My gorgeous wife Chapter 2028 - 1996: Do You Dare to Accept?

"Listen up, demons within! You have ten breaths to emerge. Lord Black River has a message for you. If you aren't all outside by then, you will face the repercussions!" An arrogant voice boomed from the village's entrance.

Upon hearing this, Li Chen slightly narrowed his eyes and activated his Eye of the Dao, directing his gaze toward the direction of the village entrance.

At that moment, Christina was still outside, and Li Chen did not hesitate, his gaze firmly fixed on the village entrance.

A creature, entirely black yet possessing muscles charged with explosive power, stood there.

A colossal figure, nearly five meters tall, with unkempt yellow hair and claws on its limbs that glinted with intimidating coldness.

Li Chen instantly identified the creature's race.

Yaksha!

This was indeed a Yaksha, and a notably potent one at that.

While perhaps not quite as formidable as an Ox Dragon, it was certainly close.

Considering the Ox Dragon was undoubtedly the paramount presence in the village, and in this demon village, apart from the Ox Dragon, the strongest was merely a Seventh Rank demon elder, previously an old goat.

"Gui Mo, what brings you to our village?" A deep voice resonated as a massive, powerfully built middle-aged man, standing just over two meters tall, emerged from the village.

"You are... Niu Meng?" The Yaksha, identified as Gui Mo, squinted at the middle-aged man before surveying the other villagers: "Niu Meng, it appears you've had good fortune. You obtained the Transfiguration Technique and transformed your entire village. Did you find that treasure?"

Niu Meng, also recognized as the village chief and Ox Dragon, replied in a deep tone: "I have long told Black River; there is no treasure in our world. I know nothing of any treasure!"

"Then where did you acquire this Transfiguration Technique?" Gui Mo inquired casually.

Although he might have been slightly weaker than Niu Meng, Gui Mo was not alone this time. Behind him stood a substantial contingent of subordinates from various races. Despite their seemingly disparate appearances, their collective might was more than sufficient to overpower Niu Meng's village.

"This..." Niu Meng found himself in a difficult position to answer.

To reveal that Li Chen and the others had provided it would undoubtedly bring trouble upon them.

Despite Christina profiting from him, the Transfiguration Technique was far more valuable to them than those resources and had, in fact, been immensely beneficial. If he exposed Li Chen and his companions, and Black River discovered it, he certainly wouldn't be spared.

Having cultivated to such a level, Niu Meng, though honest, was not naive. Over countless years, beside Black River, there were only those two outsiders. If Black River learned of other outsiders like them, he would surely not let the matter rest easily.

"I gave it."

At this crucial moment, a voice calmly emerged.

Li Chen stepped forward from among the villagers.

Seeing Li Chen appear, Niu Meng was also taken aback: "Doing this will place you in peril!"

"It's alright," Li Chen responded, shaking his head. He then turned his gaze to Gui Mo: "Are you looking for me?"

"Who are you?" Gui Mo narrowed his eyes once more, a sharp gleam flashing within them.

"None of your business?" Li Chen casually retorted, rolling his eyes.

Gui Mo's eyes turned frigid: "Very well, do you comprehend who you have provoked? The individual you have offended is..."

"Enough, enough, spare me the nonsense," Li Chen interjected, picking at his ear. "What do you want? State it clearly. If you desire a confrontation, I'm ready. If not, then leave swiftly and do not disrupt my rest."

"Presumptuous! Let's see if your fists match the bravado of your words!" Gui Mo glanced coldly at Li Chen, a palpable murderous intent radiating from him.

He could clearly perceive that Li Chen was merely a nascent Eighth Rank cultivator, whereas Gui Mo himself was already at the mid-stage of the Eighth Rank. He felt assured that his own strength was more than enough to crush Li Chen.

Niu Meng stood nearby, his expression one of indecision.

He understood that Li Chen had stepped forward to extricate him from a difficult situation, but this meant Li Chen was now personally handling the conflict.

Gritting his teeth, Niu Meng took a step forward: "Gui Mo, if you seek a battle, I shall face you!"

Witnessing Niu Meng's determined stance, Gui Mo appeared momentarily taken aback. He knew he didn't quite have the confidence to face Niu Meng alone.

"Niu Meng, you had best not meddle in this affair. Remember, you are not acting solely for yourself; you are the village chief! If you offend Lord Black River, do you truly believe your village can endure?" Gui Mo issued a threat.

He felt it necessary to resort to threats.

He could not contend with Niu Meng one-on-one. Although the group of thugs behind him collectively surpassed these villagers, the addition of Li Chen, an Eighth Rank expert, significantly altered the battlefield dynamics.

"This has nothing to do with our village. I challenge you personally! Do you accept?" Niu Meng, with a sharp glint in his eyes, declared loudly.

Gui Mo’s expression shifted, and he instinctively looked behind him. Indeed, several of his subordinates had already begun their hushed discussions. If he refused Niu Meng's challenge, his prestige would undoubtedly suffer, potentially leading to a significant loss of followers.

Li Chen observed Niu Meng with a hint of amusement, not having anticipated such cunning from the seemingly simple fellow.

"Niu Meng, this matter does not involve you!"

"Do you have the courage to accept the challenge?" Niu Meng bellowed, his neck visibly swelling.

"Niu Meng, I caution you, do not press your luck!"

"I merely wish to know if you dare to accept the challenge. Stop making excuses to evade the issue, you spineless coward!" Niu Meng refused to back down.

"I... Damn it! Do you truly believe I fear you?!" Gui Mo, finally cornered by Niu Meng, roared in anger, his eyes flushed red as he ascended into the sky.

Niu Meng, not to be outdone, also let out a fierce roar and transformed into his true beast form, immediately engaging Gui Mo in combat.

Having only recently transformed, he found fighting in human form uncomfortable. For the moment, engaging in his true form was the more advantageous approach.

Witnessing Niu Meng and Gui Mo locked in a furious aerial battle, Li Chen let out a soft chuckle and turned his gaze towards Gui Mo’s group of subordinates.

"I have a few questions I would like to pose to all of you. I trust you will provide truthful answers. Naturally, should you opt not to, then there is nothing further to discuss." Li Chen rubbed his hands together, and the Seven Slaying Sword materialized out of nowhere, hovering ominously above his head.

This artifact proved far more effective for intimidation than any other method.

A terrifying wave of evil Qi instantly enveloped the group, causing their faces to drain of color.

"I am not particularly fond of resorting to violence, but if compelling circumstances arise, I do not hesitate to employ a degree of force to facilitate a smoother progression of events," Li Chen stated, his eyes narrowing as a bright smile spread across his face.

However, to Gui Mo’s subordinates, that smile appeared utterly dreadful!