Chapter 138 - 137: Feel Free to Try
“The depth of the Sect Leader’s strength is beyond my comprehension,” Yu Zhenzi said with utmost seriousness.
His deep-seated fear and the profound impression the ‘Lord of Shenxiao Gate’ left on him betrayed by his face. Even though they were both in the same first-grade realm, Yu didn’t dare to put them both on the same level.
Seeing Yu Zenzi like this, Pei Xuanjing couldn’t help but ask, “What about myself compared to that?”
Looking at Pei Xuanjing and recalling his terrifying strength, Yu Zhenzi had a realization: the man before him, as young as he is, possesses immense power, even listed among the strongest in the first-grade martial artists.
However, even if Pei Xuanjing defeated him, forcing him to disclose so much information to save his life
Thinking of the several times the Lord made a move that left him in awe.
Yu Zhenzi couldn’t help but silently compare him with the Sect Leader. He sighed and shook his head, “I can’t judge any of you for myself.”
Whether it’s the Sect Leader, who wields significant authority in his mind, or Pei Xuanjing, who instilled fear deep within his heart with just one move.
Compared with these two, he was as insignificant as an ant trying to shake a tree, a sharp disparity, too large to overcome.
Looking at an interested Pei Xuanjing, Yu Zhenzi’s face slightly changed, thinking: perhaps this is the difference between me and the truly strong.
“Haha.” Pei Xuanjing laughed but did not speak.
He couldn’t help but say, “I think it’s best you avoid a fight with him unless absolutely necessary.” When he speaks these words, it is not advice but more like a challenge, similar to Gu Ji.
A smile appeared on the corner of Pei Xuanjing’s mouth. “From what you’re saying, I am particularly looking forward to a fight with him.”
Currently, Pei Xuanjing is at the pinnacle of Martial Arts, eager to find exceptional opponents to challenge himself.
Seeing Pei Xuanjing’s demeanor, Yu Zhenzi didn’t say much more.
He asked, “I’ve told you all I know, can I go now?”
Pei Xuanjing shook his head but didn’t respond.
Yu Zhenzi changed color, exclaiming, “Are you backtracking on your word?”
“When did I promise you could leave after telling me everything?” Looking at an apprehensive Yu Zhenzi, ready to fight to death, Pei Xuanjing said, “I still need you to do something.”
Yu Zhenzi knew how stark the difference between them was, as he had previously stated, they were worlds apart. Even if he took a risk in a fight, it would be as futile as trying to stop a speeding car with his hands, leading him to a dead end.
However, even so, Yu Zhenzi was not prepared to give up and accept his fate. Even when he knew he would lose, his only choice was to fight.
But seeing a glimmer of hope, the desperation in Yu Zhenzi’s heart dissipated. Keeping his guard up, he asked, “What is it?”
Pei Xuanjing said leisurely, “Since you have revealed so much already, you’d be deemed a traitor if others knew. Serve me, help me identify those people.”
He believed that keeping Yu Zhenzi alive would be more productive than killing him. At least, he could relay messages from the ‘Shenxiao Sect’ as an inside informant.
“Can you trust me?” Yu Zhenzi countered.
Maybe because he had already betrayed the ‘Shenxiao Sect’, he had no qualms, no psychological pressure at all.
His question wasn’t about his willingness, but about a critical problem: trust.
Regardless, he is still a first-grade Martial Artist. Maybe he had to bow in front of a powerful Pei Xuanjing, but elsewhere, he would be a man of power.
How could Pei Xuanjing ensure that he wasn’t attempting to deceive him, merely trying to escape?
Pei Xuanjing offered a mysterious smile, “As long as you agree. I have a way to ensure ‘trust’.” Yu Zhenzi was taken aback, and a hint of suspicion formed in his heart.
Only then did Pei Xuanjing say, “I will leave a Sword Intent in you. If you faithfully work for me, there’d be no problems. But if one day you betray me, then…”
Clearly, Pei Xuanjing had schemed this all along.
With his current strength, as long as he leaves the Sword Intent, Yu Zhenzi’s life would be completely under his control. As long as he activated the Sword Intent, Yu Zhenzi’s fate would no longer be his own to decide.
Yu Zhenzi comprehended and shouted angrily, “Are you insisting on controlling my life completely?”
Pei Xuanjing gave a cold laugh, “Isn’t your life currently in my hands?” Yu Zhenzi was livid and was left speechless by Pei Xuanjing’s blunt remarks.
“The choice is yours. It doesn’t matter if you don’t agree.” Pei Xuanjing said casually.
He didn’t force him. However, if Yu Zhenzi indeed disagreed, he would offer no mercy and simply end his life.
Yu Zhenzi also remained silent, clearly understanding the implications of Pei Xuanjing’s words.
But, there’s no choice when you’re under someone’s thumb.
He either agrees, or he dies. There are no other choices.
“Alright then!”
After a moment of silence, Yu Zhenzi finally conceded.
Just as Pei Xuanjing expected because previously, Yu Zhenzi had already crossed a line, betraying his faction.
If he refused now, not only would he still lose his life, but all his previous efforts would be wasted.
Afterward, Yu Zhenzi gave up his guard completely as Pei Xuanjing consolidated a Sword Qi and introduced it within him.
Pei Xuanjing smiled and continued, “I am interested in the palm control technique you executed, and also other martial studies of the Shenxiao Sect…”
As soon as Pei Xuanjing finished speaking, Yu Zhenzi understood what was implied and didn’t hesitate. After all, when his life was in Pei Xuanjing’s hands, what does some information about martial arts skills and techniques matter? They were external possessions. So, he started relaying every detail.
He spelled out the details, and with Pei Xuanjing’s remarkable memory, he naturally documented it verbatim, and while chronicling he was able to gauge the accuracy.
After extracting the most value from Yu Zhenzi, Pei Xuanjing nodded in satisfaction. “Now, you can go.” said Pei Xuanjing.
“Excuse me.” With a stone-cold expression, Yu Zhenzi bowed, turned, and took off.
Pei Xuanjing’s voice sounded from behind him, “Feel free to try. If you can eliminate this Sword Intent, I’ll keep what happened today a secret. If we meet again in future, I will spare you one more time.”
Yu Zhenzi’s face turned pale-white, with Pei Xuanjing’s words revealing his intention.
He was initially willing to agree, thinking he could get away temporarily and find a way to eliminate the Sword Intent later.
But, hearing Pei Xuanjing’s confident words, his concern grew heavier.
However, he had to try anyway, thought Yu Zhenzi.
Pei Xuanjing stood with his hands behind his back, looked into the distance from the top of a cliff.
Next, he was ready to proceed to Taihe Mountain..