This statement caused Xi Ren Yuan Jun to freeze for a moment.
Based on her experience, the pale-faced young man before her should have slammed the table, angrily denounced the bandit-like actions of Xi Ren family soldiers, and spoken words of concern for the nation and the suffering of the common people.
Or, like an expert, he would have coldly said, "Indeed, it was I. What do you intend to do?"
But she never expected that the young man before her, who carried the air of an expert, would say something like this.
Xi Ren Yuan Jun, being the second strongest in the Xi Ren family, immediately recovered her composure and sneered,
"Heh, I thought you were some kind of fearless hero. So, you're just a cowardly rat who dares not admit what you've done."
"I really didn't! I've been sitting here drinking the whole time."
Young Master Lei felt wronged. He had merely released his cultivation, he hadn't actually done anything.
"I didn't even say a word. Your two soldiers came in and then went out. It's very strange. If you don't believe me, you can ask them."
Wan Lei pointed at the group of people huddled in the corner.
Seeing Xi Ren Yuan Jun look their way, the group quickly nodded. This time, they didn't intentionally betray their comrade.
"Heaven help me, I was just sitting here honestly drinking. If your soldiers weren't robbing us, are we wrong?
Do you want your soldiers to be evildoers? Aren't you known for strict military discipline? Is it wrong to have two decent soldiers under you?"
Young Master Lei adhered to the strategy of "苟到底" (playing it safe to the very end), preferring not to fight if he could avoid it.
Moreover, he was somewhat apprehensive.
The other party was, after all, the wronged party. He had killed their younger brother and their uncle. Now that they were face-to-face, it was hard to maintain an unyielding stance.
He had no intention of getting involved in the war between these two families. If he accidentally killed Xi Ren Yuan Jun as well, the Xi Ren family's strength would plummet once more, and they might even be counter-attacked by the Bu Zhi Huo family.
Of course, a counter-attack by them wouldn't affect him, Young Master Lei, but he still wanted to see the two families clash fiercely and remain evenly matched.
After all, it was easier to catch fish in troubled waters.
"But my subordinates said you released a very strong pressure."
"Yes, this kind of pressure, as cultivation grows, also grows. Is it wrong for me to have strong cultivation?
Your subordinates kicked the door open when they came, startling me. I released pressure reflexively. Is that wrong?"
He was playing it so safe that even Sister Xiao Yu couldn't stand it.
"Then release your pressure."
Xi Ren Yuan Jun's tone was unquestionable.
However, Young Master Lei remained unmoved.
"That might not be good. You go do your thing, I'll do mine. We don't know each other at all. Why are you bothering me here? Let's go, let's go."
"In this Great Jin, whoever I, Xi Ren Yuan Jun, decides to trouble, it is that person's honor."
"I am extremely honored. Please leave quickly."
Young Master Lei was becoming impatient.
He just wanted to drink honestly, but he had encountered killings and robberies, had his door kicked in, was subjected to moral blackmail, and finally, a domineering young lady. This day had been incredibly unlucky.
Should he check the almanac before going out next time?
"I will count to three. If you do not release your pressure, I will kill everyone in this tavern."
Xi Ren Yuan Jun pointed at the group of trembling people.
These tavern patrons, naturally cowardly and prone to bullying the weak, turned pale at this threat and looked at Wan Lei for help.
"Go ahead and kill them. I don't know them. What does it matter to me if you kill them?"
"..." The patrons.
Previously, Wan Lei had not stepped forward for the common people outside, and now, he naturally would not step forward for these patrons.
Who are you? What is your surname? Do I know you?
"You..."
A flicker of anger flashed in Xi Ren Yuan Jun's eyes. The person before her seemed to be testing her limits, trying to provoke her anger.
It should be known that the young lady of the Xi Ren family had excellent self-control. Although cold, she never lost her temper without reason.
Even when her uncle and brother died a few days ago, she hadn't gotten angry.
Yet now, she was provoked by this unrepentant scoundrel.
"Then I will kill you!"
Miss Xi Ren, unable to maintain her composure, was already somewhat flustered.
As for Wan Lei, he had no mood to appreciate the beauty of the blushing and angry woman before him. He just felt that this woman was too overbearing.
Young Master Lei's patience had run out.
"Let's go."
Wan Lei threw a fire crystal onto the table as payment for the drinks and then stood up.
"You can't leave!"
Miss Xi Ren drew her sword and blocked Wan Lei's path.
Young Master Lei gritted his teeth. He was truly angry now.
Immediately, a torrent of pressure surged out. This intense pressure caused Xi Ren Yuan Jun's beautiful face to turn pale, and she took a few steps back before stabilizing herself.
In terms of pure cultivation, Wan Lei was inferior to Xi Ren Yuan Jun. In their previous battle against Xi Ren Jun, the third strongest in the Xi Ren family, it took the combined efforts of him and Fang Xiao Yu to fight to a draw. Let alone facing the second strongest.
The situation that unfolded was due to two factors: first, Xi Ren Yuan Jun was caught off guard by Wan Lei's unexpected move.
Second, Wan Lei had incorporated the Dao of Light and the Dao of Destruction into his pressure.
The Dao of Light, majestic and vast.
The Dao of Destruction, annihilating and desolate.
With the addition of these two supreme dao methods, his pressure became unprecedentedly powerful.
After a brief moment of panic and retreat, Xi Ren Yuan Jun's eyes flashed with brilliance, and she immediately released her own pressure to contend with Wan Lei's.
Wan Lei, who had been aggressively advancing, was pushed back a few steps by Xi Ren Yuan Jun's pressure, but they soon reached a stalemate.
The violent pressure from both sides created a fierce storm within the small tavern. The floorboards, the surrounding tables, and chairs all shattered in response.
The dozen or so patrons trembled, desperately resisting the aftershocks of the pressure. Those with lower cultivation were already crying, foaming at the mouth, and convulsing.
"My lords, please withdraw your divine abilities. We humble folk can barely hold on."
The innkeeper cried out. He wasn't concerned about the tables and chairs; it was fortunate enough to save their lives at this point.
Wan Lei and Xi Ren Yuan Jun simultaneously withdrew their pressure.
In reality, neither of them cared about the lives of these people. It was just that neither intended to truly fight; they only wanted to probe each other. Now that they had a way out, they naturally took it.
"Your cultivation is not bad."
A smile played on Xi Ren Yuan Jun's lips. She felt a sense of eagerness for a worthy opponent.
After the earlier probing, she had gained an understanding of Wan Lei's strength. He should be on par with her own cultivation.
At the same time, she noticed Fang Xiao Yu and the old man standing nearby.
Their pressure earlier was so terrifying, yet those two remained unfazed. The tables and chairs they were sitting on were not even damaged, indicating that their cultivation was also unfathomable.