"Why should I kneel to him?"
Ling Fan responded calmly to the First Order Great Emperor.
"Kid, do you know who my master is? How dare you act presumptuously before my master? You're courting death!" The First Order Great Emperor's killing intent flared intensely.
"Never mind."
At that moment.
The young man waved his hand magnanimously.
His gaze was scrutinizing as he looked at Ling Fan, a flash of coldness in his eyes.
Then, his gaze lingered on Lan Gu for a few breaths. His naked stare made Lan Gu's skin crawl.
Fortunately, the young man merely smiled in the end.
"Young geniuses all possess pride; I can understand. Esteemed sirs, will you not introduce this genius to me?"
The young man smiled as he looked at the Master of Shang Bao Tower, Reverend Ling Dan, the Golden Clan Chief, and the Sect Master of the Ancient God Sect, among others.
Reverend Ling Dan quickly said, "Reporting to esteemed envoy, this person's name is Ling Fan, and his origins are unknown. Upon appearing in Hanshan City today, he caused trouble in my Dan Ling Hall. He also had a major altercation with Gu Luo, the Sect Master of the Ancient God Sect, just now. I suspect this person is a spy from the demonic realms. I implore the esteemed envoy to apprehend this person and investigate thoroughly, to restore peace to Hanshan City."
With Tian Heng, the Heavenly Court Inspector, present, Reverend Ling Dan immediately changed his demeanor, feeling emboldened. He fiercely slandered Ling Fan.
"Oh?"
Tian Heng was not foolish.
With a little thought, he understood that Reverend Ling Dan was using him to eliminate Ling Fan. He certainly wouldn't be a pawn for Reverend Ling Dan for nothing.
Moreover, since Ling Fan could clash with Reverend Ling Dan and the Sect Master of the Ancient God Sect and still stand here unharmed, it indicated that his strength was not to be underestimated.
Seeing that Tian Heng did not fall for his scheme of using a borrowed knife to kill, Reverend Ling Dan's eyes darted, and he conceived another malicious plan. "Esteemed envoy, this arrogant brat also intended to snatch the Myriad Emperor Blood Fruit that you desired. If we hadn't firmly obstructed him, he would have succeeded!"
"Is that so?"
Tian Heng, the Heavenly Court Inspector, narrowed his long, fox-like eyes. Two sharp gazes filled with oppressive pressure suddenly shot towards Ling Fan.
"Do you not know that the Myriad Emperor Blood Fruit is what this envoy requires?"
Tian Heng said with a slightly cold voice.
"They transferred the Myriad Emperor Blood Fruit to me. I am merely taking what is rightfully mine," Ling Fan replied calmly, meeting Tian Heng's gaze.
"What is the meaning of this! How dare you use my things as stakes without authorization?"
Tian Heng cast a sideways glance.
The Master of Shang Bao Tower immediately broke out in a cold sweat and said fearfully, "Esteemed envoy, please calm your anger. This brat was simply too aggressive. He came specifically for the Myriad Emperor Blood Fruit. I had no idea he could defeat the Sect Master of the Ancient God Sect. The Myriad Emperor Blood Fruit is here; please deal with it as you see fit."
The Master of Shang Bao Tower quickly produced a treasure box and respectfully presented it with both hands to Tian Heng.
Tian Heng let out a cold snort. With a *snap*, the box opened, and billions of crimson rays of light erupted. A peculiar blood-red fruit, about the size of a fist, thrashed within the box's formation. It unleashed a power comparable to a First Order Great Emperor, nearly breaking through the box's formation to escape. Finally, it was casually suppressed by Tian Heng and toyed with in his hand.
"Indeed, it is the Myriad Emperor Blood Fruit, and of excellent quality! It will be of great help to me in my future attempt to break through to the Third Order Great Emperor!"
The moment Ling Fan saw the Myriad Emperor Blood Fruit, his eyes lit up.
Tian Heng noticed Ling Fan's gaze.
He let out a cold laugh in his heart and directly pocketed the Myriad Emperor Blood Fruit.
"Your name is Ling Fan, isn't it? Your strength is not bad, to be able to defeat the Sect Master of the Ancient God Sect. How about this: I, Tian Heng, am a man who cherishes talent, and I am currently competing for a higher Inspector position, a time when I am in need of capable individuals. If you join my ranks, I will not mistreat you. What do you say?"
"Not interested."
Ling Fan responded indifferently.
"Hmph, this envoy dislikes being refused. Consider it carefully before you answer me."
Tian Heng's voice grew colder.
With a sudden flick of his sleeve.
A terrifying force instantly struck.
Ling Fan's expression became slightly serious.
This Tian Heng was indeed a Second Order Great Emperor!
If he hadn't suffered his dao injuries, dealing with this person wouldn't be difficult.
However, with his current dao injuries, his strength had significantly decreased. To deal with this person would likely come at a very heavy price, making it not worth the effort.
Ling Fan's thoughts raced, and he immediately devised a plan.
He feigned resistance, appearing to struggle greatly, as if being suppressed by Tian Heng and in extreme discomfort. He stumbled back more than ten steps, his face showing a look of horror, cold sweat pouring down like a waterfall. He quickly conceded, shouting, "Esteemed envoy, please calm your anger! I am willing to follow you!"
"Good, the wise know when to adapt. You are a smart person, and I, Tian Heng, like smart people the most."
Tian Heng chuckled and withdrew his power with a flick of his sleeve.
Ling Fan pretended to be overwhelmed, gasping for air.
Seeing Ling Fan so miserably suppressed, the Master of Shang Bao Tower, Reverend Ling Dan, the Sect Master of the Ancient God Sect, and others were somewhat awestruck. They had witnessed Ling Fan's ferocity earlier, and the Sect Master of the Ancient God Sect had even experienced it firsthand. They never expected Ling Fan to be so easily defeated by Tian Heng. Tian Heng's strength was truly terrifying.
"Congratulations, esteemed envoy, and congratulations on taking in another formidable general!"
The Master of Shang Bao Tower, the Golden Clan Chief, and other magnates offered their compliments.
Tian Heng nodded with a smile, appearing proud.
At this moment.
Reverend Ling Dan suddenly said sarcastically, "Esteemed envoy, you must not be careless. I see this brat has rebellious tendencies. He is not someone who is content and law-abiding. Although he submits to you now out of fear of your power, there is no guarantee he won't betray you in the future. You should still be cautious."
As soon as Reverend Ling Dan spoke.
The Master of Shang Bao Tower, the Sect Master of the Ancient God Sect, and other magnates secretly applauded.
Reverend Ling Dan's move was truly绝妙 (jué miào - brilliant/ingenious), pushing Ling Fan completely into a fiery pit.
Ling Fan feigned great anger, glaring fiercely at Reverend Ling Dan. Reverend Ling Dan displayed a look of vengeful satisfaction, smiling sinisterly.
"Hmm, Reverend Ling Dan, what you say is very true. As the saying goes, caution ensures a thousand years of safety. This matter cannot be taken lightly."
Tian Heng appeared to be in thought, staring at Ling Fan. After a few seconds, he said, "Ling Fan, it's not that I don't trust you, but you need to make me completely at ease. How about this: I have a secret control technique from the Demonic Realm that can plant a demon seed restriction in your heart. If you make any move to betray me, I can make you vanish into thin air with a single thought. But as long as you don't betray me, everything is negotiable. Moreover, this secret technique can also enhance your strength. Furthermore, I don't require you to submit to me forever; serving under me for a thousand years is sufficient."
Ling Fan's expression immediately turned troubled.
After a long while, he said indignantly to Tian Heng, "I am a renowned genius. Forcing me to be subservient is already my limit, and yet you want to plant a restriction within me? Doesn't this mean my life and death will be in your hands from now on? This is not what a true man would do, and I absolutely cannot accept it!"