Qi Xiao was momentarily taken aback, but soon became fully focused on his breakthrough. He turned his attention inward, carefully guiding the condensed spiritual liquid from his meridians into his dantian, drop by drop. As the spiritual liquid increased, the golden bead began to solidify, growing larger and rounder.
Lost in his cultivation, Qi Xiao was unaware of the passage of time.
Yu Feng's eyes turned red with anger as he gritted his teeth. Who exactly are you? The black-robed elder had merely revealed his aura, yet it suppressed everyone in the room to the point where they couldn't move. Such cultivation clearly indicated he was a master at the Nascent Soul stage. But Yu Feng was too furious to care about that.
Hai, drenched in sweat, spoke up, "Esteemed elder, my son did not mean to offend. This matter is a personal grudge between him and that young man. I wonder if you could allow them to settle it themselves?" He continued, "If you agree, my family would be more than willing to host a banquet in your honor."
Upon hearing this, the black-robed elder snorted coldly, and everyone felt an even heavier pressure weighing down on them. Several elders with weaker cultivation levels were directly forced to their knees, unable to rise.
A personal grudge? I had no idea there was such a grudge that would lead a disciple of the Xiaoyao Sect to act against a fellow sect member. It seems this personal feud is just an excuse; the real issue is venting anger.
Yu Feng paused for a moment, his expression shifting slightly. He was arrogant but not foolish. This black-robed elder had invoked the Xiaoyao Sect to reprimand him, indicating he held a significant position—perhaps even an elder of some sect, or possibly an elder of the Xiaoyao Sect itself!
At this thought, Yu Feng's heart raced with anxiety. What connection does this elder have with the Xiaoyao Sect?
The elder coldly snorted again and removed his hat, revealing a spirited and vigorous face. However, this face caused Yu Feng to collapse onto the ground in shock, trembling and unable to articulate his words.
How could Elder Zhao be here?
Elder Zhao furrowed his brow and looked at him. "You are that disciple from Qingxuan Peak, Yu Feng?"
Yu Feng swallowed hard and knelt on the ground respectfully. "Indeed, I am but a disciple."
Zhao Feng sneered softly. "My esteemed disciple praises you daily in front of me, claiming you possess extraordinary talent and a pure character. But seeing you today, it seems you are nothing special!"
The words struck Yu Feng like a heavy hammer to the heart. He stammered, "Elder Zhao is wronged; I can explain this matter."
Yu Feng turned to Hai and exchanged a glance, prompting Hai to quickly chime in, "Yes, my son has his grievances as well. We ask Elder Zhao to listen to our explanation."
Zhao Feng furrowed his brow. "Is that so?"
Yu Feng nodded vigorously.
In the next moment, the family members felt a release of tension, and they loosened their grip on Lu Yuan.
Lu Yuan rushed to Qi Xiao's side, looking worried but unsure of what he could do.
Yu Feng lowered his head and led the way forward, speaking softly, "Elder Zhao, may I have a word with you?"
Zhao Feng frowned slightly and glanced over, meeting Lu Yuan's anxious gaze. He nodded at Lu Yuan, signaling him not to worry; he had it under control.
Seeing this, Lu Yuan quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Although Elder Zhao had a temper, he was a man of integrity and would not be easily swayed by family ties.
Thus, Lu Yuan waited patiently beside Qi Xiao to protect him while several family elders kept watch from a distance.
Once they reached a corner, Zhao Feng spoke coolly, "Now can we talk?"
At Yu Feng's gesture, Hai quickly put on a smile and took out a jade box from his bag of holding. He gently opened it, releasing a fragrant aroma into the air.
Yu Feng smiled cautiously. "I heard that Elder Zhao has been troubled by your cultivation in recent years. Coincidentally, our family found a breakthrough pill suitable for the Nascent Soul stage at an auction. I hope you won't find it beneath you."
Zhao Feng frowned. "What do you mean by this?"
Yu Feng was taken aback but continued, "There is no other intention; I have long admired Elder Zhao's reputation. Hearing about your worries and anxieties, I merely wish to offer my humble assistance."
"You wish to become my disciple?"
Yu Feng's heart leaped with joy at what he thought was an opening from Zhao Feng. He hurriedly lifted his robe and knelt down. "If the elder does not mind, I am willing to serve by your side."
"So you came specifically to offer me this breakthrough pill as a bribe?"
Yu Feng stuttered slightly, his expression faltering. "How can this be considered a bribe? It is merely my sincere intention."
Elder Zhao flicked his sleeve and snorted coldly, "If you wish to join my sect, you should at least have heard of my reputation! I, Zhao, take disciples based on talent, but even more so on character! Someone like you, who is opportunistic and has impure intentions, I could never accept!"
"That's not true! Senior Brother Wang didn't say that!"
Yu Feng hurriedly explained. "He said you agreed, and as long as I delivered the Breaking Realm Pill to you, you would definitely accept me!"
"Nonsense! When did I ever say such a thing?"
"Really! Senior Brother Wang promised this was the last time! As long as I deliver this final one, Elder, you will surely agree to take me in."
Zhao Feng's expression shifted slightly as if he recalled something. He grabbed Yu Feng by the collar and coldly pressed, "Last time? How many times have you sent things before this?"
Yu Feng's mind raced as he stammered out several instances. With each one he mentioned, Zhao Feng's face darkened further. By the end, he was so furious that he laughed in anger.
"Good, good! I wondered why he was so eager to find a little junior brother for himself lately; it turns out he was just trying to line his own pockets!"
Yu Feng froze, his face turning pale.
So it wasn't Elder Zhao's intention after all. What about all those things he had sent out?
Hai had been listening and realized that his foolish son had been deceived!
A small trick was one thing, but this deception nearly left them destitute!
Hai immediately knelt before Elder Zhao and pleaded, "Elder, although my son is a bit too eager for quick success, he truly wishes to be under your guidance! Could you please give him a chance?"
Yu Feng was taken aback and joined in pleading fervently.
Elder Zhao felt a headache coming on. "I never said that! Whoever told you that should be the one you seek out."
"After the sect meeting, I will expel him. As for how much you can negotiate with him afterward, that's your own business."
The two collapsed onto the ground. Even after Zhao Feng left, they could still hear Hai's frantic voice from afar.
"I told you not to buy it! You wouldn't listen! Now our whole family is going to pay for your mistake!"
"If you truly wanted to stop me, why didn't you do it then? Didn't you think I could become a direct disciple and support our family?"
"You ungrateful wretch!"
Zhao Feng walked slowly over and quietly gazed at Qi Xiao sitting cross-legged not far away. Lu Yuan stepped forward to pay his respects; Zhao Feng nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
"This kid is truly extraordinary."
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