The Smiling Trap

"Hehe... another peerless genius is going to die in my hands."

A sinister smile slowly spread across Vartak’s aged face.

Within his cloudy eyes flickered a chilling light that had buried countless talents throughout the years.

Over the years, Vartak had killed countless geniuses.

Some possessed legendary physiques.

Some had once been hailed as future rulers of their generation.

Others had shocked entire Domains with their talent.

Yet in the end, they all shared the same fate.

Death.

Vartak never liked uncertainty.

Whenever he encountered someone capable of threatening him in the future, he preferred to eliminate them before they had the chance to grow.

And now—

Leon had unknowingly entered that category.

Around them, the experts observing from the chaotic void naturally noticed Vartak’s gaze.

Many instantly understood his intentions.

Yet none stepped forward.

None spoke.

Instead, they watched with detached expressions as if enjoying a performance that had played out countless times before.

"Hehe, this kid is probably going to die."

One old cultivator chuckled.

"It’s laughable that he still doesn’t know danger has arrived. He still does whatever he wants and talks cheerfully."

"Very few people can survive after being targeted by Daoist Vartak. I hope he can last longer."

The surrounding experts secretly laughed.

Nobody felt surprised.

After reaching their level of cultivation, most had long grown indifferent to the concepts of right and wrong.

The cultivation world was cruel.

The weak died.

The strong survived.

As long as trouble did not affect them personally, few were willing to interfere.

Meanwhile, Leon appeared completely unaware of the storm brewing around him.

His hands remained folded behind his back as he calmly observed the battle among the ancient beasts in the distance.

Beside him stood Anna.

Her long pink hair drifted gently through the chaotic currents.

Her beautiful red-pink eyes occasionally glanced toward Leon before quickly looking away again.

Every time she did so, her heartbeat became slightly irregular.

That strange feeling was back.

Again.

And she hated it.

Or at least she kept telling herself she did.

Suddenly—

Space rippled.

Vartak took a single step.

The next moment, he appeared directly before Leon and Anna.

"Haha, young friends, you’ve reached such a realm at such a young age. You’re indeed extraordinary and have the looks of a celestial. I’ve never seen such geniuses in my life. You will definitely rise to the heavens in the future and become Martial Emperors."

His voice sounded warm.

Kind.

Like a benevolent elder praising promising juniors.

However, anyone paying attention could see the hidden malice lurking behind his smile.

The old fox was hiding his fangs.

Anna immediately became vigilant.

The moment Vartak approached, her body subconsciously tensed.

The reputation of White Desire Mountain was infamous throughout multiple Domains.

Its patriarch was even worse.

The forbidden cultivation art he practiced had ruined countless lives.

Many talented women had disappeared after being taken to White Desire Mountain and used as cultivation cauldrons for his Yin-Yang cultivation.

Just thinking about it made her feel disgusted.

She was about to speak.

However—

Leon casually raised a hand.

The movement was small.

Yet Anna immediately understood.

Leave it to me.

Anna frowned.

A trace of dissatisfaction appeared in her eyes.

But after remembering how Leon had recovered her treasure earlier, she reluctantly swallowed her words.

Fine.

Just this once.

Only this once.

She silently comforted herself and obediently stepped behind Leon.

The scene caused several spectators to raise their eyebrows.

The Celestis Academy Goddess actually seemed willing to follow this young man’s lead.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

After calming Anna down, Leon stepped forward with a smile.

His purple eyes calmly met Vartak’s gaze.

At the same time, he noticed a subtle movement from the old man’s right hand.

A hidden gesture.

Almost impossible to detect.

Yet Leon noticed it immediately.

He simply pretended not to.

Instead, he smiled politely.

"Senior, you must be joking. How could we dare to act rashly in front of you?"

Vartak instantly felt pleased.

This kid had vision.

Unlike those arrogant young fools who believed talent alone made them invincible.

"Haha... That’s right, that’s right."

Vartak laughed heartily.

The wrinkles on his face seemed to deepen.

Inside, he was already reconsidering his plans.

Perhaps killing Leon immediately would be a waste.

Someone this sensible could be useful.

Maybe he could become a servant.

Or perhaps—

A test subject.

Meanwhile, Leon continued smiling.

"Senior, your reputation has long thundered through the world. This junior has admired you for a long time."

"Oh?"

Vartak stroked his beard proudly.

"You’ve heard of me?"

"Of course."

Leon nodded seriously.

"How could I not?"

Anna suddenly felt a terrible premonition.

Whenever Leon smiled like that, somebody was about to suffer.

Usually not Leon.

"Then tell me."

Vartak stroked his beard and smiled, looking every bit like a kind senior guiding the younger generation.

"What have you heard?"

Leon’s expression immediately brightened.

His eyes practically sparkled with admiration.

Anna suddenly had a bad feeling.

Whenever Leon wore that innocent smile, somebody was about to suffer.

Usually, it wasn’t Leon.

Leon cupped his fists respectfully.

"Senior, your reputation is truly legendary."

"Oh?"

Vartak’s smile widened.

"Go on."

Leon nodded seriously.

"Of course. Throughout the countless Domains, who hasn’t heard of Senior’s great name?"

The surrounding experts exchanged strange looks.

Something felt wrong.

Very wrong.

Yet they couldn’t figure out what.

Leon continued with complete sincerity.

"Senior, forgive this junior’s ignorance, but are you the famous Vartak of White Desire Mountain? The one whose reputation spreads farther than his cultivation? Senior, your name is already legendary. While others pursue the Great Principal, you pursue beauty. While others seek immortality, you seek sex and pleasure. Even Decades have passed, yet your stamina has never wavered, your passion remains as fierce as ever. Truly, among all the heroes of history, no one can compare to your dedication."

The smile on Vartak’s face became increasingly smug.

His chest unconsciously puffed out.

"Compared to Senior, we juniors are as pure as untouched snow. How would we dare act rashly before such an experienced veteran?"

Silence.

Absolute silence.

The chaotic void suddenly became strangely quiet.

Several old experts nearly bit their tongues.

A few others widened their eyes.

Someone hurriedly lowered his head and covered his mouth.

Anna froze.

Her beautiful eyes blinked once.

Then twice.

A moment later, her shoulders began trembling.

She wasn’t angry.

She was desperately trying not to laugh.

Meanwhile—

The smile on Vartak’s face slowly stiffened.

His expression gradually darkened.

A vein appeared on his forehead.

Then another.

"What... did you say?"

Leon blinked innocently.

"Did this junior say something wrong?"

Without waiting for a response, he continued.

"Senior’s achievements are legendary."

"Your mastery of forbidden cultivation techniques is unmatched."

"Your understanding of Yin-Yang cultivation has reached extraordinary heights."

"Many people search their entire lives for cultivation resources."

Leon sighed emotionally.

"But Senior is different."

Vartak’s eye twitched.

"How so?"

Leon immediately answered.

"Cultivation resources seem to search for Senior instead."

Several spectators instantly turned away.

Their shoulders shook violently.

Some were clearly struggling not to laugh.

Anna bit her lip.

Her beautiful face had already turned red.

This man...

His mouth was truly vicious.

Yet somehow every sentence sounded respectful.

That made it even worse.

Leon continued seriously.

"Honestly, Senior, this junior admires your confidence."

"Oh?"

"Most cultivators rely on talent."

"Most cultivators rely on hard work."

"Most cultivators rely on opportunities."

Leon paused.

Then smiled.

"But Senior relies on offending every Powerful Sect in existence and somehow surviving."

The surrounding crowd finally lost control.

Several people burst into laughter.

Even some of the ancient experts watching from afar couldn’t suppress their amusement.

Crack.

Another vein appeared on Vartak’s forehead.

The killing intent in his eyes surged.

The atmosphere instantly grew heavy.

Dangerous.

Terrifying.

Yet Leon remained completely calm.

As though he hadn’t noticed anything.

Or perhaps...

He simply didn’t care.

Vartak stared at him for a long time.

His smile slowly disappeared.

The warmth vanished.

Only coldness remained.

A coldness capable of freezing the soul.

Then, a sinister smile appeared once more.

This time, there was no attempt to hide the murderous intent behind it.

"Hehe... another peerless genius is going to die in my hands."