Chapter 74 New Addition

To prevent the situation from getting out of control again, he pressed his palm against Shangguan Hao's spiritual soul, and a thin thread of spiritual power quietly extended out, quickly weaving into a sealing rune.

Is he going to harm my spiritual soul? Sensing the threat to his spiritual soul, Shangguan Hao was greatly alarmed.

He never expected Jiang Li to have such a method. Although he was angry in his heart, he also knew that he was at a disadvantage at this moment. If he forced himself to break free, it might cause irreparable damage to his spiritual soul.

"Wait a minute. We can still discuss this." Shangguan Hao quickly said.

"Really? Can you give up on Xiaoke and stop having designs on her?"

"That's not possible!" Fearing that Jiang Li would act too quickly, Shangguan Hao hurriedly continued to explain, "Although this body is of vital importance to our Palace Master and cannot be left outside, it was also said that we only need to retrieve it before she turns eighteen.

I can give you some time, allowing her to live with you for a few years. Moreover, even if you kill me now, there will be others coming to look for her. Since that's the case, I'll stay by your side for the time being to protect this girl, so as to avoid any mishaps. Otherwise, it will be hard for me to account to the sect."

Jiang Li's brows furrowed slightly. He knew that what Shangguan Hao said made some sense. After all, once Shangguan Hao left, there might be others coming to look for Ye Xiaoke. Compared with those people whose backgrounds were unknown, Shangguan Hao seemed to be the lesser of the evils for now.

"In that case, it's okay for you to tag along. But you'd better keep your word and not play any tricks secretly." Jiang Li slightly cupped his fists, indicating his agreement to this matter.

"Hmph, once I, Shangguan Hao, make a promise, I won't go back on my word!"

Just like that, Shangguan Hao started following Jiang Li and Ye Xiaoke.

In the days that followed, although Jiang Li and the others always remained vigilant against Shangguan Hao, as time went by, they found that Shangguan Hao was rather straightforward in his ways, and he took more care of Ye Xiaoke.

However, Ye Xiaoke always thought he had ulterior motives and always spoke to him coldly. She would avoid him whenever possible and never get close to him.

Shangguan Hao also noticed that Jiang Li didn't treat Ye Xiaoke as a servant girl but regarded her as a younger sister, allowing Ye Xiaoke to maintain her innocence and happiness.

Gradually, his view of Jiang Li also changed, shifting from the initial hostile attitude.

With his mid - level Martial Master strength, considering there were also two Martial Monarchs in the group, being able to hold their own against a water - holding Martial Saint like himself, Jiang Li could be regarded as a genius. This made Shangguan Hao feel a bit more curious and appreciative of Jiang Li.

Jiang Li and his group continued their journey westward. Ever since they entered the territory of Ganyang Prefecture, Jiang Li had a feeling that their group seemed to be under surveillance. The atmosphere grew increasingly tense, as if a layer of gloom had quietly descended. Jiang Li felt an inexplicable unease in his heart. It was like a faint chill creeping up his spine, keeping him vigilant at all times.

When they reached a relatively secluded mountain village and were about to take a rest there, a gentle breeze blew by. However, the wind carried a strange and disturbing smell.

Shangguan Hao folded his arms across his chest and said slowly, "Oh, it seems there are uninvited guests ahead." Although his tone seemed relaxed, his eyes instantly sharpened as he scanned the surroundings warily.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Li's brows furrowed tightly. Without hesitation, he immediately signaled everyone to be on high alert. Lin Xiao and Su Yao beside him both looked solemn. They didn't dare to be careless at all, quickly moving apart to stand firmly on either side of Jiang Li and Ye Xiaoke, ready for whatever might come.

"It seems we're in for some trouble," Jiang Li said in a low voice.

Suddenly, an extremely oppressive aura burst forth from the depths of the forest. Like a surging tide, it swept towards everyone, instantly making them feel as if they were in the oppressive calm before a storm.

Moments later, more than a dozen martial artists dressed in cyan close - fitting outfits approached rapidly, like phantoms. Each of these martial artists had a lithe and vigorous figure, and as they moved, they created a faint whistling sound of wind. Their auras were erratic, clearly indicating that they were no ordinary people in the martial world.

"You're Jiang Li," said a middle - aged man at the head. He was extremely tall, standing there like a small mountain. His eyes were cold and sinister, like a hissing viper. Looking at Jiang Li, he sneered, "We've searched high and low for you in vain, yet you appear right before us without any effort. Today, the heavens must be smiling upon our Green Mountain Stronghold. Running into you means we're about to get rich."

A cold glint flashed in Jiang Li's eyes. His gaze was like a tangible cold beam, sending shivers down one's spine. He slowly drew out the Mo Li Sword. The sharp blade reflected a dazzling light, and under the sunlight, it was like a bolt of lightning cutting through the darkness. "And who are you lot?"

Su Yao said to Jiang Li, "Young Master, if I'm not mistaken, these people should be from the Green Mountain Stronghold!"

"You've got sharp eyes. Indeed, we are from the Green Mountain Stronghold!" the leader admitted readily.

"Green Mountain Stronghold? I've never heard of it. But we have no grudges against you. Why are you blocking our way here?" Jiang Li said coldly.

"We may not have personal grudges, but you're just too arrogant and have offended someone you shouldn't have! If you don't have the strength yet you go around provoking those who can't be messed with, you can't blame us for this!"

Arrogant? Jiang Li was trying to recall his enemies. In these days, he had indeed offended quite a few people he perhaps shouldn't have. For a moment, he really couldn't figure out who had sent these people.

"Since you know I'm arrogant, you should also guess that I have some skills. If you don't want to die, get out of the way!"

"Hahaha, you're just a useless book - worm. What skills could you possibly have?" The leader's face was full of disdain.

"I say, Brother Jiang, these people are courting death. Just grant their wish. Why waste time chatting with them?" Shangguan Hao looked impatient.

The spiritual power in his hand suddenly surged. The spiritual power seemed to be alive, leaping and churning in his palm, faintly exuding a heart - palpitating aura. "Today, let you guys see what it means to be 'overestimating one's capabilities'. Daring to act presumptuously in front of us, you really have a death wish."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the people from the Green Mountain Stronghold changed slightly. A man in a gray robe snorted coldly, "You reckless fools, daring to spout such wild words on the territory of our Green Mountain Stronghold. You really don't know how to cherish your lives!"

As his cold snort faded, the other members of the Green Mountain Stronghold seemed to receive some kind of call from the shadows. They all emerged one after another and quickly formed a encirclement, trapping Jiang Li and the others in the middle.

The auras emanating from these people grew even stronger. Streaks of fierce killing intent were like tangible blades, as if they were going to tear the entire valley into pieces.

"It seems this battle is inevitable today. Since that's the case, it's time for them to know that I, Jiang Li, am no longer the weak scholar who could be bullied at will!" A cold smile curved the corners of Jiang Li's mouth, and a cold light flickered in his eyes, like the ice in winter, exuding endless chill.

"Since you're so eager to court death, don't blame me!"

Before the words finished, Jiang Li stomped hard on the ground. With a "boom", a shallow footprint instantly appeared on the ground, and his figure shot forward like an arrow leaving the bow, covering several zhang in an instant.

The sword in his hand turned into a silver lightning bolt, carrying an indomitable momentum, directly pointing at the middle - aged man in the lead. As the sword light flickered, it was like a nimble silver dragon, drawing a dazzling trajectory in the air.

"Poof!"

The sword energy, as swift as a dragon, fiercely sliced through the oncoming attacks of the enemy.

In an instant, the shrill whistling of the sword wind filled the air. The sound was sharp and ear - piercing, as if the god of death was screeching.

The sword energy clashed with the enemy's attacks, instantly erupting into a powerful spiritual power shockwave that spread out in all directions. It made the leaves and branches of the surrounding trees rustle loudly. Some of the more fragile branches were even directly shaken off and fluttered down.

"You...!" The middle - aged man in the lead widened his eyes in shock, staring at Jiang Li's movements with an expression of disbelief.

Evidently, he had never expected Jiang Li's speed and strength to be so terrifying. This sudden attack caught him off - guard for a moment.

However, he was an experienced fighter after all. Immediately, he quickly brandished the long sword in his hand, trying to block this fierce blow.

Yet, Jiang Li's swordsmanship was as unpredictable as a ghost. With a slight side - step of his body, the sword in his hand, as if it had a life of its own, instantly bypassed the middle - aged man's attack. The momentum of the sword remained undiminished, still aiming straight for the vital part of his neck.