An ancient voice gently hovered in the sky of this Thunder Mountain. This voice seemed to possess a magical power, and when it faded, it caused the entire space to solidify. Countless faces froze in that instant, their expressions set in absurd stupor as the breeze swept past.
At this moment, no one clearly understood what had happened, but the weight of the Wind Venerable’s words was particularly evident. A Dou Zun’s word carried such weight across the Dou Qi continent that few dared to question it. At the edge of the square, Mu Qing Luan also gazed at the direction of the Wind Venerable with her mouth slightly agape, her heart filled with shock. After training with the Wind Venerable for so many years, she had almost never seen this always calm mentor display such a resolute emotion. She understood very well what it meant for the Wind Venerable to say such things at this moment. If things went badly, it might lead to a real confrontation with the Wind and Thunder Pavilion. Although the Fallen Star Pavilion did not fear the Wind and Thunder Pavilion, the conflict between these two forces would be truly terrifying… Yet, such a serious consequence came from Xiao Yan’s offering, making the Wind Venerable act without hesitation!
At such a moment, even she could not help but feel a hint of jealousy, and then she suddenly remembered what Xiao Yan had said to her in the Heaven Vision Mountains: “Old friend’s disciple?” Her slender willow brows furrowed slightly, and Mu Qing Luan felt a bit lost. Though the Wind Venerable had many friends, their friendship had not reached the point where they would risk enmity with the Wind and Thunder Pavilion. So, who was this old friend? Many people shared thoughts similar to Mu Qing Luan; almost everyone, except Xiao Yan, was in a state of shock and confusion.
The silent atmosphere enveloped the sky, and even the churning clouds overhead gradually calmed. This atmosphere lasted for quite some time before Lei Zong, seated on the platform, slowly regained his composure. He turned his head, his lightning-bright eyes locking onto the Wind Venerable. “Wind Venerable, what does this mean?” The thread of anger in Lei Zong’s voice could be heard by anyone.
“Haha, Wind Venerable, let’s talk this out properly,” Sword Zong stammered. He had never expected the Wind Venerable to step forward so firmly, leaving no room for retreat. Lord of the Yellow Spring’s eyes flickered, but he did not speak; instead, he sneered in his heart.
Under countless gazes, the Wind Venerable, who had closed his eyes, finally opened them again. His emotions were concealed deep within, but he did not speak. Instead, his gaze fixed on Xiao Yan, standing straight in mid-air, and asked in a hoarse voice, “What is your relationship with… him?”
Anyone could tell that for a Dou Zun, whatever Xiao Yan had given the Wind Venerable held immense significance. Staring at the Wind Venerable’s weathered face, Xiao Yan took a deep breath. All the emotional fluctuations of the former already indicated that Master Yao Laosan’s judgment was right…
Standing straight in the sky, Xiao Yan, under the watchful eyes of all, respectfully bowed to the Wind Venerable. With a hint of pride in his voice, he replied, “Master and disciple!”
The Wind Venerable nodded slightly, and in a flash, he appeared directly in front of Xiao Yan. His gaze, filled with kindness, fell on Xiao Yan. “This is the answer I most wanted to hear. But you need to provide evidence.”
Xiao Yan smiled and tapped his forehead, from which a thin, pale white flame quickly emerged. “Bone Spirit Cold Fire…” The Wind Venerable’s eyes fixated on the tiny, eerie white flame. He was no stranger to this fire. Back then, when he was on the brink of death, it was this fire that saved him and allowed him to become the Wind Venerable today…
Naturally, the Wind Venerable knew about the transfer of the different flames. With his keen eyesight, upon seeing the fire brand on Xiao Yan’s forehead, he could faintly sense a subtle yet deeply familiar presence. Therefore, he understood that this Bone Spirit Cold Fire was voluntarily entrusted to Xiao Yan by his old friend, rather than seized by coercion. These proofs were indeed the strongest evidence of Xiao Yan’s relationship with the Old Pharmacist!
Taking a deep breath, the Wind Venerable slowly raised his head, his hoarse voice ringing out, “Old friend, you made it hard for me to find you these past years.”
Hearing the excitement and exhaustion in the Wind Venerable’s tone, Xiao Yan remained silent. It seemed that this closest friend his teacher often spoke of had indeed been searching tirelessly for his whereabouts over the years. Having such a close and trusted friend in life was truly a blessing, even if his teacher had once misjudged Han Feng. At least, in this matter, he had chosen the right person.
“Wind Venerable…” The Wind Venerable waved his hand and smiled lightly. “You are his disciple, so don’t address me like that. My name is Feng Xian. As for my relationship with him, I won’t go into detail. If you don’t mind, you can consider me your master too.”
With the Wind Venerable’s status in the Central Region, many would desire to call him master. Over the years, he had only taken Mu Qing Luan as a disciple, partly due to her family connections. This voluntary offer to take on a disciple was unprecedented.
“Disciple of an old friend, paying respects to Lord Feng.” Xiao Yan, not being unintelligent, naturally understood and promptly addressed him with respect.
The Wind Venerable laughed heartily, nodding. “Leave today’s matters to me.”
Without waiting for Xiao Yan to respond, he turned, his gaze falling on the stern-faced Lei Zong on the platform. With a smile, he said, “Lei Zong, other matters may be decided by you, but Xiao Yan cannot be touched by the Wind and Thunder Pavilion.”
“This is a matter between the Wind and Thunder Pavilion and Xiao Yan. If the Wind Venerable intervenes, it might affect the relationship between our two pavilions,” Lei Zong said, his eyes narrowed.
“The final result of today’s business will be a war between the two pavilions,” the Wind Venerable stated calmly, his resolve evident in his voice, causing even Xiao Yan to be startled.
Lei Zong frowned, his grip on the armrest of his chair tightening. He hadn’t expected this usually free-spirited Wind Venerable to show such a fierce side today. Among the four great venerables, the Wind Venerable had gained the longest fame, and in terms of strength, he was one of the top. Even Lei Zong, despite his might, hesitated. To declare war between the two pavilions, the consequences would be too great, even for someone of Lei Zong’s stature. However…
“What is the connection between the Wind Venerable and Xiao Yan that makes him so resolute in defending him?” Lei Zong’s eyes darkened, but his question was exactly what everyone present wanted to know.
Taking a deep breath, Lei Zong’s low voice, tinged with thunder, boomed across the sky, “Wind Venerable, Xiao Yan stole the ‘Three Thousand Lightning Movement’ technique from our Wind and Thunder Pavilion and obtained the ‘Three Thousand Lightning Phantom Body’ practice method. If you take this matter over with a single word, how should we proceed in the future?”
The Wind Venerable’s face remained as still as a placid well, untroubled by Lei Zong’s words. Regardless of the circumstances, even if Xiao Yan were a scoundrel, he would not let him suffer any harm. Not for any other reason, but because he was the disciple of his old friend.
“Lei Zong, your words are too hasty. I acquired the ‘Three Thousand Lightning Movement’ legitimately at an auction outside the Central Region. How could I be accused of stealing it? If that were the case, anyone who practices any techniques that spread would be doomed. As for the ‘Three Thousand Lightning Phantom Body’, North Lord had already reclaimed it. You should be aware of this,” Xiao Yan said solemnly.
Fei Tian’s expression darkened, and he glared fiercely at Xiao Yan, but he dared not act rashly, with the Wind Venerable standing beside him. Fei Tian feared the formidable Wind Venerable.
Lei Zong, however, neither affirmed nor denied Xiao Yan’s words. The real issue was the Wind Venerable. If he protected Xiao Yan, this situation would become very tense. This was not something he wanted. War between the pavilions would greatly weaken both, allowing others to benefit.
Tapping his armrest lightly, Lei Zong sighed after a while, “In the end, this is between Xiao Yan and the Northern Pavilion of the Wind and Thunder Pavilion. For the sake of the Wind Venerable, I leave this matter to Fei Tian. Regardless of who wins or loses, we will not interfere. How about that?”
The Wind Venerable’s eyes lowered, glancing at Fei Tian, and shook his head, smiling, “The generations between Fei Tian and Xiao Yan are too far apart. Bullying the weak and oppressing the young is not a good reputation.”
Denied, Lei Zong’s face darkened, “Then, what does the Wind Venerable want? For us to do nothing and let Xiao Yan go? Impossible!”
“Let’s discuss this calmly. If Fei Tian’s seniority is indeed higher, why not let the younger generation handle this?” Seeing the tense atmosphere, the Sword Zong suggested with a smile.
“Do you mean Feng Qing Er and Xiao Yan?” Lei Zong’s eyes narrowed, looking at Feng Qing Er.
Sword Zong nodded, giving Feng Qing Er a meaningful look, “This girl is no ordinary person, Lei Zong, no need to hide it.”
Lei Zong frowned, pondering, and then nodded, looking at the Wind Venerable, “If the Wind Venerable finds Fei Tian’s seniority too high, then let Feng Qing Er handle it. If Xiao Yan loses, he promises never to use the ‘Three Thousand Lightning Movement’ again. If Feng Qing Er loses, the grudge between Xiao Yan and the Wind and Thunder Pavilion is settled. Deal? Of course, no one can use external soul power in this exchange!”
At this, Lei Zong glanced at Xiao Yan, knowing of the powerful soul within him.
The Wind Venerable hesitated, knowing Feng Qing Er was extraordinary. In her generation, even Mu Qing Luan couldn’t match her. But the situation was a concession from the Wind and Thunder Pavilion, and if this didn’t work, there might be no more to discuss.
As the Wind Venter hesitated, Feng Qing Er, at the edge of the square, stepped forward, her graceful figure moving to the center. Her beautiful eyes turned to Xiao Yan, and her cold, proud voice rang out, “Feng Qing Er of the Wind and Thunder Pavilion. Will you accept this challenge?”
Gazing at Feng Qing Er’s curvaceous body, Xiao Yan smiled, a surge of courage rising within him. He knew the Wind Venerable’s dilemma and, as a disciple of the old pharmacist, he could not let down his master. “I’ll gladly accept!”
A clear, brave laugh echoed through the air!
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