The Linglong Sword Pavilion, a sacred hall of sword cultivation, stood amidst the northern mountains. Countless people aspired to become disciples of Linglong, but due to its perilous location, only those with great perseverance and extraordinary fortune could reach it.
“Boom… boom… boom…”
A deep and muffled bell tolled throughout Linglong Sword Pavilion, causing countless disciples to look up in confusion, unaware of what had occurred.
“Master, come out quickly! Senior apprentice sister is in critical condition!” At that moment, a group of disciples, panic evident on their faces, landed hastily before the grand hall, shouting towards its interior.
Normally, Linglong Sword Pavilion, with its strict discipline, would never permit disciples to barge into the main hall in such a disorderly manner. However, given the urgency of the situation, they had no choice but to disregard the rules.
For the past two days, they had traveled nonstop without so much as a moment’s rest, desperately trying to hasten their pace. Senior apprentice sister Ni’s life force had grown increasingly weak; if not for the constant consumption of medicinal pills to sustain her, she might have already perished.
At this moment, the space within the grand hall slightly trembled, and a figure materialized inside.
If not for the clothing, it would have been impossible to discern whether this figure was male or female, as their face appeared hazy and indistinct, like a pool of murky water.
“Master, Senior apprentice sister Ni…”
“Supreme Sword Intent… What exactly has happened? Go summon the elders from each peak immediately,” ordered the Linglong Sect Leader, his expression darkening as he quickly assessed the gravity of the situation. He then drew Ni Mantian into the void and vanished from the scene.
The disciples exchanged uneasy glances and wasted no time, rushing off to inform the elders of each peak.
…
Meanwhile, Lin Fan was completely unaware of the trouble he had caused. Each day, he cheerfully continued his journey northward, as if on a vacation.
Along the way, Lin Fan marveled at the wonders of nature and encountered many strange plants.
However, what left the deepest impression on him was the abundance of ferocious beasts in this area.
“Huh!”
Someone ahead.
Lin Fan’s expression changed instantly as he halted his steps. Moments ago, he had sensed someone’s voice in the distance. On his way here, he had noticed numerous human-like footprints, so he guessed he must be nearing the Yan Imperial Court.
Hiding in the shadows, Lin Fan observed a group of people working together to kill a monstrous beast. He had encountered a similar beast before; it was fairly strong. Yet even so, this beast was now being slain by this group, whom Lin Fan considered somewhat formidable.
Five men and three women, all at the Second Stage of Innate Cultivation. In a one-on-one fight, this Golden-Horned Beast of the Second Stage of Innate Cultivation could easily slaughter them all.
Afterward, the group rested on the spot, disemboweling the beast and cutting off its golden horn, placing it into a sack. They set up camp, lit a fire, and began roasting the meat, clearly planning to eat it.
“Hey, everyone, hello!” Seeing that all of them were at the Second Stage of Innate Cultivation, Lin Fan felt no fear. Besides, he was getting hungry, so it was the perfect opportunity to get some food. He also wanted to travel with them for a while. Judging from their uniform attire, they must be from the same place. Blending in with a group would make it less likely for him to draw attention.
Food and transportation—this was a win-win plan, definitely feasible.
“Who’s there?” The eight people had just begun resting when they heard someone approaching. Startled, they quickly drew their weapons, on high alert.
Seeing that it was only one person, they relaxed slightly, but still remained cautious. In the Sunset Forest, anything could happen, and there were many ill-intentioned people on the road.
Seeing their tension, Lin Fan smiled. “No need to be so tense. I’m not a bad guy.”
“Hmph, of course a bad guy wouldn’t admit to being one,” said a girl dressed in red, holding her sword warily.
“Sir, we don’t welcome you here. Please leave,” said a man.
Lin Fan glanced at this man, then at the other seven who remained silent. Clearly, this man held authority among them.
Lin Fan’s lips curled into a smile. “May I ask, is the Yan Imperial Court ahead?”
“Thirty miles forward will bring you to the Yan Imperial Court,” replied Zang Tianhao. He was highly suspicious of Lin Fan, who had appeared in the Sunset Forest without any weapons yet so calmly. He was clearly no ordinary person.
They had come here as a team to hunt a Flame Beast. Originally, they had planned to leave immediately after killing it, but since the meat was so delicious, they decided to feast before departing.
“Thank you. But I’m quite hungry. Seeing that you’re preparing something tasty, I won’t be polite and will join you,” Lin Fan said casually as he stepped forward.
“Stop right there, or don’t blame me for being rude!” Seeing that this person refused to leave, Zang Tianhao raised his voice in anger.
“Why so selfish? People should help each other while traveling,” Lin Fan replied.
“Zang Ge, why bother talking to him? He looks suspicious, clearly not a good person. Let’s subdue him first!” As soon as Han Mengmeng, the girl in the red robe, finished speaking, her sword sliced through the air, sending ripples of red energy toward Lin Fan’s arm.
“One Sword, Qing Cheng (Qing Cheng).”
Han Mengmeng, at the Second Stage of Innate Cultivation, wielded a decent sword technique. Her blade shimmered with a red glow of true energy, exuding a fierce momentum.
Lin Fan was taken aback. Who does she think I am, a thief-looking guy? My face is pure and kind, how dare she say I look suspicious?
“Clang…”
“A young lady should not resort to violence at the slightest disagreement,” Lin Fan said helplessly, standing still and catching the energy-covered blade with his bare left hand.
“This…”
Zang Tianhao stared in shock, unable to believe his eyes. This person had actually caught Han Mengmeng’s sword barehanded with just his flesh!
“Senior, please show mercy,” Zang Tianhao shouted in alarm.
“Path of Nine Turns.”
Seeing her sword caught, Han Mengmeng’s fury flared. Her body spun rapidly, attempting to sever Lin Fan’s hand.
Lin Fan shook his head slightly.
Well then, might as well test out the “Flower-Brushing and Chrysanthemum-Gentling Finger Technique.”
At this moment, Lin Fan released the sword and gently rotated his fingers, as if caressing the blade like a flower.
“Clink…”
A sharp sound rang out as Han Mengmeng’s sword shattered into pieces and fell to the ground.
“Ding! Congratulations, experience for ‘Flower-Brushing and Chrysanthemum-Touching Finger’ has increased by 10.”
“My Floating Petal Sword!” Han Mengmeng looked at the broken fragments on the ground, her face paling, eyes reddening as if deeply hurt.
“Senior, please calm down. We failed to recognize your greatness. Please don’t hold it against us,” Zang Tianhao hurriedly pleaded.
On the road, one must avoid confrontation with someone stronger. Knowing when to back down is essential.
“Hurry up and apologize to the senior!” Zang Tianhao urged. The fact that this person could catch the Floating Petal Sword barehanded indicated an extremely high level of physical cultivation, far beyond their ability to provoke.
Han Mengmeng looked at Lin Fan, then at her broken sword, and finally muttered unwillingly.
“I’m sorry.”
…
“It’s nothing. Meeting is fate. Let’s hurry up and roast the meat. After we finish eating, we’ll continue on together,” Lin Fan said casually, sitting on a nearby stone and gesturing for the others to start roasting the meat.
At this moment, Lin Fan felt quite delighted. He had just left the sect and not only defeated two experts at the Divine Entry Stage but also played the role of a senior in front of a group of people.
Indeed, there were many joyful things after leaving the sect.
Zang Tianhao exhaled in relief and sat beside Han Mengmeng. Although this person hadn’t shown any extreme behavior yet, Zang Tianhao still felt uneasy.
“Hey, why are you traveling with a horse?” Lin Fan noticed a horse grazing under a tree nearby and curiously asked.
“Senior, this is a Lust Scent Mare, a unique breed of horse. Its special scent can attract solitary male beasts. If the attracted beast proves too powerful, we can hide in the shadows without being noticed,” Zang Tianhao honestly replied.
“Oh, so this horse is easy to cheat on, huh?” Lin Fan thought it was indeed a strange creature.
“Yes. Therefore, Lust Scent Mares are common and not considered valuable livestock,” Zang Tianhao explained.
“Still a fascinating creature. In times of food shortage, it could even be slaughtered for meat.”
“Senior, this horse cannot be eaten. Its meat is naturally filled with lust scent, making it inedible even for beasts.”
“Oh, so even animals despise it.”
“Senior, the roasted meat is ready.”
…
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