Amid the chatter and clamor, the three continued up the towering staircase that pierced the clouds, steadily approaching the summit of Thunder Mountain...
"Screee!"
Just as the three neared the summit, a seven-colored phoenix let out a piercing cry, then swept over everyone's heads and flew toward the peak of Thunder Mountain.
Sensing the aura overhead, Xiao Yan frowned slightly and looked up. A graceful figure stood quietly on the seven-colored phoenix's back, exuding aloof pride. She showed the crowd only her back before vanishing on the phoenix in the blink of an eye...
"Whoa! That must be Feng Qing'er, right? Of the four pavilions, only Feng Qing'er regularly travels on a seven-colored phoenix..."
"It has to be her. No one else would dare ride a magical beast straight up Thunder Mountain at a time like this..."
"Since Feng Qing'er is here, the others should be arriving soon too. I'm really looking forward to their battles. I wonder who'll win in the end..."
Listening to the crowd's discussions, Xiao Yan withdrew his gaze from Feng Qing'er, a faint trace of seriousness in his eyes.
He had just sensed a faint threat from that woman...
That meant beneath her beauty lay formidable strength. She was no mere decorative vase...
Feng Qing'er, standing on the seven-colored phoenix, seemed to sense Xiao Yan's gaze. Her brows drew together, and she suddenly turned back, meeting his eyes and studying him with a faintly piercing look.
In the end, she withdrew her gaze with a hint of puzzlement...
Xiao Fan looked away and glanced at the frowning Xiao Yan. He smiled slightly but said nothing.
Xiao Yan's strength was now gradually catching up to the younger generation of the Central Plains. Coming into contact with them would naturally stir a sense of danger in him,