Chapter 119: Backlash

Some of the weaker individuals turned pale instantly under the pressure of Lin Hao’s aura, their eyes filled with dread as they looked at him.

The man in green, seeing Lin Hao’s expression change, realized he had been angered. Although his pupils constricted upon feeling the formidable strength Lin Hao exuded, he stood his ground firmly, unlike some others present who had already begun to shrink back.

Observing this, Lin Hao curled his lips. His face remained calm, though he inwardly mocked the group: "Fair-weather opportunists. They don't deserve a kind face."

He noticed one man who seemed relatively rational and addressed his earlier question: "I said I truly left, but I returned due to some personal reasons. Do you believe me?"

"Naturally. You have no reason to lie to us. However, since you can leave and return, could you take us with you?" the man asked with a nod.

Lin Hao’s gaze flickered as he realized the man actually believed him. He began to look at him more seriously, scrutinizing him carefully.

Noticing Lin Hao’s stare, the man spoke humbly: "I am Song Yi of the Tianqing Sect."

"Senior Brother Song, how can you believe such a person's words? Quickly, tell us everything you know and hand over the treasures you’ve obtained! Otherwise, you won't walk out of Mount Tianyu alive today!" hearing this, other disciples from the Tianqing Sect were displeased.

They had all been united in their animosity toward Lin Hao, and they were shocked that Song Yi would trust his "nonsense" instead of standing with them. One man stepped forward, looking particularly dissatisfied.

"That's right! Hand over what you found! Who knows if your tall tales are true? If not, just take all of us out, and then we’ll believe you!" Once one person led the charge, others joined in the clamor.

Seeing that his words had stirred the crowd, the instigator wore a smug smile, casting a provocative look at Lin Hao. Lin Hao stared him down, and under that icy gaze, the man shivered, feeling a momentary loss of nerve. However, feeling emboldened by the support of the crowd, he glared right back.

Lin Hao was alone, while they were a large group. What did it matter how strong he was? The man strode forward, snorting coldly as he passed Song Yi, and stood before Lin Hao. "What else do you have to say? Any more explanations for everyone?"

Lin Hao, seeing his arrogant demeanor, was so angry he laughed. Disdaining to argue, he said coldly, "Why should I explain anything to you? I’ve said my piece; whether you believe it is up to you. If anyone is dissatisfied, feel free to step forward and fight!"

Lin Hao’s temper flared. With a sharp "Clang!", he drew his Swallowing Cloud Sword. The blade now shimmered with golden light and was wreathed in spiritual energy; any discerning eye could see it was no ordinary weapon. It was a far cry from the pitch-black, nameless blade he had first contracted.

Even those just beginning their cultivation would tremble at the sight of the Swallowing Cloud Sword. The man stepped back several paces as Lin Hao brandished his weapon. Retreating into the safety of the crowd, he pointed at Lin Hao and shouted, "Fine! I was trying to mediate for your sake, but you don't appreciate it. Very well. Everyone, attack together! We’ll take this Lin Hao down today—I don’t believe he can defeat all of us! We’ll split his treasures and force him to lead us out of Mount Tianyu!"

Though the man’s eyes flickered with fear when looking at the sword, his gaze soon turned intensely greedy. He became even more convinced that Lin Hao had discovered some great fortune.

Indeed, when Lin Hao drew his weapon, others also looked on with surprise. Seeing his imposing power, some began to hesitate. They had heard rumors of Lin Hao’s conflict with the Red Lotus Sect and had seen him strike at the gates of Mount Tianyu. His strength seemed even greater now, and they wondered if he had found some secret treasure, just like the sword in his hand. While greedy, they also valued their lives, and a moment of hesitation rippled through the crowd.

None of them recognized the sword as the one Lin Hao had previously carried; they all assumed he had gained something from a secret realm. As no one dared to be the first to act, the instigator’s words acted as a catalyst for the greedy among them.

"Exactly! Everyone, let’s go! I don't believe he can stop all of us. Catch him, and we’ll have everything—and we can leave Mount Tianyu. Why wouldn't we?" With that, several others drew their weapons and stood beside him, glaring at Lin Hao with greed and hostility.

Slowly, over twenty people from two different sects emerged, surrounding Lin Hao. Lin Hao observed Song Yi, who remained standing firmly, refusing to join the fray, along with four others who stood by his side, quietly observing.

Lin Hao felt a flicker of surprise, but he did not think Song Yi was taking his side; rather, his guard was raised even higher. The others were at least transparent in their intentions, but Song Yi was different. He was too rational. Lin Hao didn’t believe he possessed such charm that Song Yi would naturally align with him. He kept in mind the saying that "the quietest dog bites the hardest," and remained more wary of Song Yi than the rest.

Song Yi, unaware of this, had actually intended to earn Lin Hao’s gratitude but had instead achieved the opposite. Standing there with a calm expression, he inwardly cursed: "Idiots!"

He glanced at the man who had challenged him, a flash of murderous intent in his eyes. He wasn't entirely dismissive of the idea that Lin Hao held a treasure, but he was a master of psychological warfare. He knew Lin Hao was not someone to be trifled with, and without knowing his true strength, he didn't want to engage prematurely. He hadn't expected this fool to undermine his position and create this situation.

Looking at the supporters behind the man, he felt nothing but scorn: "A bunch of fools!" He wanted to see if they could actually squeeze any benefits out of Lin Hao. He hoped they would fight until both sides were exhausted, allowing him to reap the rewards.

As the others prepared to attack, Song Yi remained calm, his four loyal followers standing with him. One of them whispered, "Senior Brother Song, what about this..." Song Yi waved his hand, silencing him.

He looked at Lin Hao and offered a friendly smile before turning to the ringleader: "Junior Brother Wei, wouldn't it be better to discuss this calmly? Is such violence necessary?"

"Oh? Is this violence? We’re just trying to get to the truth, unlike you, Senior Brother Song, always acting so self-righteous. If you don't want to participate, keep your mouth shut. Once we get the treasure, you won't get a share!" the man said with disdain.

The man, Wei Ye, was also an inner-sect disciple of the Qingyun Sect. He and Song Yi had been rivals for a long time, and he lost no time in showing his contempt.

He turned back to Lin Hao. "Will you surrender, or should we make you?" he asked, a cruel smile on his lips.

Lin Hao snorted at his arrogance. "If you want to fight, stop the idle chatter."

He stepped forward, and with a swift kick, sent Wei Ye crashing into the main group, the force of the impact knocking down two others before he landed.

"Argh!" With a roar of rage, Wei Ye scrambled to his feet, disheveled and furious. "Everyone, attack! This Lin Hao dares to defy us all! We cannot let him go!"

His words stoked the fire in the crowd. Seeing Lin Hao make the first move, the others rushed forward. Wei Ye drew his weapon and shouted, "Die!" as he flew toward Lin Hao. The others exchanged glances and followed suit.

Chaos erupted. While the crowd below fought fiercely, Cao Yi sat on a tree branch above, watching with calm detachment. He had no intention of helping Lin Hao, his eyes glinting with amusement.