The rain had fallen for a long time, and it was unknown when it stopped.
In mid-air, his move was broken. Tian Shui Dao Ren showed no emotional fluctuation, as he only intended to intercept Agu Damo slightly.
Moreover, he could sense that someone below had already caught Ai Yan, so there was no need for him to act further.
Agu Damo also did not descend further. He merely turned his head indifferently, his gaze filled with killing intent fixed on Xu Mu.
Jiu Xian Dao Ren reacted swiftly, flying into the air and using his body to block Agu Damo's line of sight, fearing that the latter might impulsively do something.
Nan Gong Mao Guan observed Xu Mu, suppressing the shock in his heart. He turned his head towards Agu Damo and calmly asked, "I would like to ask Mr. Agu Damo, who won this battle?"
Agu Damo fell silent upon hearing this, then replied, "You have won."
"This young friend Mu Xu has defeated our clan's Ai Yan head-on, without resorting to any unfair means. In this battle, we willingly concede defeat."
Hearing Agu Damo admit defeat so readily, Nan Gong Mao Guan and the others were somewhat surprised. Many cultivators who were ready to mock fell silent. They hadn't expected Agu Damo to be so straightforward. A great general from the Royal Court, leading a junior to challenge them, and he admitted defeat just like that.
Xu Mu, dragging his wounded body, sighed in his heart with a grave expression.
If Agu Damo had argued for a while and refused to admit the outcome of the battle, he would have felt much more at ease. That would have proven the man to be small-minded and not intelligent, an opponent whom he wouldn't have to worry about, no matter how strong.
Face was something that people of higher status valued more. Yet, Agu Damo, a great general of the Royal Court and a renowned figure, frankly admitted his defeat. This was enough to prove his extraordinary nature.
The Li clan judge from Zhongtian's throat moved, about to utter some pleasantries to conclude the matter, when Agu Damo spoke again.
Agu Damo's expression was solemn as he stared at Xu Mu, "However, I am curious, where did that dark energy of yours originate from?"
"Such a violent and terrifying aura, I have only seen it on the scepter of the Sorcerer Lord."
"It has finally arrived," Jiu Xian Dao Ren's eyes flickered. When Xu Mu released that darkness, he knew this question would be asked.
He just couldn't guess who would ask it.
Because everyone present had clearly sensed and seen this darkness.
In that instant, they all realized that the fearsome fluctuations that had emanated from the alien dimension when Zhou Jie pulled Xu Mu in had not originated from Zhou Jie, but from Xu Mu.
The ghosts cultivated by Zhou Jie were not even a fraction as terrifying as this darkness.
So, what kind of ability was this?
Xu Mu's expression was calm, his gaze serene as he replied, "I don't think I need to answer this question."
Agu Damo fell silent. Just as he was about to ask about the illusionary form of the other shore flower, he was interrupted by Tian Shui Dao Ren.
"Since you lost, there's no need to make a fuss here."
Tian Shui Dao Ren looked at Agu Damo, his eagle-like sharp gaze sweeping over every person from the Golden Tent Royal Court, causing them all to become nervous.
"We acknowledge the strength of your Royal Court's prodigies, but unfortunately, you have ultimately lost, losing to the second-ranked."
Nan Gong Mao Guan also spoke again, his expression calm yet somewhat proud as he uttered these words.
It was clear that he intended to leverage Xu Mu's victory over Ai Yan to indirectly establish Nan Gong Huai Tian's reputation.
This method was not considered base or shameless, but Nan Gong Huai Tian disliked it very much. She frowned and earnestly said to Nan Gong Mao Guan, "Elder, you know that I am not as good as him. Please do not say such things."
Nan Gong Mao Guan was silent for a moment and sighed, "Of course I know."
"Throughout my life of cultivation, I have always followed my own path, never engaged in schemes, nor been obsessed with fame or fortune. The so-called masters of the cultivation world always like to create hype, but I scoff at it. However, looking back now, sometimes these words must be said, and hype must be created. Do you understand?"
Nan Gong Huai Tian nodded obediently and said, "I understand."
"But this first place should have been his. He is as strong as my brother. I took his first place, and there's no way to give it back. It already makes me feel uneasy."
Nan Gong Huai Tian paused, her peerlessly beautiful face once again covered by her veil.
"If you continue to borrow his prestige like this, I fear I, Nan Gong Huai Tian, will never be able to repay the debt I owe him in this lifetime."
Nan Gong Mao Guan nodded, sighing helplessly, "Indeed, it is hard to repay. This young man has helped you so many times, even giving up the first place in the Ten Thousand Races Assembly, and letting you avoid using your forbidden move against Ai Yan, thus saving you from the scorching pain of phoenix true blood."
"Such great kindness, other than marrying him, I cannot think of any other way to repay it," Nan Gong Mao Guan sighed and looked at Nan Gong Huai Tian, half-jokingly, half-seriously.
This person, Mu Xu, though his background was unknown, based on what he had done for Nan Gong Huai Tian, it was evident that he genuinely liked her. He was far superior to those "geniuses" who sought marriage for political alliance, power of the Nan Gong clan, or opportunistic gain.
"In the cultivation world, sincerity is only worth half a tael of copper. When you encounter a good match, you must cherish it."
Nan Gong Mao Guan sighed with an air of aged wisdom, his meaning very clear. How could Nan Gong Huai Tian not understand?
A blush appeared on her face beneath the veil, but she quickly regained her composure and said indifferently, "You are already so old, and you still want to find a Dao companion, and a male one at that. You really don't make this Saintess worry."
Nan Gong Mao Guan almost spat out a mouthful of blood upon hearing this and hastily waved his hands, "Don't disgust me, old man. I was wrong."
"Your matters are for you to decide. I am merely offering an opinion."
Nan Gong Huai Tian's eyes were clear and bright. She took out a precious medicinal pill and flew it towards Xu Mu. At the same time, she turned to Nan Gong Mao Guan and said,
"Your opinion is very good."
"Don't bring it up again next time."
"Oh," Nan Gong Mao Guan responded and then watched as Nan Gong Huai Tian went to heal Xu Mu. The two exchanged a glance, and without a word, began to cooperate, administering the medicine, circulating energy, and purging toxins, all in one fluid motion.
"Heh, they have quite good chemistry."
Nan Gong Mao Guan chuckled unconsciously as he watched the two busy figures from behind.
Nan Gong Huai Tian had many suitors, and she was of age to form a Dao companion. He had been troubled by whom to choose from among various noble families, comparing their appearances, talents, character, and family backgrounds, but none truly pleased him. Only Ji Xuan Su was somewhat acceptable, but that young man was too dull and wooden, far less than the young man who had healed him in the domain of Gu Ye back then.
Now, with the appearance of Mu Xu, he was spared a great deal of worry.
"Alas, Xu Mu, do not blame this old man for not giving you an opportunity. The young lady left her token for you, but you did not come to the Ten Thousand Races Assembly."
Nan Gong Mao Guan thought of Xu Mu, recalling the small cottage they had stayed in during the domain of Gu Ye, and the Dao source that the latter had condensed when he was taught thunder techniques. He shook his head with some regret.
He wondered how Xu Mu from the domain of Gu Ye was doing now.
Given his talent, perhaps he was not inferior to this Mu Xu now!