Xiao Yan sought a secluded spot on the peak and descended, then turned to look at the dense crowds beyond the Wind and Thunder Mountain Range. He shook his head in exasperation, for he surmised that these people had gathered for the so-called Four Pavilion Gathering. “I wonder if the Four Pavilion Gathering has started yet?” he muttered to himself. After a brief contemplation, Xiao Yan suddenly took out a thin, transparent skin from his storage ring and placed it over his face. Instantly, his facial features underwent a subtle change; a casual observer would have difficulty identifying him.
This was a small item given to him by Little Healer Immortal when he first journeyed to the Outrunning Empire. Despite being stored away for years, it still proved useful. Concealing his appearance was necessary to avoid trouble. His conflict with the Wind and Thunder Pavilion was well known, and appearing openly here would likely not go unnoticed by the pavilion. Within the Eastern Pavilion, there were numerous strong warriors, including the Pavilion Master, Heavenly Fire Venerable. Even though Xiao Yan had reached the Battle Sect level, facing such adversaries would still be perilous, and avoiding them was prudent.
His purpose in coming to the Wind and Thunder Mountain Range was to find Heavenfire Venerable. Exposing himself was a last resort, for it would put him in grave danger. Thus, masking his appearance was indispensable. After altering his face, Xiao Yan rubbed his cheeks and ventured out of the woods, merging into the throngs of people along the mountain road, heading deeper into the Wind and Thunder Mountain Range.
Amidst the cacophony of voices, Xiao Yan felt as if his ears buzzed, but he could only chuckle and endure. “Geez, is there room for all these people in the Eastern Pavilion?”
“Today’s gathering is about to begin, so naturally, there are many people. I heard all the members from the Four Pavilions have already arrived at the Eastern Pavilion.”
“The last victor of the gathering was the Wind and Thunder Pavilion. Who will it be this time?”
“It’s hard to say. Feng Qinger, Tang Ying, Wang Chen, and Mu Qingluan are no pushovers. Rumor has it they recently entered the Heavenly Blood Pond in the Celestial Eye Mountains, surely their strength has improved. It remains to be seen if any of them used the blood pond to break through to Battle Emperor.”
These four were at the peak of Battle Emperor, capable of engaging in combat with Battle Sect fighters. If one of them broke through now, victory might be assured.
“Who knows? There are always unexpected talents in the Central Plains. Every gathering brings forth some surprises. Who will it be this time?”
“Speaking of dark horses, the young man Xiao Yan, who has stirred up quite a commotion in the Northern Region, comes to mind. Even Fei Tian, the Northern Branch Chief of the Wind and Thunder Pavilion, was bested by him. Imagine how terrifying he is.”
“Pfft, even if Xiao Yan is strong, do you think he’d dare come here?”
Hearing the noisy chatter, especially the remarks directed at him, Xiao Yan was momentarily startled. He unconsciously touched his face, amazed that he had gained such notoriety in the Northern Region. However, it wasn’t what he wanted. If his reputation reached the Soul Temple, more trouble would follow.
Braving the clamor, Xiao Yan finally made it past the mountain entrance. Wind and Thunder Pavilion disciples maintained order around the entrance. The skies above the Wind and Thunder Mountain Range were off-limits to ordinary people, forcing Xiao Yan to enter on foot, despite his desire for anonymity.
Inside the mountain, Xiao Yan split from the crowd and headed into a secluded forest, speeding toward the heart of the mountains. According to the information he gathered, the Four Pavilion Gathering should begin today, and the fact that all the pavilions had arrived meant Heavenfire Venerable should be present.
“If I encounter Heavenfire Venerable, I’ll observe him discreetly before approaching. Although my teacher said I can trust him completely, caution is still wise.”
Darting through the mountains, Xiao Yan’s thoughts raced. He bore the heavy responsibility of rescuing Pharmacist Elder and his father, making it imperative to ensure his own safety and exercise prudence with uncertainties.
The Wind and Thunder Mountain Range was vast. It took Xiao Yan nearly half an hour to reach the central area, where the towering Thunder Mountain stood. The mountain was immense, shrouded in dense, faintly black clouds intermingled with flashes of lightning. The sight was awe-inspiring.
After admiring the mountain’s grandeur, Xiao Yan moved to the base. The security around the East Pavilion atop the mountain was tight, with patrols frequent and stringent. To avoid drawing attention, Xiao Yan patiently joined the queue, though it was long.
As the line ascended, two paths diverged: one for spectators and the other for contestants. Nearly a hundred sharply dressed disciples guarded the routes, their stern presence deterring any disturbances. Leading them were two elders, whom Xiao Yan recognized as the ones who accompanied Feng Qinger to the Celestial Eye Mountains.
“These two are strong. I wonder if my altered appearance will pass their inspection,” Xiao Yan mused, frowning.
“They’re the Earth and Fire Elders from the Eastern Pavilion, with high status in the Wind and Thunder Pavilion. Their selection process is notoriously strict, as expected. Fortunately, I’m just here to observe, no need to face their scrutiny.”
Hearing the conversations, Xiao Yan realized that not everyone needed to be scrutinized.
“Those wishing to participate must meet three conditions: at least Three-Star Battle Emperor, under 30 years old, and survive five rounds against me. Spectators can proceed via the left path,” the red-robed Fire Elder announced.
This declaration caused a stir; meeting even one condition was challenging, let alone all three. Most chose the spectator path, and after a moment’s hesitation, Xiao Yan followed suit, intending only to find Heavenfire Venerable.
While most chose the left path, a few confident young men attempted the right, only to be summarily dismissed by the Fire Elder. These individuals, while meeting the Battle Emperor requirement, lacked genuine combat prowess.
The Fire and Earth Elders ignored these weaklings, and Xiao Yan inwardly chuckled, quickening his pace to the left path.
“Wait!” As Xiao Yan stepped onto the path, the Fire Elder’s gaze fell upon him, eyes narrowing. “You seem to qualify for participation. Why not try?”
Curious glances turned to Xiao Yan, who replied, “I’m not interested in the gathering. I’m here to find someone.” His voice, slightly hoarse, drew no further attention. Turning, he continued up the mountain, leaving behind bewildered stares.
“That brat… too audacious, no?” The elderly woman beside the Fire Elder eyed Xiao Yan’s retreating form, asking, “Did you sense something odd about him?”
“Not really… just a sudden fluctuation in fire energy when he stepped on the path. He gives me a strange feeling, but maybe it’s just my imagination…” The Fire Elder sighed, dismissing the thought.
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