Chapter 1206: Refusal

　　Senior Brother Deng wanted Chu Li to kill Li Hanyan. This was clearly him taking an ironic jab at Chu Li.

　　The green-robed lady said, “Senior Brother Deng heard that the killer this time is extremely strong, and she has even been given the title, Ruthless Fairy. As such, he fears that he would not be able to handle her alone. He requests for your cooperation so that you guys could stand a greater chance in winning.”

　　“How wise of Senior Brother Deng!” Chu Li scoffed.

　　The green-robed lady chuckled as she nodded her head.

　　Although she was watching from the perspective of an outsider, she shared the same sentiment as Chu Li. She felt that Senior Brother Deng was acting too smart for his own sake, as even though the task was supposed to be carried out by two people, Senior Brother Deng had insisted on taking it on alone. Furthermore, he had even ordered Chu Li to take on the role of Patrol.

　　Had Senior Brother Deng ordered anyone else, no one would complain. However, he was giving the order to Branch Leader Chu Li of all people. It was basically overkill. After all, had Chu Li not caused a ruckus in the past, he would probably already be an Altar Leader, and this time, the opportunity to become a Patrol had finally presented itself to him.

　　Nevertheless, the opportunity had been snatched right under his nose. Not only was the opportunity stolen, but the culprit was also now asking for Chu Li’s assistance. This had irritated Chu Li to no end.

　　The two did not exchange any words after that, but instead, they rushed back to Great Light Peak.

　　By evening, the duo had finally made it back to Great Light Peak. The green-robed lady had an astounding Light-body Technique, one that made her even faster than Li Ruolan.

　　Li Yi followed her directly into the Divine Light Basilica.

　　The basilica was practically empty inside, as the only person there was Sun Mingyue, who was reading dossiers behind a desk.

　　Senior Sister Du then gestured for him to wait there before she silently left.

　　As such, Chu Li stood still with his head raised to look at Sun Mingyue; he did not make a single sound.

　　Even though she was in the basilica, Sun Mingyue still wore her white veil. All that could be seen of her were her eyes. However, there was a fierce glint to them, and as a result, nobody dared to look her in the eyes.

　　Yet, that did not affect Chu Li as he was nonchalantly sizing her up.

　　Sun Mingyue was reading at breakneck speeds. In a blink of an eye, she had already finished reading a dossier, followed by the next one. Before long, the stack of dossiers on her left had shifted to the right.

　　After she had finished reading the dossiers, she then lowered her head and looked down at Chu Li. “Zhao Dahe, I presume?”

　　Chu Li clasped his fists together. “Greetings, Saint.”

　　“Has Lil Du already informed you?”

　　“Yes.”

　　“What’s your view on it?”

　　“Absolutely ridiculous!”

　　“Hmm?” Sun Mingyue raised her eyebrows slightly as she narrowed her eyes and stared emotionlessly at Chu Li.

　　Chu Li sneered. “I can’t believe you’ve agreed to his request, Saint!”

　　“Hmm, since he was sure that he could exact revenge, I see no reason why not to reject him.” Sun Mingyue casually added, “Don’t you want to avenge the Patrols as well?”

　　“Why should I help him?” Chu Li rudely spat. “He failed his task, and he was defeated by the Ji Dynasty! What a joke! He’s basically throwing your image away. The b*stard can die for all I care!”

　　“Impudent!” Sun Mingyue scolded.

　　Refusing to back down, Chu Li continued, “Furthermore, what the hell does your revenge have anything to do with me? I was carrying out isolated cultivation in Gale City and was undergoing a crucial moment when suddenly, you brought this senseless task to interrupt me! Can’t you just leave me alone and let me have some peace and quiet?!”

　　“Zhao Dahe, you’re becoming more and more impudent!” Sun Mingyue raised her brows as she chided, “Do you think that I wouldn’t dare to punish you?”

　　Chu Li asked, “On what grounds are you punishing me?”

　　Sun Mingyue sucked in a deep breath, and her robes that covered her towering chests violently shuddered. She then coldly stated, “Your words are too ruthless.”

　　“Heck, I’ve never even met that Senior Brother Chang before, nor have I ever met Senior Brother Deng either,” Chu Li exasperatedly responded. “In that case, how can I even feel anything towards them? I’m not going to pretend to know them. Just because we’re all part of the Holy Church, we’re supposed to be as close as a family? Don’t give me that nonsense!”

　　“Silence!” Sun Mingyue snarled.

　　Chu Li halted and silently looked at her.

　　Sun Mingyue replied, “If you’re able to assist Deng Datong in killing Li Hanyan, then I’ll promote you to Patrol as well!”

　　Chu Li furrowed his brows at her. “Is there even still a spot among the Patrols?”

　　“You need not worry about that,” Sun Mingyue answered.

　　Chu Li shook his head. “I refuse to go.”

　　“Are you saying that you’ll defy orders yet again?” Sun Mingyue glared coldly at Chu Li, her eyes emanating seething anger.

　　Chu Li asked, “You’re purposely making it difficult for me, aren’t you, Saint?”

　　“You’re killing two birds with one stone! I don’t see what’s so hard about accepting it!” Sun Mingyue snorted. “Regardless of how strong he is, with the combined might of the both of you, that Li Hanyan would definitely fall!”

　　Chu Li grunted. “The problem isn’t Li Hanyan! It’s Deng Datong!”

　　“What do you mean?” Sun Mingyue asked.

　　Chu Li scoffed. “You’re smart, Saint. So, do you really need me to say it? The way Deng Datong does things is extremely deceitful. If I were to promise him now, wouldn’t that mean that everyone else would order me the same way in the future? If that were to happen, why should I even do their bidding?”

　　“He’s already made the request, and I’ve already agreed to it!” Sun Mingyue coldly declared.

　　Chu Li shook his head. “Forgive me then, as I’m unable to follow this order!”

　　Sun Mingyue glared at him.

　　Refusing to back down, Chu Li returned a similar glare at her. It was as if there were rays extending from their eyes that exchanged blows in mid-air. They were like blades coming to blows, and sparks were emerging from their ocular battle.

　　“In that case, I guess it’s time that you forget about your position as Gale City’s Branch Leader,” Sun Mingyue glanced away as she calmly stated.

　　Chu Li responded, “Even if you were to chase me out of the Holy Church, I will not back down!”

　　“You have two options. Either you cooperate with Deng Datong and kill Li Hanyan, OR, you lose your position as Branch Leader,” Sun Mingyue uttered.

　　Chu Li retorted, “Are you giving away my position because you feel that I’m not suited for the role of Branch Leader? You know that I have an awful temper, but you’re still purposely making it difficult for me. Why’s that?”

　　“This is just regular business, but you’re treating it as ridicule.” Sun Mingyue sighed. “Don’t think so negatively. The reason Deng Datong is looking for your help is that you’re an expert in martial arts. Your abilities are highly acclaimed within the Church.”

　　Frankly speaking though, she was indeed purposefully making it hard for Chu Li. She wanted to grind that temper of his.

　　After all, how would he be able to mingle with the other disciples unless he polished that attitude of his?

　　While one required powerful martial arts along with sufficient merits to attain the rank of Altar Leader or Priest, if their attitude was no good, they might cause major harm to the Holy Church if they were to throw a tantrum. As such, if Chu Li were to take up a high position, the damage he might cause would be unimaginable.

　　Due to this, Sun Mingyue had deployed tons of strategies in order to slowly grind Chu Li’s temper down. After all, an unpolished jade would never be of use[1].

　　“Oho?” Chu Li chuckled deviously. “The martial arts of Priests and the Altar Leaders are plenty might as well. So, why doesn’t he request for their help instead?!”

　　“Well, it’s your fault for being in a lower position,” Sun Mingyue answered.

　　Chu Li retorted, “As low as my position is, I still refuse to be anyone’s lackey!”

　　“Indeed. Even I myself have troubles in ordering you, let alone anyone else!” Sun Mingyue mockingly jabbed. “I see that you no longer want your position of Branch Leader!”

　　Chu Li answered, “It seems that you truly intend to push my buttons, Saint! Fine then, I’ll take Li Hanyan’s life before Deng Datong even gets a chance! When that happens, I’ll see whether he’s still able to receive his position as a Patrol!”

　　From the looks of it, Li Hanyan was about to receive retribution from the Holy Church of Light. This was a great opportunity to make a name for oneself, and although Li Hanyan was already relatively well-known, her fame was only contained within the Ji Dynasty. As such, if she were to fare equally against the Holy Church of Light, her fame would only grow, and she would gain even more influence.

　　Snow Lunar Pavilion was currently peaceful, and it was partly due to Chu Li’s influence. On the other hand, Li Hanyan had also played a part in this, as the name of Ruthless Fairy had struck fear in the hearts of the citizens.

　　Sun Minyue leered at Chu Li.

　　Chu Li returned the same leer at her.

　　The two were caught in a deadlock yet again.

　　Sun Mingyue would ensure that she brought Chu Li under her thumb no matter what. Otherwise, her authority would be for naught, and any other disciple would begin to defy orders.

　　“Saint, Senior Brother Deng is waiting for you outside.” Senior Sister Du’s voice rang out.

　　“Bring him in,” Sun Mingyue replied.

　　Her gaze was still fixed onto Chu Li’s body. On the other hand, Chu Li had already directed his vision to the gate to the basilica.

　　A tall, slender youngster with handsome looks stepped inside. He then clasped his fists together and addressed the Saint respectfully. “Greetings, Saint.”

　　“Deng Datong, Zhao Dahe has arrived.” Sun Mingyue waved her hand.

　　Deng Datong clasped his fists together yet again before turning to Chu Li and gave him a smile. “Junior Brother Zhao, a pleasure to meet you!”

　　Chu Li clasped his fists together with an expression devoid of emotion.

　　Deng Datong laughed heartily. “With your help, we’ll definitely be able to slay Li Hanyan and avenge our fallen brother!”

　　[1] A Chinese idiom that is similar to the saying ‘no pain, no gain’