The overwhelming tide of rat sound waves dissipated entirely, scattering in chaos. The surrounding forest at the stone stairs instantly suffered as the sound waves, like sharp blades, cut down numerous trees mid-trunk amidst a cacophony. In the sky, Xiao Yan was somewhat stunned as he watched the nearly one-sided defeat of the rat sound waves. He knew that this effect could only be due to the sliver of dragon qi from the Yin-Yang Dragon Profound Pill. Otherwise, just relying on the Lion and Tiger Crushing Gold Roar, even if he could resist such massive sound waves, it would be impossible to achieve such an astonishing effect. “In a human battle, I didn’t notice such benefits. This dragon qi seems to deal more damage to Magic Beasts.” As Xiao Yan’s gaze swept over the area around the stone stairs, he saw countless gold-devouring rats trembling, their earlier ferocity completely gone. Evidently, the howling had caused them considerable harm. Holding Nalan Yanran’s slender waist, Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment, then moved, and easily dashed up the mountain, gently placing her down. At this moment, the platform and mountaintop were eerily quiet. No one expected that Xiao Yan would choose such a fierce method to pass. What left people speechless was that he actually succeeded in defeating the gold-devouring rats’ sound wave array. Such strength was likely rare among those present. “This guy is indeed a monster…” Many muttered silently, their eyes slightly strange.
“Ahem…”
Around the stone steps, Jin Shi, who had been dazed for a while, finally came to his senses, looking at the now withered gold-devouring rats, he couldn’t help but give a bitter smile. He hadn’t expected this youngster to have such a move. Now, after this, the power of the gold-devouring rats’ sound wave array must have decreased, making it easier for later challengers. Sighing helplessly, Jin Shi waved his hand, “Passed the challenge. Next, you have less than half an hour.”
Hearing Jin Shi’s words, a figure hurried out and quickly headed towards the stone stairs…
On the mountaintop, Xiao Yan took out a spirit pill from his storage ring and handed it to Nalan Yanran, asking, “Are you okay?”
Taking the pill, Nalan Yanran softly shook her head and whispered, “I’m fine, thank you.”
Xiao Yan smiled, then turned his gaze to scan the peak. The summit of Tianmu Mountain was quite large, filled with pits and scattered rocks. They were currently on a flat stone platform cut into a massive rock. The so-called Tian Shan Blood Spring was not visible, presumably located elsewhere.
After a brief look, Xiao Yan’s gaze turned to Feng Qing’er and the three others. At the same time, the four of them also looked back. Tang Ying and Mu Qinglun seemed alright, but Feng Qing’er and Wang Chen had a slightly unfriendly look in their eyes.
“Congratulations,” Tang Ying said with a smile, bowing slightly to Xiao Yan.
“Thank you,” Xiao Yan responded with a smile. He didn’t have any negative feelings towards Tang Ying, thus he was quite polite. As for Feng Qing’er and Wang Chen, he didn’t pay much attention, which made their coldness toward him even more pronounced.
Mu Qinglun, glancing first at the next challenger on the stone steps, found no great suspense there, then turned back to Xiao Yan with interest. She playfully asked, “What level have you reached with your Three Thousand Lightning Movement?”
In front of Feng Qing’er, Mu Qinglun’s question was clearly meant to cause some discomfort. Indeed, Feng Qing’er’s face turned icier, replying coolly, “Mu Qinglun, verbal sparring means nothing. We’ll see if your strength has improved in the upcoming Four Great Pavilion Conference in three months.”
Mu Qinglun’s lips curled into a smile, “I’m looking forward to it. I wonder if the good luck will follow you again?”
“Luck or not, you know well in your heart,” Feng Qing’er countered, her voice calm, yet with a sharp edge.
Seeing this confrontation, Xiao Yan was surprised. It seemed the Four Great Pavilions weren’t as harmonious as imagined. Seeing Feng Qing’er being flustered, however, was rather satisfying. This woman, perhaps due to her status, had never given a good impression.
“Miss Mu, may I speak to you for a moment?” Xiao Yan did not want to get involved in the women’s jibes, but he urgently needed some information and thus spoke out.
Startled, Mu Qinglun realized she was meeting Xiao Yan for the first time, though his recent actions had earned him some of her respect. She did not refuse, nodding with a hint of curiosity, and drifted to the side.
“Don’t move, wait for me,” Xiao Yan instructed Nalan Yanran, then swiftly leaped to Mu Qinglun’s side.
“Is there something?” Mu Qinglun brushed aside her forehead hair, tilting her head with a slight smile.
Up close, Mu Qinglun resembled a youthful maiden, but Xiao Yan knew she was very strong. After a moment, he asked, “Is Venerable Feng Miss Mu’s teacher?”
“Yes, many people know. Is that what you wanted to ask?” Mu Qinglun raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
“Can Miss Mu tell me where Senior Venerable Feng is now?” Xiao Yan inquired politely.
“Who are you? Why do you need to find my teacher?” Mu Qinglun’s eyes narrowed, slightly wary.
Seeing her guard, Xiao Yan gave a helpless smile, then hesitated, “I am a disciple sent by a friend to seek Venerable Feng.”
“A friend’s disciple? Who exactly?”
Mu Qinglun was stunned, examining Xiao Yan carefully.
“This… You will know in time, but it’s not convenient to say now,” Xiao Yan said apologetically. Though Elder Medicine said Venerable Feng could be trusted, Xiao Yan had grown cautious.
Mu Qinglun pursed her lips, finding the reason insufficient. However, not wanting to make things difficult, she said, “Master likes to wander, rarely seen. But if you truly wish to find him, go to the East Pavilion of the Wind and Thunder Pavilion in three months.”
“Wind and Thunder East Pavilion?” Xiao Yan was dumbfounded, then sighed. His relationship with the Wind and Thunder Pavilion was hostile; how could he go to their headquarters?
“The Wind and Thunder Pavilion is the location of the Four Great Pavilion Conference. Our Star Fall Pavilion will naturally be there, and so will my Master. You can only find him then, not because I’m playing tricks.”
Xiao Yan chuckled, “Thank you, Miss Mu.”
“Are you really going? Many powerful figures will be there, including Master Fee Tian and Lord Lei. It’s a death sentence.”
Mu Qinglun stared at Xiao Yan, as if seeing a fool. In her view, he was walking into a trap.
Xiao Yan smiled, “I’ll be careful. If Venerable Feng can help as Elder Medicine said, it will greatly increase our chances of rescuing Elder Medicine.”
Seeing his determination, Mu Qinglun shrugged, “Since you insist, don’t blame me. Maybe your Master’s friend will speak for you, and the Wind and Thunder Pavilion will let you go. Even Lord Lei won’t refuse him.”
Xiao Yan nodded, thanking her again, then heard a commotion. Two more figures had passed the gold-devouring rat sound wave array.
“Time’s up. Let’s go.” Mu Qinglun glanced at the stone platform, waved, then paused, saying, “Watch out for Feng Qing’er and Wang Chen.”
With that, she gracefully leapt to the stone platform.
Xiao Yan nodded, then subtly turned his gaze to Feng Qing’er and Wang Chen, his eyes flickering coldly. If they dared to provoke him, they would learn that he was no pushover!
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