C10 Attack Liang Meng
Lau Ruyan stood over the body on the ground, a sigh escaping her lips as she regretted her decision to acquiesce to the young man's request.
"Do you really want to provoke a war with the Sea Race?"
She wasn't intimidated by the Sea Race, but there was no need for such brazen arrogance. They were a prominent family, after all, and their reputation mattered.
Xiao Feng met her gaze firmly. "I've reached the Flood Realm, and you're well aware of my capabilities. Give me more time, and I'll break through again. At the Great Competition, held every decade, I'll be unbeatable."
The word 'unbeatable' would sound ridiculous coming from anyone else, but coming from Xiao Feng, Lau Ruyan couldn't help but believe it might just be possible.
"I'll shoulder the consequences of today's actions," Lau Ruyan gritted her teeth. "But if you fail to make me proud when the time comes, I swear you'll wish for death."
"Understood, Master!"
That's exactly what he was waiting to hear.
Xiao Feng wasn't concerned with Lau Ruyan's threats. An enemy, no matter how formidable, was just a bullet away from defeat. If one bullet didn't do the job, then he'd simply fire another.
The Sea Race wasn't a random target for Xiao Feng's wrath. They had dared to attack the very heart of the Cloud Soaring Sect, leaving no room for negotiation. The Sea Race had set their sights on them, and there was only one response to such a known enemy — elimination.
To prevent any further trouble, Lau Ruyan decided to take matters into her own hands. "To stop you from endlessly causing me headaches, we're going to pay the Sea Race a visit right now."
She grabbed Xiao Feng's arm, and in an instant, they were soaring through the air, arriving at the Sea Race's doorstep with astonishing speed.
Lau Ruyan didn't bother with pleasantries. She kicked down the gate and stormed into the Sea Race's ancestral hall. There, an elder sat in meditation, clearly the current head of the Sea Race.
"Elder Lau, what brings you here in such a fury?" he inquired.
"What brings me here? Your Sea Race has been harassing my disciple and attacked the entrance of our sect. And you have the audacity to ask me what's wrong? Hai Anqing, you've grown senile. Perhaps it's time for your Sea Race to find a new Patriarch."
Hai Anqing beamed with a smile, "Elder Lau, you jest. We had no idea he was your disciple. Had we known, we certainly wouldn't have troubled him. I assure you, this will not happen again!"
He was adaptable!
"Humph! Let there not be a next time!" Even after Lau Ruyan departed, Hai Anqing showed no sign of displeasure.
Above the clouds, Lau Ruyan allowed herself a slight smile. Did he think he could afford to be displeased? She could end him in a heartbeat!
"Master, didn't you say the Mountain Sea Sect offers protection to the Mountain and Sea clans? How can you be so... fierce?"
"Heh, the ancestors of those two families just stumbled upon good fortune. The Mountain Sea Sect's protection has been waning for years."
"Remember this: when you're out in the world, you must understand the importance of power and connections. For instance, I'm looking out for you, and I represent the Mountain Sea Sect, which in turn is backed by even greater forces."
Lau Ruyan spoke with contempt, "Look at this sea clan. They have only the Mountain Sea Sect, and even the sect has stopped concerning itself with them. So, you have a powerful backer, they don't, and that means they have to bow their heads."
Xiao Feng nodded in agreement, "Understood."
Lau Ruyan swiftly changed the subject, "What I mean is, be cautious about whom you provoke in the future. Don't go stirring up trouble with those we can't handle. And don't think that just because I've got your back, you can act recklessly!"
Xiao Feng remained silent.
As they continued on their way, they encountered a group of people who, upon spotting Lau Ruyan, immediately tried to flee but were called to a halt by her.
None of them dared to meet Lau Ruyan's gaze, all bowing their heads, except for the apparent leader.
"You've got some nerve! To think you would dare to run instead of coming to pay your respects upon seeing me!" Lau Ruyan was clearly displeased.
"This is bad. By the looks of it, this woman is probably not someone to be trifled with!" The voice of armor echoed in Xiao Feng's mind.
"I've noticed," Xiao Feng admitted. He had anticipated that Lau Ruyan might be formidable, but he hadn't expected her to be this intimidating. A whole group of people cowered before her as if mice before a cat.
These were all disciples of the Mountain Sea Sect. Everyone was well aware of Lau Ruyan's usual demeanor. Despite her beauty, she was undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with within the sect, more feared than admired. They would rather avoid her than seek her out for a greeting.
The man in white at the forefront spoke up, "Elder Liu, we didn't recognize you at first. Otherwise, we would have come over to pay our respects! And, may I inquire who this is by your side?"
Clearly, he was a clever man, adept at shifting the conversation just when needed. Yet Xiao Feng, who had been anticipating some entertainment, was left bewildered.
Hold on, there's no need to drag me into your issue. Can't you just acknowledge your mistake?
"This is my newly accepted disciple."
The crowd was taken aback. Elder Liu was known for her stringent standards when it came to taking on disciples, and it was unexpected that, aside from Xianyu with her unique constitution, she had taken on another student!
The man's eyes swiftly lost their fear, replaced by a surge of battle will. "Elder Liu, may I have the honor of sparring with your new junior brother?"
He was eager to gauge the strength of Elder Liu's latest recruit.
"Do you want to fight?" Lau Ruyan asked with a smile.
The man nodded earnestly. "Yes, indeed! As you know, I..."
"No way! What's it to me? If you're itching for a fight, find another time and place. Now, off with you!"
With a sigh, the man glanced at Xiao Feng, but ultimately he had no choice but to leave, unable to go against Lau Ruyan's word.
...
Once they had gone, the group buzzed with renewed energy. "Jing, what's your take on Elder Liu's new disciple?"
"When I looked into his eyes just now, there was no flicker of emotion. It can only mean one thing: he's supremely confident in his abilities."
"But he appears to be merely at the Flood Realm."
The man shook his head. "The realm alone doesn't tell the whole story. True geniuses are capable of transcending their level to battle foes stronger than themselves! We must not underestimate this individual!"
Elsewhere, Xiao Feng posed his own question, "Master, why didn't you let me spar with him?"
"First, we need to keep your strength under wraps. What's the rush? There will be ample opportunities at the Great Competition!" Lau Ruyan gave him a sidelong glance and continued, "That man is Jing Chu, a bona fide warrior of the Eternal Realm, and not even the strongest Prodigy within the Mountain Sea Sect."
A young warrior at the Eternal Realm and not the strongest?
Xiao Feng inwardly sighed, feeling the weight of the challenge ahead.
"Moreover, it's not just that. There are individuals within the Mountain Sea Sect who will pose an even greater challenge to you. They're all vying for Xianyu's attention, and they come with both formidable strength and influential backgrounds. Keep pushing forward, young man!"
Xiao Feng gave a slight nod, affirming, "I will!"
He feared no one. Regardless of their might or the extent of their connections, he was ready to shatter their defenses with a single thrust of his spear!
His armor seemed to resonate with Xiao Feng's resolve, offering a sense of deep satisfaction. Having such a mindset was indeed the right approach!