Zhang Ergou, naturally, was unaware of the many thoughts his reaction had stirred in the onlookers.
Facing Jiang Yu's attack, with his current strength, it was like an itch he was scratching.
The sharp sword qi struck him, leaving only a shallow mark.
"Your Jiang family is truly vexing."
Zhang Ergou raised his head, looking directly at Jiang Yu.
Jiang Yu's face was now extremely unsightly, turning a deep purple.
Previously, he believed that even if Zhang Ergou was slightly stronger than Jiang Xu, he would be no match for him. In all these years, when had he ever suffered such humiliation?
He couldn't even break through his opponent's defense.
If this were to get back to his family, who knew how much he would be laughed at.
Jiang Yu refused to be defeated by Zhang Ergou just like this. Even if he couldn't win, he had to make him pay a price.
With a grit of his teeth, Jiang Yu's expression hardened, and a verdant green pill appeared in his hand.
Zhang Ergou's eyes narrowed, unsure of Jiang Yu's intentions.
However, that verdant green pill gave him an uneasy feeling.
Before Zhang Ergou could observe it closely, Jiang Yu raised his hand and popped the pill into his mouth.
Instantly, a faint black mist appeared on his skin, and his entire aura transformed.
Jiang Yu's presence rapidly ascended, reaching the Nascent Soul stage in a flash.
Zhang Ergou's expression finally grew solemn. Jiang Yu's aura was still climbing, but it gave him a sense of great danger.
This was a feeling Zhang Ergou had never experienced before.
Not even when facing Li Kongcai, who was in the late Nascent Soul stage, did he feel this way.
What gave him this sensation was that black mist.
"Demonic energy!"
Hua Xu and Mu Chen, seated on the rostrum, could no longer remain calm.
"Hahaha, Zhang Ergou, I will kill you."
Jiang Yu's expression was sinister and terrifying. His long sword, now wreathed in a layer of black mist, lunged towards Zhang Ergou.
Zhang Ergou felt as if he were facing a formidable enemy and dared not be careless any longer.
He brandished his spear, meeting Jiang Yu's sword.
*Crack!*
*Bang!*
With two crisp sounds, one figure fell from the arena, landing on the bluestone ground of the plaza.
"Kid, are you alright?"
Zhang Ergou stood there, utterly bewildered, looking at Hua Xu and Mu Chen standing on either side of him, unsure of what to say.
"Seniors, what is this?"
Zhang Ergou's spear remained in the pose he had adopted to block the attack.
Yet, standing beside him were two formidable experts who could crush him with a mere finger.
He certainly dared not act rashly.
"Kid, when this Venerable asks you a question, just answer it. Why so much nonsense?"
Hua Xu frowned, a trace of impatience appearing on his face.
"Yes." Zhang Ergou quickly nodded. This was a legendary Soul Transformation stage expert; he knew when to show deference.
Seeing Zhang Ergou's compliance, Hua Xu's expression softened.
"This Venerable asks you, did Jiang Yu's demonic energy enter your body? Are you feeling any discomfort at the moment?"
Staring intently at Zhang Ergou, Hua Xu and Mu Chen's faces were filled with grave concern.
"Demonic energy?" Zhang Ergou's eyes widened.
"No, this kid feels no discomfort whatsoever."
Zhang Ergou shook his head, stating the truth.
Upon hearing Zhang Ergou's reply, Hua Xu and Mu Chen exchanged a glance, as if they had made an important decision.
"Demonic race members are known for their cunning, with endless ways to conceal themselves. For your safety, this Venerable needs to personally examine your body. Do you have any objections?"
Hua Xu's gaze was fixed on Zhang Ergou, as if fearing he might refuse.
Zhang Ergou's heart tightened. If Hua Xu were to examine his body, wouldn't all his secrets be exposed?
However, in this situation, even if he refused, he doubted these two would agree. Su Dan Novel Network.
Just as Zhang Ergou was contemplating a strategy, a commotion arose from below the arena.
"Not good, that Jiang family brat is trying to escape."
Zhang Ergou felt a blur beside him, and Mu Chen was already standing beside him, holding someone.
Zhang Ergou, who had been hoping to stall for time by taking advantage of Jiang Yu's escape, was completely stunned.
Finally, with no other recourse, under the intense scrutiny of the two great figures, Zhang Ergou reluctantly nodded.
As Zhang Ergou nodded, he clearly saw the two seniors sigh with relief.
This left Zhang Ergou somewhat puzzled.
Without further ado, Hua Xu placed his palm on Zhang Ergou's head and, after a moment, removed it.
Shaking his head at Mu Chen, Hua Xu's gaze turned cold as he looked at Jiang Yu, who was held by Mu Chen.
"Kid, this matter is of grave importance, and it now involves you. You'll have to come with us."
Whether it was Zhang Ergou's imagination or not, he distinctly felt that Hua Xu's tone was one of invitation, not command.
Zhang Ergou found this novel; he had never encountered a senior of such high cultivation speaking to him in such a manner.
Zhang Ergou certainly wouldn't refuse Hua Xu's invitation.
Besides, he was curious to know what this demonic energy was, that caused Hua Xu and Mu Chen to be so solemn.
While the three of them spoke, Hua Xu had already casually set up a soundproof barrier.
Therefore, the people in the plaza and the spectators on the rostrum were unaware of what had transpired.
They only saw a figure fall from the arena and then be picked up.
What happened next left everyone utterly bewildered.
...
"From where did you acquire this demonic energy?"
In a secret chamber, Zhang Ergou stood to the side, observing Jiang Yu, who was bound to a chair.
Hua Xu and Mu Chen sat at the head of the table.
Their faces were somber, as if they were trying to see through Jiang Yu.
Jiang Yu looked up at Zhang Ergou, his hatred undisguised.
"Demonic energy? Seniors, what are you talking about? I don't understand."
Jiang Yu feigned ignorance.
"Even now, you still try to quibble? Did the two of us feel it incorrectly?"
Mu Chen's face was grim.
"Seniors, I'm telling the truth. I don't know what this demonic energy you speak of is."
Jiang Yu maintained his innocent facade, refusing to admit that he possessed demonic energy.
"What is this?"
Mu Chen casually reached out into the air, and a wisp of black mist emerged from the top of Jiang Yu's head.
Jiang Yu's aura then rapidly declined, his face turning pale, and large beads of sweat dripped from his cheeks.
"Seniors, after this kid ate a green pill, his aura instantly surged."
Before Jiang Yu could speak, Zhang Ergou recalled the moment Jiang Yu had suddenly transformed.
"A pill?"
Hua Xu and Mu Chen glanced at Zhang Ergou. Seeing that Jiang Yu refused to answer their questions directly, this was their only option.
"Since you refuse to answer honestly, we had intended to give you a good outcome. Now that you're uncooperative, don't blame this Venerable."
Hua Xu said, standing up.
"What are you doing? I told you, I don't know anything."
Jiang Yu panicked as Hua Xu stood up, but his protest sounded rather weak.
"It's been many years since this Venerable used the Soul Searching Technique. It seems I've become a bit rusty."
Hua Xu said, walking towards Jiang Yu.
"Don't come any closer!" Jiang Yu trembled uncontrollably, terrified.