Chapter 720: 722, No Going Back (Second Update)

The other meaning of this sentence was that if it hadn’t been for Chu Jin, he wouldn’t have returned.

He had always remembered the incident from eighteen years ago.

But for Chu Jin, he could choose to forget it.

What was ridiculous was that now that he had returned, not only did the Elders fail to appreciate him, but they even forced him to marry Xi He.

Wasn’t this driving him away?

When Mo Zhixuan returned, the Superpower World was in the midst of being overrun. If not for Mo Zhixuan, the Superpower World would have long become a plaything for the other two realms. Moreover, Mo Zhixuan didn’t lie; he did return because of Chu Jin.

For Chu Jin, he could put aside everything from eighteen years ago.

The Sixth Elder was taken aback and didn’t speak, thinking Mo Zhixuan had long forgotten the incident from eighteen years ago...

That’s right.

How could such an incident be easily forgotten?

Looking back, they... had also wronged Mo Zhixuan with that incident from eighteen years ago.

However, so much time had passed, and past grievances had long since dissipated into smoke. It wasn’t necessary for Mo Zhixuan to cling to it so tightly.

This was not the act of a gentleman.

Therefore, in the hearts of the Elders, they believed that it was only right for Mo Zhixuan to forgive them.

After all, Mo Zhixuan was a true gentleman, and a gentleman wouldn’t unreasonably hold onto an argument.

In the end, the Superpower World was where he was born and raised.

Mo Zhixuan shouldn’t have spoken so absolutely.

Upon hearing this, the Sixth Elder narrowed his eyes, suppressing the anger in his heart, and then asked, "Zhixuan, what do you mean by this?"

What he meant was very clear in the Sixth Elder’s heart.

He was merely trying to make Mo Zhixuan say it himself.

The Sixth Elder held onto a sliver of hope.

Perhaps.

He had misunderstood?

Mo Zhixuan lit a cigarette, slowly exhaled a puff of light smoke, and with a calm voice said, "Since I could return for Chu Jin, I can just as easily leave for her. You all can keep the pure Bloodline of Fire Bathing in the Superpower World until you’re old..."

The last sentence was filled with an ironic tone.

Isolation led to the downfall of the Qing Dynasty.

It seems that this group wished to repeat the history of the secular world.

The Elders heard the seriousness in Mo Zhixuan’s words; there was no joke to it.

Besides, he was not someone who joked around.

The Sixth Elder’s face looked terrible.

Apart from Mo Zhixuan, no one had ever defied him.

Even when the previous Elder was around, the Sixth Elder never took him seriously.

But Mo Zhixuan was different.

With his own power, he could protect the Superpower World and even subdue the other two realms.

The Superpower World could do without anyone else, but not without Mo Zhixuan.

It was precisely because they could not do without Mo Zhixuan that the Sixth Elder wanted to use Xi He to bind Mo Zhixuan.

Through family ties.

Through bloodline.

After all, Xi He was one of their own.

As soon as these words were spoken, the Fifth Elder, who understood the situation, immediately said, "Zhixuan, your words are too severe. The Sixth Elder didn’t mean that. Everything can be discussed. Please don’t be impulsive..."

The Fifth Elder knew that Mo Zhixuan wasn’t someone who could be easily led by the nose.

Some things required a gradual approach.

One shouldn’t rush.

Mo Zhixuan stood there, enveloped in smoke, not joining the conversation, his expression somber, and no one could discern the true feelings in his eyes, nor could they know what he was thinking at that moment.

For a person like Mo Zhixuan, no one could see through his inner world.

The five Elders were all a bit worried.

The happiest among them was Xi He.

She knew that once Mo Zhixuan spoke such words, no one would be able to trouble him.

At the same time, she was also curious about what kind of person Chu Jin was, to warrant Mo Zhixuan’s dedication.

In her memory, Mo Zhixuan had never said a "no" to the Elders, but today, he repeatedly embarrassed them.

Perhaps this was the legendary power of love, the legendary difficulty of a hero overcoming the allure of a beautiful woman.

Seeing Mo Zhixuan like this, the Third Elder pressed down the anger in his heart, sighed, and said in a soothing tone, "Zhixuan, we have to weigh the pros and cons in everything. Chu Jin... is really not suitable for you. Just marry Xi He, she is the right partner for you... Sigh... You say you want to leave the Superpower World, do you realize how irresponsible that statement is? Since you took over the Superpower World, how can you ignore its people and safety?"

How could Mo Zhixuan act like this?

As a man, he should not be without responsibility.

How could he abandon the people of the Superpower World for one woman?

Mo Zhixuan slowly curled his lips into a cold smile, "I’m irresponsible? When has the Superpower World ever been responsible for me?"

Eighteen years ago, the youth who fought with his back to the water, facing a life-and-death situation.

But in the end, what did he receive?

Betrayal.

At that time, was there even one person who stood on Mo Zhixuan’s side?

Upon hearing this,

the Third Elder instantly fell silent.

The Second Elder sighed and continued, "Is it absolutely necessary for you to marry Chu Jin?"

"Yes, I must marry her," Mo Zhixuan replied succinctly.

"Alright," the Second Elder nodded, "then you must be aware of the rules that have been set for the head of the Superpower World when he takes a wife, aren’t you? Didn’t you say that Chu Jin is of the noble Bloodline of Fire Bathing? Then let Xi He and Chu Jin both enter the trial grounds at the same time. Not just Xi He, but any unmarried woman who deems her bloodline superior and has ambitions can participate. The one who emerges victorious in the end will be the one truly worthy to stand by your side! To become the esteemed Ninth Wife."

This was the final concession made by the Second Elder. Since Mo Zhixuan was adamant that Chu Jin was a Phoenix by fate, then Chu Jin had to prove her true worth and gain everyone’s approval.

After all, she was the reincarnation of an Empress.

The Second Elder really wanted to see what kind of capabilities this ancient Empress possessed!

In truth, the Second Elder was convinced Chu Jin was just an ordinary person, which is why he made such a proposal.

An ordinary commoner, if they were to enter the trial competition, would likely face nothing but death.

Almost without Xi He lifting a finger, the others could send her to meet Yama straightaway.

The Second Elder’s plan was airtight.

To use the trials to make Chu Jin disappear.

And, his reasoning was sound.

To become the Ninth Wife, she had to earn the approval and respect of all.

Upon hearing this,

Xi He also became worried. The Elders were aware of her strength, so in the competition, she couldn’t afford to go easy!

Since she couldn’t afford to go easy, Chu Jin’s chances of winning were even slimmer.

It wasn’t that Xi He was overconfident, but the reality was stark—an individual raised in the mortal world, no matter how noble their bloodline, simply hadn’t received proper education in special abilities.

A mere mortal, even if skilled in combat, couldn’t possibly be a match for a person with special abilities!

The Second Elder had been too ruthless with this move, no wonder Mo Zhixuan was in such a difficult position.

If, by any chance, Chu Jin... really lost, then wouldn’t she herself have to marry Mo Zhixuan?

The more Xi He thought about it, the more panicked she became.

What should she do?

She didn’t want to compromise with fate so easily.

Seeing Mo Zhixuan remain silent, the Second Elder continued, "Zhixuan, are you afraid? Didn’t you claim that Chu Jin is the reincarnation of the Empress? That you are unworthy of her? How come you don’t dare to let her take on such a small challenge?"

Mo Zhixuan, with a cigarette in his mouth, had a myriad of thoughts swirling in his eyes.

Chu Jin had already sacrificed enough for him, and he didn’t want to make her face the trial grounds because of him.

He was the one who was unworthy of her to begin with, how could he now allow her to do such a thing?

"Zhixuan, accept your fate," the Sixth Elder came over and patted Mo Zhixuan on the shoulder, "The trial competition isn’t for just anyone to pass through. Whether Chu Jin can emerge victorious or not, you already know the answer, as clear as if you were looking in a mirror. Although Chu Jin may be the reincarnation of the Empress, her bloodline, after all, has been diluted somewhat..."

At this, the Sixth Elder sighed.

It was as though he was lamenting the impurity of Chu Jin’s bloodline.

Fortunately.

Chu Jin was merely a commoner; otherwise, he would have had no other excuse to prevent this from happening.

The Sixth Elder continued, "Zhixuan, it’s best to recognize reality. The trial field is split into five stages, and I reckon that this Chu Jin won’t even be able to pass the first stage."

Mo Zhixuan stood there and squinted his eyes, remaining silent.

He was deep in thought.

The influence of the five Elders in the Superpower World was indeed significant.

If the matter was forced, it might go against public sentiment.

After all, according to the Elders’ point of view, they were acting in the interest of the people of the Superpower World in handling this matter.

On the surface, an ordinary person from the mortal world truly couldn’t bring any auspicious energy to the Superpower World.

Now.

He was only presented with two choices.

The first choice.

Allow Chu Jin to prove herself in front of everyone.

The second choice.

Take Chu Jin and leave this place of strife.

After all, it wasn’t his first time leaving.

If the Elders persisted with their opinions, then he would have to choose the second option.

Seeing Mo Zhixuan remain silent, Xi He stood up and addressed the Second Elder, "Second Great-Uncle, since brother Nine is unwilling, let’s not make it difficult for him, shall we? We must prioritize the greater good. The Superpower World cannot be without brother Nine, and besides, with my modest grace and stature, I indeed do not match up to brother Nine. Since brother Nine and Miss Chu genuinely love each other, why not go with the flow and bless them?"

In such a situation, Xi He could only opt for a subtle refusal.

Who knew that even this would provoke the Second Elder’s towering rage. He looked at Xi He and said sternly, "Shut your mouth!"

Xi He immediately dared not say anything more.

The Third Elder quietly went to Xi He’s side, silently consoling her.

Mo Zhixuan’s phoenix-shaped eyes were half-closed, the depths revealing an unfathomable darkness impossible to see to the end. He did not speak, but rather pressed his thin lips tightly together.

"What do you say?" Second Elder continued, "Zhixuan, do you agree with my opinion or not? Since you want to marry Chu Jin, then you must make the people of Superpower World convinced, both in heart and voice. Only in this way can she truly preside over the land as its mother!"

In fact, the words of Second Elder were not wrong.

The position of the Ninth Mistress.

It wasn’t just something that could be attained purely through love.

More than that, strength and talent were needed.

After all, this was no longer just a matter concerning Mo Zhixuan alone, but the entirety of Superpower World.

The Ninth Mistress was not merely an individual, but the mother of myriads.

Such a candidate must, of course, be chosen with caution.

"I disagree," Mo Zhixuan slowly began, "I’ve said that if I could come for Chu Jin, I could just as easily leave for her. If you’re really set on doing this, then my only choice is to leave."

Mo Zhixuan just wanted to be with her properly and never be part.

He didn’t want her to sacrifice anything more for him.

For her, he could give up everything.

Besides, this Superpower World, it wasn’t what he desired.

Why should she be wronged for the sake of a Superpower World?

Several Elders were stunned there.

None of them had expected Mo Zhixuan to truly make such a choice.

With Mo Zhixuan’s ability, if he decided to leave Superpower World, indeed, no one could stop him.

What should they do now?

For a time, the air was somewhat still.

Just then, the door was gently pushed open, and a clear voice came through the air, "I agree."

Chu Jin slowly arrived from outside the door, the corners of her mouth bearing a faint arc, dimples shallowly carved, "Elders, I am willing to participate in this trial competition." She walked over and quietly pinched Mo Zhixuan’s palm.

Motioning for him to be at ease.

Chu Jin didn’t want to trouble Mo Zhixuan, nor did she want him to leave Superpower World again for her sake.

No matter what, Superpower World was his home.

And indeed, Second Elder was right.

Everything had to be spoken for by strength.

She would prove it through her actions, to leave everyone speechless!

Seeing the newcomer, several Elders were startled, with Second Elder quickly recovering his wits, looking at Chu Jin with some astonishment and saying, "Are you Chu Jin?"

Everyone had heard of Chu Jin, but no one had seen her true face.

Now, having seen Chu Jin, admiration shone in their eyes.

Indeed, it’s said heroes falter at the hands of a beauty; it’s no wonder that Mo Zhixuan fell for her.

The woman before them now could not be described simply as beautiful.

Her beauty transcended that of everyone in the three realms.

After seeing her, one would find that what was previously considered beautiful, in comparison to her, could not truly claim the title of ’beauty’.

Chu Jin nodded gently, smiling and saying, "Greetings, Elders. I am Chu Jin."

Graceful and composed, carrying an easy temperament.

Before the Elders, not a hint of fear was shown.

Taking advantage of the greeting, Second Elder covertly examined Chu Jin and eventually came to a conclusion.

Chu Jin was nothing more than an ordinary person.

After all, Second Elder detected no fluctuations of special ability or Spiritual Power in her.

No wonder, growing up in the mundane world, how could she possibly cultivate special abilities?

Let’s not even mention Chu Jin; even a pure-blooded person of Superpower World, would be assimilated if they lived in the mundane world from childhood, and eventually, they would become nothing but mere mortals.

Such is the marvel of the mundane world.

It can assimilate a person from Superpower World into one of its own.

However, Superpower World cannot assimilate a mortal into someone with special abilities.

Therefore, Superpower World refuses marriages with those of the mundane world.

Generally speaking.

If one sees no trace of special energy on someone else,

There are only two possibilities.

The first: the person is a master among masters, very strong, capable of hiding their Spiritual Power fluctuations, making them appear no different from an ordinary person at first glance.

The second: as it appears, the person is thoroughly an ordinary individual.

It seems clear that Chu Jin must be the latter.

Because those of the first category are rare in the entire three realms, and moreover, most of them are elders advanced in years. Chu Jin, looking no more than eighteen or nineteen years old, how could she possibly cultivate such prowess, becoming an unmatched master?

Such places as the mundane world could not raise any true talent.

With that thought, Second Elder was reassured.

Hmph.

An ordinary person would dare to so boldly agree to enter the trial ground.

Truly brainless.

Does she think the trial ground is child’s play?

The disdain of the Second Elder grew stronger, yet not a hint of it showed on his face; he still wore a kindly, smiling expression.

Mo Zhixuan’s taste is indeed peculiar to fancy such a woman.

I can’t fathom what he’s thinking.

The Second Elder composed himself and then said, "Miss Chu, you’re agreeing to take part in the trial contest?"

"Yes." Chu Jin nodded slightly, her tone cool.

Although it was a faint response of merely two words, it was laden with an aura of authority.

Resounding with gravity.

A mere trial contest, just consider it a warm-up, I haven’t fought in days; it’s about time to loosen up and get moving.

Chu Jin did not take such a small competition seriously.

"Are you certain?" The Second Elder asked with a smile, mockery hidden in the depths of his eyes.

"Jin," Mo Zhixuan tugged at Chu Jin’s wrist, whispering in her ear, "Actually, you don’t have to make such a sacrifice for me; their approval is pointless! I can still marry you and bring you home! You don’t need to care about the looks of others."

"How is this considered a sacrifice?" Chu Jin raised her eyes slightly, her tone indifferent, "I actually find it quite amusing."

Indeed, for Chu Jin, this was hardly a sacrifice.

The laws of survival are just so.

If someone doesn’t accept, then one must use force to conquer them!

Make them submit completely.

Because the Elder had invoked Spiritual Power, he could not clearly hear what the two were murmuring. He frowned slightly and spoke in a displeased tone, "What’s this, Miss Chu, are you thinking of backing out now?"

His words were also a provocative tactic.

The Second Elder knew that young people are often rash and arrogant, believing their abilities to be unmatched when, in reality, she is nothing at all.

Chu Jin slowly curled her lips, looking at the Second Elder, "A promise made by a gentleman is beyond pursuit by a team of horses."

Heh.

A gentleman’s promise?

Does she really think she’s something special?

The Second Elder sneered inwardly while also secretly rejoicing that he had finally settled the matter.

Now he could breathe a sigh of relief.

Without doubt, the one to stand out in the trial ground would definitely be Xi He.

As for Chu Jin...

She would be brought to her knees in the first round.

Probably even without Xi He lifting a finger, she would be defeated by the others.

In the Superpower World, there is no woman who can match Xi He; this time, Xi He is destined to win.

Certainty filled the Second Elder’s eyes.

Soon, he would become the most revered person across all three realms.

Something about that feeling...

Was truly delightful.

"Good, that’s the spirit!" The Second Elder nodded, wanting to prevent Chu Jin from changing her mind, he pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and went on, "Miss Chu, let’s draw up a written agreement, shall we? If you lose in the trial ground, then you must leave Mo Zhixuan forever, from then on, your paths shall diverge, and you may no longer meet with him!"

The Second Elder had to strike while the iron was hot, in case Chu Jin and Mo Zhixuan had second thoughts.

He knew that Mo Zhixuan was a gentleman, and once a written agreement was made, Mo Zhixuan would not go back on his word.

After a cursory glance at the agreement, Chu Jin signed her name on the bottom right corner.

Two simple characters, yet they penetrated the paper, bold and powerful.

The Second Elder was momentarily stunned upon seeing these two characters.

Luckily, this Chu Jin was just a commoner.

Otherwise, she really wouldn’t be so easy to control.

"Jin, you’re being too impulsive," Mo Zhixuan squeezed Chu Jin’s hand, voicing his concerns.

Chu Jin smiled faintly and shook her head at him, indicating that she had everything under control.

Watching Chu Jin sign her name on the paper, the Second Elder let out a breath of relief. He carefully folded up the agreement, placed it in his pocket, and continued, "Since the wedding is imminent, the trial ground will open the day after tomorrow. Many people from the Superpower World will come to compete; I hope Miss Chu will go back and make thorough preparations."

"Okay, I understand," Chu Jin nodded lightly, her elegant face betraying no excess emotion.

Actually, in some ways, Chu Jin is quite similar to Mo Zhixuan.

Both are cold, both are proud.

For two such people to come together is actually quite natural.

Xi He looked at the two standing together, a slight curve spilling over the corner of his mouth.

Indeed, Chu Jin and Mo Zhixuan standing side by side were a perfect match.

And indeed, very pleasing to the eye.

"There’s one more thing I need to make clear," continued the Second Elder, "No matter who emerges victorious in the end, be it Xi He or someone else, you must marry that person in five days, with no option for regret."

The implication in the Second Elder’s words was interesting, for he was convinced that Chu Jin would surely lose, hence he didn’t even bother to include her name, only mentioning Xi He, even stating that Mo Zhixuan was not permitted to regret his decision.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read