Yin Xiaotian appeared strong on the surface, but in reality, he was making plans.
After Han Kui's death, he personally used a special secret technique to examine the residual aura left when the life tablet shattered.
That sword intent was extremely domineering.
It bears a striking resemblance to the long-lost Sea-Overturning Sword Art of the Heavenly Edict Sect.
This discovery puzzled him greatly.
How did this matter get involved with the Heavenly Edict Sect?
Could it be that, besides members of the royal family making a move outside the arena that day, the Heavenly Edict Sect also secretly intervened?
Otherwise, how can we explain why Han Kui, the War Puppet, and Chen Xuanhai, despite joining forces, still suffered defeat and death?
This child is shrouded in too many secrets.
He would never act as easily as Wei Shanhe before he had tested the opponent's true strength and weaknesses.
However, we still need to maintain the right attitude.
Wen Jiao slowly stood up, her cold gaze falling on Wei Shanhe and Yin Xiaotian.
"The two sect leaders kept saying that Chu Yunfei killed the sect elders, but they didn't say a word about why it happened."
"In the battle at the Jingyuan Hall, Qin Hao and Yue Chenzhou joined forces, yet Qin Hao was still defeated by Chu Yunfei's sword."
Wen Jiao's voice was clear and resonated throughout the square.
"The two harbored resentment, so the Cangyun Sect and the Puppet Sect secretly dispatched Chen Xuanhai and Han Kui to follow Chu Yunfei as he left the imperial city."
"After Chu Yunfei arrived at the desolate mountain a hundred miles away, two elders emerged from the shadows and joined forces to ambush him, intending to seize his spiritual sword, storage ring, and cultivation opportunities."
"As a result, they were outmatched and were killed by Chu Yunfei."
Wen Jiao's gaze turned cold, and her voice carried the authority befitting the young master of the Pill Pavilion.
"Does this mean that, according to the two sect leaders, Chu Yunfei should kneel on the ground and let them destroy his dantian and steal his opportunity when faced with the encirclement and attack of the Cangyun Sect and the Puppet Sect?"
The atmosphere in the square changed immediately after these words were spoken.
Many Rogue Cultivator showed disdain on their faces.
What they find most objectionable is that top sects bully others by abusing their power.
"It turns out that the two sect elders launched an ambush first."
"He tried to kill someone but got killed instead, and now he has the nerve to demand an explanation in public?"
"Typical behavior of a major sect. They're allowed to kill others, but no one is allowed to resist."
"Shh, keep your voice down, are you out of your mind?"
"But how exactly did Chu Yunfei survive? With Chen Xuanhai and Han Kui joining forces, even an ordinary Divine Sea Realm Seventh Level might not be able to escape unscathed."
" The Pill Pavilion most likely secretly sent a powerful expert to follow him; otherwise, Chu Yunfei alone could never have accomplished this."
Although these voices were kept very low, they did not escape the ears and eyes of the many powerful figures on the high platform.
Qin Hao's face was extremely grim.
By revealing the truth about the ambush in front of everyone present, Wen Jiao was essentially putting him on the hot seat once again.
The defeat at the Jingyuan Hall had become a demon in his heart.
Now Wen Jiao wants to portray him and Yue Chenzhou as shameless scoundrels who can't accept defeat and can only ask the sect elders to secretly retaliate.
"Nonsense!"
Qin Hao suddenly stood up, unleashing the aura of the Divine Sea Realm Second Layer.
"Elder Chen left the city only to investigate the death of one of our sect's true disciples. As for why Chu Yunfei appeared in the desolate mountains and why he laid a trap in advance, it was clearly premeditated."
A sinister sneer appeared on Yue Chenzhou's pale face.
"Miss Wen is willing to say anything to protect her man."
" Elder Han has been at the Divine Sea Realm Fourth Level for many years, why would he condescend to ambush and kill a junior who was only at the Heavenly Origin Realm at the time?"
"It's clear that Chu Yunfei colluded with certain forces to set up an ambush outside the city, deliberately luring the two elders into a trap!"
Wen Jiao coldly swept her gaze over the two of them.
"Ha, you know the truth best in your hearts."
Wei Shanhe remained calm throughout.
Even if everything Wen Jiao said was true, he would never admit it in this situation.
Top sects value their reputation above all else.
Chen Xuanhai could secretly ambush and kill Chu Yunfei.
However, one must never be publicly perceived as bullying the weak or being killed after failing to seize the treasure.
"Nonsense."
Wei Shanhe snorted coldly, and his aura Divine Sea Realm Ninth Level cultivator gradually pressed down on the high platform of the Pill Pavilion.
"Our Cangyun Sect has a history of thousands of years and has always acted with integrity and uprightness. How could we possibly send an elder to ambush and kill a junior?"
His cold gaze fell on Wen Jiao.
"You junior, how dare you slander my Cangyun Sect in front of all the heroes of the Eastern Continent just to protect your personal feelings?"
" Wen Daoyuan, is this the fine daughter you've raised?"
Upon hearing this, Wen Daoyuan's expression remained unchanged.
How I, the Pavilion Master, educate my daughter is none of your business Wei Shanhe.
Whether what Jiao'er said is true or not, you know better than anyone else.
A mocking glint appeared in Wen Daoyuan's eyes.
"As the head of a sect, to maintain that pitiful amount of face, you've even abandoned the most basic sense of decency. Sect Leader Wei has truly opened my eyes."
Wei Shanhe's face finally darkened.
He originally intended to use the sect's principles to force Wen Daoyuan to back down.
Unexpectedly, Pill Pavilion has made it clear today that it intends to stand with Chu Yunfei through thick and thin.
But so what?
The grand competition in the secret realm is imminent.
The leaders of various sects gathered in the imperial city.
As long as the Cangyun Sect and the Puppet Sect stand together, the Pill Pavilion may not dare to truly wage a full-scale war against the two major sects for the sake of Chu Yunfei.
"Regardless of the reasons, Chu Yunfei killing my sect's elder is an indisputable fact."
Wei Shanhe slowly took a step forward, and a circle of azure ripples spread out in the void beneath his feet.
"A life for a life."
"Today, he must atone with his death."
"Your Pill Pavilion can't protect him."
Chu Yunfei finally raised his eyes.
Looking at Wei Shanhe's sanctimonious face, he suddenly lost the patience to continue listening.
"Old dog."
"I must say, you talk a lot of nonsense."
Chu Yunfei's voice was calm, yet it resonated clearly throughout the entire square.
"If you want to kill me, why make up so many excuses?"
"Just take action."
The world seemed to fall silent at that moment.
Hundreds of thousands of cultivators stared wide-eyed at Chu Yunfei in disbelief.
Old dog?
He actually called a sect leader at the Divine Sea Realm Ninth Level an "old dog" in front of all the heroes present?
That's insane.
That kid must be crazy.
Even with the support of the Pill Pavilion, they shouldn't be so reckless.
Within the Heavenly Evil Devil Sect's camp, Li Tianxing was initially taken aback, then couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.
"He's courting death."
" Wei Shanhe values his reputation above all else; Chu Yunfei's words have completely sealed his fate."
Nangong Wuhen was also full of sarcasm.
He had originally planned to kill Chu Yunfei himself after entering the secret realm.
Now it seems that Chu Yunfei may not live long enough for the secret realm to open.
Wu Changge suddenly stood up, his brows furrowed and his hands clenched into fists.
Wu Mingyue's expression changed, and she whispered a reminder: "Brother, this is a conflict between the Cangyun Sect and the Pill Pavilion. You cannot rashly intervene now, at least not now."
Wu Changge said in a deep voice, "Brother Chu is an opponent I acknowledge. If Wei Shanhe, as the sect leader, forcibly kills a junior, I cannot stand idly by."
Wu Mingyue's heart tightened.
She knew her brother was up to his old tricks again.
Before she could continue to dissuade him, Wei Shanhe's killing intent had already fully erupted.
"What an arrogant brat!"
"This sect leader has dominated the Eastern Continent for many years, and this is the first time anyone has dared to humiliate me in public like this!"
Wei Shanhe's eyes were like knives, and his aura Divine Sea Realm Ninth Level cultivator poured out without reservation, his azure spiritual power obscuring half the sky.
Many of the weaker martial artists below turned pale and retreated.
"Today, I, the sect master, will see just how capable you are, daring to be so insolent before me!"
Wei Shanhe slowly raised his right hand.
A gigantic, azure palm, tens of meters in size, rapidly condensed in the sky.
Wen Daoyuan's expression darkened, and he also took a step forward, his figure rising into the air to block Wei Shanhe's path.
Wei Shanhe.
"If you want to mess with Chu Yunfei, you'll have to get past this sect master first."
Wei Shanhe's eyes flashed with murderous intent as he shouted sharply, " Wen Daoyuan, get out of my way!"
Even if your Pill Pavilion Ancestor were to personally come today, he couldn't save this arrogant brat!
Wen Daoyuan remained expressionless, his ninefold Divine Sea surging around him, firmly sealing off all directions of Wei Shanhe's attack.
"If you want to kill him, let's see if you have the ability."
Two auras at the Divine Sea Realm Ninth Level collided violently in the sky.
Just then, Chu Yunfei spoke calmly.
" Pavilion Master Wen, there's no need to stop them."
Wen Daoyuan paused slightly, then turned around abruptly.
Chu Yunfei had already stepped off the high platform of the Pill Pavilion.
A flash of dark gold light appeared beneath his feet, and he rose into the air, passing Wen Daoyuan, and stood opposite Wei Shanhe across the void.
His black robe fluttered in the wind.
The Abyss-Devouring Sword hung silently at his waist.
"Since this old dog wants to make a move, then let him make the move."
Chu Yunfei remained calm, his tone completely undisturbed.
"I'll continue."
Wen Jiao's heart tightened.
Although she already knew that Chu Yunfei had entered the Divine Sea Realm Sixth Layer and was clear that his combat strength far exceeded his apparent level, Wei Shanhe was, after all, the sect leader of a sect at the Divine Sea Realm Ninth Level.
His background and experience are incomparable to those of Chen Xuanhai.
Qin Yangui, however, remained seated in the Heavenly Edict Sect's seat, her eyes flickering slightly, and did not utter a word to stop them.
She had personally witnessed the unfathomable depth within Chu Yunfei.
Now that they meet again, she is even unable to fully see through Chu Yunfei's true cultivation level.
Wei Shanhe wanted to use Chu Yunfei to establish his authority, but he probably chose the wrong person.
Standing in the center of the high platform, Ling Chengyuan looked at the scene before him, a slow smile spreading across his lips.
"That's a pleasant surprise."
"The secret trap set up by the Emperor has not yet been activated, yet Chu Yunfei has already deliberately offended the Sect Master of the Cangyun Sect."
Even if Wei Shanhe fails to kill him today, the Cangyun Sect will certainly spare no effort to hunt him down within the secret realm.
Ling Chengyuan was in a great mood.
The more arrogant Chu Yunfei became, the more people he offended.
There was absolutely no need for the royal family to light this fire themselves.
However.
Wei Shanhe, high in the sky, hesitated to actually make a move.
He stared intently into Chu Yunfei's eyes, trying to see through the other's cultivation level and hidden strength.
No matter how much divine sense probed, the young man before him seemed to be shrouded in a bottomless fog.
There was no panic.
There was no fear.
There was no deliberate attempt to feign composure.
Chu Yunfei's gaze was calm, almost indifferent.
It was as if the person standing in front of him was not a sect master at the Divine Sea Realm Ninth Level, but merely a corpse about to fall.
Wei Shanhe felt a sudden tightness in his chest.
A faint yet real premonition of death quietly emerged from the depths of my soul.
At first, it was just a chill.
But as Chu Yunfei's gaze locked onto him, a chill quickly spread up his spine, even causing a slight stinging sensation in his mind.
Wei Shanhe's pupils contracted slightly.
How is that possible?
The opponent didn't even release their aura.
Even if Chu Yunfei has already entered the Divine Sea Realm, he is at most only at the Early Stage of the Divine Sea Realm. What makes him, a powerful expert at the Divine Sea Realm Ninth Level, have a premonition of death?
But Wei Shanhe dared not underestimate this intuition.
During his more than 100 years of spiritual practice, he experienced this sensation three times.
Each time, he avoided a life-threatening crisis.
The feeling now is even clearer than the previous three times.
The moment he makes a move, he might... die!
Wei Shanhe's five fingers beneath his sleeves stiffened silently.
He glanced at the Puppet Sect's camp out of the corner of his eye.
Yin Xiaotian remained calmly seated, toying with a grayish-white puppet bead in his hand, a faint smile even playing on his lips.
Han Kui also died at the hands of Chu Yunfei.
But this old fox never actually got involved; he only let Qi Yuanshan make noise.
Clearly, they wanted Wei Shanhe to make the first move and test Chu Yunfei's true strength.
"Damn Yin Xiaotian."
Wei Shanhe cursed inwardly.
He's now in a very high position.
The retreat has caused the Cangyun Sect Master to lose face.
As he moved forward, a growing sense of impending death seemed to be frantically warning him.
A fine layer of sweat had unknowingly seeped from his forehead.
Wen Daoyuan, who was opposite him, had a solemn expression and was ready to intervene at any moment.
But when he saw the layer of cold sweat on Wei Shanhe's forehead, a look of surprise flashed across his eyes.
Wei Shanhe is...
Are you scared?