Chapter Thirty-Eight: Just This Once, Let Me Be Bold!

The Bloodscale Python clearly recognized Mo Bufan and, evidently, had a deep impression of him. This human cultivator was the very first one it had ever met who, despite holding the advantage, did not kill it, even going so far as to give it an immortal pill for healing. How could it possibly forget such kindness?

Yet now, so many people were gathered before it, openly discussing how to deal with it and how to divide its beast cubs among themselves. The python was already furious to the extreme, resolved to fight these cultivators to the death.

Mo Bufan stood among the opposing crowd, causing the python to question its impression of him. Upon hearing Mo Bufan's words, it hesitated for a moment, but ultimately nodded to this ambiguous friend or foe.

The crowd watched Mo Bufan treat a beast with such respect and couldn't help but smirk. Since ancient times, cultivators had dominated the world—beasts were either slaughtered or used as tools, and only the rare few with immense power managed to stand their ground. Naturally, most considered beasts to be inferior.

For a human cultivator to treat a beast with courtesy—how laughable!

Wen Xuan was also puzzled, scratching his head, secretly wondering if this son-in-law of theirs had some kind of mental problem.

Mo Bufan then briefly introduced the three dragons to Wen Xuan, who was shocked once more and immediately reined in his unruly demeanor, bowing respectfully to the dragons.

While the dragon clan was not renowned in the Eastern Divine Continent, their strength was undeniable, surpassing even the four great sects. Mo Bufan had read about their might in books, but had never personally witnessed the terrifying wrath of a Dragon Lord, and thus felt no reverence for the Lord’s three children.

But Wen Xuan was different.

The three dragons, seeing Wen Xuan's salute, felt their dignity restored and returned the gesture.

Mo Bufan then asked, "Senior Wen, what is the situation here now?"

Wen Xuan smiled, casually explaining the circumstances with a hint of pride at having gained an advantage.

Mo Bufan frowned upon hearing this. He had anticipated that the beasts might suffer a calamity, but never imagined it would be so severe.

Surveying the cultivators around him, all poised to snatch the cubs at any moment, Mo Bufan felt a trace of disgust.

Though he often read about killing for treasure in novels, in his own law-abiding society he had never experienced such things. Witnessing everyone brazenly and even justifiably robbing others, he found it absurd.

Moreover, recalling the words spoken to him by the maverick Dragon Ancestor before his death, Mo Bufan knew he could not remain a bystander this time.

But if he did not stay out of it, he would have to face the storm directly. Here, cultivators favored caution, always keeping hidden cards; the more flamboyant one was, the faster one met their end.

Worse yet, by his current trajectory, he was unmistakably stepping into the protagonist’s role. If the protagonist didn’t learn to “play it safe,” not even the author could save him.

Yet, after a brief hesitation, Mo Bufan decided he absolutely could not play it safe—at least he would make things difficult for the author, see if he could gain a little halo, so he wouldn’t die too quickly!

Right now, the halo was enough for him to be bold—Wen Xuan, his protector, was present, so no one could do anything to him no matter how brazen he acted. Thus, he would be properly arrogant this time.

“Miss Dragon, which person am I looking for? Can you help me point them out?” Mo Bufan turned to Long Ling’er.

Long Ling’er was startled, glanced at her two brothers, then finally pointed at a cultivator standing behind Qian Yuanzi of the Kaiyuan Sect. “It should be that fellow over there.”

Mo Bufan’s gaze sharpened as he looked at the cultivator, his internal spiritual energy stirring. He said, “From Tianxuan Sect, Mo Bufan. Fellow Daoist, have you ever killed a Fire Sable?”

The cultivator, Brother Zhao, was dumbfounded by this strange newcomer and his curious question about such a low-level beast. Yet, seeing Wen Xuan’s attitude toward Mo Bufan, he dared not act superior. Thinking back, he realized he had indeed killed a female Fire Sable and obtained a beast crystal.

“Zhao Wu of Kaiyuan Sect. I have killed a Fire Sable. What is your purpose in asking?” Zhao Wu asked, perplexed.

Mo Bufan replied, “As long as it was you.”

He then turned to Wen Xuan and said, “Senior Wen, I want to kill him.”

The entire crowd was stunned. In their minds, it seemed certain that this guy must be crazy.

Wen Xuan was equally bewildered, staring in confusion at Mo Bufan.

“Is he truly going to offend Kaiyuan Sect for a Fire Sable? What exactly is he thinking?” Long Ling’er was shocked. Having seen Mo Bufan care for the little Fire Sable along the journey, she felt he might really kill for its mother. But to say so openly in such a situation—she never expected it.

Mo Bufan removed the bamboo basket from his back, revealing an orange cat and the well-fed, sleeping Fire Sable cub before Wen Xuan. Pointing at the cub, he said, “Zhao Wu killed its mother.”

“Ah!” Wen Xuan stared blankly at Mo Bufan. If not for the fact that he was their son-in-law, Wen Xuan felt he would have cursed him outright.

The crowd was just as dumbfounded. Had this guy’s brain been crushed by a door? How could he say such a thing?

Mo Bufan, not waiting for Wen Xuan’s reply, said, “Senior, please watch over the Fire Sable cub for me. I’ll be back soon.”

Wen Xuan, in centuries, had never encountered such a bizarre situation and, for the first time in hundreds of years, scratched his head in confusion—then, rather foolishly, nodded.

Mo Bufan strode into the center of the field, drew his sword, and pointed it at Zhao Wu. “This is a matter between you and me. Make your move.”

“Are you joking, friend? It’s just a Fire Sable. If you want the crystal, I’ll give it to you—no need to draw your sword,” Zhao Wu said, still amused.

Mo Bufan’s expression was cold. “Thank you, but I, like you, prefer killing for treasure. The way you killed the Fire Sable is how I’ll kill you. The way you took its crystal is how I’ll take it from you.”

Zhao Wu glanced at Qian Yuanzi, who was equally baffled and did not intervene. Frowning, Zhao Wu said coldly, “Don’t push me too far. Do you really think I’m afraid of you? I’m just worried about harming the harmony between our sects.”

“I said, this is between us,” Mo Bufan replied icily.

Zhao Wu frowned, about to step forward when Qian Yuanzi stopped him with an outstretched hand. Finally, Qian Yuanzi spoke.

“This… friend, isn’t it a bit much to make a fuss over a Fire Sable?” Qian Yuanzi said, then turned to Wen Xuan, “Fellow Daoist Wen, isn’t your Tianxuan Sect junior being too reckless? If Zhao Wu kills him, don’t regret it.”

Qian Yuanzi had already seen that Mo Bufan’s cultivation was at the first stage of the Void Refinement Realm, but judging from his conversation with Wen Xuan, they were clearly close. He couldn’t let trouble erupt now.

Wen Xuan smirked, “What junior? Didn’t you hear him call me ‘senior’? He’s my son-in-law! He made it clear: this is between the two of them. No one should interfere. Qian Yuanzi, if you step in, it’ll become between us.”

“You…” Qian Yuanzi was rendered speechless, then after a moment snorted, “Fine, fine, but don’t regret it.”

“Master Qian, no need for you to intervene. I want to see what he’s truly capable of!” Zhao Wu finally snorted, drew a long blade, strode into the field. “If we’re deciding life and death, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

As he spoke, Zhao Wu’s blade danced, spiritual energy surging within, and the aura of heaven and earth gathered instantly. He shouted, “Be careful!”

Mo Bufan didn’t answer. He had just observed that Zhao Wu’s cultivation was at the sixth stage of the Void Refinement Realm. By strength alone, he could spar a bit, and he had plenty of treasures besides.

As Zhao Wu’s blade aura condensed, forming several slashing beams, he attacked Mo Bufan.

Mo Bufan’s combat experience was vast. As the blade light approached, he moved, spiritual energy concentrating, the runes of the Dao converging—a sword beam a yard long collided with Zhao Wu’s blade.

“A first-level Void Refinement against a sixth-level? This guy is too audacious!” The crowd only now realized Mo Bufan’s true cultivation.

“He talks so big, but he’s nothing special. Where does he get the nerve?” Kaiyuan Sect disciples muttered.

“How laughable,” disciples from other sects watched as if enjoying a show.

Only Wen Xuan looked tense. He was not one for sticking to his word—if Mo Bufan failed, he would never allow anyone to harm him. Letting him act out was merely indulging his antics.

But what happened next left everyone stunned.

Zhao Wu, seeing Mo Bufan’s level, smiled, a hint of contempt in his expression.

In the blink of an eye, blade and sword collided with a thunderous crash, spiritual energy rippling outward.

Zhao Wu did not attack again, waiting to see Mo Bufan’s embarrassing defeat.

The others wore similar expressions, but as the smoke cleared, they were shocked to find the blade and sword beams had neutralized each other.

“Hmph. If your attack isn’t focused, your cultivation is wasted!” Mo Bufan scoffed. “Let me warn you, I’m very strong. If you don’t use full strength, you’ll die miserably.”

With that, Mo Bufan’s sword flashed as he charged Zhao Wu.

Zhao Wu snorted, “I don’t need your warning!”

In an instant, the two figures became streaks of light, clashing fiercely.

Mo Bufan’s spiritual energy was pure, his technique smooth. Each attack was a mere thought, and the sword beams formed instantly, his speed far outstripping Zhao Wu.

Though Zhao Wu was powerful, in moments he was overwhelmed by Mo Bufan’s relentless assault.

Sword lights poured down like a storm; Zhao Wu’s blade danced frantically in defense, but he was utterly battered.

Seeing himself powerless under Mo Bufan’s pressure, Zhao Wu finally roared, slapped his storage pouch, and summoned a fiery red shield, which blocked most attacks, giving him a brief respite.

“Hmph, pitiful tricks—you’re far from enough!” Mo Bufan sneered, sword in one hand, the other weaving seals. Blades of wind coalesced and struck at Zhao Wu.

Dual techniques at once—common among higher cultivators, but for a Void Refinement cultivator, still in mortal flesh, to manage this stunned the crowd.

Wen Xuan was overjoyed. This son-in-law truly was a talent, just as Master Wei Wuwei had said!

The others were equally astonished by Mo Bufan’s dazzling attacks.

Zhao Wu, barely catching his breath, was forced back again, utterly flustered.

Mo Bufan hadn’t expected Zhao Wu to be so weak—he hadn’t yet used his full strength. He shouted, “Thought you were tougher! If this is all, let’s finish it!”

With that, his “Purple Star Sword Technique” became even more ferocious, the longsword splitting into dozens of sword beams, joined by a dozen wind blades, attacking Zhao Wu from all directions.

Zhao Wu, controlling his shield and swinging his blade, failed to block several sword beams. One struck his back, sending his blood surging—he staggered and spat blood.

Before he could steady himself, Mo Bufan’s sword beams condensed into one, thrusting at Zhao Wu’s chest. Zhao Wu’s pupils contracted—he could only watch helplessly as the sword approached his heart.

Qian Yuanzi wanted to intervene, but dared not move; he clearly sensed Wen Xuan’s aura locking him—if he acted, Wen Xuan would be faster!

The Bloodscale Python had been watching everything. When Mo Bufan killed Zhao Wu for the Fire Sable, the python’s eyes showed confusion. But when it accidentally glimpsed the orange cat in Mo Bufan’s basket, its eyes suddenly lit up with hope…