C23 Protect

His words resonated with the hearts of the other disciples present, particularly the female ones, who watched Xiao Feng's retreating figure with eyes full of warmth.

The crowd's attention was riveted on Xiao Feng, while Hai Qingyu, lying on the ground bleeding and oozing brain matter, was ignored by all.

Before the fight, his threats were terrifying, but he couldn't last even one round. Xiao Feng killed him with a single move. A person who's all talk and no action doesn't deserve our focus.

Du Fengyu quietly stepped forward to lift Hai Qingyu's body, casting a resentful glance in the direction Xiao Feng had gone.

Li Yan watched him, ready to throw down if he dared to make another move. His disciple had been so irritating; his death was a relief.

While everyone harbored their own thoughts, Lau Ruyan alone felt both weary and heartbroken. She thought, how many times had she told this young man to conceal his abilities? To kill Hai Qingyu in one strike was overkill. He could have at least sparred for a few rounds, taken some hits, then unleashed his full power in a dramatic finish.

He should've followed the unspoken rules, but instead, he blatantly showcased his strength to the whole sect.

The first to recover was the Sect Master, Yu Jun, who chuckled and said, "Elder Lau, you've kept your cards close to your chest! I always thought Xianyu was your ace, not this young man."

Lau Ruyan gave a wry smile, "He does tend to stand out. I was hoping to keep him under the radar for a bit longer."

Yu Jun laughed again, "Ha, it's hard to hide a talent. He reminds me of you back in the day—exceptionally gifted and equally conspicuous."

...

Xianyu, her heart softened by love, was still puzzled, "Why did you have to reveal your strength here?"

Xiao Feng smiled, affectionately tousling her hair, "Reveal my strength? No, I haven't even shown my full capabilities yet. But there's no point in dragging out a fight with such a weak opponent. Wouldn't that time be better spent with you, my Xianyu?"

Besides, showing a bit of dominance can deter others from targeting you. Xiao Feng kept this thought to himself.

Xianyu's cheeks flushed slightly as she protested, "Who said I'm part of your family? Don't spout such nonsense!"

Xiao Feng was charmed by Xianyu's bashfulness. He wrapped his arms around her gently, and after a brief struggle, she ceased to resist.

While Xiao Feng was sweet-talking Xianyu, Lau Ruyan found herself in distress. Xiao Feng's formidable strength had prompted the Sect Master to call an impromptu Elder Council.

Li Yan's emotions were a tangled web. Under normal circumstances, Xiao Feng would have been his disciple, and he had spent three days regretting his previous oversight. Now, seeing Xiao Feng's even more daunting power, his discomfort intensified.

"Elder Lau, you haven't been entirely forthright about this matter!" Du Fengyu accused, casting a resentful glance at her, but remained silent.

"Let's put aside Elder Lau's omission," someone interjected. "The emergence of such a talent in our sect is ultimately a positive development."

Addressing Du Fengyu, he continued, "The feud between Xiao Feng and Hai Qingyu is settled. Elder Du, although you've lost a dear disciple, the issue wasn't solely one-sided. Xiao Feng is not to be targeted."

Du Fengyu nodded, his pride stung yet recognizing the futility of his position. Who could argue with such innate talent?

The sect wouldn't punish a disciple of extraordinary potential for the sake of one who had passed away, especially when the latter held no further value.

"Very well, the disciples participating in the Great Competition will now include Ye Xiu, Xiao Feng, Xianyu, and Liang Meng. Additionally, each elder may select one disciple to accompany them."

This final rule was twofold: it gave other sect disciples a chance to seek fortune and also provided the elders an opportunity to profit, as wealthy families and sects often sought to have their disciples participate for experience and exposure.

"Sect Master, regarding Xiao Feng's affiliation with the Cloud Soaring Sect..."

Yu Jun understood Lau Ruyan's implication and nodded. "From this day forward, the Cloud Soaring Sect shall be under the protection of the Mountain Sea Sect. Any aggression toward the Cloud Soaring Sect will be considered hostility toward us."

With no further business, he declared, "This meeting is adjourned."

Yu Jun rushed to Er Island immediately after the Elder Council meeting concluded. He was aware of Xiao Feng's formidable abilities, as Ye Xiu had mentioned him before, but he hadn't anticipated just how extraordinary Xiao Feng's strength was.

"Master, you've arrived. See? Didn't I tell you that Brother Xiao is incredibly strong?"

Yu Jun let out a sigh, "But you never mentioned he was this strong! I really had high expectations for Hai Qingyu!"

Ye Xiu rolled his eyes. "Please, Hai Qingyu is nothing but a lowlife. Handing over Mountain Sea Sect to him would have been a total waste!"

"Nevertheless, you prodigies must rise to the occasion. Mountain Sea Sect needs guardians! We have to consider those whose strength is neither overwhelming nor underwhelming."

Hai Qingyu thought bitterly, "...so even in death, I'm betrayed!"

After the gathering, Du Fengyu made his way to the sea tribe. In the ancestral hall, he laid down the lifeless body of Hai Qingyu and sighed, "He was too powerful. There was no saving Hai Qingyu."

"My dear son, my poor son!" A distraught woman burst forth, clutching Hai Qingyu's body and weeping, "Patriarch, this Xiao Feng and the damned Cloud Soaring Sect must be annihilated! We must avenge my son!"

Du Fengyu gave her a cold look and said, "Currently, the entire Mountain Sea Sect cherishes Xiao Feng like a precious gem, particularly the Sect Master. Consequently, Cloud Soaring Sect is under Mountain Sea Sect's protection. Should you dare to strike at Mountain Sea Sect, you will be utterly destroyed!"

"What does it matter if I die? My son is gone, my son..." The woman broke down, her grief as a mother losing her son was beyond measure.

Yet, this was a prominent family; they couldn't afford to antagonize Mountain Sea Sect over Hai Qingyu alone!

The patriarch slapped the woman across the face, "Nonsense! If your son is gone, it's because he wasn't strong enough. Blame no one else! If you dare speak of attacking Cloud Soaring Sect again, I will show you no mercy!"

"But..."

The patriarch shook his head. "We've thoroughly investigated the incident in the Extreme Spirit Secret Realm. It was the work of that fearsome Strange Beast. Since we've wronged them, we owe them an apology. Prepare some gifts; it's only proper not to arrive empty-handed."

Flexibility is key!

A family's continuity hinges on having such a leader!

Du Fengyu nodded in agreement and added, "I am willing to take on another disciple from your sea tribe."

The sea tribe's patriarch expressed his gratitude with a fist salute, "Thank you, Elder Du!"

With a wave of his hand, he called over a young member of the tribe to accompany Du Fengyu to the Mountain Sea Sect. Before they set off, he made a point to caution the youngster against causing any trouble with Xiao Feng!