The cold shout not only made Lin Feng pause but also startled everyone else in the hall. Heads turned towards the source.
Lin Feng hesitated only for an instant before firmly grasping the room token. Then, he turned around.
Standing a few meters behind him were two men, seemingly just arrived.
The one in front wore luxurious golden robes. His face was pristine, appearing around twenty-four or twenty-five, his chin slightly raised with an air of arrogance that screamed superiority. Most notably, strapped to his back was a long sword wrapped in white cloth, its gleaming golden hilt exposed. Radiant light shimmered from it, hinting at its extraordinary nature. Prominently carved into the pommel was the character: '绝' (Absolute).
Clearly, this youth possessed a spatial ring but deliberately wore the sword on his back—a blatant display of identity, or simply put, flamboyant hubris.
Behind him stood a middle-aged man with a square jaw, clad in a deep blue robe. His features were ordinary, his aura restrained, giving him the appearance of a loyal steward behind the young master. However, Lin Feng could tell this man was far more formidable than the youth and definitely not some mere servant.
"Foundation Establishment Stage 9, Golden Core Stage 3!!"
Lin Feng activated his Observing Yuan Technique as soon as he saw them. He immediately discerned the youth's cultivation level – Foundation Establishment Stage 9. The middle-aged man's power was almost indistinct, slightly stronger than Liang Han whom Lin Feng had encountered before, but not by much. Lin Feng deduced he was likely at Golden Core Stage 3.
As Lin Feng scrutinized them, they returned the scrutiny. When Lin Feng probed their cultivation with the Observing Yuan Technique, the middle-aged cultivator noticeably raised an eyebrow – he'd likely sensed it.
The arrogant youth, however, seemed oblivious to this subtlety. Seeing Lin Feng disregard his 'command' and take the token anyway, a flash of malice crossed his eyes. He snorted coldly, "Didn't you hear me?! This superior room – I want it!"
This demeanor left little doubt about the youth being some spoiled young master from a powerful background, accustomed to bullying his way through life. Lin Feng frowned slightly, anger simmering within. Yet, the presence of the Golden Core cultivator behind the youth instilled caution, preventing him from reacting immediately.
"The Absolute Sword Sect! It's people from the Absolute Sword Sect!"
"I recognize them! That's Loong Tian'ao, the Young Master of the Absolute Sword Sect! And the other is Senior Wei Wuyi, one of their Elders, a Golden Core Stage Three Grand Cultivator!"
"So the Absolute Sword Sect is also interested in 'that thing'... Competition is going to be fiercer than expected..."
While Lin Feng pondered their identities, the hushed whispers of the nearby cultivators provided the answer, sending a ripple of apprehension through him. So they were the Young Master and an Elder of some 'Absolute Sword Sect'? Unfortunately, he was unfamiliar with the local cultivation world and had no clue about this sect.
Loong Tian'ao clearly heard the murmurs. A smug expression spread across his face as he looked down contemptuously at Lin Feng, issuing his third 'command': "Know who I am now? Hand that token over to this Young Master immediately!"
"Idiot…"
The sheer insolence grated on Lin Feng. The slight improvement in his mood vanished instantly. He muttered the word under his breath, then turned away, token in hand, heading straight for the stairs.
Utter disregard. Bold-faced disregard. Lin Feng's reaction not only stunned Loong Tian'ao but also drew surprised stares from the surrounding cultivators.
Surprisingly, Loong Tian'ao's ears were sharp. He caught Lin Feng's mutter. His face instantly darkened with rage. "Brat! What did you just say?! Seeking death?!!"
"Hmmmm….."
As he roared, the sword strapped to his back suddenly hummed with vibration. Blinding golden light erupted from the hilt, as if the entire weapon had abruptly come alive!
"A flying sword?!" Lin Feng's pupils contracted sharply in silent shock. Foundation Establishment Stage Nine, and he already possesses a flying sword?!
"Hmph!!" Though startled, fear didn't grip him. A flicker of irritation sparked in Lin Feng's eyes – the pent-up frustrations of recent days threatened to surge. He stared expressionlessly at Loong Tian'ao, his own true essence instinctively cycling faster within him.
The atmosphere crackled with tension. Everyone else looked dumbfounded, their expressions a mixture of surprise and confusion as they stared at Lin Feng. How could a mere Foundation Establishment Stage beginner dare to oppose the Young Master of the Absolute Sword Sect and his Elder?
A trace of astonishment also flashed in Wei Wuyi's eyes. He gave Lin Feng another profound look before calmly raising his right hand and placing it on Loong Tian'ao's shoulder. "Tian'ao, calm yourself. Do not act rashly here."
At his touch, Loong Tian'ao's imposing aura instantly diminished. The flying sword ceased its humming. He glared venomously at Lin Feng. "Elder Wei, this wretch lacks any respect! Let me teach him a lesson!"
Wei Wuyi frowned slightly. "This is not Blade Radiance City. Exercise restraint. Have you forgotten our purpose for coming here?"
This was Star City. Private duels were strictly forbidden. Even Golden Core cultivators couldn't act recklessly on someone else's turf. Loong Tian'ao, spoiled and impulsive, might not grasp the severity, but Wei Wuyi, prudent and experienced, wouldn't indulge his recklessness.
"...."
Seeing that at least one of them was reasonable, Lin Feng let his gathered true essence settle. He was well aware fighting was forbidden within Star City – that was partly why he hadn't been overly concerned by Loong Tian'ao's bluster. Of course, if conflict had erupted, he wasn't sure he'd lose. Not wanting further entanglement, Lin Feng silently turned and ascended the stairs without a backward glance at the fuming Loong Tian'ao.
"Fine... Very well!!" Witnessing Lin Feng's sheer 'audacity', Loong Tian'ao trembled with fury. It was the first time he'd encountered someone so 'disrespectful'. If this were Blade Radiance City, he would have already broken the man's legs, crippled his cultivation, and tossed him into the gutter. But this was Star City. He knew he couldn't touch him here—at least not within the city walls.
No doubt this wretch is also here for the treasure rumored in the Giant Python Mountains? Fine... It would be best if I didn't run into you outside the city... Otherwise...
Loong Tian'ao thought bitterly, murderous intent gleaming in his eyes...
"Innkeeper! That remaining room – I'll take it! Hand over the token now!!"
"..."
The sound of Loong Tian'ao's furious demands drifted up from below. Lin Feng shook his head slightly and continued upwards towards his room on the third floor.
"Tsk tsk... Daring to offend the Young Master of the Absolute Sword Sect like that? Young Brother, I must say, you possess impressive guts!"
Just as Lin Feng reached the third-floor landing, a clear, pleasantly surprised voice sounded from ahead. He looked up to see a young man in white robes casually leaning against the railing by the corridor entrance, a smile playing on his lips as he observed Lin Feng.
The man appeared only slightly older than Lin Feng, perhaps twenty-five or twenty-six. He was quite handsome, with a high nose bridge and eyes as sharp as cold stars. His long hair flowed freely, lending him an air of carefree ease. He leaned against the railing, arms crossed. Nestled in his arms was a sword with a silver-white sheath and a dark purple hilt. At first glance, he resembled a gallant swordsman from ancient tales.
However, this 'gallant swordsman' image shattered completely with his next words...
"I've heard this Young Master Loong is arrogant, vicious, and holds grudges over the slightest offense. Yet you dared to snatch a room right from under his nose? Admirable, truly admirable... Heh heh, I like it!!"
As he uttered the last sentence, the young man grinned widely, his eyes crinkling shut as he regarded Lin Feng with intense interest.
"..."
Lin Feng nearly missed a step on the stairs. The abrupt shift in the man's demeanor was jarring. That squinting, wide grin could only be described perfectly with one word: 'sword'... provoking a strong urge to punch him.
"Uh... Fellow Daoist, you flatter me..." Lin Feng forced a smile and tried to step past him.
"Why the rush, Fellow Daoist? Since fate has brought us together, shouldn't we at least get acquainted?" Just as Lin Feng moved to pass, the young man extended the arm holding his sword, blocking his path. He flashed an incredibly familiar grin. "My name is Sword Guest. What might Fellow Daoist be called?"
Sword Guest? (Jian Ke)
Lin Feng's cheek twitched. That name... it's... unique. He gave a slight cupped-fist salute. "So Sword Guest Fellow Daoist. An honor. I am Lin Feng."
"Likewise, likewise... Huh? Why do I feel like you're saying my name a bit... oddly?"
"Is your name not 'Sword Guest'?" Lin Feng asked innocently.
"Yes! Sword Guest! 'Sword' as in Flying Sword, 'Guest' as in Traveler! Sword Guest! Isn't this name exceptionally cool?"
"...Indeed. Very... cool."
Lin Feng thought privately that perhaps 'Sword Guest' (implying 'annoying guest') actually suited him far better...