Their physical bodies were so formidable that even Lu Yuan could feel it. One could easily imagine what immense power would be unleashed once they exerted themselves. Although there were only five or six of them, their combat strength was clearly formidable.
This also gave him a clearer picture of how Jiang Taiyu had truly begun rallying powerhouses from across various star sectors. Even the great clans of the other top ten star sectors had arrived, proving how seriously they viewed the situation on Celestial Star.
Lu Yuan had no intention of speaking, however. Since he was still unfamiliar with much of the situation, observing first before speaking remained the most sensible course.
"And this is...?" Just then, the leader of the Maha warriors turned his gaze toward Lu Yuan, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. He recognized the members of the Jiang clan.
Since both sides belonged to the top ten star sectors, they had frequent contact. Even if he had never met them in person, that distinct aura was unmistakable.
Lu Yuan, on the other hand, was an unfamiliar face, drawing the warrior's attention.
"This is Lu Yuan, Master of the Heavenly Court from the Milky Way Star Sector," Jiang Feiyi explained with a smile, introducing both sides. "And this senior powerhouse is from the Maha Clan, an elder of ours whose cultivation has reached the Creation Immortal Realm."
From his introduction, Lu Yuan learned that this man was named Mo Gang, a peer of Jiang Huanyun's generation. Yet he was even stronger, being of the direct lineage of the Maha Clan with profound strength and high status. Knowing this, Lu Yuan cupped his hands slightly. "Greetings, Senior."
"Lu Yuan?" Hearing the name, Mo Gang nodded, though his eyes remained utterly detached. He continued, "I've heard of you. Quite formidable. Rumor has it both the Ji clan and the Eternal Clan suffered heavily at your hands. Truly, a hero emerging from youth."
Just as Jiang Feiyi had mentioned earlier, Lu Yuan's name had already spread across the vast starry skies. Yet aside from a brief initial surprise, Mo Gang appeared indifferent. Faint, inexplicable wisps of power even radiated from his body, as if he cared nothing for such renown.
Sure enough, in the next breath, he spoke bluntly: "Perhaps you truly are strong. After all, reaching this level in such a short time is no small feat. However, you had best not affix the title 'Master of the Heavenly Court' to yourself. That is not a name just anyone is worthy of bearing."
Though his tone sounded conversational on the surface, it carried an unyielding, overbearing posture. On one hand, he seemed to acknowledge Lu Yuan's strength. On the other hand, he showed utter disdain for Lu Yuan daring to claim the title of Master of the Heavenly Court. Furthermore, there was no hint of consultation in his words—it sounded like a command.
Upon hearing this, Lu Yuan's gaze shifted.
Whatever title he chose to use was his own business; no one else had any right to dictate it. It was true that answering Jiang Taiyu's summons to come to Celestial Star at such a time proved a great deal about the man. Even so, it gave him no right to meddle in this matter. Lu Yuan looked up, his gaze locking onto the man before him, his own aura beginning to stir and rise.
Seeing this, the Jiang siblings were startled.
They knew very well that Lu Yuan was never one to back down from trouble. If left unprovoked, he kept the peace; if approached with goodwill, he was courteous and respectful, neither servile nor arrogant. But if someone showed hostility from the start, no matter who they were or how powerful, Lu Yuan would strike back forcefully.
Jiang Haokong immediately nudged Jiang Feiyi beside him. Sizing up the tension, Jiang Feiyi hastily interjected with a laugh, "Ah, haha! Senior Mo Gang, may I ask where you are heading?"
Under normal circumstances, nobody would leave this perimeter. For one, staying put allowed them to muster immediately if a crisis arose. Moreover, the extraterrestrial heavenly demons were elusive and wielded terrifying, mysterious power, so no one wandered off recklessly to ensure safety. Stepping outside meant there was specific business to attend to.
Hearing the question, Mo Gang replied at once, "We received word that three extraterrestrial heavenly demons have appeared and are attempting to seize another famous mountain range. They aren't particularly strong, so I am taking a few men to handle them."
The appearance of extraterrestrial heavenly demons was a grave matter, though they naturally gauged the enemy's strength under ordinary circumstances. Any foe requiring Jiang Taiyu's personal intervention inevitably belonged to the supreme echelon, whereas the weaker ones could be left to others. Mo Gang was in the Creation Immortal Realm, but thanks to the innate racial gifts of the Maha Clan, his unrivaled physique, and his exceptional talent, he could to some degree rival a Heavenly Position Immortal. Of course, rivaling was not the same as defeating one, but even so, leading a team to deal with extraterrestrial heavenly demons was proof enough of his formidable strength.
"In that case, we won't take up any more of your time, Senior Mo Gang," Jiang Feiyi said. First, the demons seizing famous mountains and rivers was indeed an urgent matter. Second, he did not want Mo Gang and Lu Yuan to remain together any longer. Both men were undeniably domineering figures; who knew what might happen if they lingered? Thus, after speaking, he prepared to lead Lu Yuan and the others away.
Yet Mo Gang had no intention of letting things end there. "Wait," he called out.
Turning his eyes back toward Lu Yuan, a playful sneer touched his face. "Rumor has it that back in the Grotto-Heaven Immortal Realm, you were already capable of slaying a Creation Immortal. By now, you must be even stronger. How about it? Care to accompany me and see what these extraterrestrial heavenly demons are made of?"
Though not stated directly, the intent behind his words was crystal clear: Mo Gang was challenging Lu Yuan to join him in confronting the extraterrestrial heavenly demons, aiming to see firsthand what the young man was truly capable of.
Silence fell over the crowd. Jiang Feiyi felt a headache coming on and could only intervene, "Senior, Lu Yuan and our Divine Son and Saintess have journeyed across the star river for quite some time to reach Celestial Star. Wouldn't it be better for them to rest and recover first?"
"Is that so?" Mo Gang replied indifferently. "Very well. If that is what they wish, I won't force them."
Although heavy armor concealed his face, everyone present could sense the mocking smile beneath, dripping with even greater contempt for Lu Yuan. Lu Yuan, however, showed no reaction. A cheap provocation? He had seen right through it and would never fall for such a ploy. Still, witnessing the extraterrestrial heavenly demons firsthand and learning more about them was undeniably important to him. Without hesitation, he replied flatly, "Very well."
His simple response silenced everyone around them. Everyone knew Mo Gang had merely been goading him or speaking in jest without expecting a serious answer, yet Lu Yuan had agreed outright.
Beside him, the Jiang siblings felt thoroughly helpless. They knew Lu Yuan only wanted to understand the extraterrestrial heavenly demons better, but to everyone else, it seemed Lu Yuan had directly locked horns with the Maha Clan!
Chapter 481