Baiyang Sect's First True Disciple?

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

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

Unlike Feiyun Sect, which had been built on an ordinary mountain peak, North Snow Sect stood atop a vast range of snow-capped mountains.

The endless snow mountains coiled like silver dragons. Their peaks were covered in snow that had remained unmelted for a thousand years, yet the scene showed none of the bleakness one might expect. Instead, the lingering spiritual mist lent it an otherworldly air. Grand, magnificent palace-like buildings appeared and disappeared within the mist, resembling a fairyland.

In front of the platform stood a massive Darksteel Gate, roughly twenty zhang tall. Vivid Ice Dragon designs had been carved into it, and beside the gate stood a stone stele about one zhang high.

North Snow Sect!

The three gilded characters were bold and powerful, radiating a faint pressure.

"This gate is far too impressive!" one of the new True Disciples could not help exclaiming, his eyes filled with awe.

The Feiyun Sect disciples had just taken their places on the platform when the Grand Elder stowed away the flying boat, and two streaks of light came hurtling over from the horizon.

They were two exquisite, luxurious flying boats. The marks of "Baiyang Sect" and "Wind Snow Sect" were carved onto their hulls, clearly identifying the groups from the other two sects.

When the flying boats landed, the Baiyang Sect disciples were the first to descend. At their head was none other than Baiyang Sect's First True Disciple, Yun Shan.

He wore a blue-green robe and had handsome features tinged with a hint of gloom. When his gaze swept across the Feiyun Sect disciples, it was filled with disdain and provocation, as though he had been born hostile to them.

The Wind Snow Sect disciples were entirely different. They wore gentle smiles and had calm gazes. They clearly knew about the grudge between Feiyun Sect and Baiyang Sect and did not wish to interfere lightly.

"Feiyun Sect arrived quite early." Yun Shan spoke, his voice cold.

"I heard that you attacked my Baiyang Sect disciples in the Earth Sun Secret Realm, killing some and injuring others. Quite a fine show of skill. But it doesn't matter. During this Grand Tournament, I'll teach you a proper lesson and let you know that not everyone can be provoked."

Before he had even finished speaking, Yun Shan's gaze suddenly locked onto Ye Feng, and his tone grew colder. "Especially you, Ye Feng! You killed my Baiyang Sect disciples and seized our sect's opportunities in the Earth Sun Secret Realm. We'll have to settle this debt properly."

Ye Feng raised his brows slightly, his face showing bewilderment.

He did not know Yun Shan at all. Why had the other man singled him out?

Then, he subconsciously thought of Yun Hai and guessed that the two might be relatives.

But he had clearly killed Yun Hai's entire team. Logically speaking, Yun Shan should not have known the details.

"Junior Brother Ye, you still don't know?" Li Yunfeng leaned over and explained in a lowered voice. "Your deeds in the Earth Sun Secret Realm have already spread throughout Yan Nan State! After the Baiyang Sect Elder returned, he exaggerated your talent and actions. The sect predicted that you would be exceptionally promoted to a True Disciple and would also participate in this Grand Tournament, so they deliberately had Yun Shan and the others memorize your face. They want to find you and take revenge during the tournament."

Ye Feng suddenly understood. His gaze toward Yun Shan gained a touch of coldness.

It was merely a grudge between sects that had dragged him in, yet they had even prepared their lessons in advance. They were making far too much of it.

Ye Feng gave a cold laugh without responding. There was no point saying more. Once they reached the Grand Tournament arena, strength would be the best language.

"All right, all right. You're all here to participate in the Grand Tournament. Why draw your swords the moment you meet?" An aged voice rang out, breaking the tense atmosphere.

Everyone turned to look and saw an old man in a white cotton robe slowly approaching. His beard and hair were completely white, yet his spirit was vigorous. He was none other than North Snow Sect's Grand Elder.

He smiled and cupped his hands. "Welcome, fellow Daoists from Feiyun Sect, Baiyang Sect, and Wind Snow Sect. This old man arrived late, so I hope you'll forgive me. Come, follow me into the sect. Your lodgings have long been prepared. You've all had a tiring journey, so rest for a day first. The Grand Tournament will officially begin tomorrow."

Although Baiyang Sect and Feiyun Sect had their grievances, neither could refuse to show the host some respect.

Yun Shan snorted coldly and withdrew his gaze.

Liu Tianxiang also nodded slightly, signaling for the disciples to follow.

Everyone followed North Snow Sect's Grand Elder toward the mountain gate.

Along the way, North Snow Sect's Grand Elder specifically arranged for disciples to place Feiyun Sect and Baiyang Sect's lodgings as far apart as possible.

One was in the East Courtyard and the other in the West Courtyard. Two mountain peaks even stood between them. Clearly, he knew of the conflict between the two sects and had taken precautions against unnecessary clashes in advance.

The courtyards arranged for the three sects were all extremely spacious. Not only were there rooms for the disciples, but there were also dedicated cultivation chambers, while the Elders had private side rooms. The arrangements had been exceptionally thoughtful.

After the Feiyun Sect disciples had settled in, the Grand Elder summoned everyone to the center of the courtyard and began giving instructions.

He first looked at Liu Tianxiang, Gu Yun, and Li Xiao. With a solemn expression, he said, "Baiyang Sect came here with great momentum this time, as you've all seen. I heard that the rewards for this Grand Tournament are extremely generous, and that the tournament was even promoted by Baiyang Sect. They must have prepared long ago and intend to use this opportunity to suppress us. The three of you are the core of our sect. You must be especially careful, carry Feiyun Sect's competitive strength on your shoulders, and strive to achieve good rankings."

Liu Tianxiang, Gu Yun, and Li Xiao nodded gravely.

This was not merely personal glory. It was also the sect's dignity.

Next, the Grand Elder turned to the ordinary True Disciples, his tone gentler. "You must also understand that the top three True Disciples of the Four Great Sects are extremely powerful. There is an obvious gap between them and the disciples below them. If you encounter one of the top three during the tournament, don't hesitate. Surrender immediately. Staying alive is what matters. As for the other disciples, most of them are around the seventh layer of the Condensation realm, and most cultivate lower-grade earth-level techniques and martial skills. Their strength is not weak, so you must face them carefully as well. Treat this Grand Tournament primarily as an opportunity to broaden your horizons. Don't force yourselves to rank in the top ten. It will be enough if you gain something from it."

The ordinary disciples nodded one after another. They had a clear understanding of their own strength and knew that fighting recklessly would only get them injured.

Finally, the Grand Elder's gaze fell on Ye Feng, carrying a trace of surprise.

He had previously heard that Ye Feng had only recently become a True Disciple. He had not expected him to have already broken through to the third layer of the Condensation realm. No wonder the Sect Master valued him so highly.

But he was still somewhat worried.

"Ye Feng, your talent is excellent, but your cultivation is still low. After spending only a month in the Martial Pavilion, you may not have mastered your techniques and martial skills deeply. If you encounter a powerful opponent during the tournament, don't be stubborn. Surrendering directly is nothing to be ashamed of. The Baiyang Sect disciples in particular might try to kill you, so you must prioritize your safety."

Ye Feng appeared to nod silently, but inwardly, he did not take it to heart.

Surrender?

That was absolutely impossible.

With his hidden strength at the peak of the tenth layer of the Condensation Realm, combined with 80% Sword Intent and Million Jin Giant Strength, he might not be without the power to fight even if he faced Yun Shan.

Once the Grand Tournament began, he would use his fists to prove that he was not a soft persimmon for anyone to squeeze.

"That's about all that needs to be said. Everyone, disperse. Rest well and conserve your energy. Show your strength tomorrow." The Grand Elder waved his hand, ending his instructions.

The disciples each returned to their rooms. The courtyard gradually fell silent, leaving only the wind from the distant snow mountains echoing softly through the night.

Ye Feng stood before the window, gazing at the snowy scene outside while his fingers unconsciously rubbed the Spirit Sword.