Martial Master

“Sir Situ Zhen, now that both Ling Jun and Ling Yi of the Ling family have fallen here, I suspect that the killer is this Qin Chen. I urge you not to stop me.”

Ling Yuannan spoke with authority, his eyes flashing with cold light and his whole body radiating a murderous intent that was unmistakable. Although he was addressing Situ Zhen with a request, his demeanor clearly conveyed a message.

“Ling Yuannan, the deaths of Ling Jun and Ling Yi may not necessarily be related to Qin Chen. Until there is evidence, I will not allow you to act against him,” Situ Zhen said coldly. His imposing aura soared into the sky like a dragon or a tiger, echoing in the void. The majesty he exuded was only stronger than Ling Yuannan's.

It was evident that Situ Zhen had also gained remarkable benefits within this relic palace, his cultivation nearing the half-step Martial God realm, unmatched in strength.

“Evidence? What evidence do I need? I have investigated thoroughly; at the time of Ling Yi's fall, he was still on the Rainbow Bridge, and the one who rushed onto the Rainbow Bridge was none other than Qin Chen. If it wasn’t Qin Chen who killed him, then who else could it be?” Ling Yuannan roared in anger.

With only himself left alive from the Ling family trio, his rage was naturally uncontainable.

“Qin Chen, did you kill Ling Yi?” Situ Zhen turned to look at Qin Chen.

Qin Chen immediately breathed a sigh of relief, retracting his spiritual force. He still had to thank Ling Yuannan; this confrontation allowed him to clearly sense that Situ Zhen's aura was not being controlled by a member of the Demon Tribe, and the stone in his heart fell away.

He clasped his hands and said, “Respected Sir Situ Zhen, I did not kill Ling Yi. I ask you to see the truth.”

“Ling Yuannan, you heard that, Ling Yi was not killed by Qin Chen,” Situ Zhen replied coldly.

Ling Yuannan was furious: “You believe Qin Chen is not the killer based solely on his word, Situ Zhen? That’s too protective of him. Step aside; I will capture this child and interrogate him. I don’t believe he won’t tell the truth.”

Ling Yuannan took a step forward, seemingly ignoring Situ Zhen and preparing to take action.

“Ling Yuannan, I am the team leader of the Alchemy Pavilion here. I advise you not to go too far; otherwise, do not blame me for enforcing the Alchemy Pavilion's punishments,” Situ Zhen roared with anger.

Ling Yuannan had already defied his orders multiple times, and now, emboldened by his cultivation breakthrough, he was even more arrogant. How could Situ Zhen back down? At this moment, he was not protecting Qin Chen, but the rules of the Alchemy Pavilion, and his authority as the leader.

“If you remain obstinate, do not blame me for being ruthless.”

Boom!

A killing intent surged from Situ Zhen, rumbling ominously. His gaze was as cold as ice. As long as Ling Yuannan made any move, he would forcefully suppress him.

The other powers around them exchanged glances, revealing expressions of anticipation for the spectacle.

For a commoner from the Four-Domains, two of the Alchemy Pavilion's top experts actually stood against each other. They hoped for a fierce battle – the best outcome would be mutual destruction. In that case, the Alchemy Pavilion would completely lose its qualification to compete for the rule fruits, ultimately benefiting them.

“Sir Situ Zhen, Sir Ling Yuannan, we are all from the Alchemy Pavilion. Why must we resort to fighting and killing, making a laughingstock of ourselves? Look at these people; they are eagerly watching us, probably wishing for both of you to fight so that the Alchemy Pavilion loses its chance at the rule fruits.”

At this moment, a figure stepped forward, inserting himself between the two. His aura was imposing, like an abyss or a prison, nearly on par with Situ Zhen and Ling Yuannan, faintly approaching the half-step Martial God realm.

Another top expert who had gained fortuitous encounters.

Qin Chen looked at the person, frowning slightly. This man's name was Lu Haoran; he had a vague impression of him, having only been a peak Martial Emperor in the mid-stage before entering the Ancient Yu Realm, not even reaching the late-stage Martial Emperor. Unexpectedly, his cultivation had risen so much, nearly matching Ling Yuannan and Situ Zhen.