Chapter 62: The Battlefield of Asura

"It's time to end this."

Chen Mo looked down at the few people below him. Thunder Fire surged on his right arm as he clenched his fist, his body shooting downward like a bolt of lightning. His fist slammed into the competition platform with a deafening explosion.

In an instant, a massive explosion erupted on the platform. Under the astonished gazes of countless onlookers, a thick bolt of Lightning Purple Fire, as thick as a tree trunk, erupted from the point where his fist had struck the ground. It snaked toward the opponents like a fiery serpent, devouring everything in its path.

Wherever the fire serpent passed, the sturdy rock platform was utterly destroyed, leaving a deep trench in the center.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Several dull thuds echoed as dark figures were sent flying off the platform, crashing heavily onto the stone ground.

The flames on Chen Mo's right arm dissipated, and the black wings on his back retracted. He rubbed his right fist, sighing inwardly, "I went to great lengths to ensure I didn't kill you all."

"Zhan'er!"

"Sheng'er!"

"Lan Baixi!"

From the crowd, several figures rushed forward, heading toward the fallen individuals.

Mu Chen arrived by Mu Zhan's side. Aside from injuries that left him weak, there were no severe damages or lasting harm. It was clear that Chen Mo had held back in his final move.

The other strong figures also breathed sighs of relief after confirming that their juniors or disciples were unharmed.

"Truly, the younger generation is formidable!" The emperor, who had been sitting in the pavilion, suddenly stood up and offered his evaluation.

Yao Ye quickly moved to the middle-aged man's side, standing with Yao Yue on either side of him.

Yao Ye looked at Chen Mo, a faint smile gracing her beautiful face.

The emperor personally approached Chen Mo, who immediately bowed in respect.

"According to the Minister of Revenue, you are not from the Jia Ma Empire?" the emperor asked.

Chen Mo, who had just stepped off the platform, was momentarily stunned. Was this an interrogation? He replied calmly, "Indeed, I am not from the Jia Ma Empire."

Hearing this, apart from the major families who had already received the news, the city lords and external forces were all taken aback.

If he wasn't from the Jia Ma Empire, why had he joined the Yunlan Sect? Wouldn't Jia Nan Academy have been a better choice?

"If you don't mind, could you tell me where you're from?" the emperor asked with a smile.

"Central Continent," Chen Mo replied without hesitation. He had said it a few times before, so one more wouldn't hurt.

"Indeed," the emperor nodded in realization. Only the Central Continent, renowned for its abundance of talent, could produce such an exceptional individual. Moreover, judging by Chen Mo's talent, he must have come from a major faction even within the Central Continent.

Could he be from one of the so-called "One Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, Four Pavilions"?

But would such a major faction allow their disciples to join another sect?

For a moment, the emperor pondered deeply.

After a pause, the emperor asked, "Are you married?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire audience was shocked.

Everyone knew what the emperor's question implied.

He was considering Chen Mo as a potential son-in-law!

Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran both furrowed their brows simultaneously.

Yao Ye and Yao Yue's cheeks flushed with a hint of red.

Yao Yue didn't know about the conversation between her father and sister, but she was close in age to Chen Mo. Her father's question was likely an attempt to match her with him.

Fa Ma sat to the side, enjoying the spectacle. After all, it had nothing to do with him.

Nalan Jie's thoughts were inscrutable, his expression unreadable.

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow, realizing something, and then said, "Your Majesty, no. But my heart already belongs to someone."

Nalan Yanran instinctively tightened her robe.

Yun Yun turned her head away, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

Yao Yue's expression darkened.

Yao Ye, however, didn't think much of it. After all, any man with a bit of talent these days was bound to have a few wives and concubines.

"Oh?" The emperor's gaze subtly shifted to Nalan Yanran. She was indeed charming, but his own daughter wasn't far behind. He then chuckled lightly, "Would you be interested in sharing a drink with me tonight?"

"Ah?" Chen Mo was taken aback by the sudden shift in topic but quickly responded respectfully, "Your Majesty's gracious invitation, how could I, Chen Mo, dare to refuse?"

"Good, good, good." The emperor said three "goods" in a row, clearly pleased.

"Did you hear that? Hurry and instruct the imperial kitchen to prepare the finest wine and dishes!" The emperor slightly tilted his head and spoke to the people behind him.

Two palace maids promptly left.

The friendly match ended with this little interlude.

The crowd was left wanting more, as Chen Mo was simply too strong, and his opponents too weak, making the fight rather unimpressive to watch.

All four students from Jia Nan Academy, except for Ruo Lin, were injured and left in disgrace.

They slunk away from the palace.

It was clear that in the next recruitment season, Jia Nan Academy wouldn't be as popular as it was this time.

Chen Mo followed the emperor's carriage towards the inner palace.

Outside the palace, Fa Ma, Mu Chen, Miteer Tengshan, and others exchanged a few words with Yun Yun before leaving.

Only Yun Yun, Nalan Yanran, and Nalan Jie remained outside, waiting for Chen Mo.

During their conversation, Yun Yun learned about the relationship between Chen Mo and Nalan Yanran. Her body trembled slightly, a rare occurrence.

This tremor was well hidden, and only Nalan Jie, with his keen senses, noticed it. Nalan Yanran remained oblivious.

Although Nalan Jie found it strange, he didn't dwell on it.

Inside the palace.

Chen Mo was genuinely surprised when the emperor led him to a bedchamber.

The decor of the bedchamber clearly didn't suit a man; it seemed more like a place for a concubine.

Especially when, after drinking for a while, the emperor claimed he couldn't handle the alcohol and had Yao Ye take over to drink with him.

Late at night, Chen Mo left the palace alone.

The cool evening breeze made Chen Mo tighten his slightly disheveled robe.

Why invite me to drink if you can't handle alcohol?

No wonder they always poured me drinks at previous gatherings. Who would have thought a few cups would be enough to get drunk?

Being drunk is one thing, but always saying you're hot and trying to undress yourself is another. And then trying to undress me...

Good thing I ran fast, otherwise...

"Eh? Teacher, Senior Sister, you're still here?"

As he stepped out of the palace, Chen Mo was surprised to see the two women under a tree.

"Junior Brother, are you alright?" Nalan Yanran ran over.

"What could be wrong with me?" Chen Mo asked, puzzled.

Yun Yun glanced at Chen Mo from a distance, then turned and left without a word.

"?"

"What's wrong with Teacher?"

"Teacher... Huh? Whose scent is that on you?" Nalan Yanran suddenly caught a whiff of a faint fragrance mixed with the alcohol on Chen Mo, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"This?"

"Senior Sister, don't... don't pinch..."

...

Nalan Mansion.

Chen Mo sneaked into Yun Yun's room.

Just as he climbed onto the bed, a cold voice rang out.

"Get out!"

"Sister Yun Yun, what's wrong?"

"Get out!"

"What's wrong with you? I'm not leaving."

"What's going on between you and Yan Ran?"

"Uh..."

Alright, Chen Mo didn't waste any more words and pounced.

Then, he was beaten black and blue and thrown out.

(End of chapter)