Capturing Pei Li Alive / A First Flirtation with the Cold Man

Now he has three trump cards, one after another: the Ancient King Armor Robe, the Time-Space Liquid, God Ascension State. He should be able to save the Mermaid Monarch's life.

Ring~ A soft voice came from the Mermaid maiden within the Contract Space.

Upon hearing this, Lu Jun decisively unleashed his PUA technique, saying, "Oh dear, the root of the problem lies with your clan. You should focus on your cultivation, ascend to the Emperor, and you'll easily protect your clan and your mother."

Ring! The Mermaid maiden nodded firmly and began meditating to absorb the power of the sun, moon, and stars to improve her cultivation.

He nodded in satisfaction. Although this effort was a drop in the ocean given the long growth cycle of Demon Beast, he was able to collect a large amount of resources. Without a strong will to become stronger, no matter how much he invested, it would be in vain.

Take Old Wolf, for example. Without a firm will, how could he possibly rise to the ranks of general, commander, or monarch?

When Lu Jun returned, the Nationalist government officials had already composed themselves and set off for Mexico to obtain the Nationalist government badge, before heading to the United States.

On the way, Ai Jiangtu said in a heavy tone, "The United States is a superpower with an extremely high level of magic. Its National Pavilion has never been defeated, and no one has been able to obtain a badge from it."

Zhao Manyan exclaimed in surprise, "Never lost even once?"

Even Mo Fan frowned. In China, only he and Mu Ningxue were undefeated when they were the guardians of the National Palace, and that was only with the British Team being lenient. Normally, the difficulty of obtaining the badge was at most medium to high compared to other countries.

In other words, most of the members of the United States embassy guard team are high-level cultivators, making their second team comparable to the main teams of other powerful nations?

"Yes," Ai Jiangtu hesitated, "So I'm considering whether we should strategically abandon this badge. Perhaps we can force our way through, but it would undoubtedly expose a lot of our information."

Jiang Shaoxu seemed to understand something, and thought it made sense. She then looked at Lu Jun and asked, "Captain, what do you think?"

Lu Jun remained calm, sensing the gazes of the crowd, and said indifferently, "If our goal is to win the championship, I don't think we should give up on a mere defending team. Let Mo Fan go; he can handle it alone. Anyway, Mo Fan has been going all out these past few days, and the intelligence has probably all been leaked."

Mo Fan scoffed, "Fine, I'd like to test the United States' strength."

If the National Team can sweep through the National Pavilion and reach the top 32, it will greatly boost morale.

With the Nationalist government now halfway through its term, the China Team has consistently ranked first in the number of badges they have earned, never failing to achieve this feat. This is why the Chinese public considers them the most promising team in the current election.

Anyway, with Lu Jun as the backup, let's go all in.

Upon arriving in New York, the group immediately headed to the Freedom Temple. From the harbor viewpoint, they witnessed a visually stunning statue of a goddess rising from the ground, standing tall by the sea. The holy blue and golden light emanating from her body inspired awe and reverence.

The art of the statues is beyond imagination; it makes one feel as if the ancient Greek goddess is standing here, looking down on her people under the light of her freedom with her kind, serene, and peaceful gaze!

The United States National Pavilion is located next to the Freedom Temple, and this Magic Association holds the top position among the five state-level Magic Association. It is completely controlled by the United States and treats North and South America as its own backyard.

In contrast, Kyushu's ability to effectively control the Dubai Magic Association, at best, is to use the Adjudication Court to sideline the few Magic Association under the Dubai Association. The difference is obvious.

As soon as Lu Jun and his group arrived in New York, the Temple Mage Aoluna, whom they had met once before, took the initiative to invite them into the magnificent statue of the goddess.

Indeed, the Statue of Liberty is an incredibly massive building, similar to a Japanese Shuangshou Pavilion), with numerous functions inside, including the headquarters of the Freedom Temple Association.

However, while the National Team members went inside, Lu Jun didn't follow. As usual, he summoned the Night Thunder Dream Beast and tossed it to the National Team to serve as their mascot for the grand finale.

He quickly reverted to being a hands-off manager, unfortunately using the same excuse: he had other things to do.

Lu Jun vividly remembers that time in New York when Leng Jue, one of the seven Cardinal, came to the Freedom Temple to cause trouble. Using Pei Li, the executioner of the Black Vatican, as a pretext to kill Mo Fan, he stole the temple's most precious treasure, the [Triangular Dimensional Mirror].

This is the supreme Magic Tool of Dimensional Magic, possessing immense power, yet Leng Jue used it to create disaster.

The opponent reflected the Pharaoh Pyramid on the grasslands of Kyushu, revealing an Undead Empire led by an Emperor invading the Northern Plains.

Lu Jun intends to sabotage Leng Jue's operation.

Firstly, he couldn't stand this behavior; secondly, Pharaoh was one of the three King of Hell, an insurmountable enemy on his path, and it was unwise to encounter him prematurely; and thirdly, it was all for the [Triangular Dimensional Mirror].

His cultivation had reached its peak at the high level, and he wanted to continue to grow stronger; Magic Tool might be a viable option.

Lu Jun didn't have a single decent Magic Tool on him; the only decent thing was the Mysterious Snake Armor.

To be honest, with his mastery of all six elements, he doesn't care about ordinary Magic Tool. They're not only useless, but they also quickly fall behind his strength.

Only a treasure like the Triangular Dimensional Mirror, used like Totem Vessel, was used all the way up to the point of being cursed.

What Lu Jun was worried about was that he was no match for Leng Jue and his group. He had only managed to kill Salang by cleverly taking advantage of the situation and reporting the Ancient Capital Magic Association.

Now, should we report him to the Freedom Temple? How could they possibly believe Lu Jun? He's from a foreign land, not of their kind; it might alert them.

Besides, he was still waiting for Leng Jue to steal the Triangular Dimensional Mirror.

Lu Jun could only try to see what would happen, hiding his identity and launching a sneak attack. If his strength was insufficient, he could mark the target with a faith mark or a time mark, plant an eye to locate it, and then come back to kill it when his cultivation had greatly improved.

Even if he were considering his own interests, he would never allow Leng Jue to successfully summon Pharaoh.

"That's a bit risky. Leng Jue must have several Super Rank experts protecting him, and he must have a lot of forbidden techniques and trump cards up his sleeve."

Chapter 354 Capturing Pei Li

Lu Jun's Mind Element continuously gleaned memories, finally pinpointing the best time to act: New York Airport.

A few days later, Cardinal Leng Jue will calmly board the plane and leave after obtaining the Triangular Dimensional Mirror. At that time, he will only have an ordinary Super Rank subordinate by his side, probably the Crimson Demon of the Seven Demons, dressed in a red robe, who is also the Lead Conductor.

"Hmm? Ling Ling will be coming too? I'll pick her up on the way; it's dangerous to run into the Cardinal."

He discovered a blind spot and thought to himself in surprise, "That makes sense. Mo Fan was attacked and needs an external brain to sort out his thoughts, which is why Ling Ling happened to get off the plane at the New York airport."

A moment later, Lu Jun staked out the area outside the airport, while also keeping an eye on Mo Fan's progress.

The challenge against the American National Pavilion went smoothly; even the captain and vice-captain of the China Team didn't have to make a move, and their third core player Mo Fan, easily swept through the competition.

This battle was of great significance, completely consolidating the Kyushu National Team's position as number one. It was also widely regarded by netizens around the world as a litmus test, and from then on, countries began to pay attention to it and regarded it as a favorite to win the championship.

However, the subsequent assassination by the Black Vatican executioners shocked the world.

At this moment, Lu Jun was at the airport, where he could see the area around the Freedom Temple in the distance, where countless hailstones were falling. He muttered to himself, "It's begun."

He remembered that Pei Li was an Ice Element and Mind Element mage. In order to kill Mo Fan, he did not hesitate to threaten the life of a passerby girl during the second assassination attempt, using Mind Magic to control her and lure Mo Fan into the trap.

Fortunately, Lu Jun specifically left the Night Thunder Dream Beast with the National Team this time, hoping to take it down in one go.

Lu Jun used his Thousand Mile Soul Lock ability to observe the battle from afar.

On a bustling street in New York, a coffee shop was destroyed by a dense barrage of ice crystals.

Mo Fan, clutching his bleeding arm, glared angrily at the blue-clad man shrouded in gloom in mid-air and roared, "Who are you, committing murder in the street?!"

On the other side, a lithe and handsome dream beast emerged from the shadows of a high-rise building, its broad back supporting a terrified Chinese girl who was unharmed and had been rescued in time.

Pei Li grinned maliciously and said, "Tsk tsk tsk, what a pity they're all still alive."

Mu Ningxue and Zhao Manyan rushed over upon seeing Mo Fan in trouble. Seeing Pei Li dressed in blue, they whispered, "He's a member of the Black Vatican."

"Heh, they're all eager to die."

Facing three opponents alone, Pei Li showed no fear. His entire body radiated an icy white light, and a chilling aura spread out, enveloping an area of several hundred meters. The Lingbing Domain unfolded, and countless Ice Thorn surged from the ground, coalescing into a forest that pierced towards Mo Fan and his companions.

Bang bang bang!

The extreme cold froze nearby buildings inch by inch with a layer of solid ice. Large amounts of glass could not withstand the extreme cold and shattered. Ice Thorn damaged the roads along the way, and houses collapsed one after another.

Zhao Manyan hurriedly activated his defensive magic, stacking several layers to barely withstand the attack.

Fortunately, passersby saw the situation was bad and fled in time, otherwise a large number of people would have been killed.

American tradition, a beautiful sight on the streets. Without the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, how could one survive in hell? Even ordinary people have become accustomed to it; it's just fighting, something they encounter every day.

Pei Li sneered, spreading his arms wide. Terrifying ice blades swirled around him at incredible speed, forming a towering snow tornado that wreaked havoc on the street.

That wasn't all. A strange light flashed in his eyes, and Mo Fan, who was about to defend himself, suddenly found himself surrounded by dozens of eyes staring intently at him.

Seeing that Mo Fan was about to suffer a great loss, the Night Thunder Dream Beast made its move. Its eyes swirled mysteriously, and its body emanated dim ripples that spread in layers, enveloping a hazy domain from which countless dim and eerie ghostly Ghost Shadow appeared.

Hehehe!

Soon, the countless pupils that gave Mo Fan trypophobia disappeared, replaced by a dim environment where wisps of ghosts rose up, blotting out the sky and swelling into menacing demons that pounced on Pei Li.

A terrifying ghostly howl echoed through the area, sending chills down everyone's spine.

Nightmare Domain!

"Ah!" Pei Li screamed in agony as his Soul Control magic was instantly broken, and dozens of vengeful ghosts devoured his soul.

He miscalculated. He hadn't expected the unassuming Night Thunder Dream Beast to be so powerful, reaching the Intermediate Commander, and specializing in mental attributes. His Fourth Realm Mental Power was at a disadvantage in front of it.

It can only be said that Night Thunder Dream Beast's Dark attribute makes it easy to hide, its aura is restrained, and it excels at ambushes.

"A good opportunity."

Mo Fan, quick-witted, immediately released Night Ruler and coordinated with the Night Thunder Dream Beast.

A black mist surged in the area, instantly engulfing the entire street and plunging it into an eerie darkness where one couldn't see their own hand in front of their face. Coupled with the chaotic dance of ghosts, it felt as if one had fallen into a dark abyss.

Night Thunder Dream Beast is now even more powerful. In the darkness, the power of its Nightmare Domain increases dramatically, rivaling that of the Grand Commander.

Immediately afterwards, the man and the beast swiftly used the Giant Shadow Nail to control Pei Li's body. Thick black mist writhed and condensed into dark swords that shot out with a 'whoosh' sound, embedding themselves around Pei Li and weaving together to form a sealing array.

In mid-air, before Pei Li could recover from the piercing pain in his soul, his body stiffened again, and a strong sense of crisis rose within him.

This time, he's probably gone too far with his boasting and is about to crash and burn.

"No, I also have Ice Element."

Pei Li's eyes were bloodshot. Relying on his Mind Element resistance, he forcibly activated the snowstorm. The ice blades swirling around him cut wildly, seemingly trying to cleave the night in two and tear the sky apart.

Unfortunately, Mu Ningxue stepped forward at the crucial moment. Her long silver hair danced in the wind, her holy blue dress swirled, and her cold face resembled that of Ice and Snow Goddess. Her delicate body exuded a chilling aura that forcefully invaded the surroundings, pushing back Pei Li's icy domain inch by inch.

Although it cannot be completely occupied in a short time, it is enough to restrain Pei Li's Ice Element.

The two humans and the beast worked together to hold Pei Li firmly in place.

Waaaaah!

At this moment, after the battle had raged on the street for so long, the nearby Freedom Temple finally reacted. One by one, Temple Mage dressed in black and gold robes flew over, surrounded by a purple whirlwind. Leading them was none other than Aoluna.

She shouted, "Who dares to act so presumptuously in the territory of the Freedom Temple!"

Seeing that Pei Li was unable to move, the several monks did not hesitate and quickly surrounded him, capturing him alive.

Upon seeing the China Team, Aoluna was both furious and filled with lingering fear. If members of the Chinese National Government were to be killed by the Black Vatican under the very nose of the Freedom Temple Magic Association, she would have no way to give an explanation to Kyushu.

"Don't worry, we will investigate this matter thoroughly."

Aoluna assured her firmly.

Mo Fan and the others breathed a sigh of relief. The Freedom Temple has arrived; peace will prevail.

On the other side, Lu Jun withdrew his Ranged Combat spectating view, nodded, and said that Night Thunder Dream Beast, after being strengthened in Peru, was already strong enough to stand on its own, so he didn't need to worry about it much.

Then he patiently waited for Leng Jue to come to him.

Chapter 355 First Encounter with the Cold-Hearted Man

Meanwhile, the majestic Statue of Liberty has an unknown, secluded corner.

A boy of about fifteen or sixteen with purple eyes emerged from the shadows, tossing a prism up and down in his hand, and chuckled softly, "A diversionary tactic; the Triangular Dimensional Mirror is in hand."

This young man had a handsome and gentle face, and seemed quite harmless. Passersby greeted him politely. Who would have guessed that he was one of the seven most ruthless Cardinal in the world?

Leng Jue glanced at the commotion in the distance, which was continuously attracting a large number of Temple Mage. He smiled slightly, and without further ado, he left.

Just as he was feeling happy, he received bad news on the way: Pei Li's assassination attempt on Mo Fan failed, and he was captured on the spot.

Upon hearing this, Leng Jue was so enraged that he roared, "Useless trash!"

He had only stolen the Triangular Dimensional Mirror; he hadn't even escaped New York yet and still needed Pei Li to draw attention to him. Little did he expect the other party to be so vulnerable.

In reality, his assassination attempt on Mo Fan was merely a pretext, using the deceased Salang as a cover; he didn't truly intend to kill Mo Fan.

Although the plan was jointly devised by Salang and him, to this day, it has been completed entirely by Leng Jue alone.

"Never mind, let's leave here first if it's alright."

Leng Jue managed to calm himself down, but a strange sense of foreboding rose in his heart.

As expected, not long after the Freedom Temple captured Pei Li, it discovered that its most treasured artifact, the [Triangular Dimensional Mirror], had been stolen.

The temple's leadership was in an uproar, quickly launching an investigation and preparing to lock down New York.

At this point, the Huaxia National Team, who were recuperating, realized that this was a feint attack.

Mo Fan said, "Sigh, this is beyond our control."

A few days passed quickly, and New York was in turmoil. Many Black Vatican Member were arrested, and a large number of gangs also suffered greatly. The entire city's gray areas were cleaned up.