A Master's Responsibility!

Peace and quiet?

Upon the Sword Testing Platform, silence reigned so completely that a falling needle could be heard. Only a faint breeze brushed past, carrying a trace of chill as it tried in vain to disperse the lingering stench of blood in the air.

Everyone remained immersed in that earth-shattering scene, their minds shaken beyond recovery.

One slap—only one slap—and a Saint Realm expert, the Nangong Family's Ninth Elder, had been crushed to death like an ant!

Such power had already surpassed their understanding and overturned everything they knew.

Those who had looked down on Xuanyuan Che before now felt their faces burning, yet could not utter a single word.

They could not believe that this youth, who appeared so lazy and casual, even somewhat careless, possessed such heaven-destroying, earth-shattering power.

Was he really a youth?

Was he truly a prodigy of their academy?

Could he really not be some reclusive old monster who had whimsically disguised himself as a youth to toy with the world?

Frost Sword Master Ling Shuanghua was equally stunned. With her Saint Realm cultivation, she could better appreciate the terror behind that slap.

That seemingly casual blow actually contained an indescribable Dao resonance. It was as though the Heavenly Dao had incarnated to judge the world; with a mere gesture, it could easily erase a Saint Realm expert. It was simply inconceivable.

She looked at Xuanyuan Che with complicated eyes, stormy waves crashing through her heart, unable to calm herself for a long while.

Just who was this youth?

When had such a heaven-defying monster appeared in the Eastern Wasteland Domain?

Did Lu Xuanchen know that his newly accepted disciple possessed such astonishing ability?

Countless questions circled through Ling Shuanghua's mind, leaving even this knowledgeable Saint Realm powerhouse at a loss.

Mu Qingxue was equally shocked. Deep in her cold eyes flickered a searching light as she fixed her gaze tightly on Xuanyuan Che, as though she wished to see through him completely.

The strange movement of the Wuchen Sword and the resonance of her Sword Bone made her vaguely feel that this youth might share innumerable threads of connection with the Return to Ruins Sword Path she had always pursued.

That feeling was illusory yet undeniably real, stirring ripples across the lake of her frozen heart.

At the same time, she became certain of one thing.

The person who had caused her Wuchen Sword to leave its sheath earlier was undoubtedly this youth!

"Master..." Mu Qingxue called softly, breaking the frozen silence.

Ling Shuanghua returned to her senses. She took a deep breath, suppressing the storm in her heart, then gave Xuanyuan Che a slight nod. Her tone softened considerably, carrying a trace of inquiry. "Does your master know?"

Xuanyuan Che smiled. "Of course."

Naturally, Xuanyuan Che knew what Ling Shuanghua was asking.

She was merely asking whether his master knew that his disciple possessed such heaven-defying strength.

Of course he knows! Xuanyuan Che grumbled inwardly.

Did she really think that old fellow was merely a Saint King? How could that be possible? Could a Saint King take in several disciples as heaven-defying as them?

If his nominal master had not sought him out for a late-night talk some days ago, even he would have misjudged the old man.

His gaze swept over the wrecked Sword Testing Platform once more, then over the crowd standing in the distance, silent as cicadas in winter. The corner of his lips curled into a meaningful smile. "However, dealing with the aftermath may be rather troublesome."

Troublesome?

Ling Shuanghua's brows furrowed slightly as an uneasy feeling rose in her heart.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, an aura as vast and unfathomable as an abyss suddenly descended upon the Sword Testing Platform.

"Che'er, well done!"

A booming voice exploded like thunder, making everyone's eardrums ring and their blood surge.

Lu Xuanchen appeared on the Sword Testing Platform as if he had teleported there. His gaze was imposing as it swept across the crowd before finally settling on Xuanyuan Che, his eyes carrying praise and a trace of complexity.

"Academy Lord!"

As though they had found their backbone, everyone bowed in salute, their expressions respectful.

Ling Shuanghua also nodded slightly. "Academy Lord."

Lu Xuanchen waved a hand to indicate that no formalities were needed. His gaze returned to Xuanyuan Che, his tone carrying a trace of rebuke but even more protection. "Che'er, you were somewhat too heavy-handed."

Xuanyuan Che shrugged innocently. "They were too weak. This disciple failed to hold back in time."

The corners of everyone's mouths twitched as they cursed inwardly.

Too weak? Failed to hold back?

That had been a Saint Realm expert! Before him, had they really been like ants that could be crushed at will?

If those words spread, the entire Eastern Wasteland Domain—even the Central Continent—would be shaken!

Lu Xuanchen shook his head helplessly. Naturally, he knew Xuanyuan Che's temperament, but he could not laugh at this moment.

Nangong Lie was dead. The Nangong Family would never let this go, and this matter would likely be difficult to settle peacefully.

But since things had come to this, there was no point in saying more.

Lu Xuanchen's gaze sharpened as he looked around. His imposing voice rang throughout the area. "Today's matter ends here! All disciples are to return to your respective main peaks immediately. You are not to leave, nor are you to discuss this recklessly!"

"Yes!" everyone answered in unison. As though granted a pardon, they rose and hurried away from the Sword Testing Platform, afraid of being drawn into the coming storm.

In the blink of an eye, the previously bustling Sword Testing Platform became empty, leaving only Lu Xuanchen, Ling Shuanghua, Mu Qingxue, and Xuanyuan Che.

Lu Xuanchen looked deeply at Ling Shuanghua and said in a grave voice, "Shuanghua, this matter began because of your Heavenly Sword Peak. What do you think?"

Ling Shuanghua's expression was solemn. After pondering for a moment, she said, "Academy Lord, this matter arose because of my disciple. If you give the order, I shall naturally give it my all."

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Lu Xuanchen nodded slightly and turned his gaze toward Xuanyuan Che. His tone eased somewhat. "Che'er, do you understand the consequences of this matter?"

Xuanyuan Che remained calm as he replied blandly, "This disciple understands. It is merely the Nangong Family; there is nothing to fear."

Arrogant!

That word surfaced in everyone's hearts once again, but none dared voice it in mockery.

After all, this youth had just slapped a Saint Realm expert to death!

Lu Xuanchen looked deeply at Xuanyuan Che, saying nothing further. He merely sighed. "So be it. I will bear this matter as your master. Come back to Xuanqing Peak with me first, and we shall discuss it at length."

Bear it?

Ling Shuanghua's expression changed slightly when she heard this, and she hurriedly said, "Academy Lord, this matter..."

Lu Xuanchen waved his hand, interrupting her. His tone was firm. "Shuanghua, say no more. Since Che'er has entered my sect, he is my disciple. As his master, I must naturally protect him completely."

Resolve and responsibility filled his eyes, making Ling Shuanghua's heart tremble. She wanted to speak, but stopped herself.

Mu Qingxue also silently glanced at Lu Xuanchen, a complicated emotion flashing through her cold eyes.

Xuanyuan Che, however, looked as composed as ever. The corner of his lips lifted into an imperceptible smile.

It seemed this master of his was not entirely useless. At least, he had some sense of responsibility.

Still, responsibility was one thing—but what was with that righteous, heroic expression, as if he were ready to face death?

Your disciple would step in when it mattered~

"Thank you, Master." Xuanyuan Che bowed slightly. Sometimes, people still could not simply follow their hearts.

Lu Xuanchen nodded without saying anything more. With a wave of his hand, a gentle force wrapped around Xuanyuan Che, carrying him away in a streak of light that vanished into the horizon.

Ling Shuanghua and Mu Qingxue exchanged a glance, each seeing the worry in the other's eyes.

The Nangong Family would not let this matter rest easily.

Eastern Xuan Academy would likely face an unprecedented storm.

At the summit of Xuanqing Peak stood the residence of Academy Lord Lu Xuanchen.

Lu Xuanchen brought Xuanyuan Che before a quaint and elegant cottage. He gestured for him to enter on his own, then turned to leave, saying only, "Che'er, rest here for a while. I will handle some matters and return shortly."

Xuanyuan Che nodded and stepped into the cottage.

The cottage was spacious and bright, simply decorated. In its center stood an enormous jade table bearing several spiritual fruits and Immortal Brew, giving off an enticing fragrance.

Xuanyuan Che casually found a seat and picked up a spiritual fruit. He took a gentle bite, and sweet juice filled his mouth. It melted instantly on his tongue and contained pure Spiritual Power. It was not bad at all.

As he sampled the fruit, he surveyed the cottage's furnishings with a leisurely expression, showing none of the tension one might expect from someone at the center of a storm.

It was as though all the clamor outside had nothing to do with him.

At that moment, however, Eastern Xuan Academy's upper ranks had fallen into chaos over Nangong Lie's death.

Within the Council Hall, the atmosphere was solemn and oppressive enough to make one unable to breathe.

The academy's Supreme Elders and elders of every peak had gathered together, their expressions grave and their brows tightly furrowed.

Lu Xuanchen sat at the head of the hall, his face calm as his gaze swept over everyone. He said in a deep voice, "I presume you have all heard of Nangong Lie's death."

Everyone nodded, their expressions solemn.

One Supreme Elder sighed, concern filling his face. "Academy Lord, Nangong Lie was the Ninth Elder of the Nangong Family and held an exalted status. Now that he has been killed by a disciple of our academy, the Nangong Family will certainly not let this rest!"

"Indeed. The Nangong Family also has considerable influence in the Central Continent and deep foundations. If they insist on turning against Eastern Xuan Academy, this will be difficult to handle," another peak master said worriedly.

"Moreover, this matter began with the Mu Family's marriage agreement and involves many parties. It may provoke an even greater uproar."

Discussion broke out everywhere. Everyone was full of worry, their brows locked in distress.

Lu Xuanchen raised a hand, signaling for silence. "I understand your concerns. But this matter was not our academy's fault. Nangong Lie went too far in bullying others and brought this upon himself. Eastern Xuan Academy will never bow to any force."

His words rang with force, each one striking the ground like a hammer. The unquestionable authority in his voice settled the hearts of those who had begun to waver.

"The Academy Lord is right! Eastern Xuan Academy has stood in the Eastern Wasteland Domain for tens of thousands of years. How could we fear a mere Nangong Family?" a hot-tempered peak master rose and agreed.

"Exactly! If the Nangong Family dares invade, we shall give our all and fight them to the last drop of blood!"

Everyone declared their stance in turn. Their emotions surged and their morale rose high.

Lu Xuanchen nodded in satisfaction, his gaze sweeping over the crowd again. "I know your resolve. But we must not act rashly in this matter; we need to plan for the long term. Our urgent priority is to determine the Nangong Family's attitude before making further arrangements."

"The Academy Lord speaks wisely." Everyone nodded in agreement.

After pondering briefly, Lu Xuanchen said, "Then let us do this. Send people to the Nangong Family first to sound them out. At the same time, closely monitor all movements inside and outside the academy in case of unexpected developments."

"We obey the Academy Lord's command!" everyone answered in unison.

After the council ended, everyone dispersed and busied themselves with preparations for the coming storm.

Lu Xuanchen, meanwhile, went alone to the rear hall, his expression somewhat grave.

He knew the Nangong Family's strength well. They were by no means easy opponents.

This time, Eastern Xuan Academy might truly be facing a great crisis.

But he would never retreat!

For Eastern Xuan Academy's foundation, for the safety of his disciples, he had to step forward and shoulder the responsibility of the Academy Lord!

Lu Xuanchen took a deep breath. Fighting intent flashed through his eyes as he murmured, "Nangong Family... let this old man see what you are capable of!"

At this moment, it truly felt as though the mountain rain was about to come, and the winds had already filled the tower.

If you cannot find the book by searching its title, try searching for the author instead. Perhaps it has simply been renamed!

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