tone.

Li Shilin sneered, "Who says that's been decided?"

No sooner had he spoken than Li Shilin lunged at Xiao Shixiong.

Li Xiaosong and Li Rusong had clearly anticipated this. The moment Li Shilin moved, they instantly positioned themselves in front of Xiao Shixiong to protect him.

Seeing this, Li Shilin let out a disdainful snort. "Fine. If you're so eager to die, I'll be happy to send you on your way!"

A ferocious killing intent erupted from Li Shilin's eyes. An overwhelming pressure washed over them, so palpable it felt as though the very air had gained weight. Li Xiaosong and Li Rusong didn't dare to be careless. They held their breath, their focus entirely on Li Shilin.

Just then, Li Shilin pounced with the speed of a lightning bolt.

Li Xiaosong snorted coldly and moved to intercept him.

BANG!

The sound of the impact echoed instantly.

Xiao Shixiong focused his gaze and saw Li Xiaosong's fist colliding squarely with Li Shilin's. However, the instant they made contact, Li Xiaosong was sent flying by an immense force. He crashed violently against a nearby wall before slamming hard onto the ground. The moment he landed, a shocking mouthful of fresh blood sprayed from his mouth.

Xiao Shixiong's heart sank. These two bodyguards had been handpicked from the Heavenly Machine Pavilion. Both had already broken through the Heavenly Realm and were on the verge of reaching the Martial King Realm. A Martial King was immensely powerful—a realm ordinary people might never reach in their entire lives. Yet an expert of such caliber had been defeated by Li Shilin in a single blow.

I've still underestimated his cultivation level, he thought, his face darkening.

The remaining bodyguard, Li Rusong, was equally stunned. He and his brother were quasi-Martial Kings—masters who should have been virtually invincible in the secular world. How could his brother have been defeated in an instant?

Seeing Xiao Shixiong and his subordinate frozen in shock, Li Shilin let out a sinister grin. "The great King of the Southern Town surrounds himself with such trashy experts? If word of this got out, you'd be a laughingstock!"

The words struck Xiao Shixiong like a physical slap, his cheeks burning with humiliation and rage. He glared at Li Shilin, wishing he could kill him on the spot.

"Master, don't worry, I'm here!" Li Rusong said coldly. "Even if I die today, I'll take this trash down!"

A warmth spread through Xiao Shixiong's heart. These are men personally sent by the Pavilion Master, after all. Their loyalty is formidable.

"Do your best. But your lives are more important to me than killing him," Xiao Shixiong said gravely.

Li Rusong nodded. With a sudden, explosive roar, he lunged at Li Shilin.

Li Shilin snorted in disdain. "You're courting death! Since you're so eager to die, I'll send you on your way right now!"

As he spoke, Li Shilin met the charge.

BANG!

Their fists collided with brutal force. The immense power sent Li Rusong flying, just as it had his brother. His body tumbled through the air several times before seeming to lose all momentum.

SMACK!

With a sickening sound, he crashed hard onto the ground. He tried to struggle up but only managed to choke out a mouthful of blood.

Xiao Shixiong watched, his eyes wide with fury. "Men!" he roared.

Immediately, the sound of frantic footsteps erupted from outside the villa.

Li Shilin merely sneered. "Xiao Shixiong, do you really think those useless rice bags you call subordinates can save you if they come in? I'm telling you, not even the Jade Emperor himself could save you today. However, I can give you one last chance. Think carefully. Will you join our Ghost Medicine Sect?"

"In your dreams! If you have the guts, then kill me!" Xiao Shixiong roared.

"You ungrateful fool! Since you're begging for death, I'll grant your wish!"

As he spoke, Li Shilin lunged fiercely at Xiao Shixiong. But at that exact moment, the faint whistling sound of something slicing through the air reached Li Shilin's ears.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.