"Lin..." Changgong Xiaojing's heart pounded in fright. She instinctively wanted to ask Lin Feng what to do, but after uttering just one syllable, she immediately stopped, afraid to say his name aloud. Instead, she silently questioned him with her eyes.
Lin Feng's expression had also darkened. From the conversation of the two cultivators moments ago, he understood that the truth of him killing Long Tian'ao and the others from Juejian Sect had been exposed. Not only exposed, but Juejian Sect had already confronted Lingyue Sect!
After a long moment of silence, Lin Feng gave Xiaojing a reassuring look, signaling her not to panic. Then he stood up and walked over to the table where the two young male cultivators sat. He clasped his fist respectfully. "Greetings, fellow Daoists."
The two men, engrossed in their conversation, looked at Lin Feng in surprise. When they sensed the Golden Core aura Lin Feng deliberately released, their expressions instantly changed. They quickly stood up. The long-haired cultivator spoke respectfully, a hint of nervousness in his tone: "Esteemed Senior... may I ask what instructions you have for us?"
Lin Feng gave them a slight nod. "There's no need for such tension. I merely overheard your discussion concerning Lingyue Sect and Juejian Sect. My curiosity was piqued, so I came to inquire."
Hearing this, the two Foundation Building cultivators visibly relaxed. The long-haired one said cautiously, "Feel free to ask anything, Esteemed Senior! This junior will share all he knows without reservation!"
Lin Feng asked, "You mentioned Juejian Sect has declared its intent to annihilate Lingyue Sect? What are the specifics? Please elaborate."
"Yes..." The long-haired cultivator didn't dare question why Lin Feng was unaware of such widespread news. He answered truthfully, "Rumors say that a Lingyue disciple named Lin Feng killed Long Tian'ao, Zeng Chengwu, and several other Juejian disciples during the recent Black Mist Valley trial. There's even said to be proof captured on a crystal slate. A few days after the trial concluded, Loong Tengyu, the leader of Juejian Sect, confronted Lingyue Sect, demanding they hand over the murderer responsible for his son's death. Lingyue Sect claimed this Lin Feng never returned and must have perished in the Black Mist Valley. Loong Tengyu naturally refused to believe it. After several days of stalemate, Loong Tengyu lost patience. Two days ago, he issued an ultimatum: if Lingyue Sect does not hand over Lin Feng within three days... he vows to make the entire sect pay with their lives!!"
"..." The corner of Lin Feng's eye twitched imperceptibly. His mood grew heavier. A torrent of thoughts flashed through his mind, but his expression remained calm as he continued, "How many Juejian Sect members are currently at Lingyue Sect?"
The long-haired cultivator replied, "I heard only four Golden Core cultivators so far... but it's likely a large contingent of Juejian experts will mobilize soon."
"Four Golden Cores..." Lin Feng's eyes flickered briefly. He clasped his fist towards the two men once more. "My thanks." He then turned and gave Xiaojing a meaningful look. The two of them quickly departed the inn.
Outside, Xiaojing carefully scanned their surroundings before whispering to Lin Feng, "Lin Feng... are you going back?"
Lin Feng's expression was grave. He nodded firmly. "Yes. I must go and see."
A flash of anxiety crossed Xiaojing's eyes. She gently bit her lower lip, unable to hold back her plea. "Lin Feng, please don't go back... It's too dangerous... Just leave directly! Get away!"
Lin Feng looked at Xiaojing, her face etched with worry. He offered her a small, gentle smile. "Xiaojing, I know you're thinking of my safety. But... this trouble stems from my actions. I cannot stand by and watch Lingyue Sect suffer ruin because of me. To flee now, even if I escaped unscathed, would leave me unable to find peace. The guilt would haunt me for life. Worse, it could destabilize my Dao Heart, hindering my cultivation path. Because of this... I must go back."
"But..." Xiaojing persisted, her voice thick with concern, "Juejian has sent so many Golden Core experts! And who knows how Lingyue Sect will receive you? What if they don't stand by you? Then you'd be..."
Lin Feng shook his head decisively. "Don't worry. Even if Lingyue Sect offers no support, I have my own ways. Hah, remember? I possess quite a few... 'hidden aces'. If there truly are only four Golden Core opponents, as that man said, taking my life won't be such a simple task."
Xiaojing opened her mouth to argue further, but meeting Lin Feng's unwavering gaze, she hesitated. Her shoulders slumped slightly. "Then... you absolutely must be careful..."
"I will be careful," Lin Feng promised, his smile returning, reassuring. "Even if I can't win the fight, escaping shouldn't be beyond me. It's just... it may be very difficult for me to visit you, Old Zhang, and the others again after this. Once this situation is resolved, unless unforeseen circumstances arise, I will set out for the Starry Sea. Who knows when I might return... But the path of cultivation is long and vast. I believe we will have the chance to meet again someday."
"What? You're going to the Starry Sea?" Xiaojing's eyes widened slightly in surprise, a wave of inexplicable loss washing over her. However, she quickly realized Lin Feng truly couldn't remain in Xia Kingdom anymore. Her voice softened with renewed concern. "The Starry Sea is so far... You... you must take care on the journey."
Lin Feng nodded. He retrieved a storage ring and handed it to Xiaojing. "Inside are some Spirit Essence Pills and Spirit Spring Water, divided into four portions. Keep one for yourself. Please deliver the others to Zhang Fangzhou and the other two. Tell them to cultivate diligently."
Xiaojing accepted the ring, her gaze fixed on Lin Feng's face. "You're leaving now?"
"Yes. We part ways here, Xiaojing... Take good care of yourself."
This farewell carried the weight of an unknown reunion date. Looking at the young woman before him, Lin Feng felt an unexpected surge of reluctance swell in his chest. The time they had spent together within the Black Mist Valley had fostered a unique bond between them, though neither had yet found the courage to fully acknowledge it.
Suddenly, Xiaojing took a step forward. A faint blush colored her cheeks as she leaned in and rested her head gently against Lin Feng's shoulder, pressing herself into his embrace...
Lin Feng stiffened instantly. His mind briefly went blank. Just as he felt a wave of awkwardness wash over him, Xiaojing's soft voice, barely above a whisper, reached his ear. "Lin Feng, no matter what... promise me you'll protect yourself... When your cultivation reaches great heights someday... you must come back to see me. I... I will wait for you."
Hearing these words, Lin Feng felt another jolt of surprise. His heart began racing uncontrollably. After a long pause, he finally nodded emphatically. "Yes. I promise you. I will come back to see you!"
Xiaojing stepped back from his embrace, looking up at him. A radiant, gentle smile touched her lips. "Good. Then you must keep your word."
"I swear it!"
Before the Gates of Lingyue Mountain.
Four sword glows hovered menacingly in the air. Four figures stood balanced upon their flying swords, facing the grand hall of Lingyue Sect. Leading them was a stern middle-aged man draped in resplendent golden robes. This was Loong Tengyu, the current leader of Juejian Sect.
Loong Tengyu appeared to be in his thirties or forties, but his true age neared a century – a mere blink in the grand scope of cultivation. His cultivation stood at the ninth level of the Golden Core realm, significantly lower than Lu Danxin, Lingyue Sect's current leader. This disparity stemmed from their age difference; Lu Danxin had overseen Lingyue Sect for decades, while Loong Tengyu had only ascended to lead Juejian Sect a little over ten years ago. In fact, Juejian's previous leader belonged to the same generation as Lu Danxin.
Arrayed before the Lingyue Sect grand hall was a group facing Loong Tengyu across the distance. At their head stood Deputy Leader Ye Lingxuan and several elders. Conspicuously missing was Leader Lu Danxin.
Loong Tengyu glared at the Lingyue representatives, a cruel glint flashing in his eyes. His voice cut through the air, cold and sharp. "Ye Lingxuan! This is the final deadline! If you do not hand over the murderer of my son now... do not blame me for showing no mercy!!"
Among the Lingyue group, Elder Zhou Xiantai, Head of the Southern Court, snorted derisively. "Such arrogance!! Do you truly believe Lingyue Sect fears Juejian?!"
Ye Lingxuan's face was dark with suppressed fury. "Sect Leader Loong, out of respect for the long-standing peace between our sects, we have shown immense forbearance. Do not push us too far!! I have stated repeatedly: Lin Feng never emerged from the Black Mist Valley! Moreover, conflict and casualties during trials are commonplace! Sect traditions have always dictated that such matters are not pursued afterward! Do you truly intend to shatter this unspoken accord?!"
"Accord?!" Loong Tengyu spat the word back, his voice dripping with icy contempt. "I recall no such 'accord'! That man killed my son! I demand his life in payment! If you cannot produce the killer... then your entire Lingyue Sect shall bury my son with their blood!"
"You!!!" The sheer, unreasonable tyranny of his opponent ignited a volcanic fury within Ye Lingxuan. Murderous intent flashed in his eyes. He yearned to strike Loong Tengyu down on the spot. But he could not. Though only four Juejian cultivators were present now, Juejian Sect's overall strength vastly outstripped Lingyue's. If this escalated into open war, Lingyue Sect would inevitably suffer, potentially facing complete annihilation if Juejian opted for utter ruthlessness. To make matters worse, Sect Leader Lu Danxin was away on undisclosed business. Ye Lingxuan dared not make a definitive decision without him.
'Should we disturb the Patriarch in secluded cultivation over this?' Ye Lingxuan frowned inwardly, immediately dismissing the thought. Only if full-scale war became inevitable could they risk disturbing the Patriarch's retreat.
Within the ranks of Lingyue disciples gathered further back, Di Xuan kept his head bowed low. His heart was a churning sea of bitter regret. He had never imagined... never imagined... that things would spiral so catastrophically out of control...