Chapter 204: Mo Yue’s Declaration
As an ancient demonic weapon, the Mó Yuè Zhǎn had its own unique aura. Normally, it lay dormant within Jian Dan's dantian, quiet and unobtrusive. But now, it was anything but.
Though it hadn't launched any attack, the Mó Yuè Zhǎn hovered slowly in the air, and the murderous aura it emitted had already filled the entire grand hall.
The Palace Master of Mo Lie's expression shifted slightly. No wonder so many eyes had been set on this weapon. If the Mó Yuè Zhǎn were in its prime, few would be able to stand against it.
As for Tang Jian, the Peak Lord of Mo Yun Peak, who was now the center of the weapon's killing intent, his face had turned ashen.
That suffocating aura felt as if it could pierce through his skin. He was certain that, if this were a one-on-one battle, even with his mid-stage Divine Transformation cultivation, his chances of victory were no better than fifty-fifty.
"Aiya, what a treat! I finally get to see the true appearance of the Mó Yuè Zhǎn. Truly marvelous!"
Mo Yi's cheerful voice broke the tense atmosphere in the hall. Mo Su said nothing. The two of them had once fought side by side in the trial realm, and were well aware of the weapon's power.
"Apologies for the disturbance, Peak Lords. I simply can't stand those who stir up trouble behind others' backs. If you have the guts, come at me openly. Then I'll still regard you as a cultivator worthy of respect."
Jian Dan chose the right moment to ease off. Someone had already offered a way out, so she took it without hesitation. The show of force had been made, her message delivered. There was no need to push further. After all, the Palace Master still needed to be given proper face.
With a graceful sweep of her sleeve, Jian Dan drew the Mó Yuè Zhǎn back. The blade circled her once before returning to her dantian, and the murderous aura that had gripped the grand hall dissipated instantly.
"Mo Yue, your temper has grown too impulsive. Seems like you've been influenced by the Mó Yuè Zhǎn. Take some time to rest. Join Mo Su in Mo Lian Palace for training."
"It was my mistake for overreacting. Please forgive me, Palace Master. I'll focus on refining my temperament."
Jian Dan flashed a bright smile, her gaze sweeping across the seated Peak Lords.
They all responded with polite laughter. None dared criticize her. After all, being sent to Mo Lian Palace wasn't a punishment—it was a reward in disguise.
That place held the cultivation methods and insights left behind by generations of masters from the Heavenly Demon Palace. If one could comprehend even a fraction, their cultivation speed would soar.
Tang Jian's expression was darker than ever. Especially when Jian Dan turned to him with a knowing smile. But the Palace Master had spoken. What else could he say? He could only admit that he had miscalculated and failed to shift the blame onto her.
"This Palace still has matters to discuss with Mo Zhang. You are all dismissed."
With the Palace Master's words, the various Peak Lords rose, paid their respects, and left the hall.
Jian Dan walked side by side with Mo Su and Mo Yi, paying no attention to Shi Cili who still knelt at the rear of the hall. Mo Yi was just suggesting they visit the Ghost Crying Bamboo Forest in the Outer Peaks tomorrow to practice swordsmanship, when a snide voice interrupted them.
"Junior Sister Mo Yue, since you're new to the Heavenly Demon Palace, you should keep a low profile. Mo Su and Mo Yi won't always be there to back you up."
The tone belonged to Tang Jian, Peak Lord of Mo Yun Peak. His words carried an obvious warning—sooner or later, she would be alone and unprotected.
Jian Dan halted.
If she let this pass, who knew what might follow next? Though none of the Peak Lords were looking directly at them, their ears were clearly perked up, their divine sense drifting in their direction. They all wanted to see how she would react.
She turned around and looked at Tang Jian.
"I'm sorry, which Peak are you from? And how should I address you?"
Mistaking her question as a sign of submission, Tang Jian straightened his bony frame and replied smugly.
"I am Tang Jian, Peak Lord of Mo Yun Peak."
"Well met, Peak Lord Tang."
Jian Dan offered a polite salute. Then, she raised her right hand and traced a circle in the air. With her finger as the brush and the void as her scroll, she inscribed a line of glowing words while speaking aloud.
"Jian Dan, known as Mo Yue under Mo Yan Peak, hereby challenges Tang Jian, Peak Lord of Mo Yun Peak, to a formal duel on the arena platform three days from now. This challenge is issued with proper decorum."
As her voice fell, the battle notice shimmered into full form. Jian Dan waved her sleeve, sending the glowing script to float just a step away from Tang Jian, silently awaiting his response.
Tang Jian's face turned even more unpleasant than before. He had only intended to dampen her momentum with a few words. Who would have thought she would turn around and challenge him publicly?
If he accepted, he might lose. If he refused, he would lose both face and standing.
The other Peak Lords secretly congratulated themselves for staying out of this mess. If you want someone's weapon, you need to have the strength to take it.
If Jian Dan didn't have that strength, the weapon would never have chosen her as its master. Not to mention, she had received the personal recognition of Mo Yan Zhēnzūn. Her title "Mo Yue" came directly from the weapon's name, Mó Yuè Zhǎn.
Anyone with sense could see she wasn't just some rootless loose cultivator with no backing.
"Fine! Very well! I accept your challenge!"
Tang Jian ground out the words through clenched teeth. He reached out and took the floating battle notice into his sleeve, then turned and used a dimensional step to vanish from Tian Mo Peak.
The remaining Peak Lords all offered polite bows to Jian Dan, saying they would be sure to attend the match to witness the power of the Mó Yuè Zhǎn firsthand. Laughing and exchanging words, they dispersed.
The spectators gone, Jian Dan and her two Senior Brothers left together as well.
Back in the main hall, Mo Lie, the Palace Master, and Mo Zhang, the Head Seat, had watched everything unfold with clarity. They exchanged glances.
"You're certain it wasn't her?"
"It wasn't. It was a powerful Dao cultivator. I didn't say the truth earlier to avoid spreading panic. The one who acted was a Mahayana cultivator at the peak stage. Their strike was deceptively simple, yet crushed Ma Yi completely without damaging even a speck of the surrounding cave residence. Their control of spiritual power was absolute."
"There are only a few known Mahayana cultivators across the major sects, but what's hidden behind the scenes is hard to say."
"I believe the Ma family offended someone powerful, without realizing it. That's likely why they were eliminated."
Mo Lie nodded.
"You inspected Mo Yue's cave residence as well?"
"She had just arrived, but I already checked. There were traces of a temporary spatial construct, but it was Ma Feijun who activated the formation using the cave's restrictions. It was a one-way spatial channel, likely intended to capture her the moment she was drugged."
"Hmph, useless fool. Supporting the Ma clan was meant to balance the sect's power. They've always been obedient, but who would've thought they'd produce such a worthless descendant. Good riddance. One less burden on the sect."
"Your judgment is right, Palace Master. The Ma clan can simply choose a new heir."
"What do you think of this upcoming duel?"
"Tang Jian will lose."
"Oh? His cultivation is higher than hers. He's mid Divine Transformation while she's only early stage. I'd say they're evenly matched."
"Unless it's a battle to the death, he has no chance. He's already lost in terms of momentum."
Meanwhile, on their way back to Mo Yan Peak, Mo Yi voiced the same thought.
"Still, Tang Jian's cultivation is higher than yours. There is a difference between early and mid-stage Divine Transformation."
"I can't afford to lose in momentum. And if I had backed down just now, do you really think he wouldn't keep coming after me?"
"Well, that's true. So you just threw down a battle challenge?"
"If you want to make an example, it's always better to take the initiative."
"Ha, then I'll be waiting to hear your good news."
"Sure thing. And remember, Senior Brother Mo Yi—place your bet on me to win!"