âItâs Senior Yi Feng!â
An excited voice rang out as Feng Tianquan abruptly straightened in his seat.
Gazing at the long-unseen face in the projection, his heart swelled with immense joy and exhilaration. Barely able to contain his emotions, he glanced to the side, where Hu Weifang was even more stirred, already standing up.
Their eyes met, the concealed delight in each otherâs gaze unmistakable.
Without another thought for Luo Buqun before them, the two immediately began communicating via voice transmission.
âYou also recognized Senior Yi Feng?â
âElder Feng, thereâs no mistaking it! We spent several days with him back then, and he showed us great kindness. How could I possibly be wrong?â
After repeated confirmation, their hearts surged with elation.
âThe Holy Maiden once mentioned that the Pavilion Master, upon hearing of Senior Yi Fengâs near-Heavenly Tier cultivation, intended to recruit him as an inner elder. If we can bring him back, wouldnât that be a monumental achievement?â
âElder Feng speaks wisely! By inviting Senior Yi back, we can repay his past kindness, bolster our sectâs strength, and fulfill the Holy Maidenâs expectationsâa triple victory!â
âExcellent. I shall report this to the Holy Maiden at once!â
In just a few words, the two had settled on their course of action.
For days, they had been weighed down by guilt over Qing Yinxianyunâs favor. Now, with Yi Fengâs whereabouts revealed, they saw a golden opportunity to repay her trust and distinguish themselves, their spirits instantly reinvigorated!
Luo Buqunâs accusations no longer merited a second thought.
The tale of murder and plunder was undoubtedly a lie.
With Senior Yi Fengâs cultivation and bearing, how could he possibly stoop to such acts?
As for treasuresâSenior Yi Feng possessed terrifying pets like the colossal toad, whose mere memory still sent shivers down Feng Tianquanâs spine. What could Luo Buqunâs paltry sect possibly offer that would tempt such a figure?
The very notion of Yi Feng resorting to theft was laughable.
Would a towering elephant deign to snatch food from ants?
For Senior Yi Feng to lower himself to plunder and humiliate their sect?
They werenât even worthy of his notice.
Seeing the projection, the two nearly laughed aloud at Luo Buqunâs venomous claims. It was like watching a clueless child boast with eyes shut tight, his words the crudest performance imaginable.
Though Feng Tianquanâs cultivation wasnât exceptional, his millennium-long tenure as an outer elder had honed his discernment.
Without further questioning, he grasped most of the truth at a glance.
Most likely, Luo Buqun had offended Senior Yi Feng in his ignorance. Facing his sectâs impending doom, heâd rushed here to spin lies, hoping to exploit the Moon God Pavilionâs might to salvage the situation.
How audacious. The sheer gall of it!
Just as expected of the incompetent fool he remembered.
Only the need for Luo Buqun to lead them to Yi Feng kept Feng Tianquan from lashing out prematurely.
Rising calmly, he cast a glance downward.
âWait here briefly. Weâll soon set out to find the man in this projection.â
With that, he exchanged a meaningful look with Hu Weifang.
Understanding instantly, Hu Weifang smoothly took over, smiling as he placated the shameless Luo Buqun.
âSect Leader Luo, please enjoy some tea while you wait. We wonât be long.â
Hearing this, Luo Buqun blinked in astonishment.
âWe?â
âUncle Feng, are you⊠bringing more people? ThisâŠâ
Heâd never imagined his matter would warrant such attention from Feng Tianquan!
At best, heâd hoped for a token show of faceâa few dispatched subordinates. Yet now, it seemed additional reinforcements were being summoned!
The overwhelming favor far exceeded his wildest expectations, leaving him momentarily dazed.
As he stood muttering in disbelief, Feng Tianquan had already hurried off.
Beside him, Hu Weifang pushed forward a cup of immortal tea with an amicable smile.
âSect Leader Luo, please drink and rest awhile.â
The warmthâŠ
The familiarityâŠ
Luo Buqun grew even more flustered with gratitude, bowing repeatedly, his face creased with delight. It was as though misfortune had miraculously turned to fortune!
Amidst the cheerful exchange, his wrinkles nearly folded into bark.
While the two sipped tea and exchanged pleasantries, Feng Tianquan raced straight for the inner sect.
Already an elder and further elevated by the Holy Maidenâs favor, he passed unimpeded through the inner gates, soon arriving at Qing Yinxianyunâs palace.
Under the envious gazes of numerous petitioners, Feng Tianquan decisively requested an audience and was swiftly admittedâfueling further admiration.
Within the grand hall.
Qing Yinxianyun sat poised and serene, watching the elderâs approach.
His urgent summons had piqued her curiosity.
âElder Feng, what matter brings you here?â
Clasping his fists, Feng Tianquan could no longer suppress his exhilaration.
âHoly Maiden!â
âSenior Yi Feng has arrived on Lan Star! This old man has fortuitously learned of his whereabouts and came at once to report!â
At the elderâs visible excitement and the deeply familiar name, Qing Yinxianyunâs memories flashed vividly.
Her journey to Cloud Star played back in her mindâthe unassuming young man whoâd seemed within armâs reach, his terrifying cultivation and mysterious pet still unforgettable!
Lately preoccupied with sect affairs, sheâd had no chance to return to Cloud Star. Yet now, this senior had come to them!
Recalling his past kindness, the anticipation of reunion lit her clear eyes with joy.
She rose eagerly.
âSenior Yi Feng?!â
âSplendid! With Senior Yi Fengâs presence, our Moon God Pavilionâs strength will soar. Master once wished to recruit him as an elder. I must inform her at once!â
âElder Feng, accompany me to pay respects to Master immediately!â
Hearing this, Feng Tianquan bowed with reverence, his heart swelling.
âThe Holy Maiden is wise!â
His purpose had been to deliver this news, and as expected, it had thrilled her. Beyond that, her directive to jointly seek an audience with the Pavilion Master hinted at recognition for his contribution.
Once Yi Feng joined as a Heavenly Tier elder, Feng Tianquanâs role as the key facilitator would elevate his standing. Coupled with his prior ties to the senior, fortune truly smiled upon him!
As these thoughts raced through his mind, he followed the Holy Maiden with fervor toward the Moon God Pavilionâs main hall.
Within moments.
The two paid their respects in sequence, Qing Yinxianyun delivering the electrifying report.
âMaster!â
âSenior Yi Feng of Cloud Star has come to Lan Star! This disciple wishes to welcome him and repay his kindness. I seek your guidance!â
Upon the jade throne, the Moon God Pavilion Masterâs eyes gleamed faintly.
âSenior Yi Feng?â
âThe Heavenly Tier expert you mentioned? The mysterious master who aided in slaying demons on Cloud Star?â
Hearing her masterâs evident recollection of her benefactor, Qing Yinxianyun brightened further, as though this acknowledgment surpassed personal praise.
âPrecisely!â
âSenior Yi Feng showed this disciple great kindness, possesses extraordinary cultivation, and wields Heavenly Arms. I wish to personally escort him to our Moon God Pavilion!â
A Heavenly Tier expert bearing Heavenly Arms.
Even having heard of this before, the Moon God Pavilion Master felt a renewed sense of admiration. Especially with their recent ambitions to establish a domain-spanning celestial sect, such talents were invaluable.
After a brief contemplative stroke of his beard, the Pavilion Master declared resolutely:
âGratitude must indeed be repaid!â
âHowever, this individual has shown our Moon God Pavilion kindness and wields formidable power. We must extend the utmost courtesy!â
âYunâer, you shall lead our elite disciples and elders in person to receive him. Ensure every protocol is observedâwe must secure this Heavenly Tier expertâs allegiance!â
The subtext was clear: this display would underscore the Moon God Pavilionâs sincerity in recruiting talent.
For the sectâs grand ambitions, no effort could be spared.
Yet these words genuinely spared no effort in saving face for both individuals and showed the utmost respect for Yi Feng. Qing Yin Xianyun and Feng Tianquan were visibly overjoyed.
They immediately bowed in gratitude and hastily took their leave.
Within mere moments, powerful auras surged out from the Moon God Pavilion, gathering elites from all directions. Among them were extraordinary inner disciples and even a few prestigious inner elders!
Hundreds assembled before the small courtyard, startling visiting guests into retreating in reverence. The surroundings fell into abrupt silenceânot a single person dared to make a sound.
The wooden gate of the courtyard swung open.
Luo Buqun stared at the terrifying display before him, utterly dumbfounded.
Before he could even grasp the situation, the overwhelmingly formidable figures respectfully stepped aside, making way for an ethereal, breathtakingly beautiful figure whose mere presence filled onlookers with awe.
The powerful figures on either side bowed deeply, their voices brimming with reverence.
"Greetings, Holy Maiden!"
The chorus of voices echoed like crashing waves, leaving Luo Buqun frozen in shock.
As a minor sect leader of no renown, he had never encountered so many terrifying figures, let alone witnessed such a staggering scene. The legends of the "Holy Maiden" were the only whispers he'd ever heard.
Now, faced with reality, his mind went blank.
Holy hell!
They actually summoned the Holy Maiden?!
The legendary peerless prodigy, Qing Yin Xianyunâthe Holy Maiden who had recently broken through to the Heavenly Rank?!
At the sound, Luo Buqun's legs gave way, nearly sending him to his knees!