The high platform.
"Brother Lin, are you happy now?" As Lin Kewu returned to the platform, Yang Xi immediately teased, "Using Sword Control Skill to change the outcome of the match; if people find out, youâd be in trouble."
Lin Kewu instinctively glanced at the others on the high platform, especially the senior members of the Hundred Sects Alliance seated on the largest platformâthey were all there for fairness and justice.
In response, Lin Kewu showed no fear.
After all, they canât understand him.
Finding a chair to sit down, he smiled and said, "Whatâs done is done. Besides, that guy wasnât playing fair first. A grown man attacking a girl, and still sneaking upâwho could tolerate that?"
"Brother Lin, why have you come back again?" Luo Mi beside him also asked.
"Came back to watch the match... just to watch the match, no need for all these questions. See, even the old City Lord didnât ask anything."
Lin Kewu glared at Luo Mi.
To people who love gossip, he can only say one word: Get lost!
"What is Sword Control Skill?"
The voice of Cang Lan suddenly rang out.
He wasnât concerned with who Lin Kewu liked but was rather interested in the scene of the sword flying just now. Knowing that it was Lin Kewuâs doing filled him with curiosity.
Lin Kewu, of Lower Profound Realm, could it be some Secret Technique?
Lin Kewu helplessly smiled and replied, mimicking Wen Pingâs way of speaking, "Sword Control Skill is just a basic magic... technique... technique in our Sect. Old City Lord, if you wish to learn, you can join the Immortal Sect; it only costs 500 Gold Coins, and we guarantee to teach you."
"500 Gold Coins, guaranteed teaching?" Cang Lan was taken aback; he hadnât expected such an answer.
Gold Coins could buy a Secret Technique?
It seems unlikely to be a Vein Technique; it should be a Martial Arts skill that creates the effect of Man and Sword Unity.
Cang Lan hurriedly said, "Keep watching, weâll go back later to find Sect Leader Wen."
The three nodded in agreement.
At that moment, Wen Ping had already returned to the inn, having acquired the information regarding Iron Mountain Pavilion.
In the morning, he specifically found a Divine Profound Upper Realm know-it-all, specializing in selling informationâoriginally born from power struggles. From this know-it-all, Wen Ping learned that Iron Mountain Pavilion is not a subordinate of anyone.
Although Iron Mountain Pavilion isnât a Giant Level power, its strength is quite solid, with no news of its affiliation under any major power. If anything, it might be the Hundred Sects Alliance.
For now, he can only wait for news from Biyue Piaoling.
After all, his investigation revolves around his father Wen Yan, following the clues, the chance of uncovering the truth is high.
Before that, he must first complete the task involving the Three-Star Vortex Map.
Then, use it to spread the fame of the Immortal Sect. If that doesnât work, heâll have to think of other ways to promote the name.
Upon returning to the inn at dusk, Lin Kewu and others had already returned. Looking at Lin Kewu, his entire demeanor was entirely different. Without guessing, Wen Ping knew he must have found Wanyan.
Judging by his expression, it likely was a joyous matter.
Wanyan might have accepted him.
Though Wen Ping found it unlikely, Lin Kewuâs expression truly matched.
The next day.
With nothing else to do while waiting, Wen Ping thought about roaming Mountain and Sea City, exploring its local customs. But just as he prepared to go out, Cang Lan returned from outside and found him.
"Sect Leader Wen, H Lan has emerged from seclusion."
"Emerged from seclusion?"
Didnât they agree on tomorrow?
How could H Lan be so capable, reducing the production time of the Two-Star Vortex Map by a third?
Cang Lan continued, "The production of the Two-Star Vortex Map failed, emerging from seclusion early."
Wen Ping shook his head, "Turns out it failed."
Immediately, Wen Ping turned to Lin Kewu and the other three, who were planning to go to the Martial Arts Arena, "Kewu, why donât you join me to meet H Lan today; thereâs not much worth watching in the selection match."
"Yes, Sect Leader."
The three nodded in agreement; although they couldnât go to watch the excitement, meeting a Two-Star Vortex Divine Artisan was still thrilling. Mainly because Lin Kewu had already found Wanyan.
After finding Wanyan, going to the Martial Arts Arena holds no additional meaning.
No matter how talented, none can withstand a single blow from him; continuing to watch holds little interest.
...
Outside H Lanâs mansion.
Upon hearing the news of Master H Lan emerging from seclusion, many waited outside the house. Because Master H Lan said he needs to sort his emotions, those people have been waiting outside for half an hour now.
Yet, they chose to continue waitingâa single day, Master H Lan sees only one person; leaving now might just miss the opportunity.
"Du He, why donât you come back another day to request the Vortex Map? I need it as a betrothal gift... getting married in a few days." A middle-aged man smiled as he spoke to an elder.
The elder appeared in his fifties or sixties, with some wrinkles, but they werenât too prominent.
He held a distinctive white Gilded Gourd in one hand.
Upon hearing the middle-aged manâs words, he offered a cold smile and then glanced at the ten-plus surrounding people, "Why donât you ask them all to leave? Iâm waiting for this Two-Star Vortex Map... Do you think Qi Bing Academy is easy to bully?"
"This guy... always labeling others, whatâs so great about being the Dean of Qi Bing Academy. If I reach Half-Step Mountain Suppression Realm one day, Iâll surely teach you a lesson." The middle-aged man said half-jokingly and then glanced around, "If any of you dare to snatch it, youâll ruin my marriage and become mortal enemies with my Hui Family!"
The middle-aged man spoke coldly.
Besides, those present were all Three-Star Influences, with even some Giant Level powers, so naturally, no one feared anyone else.
"Whatâs the commotion? Old fool, Iâm seeing no oneâleave!" At that moment, a voice suddenly issued from within the mansion; it was Master H Lanâs voice. Once the insult was uttered, everyoneâs faces turned sour.
"What to do now?"
"Seems... no one can be seen."
"Told you to keep quiet, keep quiet."
A dozen or more people began discussing what to say next, shaking their heads in disappointment, intending to leave.
At that moment, Wen Ping arrived at H Lanâs doorstep in the Beast Vehicle. Upon seeing Wen Ping and his party dismount, Master H Lan suddenly came out to greet them.
"Who is this?"
"Master H Lan personally coming out to greet, even losing his temper." Usually, even if H Lan is in a good mood, he never greets people like this because he has the backing of a Three-Star Vortex Divine Artisan.
The attendees today were mostly heads of Three-Star Influences, none below Divine Profound Middle Realm.
Yet, H Lan gives no face to anyone, and they canât get angry.
Driven by curiosity, none left, all staring at Wen Ping and his party walking towards the main gate. However, upon noticing Cang Lan among them, their expressions changed.
"Half-Step Mountain Suppression!"
Du He was startled.
With his words, people around began discussing.
"Who is that, bringing a Half-Step Mountain Suppression Realm as an escort, even getting Master H Lanâs personal greeting."
"Could they be from a Four-Star Influence?"
"Regardless of who they are, they are major figures. Looks like our plan to seek the Vortex Map was for naught."
The dozen people instantly showed disappointment.