Above the boundless, verdant sea of trees, a figure stood, gazing towards the northern sky with a furrowed brow. The Han family had been taken into custody by the powerful Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion, an event Xiao Yan had not anticipated. After all, no matter how one looked at it, the Han family held considerable weight in Heavenly North City, and they hadn’t even involved themselves in this matter. But who would have thought that these scoundrels from the Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion would stoop to such despicable acts?
The Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion had spread news of the Han family’s confinement far and wide. Their intention was clear: to force Xiao Yan to show himself and rescue them. Xiao Yan was certain that by now, Hidden North City had been secretly occupied by the Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion’s powerhouses. The moment he appeared, he would face a ferocious battle.
Now, Heavenly North City had become a trap, waiting for Xiao Yan to spring it. The Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion made no effort to conceal this trap, as it was obvious to even the common folk. But Xiao Yan was not one to be easily fooled. He was well aware, and any cold-hearted, bloodthirsty person would likely ignore such a blatant setup. However, Xiao Yan was not that kind of unfeeling individual. While he could be ruthless with his enemies, he was gentle and kind to those he knew. This was the very character that drew many companions and strong allies to him—like Hai Bodong, the Little Healer Immortal, Medusa, and even the Heavenly Fire Venerable. A person who treats friends coldly is unlikely to gain the genuine respect of others, and this was exactly what made Xiao Yan’s character so appealing.
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan sighed, “This Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion really is detestable. If you insist on forcing me out, then so be it.”
“Little guy, are you planning to go to Heavenly North City? It’s definitely crawling with powerful foes right now,” a aged voice echoed in Xiao Yan’s mind.
“A real man knows what he should and shouldn’t do. Since this matter involves me, my nature compels me to act rather than stand idly by.”
“Hehe, well said. I’ve always hated cowards who abandon their friends. You, despite your young age, truly suit my taste. If you didn’t already have a master, you’d make a fine disciple,” the Heavenly Fire Venerable laughed heartily.
“Heavenly Fire Venerable, you flatter me,” Xiao Yan chuckled, his shoulders shaking as a pair of crystalline bone wings slowly unfurled. “If that’s the case, let’s set off.”
“Rest assured, with me here, as long as we don’t run into a peak Battle Sect, you’ll be fine,” the Heavenly Fire Venerable boomed with laughter.
“Thank you, Heavenly Fire Venerable,” Xiao Yan laughed in return, lifting his head to gaze at the endless sea of green. A surge of courage welled up in his heart as he let out a clear, resonant cry. The sound, like the call of a crane, echoed through the forest.
“Even if your Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion has turned Heavenly North City into a dragon’s den, I, Xiao Yan, will not be afraid!”
As his cry faded, Xiao Yan’s bone wings flared, and his figure transformed into a streak of light, darting towards the northern sky.
In recent days, the atmosphere in Heavenly North City had become somewhat peculiar. Everyone knew that many powerhouses from the Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion had been summoned, causing the city’s various factions to grow tense. With the might of the Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion, if they chose to expel anyone, the local forces would have no chance to resist.
However, their fears were unfounded, as the Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion’s powerhouses had done nothing to the other factions. Instead, they had immediately placed the Han family under complete lockdown, imprisoning them within their estate. Although the Han family was a formidable force in Heavenly North City, they were not much of a threat to the Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion. The Han family’s great elder, Han Fei, had fought fiercely with the Pavilion’s powerhouses, but once the three elders intervened, he was forced to back down. His strength was sufficient to match one elder, but against three, he was no match.
Han Fei’s resistance did buy some time; the Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion’s powerhouses merely blocked entry and exit without entering the estate. This gave the Han family a small reprieve. They understood the Pavilion’s intentions: to force the elusive Xiao Yan to appear.
Most of the Han family, however, did not believe Xiao Yan would come. The city was filled with elite Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion disciples, and most importantly, the three elders wielded formidable strength. Each was stronger than Shen Yun, and together, they were nearly unbeatable, even to someone as powerful as Xiao Yan, who had once killed Shen Yun.
Not only did the Han family hold this view, but people throughout Heavenly North City and even in neighboring cities were speculating. They mostly believed Xiao Yan wouldn’t come, as few would dare to enter a place so perilous, even after the shock he had delivered on the Divine Seal Platform.
Amidst all this speculation, seven days passed, and the city remained peaceful. Disappointment began to set in, as it seemed Xiao Yan would not come. Sometimes, people are strange creatures. Initially, they thought Xiao Yan coming would be foolish, but now, they felt disappointed and scornful, branding him as a traitor.
In a secluded courtyard of the Han family, a graceful figure sat on a stone chair, her eyes lost in thought. Han Xue, thinner than before, still exuded a chill, but now she also had a vulnerable, heart-wrenching beauty.
Staring for a moment, Han Xue finally sighed softly.
“Xuer, you keep running here every day,” a gentle voice said behind her. It was Han Yue.
Han Xue blushed slightly, seeing Han Yue’s pitying expression. She clasped her hands and asked, “Sister, do you think… he will come?”
Han Yue was taken aback. Seven days had passed without a word from Xiao Yan. Though she knew he wasn’t heartless, her confidence had faltered.
“He… should, I think,” Han Yue hesitated.
“I hope he won’t. Those three old men from the Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion even intimidate Great-Grandfather. Even though Xiao Yan is strong, he might not be a match for them,” Han Xue whispered.
“If he doesn’t come, won’t you be disappointed? Think you misjudged him?” Han Yue smiled.
Han Xue frowned, considering the question. “I would be a little disappointed, but I still don’t want him to come.”
“Foolish girl,” Han Yue shook her head, stroking Han Xue’s hair. “Don’t worry. Your prince charming will come, soaring on those beautiful bone wings, and beat those Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion rascals to a pulp.”
Han Xue couldn’t help but laugh, wrapping her arms around Han Yue’s waist and resting her head on her shoulder. “Please, don’t come.”
Just as her words faded, a thunderous roar echoed over Heavenly North City, and a vast, unhidden aura swept towards the city at breakneck speed.
The city stirred as a streak of light shot across the sky.
“Xiao Yan? He actually came?”
“This kid has guts! Haha, looks like I won this bet!”
The once quiet Heavenly North City erupted with excitement as all eyes turned to the horizon. Today, Heavenly North City would see no peace…
On the top of three large trees surrounding the Han family’s estate, three elders instantly opened their eyes, gazing at the distant sky, their faces twisted in a cold smile.
“So, he’s finally here.”
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