Father Jim's main purpose in this trip was to retrieve the temple's staff so that he could demonstrate his worth before the two former popes.
Instead of making a blood feud with that monstrously talented Land Immortal.
That would be far too dangerous. Even if he were a level above Chris Zhenlin in strength, the risk would still be considerable.
Who knows when that strange thing will break through to the Mountain Sea Realm?
Therefore, he was unwilling to take action and cause someone's death unnecessarily.
However, not forming a blood feud is one thing.
Regaining face is another matter entirely.
Ye Li's actions in the Golden Moon Country that day had already trampled the reputation the Federation had built up over the years into nothingness.
It's rare to have such a strong lineup assembled today. If we can't use this opportunity to regain some face, the Federation's international influence will plummet in the future!
"..."
Facing the oncoming white dragon.
Father Jim raised his hand, ripped off the Silver Cross hanging around his neck, clenched his fist, and slammed it heavily onto the churning dragon head!
Boom!!
A surging wave of air shot into the sky, and a muffled sound shook the mountains!
It was as if two extremely powerful missiles had collided in mid-air, with surging wind pressure raging outwards. The white dragon exploded with a deafening roar, turning into a sky full of trembling white mist.
Father Jim's figure retreated several feet in the air, and then stood motionless.
"Your personality doesn't seem to be as gentle as the rumors suggest."
He took a deep breath, then looked up and said with a forced smile.
Not only is his personality not as gentle as rumored, but the Gate of Heaven and Earth is also not as scattered as rumored; his offensive, which mobilizes the power of heaven and earth, is still quite fierce.
They must have used some rare and precious Treasure Medicine to prolong their lives...
Fortunately, his cultivation level was indeed only at the sixth level of the Hegemony Realm.
Otherwise, we should consider heading home today.
The middle-aged priest's thoughts raced.
Within sight.
Cai Jingyun, her expression icy, held the Jade Qin zither in her arms, but a hint of seriousness flickered in her eyes. "..."
Clearly, the number of people on the other side's side was somewhat beyond her expectations.
Behind her.
The Hanxia Gun God, clad in black armor, finally arrived in a hurry. Holding a large, jet-black spear, he sensed the number and quality of the enemies. His pupils trembled slightly, and then his Blood Vitality began to surge, revealing pale golden veins beneath his skin.
"Does the Federation want to start a war?"
Yang Qingshan's voice was full of anger, and there was not a trace of a smile on his aged face.
Taking advantage of Huaxia's absence, Ye Li led such a large number of powerful soldiers to the border.
They're practically here to start a national war.
Of course not.
Father Jim put the crucifix back in his pocket and smiled, saying, "I just want what belongs to our Federation back, to get General Ye to return the staff he obtained, so we can leave immediately... But if Huaxia doesn't intend to return it, we don't intend to go back either."
"At the very least, the lives and deaths of the people in this border city, and the nearest city of Huaxia, are in our hands."
"It's best not to provoke your Pillar of the Nation because of this."
As he spoke, his gaze swept across the pass ahead, the threat unmistakable. "Unless you're not afraid that three beings at the Mountain Sea Realm will overturn half of Huaxia."
"..."
A cold glint flashed in Yang Qingshan's eyes.
He was well aware of the seriousness of the problem the other party was referring to. The combat power of those two former popes was something even Zhang Qingliu was quite wary of. If the battle were fought on home soil, even the aftershocks could affect many cities.
If he were to return to the Federation, it would be extremely disadvantageous for Ye Li.
Moreover, the boy specifically instructed him before leaving that everything should be discussed when he returned.
Judging from the combat power of Land Immortal, even if the opponent's lineup is extremely terrifying in the mortal world, it seems somewhat laughable in front of Ye Li.
Thinking of this...
Yang Qingshan took a deep breath, then waved his hand and said calmly:
"General Ye is currently on a mission. Since you are asking for the divine staff, please come back another day."
Upon hearing this, Li Qingtian's eyes narrowed slightly.
Mission in hand?
He was quite apprehensive when he came here.
After all, they were going to face off against that almost invincible Land Immortal.
Especially after witnessing Cai Jingyun's strength, this feeling became even stronger, and he even considered backing down.
The reason is quite simple.
If this Ageless Fairy can stop Father Jim, then he will inevitably have to confront that Ye Li.
That would mean utter ruin.
Even Chris Zhenlin was killed by the opponent, so I, a mere fourth-level Hegemony Realm cultivator, probably wouldn't last more than a few rounds.
But now it seems things have taken a turn for the better...
It seems that Ye Li is unable to show his face?
It's a bit too much of a coincidence that he couldn't show his face now, after just displaying his divine power at Heaven and Earth Pass a couple of days ago!
Could it be that he is seriously injured and can only recuperate in some place...?
Li Qingtian's heart suddenly raced, and he felt as if he had vaguely touched upon the truth.
As expected.
Father Jim also stared intently at the old man.
Upon hearing this, he slowly asked, "On a mission?"
"Not bad." Yang Qingshan said calmly.
He deliberately made the matter vague, expressing his concern that the other side might recklessly force their way across the border.
"It's still within Huaxia territory, right? Then there's no rush."
Father Jim chuckled, but there was a chilling undertone to it. "Before his mission is over, we'll just take a short trip through the various provinces within Huaxia."
"Do you think that's possible?" Yang Qingshan asked with a half-smile.
Putting six demigods with unclear motives into Huaxia City is something only a madman would do.
"What if we force our way in?"
Father Jim's eyes were filled with a chilling coldness as he quietly gripped the crucifix in his pocket.
He didn't believe that a Hegemony Realm sixth level cultivator nearing the end of his life could hold him off for long.
Even if Ye Li is indeed within Huaxia territory.
Even if Ye Li wasn't seriously injured, and was genuinely carrying out some insignificant mission—
As long as I can free my hands, I don't believe I can't defeat my opponent in a two-on-one situation!
"You're welcome to try."
Yang Qingshan spoke indifferently, gripping his large gun tightly, and slowly stepped forward.
As Pillar of the Nation's disciple, he was not without trump cards to defend against disaster.
As his words fell to the ground.
Atop the towering mountains, a bone-chilling cold spread rapidly like a tide, enveloping the entire mountain range in the blink of an eye.
P. S.: I'm currently planning a major climax to come. The pace has slowed down a bit these past couple of days, but it will pick up speed soon.