Chapter 28 - Irreconcilable Differences

Huo Shaoyang, who was similarly rooted to the ground under the sudden pressure from the unseen expert, couldn't resist threatening whomever it was in his uncontrolled fit of rage.

"Who is it!? Show yourself at once, or Gods help me i'll-!" Unfortunately for him, the voice that responded and put a damper on the fire in his belly, like a bucket of ice water, was one he was more than adequately terrified and respectful of, and thankfully not someone will ill intentions.

"You will what, Shaoyang? Will you have me beaten, torn limb from limb by beasts, or perhaps simply have my cultivation crippled and then parade me through the streets as a form of entertainment to amuse yourself? Tsk, Tsk. Since when have you become so confident that you don't even show me, Dong Zǐmò, due respect anymore?" Came the voice of the Grandmaster Level Flood Dragon as he spoke with a more than obvious distaste for the heir of the Holy Dragon Fire Sect.

"G-grand Elder Zǐmò...why...why are you doing this to me...when I tell my father about this-" Sadly, or maybe luckily, Huo Shaoyang was unable to continue his pointless threatening words and dig himself into a deeper hole as Dong Zǐmò amplified his Spirit Energy output and forced Young Master Huo to a kneeling position, barely able breathe under the pressure, let alone move a muscle to escape.

"Sigh. If I had not made a move to stop you just now, the end result of your actions would more than likely be a serious thrashing, or perhaps even death." Dong Zǐmò said while releasing a deep sigh as he shot Luo Mei a quick glance, all while he rubbed his temple, demonstrating his obvious frustration,"Besides, who do you think would have sent me here? Obviously it was Sect Master." At this point, Elder Zǐmò had fully descended from the sky and was now staring at Huo Shaoyang with a strikingly fierce gaze for being asked to babysit this infuriating Brat.

"W-what...?" Huo Shaoyang replied with a look of disbelief and a pale complexion, obvious beads of sweat running down his face and back in a steady stream ,"B-but...why...why would Esteemed Father s-send y-y-you here?" He stuttered as he struggled to speak to the much more powerful senior cultivator.

"I...I thought he was still in closed door training...preparing for his Ascension..." Young Master Huo added with difficulty.

"Indeed, he was. But who was it that recently disturbed him, breaking his concentration, all over a petty, childish, and nonsense dispute with someone you didn't even know?" Dong Zǐmò questioned rhetorically while gazing at Huo Shaoyang in a scornful manner.

"But that was-!" Young Master Huo attempted to protest, only to be quickly shut down.

"Silence!" Dong Zǐmò yelled in an overbearing manner, His Spirit Pressure becoming even more intense,"Keep your excuses to yourself. I have no interest in hearing them."

It was at this point that he finally ceased his Spirit Energy' pressure and proceeded to give an order to the Sect Disciples,"Take him back to camp and tie him up. If he so much as steps a single toe out of his tent before sunrise, I will personally cripple each and every one of you, understood?"

"Yes, Grand Elder!" Shouted one of the senior disciples before turning to face Huo Shaoyang directly, speaking to his Young Master respectfully,"Please, Young Master Huo...." The disciple said while indicating for the Holy Dragon Fire Sect heir to head back to their camp, all while under the supervision of the others.

Huo Shaoyang was left feeling utterly humiliated and enraged as he was forcefully escorted back like some common criminal to the place they planned on staying for the night.

It was in this moment that he decided that the grudge between himself and the 'trash' known as Xin Jin would be irreconcilable.

If he couldn't kill that bastard, then he would die trying. Regardless of method or consequences, Huo Shaoyang swore that he would be the one to have the last laugh as he stood over Xin Jin's bloodied corpse.

As for the women who followed after him like bitches in heat, well, death would be too merciful for them.

"That was...unexpected." Muttered Xin Jin in a half stunned manner as he watched Huo Shaoyang and the others from his Sect dissappear back within the crowd.

A moment later, Dong Zǐmò appeared before him and greeted him and his group in a casual, albeit distressed manner.

"Ah, Young Master Xin, Lady Luo, Miss Gu, I apologize on behalf of Sect Master Yang and myself for the behavior of Young Shaoyang. Despite being so old already, it seems like he still has yet to mature emotionally. I am a failure as an Elder and mentor." He stated with an exasperated tone at the end, seemingly genuine in his regret.

"There is no need to apologize for him Senior Zǐmò. What is done, is done." Xin Jin replied with a subtle, yet charming smile.

"How can that be, Young Master Xin? It was clearly visible to all except him that Young Master Huo's actions and words were not just over the top, but down right despicable. And sadly, I fear this will not be the end of things." Dong Zǐmò said with obvious frustration.

"Indeed. It would seem that we will have to pay extra attention to ensure that he doesn't cause any more problems during our exploration of the Inheritance Tomb." Xin Jin said while shaking his head.

Xin Jin honestly couldn't fathom why this Huo Shaoyang was so hell-bent on causing him and those around him unnecessary trouble. It wasn't like he had killed his dog or anything.

Surely there had to be a reason, even an illogical one, behind Huo Shaoyang's actions.

Unfortunately for Xin Jin, Only the Gods and the young man himself were privy to such information at the moment.

Dong Zǐmò smiled bitterly as he thought about the likelihood, which was considerably great, that Young Master Huo would continue to go out of his way to cause even more problems. He could only hope that he was present when such a situation inevitably took place and he was able to stop it, or at least mitigate the damage.

"Then, If you will excuse me, I should return and make sure that the other disciples have fulfilled their duties." Grand Elder Zǐmò said while cupping his fist and bowing slightly.

"Of course, please take care of yourself Senior." Xin Jin replied while returning the gesture.