Most of the Supreme Elders frowned in secret at Ethan Chen Yuanshan’s kill order. If Leon Huang’s talent stayed in Pristine Way, even though it would offend the military, once he matured, Pristine Way could definitely reclaim its former glory—or even rise to new heights.
Sect Master, please reconsider!
Elder Shea stepped forward, cupping his fists to Ethan Chen Yuanshan.
Elder Shea, are you defying my order? Or can’t bear to part with your grandson-in-law?
Ethan Chen Yuanshan stared coldly at Elder Shea, his eyes filled with malice and killing intent. Truthfully, he was forced into this decision—the military had promised him benefits he simply couldn’t refuse.
If he hadn’t agreed to the military’s terms, it would be one thing. But now that he had, going back on his word would mean death—the military could squash him like an ant, even as sect master. For the sake of his own life and those tempting rewards, no matter how monstrous Ian Song’s talent was, he could only kill him to prove his loyalty.
Sect Master, I’m thinking only of Pristine Way’s future—there’s no hidden agenda! Elder Shea said gravely.
That’s right! Leon Huang has fused the world’s only Emperor-Rank Martial Soul. With him, Pristine Way can rise again! Darren Fang Easton strode forward, full of momentum, feeling both shocked and proud of Ian Song.
Everyone!
Just then, Cole Chong Duan’s voice rang out: "Ever since Pristine Way lost its Martial Saint, we’ve been in decline. Even our territory has been eaten away until only three continents remain. Frankly, we’re just barely hanging on. Now, Leon Huang is our hope to rise again—do you really want to keep living like this, swallowing your pride?"
Hearing Cole Chong Duan’s words, the Supreme Elders couldn’t help but ponder.
They’d previously agreed to hand Ian Song over to the military for Pristine Way’s sake—there wasn’t much selfishness involved, except maybe for Elder Marcus Ma and Elder Lutz.
But now that Ian had become the sect’s hope for revival, they had to reconsider whether giving him up was worth it.
If they refused, it might provoke the military’s wrath—and Pristine Way could be wiped out.
If they complied, Pristine Way might survive a bit longer, but any hope of rising again would be gone.
So for the moment, none of the Supreme Elders could make up their minds—should they protect Ian, or hand him over?
Seeing the situation shift and realizing Ian might turn things around, Marcus Ma lost interest in fighting the Sword Puppet. He withdrew and called out to Ethan Chen Yuanshan: "Sect Master, you absolutely cannot listen to them! That kid is a disaster—he must not be kept!"
Ethan Chen Yuanshan nodded in agreement, then ordered sternly, "Elder Ma is right. He’s not our hope—he’s a calamity. Supreme Elders, heed my command and kill him!"
But still, not a single person moved.
Elder Ma wanted to act, but with the Sword Puppet there, he couldn’t get close to Ian Song at all.
Sect Master, please reconsider again! Elder Shea spoke up once more.
That’s right, Sect Master, please think it over! Elder Darren Fang Easton added.
Sect Master, you really should reconsider! Cole Chong Duan said gravely.
Sect Master, I believe this matter deserves further discussion! Another Supreme Elder stepped forward. He didn’t openly oppose Ethan Chen Yuanshan, but his words made it clear he now supported Ian Song. The key was, he’d previously agreed to hand Ian over to the military.
Damn it!
Seeing this elder switch sides, Ethan Chen Yuanshan flew into a rage, and his eyes flashed with killing intent.
Sect Master, I disagree with handing Leon Huang over to the military!
Yet another Supreme Elder stepped forward—he too had previously agreed to hand Ian Song over.
Seeing this, Ian Song couldn’t help but smile faintly. He’d just revealed most of his secrets on purpose, hoping to win the Supreme Elders’ support. After all, one of his system tasks was to become Pristine Way’s sect master. If he rebelled now, it’d feel good, but returning later to claim the position would be nearly impossible.
Even if he could come back, no one would accept a former traitor as sect master.
Sect Master, I think Darren and Cole have a point. Why not withdraw your order for now and let’s discuss this properly?
Yet another Supreme Elder stepped forward.
For a moment, Ethan Chen Yuanshan’s face turned especially ugly. He realized that if more elders spoke up, he’d lose any chance to kill Leon Huang.
He needed to act fast and cut through the mess—he had to kill Ian Song first.
As long as Ian was dead, the Supreme Elders would have nothing left to say.
Thinking this, Ethan raised his hand and declared, "Fine, I’ll temporarily withdraw my order. But Leon Huang did kill three fellow disciples and Elder Lutz—those are undeniable facts. By sect law, he should be executed. Still, considering his extraordinary talent, I’ll give him one chance: if he can withstand three palms from me and survive, all previous charges are wiped clean. If not, he’ll be subdued and punished. Leon Huang, do you dare take my three palms?"
Ethan’s last sentence was directed at Ian Song.
Sect Master...!
Darren Fang Easton had just started to speak when Ethan Chen Yuanshan rudely interrupted: "Elder Darren, I’m already showing mercy—don’t push your luck!"
Hearing this, Darren’s face darkened, but he couldn’t say anything more.
Leon Huang, do you dare take my three palms? Ethan pressed again.
Why not?
Ian Song nodded with confidence.
Seeing Ian agree, Ethan’s eyes flashed with delight. Afraid Ian might change his mind, he quickly said, "Then let’s move outside the grand hall!"
A short while later—
Out on the open plaza in front of the sect hall, Ian Song and Ethan Chen Yuanshan stood facing each other across more than ten meters.
Take this!
With a shout, Ethan shot forward and unleashed a palm strike at Ian.
Ethan held nothing back—his true qi surged to the extreme, and his palm strike twisted the entire space.
The other Supreme Elders couldn’t help but look worried.
Zing!
A clear sword cry rang out, and a streak of purple lightning shot forth, heading straight for Ethan’s palm force.
Ian Song fused man and sword, wielding his Purple Lightning to meet the attack head-on.
His sword was unbelievably fast—within moments, he slashed out over a hundred times, each stroke striking a weak point in Ethan’s palm energy.
Soon, the overwhelming palm force was completely unraveled.
Bravo!
Seeing this, Darren Fang Easton couldn’t help but shout in approval—he realized his disciple’s swordsmanship had already surpassed his own.
Outrageous!
Ethan was furious—he hadn’t expected Leon Huang to take his full-powered palm without a scratch. But that was without using any martial skill. In the next instant, Ethan flipped his palm, his aura surging as he unleashed his signature Heaven-Shrouding Palm.
As the Heaven-Shrouding Palm descended, the sky changed color, as if covered by thick, dark clouds. A gigantic true-qi hand, carrying unstoppable force, crashed down toward Ian Song.
"Disciple, fall back! That’s the Heaven-Shrouding Palm—don’t take it head-on!" Darren Fang Easton shouted urgently.