The laughter abruptly ceased.
Almost instantly, the gazes of over a hundred people converged on Ye Longlin. Everyone’s expression was fraught with intense tension at his words.
Zhū Bān Lóng Xiàng?
A realm above Martial Spirit. In the preceding fifty years, it seemed no such individual had appeared, nor was such a person even conceivable.
Of course, such powerhouses undoubtedly existed, but they were figures who served as the pillars of their clans, never having revealed their strength openly.
"Hahahaha, Zhū Bān Lóng Xiàng? You, a piece of trash like this, dare to dream of reaching Zhū Bān Lóng Xiàng? Second Elder, do you intend to cripple this future Zhū Bān Lóng Xiàng? If he truly breaks through to Zhū Bān Lóng Xiàng, we will all die! Hahahahaha!"
The statement was dripping with sarcasm.
Not a single person among the hundred present believed Ye Longlin was a Zhū Bān Lóng Xiàng. After all, they themselves, at their age, were only Martial Spirits. How could they possibly believe someone not yet thirty was a Zhū Bān Lóng Xiàng?
It defied common sense.
And it completely contradicted the conditions for advancement.
The Lincoln limousine carrying the Second Elder of the Martial Arts Association was opened by its disciples. A group of people surrounded the Second Elder as he walked to the front, offering a measured assessment.
"Young man, do not aim too high. That you achieved Martial Spirit before the age of thirty is sufficient proof of your martial talent. If you are willing to kneel and apologize publicly, I might consider interceding for you. After all, I am from the capital, not Qing City. If you are willing to join the Martial Arts Association, I guarantee you will enjoy all the resources and privileges of Qin Xiaoxuan.
Become one of the heirs to the next Martial Arts Association President. Young man, this is a shortcut. If you agree, I promise your status will even surpass that of Qin Xiaoxuan."
This was the Martial Arts Association extending an olive branch.
Upon hearing this, Tian Xiang's expression immediately turned grim. He couldn't help but curse the fellow inwardly, thinking that indeed, those not from Qing City harbored ulterior motives!
Ye Longlin chuckled and said, "Ask Wu Ji if he dares to say that to me."
The Dragon Pavilion and the Martial Arts Association had always been at odds. Even if Wu Ji had declared himself Eight Thousand Years Old, it was merely a probe. If Ye Longlin had acted then, it was questionable whether Wu Ji would have dared to claim Eight Thousand Years Old.
Now, an elder under him was acting on Wu Ji's behalf to recruit him.
It was truly amusing.
If he were to agree, and then be introduced to Wu Ji by the Second Elder, Ye Longlin wondered if Wu Ji would be so shocked he would fall from his position.
"Bastard! How dare you call the President by his real name!"
"Young man, I have already given you an opportunity. Since you do not cherish it, you cannot blame me. You are seeking your own demise; it is not that I did not give you a chance. Remember, when you reach the Underworld, tell them your killer is named Mo Chou Saber Li Mochou!"
As the words fell, Li Mochou let out a cold snort and took a step forward. The martial energy radiating from him, surpassing that of a Martial Spirit, exuded a majestic aura that instantly darkened the sky, as if the heavens themselves were enraged.
Ye Longlin lightly raised his palm. "Have you seen, Zhū Bān Lóng Xiàng?"
As his words echoed, the left dragon and right elephant that materialized behind Ye Longlin instantly condensed!
"Dharma Manifestation of Heaven and Earth!!"
Li Mochou, just as he was about to reach Ye Longlin, witnessed this astounding sight. Profound shock filled his eyes!
Everything he had said was true; he hadn't lied!
Zhū Bān Lóng Xiàng, condensing Dharma Manifestation of Heaven and Earth with immense martial energy – this was the combat technique of that realm!
Of course, this was the most basic application.
Legend had it that peerless powerhouses had once condensed a map of mountains and rivers to suppress all enemies.
A Dharma Manifestation could only be condensed once; once formed, it could never be altered. This was common knowledge.
"Have you also seen, the Map of Mountains and Rivers?"
His voice fell again. The dragon and elephant behind him transformed into specks of light and vanished, converging into a map of mountains and rivers!
An oppressive force so heavy it made everyone gasp for breath.
"This, this, this is impossible! How can one person alter their Dharma Manifestation at will? This is impossible, you are lying to me, this is sorcery!"
Logically, it was impossible. Dharma Manifestations were only condensed when advancing to Zhū Bān Lóng Xiàng, with no opportunity to change them. Yet this individual...
"Do not use your ignorance to speculate about me."
Ye Longlin sneered and pushed forward with one hand. The entire Map of Mountains and Rivers seemed to come alive in an instant, transforming into a vast celestial screen, carrying endless suppressive power, pinning them all down.
"I also said, do not try to provoke me. The consequences, you cannot afford."
This... this...
The individual was indeed Zhū Bān Lóng Xiàng. They... truly could not bear the wrath of such a legendary powerhouse!
"Tian family, I will be coming. None of those involved in the pursuit back then will escape."
Ye Longlin's voice echoed again.
This time, no one present laughed. Their eyes were filled with terror.
Among the hundred people, the weakest were half-step Martial Spirits, individuals who would be considered top powerhouses anywhere else. Yet, at this moment, they felt like mere ants, experiencing the same despair that ordinary people felt when facing a martial artist!
"Run! What's the point of fighting this!"
Someone shouted. With looks of fear in their eyes, everyone began to flee in their vehicles. But... the Map of Mountains and Rivers had encircled the entire area, forming an inverted bowl.
Despair!
Endless despair spread through everyone's hearts. Some, unable to bear the psychological pressure, had already fallen to their knees, begging for mercy.
"Mr. Ye, please spare us. We beg you to let us go. We are just ordinary martial artists, and we dared not disobey their orders. Please spare us."
"I am willing to surrender, Mr. Ye. As long as you spare us, we promise to help you deal with them. We don't want to die! I still have an eighty-year-old mother at home, and infants who need to be fed. They offered me an irresistible price!"
One by one, wails arose.
Tian Xiang and the Second Elder of the Martial Arts Association looked extremely displeased upon hearing these words. They likely never imagined that one day they would be betrayed by these very people.
But in the face of death, who could remain composed?
"Stand up! All of you, stand up! You are Tian family members, you are Tian family martial artists! Even if you die, you must die standing!"
Tian Xiang trembled with rage, roaring at everyone, his eyes turning bloodshot.
Li Mochou, looking at the disciples of his Martial Arts Association, was also furious, his beard bristling.
"A bunch of spineless cowards! With spineless individuals like you, the Martial Arts Association is a disgrace. You are not worthy to be people of the Martial Arts Association!"
They all knelt to the ground.
Only their core group of individuals remained standing at the scene.
The dignity of the two men was completely lost at this moment.
"If you were to kneel as well, I might consider sparing you."