His face was aged but not haggard, his features deep-set, and his bearing as weighty as a mountain. The martial foundations accumulated over the years were on full display. His aura alone firmly overwhelmed that of Vulture Li Yao, who had been at the Second Level of Dharma Aspect. Clearly, he was a supreme expert with even more profound cultivation.
This was none other than Duanmu Tianhe, the former sect master of the Flying Eagle Sect, who had remained hidden in the valley and had yet to show himself.
His gaze swept indifferently over Li Yao's rotting, mutilated corpse on the ground. Feigning regret, he gently shook his head and gave a long sigh, his tone carrying an indifference cloaked in affected compassion:
"Li Yao, oh, Li Yao. You followed me for years with unwavering loyalty. I had intended to continue nurturing you and help your cultivation advance another step. To think you would perish here today. What a pity. What a pity."
As his words fell, he turned toward Duanmu Hua, who was already pale with fright and trembling all over. The cold severity in his eyes instantly faded, replaced by a trace of indulgent warmth as he gently reassured him.
"Do not panic, my son. Li Yao was defeated and killed only because his cultivation was shallow and his skills inferior. With your father here, absolutely no one can harm a hair on your head. There is no need to be afraid."
These indulgent, protective words completely steadied the distraught Duanmu Hua, allowing him to settle down a little.
Having reassured his son, Duanmu Tianhe shifted his gaze back to Su Fei, who stood motionless and distinguished in the courtyard. His eyes held the lofty composure of a superior looking down from above. His tone seemed mild, but