The Supreme Martial King Shocking All Realms Chapter 3324 - 3319: I Won’t Go_1
Previously on The Supreme Martial King Shocking All Realms...
Fu Xuanbing remained silent, so his followers didn't dare voice any desire to save Yue Xingzhenren.
The moment Fu Xuanbing eased his reservations, his underlings swiftly consented without a moment's pause. This proved beyond doubt that Fu Xuanbing's authority and renown were fully justified.
Choosing to align with Fu Xuanbing earlier had been a wise decision. In contrast, what assistance could Yang Chen possibly offer in the affair involving Yue Xingzhenren?
Yet, he still intended to consult Yang Chen on the matter, since acquiring even a single Heaven-separated Realm fighter was something he craved desperately.
"Hahaha, I'm truly delighted that Fu Daoist friend has consented. Allow me to offer my thanks right now." As a bloodline envoy of the Ice and Fire Heavenly Phoenix Royal Clan, Qian Li lowered his head in a gesture of deference at that instant.
Fu Xuanbing felt deeply pleased as well, and then his gaze drifted casually toward Yang Chen.
Qian Li sought Yang Chen's view on the issue, and after praising Fu Xuanbing, he continued: "Brother Yang Chen, what's your take on Senior Yue Xingzhenren's situation? Would you join our effort to rescue him?"
Yang Chen's brows lifted a bit at these words.
Without delay, he replied directly: "I won't join. I have different goals to pursue."
At this response, the assembled experts and the Ice and Fire Sky Phoenixes all felt a subtle stir.
What exactly was Yang Chen implying?
All of them were set to rush off and rescue Yue Xingzhenren, yet he alone turned it down—what could that signify?
In a flash, expressions across the group shifted noticeably.
Yang Chen observed their reactions and inwardly sighed with resignation.
Unlike Fu Xuanbing, whose aim in saving Yue Xingzhenren was to obtain Jiyu Essence afterward and profit greatly, Yang Chen held some curiosity about Jiyu Essence but prioritized learning Bao Lu's location above all.
That was the core reason for his initial refusal to participate in the rescue.
For one thing, the Bao Lu situation demanded immediate action, and for another, upon reflection, he understood that the Netherworld forces had taken Yue Xingzhenren alive. Even if they succeeded in freeing him, could they truly confront the Netherworld troops now based on the Ice and Fire Star?
Such a notion was pure fantasy.
Besides, the Netherworld cultivators weren't fools. They seized him without ending his life and allowed their location to be tracked—their likely goal was to draw enemies into a trap.
Charging in blindly could easily lead to facing a Tianming Realm Ghost King. The risks involved were far too immense.
Naturally, he kept these insights to himself, burying them deep within.
Yang Chen stayed quiet, unconcerned with the group's inner thoughts. But Hu Kui, standing next to Fu Xuanbing, muttered softly: "Yang Chen, everyone's heading out to rescue Yue Xingzhenren, but not you. What are you trying to say? Do you disdain Yue Xingzhenren?"
Hu Kui's remark aimed to highlight the rift between him and Yang Chen for Fu Xuanbing's benefit.
With that single line, he dumped the fault onto Yang Chen, causing Lu Heng and Yue Xingzhenren's other followers to display clear fury on their faces.
Yang Chen recognized Hu Kui's tactic of casting blame and responded steadily: "I hold no disdain for Yue Xingzhenren, but it appears that those present all harbor views against me. Whether I'm involved or not seems irrelevant anyway. That's why I declined. Isn't that correct, Daoist friend Hu?"
Hu Kui found himself at a loss for words upon hearing this, while Fu Xuanbing narrowed his eyes, gazing at Yang Chen with growing regard.
This Yang Chen proved adept at navigating verbal confrontations. Had he lost his temper, it would have exposed a lack of cunning. But by casually noting his presence wouldn't alter much, he left them without a solid retort.
Qian Li also harbored strong dissatisfaction toward Yang Chen, as Yue Xingzhenren represented the lifeline for the Ice and Fire Sky Phoenix tribe in his eyes. Yang Chen's stance showed disregard for that hope, naturally sparking his ire.
"Very well, since Brother Yang Chen has made his position clear, we won't press him to stay. As he pointed out, adding one more fighter won't shift the balance much." Qian Li stated in a chilly tone.
Yet, as the exchange wrapped up, an unforeseen voice arose once more.
This new refusal echoed Yang Chen's own in nature, and even he hadn't anticipated it.
"Brother Qian Li, I also won't take part in this operation concerning Yue Xingzhenren." Heng Ye declared.
"Huh?"
Numerous Ice and Fire Sky Phoenixes reacted with shock.
Yang Chen too was caught off guard, utterly surprised. The one mirroring his refusal to aid Yue Xingzhenren turned out to be Heng Ye, from the Ice and Fire Sky Phoenix Royal Clan and aligned with Fu Xuanbing.
Heng Ye's statement at this juncture stunned the entire assembly.
Yang Chen's choice made some sense, but how could Heng Ye, of the Ice and Fire Sky Phoenix Royal Clan, utter something identical?
Qian Li shared the confusion and questioned: "Heng Ye, what are you getting at?"
Heng Ye scanned the surroundings, aware that most lacked understanding. He hesitated briefly before sending a private sound transmission to Qian Li.
Qian Li received the message, paused for a beat, and a flicker of mixed feelings crossed his eyes. Then he let out a sigh: "Fine, under those circumstances, Heng Ye, you're excused from joining."
Heng Ye gave a nod and took his seat, lost in contemplation and wrestling with his choice.
Regarding Yang Chen's earlier words, he felt a surge of bewilderment and uncertainty about the exchange that had just unfolded.
The private sound transmission between Heng Ye and Qian Li carried an air of enigma, demanding deeper scrutiny. At minimum, it was evident that Heng Ye concealed some hidden truth.
Linking this to Heng Ye's prior response upon hearing of Bao Lu, Yang Chen found himself mulling over possibilities in his mind.
With that thought, Yang Chen lifted his head abruptly and met Qian Li's stare.
Qian Li positioned himself with hands clasped behind, declaring resolutely: "Brother Yang Chen, since you're opting out of our rescue for Yue Xingzhenren, where will you head next?"
"I wander without a set home, and this place offers a fine atmosphere. I could linger here a bit longer. I trust Daoist friend Qian Li won't object." Yang Chen replied.
Qian Li's face tightened slightly at this, inwardly fuming that Yang Chen was downright brazen.
He might skip the rescue for Yue Xingzhenren, but to brazenly request to remain—wasn't that the height of audacity? Seeking unearned benefits?
Still, given Yang Chen's Heaven-separated Realm cultivation, at such a tense time, Qian Li couldn't afford to alienate a strong ally despite his annoyance. With reluctance, he exhaled: "Very well, if Brother Yang Chen wishes to remain in our modest abode, I have no issue with it. Ming Hu, you brought him here, so see to his needs."
Watching Qian Li's demeanor, how could Yang Chen miss the underlying resentment?
In truth, he hadn't planned to stick around at first, recognizing that declining aid yet lingering in their midst might seem improper.
However, Heng Ye's recent refusal prompted him to reconsider abruptly.