Chapter 1013 The Might of a Divine Artifact

Li Tianen and City Lord Yuan descended the stairs together. Li Tianen spotted Lu Yu the moment they reached the doorway.

"Lu Yu, you're still here? Can't seem to take a hint, can you?" he bellowed. "Some kind of haunting spirit?"

City Lord Yuan followed Li Tianen's gaze and frowned upon seeing Lu Yu. He pointed a finger at him. "Are you the one causing trouble for Li Tianen?"

"Just because you have some strength, boy, doesn't mean you can run rampant in Skyplume City! This is our territory, and we won't tolerate such atrocious behavior!" City Lord Yuan boomed, radiating a powerful aura as he approached Lu Yu.

Lu Yu shook his head, exasperation coloring his voice. "Li Tianen must have filled your head with a web of lies, City Lord. But fret not, I'll explain everything. If my words fail to convince, I'm open to other solutions."

City Lord Yuan stopped right in front of Lu Yu. "Speak, young man. What is it you claim? That you slew the Giant Crocodile? Don't waste your breath, I won't believe such a blatant lie."

"Cut the act, old man," Lu Yu countered. "Here's a proposition: let Li Tianen and I spar. Whoever emerges victorious shall be recognized as the true slayer of the crocodile."

City Lord Yuan pivoted towards Li Tianen, a thoughtful look creasing his brow. "We can't let him get away with such arrogance. Li Tianen, put him in his place with a spar."

Li Tianen's face drained of color at the suggestion. He swallowed nervously. Deep down, he knew Lu Yu wasn't weak. A public spar could expose his lie if he lost, a risk he wasn't willing to take.

"There's no need for that," Li Tianen stammered, avoiding Lu Yu's gaze. "It's clear he's fabricating a story. The burden of proof lies with him, not me."

City Lord Yuan turned back to Lu Yu, his voice stern. "Indeed, the onus of proof falls on you. What evidence can you offer to substantiate your claim of killing the Giant Crocodile? Li Tianen, on the other hand, has several witnesses."

Lu Yu threw his hands up in exasperation. "Who are you two to demand proof of my innocence? This is absurd!"

"Very well," City Lord Yuan declared. "Your refusal to provide evidence speaks volumes. It's apparent you concocted this lie to slander Li Tianen."

His voice boomed with authority. "Therefore, Lu Yu, you are hereby barred from entering or leaving Skyplume City. You will leave, and never return!"

Lu Yu met City Lord Yuan's gaze unflinchingly. "Why not a duel, then?" he proposed. "Li Tianen is hardly a challenge. You, on the other hand, might prove more interesting."

City Lord Yuan stumbled back, his eyes widening in disbelief. "What? You dare challenge me, you insolent child? You want to spar after striking me? The audacity!"

"While I appreciate the lack of time on your hands," Lu Yu pressed on, "if you lack alternative solutions, perhaps we should conclude this here. You've issued your decree—leave Skyplume City."

He spread his palms nonchalantly. "It wouldn't be a lengthy spar. Just one move, and it'll be over. Less than a minute of your precious time."

Both City Lord Yuan and Li Tianen were speechless, staring at Lu Yu in stunned silence. Li Tianen narrowed his eyes, suspicion lacing his expression.

"Do you even comprehend what you're saying, boy?" he hissed.

City Lord Yuan placed a calming hand on Li Tianen's shoulder. "This young man's incessant harassment must be a sign of madness," he muttered.

The two of them burst into laughter, their amusement echoing through the hallway.

"A lunatic! A lunatic!" Li Tianen doubled over with laughter.

"This guy must be delusional! Challenging you to a duel and spouting such nonsense! It's absolutely hilarious!"

"Where on earth does he get his nerve?"

Suddenly, City Lord Yuan's smile faltered as his gaze met Lu Yu's unwavering stare. His expression turned stoic. "Forget it," he dismissively muttered. "A duel with you would be a waste of my time. As I said, it's far too valuable."

Lu Yu remained composed as he unsheathed the Star Piercing Demonic Sword. "This won't take long. Why the rush?" he questioned.

Li Tianen, still chuckling, scoffed. "Lu Yu, stop the act! City Lord Yuan isn't interested in a fight with someone like you. Don't you get it? You have no right to challenge him!" He turned to City Lord Yuan, expecting agreement, but found him staring intently at Lu Yu, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"City Lord Yuan, what's wrong? Speak up!" Li Tianen urged, confused by the sudden silence. "Why are you staring at him? What's going on?"

Ignoring him for a moment, City Lord Yuan pointed a shaky finger at Lu Yu's weapon. "That blade! That blade!"

Li Tianen, still bewildered, followed the gesture. "It does look special, I'll give you that. Maybe better quality, but—"

Before he could finish, City Lord Yuan spun around and landed a hefty slap on Li Tianen's shoulder. "You ignorant boy!" he roared. "All you do is train, neglecting even the most basic knowledge! You can't even recognize that weapon; you should donate your eyes!"

Li Tianen blinked rapidly, darting his gaze between Lu Yu and the City Lord. "City Lord Yuan, what's gotten into you?"

The City Lord's expression turned grave. "Do you even know the term 'divine artifact?"

"Divine artifact? Of course I do! It's the highest tier of equipment, closest to godly power. Each one imbues its wielder with supreme divine might!"

"Precisely," City Lord Yuan confirmed, his eyes fixed on the Star Piercing Demonic Sword. "That, in Lu Yu's hand, is a divine artifact."

Li Tianen's jaw slackened as he stumbled back a few steps, disbelief etched on his face. "No... that can't be true!"

City Lord Yuan took a deep breath, his voice heavy with realization. "I can't believe it either, but there's no mistaking it. A divine weapon—an incredibly rare treasure." He turned a wary gaze towards Li Tianen. "You, Li Tianen, have messed with the wrong person. Thankfully, I almost did too."

Lu Yu's voice cut through the tension. "You already have," he stated calmly.

Panic flooded City Lord Yuan, a sheen of sweat forming on his forehead. "Lu... Mr. Lu Yu, there's room for discussion. Let's not escalate this," he stammered.

"So," Lu Yu continued, his eyes unwavering, "if I claim to be the one who slew the Giant Crocodile, who would you believe?"

Without hesitation, City Lord Yuan glanced nervously at Li Tianen before turning back to Lu Yu. "You, of course. Your strength speaks for itself, and now, with that weapon..." He trailed off, the implication clear.

Li Tianen's heart hammered against his ribs, his body slick with cold sweat. Every muscle trembled with fear. Even with limited knowledge of divine artifacts, he understood their immense power. Escape felt like a distant dream; if Lu Yu wished him harm, there would be no defense. He was trapped in an icy prison of his own making.