Three days went by quickly.
The news that Lin Tanyu wanted to kill Yin Shang spread like wildfire. Even though the City Lord Mansion dispatched city guards to suppress it, cultivators still discussed the matter in private. They couldnât just arrest or kill everyone for gossiping, could they?
Yin Shang didnât have that kind of power yet.
The news spread like a virus, permeating the entire Tiancheng Continent, known to everyone.
Jiang Rushi was meditating on cultivation in a secluded courtyard of her mansion.
"City Lord." A trusted aide approached her.
Jiang Rushi slowly opened her eyes, her sharp gaze emanating a cold light. With a slight frown, she said, "Didnât I say not to disturb me during cultivation unless itâs an emergency?"
"It is an emergency. Lin Tanyu has returned, claiming he intends to take Lord Yin Shangâs head." The aide replied promptly.
Jiang Rushiâs eyes widened instantly, "What, he has returned? And he wants to kill Yin Shang? What gives him the confidence?"
"The news is accurate and reliable; itâs already spread outside the city." The aide replied.
Jiang Rushiâs expression was complex as she softly said, "Send our spies out, report immediately if there is any news, and keep a close watch on Lord Yin Shangâs mansion for any unusual activities."
"Understood, City Lord." The aide nodded and then retreated.
"Lin Tanyu, youâve really come back. Three years ago, you were chased by Yin Shang like a stray dog, yet now you return for revenge so brazenly? Do you truly have the confidence to kill Yin Shang?" Jiang Rushi mused to herself as she gazed into the void ahead with complicated eyes.
...
Inside Heng Yiâs City Lord Mansion, in the main hall.
Heng Yi, Feng Ji, and Cheng Jiao gathered together, their gazes on Yun Xi. After a moment, Heng Yi asked, "Niece Yun, is what you said true? Lin Tanyu has returned and wants to kill Yin Shang?"
"Absolutely true, the news came from a spy Iâve placed by Yin Shangâs side, and now itâs spread outside the city; every cultivator knows about it." Yun Xi nodded seriously, confirming.
"How confident is he? I remember he was only at the Star System Level Early Stage three years ago. Has he become a Star Domain Level Expert in just three short years?" Cheng Jiao frowned and asked.
Yun Xi shook her head, "The news I heard suggests he still seems to be at the Star System Level Early Stage."
Star System Level Early Stage?
A whole major realm apart from Yin Shangâs Star Domain Level Intermediate Realm.
Feng Ji said, "Can he really have the strength to slay Yin Shang?"
"Father, based on my understanding of Lin Tanyu, he wouldnât do something unless he had confidence in it. Since he dared to return, it means he likely has some assurance to kill Yin Shang." Yun Xi looked at Cheng Jiao and said.
"Perhaps he gained some secret technique inheritance at Hive Star, giving him the confidence to come back for revenge." Cheng Jiao pondered aloud, his eyes lighting up as he added, "Send people to keep a close watch on Yin Shangâs movements, and report any news immediately."
"Yes, City Lord." The loyal Fan Dong nodded and quickly left the hall.
The three city lords exchanged a glance, seeing the keen light in each otherâs eyes. Previously, each of the Four Directions City Lords on Tiancheng Continent held their corner. However, since Yin Shangâs arrival, the continent had been unified, but the four city lords found their powers diminished, becoming mere figureheads while all resources and treasures were funneled into Yin Shangâs pockets.
If Lin Tanyu could really slay Yin Shang, these three city lords would naturally be the happiest.
...
Three days passed quickly but felt incredibly slow for many. Finally, on the third day, East City was packed to the brim. Over these few days, news had reached cultivators from other cities and those training outside that someone intended to slay Yin Shang, leading them to flock into East City, causing the streets to overflow.
"I didnât expect so many people?"
"Theyâre all here to watch the excitement; I too want to see what kind of monster Lin Tanyu is, daring to kill Yin Shang."
"Yin Shang has the strength of a Star Domain Level Intermediate Realm, right? I heard Lin Tanyu is merely a Star System Level Early Stage genius."
"What, the disparity in strength is so great? Where does he get the nerve?"
In the crowd, similar conversations echoed everywhere.
"Perhaps heâs a genius from some sect training in the Dark Demon Sea. If he can slay Yin Shang, that would make a huge splash, possibly even landing him in the top ten of the Demon Domain Sky List."
"Yes, yes, he might be a genius sent by a sect or dynasty for training, and killing Yin Shang would earn him fame. Fame is very important."
"Letâs go, hurry to the square, and find a good spot." In the streets and the skies, the influx was massive. Naturally, those daring enough to fly above the city were individuals with significant strength and background; even the city guards couldnât manage the overwhelming flow. As a result, the regulation prohibiting flight within the city became merely a formality.
The crowd surged toward the direction of East City Square.
At the square, the four city lords, Cheng Jiao, Feng Ji, Heng Yi, and Jiang Rushi, were seated on the side seats, while the main seat was occupied by a silver-haired man in a luxurious robe, with emerald green pupils shimmering with Poison Snake-like light. His cheeks bore strange patterns, appearing extraordinarily seductive.
"What confidence does Lin Tanyu have, daring to come kill Yin Shang?" Around the square, a young man carrying a giant axe questioned with a frown. "The Star Sky Alliance selection has begun, and higher fame and ranking in the Dark Demon Sea naturally attract the allianceâs attention. This guy wants to use this to become famous, but I bet he wonât dare to show up." Another young man carrying a spear mocked.
These two, Lin Mo was not unfamiliar with, were Hu Ben and Zhong Shiming.
"I donât think so," Hu Ben glanced at Zhong Shiming, frowning deeply.
After the Star Sky Alliance selection began, countless geniuses emerged, and these two had long been pushed off the âDemon Domain Sky Listâ Divine Altar. In the past three years, the two had lingered around, honing themselves, just to see if Lin Tanyu would show up.
"Lin Tanyu, Lin Tanyu, you havenât appeared yet, but if you come, youâll die." Yin Shangâs eyes shot out Cold Light.
In these three days, he had been left restless and irritable, all for the words of a guy at Star System Level Early Stage. If word got out, the people on Flood Dragon Island would surely laugh at him.
"Come on, when you arrive, Iâll be sure to wring your neck." Yin Shangâs eyes turned red.
...
Outside East City, on a mountain peak thirty miles away.
A young man in a black robe with a hood, black hair, and black eyes stood at the summit, gazing at the distant city outline, "Three days have passed, seems many people have arrived in East City."
This man was Lin Mo, but he was shrouded in Black Fog resembling Flood Dragons, exuding a thick Dark aura. This time, Lin Mo used Ghostly Compassionate Netherfireâs soul as the main body, transforming truly into Lin Tanyu. "Yin Shang, the debt from three years ago, today, I will settle it with you." Lin Mo said, pinching together his middle and forefinger. A Flying Sword hovered before him. Lin Mo gracefully leaped onto the Flying Sword, leaving behind a silver streak, shooting toward East City.