Using frenzied words to strike, then knocking down Haoran Gate’s plaque—was what Jun Changxiao did excessive?

To be honest, very excessive.

But this wasn’t a matter of excessive or not excessive—it was a matter of whether it was justified!

On Lingquan Mountain, Qin Haoran fanned the flames before three elders of Shengquan Sect, attempting to push him down into the abyss.

Inside Haoran Gate, Qin Haoran raised the stakes in front of everyone, wanting to viciously trample his dignity.

For all these behaviors, no matter what extreme actions Jun Changxiao took, he believed he was justified!

Because if the loser had been Iron Bones Sect, this Alliance Leader Qin and his gang of accomplices—no one would have stepped forward to say anything about going too far, about not taking things to extremes.

On Xingyun Continent, only when your fist is hard enough will others calmly reason with you.

As for you—

You don’t need to reason with them.

In truth, having Xiao Zuiji smash Haoran Gate’s plaque was something Jun Changxiao was absolutely confident about. It wasn’t simply courting death for the sake of it.

At worst, trade the plaque for you not having to go clean latrines at Iron Bones Sect.

Wang Donglin saw through his intention, so he cooperatively stepped forward to play peacemaker.

Qin Haoran, who had even harbored murderous intent, still forcibly calmed himself down and said through gritted teeth unwillingly, “The stakes are voided!”

He agreed, he yielded!

As long as the stakes were voided, he wouldn’t have to fulfill the promise and wouldn’t suffer complete ruin of reputation!

In this light, Jun Changxiao’s seemingly furious order for Xiao Zuiji to smash the plaque actually gave Alliance Leader Qin a way out from having to clean latrines at Iron Bones Sect.

Some might say: the plaque representing dignity has already been smashed—why care about anything else? Just go up and kill Jun Changxiao for a happy ending!

Kill?

Wang Donglin would have to agree, Ai Shangke would have to agree.

One represented Cangshan Sect, the other represented the Ai Family. In his heart, Qin Haoran knew clearly that killing Jun Changxiao was simply impossible.

Moreover, there were so many martial artists from various factions present watching the excitement.

They had all seen his sect get beaten zero to four, already losing the challenge. If he killed that kid, what would the martial world say about him?

This was the trouble with claiming to be a righteous orthodox sect—everything had to be considered.

If it were an evil heretical sect, they wouldn’t care about so much. If you provoke me, I’ll just kill you directly, kill your whole family!

Of course.

If it truly were an evil heretical sect, Jun Changxiao would definitely switch to another set of tactics to deal with them.

What tactics?

Unsealing the Difficult to Retrieve Blade, representing justice to slaughter all demons and monsters.

“Alliance Leader Qin.”

Jun Changxiao smiled with a harmless expression and said, “Since the stakes are voided, what’s the meaning of your disciples drawing swords?”

Qin Haoran suppressed his fury and said in a deep voice, “Sheathe your swords, step back.”

The Haoran Gate disciples obeyed their Sect Master’s command, sheathing their swords, then returning to their original positions. They could only glare to express their anger.

“Clang! Clang!”

Li Qingyang and the others also sheathed their swords, withdrawing behind their Sect Master.

The tense atmosphere immediately lessened considerably. The martial artists watching the excitement admired the Iron Bones Sect Master from head to toe.

Smashing Haoran Gate’s plaque yet emerging unscathed—this was truly a remarkable person!

“Alliance Leader Qin.”

Jun Changxiao cupped his fists and said, “Seven matches with victory at four—my Iron Bones Sect has won four matches. There’s no need to continue the sparring, so we’ll take our leave first.”

Ye Xingchen was dumbfounded.

Leaving just like that? This Emperor hasn’t even appeared yet!

The gradually calming Alliance Leader Qin said coldly, “Sect Master Jun, though my Haoran Gate has lost, since we agreed on seven matches, we must complete all seven. Otherwise, it doesn’t conform to martial world rules.”

Zero to four—unacceptable!

The next three matches must be won back.

That way, when it spreads through the martial world, at least we’ll lose a bit less face!

“This…” Jun Changxiao said, “Alliance Leader Qin, this Seat fears that if we continue, your Haoran Gate will lose zero to seven. Why not call it off? Better for future meetings.”

Everyone nearly collectively toppled over.

You’ve already smashed their sect’s plaque—if they don’t draw swords when you meet in the future, that would be fortunate. You still expect to sit down for a friendly chat?

“Zero to seven?”

Qin Haoran suppressed his fury, his face cold as he said, “You underestimate my Haoran Gate too much!”

“Insisting on continuing the battle?”

“Insisting on continuing the battle!”

Jun Changxiao shrugged and said, “Since Alliance Leader Qin doesn’t mind losing face, let’s continue sparring then.”

“Oh, right.”

He smiled and said, “Do you want to add some stakes?”

Qin Haoran roared angrily, “My Haoran Gate has already lost—how can we add stakes!”

“Consider the first four matches a warm-up that don’t count. For the last three matches, best of two determines victory—how about that?” Jun Changxiao said.

Wang Donglin and Ai Shangni looked utterly astonished.

Victory already in hand, not counting it and redetermining the outcome—what play was Sect Master Jun staging here?

The Alliance leaders and martial artists from various factions also showed confusion in their gazes.

Was he sick?

Qin Haoran was also somewhat bewildered.

But he quickly reacted, afraid that fellow would change his mind, and said, “Good! The first four matches don’t count—the last three matches determine victory!”

“How about this.”

Jun Changxiao said, “Let’s not play with stakes like cleaning stables or cleaning latrines. Let’s make it more practical—whoever loses pays ten million taels.”

Ten million taels?

Everyone’s eyes widened.

This sum was definitely an astronomical figure for eighth and ninth-rate sects and small families. Even sixth-rate sects and great families would be severely hurt paying it out.

Qin Haoran said disdainfully, “Sect Master Jun, my Haoran Gate can produce ten million taels. Your Iron Bones Sect probably doesn’t have such financial resources, right?”

“If this Seat loses, even if I have to borrow, I’ll borrow it,” Jun Changxiao said. “Right, Family Head Ai?”

Ai Shangni froze, then hurriedly said, “If Sect Master Jun needs help, my Ai Family is willing to lend ten million taels!”

The eyes of leaders from all sides present widened even further!

Just what was the relationship between Iron Bones Sect and the Ai Family that could make Family Head Ai so readily willing to lend money—and lend ten million taels at that!

It had to be said, Ai Shangni coming to support Jun Changxiao was providing absolutely very good support!

“Good!”

Qin Haoran said, “Stakes of ten million taels!”

“Swish swish!”

The Haoran Gate disciples dispersed again, surrounding half the martial arts arena. Jun Changxiao then said, “Alliance Leader Qin, please send someone to battle.”

Qin Haoran waved his hand.

The second core disciple with superior-grade spiritual roots and cultivation at peak Wutu walked out.

At this point, the strongest disciples remaining at Haoran Gate were only him and another first-grade Wushi, so Qin Haoran also placed great hopes in him.

Jun Changxiao stroked his chin and said, “As long as we win two more matches—great fortune and prosperity, eating chicken tonight.”

He paused, then said, “Qingyang, take the stage.”

“Yes.”

Li Qingyang stepped forward.

“My son!”

Having just taken two steps, Family Head Li said gravely, “Your father is watching, the Li Family ancestors are watching!”

“Hah!”

Li Qingyang took a deep breath and said, “Father, I will show you that at the Hundred Sects Recruitment, your son’s choice was the most correct decision of his life!”

Watching his son’s iron-willed back, Family Head Li couldn’t help but shed tears of old age, his voice trembling as he said, “My son, your father has already seen it. Your father is immensely proud that you are a disciple of the Iron Bones Clanging Sect!”

“Step.”

At this moment, Li Qingyang had already stopped in the center of the martial arts arena. With his back to his father, his voice rang out loudly, “Iron Bones Sect, Li Qingyang!”