Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent-Chapter 379: Accountable

Zhang Dongwang, imprisoned on the altar, sensed something and raised his head weakly.

Having been deprived of astral energy for so long, he no longer looked pure as jade, aglow with starlight as he once did. Instead, he appeared fatigued and aged, like any ordinary person.

His internal astral energy had been drained continuously, leaving him oblivious to his surroundings until Zhuo Jianyu, Feng Yan, and the others arrived at the prison.

Upon seeing them, a hint of joy sparked in his eyes. "Hallmaster Zhuo, Master Feng, you're finally here?"

Zhuo Jianyu cast a complicated glance at Zhang Dongwang before turning to Li Pin. "Hall Master Li, thank you for your efforts."

Li Pin nodded.

Xing Ying, standing beside him, quickly stepped forward and deactivated the altar-like formation.

Instantly, the starlight stopped draining into the surrounding crystal pillars, and Zhang Dongwang's Vitality, Qi, and Spirit visibly restored at an astonishing rate.

However, Zhang Dongwang was distracted by something else. He noticed how polite Zhuo Jianyu was acting in front of Li Pin, and he couldn't help but wonder, Has the Royal Empire made some kind of sacrifice to ransom me out?

What a humiliation! An absolute disgrace!

To think that he, a revered Master Astral Cultivator of one of the Six Extremities, had not only been imprisoned by the Celestial Martial God Hall for nearly a month but that the Royal Empire had been forced to offer valuable resources to secure his release! This was the greatest shame he had endured since becoming a Master!

However, he knew now was not the time to taunt or vent. Provoking Li Pin could mean re-imprisonment, nullifying the Royal Empire's efforts. Leaving this place first remained the best course of action. He was convinced that with the Royal Empire's strength, he would not suffer such indignities in vain.

"Apologies for the trouble, Hall Master Li," Zhuo Jianyu said politely. "Rest assured, Zhang Dongwang's attitude reflects only a few. The majority within the Royal Empire still seeks a friendly rapport with you. Whether in furthering Martial God cultivation or in Skill Crystal exchanges, we look forward to deeper cooperation."

"Let's hope so," Li Pin replied. "Now that the compensations have been made and the man has been released, you may leave."

"Thank you, Hall Master Li," Zhuo Jianyu swiftly responded.

A vague unease crept over Zhang Dongwang as he listened to Zhuo Jianyu's tone. However, he mostly dismissed it as Zhuo Jianyu being evasive or putting on a polite act. After all, until they safely left the Celestial Martial God Hall, it wasn’t the right time to make a scene or confront the situation.

Despite inwardly sneering, he kept his composure. After all, as the saying goes "a wise man avoids standing under a crumbling wall"[1]. A little restraint here was only sensible.

Soon, the group descended from Hualong Mountain. Once at the base, Zhuo Jianyu glanced back at the peak.

He knew that from the day the mighty Ge Lin acknowledged Li Pin as a Supreme Expert, they no longer belonged to the same league. Once the upcoming Human Alliance conference concluded, Li Pin would reach the pinnacle of humanity, becoming a figure able to influence the future decisions of the human race.

"Hallmaster Zhuo, did you face any trouble while securing my ransom?" said Zhang Dongwang, lowering his spiritual fluctuation. "But that's only temporary. We are not some lowly Master Astral Cultivators without background. With the Royal Empire's support, I'm certain they won't let this slide!

"Before long, we'll return to Hualong Mountain. And when we do, it won't be with such caution. We'll return as conquerors—taking control of Hualong Mountain, trampling the entire Celestial Martial God Hall underfoot, including that madman Li Pin."

Zhuo Jianyu cast him a complicated look. "You don't understand... In the month you've been imprisoned, much has changed."

Zhang Dongwang's expression darkened as he recalled the Royal Empire's sudden shift in attitude. "The Royal Empire wouldn't actually consider cooperating with him, would they? I was imprisoned as an envoy, and now, from what you're saying, the Royal Empire even paid them compensation. How can this matter end like this?"

"Enough. You don't know the full situation after being confined for so long," Zhuo Jianyu reiterated.

Zhang Dongwang's eyes flashed with killing intent. "I don't know!? How could I not understand!? Li Pin went so far as to openly confront me—how could the Royal Empire tolerate that!? I admit that Li Pin has significant prestige in the martial world as the founder of the Martial God path, but if we let this pass, what will the other nations think of us?

"No matter how formidable he is, he's at most only at the Master Astral Cultivator level! Could he really stand against the Legends of the Royal Empire? I say, we end this once and for all—"

Zhuo Jianyu sharply cut him off. "Shut up!"

He quickly scanned the area. It was only after he made sure that there was no one from the Celestial Martial God Hall around that he calmed down a little. Then, he switched to spiritual communication.

"Stay out of the matter with Li Pin! The fact that you've come out unscathed is already the best outcome. Let this end here! If you refuse to let it go, don't be surprised if His Majesty holds you accountable!"

"Hold me accountable!?" Zhang Dongwang's eyes flashed with disbelief. "I came to the Celestial Martial God Hall on behalf of the Royal Empire, only to be captured and held for nearly a month! I've served the Royal Empire, and now, even if they intend to cooperate with Li Pin, they can't ignore my efforts! Not compensating me for my lost dignity is one thing, but holding me responsible!?"

He burst out in indignation. "Who would dare to hold me responsible? For what?"

Zhuo Jianyu's temper flared. "For what!? For nearly bringing Li Pin to the capital and almost sparking a massacre! For coming with the intent of cooperation but offending him so thoughtlessly that the Royal Empire's relations with the Celestial Martial God Hall have sharply declined!

"For provoking him with your show of force and drawing the wrath of a Supreme Expert onto our empire! Now tell me, is that enough responsibility for you?"

Zhang Dongwang was stunned by Zhuo Jianyu's scolding.

What does he mean by nearly bringing Li Pin to the capital and sparking a massacre?

If Li Pin dares to come to the capital, he'll be captured on the spot! That would practically be inviting his own death, wouldn't it?

And what does he mean by saying the Royal Empire's relationship with the Celestial Martial God Hall has sharply declined? Could the Celestial Martial God Hall even compare with the Royal Empire? And what's this about drawing the wrath of a Supreme Expert?

Wait! A Supreme Expert!?

"A Supreme Expert!?" Zhang Dongwang snapped awake. "Li Pin has returned to Tianyuan!?"

"Return to Tianyuan? If Tianyuan's involved, this could be easier to handle," said Zhuo Jianyu.

"If it's not Tianyuan. Then who is this supreme expert from...?"

Zhang Dongwang quickly remembered what Zhuo Jianyu had said. Li Pin has ventured to the Royal Empire's capital.... Not only did he avoid getting captured by the Royal Empire's Legends, but he'd even made it back safely to the Celestial Martial God Hall!?

A wild guess surged in Zhang Dongwang's mind. "This Supreme Expert you're talking about... could it actually be...?"

Zhang Dongwang cut himself off before he finished, waving his hand emphatically. "Impossible! That is absolutely impossible!"

Zuo Jianyu firmly said, "Why is it impossible?! Don't look at Li Pin as if he's just another ordinary person! He's a one-of-a-kind genius who could carve out the Martial God path while only being a Martial Saint!

"He fought Prince Xiao Qianyuan in a fierce, prolonged battle, yet the prince couldn't do anything to him. Then, he vanished without a trace right in front of our eyes. We couldn't detect a trace of him, his presence gone! His mastery of concealment is unmatched! In the end, Lord Ge Lin himself declared that solely based on Li Pin's ability to hide, he could be called a supreme expert!"

He glared coldly at Zhang Dongwang. "So, why is it impossible?"

Zhang Dongwang trembled, his lips quivering as his face paled. "Prince Xiao Qianyuan couldn't touch him... Lord Ge Lin personally acknowledged him as Supreme...."

Despite being a Master Astral Cultivator, a thin layer of sweat still formed on his forehead. He finally understood the severity of the situation.

While I was locked up, Li Pin... attacked the Royal Empire?! He even emerged completely unscathed after a clash with Xiao Qianyuan?

Against such a fearsome figure, what else could the Royal Empire do other than yield? Fight to the bitter end? With what? If he chose to hide, no one could find him.

Meanwhile, the Royal Empire would face a dire predicament. Li Pin could pick off their experts one by one—aside from the Legendary figures—and the only fate awaiting them would be certain death.

If they truly fought to the end, the Master Astral Cultivators and those below them would be assassinated en masse.

The barefooted fear no one in shoes![2]

Would it truly be worth it for the Royal Empire to risk all of its force below the Legendary level just for the Celestial Martial God Hall, an organization that had only risen to prominence in the last two years?

That would be a loss beyond measure!

Under these circumstances, the Royal Empire's only choice would be to bow its head, pay compensation where due, and offer apologies where needed.

Just as they had done....

Zhuo Jianyu's cold gaze fell upon Zhang Dongwang, whose face had turned pale with fear. "Do you understand now?"

Zhang Dongwang nodded repeatedly, as obedient as a scolded schoolchild. "I understand, I understand!"

"Then come with me right away. Stop saying such meaningless things. And from now on..." Zhuo Jianyu glanced at the gradually fading figure atop Hualong Mountain. "Don't come here again."

Zhang Dongwang nodded again and cast a backward glance.

For the first time, he felt none of the usual pride, anger, or defiance of a Master Astral Cultivator of the Royal Empire. His heart was filled only with a profound dread and respect for that figure on Hualong Mountain.

***

Atop Hualong Mountain, Li Pin returned to his courtyard, only to find a figure waiting by the gate.

Lin Xingchen, having regained some of his composure, was silently kneeling outside the entrance.

Li Pin cast him a glance and spoke bluntly, "It seems you're trying to threaten me."

"I wouldn't dare," Lin Xingchen replied quickly.

Li Pin said no more and entered the courtyard. For a moment, Lin Xingchen was at a loss, unsure of what to do.

Just then, Xing Ying appeared and offered some advice. "The Hall Master never considers right or wrong—only action. From now on, just focus on proving yourself and earning merit for the Celestial Martial God Hall. I believe, one day, the Hall Master will forgive you."

This 𝓬ontent is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

These words made Lin Xingchen pause for a moment. He gave Xing Ying a grateful nod. Then, looking in Li Pin's direction, he declared firmly, "Master, I will never let you down again."

With that, he gathered his resolve and headed down the mountain.

1. A metaphor for avoiding risky situations in general. It suggests that a wise person is cautious and avoids unnecessary risks. ☜

2. implies someone with nothing to lose (the "barefooted") is willing to take risks or confront someone who has much to protect (the "wearing shoes" side), making them formidable in their fearlessness. ☜