The stone path was exceptionally long, stretching out like a massive snake as it wound up the mountain ridge, eventually vanishing into the distant gloomy clouds. Walking upon it, there was an overwhelming sense of insignificance. However, Xiao Yan’s pace was neither hurried nor slow, each step steady as he made his way up the mountainside. On either side of the path were towering silver trees that, curiously, had no branches or leaves, appearing like straight columns. What surprised Xiao Yan most was the dense electrical energy contained within these silver giants. If one sensed with their soul power, they could detect wisps of electricity constantly emanating from the top of the trees, rising into the dark clouds above.
Stopping to observe this scene, Xiao Yan thought deeply. The horrifying thunder and lightning power in this mountain range was likely closely connected to these unusual trees. With the silver trees providing the source of lightning, the thick clouds in the sky would never disperse. In such a place, practicing lightning-affinity skills would yield twice the results with half the effort.
“Indeed, the Wind Lightning Pavilion chose a fine location…” Admiring the surroundings, Xiao Yan’s thoughts were interrupted by the clear sound of a crane call. Looking up, everyone saw a resplendent, multicolored crane soaring down from the base of the mountain, headed directly for the peak.
“Seven-colored crane? Could it be that the rider is the Lady Phoenix of the Wind Lightning Pavilion?”
Upon recognizing the creature, astonished exclamations rang out along the mountain path. Xiao Yan’s gaze rested on the seven-colored crane but was focused not on the bird itself but on the elegant figure atop its back. From the familiar shape, it was none other than Feng Qing’er.
The crane, heedless of the startled cries, soared upward into the mists. As it disappeared, Xiao Yan slowly lowered his head, frowning. There must be some kind of concealment on her, he thought. With his current strength, he should at least have been able to sense the level of her cultivation. “It seems this woman is no simple character. Among the Four Pavilions, she is the one who I sense the most danger from…”
Xiao Yan murmured to himself, contemplating. The true danger often lay in what was unknown. Tang Ying, Wang Chen, and Mu Qingluan, powerful though they might be, did not give him the same sense of menace. “If my guess is correct, she will be the final victor of the Four Pavilions Assembly…”
Sighing, Xiao Yan quickened his step, transforming into a dark streak as he swiftly ascended to the summit. Despite the altitude, under Xiao Yan’s speed, the peak was reached in less than ten minutes.
Barely stepping onto the mountaintop, a cacophony of voices rushed into his ears, nearly dizzying him from the sudden impact. Composing himself, he gaped at the endless sea of faces. He had not expected such a massive crowd for the assembly.
After a moment, Xiao Yan sighed, accepting his fate. He found a spot on one of the giant silver trees with others already standing on similar positions. His actions drew no undue attention. With an excellent vantage point, Xiao Yan observed the mountaintop. They were in a plaza, with pits and bumps clearly used by the Wind Lightning Pavilion for training. Dominating the landscape was a vast silver tower reaching up into the clouds, its structure glowing with lightning, exuding a mysterious aura.
Many buildings dotted the mountaintop, accommodations for the Pavilion’s disciples. Xiao Yan’s gaze eventually landed on a set of seats at the front, reserved for important figures.
Realizing the assembly had yet to begin, Xiao Yan sat cross-legged on his perch and closed his eyes to rest. It was not long before a sharp bell chime echoed over the mountain. Numerous figures appeared, taking strategic positions, ready to respond to any threat.
“Truly, the Wind Lightning Pavilion disciples are well-trained…” Xiao Yan whispered, his eye catching the disciplined display.
As the bell tolled, a massive bolt of lightning flashed down from the clouds, blinding many. Several figures appeared, walking towards the seats.
Xiao Yan’s gaze locked on a familiar face, eyes narrowing coldly, “Feng Tian…”
“It’s the four Pavilion Masters of the Wind Lightning Pavilion. This time, all the strong have come. The one in the middle must be the Heavenly Lightning Venerable…”
Upon opening their eyes, those present expressed their astonishment. Xiao Yan’s heart also stirred as he examined the central figure. Tall and seemingly in his mid-forties, with a silver beard and a robe inscribed with lightning patterns, the man’s aura felt normal. However, Xiao Yan sensed a profound danger emanating from him, far beyond even Feng Tian’s power.
“As expected, the Heavenly Lightning Venerable is terrifying…”
Suddenly, an ear-splitting roar broke the silence as a massive sword tore through the air, appearing instantly above the square. “Haha, Sword Venerable, you’re the fastest again this year!”
The Sword Venerable’s arrival changed the atmosphere dramatically. Without acknowledging the greeting, the Sword Venerable sat down, followed by Tang Ying, who stood reverently behind him.
“He still has that foul temper, probably because of their match years ago,” a cackling voice joined in, and another figure appeared. “Heavenly Underworld, old man, you still can’t let go, can you?” The Sword Venerable taunted, referring to the Black-robed Elder, whose eyes turned icy. But before he could retort, a dragon-like wind roared overhead.
“This old man always arrives last despite being the fastest,” the Sword Venerable chuckled, looking at the sky. Just then, a massive green tornado appeared, drawing everyone’s attention, including Xiao Yan’s, who clenched his fists tightly.
“Wind… Venerable…”
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