The First True Disciple of Baiyang Sect?

The flying boat slowly descended onto the platform at the foot of the North Snow Sect's mountain, and Ye Feng stepped out of the cabin alongside the Feiyun Sect disciples.

Looking up, he was instantly stunned by the sight before him.

Unlike Feiyun Sect, which was built on ordinary peaks, North Snow Sect sat atop a vast expanse of snowy mountains.

The rolling peaks coiled like silver dragons, their summits capped with millennial snow that showed no sign of desolation. Instead, the lingering spiritual mist lent an ethereal touch, with grand palace-like structures faintly visible within the haze, like a celestial realm.

In front of the platform stood a massive Darksteel Gate, about twenty zhang high, engraved with lifelike Ice Dragon patterns. Beside the gate was a zhang-tall stone tablet.

North Snow Sect!

The three gilded characters were bold and forceful, exuding a faint pressure.

"This gate is way too imposing!" one new True Disciple couldn't help but exclaim, awe filling their eyes.

Just as the Feiyun Sect disciples settled on the platform and the Grand Elder put away the flying boat, two streaks of light shot over from the horizon.

They were two exquisite, ornate flying boats, their hulls engraved with the emblems of Baiyang Sect and Wind Snow Sect—clearly the teams from the other two sects.

The boats landed, and Baiyang Sect disciples stepped out first, led by their First True Disciple, Yun Shan.

He wore a cyan robe, his face handsome but tinged with coldness. As his gaze swept over the Feiyun Sect disciples, it was filled with disdain and provocation, as if hostility came naturally.

The Wind Snow Sect disciples, in contrast, wore warm smiles and calm expressions, clearly aware of the feud between Feiyun Sect and Baiyang Sect and unwilling to get involved.

"Feiyun Sect sure arrived early," Yun Shan said, his voice icy.

"I heard you went all out in the Earth Sun Secret Realm, killing and wounding my Baiyang Sect disciples. Quite the tactics. But no matter—this Grand Tournament, I'll teach you a proper lesson. You'll learn not everyone can be provoked."

Before he finished, Yun Shan's gaze locked onto Ye Feng, his tone turning even colder: "Especially you, Ye Feng! Killing my Baiyang Sect disciples in the Earth Sun Secret Realm, stealing our sect's opportunities—we'll settle that score properly."

Ye Feng raised an eyebrow, a look of surprise on his face.

He didn't even know Yun Shan—why was the guy singling him out?

Then, he instinctively thought of Yun Hai, guessing they might be relatives.

But he had wiped out Yun Hai's entire squad; logically, Yun Shan shouldn't know the details.

"Junior Brother Ye, you don't know yet?" Li Yunfeng leaned in, lowering his voice to explain. "Your deeds in the Earth Sun Secret Realm have spread all over Yan Nan State! The Baiyang Sect elder went back and exaggerated your talent and actions. The sect predicted you'd be promoted to True Disciple ahead of schedule and join this Grand Tournament, so they specifically told Yun Shan and the others to memorize your face—just to get revenge in the tournament."

Ye Feng had a Sudden Realization, his gaze toward Yun Shan turning colder.

All this over sect grudges, and they'd even prepped in advance—seemed a bit overblown.

Ye Feng gave a cold smile and said nothing. More words were useless; in the tournament arena, strength spoke loudest.

"Alright, alright, we're all here for the Grand Tournament. No need to start at each other's throats the moment you meet," an aged voice rang out, breaking the tension.

Everyone turned to see an old man in a white cotton robe walking over slowly. His hair and beard were snow-white, but he was vigorous and alert—the Grand Elder of North Snow Sect.

He cupped his hands with a smile: "Welcome to Feiyun Sect, Baiyang Sect, and Wind Snow Sect. This Old Man is late—my apologies. Please, follow me into the sect. Lodgings are ready. You've traveled far, so rest for a day. The Grand Tournament begins tomorrow."

Though Baiyang Sect and Feiyun Sect had their feud, they couldn't slight the host.

Yun Shan snorted coldly and looked away.

Liu Tianxiang nodded slightly, signaling the disciples to follow.

The group trailed behind the North Snow Sect Grand Elder toward the mountain gate.

Along the way, the Grand Elder deliberately arranged for the Feiyun Sect and Baiyang Sect lodgings to be far apart.

One was in the East Courtyard, the other in the West Courtyard, with two peaks in between. Clearly, he knew about the conflict and wanted to avoid unnecessary trouble.

The courtyards assigned to the three sects were spacious, with not only rooms for disciples but also dedicated training chambers, and separate quarters for the elders—thoughtfully arranged.

After the Feiyun Sect disciples settled in, the Grand Elder gathered everyone in the courtyard center to give instructions.

He first looked at Liu Tianxiang, Gu Yun, and Li Xiao, his expression serious: "You saw how Baiyang Sect came in force. I've heard the tournament rewards are generous, pushed through by Baiyang Sect's recommendation. They've likely prepared well, hoping to use this chance to suppress us. You three are the core of our sect—stay sharp, carry Feiyun Sect's competitiveness, and aim for good rankings."

Liu Tianxiang and the others nodded gravely.

This wasn't just personal honor; it was the sect's face.

Then, the Grand Elder turned to the ordinary True Disciples, his tone softening: "You should also know that the top three True Disciples of the Four Great Sects are extremely strong, with a clear gap between them and the rest. If you run into the top three in the tournament, don't hesitate—just concede. Staying alive is what matters. As for the other disciples, most are around the seventh layer of the True Condensation Realm, practicing Earth-grade Low-rank techniques and martial skills. They're no pushovers, so be careful. This tournament is mainly about gaining experience. Don't force the top ten; just get something out of it."

The ordinary disciples nodded. They knew their own strength well and understood that a reckless fight would only lead to injury.

Finally, the Grand Elder's gaze fell on Ye Feng, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

He'd heard Ye Feng had only recently become a True Disciple, but he hadn't expected him to Breakthrough to the third layer of the True Condensation Realm. No wonder the Sect Master valued him so much.

Still, he had concerns.

"Ye Feng, your talent is good, but your cultivation is still low. The month you spent in the Martial Pavilion might not have let you deeply master any techniques or martial skills. If you face a strong opponent in the tournament, don't be stubborn—surrendering isn't shameful. Especially with Baiyang Sect disciples; they might try to kill you. Make sure you stay safe."

Ye Feng nodded silently on the surface, but inwardly he disagreed.

Surrender?

Absolutely not.

His hidden strength at the True Condensation Realm Tenth Layer Peak, combined with 80% Sword Intent and Million Jin Giant Strength, meant he might even have a fighting chance against Yun Shan.

When the tournament started, he'd prove with his fists that he wasn't some pushover.

"That's about all I have to say. Everyone, disperse. Rest well, conserve your energy, and show your strength tomorrow." The Grand Elder waved his hand, ending the briefing.

The disciples returned to their rooms, and the courtyard gradually quieted down, leaving only the wind from the distant snowy mountains echoing softly in the night.

Ye Feng stood by the window, gazing at the snowscape outside, his fingers unconsciously tracing the Spirit Sword.