Chapter 43: You Cannot Kill Me!

Seeing Xiao Yan and City Lord Ao Ba Dun standing in a standoff at the entrance of the main hall, the First Elder wanted to step forward to persuade them, but was dissuaded by a single look from Xiao Zhan.

Although Xiao Yan's actions had not been discussed with him beforehand, he believed that the now-grown Xiao Yan should understand how to handle today's affairs.

"Eating, that's not necessary. After all, we all know in our hearts why you came here today, so there's no need to hide it," Xiao Yan said calmly, but right from the start, he poked through the window paper that everyone had tacitly agreed not to discuss.

Once these words were spoken, many members of the Xiao Clan felt a sense of relief, but the First Elder, who had just relaxed a little, immediately became nervous again. Although Xiao Yan's talent was indeed excellent, he was ultimately not a Dou Huang; between a talented genius with potential and their own ruling order, the Jia Ma Empire's royal family would not necessarily stand on Xiao Yan's side!

"Hmph! What? Does Young Master Xiao intend to make this City Lord pay with his life?" Ao Ba Dun's expression was gloomy as he squeezed the words through his teeth: "Don't forget, I am still the officially appointed City Lord of the Jia Ma Empire! If you touch me, you won't have an easy time either!"

Although he felt the young master of the Xiao Clan couldn't possibly be unaware of this, Ao Ba Dun still emphasized it while secretly mobilizing the Dou Qi within his body. Although that fleeting move earlier had already made Ao Ba Dun realize he was no match, they were both at the peak of the Great Dou Shi realm; surely he wouldn't be left without even a chance to fight back? If he wants to make a move, I will strike first; I don't believe he can keep me here! Ao Ba Dun thought to himself.

But he did not know that his actions were as transparent as glass in front of Xiao Yan, seen clearly.

Perhaps because of the fusion of two souls during his transmigration, Xiao Yan's soul power had always been twice that of experts at the same level; at the same time, long-term alchemy practice had further advanced Xiao Yan's soul power, and the subtlety Ao Ba Dun thought he possessed was actually seen clearly by Xiao Yan.

However, Xiao Yan did not pay much attention to Ao Ba Dun's little tricks; he just smiled slightly and casually placed his hand on Ao Ba Dun's shoulder.

Terrifying power instantly surged from the shoulder into Ao Ba Dun's body, directly suppressing the Dou Qi Ao Ba Dun had just mobilized, just like a wild rabbit caught in a tiger's jaws, without a shred of room to resist!

"Th-this is!"

Only then did Ao Ba Dun realize that although they were in the same realm, the difference in strength between him and Xiao Yan was like that between the clouds and the mud.

Xiao Yan slowly leaned his head toward Ao Ba Dun's ear and said faintly: "Kneel."

With a thud, Ao Ba Dun's knees hit the ground, and he knelt directly in front of Xiao Yan.

"Y-Young Master Xiao, th-this time it is my fault. I was blinded by greed. Please, considering that I haven't caused any loss of life, could you spare my life?" Ao Ba Dun no longer cared about the dignity of a City Lord; after completely understanding the gap between himself and Xiao Yan, Ao Ba Dun bowed directly to the ground. Especially after sensing the trace of killing intent in Xiao Yan's heart, he was so terrified that his liver and gallbladder trembled, and he knocked his head against the ground like a beating drum.

The thumping sound did not just strike the floor; it also struck the hearts of everyone present.

Although everyone knew Xiao Yan was strong, they had assumed he was about the same or slightly stronger than the City Lord; they never expected it to reach the point where he could scare the other party into kneeling and begging for mercy before a fight even started.

Xiao Yan looked around and found that many people actually accepted Ao Ba Dun's argument—not out of compassion, but out of fear of provoking the Jia Ma Empire's retaliation. Even Xiao Zhan revealed a look of worry.

However, Xiao Yan had other considerations. He lowered his head and asked Ao Ba Dun: "Do you know the difference between you and the Jia Lie and Ao Ba clans?"

"Difference?" Wu Jin was slightly stunned. Naturally, there were differences, but he didn't know what Xiao Yan wanted him to say. After thinking for a long time without figuring it out, Wu Jin finally decided to take a gamble: "The difference is that my strength is greater, and I can be a better dog for Young Master Xiao! Please, Young Master Xiao, accept me, woof woof!" At the end, Wu Jin even barked like a dog twice, which left Xiao Yan stunned, making her feel embarrassed to strike.

However, Xiao Yan would not go soft because of this. Whether he was truly willing to be a dog for the Xiao Clan or not, Xiao Yan would not believe it! In fact, just as Wu Jin himself said, his strength was greater, but in Xiao Yan's view, this did not mean he could be a better dog than the other two clans; it meant he had the ability to threaten the Xiao Clan after Xiao Yan left!

In Xiao Yan's view, the more humble Wu Jin acted toward Xiao Yan now, the deeper the resentment in his heart! And thus, he could not be left alive!

"That's right, you are indeed stronger than the other two clans, but it's a pity, I don't believe you." Xiao Yan's tone remained flat, yet it carried an unquestionable killing intent.

"No! No! You cannot kill me! I am the City Lord of Wutan City! If you kill me, the Empire will not let you off!" Seeing that surrender had failed, Wu Jin turned back to threatening him again.

However, Xiao Yan ignored his threats and simply placed his hand on Wu Jin's forehead, blocking half of Wu Jin's vision, and said: "Remember, in your next life, remember to keep a low profile."

"No! Bastard, you want to kill me, it won't be that easy!" On the verge of despair, Wu Jin finally abandoned all illusions and attempted to mobilize the Battle Energy in his body for a final struggle.

It was a pity that his Dou Qi had long been sealed by Xiao Yan and could not be mobilized at all, so he could only watch in despair as the flames gushing from Xiao Yan's hand gradually engulfed his entire body.

In the scorching flames, Wu Jin's hair, eyes, skin, and flesh were all reduced to ashes, and intense pain surged into Wu Jin's soul.

He regretted why he had been jealous of the Xiao Clan's rise instead of befriending them.

He hated why this brat before him possessed such a vicious heart!

He cursed: You will not have a good end! Sooner or later, you will die at the hands of others just like me!

With a look of resentment, Wu Jin finally turned into ashes and died right there.