Published: February 26, 2025
“Who do you think you are to speak on this matter?”
Gongsun Shanshan's gaze turned icy as she interrupted him, her voice filled with disdain.
The old man felt a chill run down his spine but he stood his ground, saying, “Miss Gongsun, please reconsider. This young man has not done anything wrong. If you execute him, it may bring about unforeseen consequences…”
The crowd began to murmur amongst themselves, their eyes darting between Gongsun Shanshan and the elderly man.
Tan Yun remained silent, observing the unfolding situation with a calm demeanor.
Gongsun Shanshan’s expression softened slightly but she still looked unimpressed. “Consequences? Are you implying that I, Gongsun Shanshan, should fear the consequences of my actions?”
The old man replied, “It’s not about fear, Miss Gongsun. It’s about righteousness and justice. This young man has potential. Killing him would be a great loss…”
Gongsun Shanshan raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet skeptical. “Potential? What kind of potential could he possibly have?”
At this moment, Tan Yun decided to speak up. “I may not be as strong as you think, but I am not without my own merits. If you have any grievances, let’s discuss them openly.”
His words took the crowd by surprise, and a few whispers of approval echoed among them.
The old man nodded, encouraged by Tan Yun’s bravery. “See, Miss Gongsun? He is willing to face the situation head-on. Perhaps we can find a resolution that satisfies everyone.”
Gongsun Shanshan’s expression hardened again, but she was clearly considering their words. “Very well. Speak, young man. What can you offer to convince me not to take your life?”
Tan Yun took a deep breath, ready to defend himself and prove his worth.
The old man, Mu Rui, straightened his chest, his white eyebrows twitching. "I am Mu Rui, the shopkeeper of the Divine Treasure Pavilion in Azure Sun Market!"
"I am also a servant of the Mu Feng Divine King. My original surname was Liu, but I was fortunate enough to be given the surname Mu by the Mu Feng Divine King."
"What do you mean by 'what are you'?" Mu Rui's true fire ignited as he stared at Gongsun Shanshan.
He was confident that once he revealed his background, Gongsun Shanshan would not dare to trouble him any further.
After all, Mu Feng Divine King is one of the ten divine kings in the Primordial Chaos Divine Realm, a status that cannot be compared to that of the Head of the Gongsun Family!
And indeed, this was the case!
Gongsun Shanshan raised an eyebrow and said lightly, "So you are a person of Mu Feng Divine King. This matter does not concern you, so don't meddle!"
Although Gongsun Shanshan's tone was gentle, her words were still aggressive.
In her heart, Gongsun Shanshan sneered. If it weren't for the fact that one should consider the master when beating a dog, she would have long since turned Mu Rui into a corpse.
"Miss Gongsun, you are mistaken." Mu Rui stood in front of Tan Yun and said solemnly, "Young Master Jing is a benefactor of our Divine King. The Divine King has stated that anyone who disrespects Young Master Jing is making an enemy of us!"
Upon hearing this, Gongsun Shanshan, Wang Xi, Wang Qi, and those who had not witnessed Mu Feng Divine King's favor towards Tan Yun were all taken aback.
Gongsun Shanshan gradually furrowed her brow, examining Mu Rui with a scrutinizing gaze. She extended a finger to point at Tan Yun and questioned, "He is the benefactor of Mu Feng Divine King?"
"Exactly." Mu Rui replied.
At that moment, those who had witnessed Mu Feng Divine King's departure from Azure Sun Square all nodded in agreement.
Observing this scene, a fleeting glimmer of murderous intent crossed Gongsun Shanshan's eyes before she returned to normal and smiled at Tan Yun while clasping her hands, "So you are the benefactor of Mu Feng Divine King. Earlier, I was rude, and I hope you forgive me."
Little did Gongsun Shanshan know that Tan Yun had keenly captured the murderous intent that flashed in her eyes just now.