Sword God Supreme

Chapter 12: The Road Ahead is Blocked

Outside Immortal Guest Tower.

Li Jingxue’s classmates hurried away. Before leaving, many couldn’t help stealing another glance at Chen Mo.

Who could have imagined? Facing Zhao Tianhua’s aggressive demands, even Jiang Feng, whom they’d pinned their hopes on, could only back down. Yet Chen Mo—the one they’d once despised—had delivered such an astonishing surprise?

“Chen Mo… I’ll repay this debt!” After a moment’s hesitation, Jiang Feng spat out the words before turning away. The young man who loved the spotlight seemed thoroughly dispirited by the ordeal.

Not bad,Chen Mo mused with a faint smile. Gratitude repaid was a virtue.

“Brother-in-law, about what happened just now…” Li Jingxue began.

“Let’s head home first,” Chen Mo cut her off gently, striding forward.

“Alright.” Suppressing her worry, Li Jingxue quickly followed.

“Jingxue,” Chen Mo said as they neared the Li Family residence, his voice calm, “after today, two things might happen. One: Zhao Tianhua seeks reinforcements. Two: He swallows his pride.”

Li Jingxue exclaimed, “A fop like him? After such humiliation? No way he’ll let it slide! He’ll retaliate!”

Chen Mo nodded. “True. But any revenge targets me. That’s enough.”

Li Jingxue grew more anxious. She took a deep breath, her delicate face resolute. “Brother-in-law, this started because of me. I won’t let you get hurt!”

“Relax. It’s less serious than you think.” Chen Mo chuckled, ruffling her hair.

Li Jingxue murmured an absent-minded “Mm,” then said, “I… I should go back now.” She turned and rushed into the family compound.

Chen Mo shook his head ruefully. Silly girl. Even if you ask your parents, they won’t lift a finger.Then he smiled again. Being cared for? That was good. As for the Immortal Guest Tower incident? To Chen Mo, it wasn’t worth a second thought.

“What? That freeloader Chen Mo beat up Zhao Tianhua?” Qin Wan shot up from her seat, stunned, upon hearing Li Jingxue’s account of events.

Beside her, Li Chang’an nearly choked on his tea. Zhao Tianhua?The eldest son of Zhao Family Patriarch, Zhao Haifeng!

“Without Brother-in-law today, I’d have been bullied terribly! That Zhao Tianhua said he’d propose marriage soon, and once I was his, he’d ‘discipline’ me properly!” Li Jingxue’s eyes welled with tears as she tearfully recounted. “Mother, you haveto help Brother-in-law this time!”

Qin Wan’s fury ignited. “That degenerate Zhao Tianhua! Rumors of his vile deeds abound, but targeting mydaughter?” Her expression hardened. “But… my influence alone can’t settle this…” She glared at Li Chang’an. “It’s your uselessness!”

Li Chang’an offered a pained smile. “Chen Mo caused this mess. Why’s it my problem?”

“Mother, if you won’t help, I’ll write to Sister!” Li Jingxue threatened desperately. “She’s a disciple of Tianshu Academy now…”

Qin Wan’s eyes lit up. She slapped her thigh. “Exactly! Your sister’s status has soared!” A plan formed. She stood decisively. “I’ll see the Clan Leader. Given Lingzhao’s position, he mustintervene.”

Li Jingxue beamed. “Go quickly, Mother!”

“Foolish girl! I’m helping you, and incidentally, that freeloader,” Qin Wan retorted sharply.

“It’s the same thing!” Li Jingxue’s smile bloomed like a flower.

“That waste Chen Mo… actually overpowered Zhao Tianhua andhis guards?” Clan Leader Li Changming frowned, the news feeling surreal after Qin Wan’s plea.

“Ah…” Qin Wan faltered. Right. Chen Mo lost his cultivation base!

“Clan Leader, regardless, Jingxue wasbullied. If Zhao Tianhua retaliates, the Li Family must act!” Qin Wan’s face was etched with worry. “When Lingzhao married that trash, it broke my heart! If anything happens to Jingxue… I… I couldn’t live!” She covered her face, sobbing.

Li Changming’s brow furrowed. After a long moment, he stated, “Of course I’ll intervene. Jingxue is Li blood. The Zhao Family cannot bully her.”

Qin Wan’s relief was palpable. “With your word, Clan Leader, I am reassured!”

Li Changming’s expression turned icy. “Don’t rejoice yet. I said protect Jingxue, not Chen Mo. He caused this. The consequences are his alone.”

Qin Wan’s heart sank. “But Clan Leader, without Chen Mo stepping in, Jingxue would have…”

“Enough!” Li Changming cut her off coldly. “Sister-in-law, weren’t youhis fiercest critic? Why defend him now? Need I remind you? Just days ago, in front of us all, your son-in-law thoroughly offended Wei Feng! I haven’t settled thatscore yet!” His voice grew sharp with anger.

Qin Wan stiffened, flushing. Before she could speak, Li Changming dismissed her. “The Old Matriarch’s 80th birthday feast is the day after tomorrow. I’m busy. Leave now.”

Li Jingxue waited anxiously. “Mother? How did it go?” Hope shone in her eyes.

Qin Wan forced a smile. “The Clan Leader promised to handle it. It’s fine, Jingxue. Return to Qingyun Sword Academy tomorrow morning. Stay safe. Zhao Tianhua won’t dare trouble you there.”

“Yes! Brother-in-law’s safe too!” The girl nodded, elated.

Qin Wan felt a pang of guilt. Chen Mo’s an outsider. If the Zhao Family roughs him up… as long as he lives… it’s manageable…She changed the subject abruptly. “Jingxue… has your brother-in-law… regained his cultivation base?”

Li Jingxue shook her head. “Not sure. But Zhao Tianhua’s guards? Useless against him.” Her eyes sparkled, recalling the scene at Immortal Guest Tower. The memory still stirred her.

“I always sensed he was cunning! Living here a year, enduring scorn and insults without a flicker of anger? That night your sister returned? A few words from him enraged Wei Feng and shattered the whole situation! No coward could manage that!” Qin Wan declared with newfound insight. “I’ll get answers from him!”

Li Jingxue just smiled inwardly. Of course my brother-in-law is amazing!

The opulent hall pulsed with tension. Zhao Tianhua knelt on the floor, voice hoarse. “Father, I was wrong. I accept punishment. From now on, I’ll train relentlessly. One day, I’ll repay this humiliation tenfold, a hundredfold!”

Patriarch Zhao Haifeng sat silently on the high seat. Tall and imposing, draped in dark robes, his presence radiated profound power like a resting dragon. The oppressive silence thickened until Zhao Tianhua struggled to breathe.

Suddenly, Zhao Haifeng rose, booming with laughter! “That’sthe spirit, my son! With such resolve, greatness awaits! Rise!” His tone shifted. “Tomorrow, I meet this Chen Mo. At Immortal Guest Tower.”

Zhao Tianhua blinked, confused. “Father? Such a trivial matter? Why involve yourself?”

Zhao Haifeng strode forward, lifting his son. “You misunderstand. When beating a dog, one sees its master. And you? You are myflesh and blood!” His eyes flashed cold steel. “This incident serves notice to Linfeng City. You are my weakness. Anyone who touches you will end up like Chen Mo!”

Zhao Tianhua’s eyes widened, a mix of shock and elation. “Father… you’ll kill him yourself?”

“Kill him?” Zhao Haifeng waved a dismissive hand. “No. I’ll break him. Humiliate him. Make him beg for death. Watch tomorrow.” His words were chillingly casual.

Chen Mo sat at the writing desk, brush gliding across paper. Elegant, forceful characters flowed onto page after page. By nightfall, a neat stack filled with script lay before him.

I’ll give this breathing technique to Jingxue tomorrow morning,he decided. Today was her sixteenth birthday. He’d forgotten a gift. This foundational martial cultivation method would make amends.

But the next morning brought surprise. A servant informed him Li Jingxue had already departed for Qingyun Sword Academy.

The Old Matriarch’s birthday feast is tomorrow. Jingxue will attend. I’ll give it to her then.Shaking his head, Chen Mo left the Li residence.

His daily routine took him outside the city walls to cultivate within the Spirit Land near Bibo River. Today was no exception. He returned towards the Li residence only around noon.

Tomorrow morning, heal Xiao Yuanshan. Settle that debt… Hmm?His footsteps halted abruptly. He sensed something. His gaze sharpened, focusing ahead.

“Young Master Chen! My master requests your presence!” A towering, black-robed elder stepped from the shadows of a nearby street, flanked by men who silently blocked Chen Mo’s path.