After matters had more or less reached this point, Yu Qing of the Eternals finally stepped forward and stated their purpose outright.

Ling Que had, after all, been a Ranker. His innate talent had also been fairly good.

For the Spirit Clan, this was a grudge that had to be avenged. Only the Eternals had the power to suppress them and force the matter down.

But Lu Yuan understood very clearly that the Eternals could not possibly have resolved this issue for him for no reason at all. That was why, from beginning to end, he had never wanted too much contact with them.

And now, after hearing those words, a faint smile finally appeared on his face as he slowly said, "I am indeed grateful that you helped resolve this grudge for me. But that does not mean this grudge would ever have posed any threat to me. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"The Eternals need not go to such lengths. As for asking me to show something in return, I hope you will not make too many demands."

Lu Yuan had never taken offending the Spirit Clan to heart. He had absolute confidence in his own strength. Even if the true experts of that race descended in the future, he could still face them alone.

So as far as resolving the enmity with the Spirit Clan went, Lu Yuan neither cared about it nor needed it, especially not if it came with additional conditions attached. That was why, in the end, he made his stance perfectly clear.

At the side, after hearing all this, a smile immediately appeared on Jiang Haokong's face. He had known this would be the outcome because he knew that the Eternals never acted without purpose. They absolutely had an objective of their own, and now, it had finally come out into the open.

Hearing those words, Yu Heng had not yet spoken, but Yu Qing could not help frowning and said, "We showed goodwill toward you and resolved this grudge on your behalf, and now you say you do not accept it? Such convenience.

"You have only one choice now. Accept our goodwill and, from this day forward, stand with the Eternals."

The woman's tone was extremely domineering and carried the unmistakable air of someone looking down from above.

This was not because she was overestimating herself. In truth, because she came from the Eternals, she had every right to possess such confidence. Especially here at Yellow Mountain today, she could almost say such words to anyone at all.

Even the Celestials would not dare openly resist. Unfortunately for her, the one standing before her now was Lu Yuan.

After hearing her words, Lu Yuan's gaze became calm as he slowly replied, "I know the Eternals means well. But these are not things I asked you to do. I already said that I am grateful to you for settling the grievance with the Spirit Clan. Nor do I wish to make enemies of the Eternals. However, I also do not wish to be pushed into doing something because of certain conditions set in advance."

At this moment, Lu Yuan had already fully understood what they were after. They wanted to win him over. Or rather, they wanted him to join the Eternals—the very same purpose the Yin Sparrow Race had once shown.

True enough, the difference in strength and foundations between the two races was immense. But Lu Yuan had no desire to be controlled by anyone.

If this were something like the cooperative relationship he had with Jiang Ningxian, he would at least consider it. He might even welcome it. But the Eternals' motive was simply too strong. Cooperating with people like this was no different from seeking a tiger's skin. Naturally, he would never agree.

"So, you don't intend to accept?" Yu Qing asked again. A sharp glint flashed across her eyes, and she was clearly prepared to say more.

But very soon, Yu Heng waved a hand from the side. A smile remained on his face as he continued, "You've always remained within the Milky Way Starfield and have never gone outside. Presumably, you don't fully understand the origins or the power of my Eternals. Doesn't matter. I can explain it to you, and once you understand, it will not be too late for you to decide."

Though he still wore a smile, his bearing had already changed from before. It now carried the unmistakable flavor of superiority as well.

In truth, when the Eternals sought cooperation, aside from the top ten races among the top hundred starfields, very few others dared refuse. Especially not some lone individual on his own.

Lu Yuan's reaction had already made Yu Heng somewhat displeased. He was only choosing to suppress it for now and continue speaking patiently.

However, Lu Yuan simply shook his head.

"I know of the Eternals. But my decision will not change."

His patience was wearing thin now as well. The Eternals were clearly preparing to pressure him by force, so he chose to state his stance directly..

"Do not think that because you have won a few victories at this stage, you are already truly invincible," Yu Qing spoke slowly as she stepped forward. "Above the strong, there are always stronger ones. In the depths of the cosmos, there are still many existences beyond your reach. My Eternals is willing to give you such an opportunity. You ought to feel honored."

The divine halo behind her head pulsed continuously as she said once more, "I'll give you one more chance. Are you willing to cooperate or not!"

Her underlying meaning was already extremely clear. If he was unwilling, then she did not mind taking action.

"A chance?" Lu Yuan smiled instead and slowly said, "My apologies. I do not need it."

After speaking, he no longer paid any attention to the members of the Eternals. He turned away directly.

Behind him, Zhu Qingyu and the others could not help feeling somewhat worried. At this point, they had already realized that these people had not come with good intentions.

At last, Yu Qing could no longer hold back. She immediately stepped forward.

"You're courting death!"

In an instant, a powerful force surged from her body. That force had already reached the peak of the Void Sage Realm. The divine halo behind her head also blazed brightly at that moment, as if it were about to transform into a great sun, releasing overwhelming power.

Her entire figure seemed to turn illusory. In what was nearly a blink of an eye, she appeared before Lu Yuan. Then, without the slightest unnecessary movement, she raised her hand and tried to strike down.

But one had to know Lu Yuan had already reached the Lesser Sage Realm, and his combat strength was already terrifying to the extreme.

In the next moment, a glint flashed across his eyes and he threw a hand forward.

"Careful," Yu Heng called out.

He had tacitly approved of Yu Qing's action from the start. He had also wanted to use this opportunity to teach Lu Yuan a lesson and display the might of the Eternals. But he quickly realized that Lu Yuan was far stronger than he had imagined.

The moment he noticed it, he immediately called out a warning. Yet it was already too late.

Lu Yuan had already moved and almost instantly, he seized Yu Qing's wrist.

Then, activating the powerful golden vital qi within his body, he suppressed her directly.

With an entire realm separating them, there was naturally no way Yu Qing could resist. All the power in her body was completely suppressed.

She glared at Lu Yuan, her entire body unable to move.

Fury blazed in her eyes. "What do you think you are? How dare you seize me like this? Release me immediately, or you'll be making an enemy of my Eternals. That price is not one you can bear."

As a member of the Eternals, when had Yu Qing ever suffered such humiliation? So even now, there was not the slightest trace of restraint in her words.

"It seems you still haven't understood your situation." Lu Yuan's gaze remained calm as he continued, "Just now, were you trying to slap me across the face?"

The moment those words fell, he raised his hand and directly swung it at Yu Qing's cheek.

Smack!

The slap was crisp and resounding.

In terms of appearance alone, Yu Qing was unquestionably a great beauty. Among all the women Lu Yuan had seen, only Zhou Yunqiong surpassed her, and that was not counting Jiang Ningxian. Yet even faced with such a woman, he had no thought whatsoever of showing tenderness.

The slap landed cleanly. For a moment, blood sprayed through the air. Yu Qing's fair cheek swelled high at once. The handprint upon it was especially distinct.

Everyone stared at the scene before them in utter shock, their eyes dull with disbelief.