Storms Stirred in the Shadows

Zhao Mingyuan stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression calm and composed.

When he finished speaking, Sun Wenzhu looked at him with gratitude written all over his face.

Duanmu Kuanglong and Duanmu Liuying were taken aback.

Zhao Mingyuan had spoken with such sincerity that, despite their doubts, the two of them half believed him.

Besides, the Dragon Lord himself had spoken. Whether it was true or not, they had to give him face.

Upon learning that their younger brother had been looked after, the anger in their eyes vanished at once, leaving only gratitude and joy.

Duanmu Kuanglong hurriedly cupped his fists. "It is Fenlong's honor to receive the Dragon Lord's guidance. I thank the Dragon Lord on his behalf."

Zhao Mingyuan nodded slightly. "No need for thanks! We're working together so the Great Zhao Dynasty can rise even higher. Fenlong is a rare talent. How could I not recognize that?"

"However, when I made the first move just now, someone else in the shadows also targeted Shen Miaoyin."

"You three were nearby. Did you notice anything?"

Duanmu Kuanglong spoke first. "Judging by the power of that sword strike, the attacker's strength was probably on par with the Dragon Lord's. Their mastery of the sword might even be a shade above yours."

Duanmu Liuying added, "Among the five great forces, the only person I know with both that level of cultivation and such mastery of the sword is Xiao Muzi of the Wuji Sect. Could it have been... him?"

"But wasn't the Wuji Sect invited here to help the Phantom Star Sect? Could the Wuji Sect have designs on the Heavenly Evolution Token too?"

As soon as Duanmu Liuying finished, Sun Wenzhu said, "No. There are two others besides Xiao Muzi!"

"Xi Longxuan, sect master of the