Chapter 531 Ruan Xiaotian

That would be the best gift for him, the strongest person in the Southern Region.

The moment the old man finished speaking, the new emperor Zhao Yan, who had been sitting upright in front of the chessboard, immediately took over the conversation.

His face was plastered with a perfectly timed smile, as if the chilling aura from just moments before had never existed.

He stood up and personally introduced Shen Mo, saying, "Young Master Shen, let me introduce you. This is the Imperial Preceptor I invited from the Southern Region: Ruan Xiaotian, who is also my mentor. His name may be little known in the Central Plains, but in terms of true strength, I dare say he is absolutely no less than anyone else in the Central Plains today!"

Zhao Yan's voice was not loud, but every word was clear, carrying a deliberate air of admiration.

He wanted to tell Shen Mo that this old man was the sharpest and most secretive knife in Zhao Yan's hands.

He wanted to make Shen Mo understand that he was not without trump cards, and that the power of the imperial authority was far more unfathomable than he had imagined.

This "sparring" was both the old man's personal desire and his public test and challenge to the authority of the "Sword God".

The air in the Imperial Garden seemed to be gripped tightly by an invisible hand, becoming thick and heavy.

Zhao Yan's seemingly highly complimentary introduction was like a poisoned silver needle, precisely piercing Shen Mo.

Shen Mo stood still, his black robes motionless in the breeze, his face remaining calm and serene.

He naturally understood that this was not an introduction by the imperial advisor at all, but a carefully orchestrated show of force by the new emperor Zhao Yan!

The purpose was to tear apart his "Sword God" aura in front of everyone and make him understand that within the Forbidden City, imperial power is the only truth.

However, Shen Mo's mind was not entirely focused on Zhao Yan.

His senses, like an invisible giant net, had already firmly locked onto the white-haired old man—Ruan Xiaotian.

The instant Zhao Yan finished speaking, Shen Mo clearly caught a fleeting glimpse of killing intent in Ruan Xiaotian's eyes.

That wasn't ordinary hostility, but a deep-seated resentment that wished to grind him to dust! That gaze was like ice from the deepest hell, cold and pure, carrying an irreconcilable hatred.

strangeness……

Shen Mo's heart stirred slightly, and his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

He was certain that he had never met this old man from the Southern Region, let alone had any deep-seated hatred for him.

But the hatred in the other person's eyes was so real it was appalling, as if he had slaughtered the entire family or taken away the most precious thing in the other person's life.

This sudden malice made Shen Mo feel a little absurd, but more than that, he felt an indifference of being offended.

However, that's all.

A faint, cold smile curved the corners of Shen Mo's lips.

The immense true energy within him, originating from the "True Techniques of the Demon God," surged slightly like a sleeping dragon, and an indescribable confidence arose spontaneously.

In his eyes, this so-called Southern Region National Preceptor was nothing more than another arrogant challenger.

Based on the aura the other party was currently displaying, Shen Mo had already determined that although this person was strong, he was still a long way from being able to harm him!

Since you've chosen your own death, don't blame me for being ruthless.

Shen Mo had already made up his mind.

He could accept a friendly sparring match that was only meant to be a friendly exchange, in order to save face for the emperor.

But if Ruan Xiaotian dares to kill him in the duel, then Shen Mo will show no mercy.

What Southern Region National Preceptor, what Emperor's Mentor? In his eyes, he was nothing more than a corpse about to fall.

Shen Mo's sword never fears any threat.

Thinking of this, Shen Mo stepped forward and said loudly, "His Majesty has given the order, and this junior will naturally obey. It is an honor for this junior to be able to exchange skills with a master like Senior Ruan."

He agreed readily, but just as he was about to speak and propose the rule of "stopping when it's over" or "what if there's serious injury," Ruan Xiaotian on the other side spoke first.

"Hahaha!" Ruan Xiaotian let out a hearty laugh, his voice so powerful it sent petals fluttering down from the garden floor. He stroked his snow-white beard and said with feigned magnanimity, "Young hero, you're truly forthright! But since this is a friendly spar, swords and fists are merciless, and injuries are inevitable. If I lose control and accidentally hurt you..."

He deliberately dragged out his words, a sinister glint in his eyes, clearly intending to put a shackle on Shen Mo with his words, so that even if he was injured, he would not be able to pursue the matter afterward.

However, before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Shen Mo's calm and firm voice.

"Senior Ruan is absolutely right." Shen Mo's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying an undeniable composure. "In the course of sparring, swords have no eyes, and injuries are inevitable. If I am unfortunately seriously injured later, I will certainly not blame you, Senior."

Upon hearing this, a hint of triumphant joy flashed in Ruan Xiaotian's eyes. He thought to himself that this kid was indeed young and impetuous, and had fallen into his trap as soon as he provoked him.

But then, Shen Mo changed the subject, his tone still calm, but with a chilling undertone: "However... if I accidentally hurt you while changing moves... I hope you will forgive me."

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent.

Zhao Yan's smile froze. He hadn't expected Shen Mo to be so arrogant and conceited, saying such things to his senior in person.

Ruan Xiaotian was taken aback at first, then burst into an even louder laugh. "Good! Good! Good!" he said three times, his eyes gleaming with excitement, his heart filled with ecstasy.

This is exactly what he wants! As long as Shen Mo personally admits that "everyone is subject to fate," then whether he cripples Shen Mo or kills him on the spot, he will have the perfect excuse!

Even if the martial arts alliance was dissatisfied, they could not accuse him of a "mistake".

He had even already planned which move he would use to most cruelly and thoroughly destroy the hope of the Central Plains!

He laughed heartily, patting his chest and assuring everyone, "Of course! Getting injured during a sparring match is simply fate! I've been wandering the martial world for decades, how could I blame you for such a trivial matter? Young hero, please go all out!"

Ruan Xiaotian was smug, completely unaware that his current elation was stepping into a trap carefully woven by Shen Mo.

He thought he had won over Shen Mo with his words, but little did he know that Shen Mo had used the same words to clear away all his worries.

This is exactly what I wanted. Shen Mo looked at the laughing old man in front of him, his heart filled with a cold and clear feeling.

The other party's petty tricks were utterly insignificant in his eyes.

What he needs is a perfectly legitimate reason.

A legitimate reason for him to completely and utterly destroy this treacherous Southern Region National Preceptor!

Since the other party has come to him of their own accord and even handed over a "life-or-death contract," how could Shen Mo refuse?

In the Imperial Garden, the sun shines brightly and the air is filled with the fragrance of flowers.

Beneath this peaceful facade, two distinctly different killing intents have quietly intertwined like two venomous snakes, awaiting only a command to unleash a bloody, life-or-death battle.