"You're overthinking it."
Faced with the challenge from this man who called himself Liu Du of Green Snake Mountain,
Ye Li remained utterly calm and said succinctly:
"I belong to no sect or school. Right now, I'm simply a local Dao Master of the Sea of Nine Harmonies."
"Heh... is that so?"
At those words, the scrutiny in Liu Du's eyes gradually turned cold:
"Fine, keep it to yourself."
"It seems the Dao Lineage behind you hasn't reached a level where it can cow all the heavens."
"Otherwise, how could a distinguished direct disciple be reduced to risking his life for Source Energy?"
As far as Liu Du was concerned,
Ye Li's refusal to name his affiliation was nothing but a sign of a guilty conscience.
He paid Ye Li no further attention, turning his head slightly to call casually behind him:
"Jade Eyes, come out and greet your two clients."
As Liu Du's words fell, ripples spread through space once more.
The robed, jade-eyed man stepped out, his face wreathed in smiles.
"Sorry for the trouble, Mr. Liu."
He first bowed respectfully to Liu Du, then turned to look at the two men with the mocking gaze of a cat toying with mice:
"My fellow Daoists, I trust you've been well."
"How are those three portions of Source Energy you've been holding for me?"
"That's what I wanted to ask you."
Divine power gradually began flowing through Ye Li's body as he chuckled:
"Don't put so much as a scratch on the Spirit-Seizing Bracelet I left with you."
"Even dying ten thousand times wouldn't be enough to pay for it."
"...Still talking tough with death at your doorstep." The jade-eyed man gritted his teeth and sneered:
"Do you really think your knack for snatching treasures in a Boundary Heaven