Chapter 450

Chapter 450: Mo Sect Humiliated

At this moment, something absurd happened openly. As news spread of Fang Lie destroying an entire city, the attitudes of Ghost Realm Sect Elders underwent complete reversal.

Those who previously vowed to fight to death now supported peace talks. Meanwhile, Immortal Youhuo—who first proposed negotiations—shockingly became the hardliner insisting on battling Fang Lie to the bitter end.

The Ghost Realm Sect Leader sighed heavily, feigning helplessness. "Junior Brother Youhuo, I understand your paternal love, but we’ve no alternatives! Our sect faces impending attacks from righteous sects during these turbulent times. We must reclaim those treasures for defense! For the sect’s survival, we must ask this sacrifice of you."

He then declared, "Everyone, we’re forced to negotiate with that Fang Lie scoundrel. But mere words won’t sway him—what offerings could make him return stolen treasures?"

"This…" The Elders collectively faltered.

Fang Lie had taken priceless treasures. To reclaim them, Ghost Realm Sect needed equivalent valuables—an impossible demand given such treasures’ rarity. The Elders remained speechless.

Helpless, they relocated for renewed discussions.

Meanwhile, Fang Lie resurrected through Cycle of Fire, thrilled at treasures surrounding him.

The old bird reminded, "Return Eight Steeds Carriage to Mo family first. They’ll be extremely grateful."

"Not without compensation!" Fang Lie jumped up excitedly. "Let’s extort the Sect Leader properly!" He suddenly remembered, "How’s Wonderful Bodhi Tree progressing?"

After obtaining Spirit Awakening Immortal Talisman, Fang Lie immediately refined and used it on the tree.

Though activated, the talisman only gave the tree faint consciousness—like an unborn child in Chaos—insufficient for taming as Great Demon.

The old bird chuckled, "Impressive growth for spiritual roots! Basic intelligence should emerge within months, allowing master recognition."

"That long?" Fang Lie grimaced. "I expected faster results from immortal talisman!"

"Ungrateful brat!" The old bird retorted. "This talisman defies heavens! Spiritual roots never awaken independently—they require external help. Enlightening Wonderful Bodhi Tree in months? Decades would still justify it!"

"Whatever." Fang Lie shrugged.

Leaping from Cycle of Fire, Fang Lie flew toward Mo family territory.

With enhanced Magic, his golden wings granted terrifying speed—hundreds of miles vanished instantly, even when receiving altar blessings.

Soon he reached Mo family’s mountain gate.

As Mo Sect’s foremost family clan, their headquarters displayed staggering grandeur.

The Immortal Mountain pierced clouds, its visible portion spanning thousand miles with tens of thousands feet height, upper reaches shrouded in white clouds.

A straight staircase of premium black jade ascended from base to summit, etched with Divine Pattern Restrictions.

Flanking structures—pavilions, towers, palaces—appeared magnificent yet deceptive. These were mechanical battle fortresses ready for aerial combat.

Countless large treasure weapons and mobile strongholds lurked within. Even Semi-Immortals wielding Ninth-Rank Treasures would perish without triggering Mo Sect’s protective array—a testament to millennia-old inheritance.

At mountain’s base stood Welcome Arch for visitors. Following protocol, Fang Lie landed before it instead of flying in.

A green-robed girl approached courteously: "Senior Brother Fang! Welcome!"

"Hello!" Fang Lie nodded and stated his purpose directly, "I wish to meet the Sect Leader!"

"Ah, I can’t decide that. Please follow me," the girl said with a smile. "I’ll take you to the Chief Steward."

She then began leading the way.

"Alright," Fang Lie replied, following closely.

Before long, they arrived at the arched hall.

Several green-robed greeting maidens stood there, while a sly-looking Middle-aged Human Immortal sat solemnly on a side seat.

The man wore resplendent ceremonial robes, his aura surging powerfully. He was a Wind Tribulation Immortal—and a formidable one at that, his combat power possibly rivaling even Fire Tribulation Immortals.

The girl brought Fang Lie before the man and bowed. "Chief Steward, Senior Brother Fang requests an audience with the Sect Leader and Family Head!"

The Middle-aged Human Immortal shot Fang Lie a contemptuous glance before berating the girl without even looking at Fang Lie: "Fool! The Sect Leader Supreme’s dignity allows no casual meetings with random strays! Make him scram!"

The green-robed girl immediately teared up, grievously wronged yet not daring to retort, her watery eyes pleading at Fang Lie.

Fury surged through Fang Lie, but this was Mo family territory. Their refusal to meet him—even their insults—were within their rights. Losing his temper here would only put him in the wrong.

Suppressing his wrath, Fang Lie instead laughed heartily: "Well said! Such stray dogs indeed shouldn’t trouble the Sect Leader. I’ll take my leave!"

With that, Fang Lie turned and strode away.

His abrupt compliance stunned the Middle-aged Human Immortal, who’d hoped to further humiliate him. Never had he expected the notoriously stubborn Fang Lie to yield so easily.

‘Did I mistake his identity?’ the man wondered privately. ‘Is this truly Fang Lie or some impostor?’

Just as Fang Lie reached the threshold, he suddenly whirled around, pointing at the man’s nose: "Mark my words—unless you kneel before my spiritual mansion slapping your own face, don’t expect me to ever return!"

Without another word, Fang Lie departed.

"Insolent whelp! Who do you think you are?" the man roared, leaping to his feet.

Ignoring the shouting, Fang Lie exited the reception hall. The green-robed girl trailed behind, sniffling.

Fang Lie suddenly halted and offered her a spirit pill bottle. "My apologies for your ordeal."

"This wasn’t your fault!" The girl hastily waved her hands. "The Steward merely used me to slight you!"

"Why target me?" Fang Lie frowned. "I’ve never met him."

"His wife… bears the Bai surname," the girl whispered, head bowed.

"Ah!" Fang Lie chuckled, pressing the bottle into her hands before soaring skyward. "Watch how he’ll beg for my return!"

Gasping, the girl stared at the bottle. When she cracked it open, fragrant energy surged through her, making her Magic churn.

‘Small Restoration Pills! Thirty-six pills!’ she marveled silently. ‘Each worth ten thousand spirit stones—the best cultivation aid for my level! Senior Brother Fang truly lives up to his wealth. Enduring those insults was worth hundreds of thousands of stones!’

Resolve hardened in her eyes. ‘Since he treated me kindly, I’ll aid him while settling my own grievance.’

With a flick of her wrist, she sent a Sword Ray message. ‘Rumor says Fang Lie might become Dao companions with Senior Sister Lanyun. How will her father react upon learning his prospective son-in-law was insulted?’

Shortly after, Mo Wanfang rushed into the reception hall.

The Middle-aged Human Immortal started, then rose with forced cheer: "Thirteenth Brother! What brings you here?"

"So Third Brother’s on duty," Mo Wanfang replied tonelessly.

Though the Middle-aged Human Immortal was a Wind Tribulation Immortal and Mo Wanfang merely a Purple Palace realm cultivator—seemingly inferior in cultivation—their positions inverted this hierarchy completely.

Mo Wanfang was the direct successor and the Sect Leader’s own son, while this Third Brother came from a collateral branch, his position far beneath Mo Wanfang’s.

Even though Third Brother was a Wind Tribulation Immortal, he still had to rise politely and force a smile. "What brings Thirteenth Brother here? Do you have any instructions?"

"Don’t play dumb!" Mo Wanfang glared coldly.

Third Brother shrank under his gaze, guilt creeping in. He lowered his voice. "Is this… about that Fang Lie kid?"

"I heard he came to see my father, but you told him to scram?" Mo Wanfang’s tone turned icy. "Is that true?"

Third Brother whirled toward the green-robed maids, roaring, "Who dared tattle behind my back?"

No superior tolerated snitches—especially when it involved someone like Mo Wanfang, making Third Brother lose face.

The maids trembled, bowing their heads in fear.

Mo Wanfang’s voice cut through. "Planning to discipline my people, Third Brother?"

Third Brother startled, hastily masking his fury with a grin. "N-never! I wouldn’t dare touch your people!"

"Better not." Mo Wanfang pressed, "You still haven’t answered me."

Third Brother feigned helplessness. "Thirteenth Brother, you wrong me. By the Mo Sect Rules, how could some mere Qi Sea cultivator demand an audience with the Sect Leader supreme? That’d invite chaos!"

"Fang Lie is a candidate Benevolence Token Lord," Mo Wanfang stated flatly.

"Candidate Lord?" Third Brother pretended shock. "Since when does our Mo Sect have such a title? I’ve never heard of it."

"You—" Mo Wanfang choked on his retort.

The five great tokens of the Mo Sect were typically held by Thunder Tribulation Immortals—all fully qualified, leaving no need for candidates. Fang Lie was the exception, gaining the Benevolence Token’s acknowledgment at Qi Sea level. Yet this "candidate" status remained unofficial, absent from the Mo Sect Rules. Technically, Third Brother wasn’t wrong.

Mo Wanfang inhaled deeply, suppressing his wrath. "Fang Lie is also an Honorary Elder."

"Honorary or regular, all Elders are Wind Tribulation Immortals. We have thousands—they can’t all bother the Sect Leader! I broke no rules sending him away!"

Cornered by regulations, Mo Wanfang hesitated. Though he held authority to punish Third Brother, acting without clear fault would draw dissent from other branches.

But Mo Wanfang wasn’t one to back down. Fang Lie, likely his future son-in-law and a figure of unique standing, deserved to meet the Sect Leader. This obstruction was deliberate—unforgivable.

He smirked. "True, you violated no rules. But remember: since obtaining the Benevolence Token, Fang Lie has slaughtered thousands of family disciples, annihilated demons, even destroyed East Kunlun’s Sword Fortress. When has he ever accepted defeat? You think he’d leave just because you said so?"

Third Brother paled. "Strange… He’s usually fiery. I expected a fight, yet he left quietly. Something’s off…"

"It means he’s holding leverage, certain we’ll beg him."

"Hah! The Mo Sect’s foremost family begging him? Impossible!"

Mo Wanfang turned away, his parting words frosty. "If you’re wrong, prepare to kneel and plead for his return."