After hearing Ye Tian's words, the Arhat Hall Master showed a noticeable change in expression. To put it bluntly, standing against Ye Tian was merely a matter of pride, and the outcome was still uncertain. Winning would naturally bring glory, but losing would mean a significant decline in the Arhat Hall's status in Southern Wilderness Town.
After all, the Arhat Hall had risen too quickly, and its foundation was not particularly stable. Aside from his eldest disciple, Lu Ba, there were hardly any capable individuals to rely on. If it weren't for the Arhat Hall Master's lost authority, the Arhat Hall would likely face a fate of disintegration.
Unconsciously, the Arhat Hall Master fell into deep thought. He recalled how Lin Qingshan had once saved his life out of kindness, and then through fortuitous circumstances, he had entered the ranks of Martial Masters within just three years. Five years later, he established the Arhat Hall, and to this day, he had become a top figure in Southern Wilderness Town. It was no exaggeration to say that he could command respect and influence.
As the saying goes, extreme situations lead to reversal. The rapid rise of the Arhat Hall over the years had already attracted too much envy. With its foundation being shaky, if it were to falter now, it would undoubtedly invite others to push it down.
Moreover, the ones pushing hardest would undoubtedly be the Lin family led by Hua Yu Gongzi.
Speaking of the Lin family, they could be considered a local legend.
Over ten years ago, the Lin family was merely a third-rate family that needed to rely on first-rate powers for survival. At that time, Lin Qingshan was the head of the Lin family. However, one day news suddenly broke that Lin Qingshan had gone missing in Southern Wilderness Town.
Logically speaking, the disappearance of a head of a third-rate family wouldn’t attract much attention, but what happened afterward made it impossible to ignore.
Lin Qingshan was the only son of the Lin family; his family's decline was one reason for their struggles. However, during his father's middle age, he had taken in an adopted son. This boy did not possess extraordinary talent but somehow made rapid progress and was known for his cunning and ruthless methods. Ever since Lin Qingshan mysteriously disappeared, this adopted son took control of the Lin family and within just a few years defeated numerous strong enemies. Today, he had become the most powerful force in Southern Wilderness Town!
Another noteworthy point is that both the Lin family and Arhat Hall are located in the southern part of town. As the saying goes, two tigers cannot coexist on one mountain; thus, signs of conflict between these two major forces had begun to emerge.
Especially in recent years, this situation had intensified from covert competition to open conflict.
The Arhat Hall Master glanced at Hua Yu Gongzi; this person was a key figure in the Lin family and had an ambiguous relationship with Lin Qingfeng, the head of the Lin family. Although he was looked down upon by others, his strength could not be underestimated.
"Young Master Ye," said the Arhat Hall Master with calculated wisdom. "I am not an unreasonable person. Moreover, there is no deep-seated grudge between us. As long as you provide a reasonable explanation for injuring my disciple, we can be friends moving forward." The Arhat Hall Master understood that if he readily agreed to Ye Tian's demands, he would be at a disadvantage. Furthermore, Hua Yu Gongzi clearly aimed at Lin Qingshan while Ye Tian would certainly protect him; forming an alliance between them wouldn't be easy. Thus, he needed to maintain some authority.
Upon hearing this, Ye Tian chuckled lightly; he understood what the Arhat Hall Master meant. The so-called explanation didn’t really matter; it was merely about saving face.
However, Ye Tian truly did not want to give him that face!
"Well then," Ye Tian said with a smile. "Since you are so concerned about it, I won't press you further. As they say, those who do not share common principles do not collaborate; I believe you understand this."
As soon as Ye Tian spoke, Hua Yu Gongzi let out a silent sigh of relief. If the two of them formed an alliance, not only would he face a grim fate today, but they might also take the opportunity to reclaim the Lin family.
After all, for the Arhat Hall Master, Lin Qingshan's control over the Lin family posed far less of a threat compared to the current head of the family, Lin Qingfeng.
"Are you joking, Young Master Ye?" The Arhat Hall Master forced a smile. He had been looked down upon by Ye Tian multiple times today and wished he could tear him apart to vent his frustration. However, the situation compelled him to endure for now.
Yet his patience did not yield any results. Ye Tian didn't even glance at him and turned to Hua Yu Gongzi instead. "You came here for Lin the Elder, right?"
Hua Yu Gongzi nodded; this was something he couldn't hide even if he wanted to.
"If you can guarantee Lin the Elder's safety, I can help you eliminate Arhat Hall," Ye Tian said. He had been holding the wine cup that Lu Ba had knocked over earlier and finally drank it all in one go, his eyes shining with intensity.
Everyone present noticed this change in Ye Tian and felt a shiver run through them; they knew that the moment of true decision had arrived.
Hua Yu Gongzi's mind raced, and in an instant, he made his choice. "It's a deal!"
At this point, the Arhat Hall Master could no longer be overly concerned about appearances. To put it bluntly, he was already like a beggar on the street and decisively said, "Young Master Ye, I believe there has been a misunderstanding between us. My disciple Hu Han has offended you due to his ignorance. I will strip him of his cultivation as an apology."
Upon hearing this, Hu Han turned pale; he never expected that his cleverness today would lead to his master’s wrath, stirring up a storm of power struggles in Southern Wilderness Town while also ruining his own cultivation…
But it was too late for regrets. The Arhat Hall Master remained still as an immense force suddenly surged forth. Before Hu Han could cry out for mercy, the overwhelming strength enveloped him.
With a series of cracking sounds, Hu Han nearly fainted.
Anyone with keen eyes could see that the Arhat Hall Master's move had directly shattered his disciple's bones. For a Martial Practitioner who trained their body, this was undoubtedly a catastrophic disaster.
Ye Tian smirked coldly; others might not notice, but as someone skilled in Jujutsu, he was well aware of human anatomy. Although Hu Han appeared to have shattered bones, with several years of rest and recovery, he could still continue training his body.
However, this was unimportant to Ye Tian. The Arhat Hall Master had already made concessions, which was exactly what Ye Tian wanted. As for Hu Han, someone like him was not worth Ye Tian's attention at all.
The Arhat Hall Master waited for Ye Tian's reaction. After a while of silence and seeing only Ye Tian's cold smile, he assumed that Ye Tian looked down on him for hiding his strength and reluctantly decided to escalate matters once more.
After all, given the situation, taking a step back is something that can be accepted and must be accepted.
"The Lin family has a vast influence, with eyes and ears spread throughout Southern Wilderness Town. If our benefactor leaves without anyone to escort him, it will be extremely difficult for him to do so safely." At this point, the Arhat Hall Master paused and continued, "How about this? We immediately attack the Lin family and directly help our benefactor reclaim what belongs to him."
Upon hearing this, Hua Yu Gongzi's usually calm expression finally changed dramatically. Lin Qingshan, on the other hand, looked at Ye Tian with excitement, hoping for his approval.
However, Ye Tian's response was once again unexpected. He suddenly burst into laughter, shaking the very walls with his mirth, and only after a long while did he stop. "What I dislike the most is being used as a pawn."
As soon as these words were spoken, the Arhat Hall Master's expression instantly darkened. Hua Yu Gongzi felt a heavy weight lift from his chest.
In just a brief conversation lasting no more than the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Ye Tian had completely turned the situation around. Hua Yu Gongzi and the Arhat Hall Master were led by him without any struggle.
The figures descending from the Mountain were indeed extraordinary!
This was the shared thought of everyone present; of course, another thought was that they must somehow bring him into their ranks. At the very least, they could not afford to be his enemies.
The room fell silent as over ten pairs of eyes fixed intently on Ye Tian, waiting for him to speak; this would determine the fate of both families.
Breath could be discerned, and even a pin drop could be heard...
Even Hu Han, whose face was twisted in pain, was momentarily stunned into forgetting his agony by this overwhelming pressure.
Finally, Ye Tian spoke again. However, he uttered another shocking statement.
"You need not worry about Elder Lin's safety; my Cloud Sea Sect will take care of it."
As soon as these words were spoken, the room erupted in an uproar. Hua Yu Gongzi and the Arhat Hall Master began speculating—could it be that Cloud Sea Sect intended to intervene in the power struggle over Southern Wilderness Town?
No wonder this young man dared to venture into such dangerous territory alone; now that they thought about it, it wasn't just his courage and strength that stood out—he also had a powerful backing to support him.
As for Cloud Sea Sect, within thousands of miles of Square Area, they were well-known and recognized by all. Establishing a relationship with them would ensure smooth sailing in future endeavors. Conversely, if they became enemies with them, the consequences would be dire.
The vast disparity in strength made the various factions tremble before the millennia-old behemoth known as the Cloud Sea Sect. With just a flick of its finger, even the combined forces of Arhat Hall and the Lin family would not withstand such power!
As circumstances changed, strategies naturally needed to be adjusted. Hua Yu Gongzi and the Arhat Hall Master both understood that at this moment, mere persuasion was futile; it was time for them to show their sincerity and compete with their resources.
"Young Master Ye, you have traveled a long way and endured much fatigue. I dare to invite you to rest at my humble abode," Hua Yu Gongzi said, standing upright and bowing respectfully, his previous flattery now replaced with genuine courtesy.
Hua Yu Gongzi seized the initiative, but the Arhat Hall Master was not one to fall behind. He slightly inclined his body and said, "I had a fortuitous encounter earlier and obtained a martial arts manual on the Vajra Arhat Battle Body. However, even to this day, I find it difficult to fully comprehend it. If Young Master Ye would not mind, I hope you can offer some guidance."
Upon hearing this, even Ye Tian was taken aback, thinking that this old fellow was truly investing heavily by trying to please him with the supreme martial arts of Arhat Hall.
Ye Tian turned to look at Lin Qingshan, who was gazing at him with sparkling eyes, as if to say, what are you waiting for? This is a golden opportunity.
Lin Qingshan's expression did not go unnoticed by Hua Yu Gongzi. Although he was not weak in strength, he was not the leader of the Lin family and had no decision-making power in many matters. However, weighing the pros and cons at this moment required him to be bold. He solemnly stated, "Senior Lin is indeed one of our Lin family members. The family head was overjoyed to hear of your return to Southern Wilderness Town and specifically sent me to welcome you. Moreover, the family head mentioned that on an auspicious day, you shall be reinstated as the leader of the Lin family!"
Boom...
Lin Qingshan felt his head spin; he could only think that happiness had come far too suddenly.
"As for Young Master Ye, since you are a close friend of Senior Lin, our Lin family will naturally extend the highest courtesy in hosting you. We may not have any chaotic Martial Arts of the Battle Body, but we possess countless rare treasures that could assist you in your martial cultivation."
"Hahaha." Ye Tian could not help but laugh; these two families were like clowns, perfectly embodying the term 'opportunistic.' Yet what Ye Tian despised most were those who wavered like reeds in the wind. If he did not take advantage of them today, it would be a disservice to himself.
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