Qianfeng City, third floor of "Tingfeng Pavilion."
Chen Yi's gaze lingered on the good-natured siblings before him, and information about their identities immediately surfaced in his mind.
Star Crown Sect—a sect that, ten thousand years from now, would shock the continent by emerging as the new royal family of the Star Lou Empire, replacing the White Tiger Dai Clan. But for now, it was like a giant beast shrouded in mist. Decades ago, the Star Crown Sect had already entered a subtle "half-alive" state, not openly participating in continental struggles, but occasionally appearing at crucial junctures.
Their martial soul, "Star Crown," was even more mysterious and powerful. Because of a formidable elder in Spirit Hall, the Star Crown's pattern was carved onto the "Papal Decree"—the highest symbol of Spirit Hall's authority.
More than ten years ago, when Second Elder helped the Ye family, he had dealings with a Douluo from the Star Crown Sect, and upon returning, commented, "The sect's heritage is unfathomable; its power may not rival the top three sects, but it is not far off."
Recently, with the Body Sect and Spirit Hall forming an official alliance, Qian Daoliu shared top-secret information regarding "potential allies" and "noteworthy forces." Among them, the Star Crown Sect ranked just beneath the Clear Sky Sect.
The siblings before him, though not flamboyantly dressed, wore finely made clothes, the cuffs and hems embroidered with light like starlight—a sign of direct descent in the Star Crown Sect.
In a flash, all this passed through Chen Yi's mind. He smiled, inviting warmly,
"Fate brings us together. Please, have a seat."
"Thank you."
The young man bowed politely, showing the good upbringing of a noble family. The girl also nodded lightly, moving with grace as they sat opposite Chen Yi.
No sooner had they sat than the waiter brought new dishes and chopsticks for the table, swiftly adding several clearly high-end delicacies. Evidently, their arrival had been arranged in advance.
The three began to eat together. The meal wasn't especially warm, but neither was it awkward. Chen Yi and Xu An chatted about the city and local cuisine, while Xu Qiong occasionally interjected, her voice clear and pleasant.
Through conversation, Chen Yi learned the siblings were indeed twins—Xu An and his sister Xu Qiong—traveling with their family elders this time.
After eating, the waiter cleared the table and replaced the tea. Xu An lifted his cup, gently blowing the floating leaves, and casually asked,
"I wonder what brings Brother Chen to Qianfeng City this time? Traveling, or is there another purpose?"
He asked directly, but his gaze was calm and clear, not prying—more like a friend's ordinary inquiry.
Chen Yi smiled slightly and took a sip of tea. "Just wandering, experiencing the customs and habits of various places."
He set the cup down, meeting the siblings' gaze with exactly the right amount of curiosity.
"Judging by your extraordinary bearing, you must be from a noble family. Seats here at Tingfeng Pavilion are rare, but it shouldn't be hard for you to find a fine box. Coming to share my table—surely there's more to it?"
This was clever, but the meaning was clear: you approached me on purpose.
Hearing this, the siblings showed a trace of embarrassment. Exchanging glances, they both sensed their own powerlessness. Still young, they weren't skilled at such purposeful approaches, especially facing someone like Chen Yi, recently infamous for decisively killing his enemies. They felt a natural awe, and the elders' instructions weighed on them.
Xu An coughed lightly and spoke frankly,
"Brother Chen is sharp. To be honest, my sister and I came to Qianfeng City mainly for the Wind Sword Sect's celebration. His Excellency Wind Sword Douluo, his younger brother, Feng Baiyu, recently broke through to rank eighty and became a Soul Douluo. The Wind Sword Sect will hold a banquet in three days to celebrate, inviting guests and friends. My Star Crown Sect has old ties with the Wind Sword Sect, so our elders sent us to offer congratulations."
Chen Yi was momentarily taken aback. So that explained why the city felt livelier than before, with red banners everywhere—a festive occasion indeed. The Wind Sword Sect's master, Feng Bailong, had long held the title of Douluo. Now, with his brother advancing to Soul Douluo, the sect had gained new glory.
As a potential ally of Spirit Hall, the Star Crown Sect was secretly aligned with them, so sending their direct descendants as guests made sense.
"I see."
Chen Yi nodded, gently tracing the rim of his teacup. Suddenly, he smiled,
"With such a joyous event, Qianfeng City must be bustling. Since we've met by chance, may I join you for the celebration, and perhaps have a toast in honor?"
The siblings were momentarily stunned. Xu An quickly composed himself,
"Brother Chen, you honor us. If you wish to attend, the Wind Sword Sect would surely welcome you, and my sister and I would be even more fortunate to accompany you."
Their purpose was to make contact with Chen Yi, and now he had offered himself—it was a stroke of luck.
"Then I'll trouble you," Chen Yi said gently.
…
Wind Sword Sect
The sect was ablaze with lights and colors, filled with joy. As the only sect among the four with a titled Douluo, the Wind Sword Sect had always held a subtle position among the Seven Great Sects. Sect master Feng Bailong was a titled Douluo, his personal strength among the continent's strongest, but the sect's mid-tier combat power was slightly lacking, with only one elderly Soul Douluo. Thus, their overall strength often ranked fifth, slightly behind the Sacred Dragon Clan, known for defense and strength.
This time, the sect's second-in-command, Feng Baiyu, had broken through to rank eighty, becoming a Soul Douluo. The number of Soul Douluos had doubled, and their high-level combat power soared. By any measure, the Wind Sword Sect was now poised to surpass the Sacred Dragon Clan and claim the lead among the four great sects, perhaps even approaching the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan.
Such an event was worth celebrating. The sect's grounds were swathed in red, banners embroidered with golden swords lining the broad stone path from the gate to the main hall, fluttering in the valley's strong winds. Servants and disciples bustled everywhere as guests arrived, exchanging greetings and laughter in a vibrant, peaceful scene.
Today's protagonist, Feng Baiyu, wore a new blue brocade robe embroidered with silver thread, the wind-patterned sword emblem shining on his sleeves and collar. His face was flushed, circulating among the guests, receiving congratulations from all sides. Each time he returned a salute or laughed heartily, joy filled his heart. Years of hard cultivation had finally borne fruit, not only elevating his personal strength but also bringing real glory to the sect. How could he not be elated?
As he mingled, a sudden stir arose at the entrance. Feng Baiyu looked over and saw three young people enter together—the leader tall, with a youthful face but calm eyes and a steady walk, exuding maturity beyond his years. Beside him were strikingly attractive siblings, their presence almost dazzling.
Feng Baiyu's pupils contracted slightly, and his smile grew even more enthusiastic, tinged with formality. He quickly excused himself from his current group and hurried over to greet them.
"Ah! What an honor to welcome the young sect master Chen today! Please forgive any shortcomings in my hospitality!"
Feng Baiyu's voice was loud, filled with genuine surprise and pride. As the Wind Sword Sect's representative at Grand Martial Academy's opening ceremony, he had witnessed the rise of the young master of the Body Sect.
Chen Yi responded with a polite smile,
"Second Master Feng is too courteous. Passing through and hearing of your advancement, I came to offer my congratulations."
He produced a jade box from his soul guide and handed it over. When asked of its origin, he simply said it was thanks to the Strength Clan's 'kind' support.
Feng Baiyu hurriedly accepted it with both hands, his smile overflowing.
"Young Sect master Chen is too polite! Your mere presence brings honor to the Wind Sword Sect; this generous gift is more than I deserve!"
His words were heartfelt. The Body Sect's young leader coming in person was already a great boost to their reputation.
He quickly noticed the extraordinary Xu siblings beside Chen Yi and inquired politely,
"And these two distinguished guests are…?"
Chen Yi calmly introduced them,
"These are the Star Crown Sect's young talents, Brother Xu An and Sister Xu Qiong."
"Star Crown Sect?!"
Feng Baiyu was inwardly shocked, his expression becoming even more solemn. As a Spirit Hall affiliate, he knew something of the Star Crown Sect—an ancient house of unfathomable bloodline, influencing even Spirit Hall's core.
A bright smile soon returned to his face.
"To think the Star Crown Sect would honor us today—such illustrious guests! Please, come in…"
"Ee—!"
Suddenly, a sharp, surprised female voice rang out, cutting Feng Baiyu off.
...
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