Setting out for the Tianya Mountain Range

Zhang Xingfeng watched his father's carriage leave until it disappeared at the end of the street before turning back to Zhang Xingfeng Star Peak Manor.

"Qiu Zhi, have Brother Wang, my elder brother, Zhang Yu, Li Da, and Li Er come to my room!" Zhang Xingfeng said to his new personal maid. Seeing Qiu Zhi, Zhang Xingfeng felt a faint pity in his heart.

Xia Shui is now deeply involved with Li Da and can no longer perform the job of a personal maid. Qiu Zhi, in front of him, is a new girl that Brother Wang bought. It is said that she was bought in a brothel, and that day was the brothel's "newcomer exhibition".

The "Newcomer Showcase" is a grand event where brothels sell newly arrived virgins on their first night. Of course, the very wealthy can also buy the "newcomers" outright, and these are the lucky few. Qiu Zhi is one of the lucky "newcomers." Zhang Xingfeng's personal maid naturally has to be very beautiful and well-mannered. Qiu Zhi comes from the family of an exiled official, has some talent, is beautiful, and has not yet become a prostitute, thus she was fortunate enough to be chosen by Brother Wang.

Upon hearing the words of the Star Peak Family patriarch, Qiu Zhi immediately ran towards Brother Wang. She was very grateful to Brother Wang for rescuing her from her predicament, and she admired the Star Peak Family patriarch even more.

Qiu Zhi had been at the manor for three months. Initially curious about this young man with extraordinary martial arts skills, astonishing power, and miraculous abilities, she had grown increasingly respectful of Zhang Xingfeng as she served him. The astonishing martial arts Zhang Xingfeng displayed before the Star Peak Guard made her believe Zhang Xingfeng inhumanly strong. He usually practiced silently or read the same book, but the faint sadness in Zhang Xingfeng eyes always led her to believe Zhang Xingfeng must have a touching love story. One day, she and Zhang Xingfeng entered the fortified area, and she saw the tomb—the tomb of Zhang Xingfeng's wife. Later, after her beloved older sister Xia Shui told her the story of Zhang Xingfeng and Yuwen Rou, her admiration for this devoted patriarch deepened.

Zhang Xingfeng quietly looked at the book on the desk. It wasn't really a book, but rather Yuwen Rou's diary from childhood to adulthood. Zhang Xingfeng had obtained it after learning of its existence and using Teleportation to sneak into the Yuwen Family. Teleportation was something only cultivators at the Great Accomplishment Completion stage could use, but Zhang Xingfeng inexplicably used Teleportation when he learned of Yuwen Rou's death. Later, Zhang Xingfeng figured out how to Teleportation using the Chaos Power.

Every time Zhang Xingfeng read Rou's diary, it was like listening to Rou speak, and he felt a faint joy and happiness in his heart.

"Master, what brings you here?" Zhang Yu asked as he entered the study.

Zhang Xingfeng carefully closed the book, put it in his arms, and looked up, saying, "Zhang Yu, wait a minute, there are still people who haven't arrived." Just then, a voice came from outside.

"Master, my second brother, Uncle Lang Feng, and I have arrived." Li Da's voice was indeed very loud; it could be heard from a great distance outside.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Zhang Xingfeng had them sit on either side of the long desk and said, "I called you here because of the Seven Star Big Dipper Sword Array selection last time. I didn't watch the competition. Tell me, what level did the first-place team reach?"

Zhang Yu was mainly in charge of this matter. He replied, "Master, their champion is very strong, but the runner-up is almost the same. The two teams fought for a long time and the final score was only a small difference. Master, could you take both teams as your disciples?"

Facing Zhang Yu Yuqi's gaze, Zhang Xingfeng pondered.

Li Da stood up, gesturing wildly and laughing, "Master, you don't know how strong they are! I'm too scared to even step into their formation anymore, it's so powerful! My second brother and I both lost. Uncle-Master Lang Feng Fang has already reached the Golden Core Stage you mentioned?"

Zhang Xingfeng nodded after hearing this. Indeed, Lang Feng had reached the Golden Core Stage. However, Zhang Xingfeng was still very dissatisfied. You see, Lang Feng had reached the Innate Realm a long time ago, while Zhang Yu knew almost no martial arts. Moreover, Lang Feng's talent was several times higher than Zhang Yu's. But now, Zhang Yu had reached the First-grade realm, while Lang Feng had only reached the Golden Core Stage after so long.

"Lang Feng's Edge had a hard time getting out of that formation, and you know, it was only set up by seven Fourth Rank experts. They're too strong. Since they're so strong, Master, you should take two of them under your wing!" Li Da said, going around in circles before revealing his true purpose.

Zhang Xingfeng smiled, realizing everyone wanted him to take in two groups, and said, "Alright, stop trying to fool me. I agree. Zhang Yu, you bring those fourteen people over. Big Brother, Brother Wang, you two stay here. Zhang Yu, you three go back first."

"Thank you, Master. We'll be going now!" Zhang Yu and the other two left the study happily.

Zhang Xingfeng looked at Lang Feng and Brother Wang. He said seriously, "Now I have something to tell you, about the Tianya Mountain Range..." Zhang Xingfeng recounted the important things his father had said to him in the secret room that day.

Upon hearing this, Lang Feng frowned and said, "Second brother, it seems that the Li Family's power is really strong. If we are to fight against the Li Family, we must have our own power in the Tianya Mountain Range. We have probably already bribed the Four Great Families. If we can't bribe them, our chances are slim!"

Brother Wang looked at Zhang Xingfeng and said, "Young Master, the experts in our Star Peak Manor are indeed far inferior to those in the Li Family. But have you considered that the Li Family has a lot of influence in the Tianya Mountain Range? It would be very inconvenient for us to go there. If we are discovered, and the Li Family threatens the forces that are preparing to cooperate with us, those forces have no close relationship with us. Would they fight against the Li Family for us?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xingfeng exclaimed, "That's right! Even if they could bribe their way into power, who would fight against the powerful Li Family them? After all, the Li Family has 300,000 troops over there!"

Headache, headache, that's Zhang Xingfeng's only feeling right now. He used to think he could win over others on his own, but he forgot that the Li Family would cause trouble, and with the Li Family involved, it would be difficult to succeed.

"Everyone, stop worrying. No matter what, we have to try our best. Even if we fail, there's nothing we can do. If you give up without even trying, are you really willing to accept that?"

Lang Feng and Brother Wang looked at Zhang Xingfeng as he spoke, and felt reassured: Yes, no matter what, there is still a chance if we try, but if we don't try, there is no chance at all.

Brother Wang suddenly asked, "Young Master, who are we with this time to the Tianya Mountain Range?" Zhang Xingfeng thought for a moment, then looked at Lang Feng and said, "Just me and my elder brother, plus the fourteen disciples who are coming soon!"

Lang Feng straightened his clothes and said with a smile, "Always be prepared!"

But Zhang Xingfeng noticed a faint sadness deep in Lang Feng's eyes. After being hurt by Yuwen Rou, Zhang Xingfeng was very sensitive to matters of the heart. He said to Brother Wang, "Brother Wang, you go back first and tell those fourteen guys not to come for now, but tell them to stay in the manor for a while and not go out on duty."

Brother Wang nodded and went out.

Zhang Xingfeng turned to look at Lang Feng, his eyes gleaming, making Lang Feng unable to meet his gaze. "Big brother, do you have someone you like?"

Lang Feng's body trembled, but he remained silent, the sadness in his eyes evident. Zhang Xingfeng asked earnestly, "Brother, what happened? How could you be like this? Tell me, your brother will definitely help you. Just tell me!"

Lang Feng smiled wryly and said, "Second brother, it's alright. I've always been fine. Even if I like you, so what? Forget it, let time wash everything away!"

Zhang Xingfeng said in a low voice, "Brother, what's wrong with you? What do you mean by 'so what if you like them' and 'time washes everything away'? Huh! If you like someone, you should go for it! Do you want to regret it later?"

Lang Feng murmured in a low voice, "Strive, Second Brother, you would never understand. I don't even have the right to strive, you know? I don't even have the right!" At the end, Lang Feng roared like a wounded wolf.

Zhang Xingfeng frowned. "Not qualified? Who is it? Tell me, who is it that even my Zhang Xingfeng brother isn't qualified to pursue? Who is it!"

Lang Feng suddenly grinned and said, "Second brother, what's wrong with you? I was just kidding. How could I like any girl? Second brother, I have something to do now, I'm leaving!" He then turned to run outside.

Zhang Xingfeng looked at Lang Feng and said indifferently, "Coward!"

Lang Feng, who was running, was startled when he heard this, but continued running towards his room.

Coward! Am I a coward? This has nothing to do with being a coward; it's entirely my fault for not compensating. She is so high and mighty, so beautiful and noble. Only my second brother in the whole world is worthy of her! How could I, a wild child, someone without any official rank or status, be worthy of her!

Lang Feng's heart ached. Although he was unworthy of her, he couldn't control his feelings for her. When he heard Zhang Xingfeng mention going to the Tianya Mountain Range, he knew he wouldn't have a chance to see her again, hence the faint sadness. Memories of her flooded his mind.

"Are you Zhang Xingfeng?"

"No, my name is Lang Feng. Zhang Xingfeng is in that room."...

"Brother Lang Feng, I have to go. If I don't go back, my father... Ah!"

"Your father, you are a princess!"

"Brother Lang Feng, I'm so sorry, please don't tell Brother Zhang!"...

You are a princess, and I am just a nobody. You love my second brother, not me. What good will it do if I try? Lang Feng smiled faintly as he looked at the handkerchief in his hand. It was the princess who dropped it, but Lang Feng did not return it; he kept it himself.

Zhang Xingfeng stood quietly behind Lang Feng, watching Lang Feng look at the handkerchief with tears streaming down his face, but with a faint smile on his face. Zhang Xingfeng was certain that Lang Feng did indeed have someone he liked, and loved her deeply. Now that he was already injured, how could he watch his brother get hurt on the same issue?

Upon seeing the handkerchief, Zhang Xingfeng immediately recognized the person. "Brother, you're not even qualified to pursue that girl, Leyue?"

Upon hearing Zhang Xingfeng's voice, Lang Feng felt a surge of tension and immediately put away his handkerchief. When he heard "Leyue," he deflated like a punctured balloon and slumped into his chair.

"Second brother, you know everything!"

"I don't know, I don't know why you don't dare to pursue her!" Zhang Xingfeng felt a surge of anger. She's just a little girl, why can't he pursue her?

Lang Feng said bitterly, "Second brother, you still don't know her true identity. She is the Fourth Princess of the current emperor. Tell me, do I still have a chance? Do I still have the qualifications?"

Zhang Xingfeng was taken aback. So she was a princess. Zhang Xingfeng had long suspected that the girl 'Leyue' had some powerful background, but he never expected her to be a princess. Nevertheless, Zhang Xingfeng smiled and said, "Brother, do you know just how powerful an Aristocratic Clan can be?"

Lang Feng was taken aback. He didn't understand why his second brother was asking this question at this time, but he still replied, "Very strong. After hearing your description just now, I know that the Aristocratic Clan are indeed very strong."

Zhang Xingfeng laughed loudly, "Strong! And even stronger than you think. Let me tell you, if an Aristocratic Clan wants to rebel against the imperial court, then that imperial court is doomed!"

Lang Feng was taken aback. In his eyes, the emperor's power was beyond doubt. No matter how strong the Aristocratic Clan, they could not compare with the royal family!

Zhang Xingfeng laughed and said, "You still don't understand. A single aristocratic Aristocratic Clan has several thousand Innate Master, and that doesn't even include the masters in the Tianya Mountain Range. The imperial palace only has five thousand guards, but how many of them have reached the innate level? A single Aristocratic Clan could easily destroy the imperial palace! Not to mention that, just economically, if the Shi Family were to run out of food for even a month, the whole world would be in chaos! Just think about how powerful an Aristocratic Clan really is!"

Lang Feng understood, but then asked doubtfully, "Second Brother, why are you saying this?"

Zhang Xingfeng said mysteriously, "Brother, have you forgotten our goal?" Lang Feng replied reflexively, "That's right, we're going to establish Aristocratic Clan." Zhang Xingfeng immediately said, "That's right, that way, you'll be an important figure in the Aristocratic Clan, a pivotal one at that. You still have to worry about not being good enough for her!"

Upon hearing this, Lang Feng said, "But we're not Aristocratic Clan yet! When will we become Aristocratic Clan? By then, she'll already be married!"

Zhang Xingfeng sneered, "Ha... hahaha... you're getting anxious now, kid! Hahaha..." He kept staring at Lang Feng as he spoke.

Upon hearing this, Lang Feng's face turned as red as if he had just drunk alcohol, but he didn't refute it at all. However, being stared at like that by Zhang Xingfeng, Lang Feng felt his face burning hot, and the heat extended all the way to his ears.

"Brother, don't worry. Right now, with your martial arts skills and your current status in the Lineage, you're good enough for her. Well, this time, you don't need to go to the Tianya Mountain Range. Just focus on pursuing 'Leyue'!" Zhang Xingfeng's expression suddenly turned serious. "Brother, remember to seize the moment and cherish the person in front of you. Don't wait until later to regret it!"

Upon hearing this, Lang Feng looked directly at Zhang Xingfeng and said firmly, "Second brother, don't worry. I believe I am qualified to pursue her, and even if I fail, I will not regret it!"

Zhang Xingfeng laughed and said, "How can my elder brother Zhang Xingfeng fail? He must succeed! If he fails and angers me, I'll go to the palace and snatch him away for you!" With that, he left. His brother's knot had been untied, and Zhang Xingfeng was relieved.

Upon hearing this, Lang Feng recalled Zhang Xingfeng's terrifying martial arts skills and genuinely worried that Zhang Xingfeng might arrogantly go to the palace to forcibly seize her. How could he face Leyue then? He secretly resolved that he must marry Leyue.

*******************************

"Greetings, Master!" Fourteen young men bowed to Zhang Xingfeng as his master. It was the first time Zhang Xingfeng had ever done this, and he felt quite pleased with himself.

"Alright, all of you get up." Zhang Xingfeng sat upright in the main seat, as a master must have the demeanor of one.

"Thank you, Master Xie!" The fourteen lucky guys stood up respectfully and walked to one side of the hall. They stood straight, and in their eyes, Zhang Xingfeng was a god, an immortal, and omnipotent. How could they dare to sit down in front of Zhang Xingfeng?

"We're leaving the capital this afternoon for the Tianya Mountain Range. Li Er, I'd like you to come with me. Would you be willing?" Zhang Xingfeng asked, looking at Li Er, who was eagerly waiting beside him.

Li Er had long wanted to leave the capital and go out for fun. Ever since he learned that Lang Feng wasn't going, he had been hoping that this opportunity would fall into his lap. As soon as he heard Zhang Xingfeng's words, he immediately stepped forward and said with great pride, "Master, I, Li Er, am very willing. I will definitely help you with your troubles on the journey. No matter what difficulties we encounter, I, Li Er, will not even flinch."

Watching Li Er's clownish behavior, Zhang Xingfeng really wanted to kick him away. Li Da Li Er matured a lot now that he had Xia Shui, but Li Er was still as mischievous and disrespectful as ever. It seemed he should find a wife too.

"Okay, since there's no problem, then you fourteen and Li Er will set off promptly at eight o'clock tomorrow morning. Make sure we can't find you by then, understand?" Zhang Xingfeng said imposingly.

"Yes!" Li Er and his fourteen newly accepted disciples replied respectfully.

Zhang Xingfeng glanced at his newly accepted apprentice, smiled, and left the hall through a side door.