Chapter 72: The Golden Lion King

As Yun Zhonghe’s voice faded, the crowd nodded in agreement.

“If that’s not the case, then I ask Miss Yin to give everyone here a reasonable explanation.”

Yun Zhonghe spoke as though he had already cornered Yin Susu. As his words fell, the gathering erupted into an uproar.

“If Yun Zhonghe is lying, why are you so eager to act?”

“If you’re not guilty, why would you try to silence everyone?”

One voice after another rose, each louder than the last. Many among them wished the situation would spiral out of control, so they could take advantage of the chaos and claim the Dragon-Slaying Saber for themselves.

Seeing the situation on the verge of collapse, Yin Susu’s chest heaved violently, drawing every eye. She had never expected her carefully plotted scheme to be so thoroughly ruined by Yun Zhonghe.

But things had come to this, and no amount of regret would help. Forcing herself to remain calm, she called out, “Men!” With a wave of her hand, a throng of Heaven Eagle Sect disciples surged forth, encircling the crowd.

“Our sect has no wish to make enemies of the heroes present. If you wish to leave, you are free to do so.”

As her voice faded, murmurs ran through the crowd.

“With a stance like that, it doesn’t look like you want us to leave,” someone remarked sarcastically, glancing around.

“Forgive me, everyone. The Dragon-Slaying Saber is a priceless treasure. Naturally, we must guard it carefully, lest some villain seize the opportunity to snatch it away.” Yin Susu paused, then continued, “But if you truly wish to leave, our sect will not stand in your way.”

At her command, a path was cleared by the Heaven Eagle Sect disciples.

“This…”

Yin Susu’s action left everyone at a loss. They looked at one another, but none made a move to depart.

Yun Zhonghe observed the expressions around him and admired Yin Susu’s tactics all the more. With just a few words, she had regained control of the situation.

“So, now you don’t suspect the Heaven Eagle Sect of plotting against the heroes present?” Yin Susu’s voice was icy as she questioned them.

At this, the entire hall fell silent.

Since there was no more drama to be made, there was no need to stand out. Seeing no one dared to respond, Yin Susu’s expression softened slightly. Her gaze shifted to Yun Zhonghe, and a cold yet blossoming smile appeared on her lovely face.

Yun Zhonghe felt a chill run down his spine, as though a venomous snake had fixed its gaze upon him. Alarm bells rang in his heart.

“Master Yun, all your efforts to sow discord between the Heaven Eagle Sect and the martial world—are they not just a ploy to seize the Dragon-Slaying Saber for yourself?” The curve of Yin Susu’s lips grew ever more pronounced.

Just as Yun Zhonghe expected, with a single sentence, she had redirected the crowd’s hostility from the Heaven Eagle Sect onto him.

Now, the gazes fixed upon Yun Zhonghe brimmed with enmity.

“Despicable! We almost fell for this scoundrel’s tricks!”

“Yun Zhonghe, you villain! You deserve death! You even covet the Dragon-Slaying Saber, dreaming of ruling the martial world.”

“Miss Yin sees through everything—she exposed Yun Zhonghe’s devious schemes at a glance!”

In the chorus of condemnation, all belittled Yun Zhonghe and praised Yin Susu.

Listening to their ridicule and abuse, Yun Zhonghe cursed inwardly, “Fools—when the time comes, you won’t even know how you died.”

“Brother Yun, this woman is no ordinary opponent. You’d best be careful,” Ye Kai’s voice broke Yun Zhonghe’s thoughts. Returning to himself, he nodded in agreement. “Indeed, she is not easy to deal with.”

“But…” Yun Zhonghe’s tone shifted with a sly grin, “Isn’t it all the more satisfying to conquer a woman like that?”

Ye Kai gave him a secret thumbs-up. “To die beneath the peony is still a life worth living!”

“Heh heh!” Yun Zhonghe responded with a knowing smile.

“Men! Yun Zhonghe has tried to incite conflict between the Heaven Eagle Sect and the martial world. His intentions are vile—seize him!” Yin Susu, having kept Yun Zhonghe in her peripheral vision, grew even angrier at the lecherous smile on his face.

She would make Yun Zhonghe regret ever setting foot in this world.

Seeing Yin Susu move against Yun Zhonghe, the crowd’s faces lit with schadenfreude. Their eyes locked onto him, each hoping that if they helped the Heaven Eagle Sect capture him, perhaps they might win Yin Susu’s favor and become the son-in-law of Eagle Tianzheng, rising to prominence ever after.

Yun Zhonghe and Ye Kai stood back to back, their eyes scanning both the Heaven Eagle Sect disciples and the restless crowd nearby. A trace of gravity flashed in their eyes.

“Brother Ye, this matter has nothing to do with you—you need not be drawn in,” Yun Zhonghe said, turning his head.

“I, Ye Kai, am not one to fear death. When you rid the martial world of Xiang Yingtian, you earned my respect and friendship. To abandon a friend is not in my nature.” In Ye Kai’s eyes, a sharp light began to gleam.

A smile appeared on Yun Zhonghe’s face, and a surge of heroic spirit welled up in his chest. “Good! Let’s see what makes the Heaven Eagle Sect so formidable!”

“Roar!”

Just as the two sides were about to clash, a thunderous roar, charged with immense inner strength, exploded in everyone’s ears.

In an instant, all movement ceased.

A moment later, everyone clutched their ears in agony, but it was no use.

Many whose skills were lacking couldn’t withstand the powerful shockwave; blood poured from their ears as they collapsed, their fates uncertain.

It all happened so quickly—even Yun Zhonghe, at the sound’s first blast, felt his mind reel and his blood surge chaotically.

But now, Yun Zhonghe’s martial arts had improved by leaps and bounds; in a flash, he regained his composure, circulated his energy, and suppressed the turmoil within.

Just as he was about to breathe a sigh of relief, he saw Yin Susu clutching her ears in pain, her curvaceous form swaying as if she might fall from the platform at any moment.

With no time to think, Yun Zhonghe sprang forward, catching her in his arms just as she was about to collapse.

Feeling the soft, delicate form in his embrace, his mind wandered, distracted by the sensation.

It wasn’t until Yin Susu let out a muffled groan and blood trickled from her lips that Yun Zhonghe snapped out of his reverie. He quickly suppressed his stray thoughts and channeled his energy into her, steadying her injuries.

Color returned to her pale cheeks. In her semi-conscious state, she opened her eyes, unable to see clearly, but feeling herself in a warm embrace that brought her comfort and reassurance.

Yun Zhonghe, oblivious to her dazed state, withdrew his energy once he was sure she was safe.

Then, slipping his right hand behind her knees, he lifted her into his arms and descended the platform to Ye Kai’s side.

“Take care of your sister-in-law,” he instructed Ye Kai, then surveyed the surroundings, his clear voice carrying with forceful energy:

“I have long heard of the Golden-Haired Lion King’s great name. Now I see it is well-deserved. Senior, would you please reveal yourself?”