Master's Responsibility!

Quiet?

On the Sword Testing Platform, it was so silent you could hear a pin drop. Only a gentle breeze brushed by, carrying a hint of chill, trying in vain to blow away the lingering scent of blood in the air.

Everyone was still immersed in that earth-shattering scene, their minds shaken, unable to pull themselves free.

A single slap, just one palm strike, and a Saint Realm expert, the Ninth Elder of the Nangong Family, was crushed like an ant!

Such power surpassed their understanding, overturned their perception.

Those who had previously looked down on Xuanyuan Che now felt their faces burning, yet they couldn't utter a single word.

They couldn't believe that this seemingly lazy, casual, even somewhat indifferent youth possessed such world-destroying strength.

Was this really a youth?

Was this truly their academy's prodigy?

Was he not some ancient monster who had grown bored, disguised himself as a youth, and come to toy with the world?

Frost Sword Master Ling Shuanghua was equally shaken. Her Saint Realm cultivation allowed her to better grasp the terror of that palm strike.

That seemingly effortless blow actually contained an indescribable Dao resonance, as if the Heavenly Dao itself had incarnated to judge the world. With a mere gesture, it could casually erase a Saint Realm expert—utterly inconceivable.

She looked at Xuanyuan Che with a complicated gaze, a storm raging in her heart that refused to settle.

Who exactly was this youth?

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

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

Countless questions swirled in her mind, leaving even Ling Shuanghua, an experienced Saint Realm expert, feeling lost.

Mu Qingxue was equally stunned. A glimmer of probing light flickered deep within her cold, clear eyes, locked tightly onto Xuanyuan Che as if trying to see through him completely.

The unusual movement of the Wuchen Sword, the resonance of the Sword Bone, made her feel instinctively that this youth might have some inextricable connection to the "Return to Ruins Sword Path" she had been pursuing.

This feeling was ethereal, yet real, stirring ripples in her frozen heart lake.

At the same time, she confirmed one thing.

The one who had caused her Wuchen Sword to unsheathe earlier was undoubtedly this youth!

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

Ling Shuanghua snapped back to reality, took a deep breath to suppress the turmoil in her heart, and nodded slightly at Xuanyuan Che. Her tone softened, carrying a hint of inquiry, "Does your master know?"

Xuanyuan Che smiled. "Of course."

Xuanyuan Che naturally understood what Ling Shuanghua was asking.

She was simply wondering 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 man was just an ordinary Saint King? How could that be? How could a Saint King take on such monstrous disciples?

If not for his cheap master seeking him out for a late-night talk a few days ago, even he might have misjudged.

His gaze swept over the ruined Sword Testing Platform, then to the cowering crowd in the distance. The corner of his mouth curled into a meaningful smile. "But cleaning up the aftermath might be a bit troublesome."

Troublesome?

Ling Shuanghua's brow furrowed slightly, a faint unease rising in her heart.

No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than a vast, abyss-like aura suddenly descended upon the Sword Testing Platform.

"Che'er, well done!"

A booming voice exploded like thunder, rattling everyone's eardrums and churning their blood.

Lu Xuanchen's figure appeared on the Sword Testing Platform as if teleported. His gaze was majestic, sweeping across the crowd before finally settling on Xuanyuan Che, his eyes filled with approval and a hint of complexity.

"Academy Lord!"

The crowd, as if finding their pillar of support, bowed in unison, their expressions reverent.

Ling Shuanghua also nodded slightly and said softly, "Academy Lord."

Lu Xuanchen waved his hand, signaling everyone to dispense with formalities. His gaze returned to Xuanyuan Che, his tone carrying a hint of reproach but even more protectiveness. "Che'er, you were a bit heavy-handed."

Xuanyuan Che shrugged, looking innocent. "They were too weak. I couldn't hold back in time."

The crowd's mouths twitched, and they cursed inwardly.

Too weak? Couldn't hold back?

That was a Saint Realm expert! In front of you, he was like an ant, casually crushed!

If word of this got out, the entire Eastern Wasteland Domain, even the Central Continent, would be shaken!

Lu Xuanchen shook his head helplessly. He naturally knew Xuanyuan Che's nature, but at this moment, he couldn't bring himself to smile.

Nangong Lie was dead. The Nangong Family would never let this rest. This matter would be hard to resolve peacefully.

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

Lu Xuanchen's gaze sharpened as he swept his eyes around. His authoritative voice rang out across the entire venue. "This matter ends here! All disciples, return to your respective peaks immediately. No leaving, no gossiping!"

"Yes!" Everyone responded in unison, as if granted a reprieve, rising and quickly leaving the Sword Testing Platform, afraid of being swept into the storm about to unfold.

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

Lu Xuanchen's gaze was deep as he looked at Ling Shuanghua and said in a low voice, "Shuanghua, this matter stems from your Heavenly Sword Peak. What do you think?"

Ling Shuanghua's expression was grave. After a moment of deliberation, she replied, "Academy Lord, this matter arose from my disciple. Since you have given the order, I will naturally give my all."

Lu Xuanchen nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Xuanyuan Che, his tone softening a fraction. "Che, do you understand the consequences of this?"

Xuanyuan Che's expression was calm as he said flatly, "Disciple understands. But it's merely the Nangong Family—nothing to fear."

Arrogant!

That word surfaced in everyone's minds again, but no one dared to voice it in mockery.

After all, the youth before them had just slapped a Saint Realm expert to death with a single blow!

Lu Xuanchen gave Xuanyuan Che a long, searching look, said nothing more, and simply sighed. "Enough, this matter will be borne by your master. First, return with me to Xuanqing Peak, and we'll discuss it at length."

Borne?

Ling Shuanghua's face changed at these words, and she spoke urgently, "Academy Lord, this matter..."

Lu Xuanchen raised a hand to cut her off, his tone resolute. "Shuanghua, say no more. Since Che has already bowed to me as his master, he is my disciple. As his master, I will naturally protect him."

His gaze carried a firm resolve and a sense of responsibility that made Ling Shuanghua's heart tremble, her words dying on her lips.

Mu Qingxue silently watched Lu Xuanchen as well, a flicker of complex emotion passing through her cold, clear eyes.

Xuanyuan Che, however, remained as composed as ever, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly into a faint, barely noticeable smile.

It seemed this master wasn't entirely useless—at least he had some sense of responsibility.

But still, you're taking responsibility, so why put on this grand, righteous, ready-to-die act?

Your disciple here will step in when it counts, you know~

"Thank you, Master." Xuanyuan Che gave a slight bow. Sometimes, one just couldn't follow their heart.

Lu Xuanchen nodded, said nothing more, and waved his hand. A gentle force enveloped Xuanyuan Che, carrying him as a streak of light that vanished into the horizon.

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

The Nangong Family would not let this go easily.

The Eastern Xuan Academy was likely about to face an unprecedented storm.

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

Lu Xuanchen led Xuanyuan Che to a quaint, elegant little hut, gestured for him to enter on his own, and then turned to leave, leaving only a parting remark. "Che, rest here for a while. Your master has some matters to attend to and will return shortly."

Xuanyuan Che nodded and stepped into the hut.

Inside, the hut was spacious and bright, with simple decor. At the center sat a massive jade table, upon which were placed some Spiritual Fruits and Immortal Brew, exuding an enticing aroma.

Xuanyuan Che casually found a seat, picked up a Spiritual Fruit, and took a gentle bite. The juice was sweet, melting instantly on his tongue, rich with pure Spiritual Power—not bad at all.

As he savored the fruit, he idly surveyed the hut's arrangement, his demeanor relaxed, utterly devoid of the tension of being at the storm's center.

It was as if all the chaos outside had nothing to do with him.

Meanwhile, the upper echelons of the Eastern Xuan Academy were in turmoil over Nangong Lie's death.

Inside the Council Hall, the atmosphere was heavy, suffocatingly tense.

The Academy's Supreme Elders and the elders of each peak had gathered, their expressions solemn, brows furrowed.

Lu Xuanchen sat at the head, his face calm as his gaze swept over the crowd. He spoke in a low voice, "Everyone, I trust you've all heard about Nangong Lie's death."

The crowd nodded in unison, their expressions grave.

One Supreme Elder sighed, speaking with concern, "Academy Lord, Nangong Lie was the Ninth Elder of the Nangong Family, a man of high status. Now that he's been killed by one of our Academy's disciples, the Nangong Family will not let this slide!"

"Indeed, the Nangong Family holds considerable power in the Central Continent, with deep foundations. If they insist on opposing our Eastern Xuan Academy, it could be troublesome," another peak master added worriedly.

"What's more, this matter stems from the Mu Family's marriage contract, entangling many parties. It could spark an even greater upheaval."

Voices rose in discussion, all filled with anxiety and gloom.

Lu Xuanchen raised a hand to quiet them, his tone firm. "I understand everyone's concerns. But this is not the Academy's fault. Nangong Lie went too far and brought this upon himself. The Eastern Xuan Academy will never bow to any force."

His words were forceful and resolute, carrying an undeniable authority that steadied the wavering hearts of those present.

"Well said, Academy Lord! Our Eastern Xuan Academy has stood in the Eastern Wasteland Domain for tens of thousands of years—why should we fear a mere Nangong Family!" A hot-tempered peak master stood to echo him.

"Exactly! If the Nangong Family dares to come, we will give our all and fight them to the death!"

One by one, they voiced their support, their spirits high and morale surging.

Lu Xuanchen nodded in satisfaction, his gaze sweeping the crowd once more. "I understand your resolve. But we must not act rashly; we need to plan carefully. The priority now is to ascertain the Nangong Family's stance before deciding our next move."

"You speak wisely, Academy Lord." The crowd nodded in agreement.

Lu Xuanchen pondered for a moment, then said, "Let's do this: send someone to the Nangong Family to gauge their intentions, while keeping a close watch on movements both inside and outside the Academy to guard against any unforeseen events."

"This humble one shall follow the Academy Lord's command!" the crowd replied in unison.

After the discussion concluded, the crowd dispersed one after another, each busying themselves with preparations for the coming storm.

As for Lu Xuanchen, he came alone to the rear hall, his expression somewhat grave.

He knew full well the strength of the Nangong Family—they were by no means easy opponents.

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

But he would never back down!

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

Lu Xuanchen took a deep breath, a fighting spirit flashing in his eyes as he murmured, "Nangong Family... let this old man have a go at you!"

At this moment, it truly felt like a storm was brewing, with wind sweeping through the tower.

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