Word Count: 3,570 Words
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"Zi Yan, do you want to go down and fight?" Xiao Yan turned his head toward Zi Yan and asked with a smile.
She directly rolled her eyes at him and said, "No way. What's so fun about this kind of children's squabble? It'd be more like it if you asked that Northern Pavilion Master to come."
A trace of malice flashed through Fei Tian's eyes upon hearing Zi Yan call him out. He was the dignified Northern Pavilion Master, yet this little girl dared to look down on him?! He was an 8-star Dou Ancestor, while Zi Yan merely possessed the strength of a 3-star Dou Ancestor, yet she treated him as if he were nothing!
"Hmph." Fei Tian let out a cold snort.
Xiao Yan smiled, looked at Fei Tian, and said, "Northern Pavilion Master, cultivation level doesn't represent everything, you know."
Tang Ying narrowed his eyes. Xiao Yan was using his own words to counter Fei Tian, which also indirectly slapped his face, as if saying: who can't fight above their level?
Venerable Lei slowly stood up and cast a deep look at the youthful-appearing Venerable Tian Huo beside Xiao Yan. For Dou Venerates like them, only fellow Dou Venerates were truly worthy of their attention.
"Now that everyone has gathered, today is an auspicious day for my Wind Lightning Pavilion to host the Four Pavilion Grand Meeting. I thank you all for coming to Lightning Mountain to support my Wind Lightning Pavilion. However, I'm sure everyone knows the rules. I hope that during the Grand Meeting, there will be no incidents that disrupt the proceedings." Venerable Lei's indifferent voice rolled like thunder throughout Lightning Mountain. His words contained traces of lightning's might, causing some weaker individuals to involuntarily tremble slightly.
Venerable Lei's words were filled with a kind of domineering intent, just like lightning itself—unyielding and brooking no opposition. Although such words might not be pleasant to hear, under his terrifying strength, no one in the assembly dared voice any opposition. The frightening deterrent power of a Dou Venerate expert was truly extraordinary.
After casting a deep look at Xiao Yan and seeing that the Yan Alliance members showed no signs of disagreement, Venerable Lei finally nodded slightly. With a wave of his hand, a clear bell chime resounded once again.
"The participants of this session's Four Pavilion Grand Meeting, including the four disciples of the Four Pavilions, total fifty-two… fifty-four people. The rules remain the same as before. It will begin with a free-for-all battle until only eight people remain on the stage. Now, all participants, please enter the arena." As the bell chime sounded, Venerable Lei's voice rang out once more. He even deliberately counted the two members from the Yan Alliance.
Originally, the Four Pavilion Grand Meeting was supposed to have a qualifying round, but since the two from the Yan Alliance had both reached the Dou Ancestor realm, the qualifying round lost its meaning.
The moment Venerable Lei's voice fell, the sound of wind being sliced echoed in the plaza. Immediately, one youthful figure after another flashed onto the stage, eventually dispersing throughout the four corners of the plaza, all warily watching each other.
The appearance of these individuals instantly brought the atmosphere of the Grand Meeting to a fever pitch. They were all young talents from various clans and sects across the Central Plains.
However, the strongest among them was merely at the 8-star Dou Emperor stage. Not a single one had reached the Dou Ancestor realm.
This was indeed the case. Twenty-year-old Dou Emperors were easy to find, but thirty-year-old Dou Ancestors were rare. Geniuses varied in strength, but once they reached the Dou Emperor realm, the gap in talent began to widen, let alone breaking through to the Dou Ancestor realm.
Deafening cheers, like an avalanche or tidal wave, surged across the mountaintop, then shot straight toward the sky. Even the distant dark clouds rippled from the commotion.
What surprised Xiao Yan somewhat was that Lin Yan, whom he had met in the Inner Academy of Jia Nan Academy, was among these fifty participants and was now waving at him.
Xiao Yan estimated that Lin Yan must have had some fortuitous encounters over the years, as he had now actually stepped into the Dou Emperor realm. Although he was only at the low-star Dou Emperor stage, this rate of improvement was already quite impressive.
"Go on, don't disgrace the sword path of the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion," Venerable Jian said softly.
Tang Ying nodded and entered the arena gracefully.
"I heard you once fought against that Nalan Yanran?" Venerable Huang Quan asked.
Wang Chen laughed coldly and said, "If it weren't for Xiao Yan's appearance, Nalan Yanran wouldn't have lasted three moves against me. Even if she has reached the Dou Ancestor realm now, she will still be defeated at my hands."
Wang Chen sneered again. He was very dissatisfied with Xiao Yan's arrogant attitude. After receiving a nod from his Master, he also flew into the arena.
Venerable Feng, on the other hand, glanced at Xiao Yan. He didn't know why, but he always felt a sense of familiarity from Xiao Yan.
"Master, I'll go and be right back," Mu Qing Luan said softly, having learned Venerable Feng's calm demeanor.
"Mm, go and give it a try. Don't be too concerned about winning or losing," Venerable Feng said with a slight wave of his hand.
The moment Mu Qing Luan, Tang Ying, and Wang Chen entered the arena, the area around them immediately cleared out. Everyone present knew their strength, so naturally, no one would willingly deliver themselves to their doorstep.
Xiao Yan sat cross-legged on the forehead of the Serene Sea Scaly Beast, looked at Nalan Yanran, and said faintly, "You better not get knocked off the stage in the first round."
Nalan Yanran ignored this fellow Xiao Yan, turned her head away, and, hugging her Cloud Slaying Black Sword, entered the arena. She was curious to know how she compared to these Central Plains geniuses when their cultivation levels were equal.
"Young Master Xiao Yan, please wait a moment for Qing Lin," Qing Lin said with a slight bow and a smile.
Given her temperament, she didn't like to do such high-profile things. However, since Xiao Yan had spoken, she would naturally seize the victory of this grand meeting.
"Mm, remember to show mercy. Don't kill anyone," Xiao Yan said without the slightest doubt in her strength.
In terms of combat power and potential alone, even Zi Yan with the power of the Ancient Void Dragon would struggle against the bizarre Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils and the countless snake servants at her command.
It was simply that Qing Lin's temperament had always been relatively indifferent. She simply disliked taking action. Otherwise, the fame of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils would have likely resounded throughout the entire periphery of the Central Plains by now.
Even Venerable Lei's eyes grew solemn upon seeing Qing Lin enter the arena. The former Jade-Eyed Snake Saint had also possessed the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils!
At this moment, the Southern Pavilion Master Lei Po quietly said to the side, "Venerable, I think we can inform the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe in the Beast Realm about the appearance of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils. I believe they wouldn't want the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils to grow powerful."
Upon hearing this, a peculiar glint flashed in Venerable Lei's eyes, and he nodded with a smile.
The Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils could control the snake race. How could such a powerful ability not alarm the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe, the overlords of the snake race?
Chirp!
A clear crane's cry suddenly rang out in the sky just as Qing Lin entered the arena. Then, a seven-colored giant crane flapped its wings and arrived from a peak of the mountain. A graceful figure on its back tapped her toes lightly, and a captivating silhouette swept down, landing in the plaza without making a sound.
Looking over, it was naturally Feng Qing Er. Her noble temperament was truly unmatched.
The atmosphere outside the arena immediately surged with Feng Qing Er's appearance. Everyone knew that if the Yan Alliance weren't counted, this woman would have the highest chance of victory in this session of the Four Pavilion Grand Meeting.
Even now, although Tang Ying and the others had just entered the Dou Ancestor realm, the aura erupting from Feng Qing Er was actually that of a peak 1-star Dou Ancestor!
"This girl indeed has the capital to be arrogant. Her cultivation speed is not slow," Xiao Yan said as he looked at Feng Qing Er. He had briefly exchanged blows with her a few months ago. In such a short time, she had already reached peak 1-star Dou Ancestor, not far from the 2-star stage.
"This person..." Zi Yan frowned as she looked at Feng Qing Er.
"What's wrong?" Xiao Yan asked.
"I don't know. I just have a strange feeling about her. There's a treasure on her body that's concealing her true form. I can't see through what her original body is. It just feels odd, but I can't put it into words." Zi Yan shook her head.
Xiao Yan could also tell that Feng Qing Er was a magical beast, but the specific kind of magical beast was being concealed and couldn't be discerned.
Sensing Xiao Yan's scrutiny, Feng Qing Er also looked toward him on the Serene Sea Scaly Beast. Their gazes met instantly, and the air between them became thick with tension.
It was widely known that Xiao Yan had secretly learned the Three Thousand Lightning Movement.
This free-for-all battle was technically meant to select eight people, but in reality, it was only selecting two. The four disciples of the Four Pavilions, along with Nalan Yanran and Qing Lin, had all reached the Dou Ancestor realm. How could anyone dare to challenge them?
Therefore, six of the top eight spots had long been locked.
The audience found the free-for-all battle exciting, with everyone displaying their unique skills, and various Dou Techniques and agility methods dazzling their eyes. But for someone of Xiao Yan's strength, it was somewhat boring.
He simply took out some ancient books on medicinal ingredients and began to read, expanding his knowledge in that area.
Very soon, this so-called free-for-all battle selected the top eight. Apart from the Four Pavilions and the Yan Alliance, there were two talented individuals from clan forces, both at the 8-star Dou Emperor stage. Lin Yan, who had come to participate in the Grand Meeting like a reckless youth, was naturally defeated and eliminated.
No one found this result surprising. Everyone understood that even the two selected individuals were just cannon fodder. The real highlight was the Four Pavilions and the Yan Alliance—or more precisely, the Yan Alliance versus the Wind Lightning Pavilion!
"The remaining eight participants don't need to draw lots. You can choose your opponents yourselves. If multiple people choose the same person, the challenged party can select their opponent," Venerable Lei said with a wave of his hand. After all, this Grand Meeting didn't need a runner-up or third place; it only needed to determine the strongest.
Originally, the Four Pavilion Grand Meeting was held by the Four Pavilions to gauge the difference in strength among their own genius disciples.
"This is going to be exciting. Who do you think those two from the Yan Alliance will choose?"
"Hard to say. Nalan Yanran is very strong, but her opponents are those four powerhouses. As for that green-haired woman... I haven't heard much about her."
"I know about her! I heard that green-haired woman was once the Saintess of the Sky Serpent Mansion, and it's said she possesses the legendary Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils!"
"Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils!!"
The news that Qing Lin possessed the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils spread like wildfire, causing heated discussions.
However, a scene that no one expected suddenly shocked the entire audience.
Clang!
A sword hum rang out. The few people in the arena, including Tang Ying and Wang Chen, all revealed a hint of surprise, because they had originally thought one of them would be chosen by that person.
Feng Qing Er stared fixedly ahead with her beautiful eyes, the corners of her lips slowly curling into a faint arc that held a trace of coldness and arrogance. Not many people in this world dared to point a sword at her.
Even Qing Lin was somewhat surprised. Nalan Yanran was actually challenging Feng Qing Er??
"Interesting. I originally thought that woman would challenge Tang Ying or Wang Chen," Venerable Jian said with a slight smile. It would have been natural for Nalan Yanran to challenge Tang Ying, who also used a sword, or understandable if she had challenged Wang Chen, whom she had fought before. But challenging Feng Qing Er seemed strange.
Everyone had expected Qing Lin would be the one to challenge Feng Qing Er!
Even Nalan Yanran herself didn't know why, but she felt she had to challenge her!
But!! Something unexpected happened again!
"Xiao Yan, do you dare come down and fight!" Feng Qing Er looked up at Xiao Yan, her voice carrying Dou Qi as it spread throughout the entire Eastern Pavilion!
!!!!!!
For a moment, the entire audience was stunned. Even Mu Qing Luan and the others had shocked expressions. Xiao Yan hadn't even entered the arena! Moreover, he was a 3-star Dou Ancestor, yet she actually wanted to challenge him!
Subsequently, all three Venerables revealed expressions of watching a good show. They hadn't expected the conflict between the Yan Alliance and Wind Lightning Pavilion to escalate so quickly!
Nalan Yanran from the Yan Alliance had first challenged Feng Qing Er, but not only did the other party ignore the challenge, she even took the initiative to challenge Xiao Yan, who wasn't even participating!
Feng Qing Er's mouth curled into a cold smile. She completely dismissed Nalan Yanran, her eyes fixed on Xiao Yan as she said, "You secretly learned my Wind Lightning Pavilion's Three Thousand Lightning Movement. Today, I will take back the Wind Lightning Pavilion's agility-type technique!"
Everyone's gaze turned toward Xiao Yan, who was sitting cross-legged on the Serene Sea Scaly Beast. The crowd fell silent, waiting to see how he would respond!
After all, he had indeed secretly learned the Wind Lightning Pavilion's Three Thousand Lightning Movement. Moreover, the Yan Alliance had brazenly entered Lightning Mountain. Originally, everyone thought the conflict between the Yan Alliance and Wind Lightning Pavilion would erupt after the Grand Meeting, possibly escalating into a battle between Dou Venerates.
What they didn't expect was that before the Grand Meeting had even concluded, tensions would rise so dramatically!
"Heh, this little minx actually wants to challenge you. I feel there's more to this than meets the eye," Hai Bodong commented with interest as he looked at Xiao Yan. He sensed that Feng Qing Er wasn't just doing this for the Three Thousand Lightning Movement!
Xiao Yan closed the ancient book with a snap. His jet-black eyes slowly looked at Feng Qing Er, carefully sizing her up.
Feng Qing Er indeed possessed an innate noble temperament. She had a curvaceous and full figure, a pair of purple pupils exuding nobility, and hair tied up like the wings of a phoenix.
Of course, compared to Xun Er, this Feng Qing Er was like the difference between a wild chicken and a phoenix. There was simply no comparison.
"How interesting. She really has the ability to choose her opponents." Venerable Tian Huo couldn't help but laugh.
He knew Xiao Yan's strength. If Xiao Yan truly unleashed his full power and went all out, even ordinary Dou Venerates might suffer heavy losses at his hands. If they weren't careful, they might even perish.
Xiao Yan hadn't entered the arena simply because he felt it unnecessary. He had also guessed that when the Grand Meeting ended, the Wind Lightning Pavilion would definitely raise the issue of the Three Thousand Lightning Movement. At that point, he would demand 'compensation' from Venerable Lei.
Xiao Yan slowly stood up, looking down at Feng Qing Er from his elevated position. He then looked at Nalan Yanran with a strange expression. How many years had it been since peers had dared to actively challenge him? It seemed there were only these two.
Back then, this girl had said something similar.
Of course, calculating the age of magical beasts followed a different system.
"I have no problem accepting the challenge, but I bought this Three Thousand Lightning Movement with real gold and silver and painstakingly cultivated it. If I lose, I'll have my meridians crippled and won't be able to use the Three Thousand Lightning Movement. But if you lose, what do I get?" Xiao Yan looked at Feng Qing Er. If he won, he should get something in return, right?
"Hmph, this Three Thousand Lightning Movement originally belongs to my Wind Lightning Pavilion," Fei Tian snorted coldly upon hearing his words.
Xiao Yan spread his hands and said, "I couldn't care less about your Wind Lightning Pavilion. I didn't steal it. If you couldn't safeguard it properly and someone else stole it, who's to blame?"
Xiao Yan waved his hand dismissively, too lazy to engage in verbal sparring with the Wind Lightning Pavilion. He looked at Feng Qing Er and said, "How about this? I heard that the Three Thousand Lightning Movement is the prerequisite agility-type technique for the Wind Lightning Pavilion's treasured Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body. If I lose, I'll do whatever you say. If I win, I want the Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body."
As soon as these words left Xiao Yan's mouth, even Venerable Lei's expression darkened. The Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body was an absolute secret. The reason the Wind Lightning Pavilion was so obsessed with the Three Thousand Lightning Movement and preventing it from being secretly learned was because of the Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body.
Xiao Yan spread his hands with a helpless expression upon seeing Venerable Lei's gloomy gaze and said, "Not possible? Then there's nothing to be done. I'm standing right here. If your Wind Lightning Pavilion wants an all-out war, my Yan Alliance... accepts!"
At that moment, on a small hill in the Wind Lightning Mountain Range, Little Fairy Doctor was calmly reading some low-level alchemy technique books. As soon as Xiao Yan's words fell, she slowly closed her book, her beautiful eyes calmly looking toward the distant Lightning Mountain.
If the Wind Lightning Pavilion didn't have any decency, she would help Venerable Lei become a decent person.
In an instant, the entire Lightning Mountain fell into a deadly silence. Even the other three Venerables exchanged glances. Given the Yan Alliance's scale, if they were to truly engage in an all-out war with the Wind Lightning Pavilion, the impact would be enormous. The entire Northern Region would be thrown into chaos, like a world war! A battle between Dou Venerates would inevitably erupt!
"Fine!" Feng Qing Er agreed without even blinking.
This 'Fine' left even Xiao Yan momentarily dumbfounded. Was he being looked down upon again?! She couldn't truly think he had risen through the ranks solely by relying on medicinal pills, could she?
Although he had undeniably used medicinal pills to improve his cultivation, he had always been extremely careful when doing so. Combined with his Flame Mantra, his Dou Qi was unbelievably pure and potent.
What's more, his cultivation was even higher than hers!
Xiao Yan shrugged. Since the other party wanted to gift him the Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body, what could he do but accept it?
He stepped on the empty air and instantly appeared in the arena.
Upon seeing his arrival, Feng Qing Er used spiritual transmission to say, "Xiao Yan, if you lose, you don't have to cripple your meridians. As long as you're willing to swear allegiance to my tribe and become my tribe's alchemist, I can even give you the Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body."
Xiao Yan was stunned for a moment and looked at her in surprise. So that was it; this girl had her eyes on his alchemy skills!
Her scheme was so transparent that even Xun Er in the distant Gu Clan could see it!
"Sigh, it's been about a decade since I last experienced the feeling of being underestimated." Xiao Yan glanced at Nalan Yanran beside him. A mischievous thought suddenly came to him, and he slowly extended one finger, saying, "One move. If you can withstand one move from me, you win."
As soon as these words left his mouth, the entire audience was shocked. Even the four Venerables were left dumbstruck.
Have you lost your mind?!
One move!
Nalan Yanran, who was nearby, was initially stunned. Then her face flushed red as she gritted her teeth, looking somewhat adorable in her anger. She now wanted nothing more than to rush forward and hack Xiao Yan to pieces.
This joke would never die, would it?!
You'd better truly believe you can defeat the other party in one move, rather than just mocking me!
Just then, five different Heavenly Flames emerged from within Xiao Yan's Acceptance Soul. The five Heavenly Flames slowly transformed, taking on the appearances of five beast spirits!!