Someone in the know whispered, "This is the protector accompanying True Master Zhang, and the other person by his side is his disciple."

Only then did the crowd realize that Elder Hu of the Pingdu Sect had died under Zhang Yan’s sword, even leading to strife between the two sects. Elder Hua was Elder Hu’s fellow disciple, likely hearing the news of Zhang Yan’s supposed death, couldn’t wait to cause trouble for his disciples.

Although these Xuanmen Sect Practitioners despised Elder Hua’s actions, none stepped forward to stop him.

To them, if Zhang Yan were still alive, they might persuade him, but now, it’s not worth offending the Pingdu Sect for someone presumed dead.

Elder Hua was slightly surprised when Lu Mei Niang blocked his Dharma Treasure and was contemplating summoning his Dharma Spirit when everything turned blurry, and a piece of clear light fell between the two, vibrating with a hum and even shaking his Golden Ring back, surprising him as he saw a droplet-green bamboo branch.

Luo Qingyu walked out of the main hall, raised his hand to retrieve the bamboo branch without even looking at Elder Hua, and said to Wei Zihong, "Junior Wei, why are you here? Brother Huo is looking for you to talk."

Wei Zihong sighed with relief and stepped forward, cupped his hands to Luo Qingyu, and said, "Thank you, Junior Uncle Luo, for your help."

Luo Qingyu patted his shoulder, sighed, "I remember seeing you once when you returned to the Mountain Gate with Junior Brother Zhang back then," and smiled, "Come with me." Having said that, he turned and walked back into the hall.

Wei Zihong hurriedly followed him into the inner hall, but because Lu Mei Niang was a Demon Cultivator, she had to remain outside.

Elder Hua’s expression turned extremely gloomy. He didn’t expect Luo Qingyu to intervene. However, knowing the Mingcang Sect was powerful, he couldn’t afford to offend them. He snorted, flung his sleeves, and angrily went back to his seat.

Wei Zihong followed Luo Qingyu to Huo Xuan’s table, and with many Nascent Soul cultivators watching, he was undaunted and performed a Daoist bow, loudly saying, "Zihong greets Master Huo."

Huo Xuan kindly looked over, seeing his exceptional talent, and lamented, "You are Junior Brother Zhang’s disciple, right? The tragic death of Junior Brother Zhang is not what we wished for, and after discussions, you should return with us to the Mingcang." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Wei Zihong was taken aback, saying, "My master is still cultivating within the Starstone, how could he be dead?"

His words were so loud that the hall fell into silence, and everyone’s faces showed shock.

Huo Xuan suddenly lifted his head, his eyes shining brightly, "Nephew, are you saying..."

Next to him, Zhong Muqing also reacted, staring intently at Wei Zihong.

Wei Zihong took out a Jade Box from his sleeve and solemnly placed it on the table.

Ying Ya Daoist excitedly stood up, "Could this be...

The crowd immediately realized and all their eyes focused on that Jade Box. Since Zhang Yan wasn’t dead, what fell from the Starstone should have been...

Wei Zihong took a deep breath, flipped open the box’s lid, letting a cloud of smoke rise, hovering in mid-air, pointed with his finger, and proudly stated, "Feng Haiyang has been slain by my master, with this head as proof!"

Ying Ya Daoist suddenly stood up, eyes wide open, staring at the head intently. His beard trembled, and after a while, he burst into laughter, "Indeed it is Feng Haiyang! This swordfight, our Xuanmen has triumphed!"

At this moment, the hearts of the Feathered Warriors of Xuanmen surged with waves. Hearing of Zhang Yan’s lone confrontation with Feng Haiyang earlier, they didn’t think much of it. And when the token talisman fell to Yao Yin Peak later, they hadn’t considered it deeply.

Yet, contrary to expectations, he indeed managed to kill the Nascent Soul Third Realm cultivator Feng Haiyang and even delivered the head.

Elder Hua’s face turned extremely unsightly. He had assumed Zhang Yan was dead, which is why he brazenly bullied Lu Mei Niang and Wei Zihong. Given Zhang Yan’s temperament, this matter could not end peacefully—this enmity was inevitable.

Ying Ya Daoist turned to face the people and proclaimed loudly, "Everyone, with True Master Zhang slaying Feng Haiyang, this should be communicated to all Xuanmen sects to inspire fellow practitioners worldwide."

Huo Xuan nodded and said in a deep voice, "Zhang Yan of the Yao Yin Sect, True Master Zhang, defeated the Devil Feng Haiyang and is the first among our East Splendor sects in this swordfight."

Ying Ya Daoist’s smile froze, and he returned the bow, "This... True Master Zhang is a disciple of the Mingcang Sect, if Yao Yin Sect wins, doesn’t that mean your sect wins..."

"Fellow Daoist Ying Ya!"

Huo Xuan interrupted him suddenly, expressionless, "True Master Zhang is the Supreme Elder of the Yao Yin Sect, don’t mix it up."

Ying Ya Daoist wanted to say something but felt his arm tighten. Turning his gaze, he found Elder Liu grabbing him, who was shaking his head at him. Though reluctant, Ying Ya Daoist had to curb his thoughts and forced a smile, "True Master Huo is correct."

Within the Starstone.

Zhang Yan was maneuvering a tunneling light along the northern path, reaching the edge of a cliff, and he circled around, finding a blue cliff to descend.

He glanced a few times, thinking, "This place isn’t bad!"

Shouting, he casually guided a sword light, cutting a flat area, flicked his sleeve, and sat cross-legged. Then he took an Array Flag set from his Sleeve Bag, recited a mantra, transforming it into a Clear Light flying ten feet away, glowing brilliantly, forming a Forbidden Array.

Despite all his former opponents being eliminated, the Demon Sect’s methods are unpredictably mysterious, possibly leaving behind hidden threats. While cultivating, his defenses would be lax, so he must remain cautious to be prepared for the unexpected.

Once assured of no other issues, he took out a mass of Junyang Essence, slightly activated his spiritual mechanism, letting the qi rise from his palm, travel belly to chest, chest to forehead, and finally to the top, merging into the cloud above. He slightly stabilized his heart and spirit, closed his eyes, entering meditation.

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, please go to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly votes; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)