The contrarian remarks of Shen Zhao and Ding Buer plunged the scene into a deathly silence.
Lin Feng's cheeks twitched slightly, his eyes fixed on Shen Zhao and Ding Buer with a hint of hatred.
As for the Azure Sky Sect's group, they were laughing so hard tears were streaming down their faces, giving Shen Zhao and the others a thumbs up.
Elder Zisong was furious: "You two, what do you mean by that!"
"I know you're in a hurry, but don't be in such a hurry."
"I know you're right, but we're not going to reason with you."
"Your intentions are good, but hold off on setting out."
"This matter isn't urgent, but it must be done quickly."
"I know you're upset, but please don't be upset yet."
"As far as I know about this, I know nothing at all."
"So, tell me first, what exactly do you plan to do?"
Shen Zhao and Ding Buer showed no respect for Elder Zisong, flinging their trollish nonsense directly at his face, completely dumbfounding everyone.
Elder Zisong trembled, never imagining that one day someone would dare to make a fool of him so publicly.
Just as he was about to erupt, He Lixian also spoke up: "Yes, old man Zisong, how exactly do you plan to handle this matter? Don't make a laughingstock of yourself!"
Elder Zisong found himself in a difficult position and could only take a deep breath. He said to Lin Feng, "Feng'er, you'll have to bear with this for now. You cannot inherit the position of Sect Master for the time being."
Lin Feng nodded and said, "Teacher, I don't feel wronged. Please rest assured, I really don't covet the position of Sect Master."
As he said this, Lin Feng was extremely disappointed. At the same time, he was filled with resentment towards Shen Zhao, who was obstructing him.
However, he soon realized that his resentment was premature.
After being helped up by Elder Zisong, Lin Feng was about to step down when Shen Zhao spoke again, "Elder Zisong, I dare to ask, what reason made you make an exception to accept this disciple into your sect?
What talent does he possess? You might as well tell everyone, so we can bear witness."
Shen Zhao's words also voiced the doubts of everyone present.
After all, Elder Zisong had already stated that he would no longer accept disciples. Yet, he not only made an exception but also publicized it to the seven major sects of the Eastern Continent?
What exactly is the reason for this?
Hearing this, Elder Zisong immediately adopted an arrogant expression: "Everyone, do you know just how outstanding my disciple's talent is? He's been training for a little over a month, and his cultivation has already advanced from the Body Tempering Realm to the Spirit Gathering Realm, eighth grade.
In less than three months, he will certainly enter the Qi Gathering Realm. May I ask, how many people on the entire Immortal Martial Continent can achieve such talent and cultivation?"
As soon as he said this, everyone present was greatly shocked.
Advancing from the lowest Body Tempering Realm to the late stage of the Spirit Gathering Realm in one month was indeed a peerless genius.
No wonder Elder Zisong cherished this disciple so much. If it were him, he would definitely be willing to make an exception for him. This terrifying talent would surely make the sect rise.
"Congratulations, Elder Zisong, on gaining such a talented disciple!"
"The Qingyun Sect is about to flourish."
"Truly enviable."
Listening to the endless flattery around them, both Elder Zisong and Lin Feng regained their proud demeanors.
Lu Xuanji's face was flushed, and the female disciple beside her asked with a smile, "Junior Sister Lu, what are you thinking? Have you even prepared your bed, waiting to be joined in marriage with Junior Brother Lin?"
"Ugh, don't talk nonsense."
Lu Xuanji's cheeks turned even redder, no longer possessing the resolute determination she once had to pursue the Dao.
And those female disciples were also fantasizing about being intimate with Lin Feng, snuggling up to admire the scenery with him, willing to do so even without a formal position.
Shen Zhao saw this and slightly curled his lips, but upon seeing Su Yunying's grim face, which hadn't changed expression, staring fixedly at Lin Feng, he couldn't help but frown.
What's wrong with this girl? Could it be that she was harmed by Lin Feng in her previous life, and she's sensing something in this life?
Without time to think further, Liang Hao suddenly broke the silence: "Heh, I was wondering what kind of heaven-defying genius we had here, and I even had a bit of anticipation. And this is it?
Just a Spirit Gathering Realm ant. I could crush three of these with a single finger. How dare you put on such a show?"
Elder Zisong turned to Liang Hao upon hearing this: "What did you just say?"
"Why are you glaring at me? Did I say anything wrong? Just a Spirit Gathering Realm cultivator. What's there to make such a big fuss about? The Empress of the Yin Heaven Dynasty, Yu Xiyan, entered the Soul Sea Realm at the age of fifteen.
Now, at eighteen, it's rumored she's already at the peak of the Mystic Void Realm, half a step into the Nirvana Realm. I ask you, what can your so-called heaven-defying genius even compare to?"
"Yu Xiyan?"
For some reason, when Lin Feng heard this name, some inexplicable fragments flashed through his mind, but they were too fragmented to piece together completely.
In his mind, he vaguely felt a woman with a blurred face holding his hand, strolling on a suspension bridge as the lights came on, with the faint sound of sweet laughter entering his ears.
It felt like Yu Xiyan was deeply connected to him, playing a crucial role in his life.
Elder Zisong was furious: "That is the female emperor of the Yin Heaven Dynasty! The cultivation resources she possesses are beyond what our sect can compare to, so…"
"Stop making excuses!" Liang Hao interrupted him without any courtesy. "Useless is useless. I'm talking about the female emperor's talent, not resources.
Some wastes are still wastes even if you feed them treasures every day. I'll just ask you one thing: Can your precious disciple's talent compare to that of the Yin Heaven Dynasty's female emperor?"
Elder Zisong was speechless. The female emperor Yu Xiyan's cultivation talent was naturally among the best on the Immortal Martial Continent, and he couldn't compare the current Lin Feng to her.
Seeing Elder Zisong deflated, He Lixian immediately spoke sarcastically, "Elder Zisong, you don't really think your disciple can be compared to the Yin Heaven Dynasty's female emperor, do you?"
Wang Qinghai, who was standing beside him, also spoke shamelessly, "However, your disciple is really handsome. Maybe the female emperor will be moved when she sees him and takes him into her harem as a gigolo."
Li Tiangou sneered, "I'm afraid the female emperor might not even look at this waste. Look at his delicate, innocent face; it's more like he'd be sold to those officials and dignitaries who favor the male form, hahaha…"
"No, she does," Shen Zhao suddenly blurted out, seemingly out of nowhere.
Fortunately, he spoke so softly that no one else heard him.
How could Yu Xiyan possibly not care for Lin Feng?
For Lin Feng, she had repeatedly thrown herself into an endless abyss, and even mercilessly trampled her dignity as a man underfoot.
The scenes of his past life flashed before him, and Shen Zhao didn't want to remember them. Every time he thought of them, it felt like a sharp knife piercing his heart, causing him unbearable pain.
The system's task was to win over the Empress. He initially thought it was just a task, but during the process, it would be a lie to say that Shen Zhao wasn't moved.
But the moment Shen Zhao poured out his true feelings for Yu Xiyan, his tragic fate was sealed.
Nine lifetimes of fate, the obsession of reincarnation, no matter how much he gave, Shen Zhao ultimately never heard Yu Xiyan whisper those words to him, "I love you."
Her sweet nothings, her tenderness, were always for Lin Feng. For him, there was only bone-chilling cold, just like her Ice Phoenix bloodline, which froze his passionate heart into a rigid iceberg.
Shen Zhao tried to shake off those memories. He casually grabbed the wine gourd at his waist, took a small sip, and his mind cleared again.
In this life, no one could control his destiny.
Elder Zisong was extremely annoyed by such sarcasm: "Just say what you want!"
Shen Zhao immediately stood up: "Alright, on behalf of the Public Arbitration Council, I'll ask: Since this Lin genius is so highly regarded by Elder Zisong, then please, let this genius use his strength to prove that he truly deserves to be the sect leader's direct disciple."
"How do I prove it?" Lin Feng looked at Shen Zhao calmly.
He understood that everything today was orchestrated by this man, with the goal of making him look bad.
But he had to prove himself, or everything he had worked so hard to obtain would be lost.
Shen Zhao clapped his hands. "It's simple. We settle this with martial arts, proving our strength. Is there a better way?"
Lin Feng's lips curled into a smile. "As you wish."
Elder Zisong immediately said, "Excellent. Since you all doubt Lin Feng, let everyone witness this demonstration of martial prowess."
He patted Lin Feng's shoulder. "Feng'er, I believe in you."
Lin Feng smiled slightly. "Rest assured, Master. Your disciple won't disappoint you."
Elder Zisong nodded, then called over an inner sect disciple. "Spar with your junior brother, but be careful not to injure him."
The inner sect disciple nodded and drew his sword, addressing Lin Feng. "Junior Brother Lin, I apologize in advance."
Lin Feng nodded. "Please, Senior Brother."
As soon as the words left his mouth, the inner sect disciple thrust out his sword, employing the Qingyun Sect's sword technique: Green Mountain Sword Intent.
Lin Feng also materialized a longsword and met the attack with the same sword moves.
For a time, figures spun and sword shadows flickered on the high platform.
After ten exchanges, Lin Feng sheathed his sword, remaining calm and composed, while the inner sect disciple was panting heavily, his face pale.
After a long pause, he apologized, "Thank you, Junior Brother Lin, for holding back. I concede defeat."
Lin Feng nodded politely, "Senior Brother's swordsmanship is superb; I was merely fortunate."
With that, the inner sect disciple retreated.
Elder Zisong was about to announce Lin Feng's victory when Liang Hao, full of discontent, sneered, "Does a friendly match prove he's a genius? Old man, do you think you're being funny?"
Elder Zisong's expression darkened upon hearing this: "What do you mean by that?"
Liang Hao said, "Who knows if there's some kind of inside deal between your own people? Tell me, who would accept a contest like this? Who would be convinced? Please, can you not be so funny?"
Ding Buer clapped his hands and said, "Well said. Everyone knows there could be shenanigans in a match between people from the same sect. This round doesn't count."
Elder Zisong retorted, "Are you questioning the fairness of my Qingyun Sect?"
Shen Zhao said, "Fairness isn't up to you to decide. It's the Public Arbitration Council that has the right to make that judgment."
Elder Zisong was furious: "What did you say, kid? I've been putting up with you for a long time! Are you here to deliberately cause trouble?"
Shen Zhao said, "Is the Qingyun Sect even worth causing trouble over? Since we're discussing the Dao through martial arts, we naturally need fairness and justice. We must win the hearts and minds of the people.
You, the esteemed Sect Master of the Qingyun Sect, are actually protecting your own disciple so blatantly. Do you think all the head figures of the other sects present are fools?"
"You!"
Elder Zisong never expected Shen Zhao and his group to disregard him so utterly, that he was momentarily speechless with rage.
Lin Feng saw the situation and said, "Friend, please don't insult my master."
"Are you talking to me?" Shen Zhao was irritated by Lin Feng's expression. "Stop trying to cozy up to me. You are not worthy of my friendship.
Don't call me friend so affectionately. I'm not one of those brainless, competitive creatures, rushing to curry favor with you."
"How dare you!"
Seeing his beloved disciple being insulted, Elder Zisong was enraged, immediately unleashing his full cultivation, which turned out to be at the peak of the Mystic Void Realm.
Seeing this, Liang Hao couldn't help but chuckle, "What, Qingyun Sect intends to bully others with their power? If so, then I'm sorry to tell you, you've bitten off more than you can chew today!"
After speaking, Liang Hao's cultivation base was fully displayed.
A powerful pressure swept across the entire venue, leaving everyone dumbfounded.
"He's actually... a Nirvana Realm expert!"
Everyone gasped.
Since taking the Dragon Core, coupled with Shen Zhao's protection, and stimulated by the golden needles to tap into some of his potential after absorbing the Dragon Core's effects, Liang Hao finally reached the first rank of the Nirvana Realm.
The Nirvana Realm and the Mystic Void Realm were worlds apart. If Liang Hao wished, wiping out the entire Qingyun Sect would be as easy as flipping his hand.
At this moment, Elder Zisong was flustered, staring at the cultivation base Liang Hao displayed, his heart unable to calm down for a long time.
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