The Plan; Questioned by the Holy City / Durank

Damn, Lu Jun is his god, even more impressive than the hero saving the damsel in distress moment.

However, when Zhao Manyan spoke, his voice was hoarse and weak, unable to express his high spirits. "Thank you."

Lu Jun nodded, his words carrying no weight.

"How is this possible?" Zhao Yougan's voice rang out, filled with disbelief. "A Poison Element Super Rank and a High-level Completion, instantly killed?!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Jun glanced at Zhao Yougan, who was staggering backward. He had a plan, but Zhao Yougan was caught off guard. He was just a single-elemental Super Rank who hadn't cultivated Supernatural Power.

Besides, although he seemed relaxed, he was actually giving it his all.

With Mind Element stealth, cursed ghosts attacking from both sides, Time-Space Element teleportation, time-sealing, Summoned Beast working together, and the supreme killing power of the Metal Element, they were finally able to kill the two in one fell swoop.

Well, we can't worry about revealing our strength. A Super Rank mage is incredibly powerful, and we can't afford to hold back. Letting Zhao Yougan go would be a huge hidden danger.

Fortunately, time was frozen, and everything happened in that instant, preventing Old Zhao and his brother from discovering it.

Furthermore, Lu Jun's mastery of the Time Domain will become increasingly abnormal as his cultivation level improves. If he sincerely wants to become an assassin, then he will be an unparalleled assassin.

At this moment, Old Zhao's body began to sway precariously. Clearly, the poison had penetrated deeply, and with his own safety restored, he was relaxed and about to collapse.

Splash!

Seeing this, Lu Jun casually summoned the Mermaid Holy Spirit. The soft, milky-white Sun-Radiant Holy Water dripped down, gradually dispelling the toxins from Zhao Manyan's body, which then evaporated into countless wisps of dark green smoke.

Zhao Yougan knew perfectly well that he was outmatched and about to lose, and his heart was filled with resentment.

After a moment, Zhao Manyan recovered somewhat, glared at his brother on the ground, and said through gritted teeth, "Do you have any last words?!"

Chapter 417 Plans, Questioning in the Holy City

Zhao Yougan with anxiety and fear. Finally, he couldn't help but kneel down and hug his younger brother Zhao Manyan's legs, pleading, "I'm sorry, brother, I was wrong. Please spare my life."

"Oh, right!" he suddenly remembered, and cried out, "For our parents' sake, Father is seriously ill, and Mother is gentle by nature. If they knew that my brother and I were killing each other, they would be disappointed."

"You still remember your parents?!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Manyan's anger flared even more. He strode forward and delivered a powerful punch to Zhao Yougan's face.

Thud! A dull thud of flesh colliding rang out. Zhao Yougan was thrown high into the air and crashed heavily to the ground. Several teeth were knocked out, half of his face swelled up, turned bruised and black, and was covered in blood.

Still not satisfied, he went forward and began to beat her wildly!

Hmph! Zhao Yougan silently endured it, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes as he lowered his head. Besides Zhao Manyan, there was also resentment towards Lu Jun. Why the hell did you meddle in other people's business!

A few minutes later, Zhao Manting got tired of beating his brother and beat him half to death before stopping. He then collapsed to the ground, bewildered and unaware.

Lu Jun sensed the other party's resentment, snorted coldly, and asked Zhao Manyan, "What do you plan to do?"

"What should we do?" Zhao Manyan's eyes grew increasingly blank as he looked down at Zhao Yougan, whose breathing was weak and who was covered in blood. Did he hate him? Of course he hated him!

But did he want to kill him? He didn't know. If he killed his own brother, what fundamental difference would there be between him and Zhao Yougan?

His mind was in turmoil, not only because of the punishment of Zhao Yougan, but also because of his father's serious illness, his mother's gentle face, and even more so because of his fear of managing the Zhao Clan's enormous wealth.

This was originally Zhao Yougan, but there were many concerns. Would their father still support Zhao Yougan power after learning about this? And if it were up to them, could they handle the situation?

Lu Jun could see that Zhao Manyan was in disarray, and said with a smile, "You now have two choices."

"First, execute Zhao Yougan on the spot, then quietly go back and pretend you know nothing, because your brother secretly assassinated you. After a while, when news of his disappearance comes, you can naturally take over the position."

"Secondly, arrest Zhao Yougan and bring him to the Zhao Family. In front of your father and the elders, publicly expose Zhao Yougan's crimes, and then ascend the throne under immense pressure."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Manyan silent. The former was the least difficult and had the fewest unexpected events, while the latter was under great pressure and full of uncertainty, but it was legitimate and had no grounds for any wrongdoing.

Most importantly, he didn't have to execute Zhao Yougan himself.

Lu Jun understood, feeling gratified and grateful. Old Zhao is truly kind-hearted; this quality is indeed suitable for being a brother, at least he won't betray you like Zhao Yougan did.

As for being soft-hearted, he neither confirmed nor denied it. Without firsthand experience, how can one empathize? Brothers killing each other...

"Don't worry, I've recorded the whole thing on video. When you confront your clan, I'll send it globally."

"Therefore, the Zhao Clan family cannot possibly put someone who cruelly treats his own brothers into a position of leadership."

Lu Jun paused for a moment, then said frankly, "You don't need to worry about securing your position after you ascend the throne. I will give you a big gift, and we will cooperate..."

Hearing Lu Jun's well-organized arrangements, Zhao Manyan was speechless, grateful, and gritted his teeth, saying, "Alright, let's do it that way! Without further ado, I'll immediately take Zhao Yougan back to China to see my father!"

At the moment, Zhao Manyan no longer cared about the championship team going to Parthenon to receive the [Divine Seal Praise] a few days later.

Such things can be made up for afterward, but once the opportunity is missed, it's too late by the time Zhao Yougan's men realize it.

To ensure secrecy, Zhao Manting didn't even dare to book a plane ticket, instead taking his own private jet and quietly returning to China overnight.

Lu Jun bid farewell to the other party and glanced at the sea along the Venice coast.

At this moment, a thick fog blanketed the sea, turning everything into a white expanse, with an island appearing and disappearing in the mist. The atmosphere inexplicably became heavy, as if a heavy stone was pressing down on one's heart.

He couldn't help but chuckle softly, murmuring, "Baxia."

Lu Jun ignored him and turned to leave.

When he returned to the Nationalist government's residence, Mo Fan had just gotten up and asked in surprise, "Where's Old Zhao?"

"He's off chasing girls."

Lu Jun said it casually, then looked at Mo Fan as if he wanted to say something but hesitated. Yi Zhisha's actions might have already begun, and he wondered if he should remind her.

Knock knock knock!

Just then, a violent knocking came from the door of the National Team Hotel. He frowned and turned around.

Two middle-aged priests dressed in sacred and noble priestly robes approached. They exuded an imposing aura without being angry, and their eyes swept over the crowd, naturally carrying a strong spiritual pressure.

The group felt a chill run down their spines; the newcomer's cultivation level was extremely high.

Jiang Shaoxu recognized their identities and exclaimed in surprise, "Sacred Judgment Mage?!"

The members directly under the Holy Court are all at least Super Rank Mages.

The two Sacred Judgment Mage locked onto Lu Jun, one on each side, and said calmly, "So you are Lu Jun? Come with us to the Holy Court."

Seeing this, Lu Jun frowned. This person was clearly up to no good. Their domineering manner was reminiscent of someone guarding a prisoner. Were they afraid he would escape?

Lu Jun was inwardly dissatisfied, but barely suppressed his anger, intending to find out the situation before speaking. He calmly asked, "What is it? I don't recall having any dealings with you."

One of the middle-aged Sacred Judgment Mage said, "Judge Durank has invited you to the Holy Court after the match to speak about Cardinal Salang. Have you forgotten?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Jun breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn't a big deal; he had almost thought his Metal Element had been exposed.

Jiang Shaoxu, being perceptive, knew that the Holy Judgment Abyss could not be offended, so she quickly stepped in to smooth things over, saying with a smile, "Two great mages, why can't we wait a little longer? It's not like we've committed a crime."

"Parthenon will hold a champion blessing ceremony in a few days. Let's go after Lu Jun bestows the [Divine Seal Praise]."

The middle-aged Sacred Judgment Mage chuckled and said arrogantly, "Considering Councilor Lu's feelings about winning the championship, granting him three days to celebrate is already very humane. No judge has ever dared to neglect the Holy Court's summons."

Another mage said domineeringly, "Since we've already come all this way, we don't want to have made a wasted trip."

After hearing their words, everyone looked troubled. Mo Fan snorted coldly and cursed, "What nonsense! Ruining people's sweet dreams so early in the morning!"

"What did you say?!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the Sacred Judgment Mage Xiso's eyes sharpened, and a terrifying mental wave pressed down on him, causing the air to explode and making Mo Fan's face turn pale, and he staggered back several steps.

Xiso scoffed, "Hmph! I know you got first place in the National Academy and broke the all-time winning streak, but you'd better show some respect to the strong in society, lest you offend someone you can't afford to mess with."

"The Venice Competition is merely the starting point for the younger generation."

Lu Jun held Mo Fan down with one hand, his face calm, but his heart was full of Killing Intent. No wonder the major forces in the original work feared the Holy Court like tigers. Seeing it today, he was indeed domineering.

Chapter 418 Durank

Lu Jun knew that he couldn't afford to turn against the Holy City yet; his strength was far from its peak, and he would have to wait until after the forbidden spell was completed.

He had previously read about how domineering the Holy City was in the original work, and had lived in the Magic Plane for more than 20 years (awakening his innate wisdom). He had heard rumors about how the Holy Court persecuted geniuses, which is why he always regarded the Holy City as a mortal enemy.

But Lu Jun ultimately lacked firsthand experience; only now that he has encountered it does he realize the truth in what the words said.

The Holy City is even more domineering than imagined. Its management style is corrupt, and every member is mentally challenged, arrogant, and intolerant of disobedience.

It makes one wish they could slaughter the entire Holy City from top to bottom.

After this experience, his resolve to destroy the Holy City only grew stronger.

Furthermore, upon hearing the name Durank, Lu Jun's mind raced, and he had already vaguely guessed Durank's purpose.

It's nothing more than Durank wanting to fabricate charges against Xin Xia. So now that they want to mold Xin Xia into the real Salang, they have to force him to admit that the one who appeared in the Ancient Capital is a 'fake Salang '.

In this way, it's not that the Holy City is targeting them, but merely Durank's idea. By distinguishing this, the current crisis is reduced to a manageable level.

It wasn't even a suppression of Lu Jun; it was just a casual action by Durank. The real pressure came from Xin Xia and Mo Fan.

Having figured this out, his gaze deepened. He placed a hand on Mo Fan's shoulder and comforted him, "It's alright, I'm just going with them."

Upon hearing this, Xiso, one of Durank's direct subordinates, scoffed. "It would have been better to make a decision sooner. Instead of refusing a toast, you're forced to drink a penalty cup. You can always ask Parthenon to make up for the Divine Seal Praise later."

"But the matter of the Holy City cannot be delayed."

The Nationalist government officials were extremely dissatisfied. The quick-witted Jiang Yu had already gone to report to his mentor, Pang Lai, the chief of the Palace Pang Lai, asking him to convey to Shao Zheng and other high-ranking officials that they should help Lu Jun out of this predicament.

Before leaving, Lu Jun pondered for a moment, then Mind Telepathy to Mo Fan: "Be careful. The Holy City's request for me to verify Salang's life or death isn't targeting me; on the contrary, it's a deadly attack on Xin Xia."

"Back in the Ancient Capital, you should have known that Xin Xia was Wen Tai and Ye Chang's daughter, right?"

Upon hearing this, Mo Fan was greatly shaken, and a strong sense of fear arose within him—a fear stemming from his worry for Xin Xia's safety.

When he suddenly looked up at Lu Jun's back, he opened his mouth as if to call out to him, but the three of them had already disappeared into the distance.

Mo Fan cursed, "I knew that the waters of powerful forces like Parthenon were very murky. If someone as naive as Xin Xia gets involved, she will surely be devoured by some wolves."

He recalled Xin Xia rise to become Goddess Candidate and Ander's mysterious death, the most likely candidate for Goddess. He suddenly realized that Parthenon had become a super vortex, involving everyone and everything.

Although Mo Fan was unaware of the hidden secrets within, he sensed danger.

Fortunately, he was decisive. The simplest way was to take Xin Xia away from this vortex. As for the Goddess Candidate, he should just give up and return home immediately!

Mo Fan refused to believe it. Back in the Nine Provinces, with Hua Zhanhong, Shao Zheng, and Han Ji providing heavy protection, could Parthenon really cross borders and take people away?!

This plan is a decisive blow!

Mo Fan then took action, realizing that his unilateral request to take Xin Xia away as a family member was probably not simple.

He certainly had the moral high ground, citing his familial relationship and Xin Xia's one-year study abroad period as reasons. However, if Parthenon, the mastermind behind the scenes, really wanted to Xin Xia against him, he would never let her go easily.

Mo Fan thought of Shao Zheng, Han Ji, and Pang Lai —that's it! A two-pronged approach!

On the other side, Lu Jun sat on the broad back of a Sub-Lord level Summoned Beast — the Light Thorn Bird. This bird was like a roc, with countless white feathers all over its body like thorns, exuding a domineering aura.

The Sacred Judgment Mage stood on either side, as if guarding prisoners, as they departed from Venice, Italy, bound for the starting point of the Alps — the Holy City.

Lu Jun was dissatisfied, but he was too lazy to pay attention to the two guys on the death list. He thought to himself that Mo Fan was probably smart enough to understand his hint.

It's impossible to explain in detail, but regarding Yi Zhisha's resurrection... theoretically, he was unaware of it.

Therefore, it was enough for him to simply point out the relationship between Xinxia and Wentaisalang.

Yes, Lu Jun only needs to slightly change his tune and deny Salang's death to easily get rid of Durank's entanglement and continue to lie low.

But he disdained to do that; surviving by betraying his friends was not his nature.

Besides, Lu Jun didn't believe Durank would really dare to do anything to him! He was innocent and had no connection to the case. With his status as the captain of the National Team champions and the protection of high-ranking officials like Shao Zheng, he was also protected from any outside-the-rules targeting.

At worst, he could activate the Ancient King Armor Robe and wreak havoc in the Holy City. After all, it was the Undead Emperor causing chaos, so what did it have to do with Lu Jun?!

Of course, Lu Jun remained calm and waited to see how Mo Fan acted. If things went smoothly, there was no need to take action, since Xin Xia was not really related to him.

If Xin Xia's soul were taken by Yi Zhisha, then hehehe, he had long disliked Durank for all the treatment he received today, and he wouldn't mind blaming Yi Zhisha for it.

Whether viewed from the perspective of personal interests or Eastern interests.

With Yi Zhisha in charge of Parthenon, refining her divine soul is the worst possible choice.

Salang is dead, Lu Jun is unsure how this matter will ultimately unfold. He can only observe from the sidelines and make the most crucial move.

A short while later, Lu Jun was somewhat surprised to find that the two Sacred Judgment Mages had not taken him to the Holy City, but instead had turned a corner and gone to Parthenon in Greece.

Soon the majestic and sacred Goddess Peak and other mountain ranges came into view, filled with a holy aura. The Light Thorn Bird landed at the foot of the mountain in a relatively quiet courtyard.