Forceful Entry

(The ending of the previous chapter was slightly revised.)

When they saw Mu Zi and Lin Dong walking over, everyone from the Shen Tu Family had surprise flash through their eyes.

The elder named Shen Tu Tao's expression stirred slightly, and he turned to look at the two of them.

"Is there something you need, young friends?"

With the Shen Tu Family's strength and status, ordinary people who came over would not receive much attention at all. But the two young people before them possessed cultivation at the Life Profound Realm, which already counted as quite outstanding in the Heavenly Wind Sea Region. Because of that, the Shen Tu Family took them somewhat seriously.

"We came to discuss a transaction."

Mu Zi looked at the members of the Shen Tu Family. Without any preamble, she stated her purpose directly.

She did not want to obtain a quota to enter the Primordial Tower as outside aid, as in the original work.

On one hand, that was because taking part in a contest among the younger generation was far too boring. More importantly, they needed more than one quota.

Each time the Primordial Tower opened, only three people could enter. If she directly asked for two quotas, the other side would likely find it very difficult to agree.

After all, in the original work, even Lin Dong's single quota had made them raise hell.

Thus, Mu Zi chose another method to obtain the qualifications to enter the Primordial Tower.

"A transaction?" A trace of astonishment flashed through Shen Tu Tao's eyes. Clearly, the two of them had come for a reason somewhat beyond his expectations.

"What do you want?"

Meeting the gazes of everyone from the Shen Tu Family, Lin Dong smiled faintly, a friendly expression appearing on his face.

"Nothing much. We heard the Primordial Aura is quite effective, so we want to go in and soak for a while!"

"This..."

When everyone from the Shen Tu Family heard this, they could not help looking at one another, astonishment in their eyes.

The chance to enter the Primordial Tower to cultivate was extremely precious even to members of the Shen Tu Family. Yet these two had come and immediately made such a request.

Some of the juniors felt even more dissatisfied at this moment. The three chances to enter the tower that the Shen Tu Family had just obtained this year belonged to them. If those two were allowed inside, would that not be stealing their quotas?

Unlike those youngsters, older-generation figures like Shen Tu Tao were currently focused on Mu Zi and Lin Dong. They were also curious what kind of bargaining chip the other party would take out for this transaction.

Buzz!

While everyone from the Shen Tu Family wore different expressions, Mu Zi gently waved her jade-like hand. Two balls of light appeared, and as the glow slowly faded, they turned into a long spear and a dagger.

"Two Pure Yuan Spiritual Treasures in exchange for two tower entry quotas. That shouldn't be a problem, right?"

The long spear and dagger were Pure Yuan Spiritual Treasures that Mu Zi had casually refined. They were only low-grade and could not be considered too precious, but with her artifact-refining attainments, these two spiritual treasures still counted as fine products. Each one would not be worth less than thirty million Profound Essence Pills.

Two fine Pure Yuan Treasures in exchange merely for two quotas to enter the Primordial Tower was a complete premium. To the Shen Tu Family, it was simply a blood profit. They should have no reason to refuse.

These two Pure Yuan Spiritual Treasures were the tickets for Mu Zi and Lin Dong to enter the tower.

"Gulp!"

Seeing the long spear and dagger that emanated powerful fluctuations, everyone from the Shen Tu Family widened their eyes and fiercely swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

Those were Pure Yuan Spiritual Treasures. Even the entire Shen Tu Family did not have many of them, and they were all in the hands of the family's powerful experts. Ordinary clansmen found it very difficult to even see one. But now, treasures of this level had appeared before their eyes just like this, as if within easy reach. It made their hearts grow restless, and greed began to emerge.

Boom!

Just then, a powerful Yuan Power fluctuation appeared, causing those people to snap awake.

"Life Profound Realm Completion!"

Everyone from the Shen Tu Family cried out in alarm, looking at the figure in the purple dress as shock flashed through their eyes.

That woman, who looked so young, actually possessed the strength of Life Profound Realm Completion!

In the Heavenly Wind Sea Region, being able to reach Half-Step Life Profound already counted as being a genius. Even among top factions like the Five Great Families, the strongest members of the younger generation were mostly at Life Profound Realm Minor Accomplishment. Strength at Life Profound Realm Completion was something only the older generation could possess.

"How is that possible!"

From the moment Mu Zi and Lin Dong appeared, Shen Tu Rong, who had maintained an ignoring attitude the entire time, finally could no longer maintain that inexplicable arrogance in her heart. She stared at the purple-dressed woman radiating such a powerful aura, her eyes filled with disbelieving panic. Even her gorgeous, pretty face became twisted.

Shen Tu Jue's formidable strength had always been her pride. In Shen Tu Rong's heart, she held an unreasonable blind confidence in him, and the Shen Tu Jue in her eyes naturally had an invincible, towering image.

Even the leading figures of the two great cave heavens were not regarded too seriously. In Shen Tu Rong's view, they merely relied on the foundations of Samsara Stage factions behind them, which was why they could contend with big brother Shen Tu. If Shen Tu Jue were given the same conditions, he would definitely be able to easily trample every genius beneath his feet!

However, this arrogant and ignorant fictional fantasy immediately became shaky after Mu Zi revealed her strength, so fragile that it seemed it could shatter at any moment.

That woman looked so young, probably not even twenty. At such an age, reaching Life Profound Realm Minor Accomplishment would have been one thing, but how could she possibly be a Great Perfection expert? Even big brother Shen Tu had only cultivated to the Life Profound Realm Great Accomplishment at around thirty years old.

No matter how much confidence she had in Shen Tu Jue, she did not dare claim he could defeat someone at Life Profound Realm Completion. After all, he had once challenged an elder within the clan as well, only to end in defeat.

"That's right, she must be from one of those great factions!"

Shen Tu Rong emphasized this quietly in her heart, as if searching for a false comfort. That purple-dressed woman must be the same as Tang Xinlian and the others, backed by a powerful faction. That was the only reason she could surpass big brother Shen Tu.

At the same time, Shen Tu Tao sensed Mu Zi's vast Yuan Power, and a trace of understanding flashed through his eyes.

"So she concealed her strength."

No wonder the other party's attitude had been so calm. It turned out she had strength as her confidence.

Shen Tu Tao exchanged a glance with another elder, and both saw shock in each other's eyes. The two of them were also at Life Profound Realm Completion, yet that young person's cultivation was not the slightest bit weaker than theirs.

"Hehe, you two young friends should not be people of the Heavenly Wind Sea Region, correct?" The two old men exchanged a glance, then Shen Tu Tao smiled and opened his mouth to probe.

"We came here for experience."

Mu Zi glanced at Shen Tu Tao and did not pay him much attention. She answered casually, then immediately held the two spiritual treasures up in the air and said indifferently:

"Does the Shen Tu Family agree to this transaction?"

Shen Tu Tao fell silent when he heard this. He raised his gaze slightly, looking at the two streaks of light above that slender jade-like palm, and even his heart could not help stirring.

There was no need to say much about the power of Pure Yuan Spiritual Treasures. If he could possess one Pure Yuan Spiritual Treasure, he would have the strength to contend against experts who had touched the Death Profound Realm.

Of course, Shen Tu Tao was also clear that after the transaction, that spiritual treasure most likely would not belong to him.

Under Mu Zi's gaze, the two old men at Life Profound Realm Completion discussed for a while, then made their decision.

"Since Your Excellency has even taken out Pure Yuan Spiritual Treasures, it truly leaves one unable to refuse, hehe. These Primordial Tower quotas shall be given to—"

"No!"

However, just as Shen Tu Tao wore a smile and was about to agree to this transaction, an aged voice came from a tower outside the square. Then space rippled slightly, and a gray shadow swept down from the tower. In a blur, it appeared before the Shen Tu Family's seats, using those somewhat cloudy eyes to stare at Shen Tu Tao.

"These terms cannot be agreed to!"

The Gray-Robed Old Man who appeared faintly emanated a deathly aura. Clearly, Death Qi had already been born Within His Body.

"Greetings, elder!" Seeing the Gray-Robed Old Man appear, everyone from the Shen Tu Family immediately bowed to him, their attitude somewhat respectful.

After a simple greeting, Shen Tu Tao frowned slightly and asked in a somewhat puzzled tone, "Elder, what is this?"

The Gray-Robed Old Man's face was indifferent and showed little expression, as though he had kept it stern all year round.

"The Primordial Tower belongs to the Five Great Families. Outsiders cannot enter. This rule was jointly set by the five families, and the Shen Tu Family cannot violate it."

Seeing this, Shen Tu Tao clenched his hand slightly and sighed inwardly.

What the Gray-Robed Old Man said was not false. Back when the five families discovered the Primordial Tower, they had indeed established this rule. But in recent years, the binding force of this rule had gradually lessened. Even if outsiders entered the Primordial Tower, everyone merely turned a blind eye.

However, this elder stationed on Martial Gathering Island was an extremely rigid person. He treated all kinds of rules with absolute strictness and would not allow clan members to break them. At this moment, seeing that the Shen Tu Family wanted to trade the tower entry quotas to outsiders, he naturally would not remain unmoved.

"Elder, using two quotas to exchange for Pure Yuan Spiritual Treasures—is that still not worth making an exception for?"

Shen Tu Tao and the other Great Perfection expert argued according to reason, trying to make the Gray-Robed Old Man change his mind. For such a massively profitable transaction, why shut the other party out because of a minor rule?

Facing the two men's arguments, the Gray-Robed Old Man remained unmoved. He watched them expressionlessly, the stiff skin of his face twitching slightly.

"The Primordial Tower is the foundation on which the Five Great Families stand. If outsiders are allowed in, and if something goes wrong with the Primordial Tower, can you bear the responsibility?"

Facing the Gray-Robed Old Man's questioning, the corner of Shen Tu Tao's eye twitched slightly, and he felt rather speechless.

Indeed, the five families had established this rule back then precisely to prevent the Primordial Tower from being damaged by outsiders. But after so many years, they had also discovered that this worry was completely unnecessary. The Primordial Tower was not something that would have problems so easily.

Mu Zi and Lin Dong were merely at the Life Profound Realm. It would be harmless for them to enter. Could they possibly have the ability to damage the Primordial Tower?

"Elder."

Shen Tu Tao fell silent for a moment, then opened his mouth, wanting to persuade him, but he was interrupted by the Gray-Robed Old Man.

"There is no need for you to say more. As long as I am here, I will not allow outsiders to enter the tower."

"Sigh..."

Seeing the Gray-Robed Old Man's unquestionable attitude, Shen Tu Tao sighed and felt a wave of regret.

The old man before them had truly stepped into the Death Profound Realm and was one of the Shen Tu Family's Pillars. His status was extremely high, and he was also the strongest person currently stationed by the Shen Tu Family on Martial Gathering Island, possessing absolute say. As long as he did not relent, this transaction likely could not continue.

Seeing everyone from the Shen Tu Family fall silent, Mu Zi frowned slightly. Immediately, her gaze turned to the expressionless Gray-Robed Old Man at the side, and her eyes narrowed slightly.

The transaction had originally been about to go through smoothly, but that old fellow had suddenly appeared and stuck his hand in, causing some twists.

Mu Zi did not feel too much fluctuation. She was definitely entering the tower today. A Death Profound Realm Minor Completion expert still could not create any obstruction for her. If it could not be resolved peacefully, she did not reject using force.

Just as the atmosphere began to change somewhat, Shen Tu Jue, who had been silent at the side, suddenly spoke.

"Elder, if they join the Shen Tu Family, they shouldn't count as outsiders, right?" As Shen Tu Jue spoke, his gaze seemed to drift toward Mu Zi, whether intentionally or not.

Shen Tu Tao was stunned for a moment. Then he looked at Shen Tu Jue obscurely, revealing a meaningful expression.

This kid Shen Tu Jue actually knew how to be moved by a woman? He had thought the boy was an iron lump who only knew how to cultivate.

"Hehe... that is indeed a method. If they join the Shen Tu Family and become guest elders, they will be our own people. Entering the Primordial Tower would not count as breaking the rules."

Shen Tu Tao stroked his beard and looked smilingly at the Gray-Robed Old Man at the side. At this moment, the latter remained silent and did not seem opposed. As long as it conformed to the rules, he would no longer block them.

Seeing the smile on Shen Tu Tao's face, Mu Zi could not help feeling somewhat speechless. It was only entering the Primordial Tower once, yet they wanted them to stay in the Shen Tu Family.

"Sorry, we have no interest in joining the Shen Tu Family," Mu Zi said indifferently.

At this moment, Shen Tu Jue's gaze turned over and landed on Mu Zi. Then he spoke.

"The Shen Tu Family's guest elders will not have their freedom restricted. You may as well consider it." Although Shen Tu Jue was speaking to both of them, his main target was clearly the purple-dressed girl. As for the boy beside her, he was merely incidental.

After Shen Tu Jue said this, the others also saw through his thoughts.

Lin Dong stared at Shen Tu Jue, his eyes narrowing slightly. That guy had actually set his sights on Mu Zi! Turning to look at Mu Zi, he indeed saw her frown.

Meanwhile, Shen Tu Rong at the side immediately widened her eyes, her gorgeous face filled with disbelief.

Earlier, after using her method of spiritual victory, Shen Tu Rong had finally felt a little relieved. However, when she saw Shen Tu Jue's reaction, the balance she had just built instantly became precarious again.

At this moment, the emotion in Shen Tu Jue's eyes was something that had never appeared before. It was a faint admiration, as well as amazed appreciation, and adoration...

"Big brother Shen Tu."

After spending many years together, Shen Tu Rong had never seen the man before her react like this. At this moment, a violent fluctuation suddenly surged in her heart.

In her heart, Shen Tu Jue's position was extremely high, like an idol she worshiped. Now that she saw he actually admired a woman so much, Shen Tu Rong found it somewhat impossible to accept.

With her emotions fluctuating, Shen Tu Rong looked toward Mu Zi. Seeing her peerlessly beautiful figure and transcendent temperament, she tightly clenched her hand.

Her gaze moved downward and landed on those bare lotus feet, not covered by the slightest thread. Shen Tu Rong could not help spitting softly.

Shameless seductress. She actually dared seduce big brother Shen Tu!

"Hehe, Shen Tu Jue is right. You two can consider taking a nominal guest elder position in the Shen Tu Family. With Your Excellency's strength, the Primordial Tower quotas for the next few years will also be yours..."

Shen Tu Tao opened his mouth with a chuckle and echoed along. Such a genius—if she could be connected to the Shen Tu Family in some way, even if only in name, that would be excellent.

Seeing that the Shen Tu Family still had this attitude, Mu Zi finally lost patience.

The Primordial Tower was not the property of the Five Great Families. It had merely been forcibly occupied by them. They did not have much right to use it to collect benefits.

With Mu Zi's strength, even if she forced her way in, the forces on Martial Gathering Island simply could not stop her. Proposing a transaction, and an overpriced one at that, was already reasonable enough of her!

And now, it was one thing for the Shen Tu Family to disagree to the transaction, but they even brought out rules and wanted her to be some guest elder. Were they thinking a little too highly of themselves? Did they really think she was begging the Shen Tu Family to enter the Primordial Tower?

"Looks like there's nothing to talk about..."

Mu Zi lowered her eyes slightly and waved her hand to put away the two spiritual treasures. Since the other party was so unwilling to give face, she would no longer be polite either.

Today, she would enter the tower, and the Pure Yuan Spiritual Treasures would not be given!

At this moment, seeing Mu Zi's "looking down on everyone" attitude, Shen Tu Rong, who had long been filled with opinions toward her, finally could not hold back the eruption of emotions in her heart.

"It's just a nominal position. How does that get in your way?"

Seductress. It was bad enough that she had stolen big brother Shen Tu's heart, but she actually dared refuse! What right did she have?

At this moment, Shen Tu Rong had long lost her reason. The emotions in her heart made her completely unreasonable. She stared fixedly at Mu Zi, her expression already twisted.

Lin Dong, who was at the side, noticed Shen Tu Rong's gaze, and his expression immediately sank. His eyes swept over everyone, his tone very cold.

"Is this how the Shen Tu Family disciplines its disciples?"

As his words fell, Lin Dong's figure turned into an afterimage and instantly vanished from where he stood, rushing violently toward Shen Tu Rong.

"You!"

Seeing this, Shen Tu Jue was also startled. Without much hesitation, he blocked Lin Dong's path. Yuan Power at Life Profound Realm Great Accomplishment compressed and gathered, and his two fingers were like daggers sharpened to the extreme as they stabbed straight toward Lin Dong.

"Scram!"

Lin Dong's eyes turned cold. Twenty Azure Dragon Light Markings coiled around his arm, and majestic green light surged. Then he threw a punch.

Bang!

The green dragon light fist came second but arrived first, landing heavily on Shen Tu Jue's chest. Everyone watched in horror as Shen Tu Jue's figure instantly shot backward like a rag doll, falling toward the rear.

After Lin Dong shattered Shen Tu Jue with one punch, he immediately appeared before Shen Tu Rong. Then, under her widened stare, he swung up his palm and slapped it fiercely onto Shen Tu Rong's face.

Smack!

A crisp, muffled sound caused everyone to freeze. They saw Shen Tu Rong collapse to the ground, her body twisted as she painfully clutched her face and let out shrill wails.

"Ah!!"

The howl was muffled and unclear. One could faintly see that Shen Tu Rong's gorgeous face was already no longer human-shaped, looking like a malicious ghost. It was a shocking sight.

"You dare!" "What nerve!" "Insolent!" ...

Lin Dong's sudden attack instantly broke the calm. One expert after another from the Shen Tu Family suppressed the shock in their hearts and all shouted furiously, charging toward Lin Dong like whirlwinds to surround him.

"Hmph!"

Seeing this, Mu Zi gave a cold snort. Her Martial Path Artistic Conception merged into her aura, and vast pressure swept out, instantly enveloping everyone from the Shen Tu Family.

At this moment, all those who had attacked could not lift their heads under Mu Zi's terrifying oppression. They looked at that purple figure, their eyes all surging with deep horror.