The young, handsome male cultivator smirked dismissively, appearing disdainful of speaking with someone of Han Mo's "lowly status."
A cultivator standing nearby introduced him with flattering words. "You are truly ignorant. You don't even know our renowned Senior Brother Zhao? Hmph, you bumpkin, prick up your ears and listen! Our Senior Brother Zhao's name is Zhao Wuji, and he is the fifth-ranked super prodigy among the younger generation of the Heavenly Star Sacred Land!"
A slight curve formed on Zhao Wuji's lips. Arrogant! Confident! Smug! He stood with his hands behind his back, his chin slightly raised, gazing at the sky at a forty-five-degree angle, exuding an air of "who else but me" pride! The arrogance of a genius, unmatched in charm! Hmph! You bumpkin, hearing my name, Zhao Wuji, you'll probably wet yourself in fear!
For cultivators of the Great New Dynasty, the Heavenly Star Sacred Land was an insurmountable, towering peak. The fifth-ranked "peerless prodigy" among its younger generation was enough to make any other genius pale in comparison and feel utterly inadequate. As for a nobody like Han Mo, a mere bumpkin, how would he dare compete with him? He would likely blush crimson with shame, unable to face anyone, and immediately concede Kong Xiaoxian!
With this thought, Zhao Wuji's heart burned. He looked at Han Mo expectantly. Upon seeing him, he was immediately disappointed. Han Mo's eyes were calm, and he exuded an aura of serene composure. He was not at all surprised by Zhao Wuji's identity as a "peerless prodigy," as if the other person were merely a cat or dog unrelated to him.
Damn it! Zhao Wuji's gaze instantly turned sharp. A domineering aura surged from him. Bumpkin, you dare to disregard me? You're courting death!
At this moment, someone was even more "furious" than Zhao Wuji. It was the same young male cultivator who had introduced Zhao Wuji earlier. Seeing Han Mo's calm reaction, he became enraged, as if Han Mo had dug up his ancestral graves. "Bumpkin, did you even hear clearly? Senior Brother Zhao is the fifth-ranked prodigy of the younger generation of the Heavenly Star Sacred Land!"
Han Mo's reaction remained calm. He said indifferently, "I know, so what?"
The phrase "so what?" was like pouring oil on the fire, further igniting the young male cultivator's anger. He glared ferociously at Han Mo, as if Han Mo had dug up his ancestral graves. "Bumpkin, you are so uncultured! Do you even know what it means to be ranked fifth among the younger generation of the Heavenly Star Sacred Land?"
Han Mo's eyes were calm, his expression serene. He thought for a moment and said earnestly, "Ranked fifth among the younger generation of the Heavenly Star Sacred Land means... there are four people ahead of him who are more powerful?"
Han Mo's tone was light, without much mockery, as if he were stating a "very ordinary fact." However, what he said was like a resounding slap that forcefully struck the faces of the young male cultivator and Zhao Wuji.
The young male cultivator was stunned. He was momentarily speechless, unsure how to respond. "Ranked fifth" is meant to tell you that Senior Brother Zhao is amazing and powerful, not that there are four people better than him... Bumpkin, your 'thought process' is really peculiar, completely playing outside the rules!
The young male cultivator felt both angry and guilty. He glanced weakly at Zhao Wuji. Senior Brother Zhao... it feels like I've offended you with my flattery!
As expected. Zhao Wuji's face turned ashen, his brow furrowed as if he had suffered "unbearable humiliation." He had always thought highly of himself, considering himself a "peerless prodigy." He never imagined that, in the eyes of a mere bumpkin, his "fifth rank" would mean he was a loser, that there were four people stronger than him! This... this is intolerable!
Zhao Wuji first glared fiercely at the young male cultivator. "Do I need you to spout nonsense here? You're simply ruining my reputation! Hmph! I'll settle with you later!"
The young male cultivator shrunk his head, feeling bitter. Senior Brother Zhao, I didn't mean anything by it, I just wanted to "grovel" for you!
After glaring at the young male cultivator, Zhao Wuji's sharp gaze turned to Han Mo. At this moment, Zhao Wuji's gaze was extremely piercing, almost turning into substance. He said coldly, "This Dao friend seems to be quite unconvinced by our Heavenly Star Sacred Land! Very well, today let me, the fifth-ranked, experience your Daoist magic and divine abilities!"
Saying this, Zhao Wuji took a step forward, his powerful aura fully unleashed! RUMBLE! In the void, it was as if a thunderclap erupted. Suddenly, Zhao Wuji's figure seemed to disappear, replaced by a brilliant star. The starlight shone, boundless and dazzling! Zhao Wuji immediately used the Heavenly Star Sacred Land's sect-preserving divine ability, "Star Transformation Art." This "divine ability" was similar in principle to the Heavenly Dragon Sacred Land's "Dragon Transformation Art." The "Dragon Transformation Art" involved transforming the entire body into a giant dragon, soaring through the nine heavens and dominating the world. The "Star Transformation Art," on the other hand, involved entering a profound state, mysterious and elusive, as if transforming into a celestial star, hanging high in the nine heavens, illuminating eternity. In this state, Zhao Wuji could mobilize the power of the stars to the maximum extent, with countless starlights accompanying his every move, unleashing immense power. At this moment, he looked down from above, like a supreme deity scrutinizing Han Mo.
Han Mo felt immense pressure! This "fifth-ranked" Zhao Wuji was not simple! Han Mo's heart tightened, but he showed no fear or trepidation. As an "old schemer," although cautious, he was never timid. When it came to a real fight, Han Mo was fiercer and more ruthless than anyone! He channeled a stream of true essence into the "Sky-Pushing Mirror" hidden on his chest. He communicated with the "remnant soul of the legendary Great Emperor" inside the "Sky-Pushing Mirror," Chuan Jianguo. "Senior, can you deduce Zhao Wuji's weakness?" Before Han Mo entered the "Cave Profound Secret Realm," Hao Ren, to be on the safe side, had lent him the "Sky-Pushing Mirror" for use. With the double protection of the "Sky-Pushing Mirror" and the "Vajra Hoop," Han Mo was safe. Even if he couldn't win, he could always escape. Hao Ren was quite concerned about his disciple. Chuan Jianguo, inside the "Sky-Pushing Mirror," was a "dutiful son" in front of Hao Ren, respectful and obedient. However, in front of others, Chuan Jianguo reverted to the arrogance of a "legendary Great Emperor." He said lazily, with a hint of impatience, "Kid, no need for such troublesome deductions! Just unleash the Sky-Pushing Mirror, and this Great Emperor will help you streamline your true essence, control the Dao patterns... a casual sweep will turn this fifth-ranked guy into a pool of blood! Pfft, what peerless prodigy? Compared to the geniuses of my era, he's far inferior!" Chuan Jianguo looked down on Zhao Wuji, and he had the qualifications to do so! After all, Chuan Jianguo in his prime was known as the "genius crusher," specializing in dealing with all kinds of arrogance! The geniuses defeated by him were countless! Compared to those true "peerless prodigies," this "fifth-ranked" Zhao Wuji was truly not worth mentioning!