In Feng Mo City, at the Du family's estate.
Du Mu had been feeling extremely uneasy these past few days.
After Ji Mo entered the Demon Realm, there had been no news from him.
Meanwhile, the Ghost Realm was invading, and the entire Xuan Ling Realm was in a state of panic, with all beings trembling.
Ji Mo was considered a demon by the outside world. As Du Mu had firmly stood by Ji Mo's side, he was criticized by many, labeled a lackey of the demon race, and subjected to public condemnation.
Fortunately, Ji Mo had modified the protective formation of Xi Xia Mountain Villa, making it impregnable. Otherwise, his entire Du family would have already been razed by those so-called righteous individuals.
At this moment, Du Mu was receiving a guest.
A negotiator, a messenger from the Wu family of Shi Hu Village.
"Master Du, have you considered it? Release our young master Wu Qian, and we, Shi Hu Village, will let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, once the ghost army conquers the Western Region, your Xi Xia Mountain Villa will likely face utter ruin."
The negotiator was a middle-aged man with a sharp mouth and monkey-like cheeks. His face was full of arrogance, a cold sneer playing on his lips, and his tone carried a heavy threat.
He arrogantly pressured Du Mu to release Wu Qian immediately.
Currently, the ghost army was on the verge of conquering the Eastern Region and would then proceed westward, sweeping across the entire Xuan Ling Realm.
Apart from the few stubborn holdouts in the Southern Region, the Xuan Ling Realm was incapable of organizing any meaningful resistance. It was a foregone conclusion that the Xuan Ling Realm would fall into the hands of the ghost race.
Shi Hu Village had played a leading role in opening the gate to the Ghost Realm, earning significant merit and the high regard of the ghost race.
Thus, they had become emboldened, their confidence soaring, and they directly came to pressure Du Mu to release Wu Qian.
The negotiator was fully confident that an old fox like Du Mu would release Wu Qian, and perhaps even offer generous gifts to beg for Shi Hu Village's forgiveness.
Du Mu's brow was furrowed, unsure of how to make his decision.
The main issue was Ji Mo's absence, and the ghost race indeed held the complete upper hand. With the scattered and unorganized state of the various powers in the Xuan Ling Realm, they were simply unable to resist the invasion.
It was likely that in a short time, the entire Xuan Ling Realm would fall into the hands of the ghost race.
Now was the time to make a choice. Releasing Wu Qian might ensure future peace.
"Brother Ao, what do you think? After all, Wu Qian was captured by you, so you have the most say."
Du Mu turned to ask Oli Ge beside him.
It was clear he was handing over the decision-making power to Oli Ge.
Oli Ge glanced at the negotiator and said in a deep voice, "Release him? Nonsense! This Shi Hu Village dared to oppose Mr. Ji, so how can we yield to them? Does being a lackey of the ghost race make them great? They're just a bunch of clowns who think too highly of themselves. When Mr. Ji returns, he will surely sweep away these demons and monsters."
Oli Ge showed no fear and was not intimidated at all.
He was Mr. Ji's Oli Ge, and truly feared nothing, completely unfazed by the negotiator's threats.
Du Mu hadn't expected Oli Ge to be so brave and defiant, so full of spirit!
Since that was the case, there was no longer any need to hesitate. He flatly refused, "I will absolutely not release Wu Qian. If you have the ability, then come at us. I'll wait to see how your Shi Hu Village will bring ruin upon our Du family."
"Master Du, do not mistake yourself. Do not act rashly. You understand the methods of the ghost race. If you do not release our young master Wu Qian, then your entire Du family will become a living hell, and all of you will descend into the abyss."
The negotiator narrowed his eyes, a fierce glint appearing within them, his face filled with murderous intent.
He hadn't expected Du Mu to be so stubborn and foolish, completely unaware of how to assess the situation, and to actually dare to refuse his demand.
He had already placed Du Mu on his death list, vowing to use the ghost race's might to slaughter the entire Du family one day.
"So what if I don't release him?"
A soft voice sounded. Du Rui'er walked in, glaring fiercely at the negotiator.
Her skin emitted a lustrous glow, and her body exuded a refreshing fragrance. It was evident that her special bloodline power had become even more refined through her cultivation during this period.
She continued, "This scoundrel Wu Qian is utterly wicked. Who knows how many innocent girls he has harmed. We will never let such scum go. Feel free to let the ghost race come at our Du family. I'd like to see what capabilities you have to turn our home into a living hell."
Du Rui'er was very resolute and also very confident. She was eager to test her strength against the ghost race and see the destructive power of her special bloodline.
The negotiator held a high position in Shi Hu Village, being one of its core members and accustomed to being superior. He hadn't expected a mere young girl to speak to him in such a manner.
His face flushed with anger, and he could no longer maintain his composure. He raised his hand to strike Du Rui'er, intending to teach her a lesson.
However, Du Rui'er, who had awakened her special bloodline, possessed an incredibly formidable combat power.
Without evading, her eyes flashed with golden light as they opened. A beautiful azalea flower bloomed silently behind her. Her fair palm, interwoven with runes, unleashed a powerful strike.
*Bang!*
Du Rui'er merely swayed slightly, while the negotiator was forced back two steps, leaving clear footprints where he landed.
In this brief exchange, Du Rui'er had gained the upper hand.
The negotiator was shocked, and then a flicker of wild joy flashed in the depths of his pupils. He clearly felt his bloodline being suppressed, which was why he had been defeated.
It was evident that Du Rui'er possessed an extremely powerful special bloodline.
He had heard that the female supreme being of the Ghost Realm was constantly searching for possessors of powerful bloodlines. If he could capture her alive and present her to the female supreme being of the Ghost Realm, he would undoubtedly receive unimaginable rewards.
"With just this much strength, you dare to act presumptuously in my Du family?"
Du Rui'er, having won, was somewhat excited and wanted to continue the fight to verify the special abilities of her bloodline.
The people in the villa dared not fight her with their full strength. Now that she had finally encountered someone powerful, she naturally wanted to make good use of the opportunity.
The negotiator smirked and sneered, "It's merely relying on bloodline suppression. Look at you, acting so proud. Dealing with a little girl like you is as easy as pie."
As soon as he finished speaking, a surge of green light erupted from his palm. A skull appeared out of thin air, and a sinister, evil aura permeated the entire area.
"Rui'er, be careful."
Du Mu urgently warned him. This was a ghost artifact, and it had to be treated with caution.
However, it was too late.
The green light emanating from the skull instantly enveloped Du Rui'er. An evil force directly began to erode her soul.
Du Rui'er let out a cry of pain, then her gaze lost focus, and she became dazed.
The negotiator seized the opportunity, holding her captive in his hand, and laughed triumphantly, "Haha, old man Du, you refuse a toast and insist on a penalty. If you don't want your daughter to suffer, quickly release our young master Wu Qian."
"Despicable and shameless! You are a person of standing, yet you would resort to such treachery against a young girl. Have you no shame?"
Oli Ge spat, his face filled with contempt. Such methods were truly base and disgraceful.
"Brute, what do you know? This is strategy."
The negotiator argued, then continued to urge Du Mu to release Wu Qian.
Du Mu was helpless. For Du Rui'er's safety, he had to comply.
Just then, a faint voice rang out, "Let go of the little brat, or I'll make you kick the bucket."