The few Purple Flame Sect cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage were utterly unable to withstand Lin Feng's Nascent Soul pressure. Each paled, involuntarily retreating a step or two. Even the leading middle-aged cultivator's face flickered with hesitation, unsure if he should continue to block Lin Feng's path.
"Hmph!! Who dares oppose my Purple Flame Sect?!"
Just as the group was wavering, a cold shout suddenly rang out from the distance to their right. Simultaneously, a streak of golden escape light shot towards them. Seeing the newcomer, the Purple Flame Sect disciples' expressions brightened with relief.
Almost before the shout faded, the newcomer landed before the Purple Flame Sect group. It was a middle-aged male cultivator clad in a yellow robe, sporting a goatee, his face grim as he coldly assessed Lin Feng.
"Master!!" The Purple Flame Sect disciples bowed respectfully, stepping forward to stand obediently behind him.
The yellow-robed cultivator ignored his disciples, his tone hostile as he addressed Lin Feng: "Whoever you are, whatever your purpose here, I advise you to leave now. Do not interfere with Purple Flame Sect affairs! Otherwise, you court disaster and bring trouble upon yourself!"
This person was at Nascent Soul level three, the same as Lin Feng. Yet, Lin Feng's expression remained utterly unmoved by the other's arrival. He quickly assessed the situation: clearly, to reach the Profound Ice Palace, he would have to get past the Purple Flame Sect blockade. Hoping they would listen to reason and let him pass seemed impossible...
Since reasoning was futile, there was no need for further talk. Lin Feng swept an impassive glance over the yellow-robed cultivator and, as if completely ignoring the other's warning, stepped forward.
With each deliberate step, Lin Feng stated coolly, "Who I am and why I am here is none of your concern. I am passing through. If you block my way… bear the consequences yourself!!"
Seeing Lin Feng's attitude of utter disregard, the yellow-robed cultivator was momentarily stunned. Hearing Lin Feng's words, rage surged within him, a flash of killing intent in his eyes. "Such insolent arrogance!! You refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit! Don't blame me for being impolite!!"
As he spoke, his aura surged violently. With a flick of his right sleeve, a spell coalesced instantly. Several sharp golden sword energies shot forth—two aimed directly at Lin Feng's center, while three others formed a triangular formation, sealing off escape routes to the left, right, and above.
Confident his opening strike had succeeded, a glint of triumph flashed in the yellow-robed cultivator's eyes. He withdrew his right hand only to immediately form another hand seal, ready to follow up as Lin Feng dodged or blocked.
However, to his utter shock, Lin Feng did neither. He simply stood there, letting the two golden sword energies strike him... and they passed cleanly through!
"What?!" The yellow-robed cultivator froze momentarily, then his eyes widened in alarm. As he realized he had struck nothing but an afterimage, an aura of extreme danger exploded from his right side—impossibly close!
He hadn't even sensed how Lin Feng had moved beside him. Panic seized him as he tried to retreat, but it was far too late. Lin Feng's right palm, seemingly effortless and light, pressed against his chest.
Thud! Pfft!!
A muffled impact sounded. The yellow-robed cultivator was sent flying backwards like a ragdoll. A spray of blood arced from his mouth, staining the pristine white snow a vivid, shocking crimson. He flew over ten meters, smashing through two trees as thick as a man's thigh, before finally crashing to the ground and skidding to a halt in a long furrow.
"..." The Purple Flame Sect disciples stood petrified, minds utterly blank, mouths agape. They could only stare dumbly as Lin Feng walked calmly past them, frozen in place, not daring to move a muscle.
With the path now clear, Lin Feng had no intention of slaughtering them all. He walked past the motionless yellow-robed cultivator and quickly disappeared into the forest ahead.
"Master!!" Only after Lin Feng vanished did the Golden Core cultivators snap out of their stupor. They cried out in terror and rushed towards their fallen master.
The leading middle-aged disciple, the most composed of the group, helped prop up the yellow-robed cultivator while urgently stammering to another beside him, "Quick! Send the emergency signal!!"
Whoosh!!
A streak of purple light shot into the sky, exploding high above into a lingering, fiery emblem that hung in the air for a long time...
......
...
Profound Ice Palace, Council Hall.
The sect elders were once again gathered, their expressions grave as they murmured in low, urgent tones. The murmuring ceased abruptly when a dignified middle-aged man emerged from a side passage.
Bai Honglin walked to the head seat and sat down. His gaze swept over the assembled elders. "What has happened?" he asked calmly.
An elder below answered, "Sect Leader, a disciple reported seeing the Purple Flame Sect launch an assembly signal. We fear they may be preparing for a major offensive. We request your guidance, Sect Leader."
"Oh?" Bai Honglin's brow furrowed slightly. "Where was the signal launched?"
Another elder answered promptly, "Due south."
A more hot-tempered elder interjected, "I say they've finally lost patience and plan a frontal assault! Sect Leader, we cannot endure this any longer! I propose we activate the Sect Protection Grand Formation immediately and fight them!"
"Impulsive!" countered another. "The Sect Protection Grand Formation is not to be activated lightly! We should ascertain the exact situation first!"
"Silence." Bai Honglin raised a hand, instantly quieting the hall. "Only the signal was seen? Has anyone been sent to investigate?"
The white-bearded elder at the front left replied, "Disciples were dispatched. They should return shortly..."
As if summoned by his words, a young disciple hurried into the hall. Before anyone could assume it was the scouts returning, the disciple reported, "Sect Leader, there is someone requesting an audience outside."
"What?!" Shock rippled through the assembled elders. This was entirely unexpected. They knew all approaches were effectively blocked by the Purple Flame Sect. Who could possibly have gotten through? Did they sneak past, or... fight their way in? The sharper minds immediately connected this to the Purple Flame Sect's signal—was this newcomer the cause?
Bai Honglin himself was startled. "How many? What is their identity?" he asked the reporting disciple.
The disciple answered, "Only one person, Sect Leader. Unfamiliar. He said his name is... Lin Feng. He claims he is here under his father's orders to retrieve an entrusted item."
"What?!"
The calm vanished from Bai Honglin's face, replaced by profound shock. He even stood up unconsciously, a flicker of excitement in his eyes. "A descendant of Brother Lin?!" he exclaimed.
As if struck by a sudden realization, a spark of hope ignited in his eyes. He commanded swiftly, "Escort him to the side hall immediately! I will be there shortly!"
"Yes, Sect Leader!" The disciple bowed respectfully and retreated from the hall.
...
Meanwhile, Lin Feng was guided to a smaller, adjacent hall. Spirit tea was promptly served. The Profound Ice Palace disciple who had led him there informed him that the Sect Leader would arrive shortly.
Lin Feng was slightly surprised; he hadn't expected the Sect Leader himself to receive him personally. He didn't have to wait long. A middle-aged man in white robes, his expression kindly, entered. Hearing the respectful greetings from the disciple outside, Lin Feng knew this was Sect Leader Bai.
Lin Feng hurriedly rose and bowed respectfully. "Junior Lin Feng pays his respects to Sect Leader Bai."
Bai Honglin's demeanor now was a world apart from his commanding presence in the council hall. His imposing aura had softened considerably, replaced by a gentle smile. The moment he saw Lin Feng, a distinct flash of recognition and surprise crossed his eyes, followed by what seemed like a subtle sigh of relief.
"Nephew Lin, please, no need for such formality. Sit, sit." Bai Honglin nodded warmly to Lin Feng and sat down beside him without any pretense of superiority. He looked Lin Feng up and down, a soft sigh escaping him. "Truly worthy of being Brother Lin's son. The resemblance is uncanny—like he was carved from the same mold! To have reached Nascent Soul level three at such a young age... indeed, a tiger father begets no dog son! Your future is boundless!"
Before Lin Feng could pose a question, Bai Honglin continued, his tone earnest yet tinged with concern, "Nephew Lin, where is your father now? Why has he not come with you?"