The Supreme Martial King Shocking All Realms Chapter 3324 - 3319: I Won’t Go_1

Fu Xuanbing stayed quiet, so not one of his followers had the courage to voice their wish to save Yue Xingzhenren.

The instant Fu Xuanbing eased his vigilance, his underlings swiftly consented without a moment's pause. Evidently, Fu Xuanbing's authority and renown were every bit as formidable as rumored.

Choosing to align with Fu Xuanbing earlier had truly been a wise move. In contrast, what assistance could siding with Yang Chen possibly offer in the affair with Yue Xingzhenren?

Yet, he still intended to consult Yang Chen on the topic, since even gaining a Heaven-separated Realm fighter's strength was something he craved intensely right now.

"Hahaha, I'm truly delighted that Daoist friend Fu has agreed. Let me offer my thanks at this moment." As a bloodline envoy of the Ice and Fire Heavenly Phoenix Royal Clan, Qian Li lowered his head in a gesture of respect right then.

Fu Xuanbing felt deeply pleased as well, and his gaze drifted casually toward Yang Chen in that instant.

Qian Li sought Yang Chen's view on the matter, and after praising Fu Xuanbing's decision, he continued: "Brother Yang Chen, what's your take on Senior Yue Xingzhenren's situation? Would you care to join our effort to rescue him?"

Yang Chen's brows lifted faintly at these words.

Without a second's delay, he responded directly: "I'm not joining, as I have different goals to pursue."

This response stirred a subtle reaction among the assembly of experts and the Ice and Fire Sky Phoenixes.

What exactly was Yang Chen implying here?

All were set to charge ahead and rescue Yue Xingzhenren, yet he alone turned it down—what could that signify?

In a flash, the expressions on their faces shifted noticeably.

Yang Chen caught sight of this naturally and felt a twinge of resignation deep inside.

Unlike Fu Xuanbing, whose aim in saving Yue Xingzhenren was to secure Jiyu Essence down the line and reap massive rewards, Yang Chen held some curiosity about Jiyu Essence too, but his top priority remained uncovering Bao Lu's location.

That was precisely why he had rejected the rescue from the outset.

For one thing, the issue with Bao Lu demanded immediate action; for another, upon reflection, he understood that the Netherworld forces had taken Yue Xingzhenren alive. Even if they pulled off the rescue, could they truly confront the Netherworld troops entrenched on the Ice and Fire Star at present?

Such a notion was pure fantasy.

Besides, those from the Netherworld weren't fools. Capturing someone without slaying them and allowing their whereabouts to be traced suggested their true aim was likely to draw out their foes.

Rushing in blindly like this could easily lead to facing a Ghost King at the Tianming Realm level. The risks involved were far too immense.

Naturally, he couldn't voice any of this aloud; he simply held it close to himself.

Yang Chen kept his silence, paying no mind to the group's inner musings. But Hu Kui, standing near Fu Xuanbing, muttered under his breath: "Yang Chen, while everyone's set to rescue Yue Xingzhenren, you're opting out. What are you trying to say? Do you hold Yue Xingzhenren in contempt?"

Hu Kui uttered this to highlight to Fu Xuanbing the gap between himself and Yang Chen.

With that single remark, he flung the accusation squarely onto Yang Chen, prompting Lu Heng and Yue Xingzhenren's other followers to display clear fury on their features.

Yang Chen recognized Hu Kui's tactic of casting blame and replied steadily: "I hold no contempt for Yue Xingzhenren, but it appears the folks here all have grievances against me. My presence or absence doesn't seem to carry much weight anyway. That's why I declined. Isn't that so, Daoist friend Hu?"

At these words, Hu Kui found himself at a loss for reply, while Fu Xuanbing narrowed his eyes, gazing at Yang Chen with growing regard.

This Yang Chen proved adept at navigating verbal sparring indeed. Had he lost his temper over it, he'd have shown a complete lack of cunning. But by casually noting his irrelevance, he left them without a solid retort.

Qian Li harbored considerable dissatisfaction toward Yang Chen too, for Yue Xingzhenren embodied the lifeline of the Ice and Fire Sky Phoenix clan in his eyes. Yang Chen's stance dismissed that hope lightly, inevitably sparking his ire.

"Very well, since Brother Yang Chen has made his position clear, we won't press him to stay. As he pointed out, one more fighter won't tip the scales much." Qian Li stated in a chilly tone.

Yet, as the exchange wrapped up, an unforeseen voice broke in once more.

This new voice echoed Yang Chen's own in its rejection. Surprisingly, even Yang Chen hadn't foreseen this particular dissent.

"Brother Qian Li, count me out of this Yue Xingzhenren mission as well." Heng Ye declared.

"Huh?"

A number of the Ice and Fire Sky Phoenixes reacted with astonishment.

Yang Chen himself was caught off guard, utterly stunned. The one mirroring his refusal to aid Yue Xingzhenren turned out to be Heng Ye, from the Ice and Fire Sky Phoenix Royal Clan, who had sided with Fu Xuanbing.

Heng Ye dropping this bombshell now truly jolted the entire group.

It made sense for Yang Chen to voice such a thing, but for Heng Ye, a royal clansman of the Ice and Fire Sky Phoenix, to echo it—how was that possible?

Qian Li shared the bewilderment and questioned: "Heng Ye, what's the reasoning behind this?"

Heng Ye scanned the room, aware that confusion reigned among many. He hesitated briefly before sending a private sound transmission to Qian Li alone.

Qian Li absorbed Heng Ye's transmitted words, paused for a beat, and a flicker of intricate feelings crossed his eyes. Then he let out a sigh: "Fine, under those circumstances, Heng Ye, you're excused from going."

Heng Ye gave a nod and took his seat, lost in contemplation and wrestling with his choice.

Regarding Yang Chen's earlier statement, he felt a surge of bewilderment and had no clue about the exchange that just transpired.

The private sound transmission between Heng Ye and Qian Li carried an air of enigma and depth, demanding closer scrutiny. At minimum, it was plain that Heng Ye harbored some hidden truth.

Linking this to Heng Ye's prior response upon hearing of Bao Lu, Yang Chen found himself mulling over it intently.

With that thought, Yang Chen lifted his head abruptly and met Qian Li's stare.

Qian Li positioned himself with hands clasped behind, declaring resolutely: "Brother Yang Chen, given you're not accompanying us to rescue Yue Xingzhenren, where might you head next?"

"I wander without a set path, and this place offers a serene vibe. I could linger here a bit longer. I trust Daoist friend Qian Li won't object." Yang Chen replied.

These words caused Qian Li's face to alter subtly, as he inwardly fumed. Yang Chen displayed remarkable audacity.

It was one thing for him to skip the Yue Xingzhenren rescue, but to brazenly request staying on—what gall! Seeking unearned benefits?

Still, considering Yang Chen's Heaven-separated Realm cultivation, and with tensions so high, Qian Li couldn't afford to antagonize a powerhouse like that, no matter his frustration. With reluctance, he exhaled: "All right, if Brother Yang Chen wishes to remain in our modest abode, I certainly won't protest. Ming Hu, you brought him here, so see to his needs."

Observing Qian Li's demeanor, how could Yang Chen miss the underlying resentment?

In truth, he hadn't planned to stick around at first, recognizing it might seem off to decline aid yet loiter in their midst.

Nevertheless, Heng Ye's recent refusal prompted him to reconsider abruptly.