Chapter 20

Lawless and Unrestrained only then noticed.

Among those present, aside from Confucian Immortal Gu Chen, Yu Sheng Mo, and the Little Master of the Academy—figures worth noting—

there was one who barely registered.

A youth quietly reading beneath a tree.

"You?!"

When Lawless and Unrestrained's gaze fell on the youth, their eyes flashed with astonishment.

It wasn't the surprise of encountering an expert.

But the shock of disbelief!

They hadn't expected to see him here, for the youth beneath the tree was none other than their Northern Que's Prince Consort, Jiang Mu Ming!

A youth who knew nothing of martial arts, spending his days only reading books!

"Why are you here?"

Lawless and Unrestrained first showed some curiosity.

Then, realization dawned.

They laughed. "I understand. You're the Western Chu Prince, come to seek Confucian Immortal Gu Chen's help."

"I never thought, after all these years in my Beyond Heaven,"

"you still harbored such schemes."

"But... do you think Confucian Immortal Gu Chen can protect you today?"

"Boy, you're the Western Chu Prince. Why not persuade the Immortal to return with us to Beyond Heaven? Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"

"You're our Northern Que's Prince Consort, husband to Lady Yue Yao."

"As long as you don't play the fool, we'll never make trouble for you."

"How about it?"

To Lawless and Unrestrained, the matter was simple.

Jiang Mu Ming simply didn't want to remain under Northern Que's control, seeking Confucian Immortal's power

to plot his kingdom's restoration.

But now, the Confucian Immortal was but a dying remnant—how could he shield him?

Better to return to Northern Que and be a mascot Prince Consort.

"Wrong, wrong, wrong."

Jiang Mu Ming stepped forward, book in hand, held behind his back.

He shook his head. "You two are utterly mistaken."

"First, you're not fit to even polish the Confucian Immortal's shoes. Second, I, Jiang Mu Ming, need no one's protection."

"Because..."

He took a step, and a fierce wind swept around him, stirring fallen blossoms into the air.

"I am the greatest backing in this world!"

Those in the Profound Spirit Realm were few enough to count on one hand, and he was among them.

Coupled with Talent Infusion, he possessed Confucian cultivation rivaling the Profound Spirit Realm.

In all the world, only one could match him—the Number One Under Heaven who had lived one hundred and eighty years, the Academy's Li Changsheng!

"Arrogant!"

Lawless and Unrestrained sneered coldly. "How old are you? At best, you've picked up some superficial skills."

"How dare you act so insolent before us!"

Even the much-lauded Eight Princes of Northern Li, before Lawless and Unrestrained, were merely slightly larger ants.

And how many youths in this world could rival the Eight Princes of Northern Li?

In the distance, Xiao Ruo Feng cast a worried glance at Jiang Mu Ming.

This unknown youth now faced seasoned experts from Beyond Heaven, famed for years.

The surging tide of demonic aura was proof of their might!

How could a mere youth stand against such a powerful foe? Just moments ago, the gap between him and Confucian Immortal Gu Chen was like the distance between clouds and mud.

"You seem worried about him?"

Confucian Immortal Gu Chen seemed to read Xiao Ruo Feng's thoughts.

He gave a faint smile.

"Rest assured. The world always produces youths so monstrous they seem born with innate knowledge."

"Decades ago, I once saw one."

"And the one standing before you now is another."

"No—even that one pales in comparison to him..."

The one Confucian Immortal Gu Chen referred to was Mo Yi, who had already reached the Profound Spirit Realm.

Yu Sheng Mo also cast a curious glance.

She wanted to see just how terrifying Jiang Mu Ming's strength would become after breaking into the Profound Spirit Realm.

"With fallen petals filling the courtyard, I'll sheathe my sword today—no need to spoil the scenery."

Jiang Mu Ming stepped forward slowly.

Lawless and Unrestrained burst into laughter.

The plumper one, Fat Monk-like Monster, sneered, "Kid, no sword? You planning to talk us to death with that mouth of yours?"

Green-faced Yama dismissed Jiang Mu Ming with utter contempt.

"A scholar is good for nothing. Since you won't return to Northern Que, then die!"