The atmosphere suddenly thickened, as if all the air in the square had been drawn to a single point. Every eye fixed on the figures who emerged seemingly from nothingness. They wore deep black robes, their aura oppressive. Even the weakest among them was at the Heavenly King stage. Their appearance was reminiscent of death deities descending into the mortal realm.
Their leader was a young man draped in a black robe of soft wool. Every inch of him was black, from the crown of his head to the tips of his shoes. His face was handsome yet cold, his gaze piercing with indifferent sharpness, radiating dread to anyone who met it. Some shivered, not merely from his appearance or power, but from the terrifying reputation that preceded him.
"Oh my God, why has Hei Zuzhi appeared here?"
Whispers spread across the square, trembling with fear and shock.
"With them here… isn't this far too dangerous?"
"Indeed, and that youth…"
"The Fifth Young Master of Hei Zuzhi! Hei Ming!" someone said in a low, weighted voice, almost a whisper, yet carrying the weight of his reputation.
"What?!" another voice cracked, nearly shattering the tense air.
In an instant, the square fell silent. Every gaze turned to Hei Ming with caution, the black-robed figures seeming to cast shadows that could swallow all in sight.
Hei Zuzhi was no friendly force. Their reputation was infamous, feared for a trail of killings. Even high-tier masters avoided challenging them. Few had survived encounters with their targets. Fortunately, Hei Zuzhi's base was located in the Central Region, while these figures had arrived from the north.
Some elders emerged from their respective ships. They had been dispatched to lead the journey to the Tianjue Sect. Hands clasped behind their backs, they watched as one might a captivating performance. Alone, they might not have dared such calm, but in numbers, courage seemed to bloom.
"When Hei Zuzhi shows up, trouble usually follows. Could they be after Mount Tianling?" Jian Yunhe pondered, brow furrowed in worry.
He glanced at his side, adding, "Junior sister, what do you think?"
The girl beside him studied him for a moment before her gaze shifted to Hei Ming. Her glossy red lips moved gracefully.
"Senior, with Hei Ming's appearance, it is indeed likely he targets Mount Tianling… yet I sense something amiss," she said softly, yet with authority, her voice like a flute's melody that drew all attention.
"You are correct, Yuhan. This old man also feels the situation is far from simple," a senior man spoke from behind. Jian Yunhe and Jian Yuhan bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Third Elder."
The elderly man stepped forward until he stood between the two. His long white hair flowed, yet his face bore little trace of age. He cast a brief glance toward the Yusheng Dynasty ship, remaining silent as he observed the unfolding events.
Yu Hanxi clenched her fists, her dislike for Hei Zuzhi apparent. Though her brother had hired them, she recognized the potential threat. The elder beside her merely watched cautiously.
Suddenly, a cold voice cut through the air like bone-chilling steel.
"Hei Zuzhi, what brings you to my Tianjue Sect?"
Several figures materialized in the air, forming a barrier between Hei Zuzhi and their next step. They were the high-ranking elders of the Tianjue Sect. Their leader, a middle-aged man with black hair, wore a robe of black and white, intricately embroidered. This was Zhao Qi, current Sect Leader of Tianjue.
"Leader Zhao Qi, Mount Tianling is open to the public. Why question my arrival?" Hei Ming replied with casual indifference.
"But you do not have our invitation," Zhao Qi countered firmly.
Hei Ming smiled, letting out a light chuckle. Someone behind him stepped forward.
"Invitation? Whether it exists or not is not for your Tianjue Sect to decide."
"Hmph! Is it Hei Zuzhi's turn to decide?" an elder of the Tianjue Sect snapped angrily.
"In this world, power rules. Does your Tianjue Sect hold that right?"
Silence followed.
Zhao Qi's fists clenched tightly, veins standing out on his face. Other elders also clenched their hands, restraining their burning anger. Tension thickened across the square; even the previously noisy crowd held their breath, afraid to swallow. Wu Chen tensed, suddenly hearing a female voice in his ring echoing in his mind.
"Wu Chen, you must be cautious of them, and also…"
"And also what, master?"
"Nothing… just… be wary of Hei Zuzhi."
"Understood, master," Wu Chen replied, unaware.
The woman in the ring blinked slowly, her gaze unfocused. She felt watched ever since arriving at the Tianjue Sect. By whom, she could not tell. Her anxiety deepened; should any master discover her, the consequences could be grave. She bit her red lips, conflicted yet restraining herself.
The tension escalated. Aura from both sides leaked outward, wind whistling in all directions. Soon, an aged voice echoed.
"Hei Zuzhi, this old man will allow you if you merely seek entrance to Mount Tianling, but should you harm Tianjue Sect members or guests, I will not look away."
The voice carried no emotion, calm and ancient, as if from another era. All who heard it were on edge. Some whispered.
"Is that an ancestor of the Tianjue Sect?"
"Not sure… but probably."
Shortly after, another ancient voice rang out, this time female.
"Old man, so you are still alive."
Surprised murmurs spread—another unknown master had arrived.
"Yao Zhi, Hei Zuzhi even sent you here? I am… astonished," the old male voice continued.
Elders of the older generation widened their eyes, recognizing the name. Younger and middle-aged disciples generally did not know it.
"Old man, this has nothing to do with your Tianjue Sect."
"Then I wish to see for myself… what you truly intend."
Silence fell again.
Though invisible, both voices sent shivers down the spine. No one dared underestimate them.
Suddenly, a man in a loose yellow-brown robe strolled casually from the crowd. He appeared around twenty-seven, with long black hair, a thin beard, and slightly slanted eyes. In his hand, he held a white folding fan. His gaze was calm and indifferent, exuding an aura of wisdom and authority.
"Greetings, Master Meng," came two voices, stepping aside to let him through.
All eyes fell upon him. Even nobles on ship decks and Hei Zuzhi's members took notice. Some frowned.
"Is he an ancestor of the Tianjue Sect?"
"Or a powerful master of some force?" someone asked a companion.
"You ask me? Then who do I ask?" came the reply.
Several tried to sense Master Meng's cultivation, yet no startling fluctuations appeared. His cultivation level was only second-stage Heavenly King.
"Is he in disguise?" some exchanged glances.
"Perhaps. Strong masters often disguise themselves, appearing weak while in truth they are predators thirsty for blood," whispered someone.
"Ugh… terrifying. From now on, I must tread carefully."
Hearing these whispers, Master Meng remained unmoved, as if the world's chatter were nothing to him.
His gaze rested on Hei Ming and the others. He spoke calmly, voice like a gentle wind that sliced through the silence.
"Hei Zuzhi, you are truly bold."
Wush…
A sudden cold wind swept the square, as if called forth by him, emphasizing Master Meng's calm yet fearsome presence.