The Martial Emperor with Dragon Blood

Chapter 1297 - 1298: No Other Choice

When this news spread, many Divine Venerate Strong Practitioners were puzzled—why would the other side do this? If they truly wanted to invade, why take this roundabout approach?

More than ten thousand years ago, Wraith Land invaded Lingwu Continent, and Lingwu Continent ultimately surrendered, signing an unequal treaty and having incalculable resources seized by the opponent.

This time, Wraith Land naturally intends to come again, seize resources, weaken Lingwu Continent’s power, and thereby strengthen Wraith Land once more.

Regarding this duel, all the Divine Venerate Strong Practitioners are in doubt, yet they can’t think of a reason.

In the Council Hall, the Divine Venerate Strong Practitioners of the Six Great Powers gathered again to discuss this matter.

Because tomorrow, they must provide an answer.

Whether to accept this battle or not.

"I think they simply don’t have the strength to compete with our Spirit Martial Alliance Army, so they’re making a show. They’ve only sent practitioners below the Divine Venerate Middle Stage to engage in a war of attrition. Actually, they might not have as many Divine Venerate Late Stage practitioners as we do. If a real war breaks out, especially on our ground, it’s uncertain who would win."

The one expressing this opinion was an Elder from the Ancient Buddha Clan, bald, dressed in a gray robe with the word "Buddha" embroidered on the back, also a Divine Venerate Middle Stage expert.

This person holds quite a position in the Ancient Buddha Clan and has a fiery temper. Now confronted with such a situation, his anger flares.

"What do the other families think?"

Ancestor Bodhi nodded and then asked the others.

"Xue Wudi’s true strength is probably similar to Ye Mo’s, but after several fights, his momentum has steadily overpowered Ye Mo. I think the preliminary attrition battles are likely designed to refine Xue Wudi. It is said Xue Wudi is the chief prince of the Dead Soul Royal Family and highly valued by the Soul Master. If he grows stronger, he will surely be a threat to our Lingwu Continent in the future. I think this duel is not engaging their Divine Venerate Late Stage practitioners likely because they are training Xue Wudi and helping him establish his prestige."

Another Divine Venerate Strong Practitioner offered his view.

"So, should we accept this duel or not?"

Hsiao Lintian asked.

"Ye Mo, you are the key figure in this decisive battle. What do you think?"

Ancestor Bodhi asked.

"It seems the opponent wants to utterly crush me. In previous engagements, although both sides demonstrated tactics, neither used real strength. Since they propose a duel, they likely have the assurance of victory."

Ye Mo said.

No matter what, this duel must be accepted and Xue Wudi must be defeated; otherwise, it would lead to real bloodshed. Even defeating Wraith Land would be too costly.

No one wants a large-scale war; negotiations are the best result.

"Ye Mo’s right, the opponent seeks to defeat Ye Mo to completely shatter our confidence, then follow through with an attack on Lingwu Continent."

Mu Yazi said.

"The Dead Soul Royal Family is indeed ruthless!"

"Indeed. If Ye Mo loses to Xue Wudi, it will mean our continent’s genius has lost to theirs, our momentum will be suppressed. If they send Divine Venerate Late Stage practitioners, we can’t compete."

The surrounding Divine Venerate Strong Practitioners were engaged in fervent discussion.

"I accept this duel!"

After pondering for a moment, Ye Mo calmly said.

"What? You’re accepting?"

Qian Yun was surprised and said, "For this battle, a law treaty must be signed. Once this treaty takes effect, it must happen, or you’ll face the Power of Laws’ penalty, unless you can defeat Xue Wudi; otherwise, they’re sure to send Divine Venerate Late Stage experts, so you must fight."

Signing the law treaty brings protection by Array Power; failure to comply would lead to punishment, such as Ye Mo defeating Xue Wudi, and the two sides negotiating. If Wraith Land breaches the agreement, wanting to continue attacking Lingwu Continent, they’ll face Array Power’s penalties.

"Do we have any other options? Wraith Land has long wanted to attack us, yet insists on this charade to pressure us. They’ve thrown us this decisive battle to give us pressure. Therefore, I can only take this risk; as long as I defeat Xue Wudi, we ascend to the level of negotiations with them."

Ye Mo said.

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded. Even if Ye Mo disagrees with dueling Xue Wudi, as the war drags on, it will eventually escalate, and Lingwu Continent’s losses will be more devastating.

"In that case, let the Tenth Prince of Wraith Land know that three days hence, in Genius Gorge, Ye Mo agrees to duel him."

The meeting hence ended with acceptance of the conflict.

As for the content of the meeting, Ye Mo heard it all.

"This Wraith Land is truly insidious!"

Ye Mo shook his head and then left the Council Hall.

No matter what, Ye Mo knew he couldn’t play much of a role in this battle.

"Ye Mo, have you noticed anything strange?"

Hong Ling said.

"What’s strange?"

Ye Mo asked in confusion.

"Logically speaking, your deeds in the Vanquishing Martial Realm must have reached Xue Wudi’s ears. You’ve killed their nine princes and taken the Soul Master’s Soul Riding Heavenly Lion, yet their invasion has not mentioned this matter, almost as if it never happened; is that not strange to you?"

Hong Ling said.

Hong Ling’s words startled Ye Mo. If it were him, he’d have insisted Lingwu Continent hand Ye Mo over first.

"There must be something fishy here!"

Hong Ling said.

"Fishy? What’s fishy about it?"

In deep thought, Ye Mo walked through the corridor, spending his days in the Bodhi Palace while Ancestor Bodhi diligently imparted spirit cultivation techniques.

Since the meeting was over, he headed to Ancestor Bodhi’s chamber to await his arrival for the day’s lessons.

Ancestor Bodhi already appeared in the chamber.

"Master, your disciple has arrived."

Ye Mo said after entering the chamber. Due to days of interaction with Ancestor Bodhi, their relationship was quite well, and Ye Mo didn’t observe formalities.

"I’m having a headache today; go back and return at this hour tomorrow!"

Ancestor Bodhi rubbed his head, showing his distress.

"I wonder what troubles you have, Master? Would you share with your disciple? Though I am young, perhaps I might have a different perspective."

Ye Mo said.

"Today the Tenth Prince of Wraith Land, Xue Wudi, proposed a decisive battle against Mu Family genius Ye Mo, and we’ve agreed to this duel."

Ancestor Bodhi said.

"Master, you’re worried that Ye Mo might lose, right?"

Ye Mo frowned and asked.

"Indeed."

Ancestor Bodhi sighed and said: "If he loses, the war will escalate, and us old folks will have to charge onto the battlefield."

In Ancestor Bodhi’s voice, there was mostly a sense of helplessness.