You Can't Kill Me!

Seeing Xiao Yan and the city lord, Wu Jin, facing off at the entrance to the main hall, the First Elder wanted to step forward and mediate, but Xiao Zhan stopped him with a look.

Although Xiao Yan had not informed him of his plans beforehand, he believed that the grown-up Xiao Yan knew how to handle today's matter.

"There's no need to eat. After all, everyone knows perfectly well why you came here today, so there's no need to keep beating around the bush," Xiao Yan said calmly, immediately laying bare what everyone had tacitly avoided mentioning.

Quite a few members of the Xiao Clan felt satisfied at his words, but the First Elder, whose heart had only just settled somewhat, immediately grew tense again. Xiao Yan's talent was indeed exceptional, but he was not a Dou Emperor in the end. Between a promising genius and its own ruling order, the Jia Ma Imperial House would not necessarily side with Xiao Yan!

"Hmph! What, does Young Master Xiao expect this city lord to pay with his life?" Wu Jin's face darkened as he forced the words through clenched teeth. "Don't forget that I am still the officially appointed city lord of the Jia Ma Empire! If you touch me, you won't get off easily either!"

Though he felt that the Xiao Clan's young master could not possibly be unaware of this, Wu Jin still emphasized it again while secretly circulating the Dou Qi within his body. That fleeting exchange earlier had already made Wu Jin realize that he was no match for Xiao Yan. But they were both Peak Great Dou Masters—surely he was not so weak that he had no room to fight back? If he wants to attack, I'll strike first! I refuse to believe he can keep me here!

Little did he know that, before Xiao Yan, his actions were as transparent as glass.

Perhaps because the souls of two lives had fused when he transmigrated, Xiao Yan's soul power had always been more than twice that of others at the same level. Years of alchemy training had further strengthened it, so Wu Jin's supposedly subtle movements were perfectly clear to Xiao Yan.

However, Xiao Yan paid little attention to Wu Jin's petty maneuvering. He merely smiled faintly and casually placed a hand on Wu Jin's shoulder.

A terrifying force instantly surged in through his shoulder, directly suppressing the Dou Qi Wu Jin had just begun to gather. Like a wild rabbit caught in a tiger's jaws, he had not the slightest room to resist!

"Th-this is...!"

Only then did Wu Jin understand that although they were at the same level, the difference in strength between him and Xiao Yan was as vast as heaven and earth.

Xiao Yan slowly leaned close to Wu Jin's ear and said blandly, "Kneel."

With a thud, Wu Jin's knees hit the ground, and he knelt directly before Xiao Yan.

"Young Master Xiao, th-this time, it was my fault. Lard clouded my mind. P-please, considering that I haven't caused any deaths, could you spare my life?" Wu Jin no longer cared about the dignity of a city lord. Having fully understood the gap between himself and Xiao Yan, he bowed straight to the ground. Especially after sensing that trace of killing intent in Xiao Yan's heart, he was so terrified that his liver and gallbladder trembled, smashing his head against the floor like a drum.

The pounding sounds struck not only the floor, but also the hearts of everyone present.

Everyone knew Xiao Yan was strong, but they had assumed he was merely about as strong as the city lord, or perhaps a little stronger. They had never imagined that he could frighten his opponent into kneeling and begging for mercy before they had even fought.

Xiao Yan swept his gaze around and found that quite a few people actually agreed with Wu Jin. It was not because they pitied him, but because they feared provoking retaliation from the Jia Ma Empire. Even Xiao Zhan showed a trace of concern.

However, Xiao Yan had other considerations. Lowering his head, he asked Wu Jin, "Do you know the difference between you and the Jia Lie Clan and Oba Clan?"

"The difference?" Wu Jin froze slightly. There was naturally a difference, but he did not know what Xiao Yan wanted him to say. After thinking for a long time without understanding, Wu Jin decided to gamble. "The difference is that I'm stronger, so I can be a better dog for Young Master Xiao! Please take me in, Young Master Xiao! Woof, woof!" At the end, Wu Jin even barked twice like a dog, leaving Xiao Yan momentarily stunned and almost too embarrassed to act.

But Xiao Yan would not soften because of that. Whether Wu Jin truly wished to become the Xiao Clan's dog or was merely pretending, Xiao Yan would not believe him! Just as Wu Jin himself had said, he was stronger. Yet in Xiao Yan's eyes, that did not mean Wu Jin could be a better dog than the other two clans. It meant that after Xiao Yan left, Wu Jin would have the ability to threaten the Xiao Clan!

In Xiao Yan's view, the more humble Wu Jin acted before him now, the deeper the resentment in his heart would be! Which made him even less worth sparing!

"Yes, you are indeed stronger than those two clans. Unfortunately, I don't trust you." Xiao Yan's tone remained calm, yet it carried an unquestionable killing intent.

"No! No! You can't kill me! I'm the city lord of Wutan City! If you kill me, the Empire won't let you off!" Seeing that surrender had failed, Wu Jin resorted to threats once more.

However, Xiao Yan ignored him. He merely placed his hand on Wu Jin's forehead, blocking half his vision, and said calmly, "Remember this. In your next life, keep a lower profile."

"No! Bastard, you want to kill me? It won't be that easy!" With despair closing in, Wu Jin finally abandoned all his illusions and tried to gather the Dou Qi within his body for one last struggle.

Unfortunately, his Dou Qi had long since been sealed by Xiao Yan, and he could not mobilize it at all. He could only watch in despair as the flames pouring from Xiao Yan's hand gradually engulfed his entire body.

Within the searing flames, Wu Jin's hair, eyes, skin, and flesh all turned to ash, while excruciating pain flooded his soul.

He regretted that he had resented the Xiao Clan's rise instead of seeking friendship with them.

He hated that this damn brat before him possessed such a vicious heart!

He cursed, You won't have a good end! One day, you'll die at someone else's hands just like me!

With venomous hatred in his eyes, Wu Jin ultimately turned to ashes and died there.