Chapter 422: Defying the World

All the guests in the Wang family's mansion had their eyes fixed on Lin Mo.

There was an intense expression of surprise in their eyes. Everyone knew that the supreme ruler of the Xuanli Kingdom was the Xia Clan, even though the current emperor, Xia Yu, wasn't the most powerful figure. However, he held real power.

Lin Mo dared to openly defy him, even resisting his decree. This was completely unexpected by everyone.

Wang Linfeng, wearing a cold smile, looked at Lin Mo. Originally, with Ye Qing's protection, he had some reservations, but now that Lin Mo dared to openly defy the imperial decree, he no longer needed to take action.

The heads of the other five major families in the capital shook their heads. Although they were the largest martial families in the Xuanli Kingdom, they dared not show any disobedience towards the imperial clan. The emperor's anger could potentially lead to their entire families being wiped out.

Luo Tiance had a solemn expression and sighed deeply. His elemental power had already silently started to flow. There was no one present who could help Lin Mo now, except for the transcendent Linyun Academy.

However, he was only a vice-dean and could only ensure Lin Mo's survival.

After some contemplation, Ye Qing eventually stood by Lin Mo's side.

"Lin Mo is doing this for the one he loves. Although he must defy the imperial decree, I, Ye Qing, have decided to stand by his side," Ye Qing declared with a sharp and unwavering gaze, looking directly at Emperor Xia Yu. Even though Xia Yu was the reigning emperor, Ye Qing didn't show any fear because the one he had always been wary of was Xia Yu's grandfather, not the current emperor.

Lin Mo looked at Ye Qing with gratitude in his eyes. He had originally planned to cause a massive commotion with Su Yang and hadn't considered that Ye Qing would stand with him.

Emperor Xia Yu was already furious upon hearing Lin Mo's defiance.

Little did he know that the elder powerhouse, Ye Qing, had also chosen to confront the imperial clan, further fueling his internal anger.

"Very well... Ye Qing, I hope you won't regret your decision today," Xia Yu said in a deep voice. In his eyes, Wang Yuan was on the path to becoming an unparalleled powerhouse as long as he activated the Abyssal Battle Body. From his perspective, Ye Qing's decision was extremely foolish.

"Such a grandiose emperor of the Xuanli Kingdom, yet you fear Wang Yuan like a dog? You may go down in history as the most cowardly emperor," Lin Mo interjected, his voice calm.

Once the imperial decree was issued, there would be no turning back. Since that was the case, Lin Mo saw no reason to save face for the so-called emperor.

Boom!

After Lin Mo spoke, Xia Yu took a fierce step forward, and his overwhelming aura swept through like a storm.

Though only at the first stage of the Spirit Connection Realm, he was far superior to everyone below the Spirit Connection Realm.

"Lin Mo, your talent is remarkable, but you are being swayed by mundane emotions, which will ultimately hinder your progress," Xia Yu said with a deep voice. He admired Lin Mo's talent, and if it weren't for Wang Yuan's potential with the Abyssal Battle Body, he would have stood by Lin Mo's side. Even if Lin Mo and Li Mengxue were married on the spot, he would have agreed. However, the temptation of the Abyssal Battle Body was just too great.

Nonetheless, he still hoped that Lin Mo could set aside his emotions.

"If you can let go of this emotion and sincerely apologize to Wang Yuan, I promise you will be safe," Xia Yu said again, this time as a final attempt.

Wang Yuan's brow furrowed slightly, but he remained silent. He knew that he couldn't interfere too much with the imperial authority, but he had countless ways to make Lin Mo disappear behind the scenes.

Li Mengxue's face turned pale, and she stared blankly at Lin Mo, whispering, "Lin Mo, brother..."

Lin Mo reached out and gently covered her cherry-like lips. He said softly, "You're so lovely and charming; how could I ever let you go?"

Then, he turned to face Xia Yu and spoke slowly and deliberately, "No... way..."

"This kid is too stubborn. Even with the emperor giving him a chance, he still doesn't know how to behave."

"Yeah, doesn't he know that defying the imperial decree is a one-way ticket to death?"

"Exactly, he might even face the execution of his entire family."

The onlookers started to discuss the situation. This matter had escalated to a dispute within the imperial clan, and it was no longer a minor issue. People began to speak cautiously.

Su Yang, standing next to Lin Mo, asked, "When should we take action?"

Upon hearing Su Yang's question, there was another uproar among the crowd. Were these people by Lin Mo's side not afraid of death? Ye Qing was an elder powerhouse, which was somewhat understandable, but this young man at the Elemental Vein Realm was asking when to take action?

Had the world gone mad?

Lin Mo shook his head and replied, "No need to rush. Let's see how Elder Ye arranges things."

"Arrange things? Hmph, dare to oppose His Majesty, and you're opposing the world. Our Wang family will support His Majesty unconditionally," Wang Linfeng suddenly spoke with a sneer.

With his words, the other five major families in the capital immediately declared their support for the emperor. They all made it clear that they would not stand on Lin Mo's side.

Suddenly, Lin Mo, Ye Qing, and the others found themselves standing against the masses.

However, Ye Qing was not worried, and Lin Mo was naturally unafraid.

"Institute Head, what is your decision?" Wang Yuan suddenly spoke, and all eyes turned to Xioa Lingjian, the head of Linyun Academy.

Although they all knew that Wang Yuan was a student of Linyun Academy, Lin Mo's astonishing talent was a tremendous temptation. Who could guarantee that Linyun Academy wouldn't switch sides at the last moment?