Chapter 111: First Hall Master

Late at night, Li's Shop.

Qin Lie's expression was haggard. He had locked himself inside the small house and was concentrating on inscribing the Terminator Profound Bomb's spirit diagram.

"Poof!"

An odd sound resounded, and a wisp of thin smoke escaped from the dark green ball. The smell of something burning filled the room.

As if disheartened, Qin Lie laid flat on the ground and stared blankly at the ceiling. His face was filled with dejection.

"What's wrong? Did you fail again?" Li Mu's voice broke out at the right time from the outside, "How many times does that make it?"

"The third time." Qin Lie sat up again. "I've made six end products, and now I've broken three. Inscribing a spirit diagram inside a real artifact as opposed to just a spirit tablet really is different." He walked out of the small house and saw Li Mu drinking himself drunk under the night sky.

"It's pretty normal." Li Mu gave him a smile before motioning him over to sit. Then he said, "This counts as your first real spirit diagram inscription. It's always easy to fail the first time. The last time you mended the other party's diagram, you were inscribing while using their foundation, so it was easier in comparison."

"I understand." Qin Lie forced a smile. "It's just that things have been busy lately, and I'm in a hurry to succeed. It frustrates me to keep failing like this."

Li Mu frowned and first poured him a cup of wine. Then he suddenly noted, "You want to kill someone, don't you?"

Qin Lie's expression changed slightly, and he bowed his head and took a sip of wine. He did not rush to answer but instead quietly felt the burning sensation inside his throat.

Glancing at him deeply, Li Mu indifferently said, "I can see the murderous intent in your eyes. I've also heard a bit about the... situation outside as of late."

"Uncle Li, if you have to pay a terrible price to kill a person, should you do it?" asked Qin Lie as he lifted his head and looked into Li Mu's eyes.

"That depends on how much you want to kill him." Li Mu put down his wine cup and pondered for a few seconds. "If the murder in your heart cannot be quelled, if you have a reason to kill them no matter what, if not killing them is something you will regret for the rest of your life, and if you cannot face yourself if you don't kill them, then no matter how terrible a price you must pay, as long as you can guarantee your own life, you should try."

Qin Lie's expression shuddered. As if he had finally made up his mind, he said, "Thank you, Uncle Li."

Li Mu nodded his head and casually mentioned, "If Nebula Pavilion will not receive you, there is always Li's Shop."

Qin Lie felt warm on the inside, and he drank yet another cup of wine. He then looked at the change in the sky and said, "I'll be going back to Nebula Pavilion. Two of my friends... may be leaving in a short while." Once he finished, he got up and walked towards outside.

When he was about to walk out of the backyard, Li Mu suddenly said with narrowed eyes, "Commerce Street strictly forbids fighting, so as long as you hide in here, Nebula Pavilion or Shattered Ice Manor will not be able to do anything to you. Remember, if you really cannot find a way out, then you must come to my shop."

"Thanks Uncle Li," Qin Lie answered softly before finally leaving.

Li Mu's expression was the same as ever as he continued to leisurely drink his wine.

......

Nebula Pavilion.

When Qin Lie arrived on the second day, he realized that Yao Tai had already left. The Artifact Forging Hall was also closed, and the only thing left was the furnace.

"When are you leaving?"

Inside the pavilion, Zhuo Qian, Qin Lie, Kang Zhi, and Han Feng had gathered together. Both Tu Ze and Zhuo Qian had dispirited looks in their eyes, their faces filled with helplessness.

"When Liu Yuntao returns and my big brother finishes passing over the position, then I will leave together with Zhuo Qian," Tu Ze replied with a dark expression.

"How is Chu Peng?" Qin Lie asked.

"He has shut himself inside his room and hasn't left for several days. He won't see us even when we visit him." Tu Ze sighed. "I know he feels resentment towards me, but even I can't do anything. The higher ups have already acquiesced Liu Yuntao's promotion, and in the future, Tu Family will not be able to interfere with Nebula Pavilion matters anymore. What can I do?"

"I hope he can recover soon," Zhuo Qian said faintly.

"How about you, Kang Zhi?" Qin Lie asked again.

"God knows." Even little fatty Kang Zhi no longer had a smile on his face. "Depends on what my dad says I guess. At any rate, it'll be impossible to stay in Nebula Pavilion, so I can only follow wherever he goes."

"Same here. I'll see what my dad says," Han Feng expressed his answer.

"How about you Qin Lie?" Zhuo Qian asked.

"Me?" Qin Lie shook his head. "I'm not sure myself."

"Xie Jingxuan and Liang Zhong of Dark Asura Hall's Department of Internal Affairs were also around the Arctic Mountain Range's outskirts back then. They should be arriving in the next two days." Tu Ze thought for a while before suggesting, "That Liang Zhong admired you quite a bit, so you can check with him if there are any open avenues. If you can enter Dark Asura Hall as well, even if you're not an official general... it can be considered a new outlet."

"Mn, although I don't think you should have any ties with that woman, I still feel that this path will be better than staying inside Nebula Pavilion." Zhuo Qian also thought that it was a good idea. "Du Haitian has a huge grudge against you, so it'll be incredibly difficult for you if you stay inside Nebula Pavilion. He might even threaten your life. You should leave soon."

"We'll talk about it later." Qin Lie frowned.

The entire group's mood was heavy as they gathered around to drink, and the more they drank, the more depressing it became.

......

"Vice Pavilion Master Liu is back!"

"We'll have to call him Pavilion Master Liu now!"

"Eh? There are also the people from Crimson Flame Association and Water Moon Sect."

"Welcome back to the pavilion, Pavilion Master Liu!"

During the evening, there was a loud clamor at the front gate to Nebula Pavilion. As the martial practitioners inside the pavilion exclaimed softly, Liu Yuntao, Du Haitian, and Wei Xing accompanied the First Hall Master of Dark Asura Hall, Yuan Tianya, into Nebula Pavilion. The Elders of Crimson Flame Association and Water Moon Sect followed closely behind. They all wore respectful demeanor.

Yuan Tianya looked about forty years old. His stature was tall and his face oddly ancient. He had a pair of deep and evil-looking eyes that appeared as if he could see through one's heart.

The moment he entered, he smiled towards the people in Nebula Pavilion. Everyone who was seen by him felt rather uncomfortable, as if their inner secrets had been spied upon.

"We are honored to welcome the First Hall Master!"

Every martial practitioners in Nebula Pavilion saluted in reverence when they saw that Yuan Tianya had arrived in person.

Even Tu Mo had hurriedly rushed over to bow and welcome him with Han Qingrui when he heard of it. He had personally led Yuan Tianya to Nebula Pavilion's Procedural Hall.

"Much obliged, Pavilion Master Tu." Yuan Tianya's expression was cool as he smiled and nodded. "As I thought, like father, like son. Your father, Tu Shixiong's, military exploits in Dark Asura Hall are impressive, and he was always able to get out alive despite entering the Nether Battlefield many times."

He looked towards Tu Mo and said, "You will be leaving for Dark Asura Hall soon. As a new general, you will also be sent to to the Nether Battlefield. I hope that you can make a name for yourself and become a commander soon just like your father."

At this point, Yuan Tianya gave a carefree smile. "I happen to have an empty commander spot. I wonder if you have the ability or were interested?"

"You flatter me, First Hall Master." Tu Mo bowed slightly and did not answer Yuan Tianya's question but simply led the way.

Yuan Tianya smiled slightly and looked meaningfully at him. He as well said nothing more.

Qin Lie and Tu Ze's group had gathered over and were watching Liu Yuntao, Du Haitian, Wei Xing, and the First Hall Master of Dark Asura Hall, Yuan Tianya.

When Yuan Tianya, Liu Yuntao, and Tu Mo's group had disappeared, the martial practitioners that had gathered over were all discussing Yuan Tianya's motives for coming here while they dispersed.

"Yuan Tianya is the First Hall Master of Dark Asura Hall. It is said that he's at the late stage of the Netherpassage Realm and his strength is unfathomable. He is an expert who has the qualifications to be promoted to Grand Hall Master," Zhuo Qian said in a low tone while looking in the direction in which Yuan Tianya vanished. "It's quite surprising that he would grant Liu Yuntao such an honor and come to Icestone City himself. If he is here, then Liu Yuntao will smoothly take over the position of Pavilion Master without any obstacles."

"With him here, Shattered Ice Manor's Manor Lord, Yan Wenyan, will turn obedient and placid." Tu Ze nodded his head. "Yan Wenyan's backbone in Dark Asura Hall is also Yuan Tianya. I heard that he has long reserved a position for Yan Wenyan as commander, and when Yan Wenyan breaks through to the Manifestation Realm, he will immediately become his subordinate commander the moment he enters Dark Asura Hall."

"The infighting between Shattered Ice Manor and Nebula Pavilion inside Icestone City will be truly stopped because of him." Zhuo Qian let out a sigh. "It looks like the higher ups sent Liu Yuntao over to force the Tu Family to let go of Nebula Pavilion completely for the greater good."

Tu Ze did not say anything.

"AHHH!"

Suddenly, a terrible scream pierced through the sky from the southeast corner of Nebula Pavilion.

"It's Chu Peng's voice!" Zhuo Qian's expression turned cold.

Without another word, Qin Lie and Tu Ze's group rushed in unison in the direction of the sound to check out the situation.

Many Nebula Pavilion martial practitioners had also made their way after hearing the terrible cry as they rushed towards the spot.

Inside the Procedural Hall.

The expression of Dark Asura Hall's Yuan Tianya was indifferent as he spoke with Tu Mo and Liu Yuntao. It was if he hadn't heard the terrible scream.

At the southeast corner of Nebula Pavilion's Artifact Tower.

With a dark face, Du Heng and Wei Li gathered their spirit energy, pressed Chu Peng on the ground and beat down on him.

Liu Ting watched from the sides, eyes filled with a murderous look. "You reckless piece of shit, are you actually trying to kill us while we are this many? You are just courting death!"

"You want to kill me, eh?" Du Heng swore as he blasted Chu Peng's body again and again while the Golden Spirit Bird in his hands shone.

Chu Peng's entire body was bleeding, and he looked both hideous and savage. His eyes were filled with madness as he wildly unleashed spirit energy and swung sword beams everywhere without any fear of death, hoping to land a fatal wound on Du Heng and Wei Li's group.

Unfortunately, under their combined blasts, Chu Peng had long since crumbled and quickly fell into a pool of blood.

"Chu Peng didn't want to live anymore." There was a witness who saw everything. "It seems that the reason he had purposely chosen the day Pavilion Master Liu and Elder Du returned to act was because he wants them to experience the loss of a loved one. He knew that even if he succeeded, he would still end up dead, but he did it anyway. Sigh."

"His father was sacrificed as a pawn, and not only were Pavilion Master Liu and Elder Du not punished, they become the new Pavilion Master and Vice Pavilion Master. They were even praised by Dark Asura Hall's First Hall Master..." Another person interrupted, "It's only natural he cannot handle it any longer, but I didn't expect him to feel suicidal and choose this moment to take the risk."

When Qin Lie and Tu Ze arrived they immediately heard the crowd's discussions. Without a second thought Qin Lie and Tu Ze had rushed out to the open.

"Stop it right now!" Tu Ze roared angrily, pulled out his Nebula longblade and rushed into battle.

Qin Lie's eyes, on the other hand, were brutal as he stepped with murderous intent towards Du Heng without a word.

Chapter 112: I Will Kill You!

"Boom!"

A thunderous boom suddenly exploded out.

Qin Lie abruptly rushed out to the center and forcefully rammed into Du Heng and Wei Li's group with lightning and thunder wildly discharging from his entire body.

Du Heng and Wei Li were knocked away in an instant. Electricity flowed throughout their bodies, and their hairs were burnt black. Even their clean, white faces were now completely black.

Chu Peng laid feebly on the ground in a pool of blood, but his eyes were filled with unforgettable hatred.

"Out of the way!"

Tu Ze, Zhuo Qian, and Kang Zhi roared as they attacked Liu Ting and her people with brutal expressions.

Qin Lie lowered his head and glanced once at Chu Peng. Then, he stared at Du Heng and Wei Li before rushing out into the open. From his lap he took out the wooden sculpture with his right hand and channeled his energy at Du Heng and his group.

"Zzt Zzzt Zzzt!"

Blazing, chaotic thunder and lightning gathered to form many thumb-sized electrical snakes, all rushing in unison at Du Heng and Wei Li's chests.

They writhed and couldn't help but screech in pain the moment they were struck by the electrical snakes.

"You dare?!" Liu Ting screeched, "Qin Lie, you still dare to defy us even at this moment, do you really want to die?!"

"Qin Lie!"

"Qin Lie!"

Both Tu Ze and Zhuo Qian's expression changed, and they cried out in a hurry the moment they saw his crazed expression.

Kang Zhi and Han Feng glanced at each other once before they rushed to Qin Lie's sides and stopped him with everything they had. They were afraid that Qin Lie really would kill both Du Heng and Wei Li at this point in time.

Du Heng and Wei Li had not broken through to the Natal Opening Realm. If Qin Lie were to unleash everything he had, there was no way they could endure it. They would be beaten to death alive.

Right now, Dark Asura Hall's First Hall Master, Yuan Tianya, was just inside the pavilion, and Liu Yuntao, Du Haitian, and Wei Xing were now in power.

If Qin Lie had killed Du Heng and Wei Li, there was no way he could survive. He would be condemned with felony and killed by the pavilion; there was no way he would be spared.

Tu Ze and the rest knew that the Ling Family's death had caused a terrible hatred to be barely repressed inside Qin Lie heart. They were afraid that Qin Lie would also lose control and become as hysterical as Chu Peng was. That was why they were all anxious.

Zhuo Qian could no longer be bothered with Liu Ting as she quickly went to stop Qin Lie and held him back in a death grip. She said in a low tone, "You must not be rash. Right now, the heads of each side is right inside the pavilion. It will not benefit us to cause trouble."

"Kang Zhi, Hang Feng. Quickly, take Chu Peng away and give him medical treatment!" Tu Ze yelled.

Kang Zhi and Han Feng hurriedly carried the bloodied Chu Peng with them and left the area first.

"Zzzt Zzzt Zzzt."

Lightning jumped erratically on both Du Heng and Wei Li's body, and as if under a chill, their bodies shivered from time to time. Their eyes were filled with shock and horror.

"What's going on?" Du Haitian walked out of the Procedural Hall as he stared at the people coldly. "What the hell are you people doing? We have an important guest today. Why are you arguing at such a time?"

Inside the Procedural Hall, both Tu Mo and Han Qingrui had also received the news, but because Yuan Tianya was around, they could not move away. They had no choice but to accompany him.

It was still a day or two before Discipline Hall Elder, Ye Yangqiu, could return. Therefore, the Discipline Hall members remaining inside the Pavilion did not dare to interfere with Tu Ze and Liu Ting's conflict. They could only pretend not to see them despite hearing about the fight. They had even all temporarily hid themselves.

That was why Du Haitian had become the one to step forth.

"Chu Peng had suddenly tried to kill us from inside the crowd while there were many people." Liu Ting's bright eyes were ice cold as she explained, "Du Heng had been stabbed from behind. If it weren't for the heart protection armor Du Heng was wearing, his heart might have been pierced."

"Thank you uncle for the heart protection armor you gifted me. Otherwise, I would already be dead."

Du Heng faced the crowd with his back. His shirt was torn where his heart was, and there was silver armor about the size of a bronze mirror on his back. It had defended him against Chu Peng's attacks.

Du Haitian's expression darkened. "Where is Chu Peng?"

"Elder Du, it's like this..." Someone explained from beside him, "Tu Ze rushed over and ended the fight between the two sides. The severely injured Chu Peng had been carried away."

"Qin Lie had rushed over and fought against Du Heng and Wei Li, but Tu Ze and the others had stopped him."

"Du Heng and Wei Li had only taken some small losses. It was nothing serious. This is just an argument among juniors, surely there is no need to make a big fuss about it?"

"......"

There were also people discussing at the sides and explaining the matter from beginning to the end. They all hoped that the matter would be settled peacefully.

Du Haitian's expression was unpleasant as he looked towards Tu Ze and Zhuo Qian before reprimanding them with a frown, "Hall Master Yuan from Dark Asura Hall had personally arrived today. I can't believe the few of you are so insensible as to act as recklessly as Chu Peng."

Tu Ze and Zhuo Qian simply frowned without a word.

He looked towards Qin Lie and humphed coldly. "Wherever you are there will always be trouble. Qin Lie, you better know your place in Nebula Pavilion, or else..."

"Or else what?" Qin Lie lifted his head with just as cold an expression.

"You know on the inside what will happen." A killing intent flashed before Du Haitian's eyes as he said in a dark tone, "This is it for the day. Disperse. You all had better not cause anymore trouble."

The few martial practitioners under his command began yelling and broke up the crowd. Soon, there were no third party remained in this area.

At this moment Du Haitian had walked up right in front of Qin Lie. Standing face to face with Qin Lie he said in a low tone, "I will always have a way to kill whoever I want. Even if Ling Yushi and Ling Xuanxuan have joined Jiu Liuyu's sect, I will still kill the entire Ling Family. What can the sisters possibly do to me?"

Although he had lowered his voice, both Tu Ze and Zhuo Qian at the side could still hear what he said. Both of them turned frigid the moment they heard his words.

On the other hand, Liu Ting, Du Heng, and Wei Li turned spirited as chilly smiles broke out on their faces.

"I will kill you," uttered Qin Lie as he grit his teeth.