Chapter Eight: They Were Nothing but a Bunch of Nobodies!

Chapter Eight: They Were Nothing but a Bunch of Nobodies!

In the martial world, people began frequently comparing him to the renowned prodigies known across the land.

Countless people gaped in disbelief, unable to believe that someone who had once been utterly unknown could undergo such a dramatic transformation in so short a time.

Great Grandmasters had met their match before him, and even Half-step Vajras had fallen to his hand. Ordinary martial artists feared him like mice feared cats. The moment they spotted him in the distance, their legs turned to jelly, and they fled in panic.

Meanwhile, the Xuanyuan Family had fallen into a deathly silence. At Great Snow Plain, in the place where Xuanyuan Dapan had secluded himself, the family's leaders had gathered. Every face was etched with solemnity and unease.

Xuanyuan Dapan slowly opened his eyes. His gaze swept over everyone like a flash of lightning, and he asked in a low, imposing voice, "How has a mere retainer stirred up such chaos in our family? What have you all been doing?"

Everyone lowered their heads, not daring to breathe too loudly. Xuanyuan Jingxuan braced himself and stepped forward, bowing slightly as he said, "Old Ancestor, I've sent Xuanyuan Qingfeng down the mountain to search for Wang Ritain. I believe we'll hear something soon."

Xuanyuan Dapan gave a cold snort. "Resolve this as quickly as possible. Don't let the family become a laughingstock in the martial world!"

Xuanyuan Jingxuan hurriedly replied, "Yes, Old Ancestor. I'll do everything in my power."

With that, he slowly withdrew from the cave.

After leaving Great Snow Plain, Xuanyuan Jingxuan silently considered the matter. If he could resolve the Wang Ritain affair perfectly, his standing in the Old Ancestor's eyes would surely rise greatly. He might even have a chance of becoming the family head ahead of schedule.

By then, Xuanyuan Qingfeng had already been away from the mountain for several days.

Along the way, she had heard countless rumors about Wang Ritain, and every one of them shocked her. The once-timid Wang Ritain, who had been so insignificant within the family, had become someone feared throughout the martial world. The stark contrast was difficult for her to accept.

At a small tavern at the foot of the mountain, Xuanyuan Qingfeng was preparing to rest when a martial artist, covered in wounds, stumbled inside. Fear showed in his eyes, and his steps were unsteady, as if he might collapse at any moment. Seeing him, Xuanyuan Qingfeng's thoughts stirred. She walked over and asked softly, "What happened to you? Did you run into trouble?"

The martial artist looked up at Xuanyuan Qingfeng, hesitated, then said, "Miss, do you know anyone from the Xuanyuan Family? I have an important message for Old Ancestor Xuanyuan."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng's heart jolted. She hurriedly replied, "I'm from the Xuanyuan Family. Tell me what you have to say."

A glimmer of hope appeared in the martial artist's eyes. He took a deep breath and said, "It's Wang Ritain. Wang Ritain asked me to pass a message to Old Ancestor Xuanyuan. He said that the next time he comes to Mount Hui, he'll kill the Old Ancestor with his own hands."

"What?" Xuanyuan Qingfeng's eyes widened in shock. She could hardly believe her ears. Wang Ritain, whom she had once looked down on, was now so brazen as to say something so outrageous. She knew how terrifying Xuanyuan Dapan's strength was. In the martial world, he stood at the very peak. Wang Ritain was practically asking for death.

"Y-you're sure Wang Ritain said that?" Xuanyuan Qingfeng asked again, still clinging to a faint hope.

"Absolutely, Miss. Wang Ritain was the one who injured me. He insisted that I deliver the message." The martial artist spoke with certainty.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng fell silent for a moment, her feelings in turmoil. She didn't know what had happened to Wang Ritain or why he had become so reckless. But she understood how serious this was and knew she had to tell Xuanyuan Jingxuan as soon as possible.

After the martial artist left, Xuanyuan Qingfeng immediately returned to the mountain and relayed Wang Ritain's words to Xuanyuan Jingxuan in full. Xuanyuan Jingxuan flew into a rage. His face turned livid, and he clenched his fists until his knuckles went white.

"That Wang Ritain has a death wish! How dare he show such disrespect to the Old Ancestor!" Xuanyuan Jingxuan roared, his voice filled with fury and shock. He paced back and forth across the room, trying to calm himself. After a long while, he stopped, a resolute glint in his eyes. "We can't let Wang Ritain keep acting so arrogantly. We have to deal with him as soon as possible."

Xuanyuan Jingxuan began summoning people from all over. He carefully selected thirty-eight top-tier martial artists, including several Great Grandmasters. They were all among the best in the martial world, skilled in formations and perfectly coordinated. Xuanyuan Jingxuan believed that with their help, they could capture Wang Ritain in one fell swoop.

Before setting out, Xuanyuan Jingxuan looked at the thirty-eight experts before him and gave a cold smile. "Wang Ritain, you think a little strength means you can do whatever you want in the martial world? Today, I'll show you what happens when you offend the Xuanyuan Family!" His eyes brimmed with confidence and arrogance, as if he could already see Wang Ritain crushed beneath his feet.

A veteran retainer of the family stepped forward, his face full of concern. "Family Head, Wang Ritain is formidable now. We should think this through carefully, lest we suffer an unexpected defeat."

Xuanyuan Jingxuan burst into laughter. "You're worrying too much. Wang Ritain is nothing but a mere retainer. Even if he's gotten stronger, how much trouble can he cause? I'll kill him with my own hands and show everyone that no good comes from offending the Xuanyuan Family!" Ignoring the retainer's protests, he led the group down the mountain in a grand procession.

That night, the moonlight flowed like water over a quiet mountain road. Wang Ritain was traveling alone, his steps steady and resolute, as if nothing in the world could stop him. Suddenly, a group appeared ahead, standing ready and blocking the road completely. Wang Ritain frowned slightly and stopped.

"Wang Ritain, today is the day you die!" one of the leading Grandmasters shouted, his voice echoing through the still night.

Wang Ritain looked up and saw thirty-eight experts spread out in a fan formation, surrounding him on all sides. Their powerful auras made it clear they had come prepared. Wang Ritain's lips curled into a contemptuous smile. "You think a bunch of nobodies like you can stop me?"