The next instant, a thunderous boom rang out. Thick smoke billowed from the Red Robe Middle-aged Man, and astonishing spiritual power surged within it.
"My dantian!"
His anguished howl had barely left his mouth when a steel spike pierced his chest. With a clang, it pinned him to the bluestone pavement.
In an instant, the entire square fell silent. Even the strongmen and executioners who had been wailing moments ago shut their mouths.
The scene before them was simply too shocking. This was a mighty cultivator of the Calamity Tribulation Layer One, a figure as immortal as a god, yet here he was being handled with such crude disrespect.
"The Nine Star Flowing Fire Technique! You're the Guanglong Hall Master! Ah, he's Young Master Yiling!"
The burly middle-aged man standing to the left of the white-browed youth shouted sharply.
The white-browed youth's expression changed dramatically. The Brocade Robe Youth's brow furrowed as well.
"Which of you is the Hall Master of Ru Yi Hall? You destroyed my friends' homes and families. I, Xu Yi, cannot let that go unanswered."
Xu Yi stared at the three men upstairs. It was the first time he had spoken.
The Brocade Robe Youth laughed heartily and leaped down from the building. The white-browed youth and the burly middle-aged man followed close behind.
The Brocade Robe Youth cupped his fists toward Xu Yi. "I've long heard that Young Master Yiling is a genius of our age. Seeing you today, I find the reputation well deserved. The new dynasty has just been founded, and it's in urgent need of talent. This is a golden opportunity, Young Master Yiling. Don't let it pass you by."
Then he turned to the burly middle-aged man. "Hall Master Song, why haven't you apologized to Brother Yiling? You could've picked anyone's