Yuan Feng True Lord's jade token glowed green in his palm: "Aunt-Master Zisu personally instructed this, how could it be false? Qing Feng broke through the nine layers of illusions in the Xuanxu Cave Abode, and his extraordinary comprehension earned him this honor. It's just that his cultivation is still shallow, so it hasn't been publicly announced yet, and Aunt-Master Zisu personally oversees his daily affairs."
Upon this reminder, Yuan Feng True Lord suddenly realized. Since granting this Disciple the True Inheritance jade token three years ago, he had spent his days indulging in sleep in the bamboo forest, completely lacking the diligence of other True Inheritance Disciples. Over time, even the one who granted the token had forgotten this identity.
Qi Yuancheng's expression changed drastically, and his Xuan Iron Sword Box emitted a faint tremor.
If he had known earlier that the other party held the position of True Inheritance, he would never have publicly activated the Mountain Suppressing Sword Art. In a flash of thought, he said in a deep voice, "I merely wished to confiscate his magical artifact for questioning, how can you speak of malicious intent? And if I truly harbored murderous intent, why would I act on the Sword Trial Stage?"
The disciplinary stele of the Beast Taming Sect appeared in the void, displaying a case from three hundred years ago where a Peak Lord accidentally injured a True Inheritance Disciple. Although it didn't result in a life for a life, the thirty-year confinement at the Cliff of Contemplation was clearly visible.
"The so-called motive for murder is utterly baseless; firstly, no one can confirm its existence, and secondly, isn't Qing Feng still standing here alive and well?"
The speaker contemptuously flicked his sleeve, "Ultimately, is this lone individual, without reliance, worth such apprehension from all of you?"
A clear laugh suddenly came from the crowd: "This Sect rule, in the end, is a protective talisman for Heavenly Chosen Disciples. But you might as well recall, when has I, Qing Feng, ever shown astonishing talent?"
"On the contrary, during the years Peak Lord Qi has presided over Hu Ji Peak, all of his Golden Core direct Disciples, except Xu Wen, have become prisoners of the Law Enforcement Hall, setting the most shameful record in the Purple Rock Lineage's three-hundred-year history."
Qing Feng strolled to the center of the main hall, his fingertips tracing the jade floor, "Not to mention the absurd situation in the first round of Golden Core cultivators' competition this time, with seven people having byes. Such a spectacle, I fear, will be recorded in the Sect's humorous history, won't it?"
"Presumptuous!" Qi Yuancheng's hair stood on end, and the immense pressure made the candles in the hall flicker erratically.
Qing Feng, however, calmly straightened his robes: "Facts are like a mirror, reflecting more than just my face."
He had no intention of confronting this Spirit Transformation mighty figure head-on. Initially, he found it troublesome, and later, as his horizons broadened, he felt it was better to focus on a grander scheme than to entangle himself.
But the other party had provoked him repeatedly, even obstructing his trip to the Thousand Lake World to rescue the Spirit Dog and ruining Lu Ran's marriage. Now, it was even worse...
A cold glint flashed in Qing Feng's eyes, and the sword intent in his sleeve hummed.
The situation was no longer as it used to be. Within the Beast Taming Sect, he had the backing of two powerful figures, Feng Dingshi and Dao Lord Zisu. Even if Qi Yuancheng truly went berserk, he wouldn't mind letting this Peak Lord accompany his disappointing son.
"Peak Lord Qi is pressing so hard." Qing Feng suddenly smiled, "Could it be that you miss your son dearly?"
A rise in status always required setting some rules.
He had to make certain people understand that the dignity of a newly promoted True Inheritance Disciple was not to be offended, so that he could focus on advancing his cultivation with peace of mind in the future.
"The problems of Hu Ji Peak have accumulated for a long time. Has Chief Senior Brother considered reporting to the Grand Elders to choose another worthy person? The reputation of the Ziyan Lineage cannot withstand repeated damage."
Seeing Qing Feng's sharp edge, Qin Heng seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire.
He knew that this Martial Brother, who had always hidden his talents, suddenly revealing his sharpness, must have absolute certainty.
The sword qi in Qi Yuancheng's sleeve trembled slightly, and he forced himself to remain calm: "How can the position of Peak Lord be a trifle?"
He had originally intended to use his status to suppress the newly promoted True Inheritance Disciple, but who knew the situation would spiral out of control to this extent?
The junior who had respectfully saluted him just the day before was now trying to shake his foundation.
"Precisely because it's not a trifle, it requires careful consideration." Qing Feng gently tapped his teacup with his fingertip, and the celadon made a crisp sound, "If the Dao Heart is stained, a high position instead becomes a shackles. Is Senior Uncle Qi willing to temporarily leave secular affairs and re-verify his sword heart?"
"How dare you, impudent brat, comment on this Chief's cultivation!" The Tiger 疾 Peak Lord's hair stood on end, and the ancient sword at his waist hummed as it unsheathed three inches, only to be forcibly pressed back into its sheath by the pressure from the main seat.
The sword pattern on Yuan Feng True Lord's brow flowed with golden light as he scanned the entire hall: "Have you made enough of a fuss?" Seeing Qi Yuancheng lower his head and retreat, he then turned to Qing Feng: "Although Martial Brother Qi was out of line, saying he intended to harm a fellow Disciple is going too far."
"Chief Shibo sees everything clearly, naturally he understands." Qing Feng, the True Inheritance Disciple, smiled faintly, but his words were like a poisoned blade:
"It's just that the Sect rules are clear, and an explanation must be given to the tens of thousands of Disciples. First, Qi Lin privately released an evil cultivator, and now a Peak Lord bullies others with his power. When did the Purple Rock Lineage's disciplinary sword become a mere decoration?"
The Sword Lord on the main seat secretly smiled bitterly. This seemingly docile junior was clearly using the opportunity of the Yunzhou special envoy's presence to roast the seven peaks of Purple Rock on the fire of righteousness. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "After the Sword Discussion Grand Ceremony concludes, how about the seven peaks jointly discuss this matter?"
"Shibo presides over the Disciplinary Hall, he naturally has his considerations." Qing Feng bowed in present, his peripheral vision catching Qi Yuancheng's clenched fists.
He knew that he had won the first round of this game. Once the topic of replacing the Peak Lord was brought up at the Seven Peaks meeting, it meant that this arrogant Senior Uncle, who had been domineering for many years, would no longer be able to sit idly by.
Yuan Feng True Lord waved his sleeve to suppress the various commotions and turned his gaze to the Sword Discussion Stage.
He secretly sighed that the methods of this newly promoted True Inheritance Disciple were truly impressive, turning Hu Ji Peak into a target of public criticism with just a few words.
However, this was also good; Hu Ji Peak indeed needed to be disciplined these past few years. But as he looked at Qing Feng, who was calmly sipping tea, he suddenly felt that this gentle smile was even more unsettling than the sword qi from before.
Within an Immortal Sect, reputation is paramount. With the esteemed guests from Yixian Palace still present, how could family shame be spread abroad?
Yuan Feng True Lord swept a cold gaze across the hall. Even with all his unwillingness, Qi Yuancheng could only suppress his anger. After receiving a secret message, his expression softened slightly, but his tightly clenched fists still betrayed his resentment.
"Reporting to Shibo, does the previous bet with Martial Brother Zhang still count? I hope you will witness the three prizes." Qing Feng broke the stalemate at the opportune moment.
"He will fulfill the agreement when he regains consciousness." Yuan Feng True Lord nodded in agreement, then turned to Yun Qingrao to apologize: "I apologize for letting the Immortal Maiden witness the Sect's mundane affairs."
The Immortal Maiden in plain white nodded in return, her gaze subtly sweeping over the green-robed figure in the arena.
After Qing Feng returned to the arena, he specifically chose to compete with Hu Ji Peak Disciples. What seemed like a casual sparring session was actually him subtly using clever force to temporarily exhaust his opponents. After firmly securing the fifth seat, he became like an old monk in meditation, neither actively challenging nor being provoked by others.
By the time Zhang Shuning slowly regained consciousness, the three secret treasures, including the Celestial Dao Crystal, had all changed hands.
At this moment, the Golden Core group's competition was in full swing, and the most astonishing was the newly admitted Disciple Qin Yue.
This woman, with a fifth-stage cultivation, consecutively broke through seven barriers, her sword intent like a rainbow, directly aiming for the top spot. Elder Qin Heng, watching from the spectator stands, was beaming with joy, repeatedly saying, "The younger generation is truly formidable."
Inside the thatched hut on Green Bamboo Peak, the wolf-hair brush rustled as it moved across the paper.
"This scroll is for Senior Brother Xia of Tai'a Peak, and that one is for Martial Brother Zhang of Ziyan Peak." Qing Feng handed two sealed letters to the Black Dog.
"Giving one to the guy named Xia is understandable, but what use is that blockhead Zhang Shuning?" The Great Mysterious Dog mumbled, holding the letter in its mouth.
"Although the Sect discusses the Dao through swords, it also emphasizes human relations." Qing Feng dipped his brush in ink and chuckled softly, "Oh, and don't alarm Aunt-Master Zisu about the Seven Peaks meeting."