Xiao Ya’s face lost all color, believing she was about to perish.
However, what descended was not a destructive light, but a golden vine shimmering with divine radiance.
Clearly, Hai Tang Yun Duo had no intention of punishing her; instead, she bestowed a treasure.
Although Xiao Ya had been dragged out of the secret realm of the Sixty-Sixth Peak, nearly losing her life in the process, she had also met Ji Mo because of it. Therefore, Hai Tang Yun Duo, remembering Xiao Ya’s good deeds, sent her a valuable item.
The golden vine was entirely golden yellow, exuding a metallic luster. It was a rare celestial plant unique to the Nine Heavens Que, usable in medicine or for refining high-level immortal artifacts.
It could also be planted in a cave dwelling, absorbing spiritual energy from heaven and earth to transform it into an endless supply of immortal energy, making cultivation twice as effective.
Clutching the golden vine, Xiao Ya’s smile stretched so wide it almost reached her ears.
The surrounding people cast envious glances. If they hadn't been wary of Ji Mo’s presence, they would have rushed forward to snatch it immediately.
Gu Qian urged Xiao Ya to quickly put away the golden vine, then led the disciples of the Myriad Beasts Sect in thanking Ji Mo.
Had Ji Mo not intervened, the Myriad Beasts Sect would have faced a dire fate today.
Meanwhile, many eyes on the scene regarded Ji Mo with ill intent, their gazes carrying a chilling coldness.
That wisp of blood earlier had left a deep impression, and everyone understood it was an incredibly precious substance.
In their eyes, Ji Mo was undoubtedly a prize, someone everyone wanted to sink their teeth into.
Despite Ji Mo’s display of formidable strength, greed was a powerful motivator. Ji Mo’s blood was enough to make anyone take a reckless gamble.
“Esteemed fellow Daoist, would you be willing to sell some of your blood? I am willing to pay a high price.”
A massive green peacock, with elegant strides, approached Ji Mo.
This peacock was exceptionally divine, its entire body a vibrant emerald green. The coverts on its tail resembled sharp swords, emitting a fierce, chilling glint.
“You want to buy my blood?”
Ji Mo was taken aback. What did this fellow want?
In the past, as long as the price offered was enticing enough, not only his blood but even his kidneys could be harvested and sold.
However, he was now skin and bones, too depleted. Selling blood was out of the question.
“Not selling.”
Ji Mo flatly refused.
He then eyed the green peacock before him, involuntarily swallowing.
This wild game looked incredibly delicious.
It was a pity that there were too many people around, making it difficult to act.
“Fellow Daoist, don’t be so quick to refuse. I hail from the Heavenly Feather Forest and am one of its ten great lords. I hope you will show some respect.”
The green peacock revealed an arrogant demeanor, adopting a condescending posture as it declared its origin.
Heavenly Feather Forest was both a place name and the name of a faction.
It was a first-class force led by the Zhu family, who possessed the Vermilion Bird bloodline, and comprised various celestial birds and fierce raptors.
Upon hearing the name Heavenly Feather Forest, many in the crowd showed reverence. This was the second-ranked power in Blood State, only slightly inferior to the Di family.
“No matter what forest you come from, if I don’t sell, I don’t sell.”
Ji Mo had no knowledge of the Heavenly Feather Forest and thus showed no deference.
Moreover, a bird putting on airs in front of him irked him somewhat.
“You should think carefully. You’ve already provoked the Di family, and now you intend to offend my Heavenly Feather Forest?”
The green peacock’s attitude shifted abruptly, its tone turning icy and sarcastic. “If you are willing to hand over some blood, I might consider helping you resolve the issue with the Di family. Otherwise… hehe…”
Its words clearly conveyed a threat.
It had gone from an offer to outright robbery.
If Ji Mo was uncooperative and refused to hand over his blood, the green peacock would join forces with the Di family to deal with him.
Faced with the threat, Ji Mo, far from being intimidated, instead curved his lips, revealing two rows of sparkling white teeth.
“What? Just a lord from the Heavenly Feather Forest, acting so important?”
A voice rang out, unceremoniously mocking the green peacock.
It was not Ji Mo who spoke, but Long Lingli.
Long Lingli walked over, smiled ingratiatingly at Ji Mo, and then, hands on her hips, began to confront the green peacock.
“Miss Long, you’re going to get involved too? I advise you to mind your own business.”
The green peacock stared at Long Lingli, a hint of apprehension in its eyes.
The Long family ranked third in Blood State. Although their overall strength was not comparable to the Di family or the Heavenly Feather Forest, the members of the Long family were all warlike individuals who loved to fight and were extremely difficult to deal with.
Long Lingli was a direct descendant of the Long family, cherished by all, which was why the green peacock strongly wished for her non-interference.
“What do you mean mind my own business? I’m very familiar with this young master. His business is my Long family’s business.”
Long Lingli replied, attempting to leverage the situation to get closer to Ji Mo.
Ji Mo immediately distanced himself, “Don’t come near me. You’re lying, we’re not familiar at all.”
Long Lingli was stunned.
She instantly became agitated and said indignantly, “How are we not familiar? Don’t you remember, that day you chased me for half the day, and then you tackled me. But you seemed to be… inadequate, and in the end, you just…”
This time, it was Ji Mo’s turn to be flustered. He quickly covered Long Lingli’s mouth, his forehead covered in black lines.
You wretched child, what nonsense are you spouting? What do you mean I’m inadequate? Don’t ruin my reputation.
“Wow… oh…”
Gasps of cold air sounded from the vicinity, and the gazes cast were full of meaning.
This gossip was too explosive!
The eldest daughter of the Long family was actually pushed down by someone, and then complained about their inadequacy afterward.
Gu Qian’s eyes widened, and he exclaimed, “A true master!”
Young Master Ji is too fierce, even daring to tackle Long Lingli. It seems his physical condition wasn’t up to par, failing to satisfy the female party.
“For the sake of the Long family, I’ll let you off this time.”
The green peacock’s face was filled with disdain. It detested those who relied on women the most.
No wonder he dared to be so arrogant; he had latched onto the Long family.
Ji Mo would not let the matter go so easily. He blocked the green peacock, which was preparing to leave, saying, “You can leave, but leave a wing behind, and I’ll let you go.”
After threatening him, he expected to leave unscathed? Impossible.
“Kid, don’t push your luck. Do you really think I’m afraid of you?”
The green peacock’s eyes narrowed, and killing intent surged.
The peacock feathers behind it instantly stood on end, emitting a chilling radiance, like unsheathed immortal swords.
Simultaneously, the immense pressure belonging to a peak Emperor Immortal realm cultivator surged like a tide.
Ji Mo met its gaze directly, ignoring all pressure, and said coldly, “Either leave a wing, or leave your life.”
“You court death!”
The green peacock roared.
Green light erupted from its body, and the peacock feathers behind it emitted a seductive glow, with faint sword cries echoing. Terrifying sword energy sliced through the void.
The green peacock soared through the air, ferociously pouncing on Ji Mo. The surging sword energy was boundless, aiming for Ji Mo’s vital points.
However.
The sword cries abruptly ceased, and the terrifying sword energy that filled the sky vanished.
The peacock feathers, comparable to high-level immortal weapons and indestructible, were grabbed by Ji Mo.
With a fierce tug from Ji Mo, hundreds of peacock feathers were instantly ripped out, causing the green peacock to emit an incredibly piercing scream of agony, its hindquarters bleeding profusely.
To the green peacock’s utter despair, without the cover of these feathers, it was suddenly exposed.
However, what was even more despairing was that Ji Mo showed no signs of stopping and began plucking the feathers from its body.
“Stop, what are you doing? You can’t…”
The green peacock struggled frantically, its face filled with terror.
It now regretted its actions immensely, truly unable to imagine what beastly deeds the other party would commit after plucking all its feathers.
Just thinking about it sent shivers down its spine, and it wished it were dead.