The sudden turn of events on the stone platform made the atmosphere grow eerily silent. The crowd glanced at each other, unclear about what had transpired. In their eyes, Hong Chen’s severe injury was entirely his own fault. After all, he had been granted a chance to live, yet he still chose to plot against others. Getting such a result could only be considered just karma. However, despite their thoughts, no one dared to voice them due to the formidable power of the Hong family in Tianbei City.
“Hong Li, what are you doing?!” While others may not say anything, the Han family must intervene. At that moment, a group of figures descended from the high platform, all appearing next to Xiao Yan on the square.
“Hong Li, today’s match, Hong Chen has already lost. Do you actually want to go back on your word in front of everyone?” Han Chi glared at Hong Li and coldly snarled, “The Heavenly Stone Platform is the natural arena of Tianbei City. In battles here, life and death are left to fate. You, the Hong family, should know this well, right?”
After Han Chi’s rebuke, Hong Li’s face twitched, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes. He angrily laughed, “I don’t care what you say! This brat injured my son, and my Hong family will never let it go. Are you really going to risk a war with my Hong family for an outsider?”
Han Chi’s face turned ashen, his gaze fixed on Hong Li as his voice echoed harshly through the square, “Xiao Yan is an esteemed guest of my Han family. If we betray him after he has helped us, who will dare to assist my Han family in the future? Even if you threaten us with war, I make it clear: the Han family stands firm with Xiao Yan!”
Engaging in a war with the Hong family for an outsider, regardless of the pros and cons, the Han family had to stand up. If they showed any sign of retreat, their reputation would be utterly ruined, and they would have no place in Tianbei City. Han Chi knew this well, and his words were sharp and resolute, leaving no room for doubt.
Han Chi’s words had an immediate effect. Cheers erupted from the crowd around the Heavenly Stone Platform, seeing Han Chi’s defiant stance. Hong Li’s face twisted with displeasure. Although his threats were harsh, the matter did not favor the Hong family. But to simply swallow the indignation of Hong Chen’s injury was impossible. Hong Chen was always seen as the rising star of the Hong family, and the family had invested much in him. Now, seeing his potential shattered by Xiao Yan, how could he calm his rage?
“The Han family truly has some backbone,” a hoarse, elderly voice suddenly chimed in, interrupting Hong Li’s fuming. The crowd turned to see the gray-robed elder.
Glancing at the badge on the elder’s chest, Han Chi and the others recognized him, “A member of the Wind and Lightning Pavilion?”
“May I ask for the old sir’s name?” Han Chi bowed respectfully, knowing the Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion was stronger than their Han family.
“I am Yun Yun, from the Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion,” the gray-robed elder said, his tone flat.
“Yun Yun? Is that the name of the Cloud Elder, one of the four great elders known as Wind, Thunder, Lightning, and Cloud?” Han Chi’s heart skipped a beat, and he asked hurriedly.
“Indeed, the Han family is quite informed about the Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion,” the gray-robed elder replied with a faint smile.
“Master Yun, you flatter me. The names of the four great elders are well-known in the northern regions of the Zhongzhou Continent. How could I, a junior, not know?” Han Chi smiled and bowed again, then cautiously added, “Master Yun, today’s incident was indeed an overly powerful move by Xiao Yan, but such things are normal in a fight… There were casualties, as to be expected…”
The elder waved his hand, silencing Han Chi. He glanced at Xiao Yan, whose expression remained unchanged, and slowly said, “I have some acquaintance with the living Great Elder of your Han family. For that sake, I won’t make this too difficult. The matter of Hong Chen’s injury can be temporarily set aside, but before that, this person must explain truthfully to me. Where did he learn the ‘Three Thousand Lightning Movement’?”
His face turned cold. The ‘Three Thousand Lightning Movement’ held special significance for the Wind and Lightning Pavilion. It was not only one of their top body techniques but also a prerequisite for practicing their supreme technique, the ‘Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body.’
The ‘Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body’ played a crucial role in the status of the Wind and Lightning Pavilion on the Central Continent. Yet, its cultivation was extremely challenging, and one of the prerequisites was mastering the ‘Three Thousand Lightning Movement’ to perfection. Over the years, few in the entire Wind and Lightning Pavilion had succeeded in its cultivation.
The ‘Three Thousand Lightning Movement’ was a stepping stone for the ‘Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body.’ Hence, the Wind and Lightning Pavilion kept it very secret, and only core disciples of the inner chamber were qualified to practice it. Seeing this technique being used by Xiao Yan, it was no wonder the old man was so moved.
Upon hearing Yun Yun’s words, Han Chi’s face changed, and he looked at Xiao Yan in shock, clearly surprised to hear that Xiao Yan possessed a unique skill of the Wind and Lightning Pavilion.
“I happened to come across the ‘Three Thousand Lightning Movement’ by chance. Elder Yun, if you suddenly found a scroll of an earth-level body technique, would you discard it or cultivate it yourself?” Xiao Yan raised his eyes and met the gray-robed elder’s gaze, his voice indifferent.
“By chance?” Yun Yun sneered, “Over a decade ago, someone sneaked into our library and stole many techniques, including the ‘Three Thousand Lightning Movement.’ Do you happen to be related to that individual?”
“Is accusing without proof a virtue of yours, Elder Yun? This unjust accusation, I can’t accept. Is this the way of the Wind and Lightning Pavilion?” Xiao Yan responded with a cold smile.
“Boy, shut your mouth! How dare you insult the Wind and Lightning Pavilion! And to do so in front of Elder Yun shows you hold no respect for him,” Hong Li roared, stepping forward.
Hearing this, Han Chi frowned, inwardly cursing the shameless man. Clearly, he aimed to pit Xiao Yan against Yun Yun, settling their grudge while avoiding further conflict.
Amidst Han Chi’s curse, his sleeve was tugged, and turning his head, he saw Han Xue begging with her face full of pleading, her voice soft, “Father, you must help him.”
Han Chi sighed, looking at the girl, and then turned to Yun Yun, bowing politely, “Elder Yun, there might be some misunderstanding. Let’s talk this over calmly; there’s no need for such hostility.”
“This matter is none of your Han family’s concern. The ‘Three Thousand Lightning Movement’ is one of the Wind and Lightning Pavilion’s most guarded secrets. This cannot be settled amicably,” Yun Yun shot a cold glance at Han Chi and then turned to Xiao Yan, his tone frigid, “You have two choices. One, come with me to the Wind and Thunder Northern Pavilion where the Pavilion Master will decide your fate. Two, I kill you here and now. The ‘Three Thousand Lightning Movement’ cannot fall into outsiders’ hands.”
Hearing Yun Yun’s unyielding words, the Hong family members smirked privately, while Han Chi and others’ faces turned grim, Han Xue’s face paling even more.
“Elder Yun…” Han Chi opened his mouth, but Yun Yun cut him off.
“Han Chi, I am showing you respect due to the honor of your family’s Great Elder. Do not overstep your bounds. This matter is beyond your control. Intervene, and you risk the wrath of the Wind and Lightning Pavilion. Can your Han family bear it?” Yun Yun roared coldly.
Yun Yun’s stern words caused Han Chi’s face to twist, recognizing the vast gap between the Han family and the Wind and Lightning Pavilion. If they wished, eradicating the Han family would be a matter of mere thought.
“Han Chi, this is no concern of yours. Do not get involved anymore,” Xiao Yan interrupted, causing Han Chi to look up, meeting Xiao Yan’s smiling face.
“Xiao Yan… I’m sorry,” Han Chi’s fists clenched, and he sighed. As the head of the Han family, he bore the responsibility of his every action. Xiao Yan’s words made it clear he did not wish to implicate the Han family.
Xiao Yan smiled, understanding Han Chi’s position. The Wind and Lightning Pavilion was a mighty force, and he, alone, had nothing to lose. He could flee if necessary, with the vastness of Zhongzhou, he didn’t fear their reach. Involving the Han family would only burden him.
“Heh, I didn’t expect you to have some integrity, boy,” Yun Yun sneered, his withered hand emerging from his sleeve, “Well, will you come with me, or shall I end you here and now?”
Faced with Yun Yun’s indifference, Xiao Yan suddenly smiled, shaking his head, “I have no interest in the Wind and Lightning Pavilion, so I decline.”
Yun Yun nodded, his eyes filled with intent to kill. “Then, you choose the second path.”
Xiao Yan slowly lifted his head, a hint of defiance flickering across his elegant features, “And to end me, I’ll be frank—you, with your strength not even reaching the level of a five-star Battle Sect, are not qualified.”
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