Crushing Flowers with a Ruthless Hand (Part One)

Internal strife is forbidden in the Sect. Even in the Demonic Sect like the Asura Sect, which is based on combat, the official rules Restriction Barrier disciples from killing each other.

Now, Myriad Flowers Elder has brought the body of one of her disciples, stating that it was Zhuge Xiang who killed him, and requesting Sect Master Luo Ba to uphold justice.

Under the watchful eyes of many, and even representatives from other forces, they have all come here. If it really was Zhuge Xiang who killed him, then even Luo Ba, as the Sect Master, would not be able to protect him. This is Myriad Flowers Elder's scheme, simple yet very effective.

Looking at the corpses of the disciples brought by Myriad Flowers Elder, a hint of displeasure flashed deep in Luo Ba's eyes.

Luo Ba, who was able to become the Sect Master of the Asura Sect, was certainly not a fool. How could he not know that this was Myriad Flowers Elder's revenge against Zhuge Xiang, and that the current situation was putting pressure on him, forcing him to set an example?

"Myriad Flowers Elder is right. Asura Sect Disciples are forbidden from killing each other, and even though Zhuge Xiang is my disciple, he is no exception," Luo Ba said calmly.

As she spoke, she turned to Zhuge Xiang and asked, "Zhuge Xiang, let me ask you, is what Myriad Flowers Elder said true? Did you really slaughter our disciples?"

"Master, please understand, I have been wronged," Zhuge Xiang replied without changing his expression.

"Myriad Flowers Elder, I, the Sect Master, am also grieved by the death of your disciple. However, you and Zhuge Xiang each have your own version of events, which puts me in a difficult position. You say that Zhuge Xiang killed this disciple, but do you have Evidence?" Luo Ba was not surprised at all by Zhuge Xiang's answer. All he needed was for Zhuge Xiang to make a statement.

"Reporting to the Sect Master, my disciple said that Zhuge Xiang wanted to kill him. Since I didn't take it seriously, I naturally didn't suspect Zhuge Xiang. Even if he really died, I didn't suspect Zhuge Xiang. However, I've come here today to seek justice because my disciple held a crucial piece of Evidence tightly in his hand before he died. That's why I'm certain that Zhuge Xiang was the one who poisoned him."

As they were speaking, Myriad Flowers Elder took out Zhuge Xiang's Identity Jade Token and presented it to Luo Ba with both hands.

Other forces, witnessing the internal strife within the Asura Sect, remained silent, observing quietly. Regardless of whether Zhuge Xiang had truly killed any Asura Sect Disciple, in the eyes of these forces, the feud between Zhuge Xiang and the elders of the Asura Sect presented an opportunity for others to clearly see Zhuge Xiang's strength.

In the Cultivation World, what is the best way to handle problems? Strength! No matter how nice things sound on the surface, in the end, it's strength that decides everything.

"Zhuge Xiang, do you have an explanation?" Luo Ba frowned slightly, took Zhuge Xiang's Identity Jade Token, looked at it, and then tossed the Identity Jade Token back into Zhuge Xiang's hand, asking.

"This Identity Jade Token was abandoned in the Inner Sect when I was being hunted down by Myriad Flowers Elder back then. Besides, it's too far-fetched to accuse me of murdering my fellow disciples just because of an Identity Jade Token. I even suspect that Myriad Flowers Elder is holding a grudge because I destroyed his physical body and wants to slander me," Zhuge Xiang said calmly as he took the Identity Jade Token and put it in his pocket.

That makes sense!

Zhuge Xiang's words resonated with many, who nodded in agreement. Indeed, while an Identity Jade Token could not clear Zhuge Xiang of suspicion, it would be far-fetched to convict him based solely on such an Identity Jade Token.

Furthermore, Zhuge Xiang's words also make sense. Back then, Myriad Flowers Elder's Physical Body was destroyed by Zhuge Xiang, which was a world-shaking event. Therefore, it is very possible that Myriad Flowers Elder held a grudge and had the motive of slandering Zhuge Xiang.

"You're spouting nonsense! I am an elder of the Asura Sect, how could I stoop to the level of a disciple like you?" Zhuge Xiang's words enraged Myriad Flowers Elder, who shouted furiously.

Was it out of embarrassment and anger? Or because of a guilty conscience? Or perhaps because she felt her dignity as Void Returning Stage expert had been challenged? Whatever the reason, it was clear that Myriad Flowers Elder was extremely angry.

"Disciple? Elder, don't forget, once my Futuo Mountain is fully ascended, I will also be an elder of the Asura Sect!" Zhuge Xiang said calmly, raising his eyes slightly.

Myriad Flowers Elder? A Void Returning Stage cultivator? Not bad. If it were before, Zhuge Xiang would indeed have to look up to him, but now? Zhuge Xiang believes that his strength is no less than that of Void Returning Stage.

"Zhuge Xiang!" The rage in his eyes was almost tangible. Although his face was obscured by his black robes, the Myriad Flowers Elder spoke with a frenzied and chilling killing intent, "Not only did you kill my disciple, but you also have a blood feud with me for destroying my physical body. Today, you have insulted my dignity. I will fight you to the death!"

"Sect Master!" After roaring, Myriad Flowers Elder turned to Luo Ba and said, "I am willing to Duel with Zhuge Xiang. My life or death is up to fate. I beg the Sect Master to grant my request!"

Myriad Flowers Elder had no intention of using the hatred over the murder of his disciple to get the Sect Master to punish Zhuge Xiang. Myriad Flowers Elder was simply looking for an excuse, an excuse to deal with Zhuge Xiang himself and kill him.

Now, Myriad Flowers Elder's reasons are sufficient. Even as the Sect Master, it would be difficult to refuse this Duel, since the Asura Sect is a world-renowned Sect whose purpose is combat.

Upon hearing Myriad Flowers Elder's request, Luo Ba frowned slightly and said, "Today's occasion is somewhat special, and there are many outsiders present. Is it inappropriate?"

"Myriad Flowers Elder, you slandered me in front of everyone for killing his disciple, and even caused trouble at my Floating Mountain Ascension Ceremony. Master, I also request a fair fight with Myriad Flowers Elder. Life and death are in our hands!" As Luo Ba finished speaking, Zhuge Xiang spoke up, also taking the initiative to express his willingness to Duel.

Today, Zhuge Xiang also wants to kill Myriad Flowers Elder. On the one hand, Myriad Flowers Elder is a potential threat to Zhuge Xiang. He is hiding in the shadows, and Zhuge Xiang has to be wary of when he might plot against him and make a move in secret.

On the other hand, he was only at the early stage of the Golden Core Stage, yet he possessed a Floating Mountain. Many people doubted his strength. Now, under the watchful eyes of everyone, he wanted to prove himself and let people know that he was worthy of owning his own Floating Mountain!

The Asura Sect is one of the Nine Great Sects of the Great Qin Empire. Its cultivation principle is to fight like crazy, to sustain itself through battle, and to possess an indomitable Battle Will. Even after death, one should transform into Asura and continue one's path of conquest. Therefore, in the Asura Sect, battle is the highest and most sacred thing.

Although the timing is indeed inappropriate, both Myriad Flowers Elder and Zhuge Xiang, the two parties involved, have made this request and are willing to Duel. Even as the Sect Master, Luo Ba cannot refuse.

Besides, Luo Ba never intended to actually stop him; his obstruction was merely for show. Luo Ba had a general impression of Zhuge Xiang's strength when he helped him refine the Futuo Mountain. As for his specific strength, Luo Ba wanted to see more closely just how powerful his mysterious and incredible disciple really was.

"Alright, since both of you have made this request, then I will not stop you. Life and death are in the hands of fate." After glancing at Zhuge Xiang and Myriad Flowers Elder and pondering for a moment, Luo Ba nodded and agreed to their request to fight.

Luo Ba readily agreed, and surprisingly, Zhuge Xiang also volunteered for the battle? The two men's attitudes made Myriad Flowers Elder's heart skip a beat, followed by a feeling of unease.

Zhuge Xiang was only at the Golden Core Stage, while I had already reached the Void Returning Stage. The two were separated by a whole Major Realm, a difference as vast as heaven and earth.

Zhuge Xiang had fought him before and should have a deep understanding of his strength, so why did he dare to fight him again today? And why was it a fight to the death?

As the Sect Master of the Asura Sect, Luo Ba should know the power of those at the Void Returning Stage, yet he readily agreed? Could it be that he doesn't care about Zhuge Xiang's life or death?

That's impossible. If they didn't care, why would they give him a Floating Mountain, accept him as their personal disciple, and even hold such a grand event for him?

Both Zhuge Xiang and Luo Ba were very confident, but their confidence intimidated Myriad Flowers Elder, who secretly felt uneasy.

Could it be that Zhuge Xiang possesses some special means or an incredibly powerful treasure, enabling him to challenge and fight against someone at the Void Returning Stage?

"Myriad Flowers Elder, the time has finally come to settle the score between us."

Regardless of Myriad Flowers Elder's inner grumbling, as Luo Ba spoke, Zhuge Xiang flipped his hand, Slaying Luo Sword appeared in his palm.

A weapon of the Lingbao level surpasses even Treasure Artifact. It seems to be able to sense the battle with Void Returning Stage expert. The Slaying Luo Sword trembled with excitement, just like Zhuge Xiang, who was fearless and fearless of any expert.

"Hmph, I don't know where your confidence comes from, but today, you are doomed to die..."

With a flick of his wrist, a jet-black Lingbao sword appeared in his hand. Myriad Flowers Elder composed himself and said in a cold voice.

Although it was unclear why Zhuge Xiang was so confident, Myriad Flowers Elder believed that a difference of one Major Realm was not something Zhuge Xiang could easily overcome.

Furthermore, although his cultivation level didn't improve much after transforming into Ghost Cultivator, the Ghost Sword Art he practiced made him stronger in combat than he was before his physical body was destroyed.

A chilling aura emanated from Myriad Flowers Elder. Dressed in a black robe and wielding a jet-black sword, Myriad Flowers Elder's power as Void Returning Stage expert was condensed and compressed into a soaring sword Sword Intent. The chilling Sword Intent gave the impression that it could even cleave the sky.

"A sword?" Zhuge Xiang was slightly taken aback. He had fought with Myriad Flowers Elder before, but today, he saw Myriad Flowers Elder take out a sword, as if he had transformed into Sword Cultivator.

However, this did not affect Zhuge Xiang's determination to kill him. An equally powerful and unstoppable Sword Intent erupted from Zhuge Xiang's body... (To be continued...)