Dongbo Xueying not only recognized Mountain Master He but also identified the expert seated opposite him—’Divine Emperor Jian Yin,’ one of the cultivation mentors of the Yufeng Clan of Junshan. Both he and Mountain Master He held unique positions, as they were universally acknowledged to be among the top ten strongest figures in all of Junshan City!
It must be noted that while peak Divine Emperors were rare, Junshan City had over twenty such experts in total. Yet only six were indisputably ranked in the top ten: the City Lord, the Young Master ‘Yufeng Lei,’ Steward Tong, Tower Master Xing, Divine Emperor Jian Yin, and Mountain Master He. The other Divine Emperors were so closely matched in strength that without a true life-or-death battle, it would be difficult to definitively rank them.
“Unanimous recognition” meant these six possessed a clear advantage in power.
“Hmm?”
“Divine Emperor Feixue has emerged.”
“He’s out already? That was quick. I thought he’d stay in the Scripture Repository for a year or two.”
The scattered onlookers turned their gazes toward Dongbo Xueying, including Mountain Master He and Divine Emperor Jian Yin.
For the denizens of the Divine Realm, who were born with eternal lifespans, “three to five years” was indeed a fleeting span. It was common for someone to spend a year or two carefully studying a newly acquired scripture in the Scripture Repository.
“Hahaha…” Mountain Master He’s piercing laughter echoed through the surrounding air.
“Mountain Master He, what’s so amusing?” Dongbo Xueying spoke up, abruptly cutting off the laughter.
Mountain Master He rose to his feet, smiling at Dongbo Xueying. “I’d long heard that another Ascender had arrived in Junshan City. Seeing Divine Emperor Feixue today, you truly live up to your reputation.”
“Indeed, extraordinary,” the white-robed middle-aged man beside him remarked lightly. “To effortlessly eliminate three of your subordinates—how could he be an ordinary expert?”
Mountain Master He’s expression stiffened slightly.
Dongbo Xueying turned to the middle-aged man. “Divine Emperor Jian Yin?”
“Divine Emperor Feixue actually recognizes me?” The white-robed man chuckled in surprise. “It seems your information network is quite extensive.”
“How could I not know the name of Divine Emperor Jian Yin?” Dongbo Xueying replied with a smile.
“Divine Emperor Feixue,” the ugly, triangular-headed elder ‘Mountain Master He’ rasped, “my three subordinates went to seek your guidance. I wonder if they’re still alive?”
The surroundings fell silent.
No one dared to interject—even Divine Emperor Jian Yin watched from the sidelines with amusement.
“They came to kill me. Since they failed, what do you think?” Dongbo Xueying met Mountain Master He’s gaze.
Mountain Master He frowned slightly. “In that case, I’d like to see just how formidable Divine Emperor Feixue truly is. Shall we spar?”
“Very well.”
Dongbo Xueying nodded.
Many of the onlookers brightened with anticipation. A clash between two supreme experts was precisely what they had come for—one was a universally acknowledged top-ten powerhouse of Junshan City, while the other was an Ascender of mysterious strength who had effortlessly slain three Divine Emperors.
*This Mountain Master He is far more cautious than I expected,* Dongbo Xueying mused inwardly. *Instead of confronting me directly, he chose to challenge me within the Yufeng Clan’s grounds.*
The three Divine Emperors had ambushed him and perished.
Had Mountain Master He joined the attack, a life-or-death battle would have ensued, with casualties likely on both sides.
But within the Yufeng Clan, lethal combat was forbidden. Even sparring matches had to take place on designated battle platforms, where the goal was only to determine superiority—killing was strictly prohibited.
*Mountain Master He must lack confidence in his ability to defeat me, which is why he proposed a formal duel here. If he deems me weak after the match, he’ll likely strike in secret once we leave the clan grounds.* Dongbo Xueying sneered inwardly. He paid little heed to Mountain Master He—his true purpose in this world was cultivation.
Exploring different civilizations, tempering himself, mastering the eternal Dao, breaking free from constraints, and ascending to the pinnacle of Hunyuan!
—
The entire Yufeng Clan was abuzz.
“Hurry! Mountain Master He and Divine Emperor Feixue are about to duel on the Thunder Mountain battle platform!”
“Let’s go watch!”
“Mountain Master He suffered a major loss earlier—now he’s finally making his move.”
Numerous Yufeng Clan disciples rushed toward the designated sparring grounds upon hearing the news.
Meanwhile, in a garden within the clan estate…
A fair-skinned youth walked side by side with a woman in deep cyan robes—none other than ‘Yufeng Qingyin.’
“Little sister,” the youth said softly, “are you still upset?”
“I’ve already said—I’ll obey Father, and you and Second Brother,” Yufeng Qingyin replied.
The youth sighed. “Marrying you off to the Ninth Young Master of Dongmu City… it’s a sign of our clan’s weakness.”
“Enough. I don’t blame Father, or you and Second Brother.” Yufeng Qingyin turned to him. “I’ve seen enough of the strife in Junshan City, the life-and-death struggles in the wilderness. I understand the law of the jungle. Right now, against the master of the Demonic Heart Society, we are the weak. Let’s not dwell on it. Second Brother, when do you depart for Dongmu City?”
“Still preparing,” Yufeng Jin said. “We must gather gifts and negotiate carefully. Even if we offer you to the Ninth Young Master, there’s no guarantee Dongmu City will agree.”
Yufeng Qingyin nodded faintly, smiling bitterly. “Yes, no guarantee at all.”
They were offering her hand in marriage—yet the other party might not even accept.
“Hmm?” Yufeng Jin suddenly looked surprised. “Little sister, I’ve just received word—Divine Emperor Feixue, whom you rescued, and Mountain Master He are heading to the Thunder Mountain battle platform for a duel.”
“Oh? Divine Emperor Feixue and Mountain Master He?” A flicker of curiosity crossed Yufeng Qingyin’s face.
“Come, let’s go watch,” Yufeng Jin urged.
The matter of her betrothal had to be disclosed to Yufeng Qingyin, and her willing cooperation was essential.
Though she complied, her spirits had been visibly low these past days. Yufeng Jin hoped that witnessing the duel between Divine Emperor Feixue and Mountain Master He might lift her mood.
—
Thunder Mountain stood in the northwest corner of the Yufeng Clan’s estate.
At its peak lay a battle platform reserved for formal duels.
By the time Yufeng Jin and Yufeng Qingyin arrived, the area was already packed with spectators—over ten thousand in number. Fortunately, access to the Yufeng Clan’s grounds was restricted. Had this been a public event in the city, the crowd would have been at least ten thousand times larger.
“Third Sister.”
As Yufeng Jin and Yufeng Qingyin approached, a familiar voice called out. In the distance, the towering figure of Yufeng Lei was already seated.
“Eldest Brother.”
“Eldest Brother.” They quickly joined him.
“Sit,” Yufeng Lei said, glancing at his sister with a mix of affection and guilt. As a proud man, relying on his sister to save the clan was a bitter pill to swallow.
“Who would’ve thought so many would come?” Yufeng Jin remarked, scanning the crowd. “This duel was arranged on short notice. Many experts in Junshan City are likely in seclusion, unaware of it. Yet even so, this many have gathered.”
Yufeng Qingyin’s gaze fixed on the battle platform, where two figures stood at opposite ends, facing each other.
*Just how strong is Divine Emperor Feixue?* Mountain Master He narrowed his eyes, calculating. *If he’s terrifyingly powerful, losing here would only mean humiliation—not death. But if he’s far weaker than me… heh, in due time, he’ll pay with his life.*
Mountain Master He was cunning, treacherous, and exceedingly cautious.
“Divine Emperor Feixue, defeat Mountain Master He!” A clear voice suddenly rang out.
Dongbo Xueying turned in surprise to see Yufeng Qingyin in the distance, shouting excitedly with a bright smile.
*Is the Third Lady truly so eager for this fight?* He chuckled inwardly, unaware that her outburst was merely a vent for her pent-up frustrations.
*Hmph.*
Mountain Master He’s brow furrowed at the shout, but upon realizing it came from the Third Lady, he suppressed his irritation.
“Divine Emperor Feixue, the Third Lady has high hopes for you. Let’s see what you’re capable of,” he rasped. Even as his voice lingered, he struck without warning.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage