Batian Martial Soul

Chapter 14345 We're Joining the Overlord Empire

The red-robed deputy sect leader was smug and proud. He raised his head and burst into loud laughter:
"Hahaha... Lin Ying'er, come out and surrender at once!"

The laughter was extremely arrogant, as if the Xi Hua Sect had already been trampled underfoot.

However, his laughter stopped abruptly the next moment, like a rooster being choked, instantly falling silent.

His gaze was fixed on the young man in a blue robe standing in front of the mountain gate.

The young man's expression was excessively calm, as if everything happening before him had nothing to do with him, or as if everything was under his control.

This person is none other than Ling Xiao!

"Ling Xiao!"

The red-robed deputy sect leader's face instantly changed like a palette, from ecstasy to astonishment, as if he had witnessed the most unbelievable thing in the world.

Then, his face turned frosty, his eyes revealed a deep killing intent, and his voice was almost squeezed out from between his teeth:
"What are you doing here?!"

He couldn't understand why Ling Xiao, who should have been somewhere else, would suddenly appear in front of the Xi Hua Sect's mountain gate, completely disrupting his plans.

Ling Xiao seemed to only just spot him amidst the noise and chaos. His eyes widened slightly, and a perfectly timed expression of surprise appeared on his face. That surprise was like a small pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating just the right ripples.

He raised his hands, cupped them in a respectful gesture, and smiled with a hint of mockery:
"Oh, I wondered who was making such a big fuss, it turns out to be the Vice Sect Master of the Blazing Fire Sect."

"What a coincidence! Life is full of unexpected encounters!"

"I never expected to run into you, Vice Sect Master, on the territory of the Xi Hua Sect."

The red-robed deputy sect leader stared intently at Ling Xiao, his eyes so sinister they seemed to drip with malice, as if he wanted to devour Ling Xiao alive.

Veins bulged on his forehead as he forced a snarl through clenched teeth, barely suppressing his anger:

"Ling Xiao! Stop pretending!"

"Don't give me those empty pleasantries."

"This Xihua Sect is something my Blazing Fire Sect is determined to obtain. It's like a piece of fat meat right in front of my Blazing Fire Sect's mouth. I advise you not to meddle in other people's business and to leave immediately!"

"Otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Ling Xiao raised an eyebrow, the corner of his eyebrow slightly upturned, carrying a hint of unruliness.

His smile remained unchanged, like the warm sunshine of spring, but his tone carried a hint of amusement as he slowly said:

"What the Vice Sect Master said... it sounds like he's provoking me, Ling."

"I, Ling Xiao, have never been afraid of trouble when I travel the world. Your words have certainly piqued my interest."

The red-robed deputy sect leader suddenly clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white as he made a cracking sound, as if he wanted to crush his bones.

His aura surged around him, like a raging wave, creating waves of energy.

Behind him, the space fluctuated continuously, as if it were being stirred by an invisible hand.

One after another, powerful figures quickly appeared, their movements flickering like ghosts behind the red-robed vice sect leader.

They were densely packed together, numbering well over a hundred!
These powerful individuals all possessed a deep and unfathomable aura, like a bottomless, icy pool, making them impossible to fathom.

Their gazes were sharp, like gleaming swords, flashing with a cold light; they were clearly elite experts from the Blazing Fire Sect.

Among them were many auras of the Cangyue Realm, which shone like the bright moon in the night sky, radiating a cool yet powerful light.

There were even a few obscure and profound auras that faintly touched the threshold of the Great Sun Realm. Their auras were like the blazing sun hidden in the clouds. Although they were not fully revealed, people could already feel their terrifying power.

Hundreds of powerful auras converged, forming an immense pressure that, like Mount Tai pressing down, enveloped Ling Xiao's side.

The oppressive aura made the surrounding air feel heavy, as if it had solidified.

Faced with this terrifying scene, Ling Xiao simply grinned, his smile as radiant as a blooming flower, revealing two rows of white teeth.

He nonchalantly retorted:

"What? Does the Vice Sect Master think that having more people... necessarily means being stronger?"

“In my eyes, quantity does not represent quality. Sometimes, a mob is not as good as a true strongman.”

The red-robed deputy sect leader's face was ashen, and his already tense face was now covered with a layer of frost.

He took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling slightly, trying to calm his agitated emotions and make this final negotiation.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, staring intently at Ling Xiao, and said in a deep voice:

"Emperor Batian! My Blazing Fire Sect is a respected force in the martial world, and we have always acted with discretion. We have no intention of being your enemy or the vast and renowned Batian Empire behind you!"

"Our purpose in coming here with such a large force has always been solely to target the Xi Hua Sect!"

"If you are willing to do us a favor and help us achieve this goal, my Blazing Fire Sect will remember this kindness and repay you handsomely!"

"Whether it's a rare treasure or a precious cultivation technique, as long as you ask, my Blazing Fire Sect will do everything in its power to satisfy you!"

Ling Xiao crossed his arms, a faint smile playing on his lips. The smile seemed relaxed, yet it carried an undeniable determination.

He gently shook his head, his voice low but clear enough to reach everyone's ears:

"Then I'm afraid the Vice Sect Master will be disappointed."

"I'm really sorry, but not long ago, after careful deliberation, the entire Xihua Sect decided to submit to my Batian Empire."

"From this day forward, they will be subjects of my Overlord Empire, under the protection of my empire."

"To touch them is tantamount to touching my Overlord Empire. You, Vice Sect Master, should understand the implications of this."

The last glimmer of hope that remained in the eyes of the red-robed deputy sect leader vanished instantly, like a candle flickering in the wind.

His gaze turned utterly icy, as if it could shoot out two sharp blades, and he said, word by word:

"It seems... His Majesty the Overlord Emperor is determined to get involved in this matter?"

"You should think this through carefully. Making an enemy of my Blazing Fire Sect is by no means a wise move. The consequences that will follow are something that you and the Overlord Empire behind you may not be able to bear!"

Just as Ling Xiao was about to respond, Lin Ying'er quickly walked out from behind.

She moved with a light and graceful gait, her steps firm, and her eyes revealed a resolute determination.

She stood beside Ling Xiao, slightly raised her head, and said in a clear voice:
"Your Excellency, the Emperor Batian is absolutely right."

"After careful consideration, my Xihua Sect has decided to relocate to the Batian Empire, and from now on, we will sever all ties with the Liehuo Sect."

"I beg your esteemed clan to show mercy and stop pressuring us so hard!"

"Our Xihua Sect only wants to find a safe place to continue the lineage of our sect."

"fart!"

The red-robed deputy sect leader could no longer suppress his anger and completely broke off all pretense of civility.

His facial muscles contorted, and he grinned maliciously as he pointed at Ling Xiao, roaring at Lin Ying'er:

"Lin Ying'er! You're really grasping at straws in your desperation!"