During Ruo Lin's explanation, Xue Ni and Xiao Yu finally understood that the strength of the Wind and Thunder Pavilion was considered top-tier even within the Central Plains. As they drew closer, Xue Ni and Xiao Yu also got a clear look at the appearance of the young lady known as one of the Four Great Geniuses of the Four Pavilions in the Central Plains.
From a distance, the young lady exuded an undeniable air of nobility. Her slightly slender face, paired with a perfect oval shape and those amethyst-brown gem-like eyes, made her look like a princess from some empire.
Beautiful and holy—this was the impression the young lady left on everyone present. The only flaw was that her holiness seemed to carry a coldness that kept people at arm's length.
Behind the young lady followed two elderly men, whose auras suggested they were at least six-star Dou Zong (Martial Ancestor) level.
Buzz—
The surrounding energy of heaven and earth suddenly trembled slightly. As time passed, the trembling grew stronger, forming a gradually intensifying airflow.
"It's about to begin," Mu Chen said.
"Yes, after waiting for so long, it's finally starting," Xiao Yu replied with a smile.
The vast, mist-shrouded mountain range resembled an ancient beast on the verge of awakening. A low, rumbling sound echoed from the high altitudes of the mountains. The overwhelming energy of heaven and earth formed strange waves in the sky.
As time went on, the waves grew larger, transforming into a spectrum of colors. Standing within the Tianmu Mountain Range and looking up at the sky, one could almost feel as if they were in the middle of an ocean.
"So beautiful," Ruo Lin marveled.
"Indeed, it's truly stunning. Coming out here and witnessing such a magnificent sight makes this trip worthwhile," Xue Ni, Xiao Yu's close friend, echoed the sentiment.
"Let's move," Mu Chen instructed.
Ruo Lin, Xue Ni, and Xiao Yu nodded, following Mu Chen as they stepped into the mountain range veiled in mist.
The mist was infused with the energy of heaven and earth, making it impossible to disperse with Dou Qi (Martial Energy). Within it, people felt like headless flies, wandering aimlessly.
"Mu Chen, which way should we go?" Xue Ni asked.
"Just follow me," Mu Chen replied with a smile.
"Mu Chen, can't you just dispel this mist?" Xiao Yu complained.
The mist was incredibly thick, and after walking for a while, it became so dense that one couldn't see their own hand in front of their face. Xiao Yu couldn't believe that Mu Chen, with his abilities, couldn't clear the mist.
"I told you, walking is also a form of cultivation," Mu Chen evaded.
"Ah!"
Suddenly, Ruo Lin let out a startled cry.
"Teacher, what's wrong?" Xue Ni asked anxiously.
"Don't come over, I'm fine," Ruo Lin's face turned red as she quickly stopped Xue Ni and Xiao Yu from moving closer. Her heart was racing faster than a startled deer.
Ruo Lin hadn't tripped or kicked a stone. Instead, a hand had begun to wander boldly over her body.
Whose hand could it be? Ruo Lin didn't need to think hard—it had to be Mu Chen's.
Mu Chen's audacity knew no bounds. Usually, he would sneak around with her behind Xiao Yu's back, but this time, he took advantage of the mist in the Tianmu Mountain Range to do something so brazen right under Xiao Yu and Xue Ni's noses.
Mu Chen held Ruo Lin's hand with one hand and Xiao Yu's with the other, while Xiao Yu held Xue Ni's. Despite being so close, Xiao Yu and Xue Ni remained completely unaware of Mu Chen's bold actions.
As Mu Chen, Xue Ni, Xiao Yu, and Ruo Lin advanced through the mist, a clear and captivating woman's cold shout pierced through the fog and reached Mu Chen's ears.
"This voice sounds so familiar!"
Mu Chen was momentarily stunned. Such a beautiful and enchanting voice surely belonged to a stunning woman. Moreover, the tone of the voice felt incredibly familiar to him. However, Mu Chen couldn't be certain if it was really her!
Mu Chen quickened his pace and arrived at a clearing in the forest. This area was low-lying, and the mist was thin. The previous battles had also cleared the surroundings, making visibility much better.
In the clearing stood five figures—four men and one woman. Among the four men, one was dressed in deep yellow robes, with a scar on his face. He sat on a tree trunk, speaking indifferently to the three men below, "Hurry up!"
Upon hearing this, the three men in the clearing immediately nodded. From their attire, it was clear they belonged to the same faction.
"Hand over the Spirit Fox, and we might let you die with a whole body. You've just been through several battles; you're no match for us now."
The woman held a long sword and was dressed in a light purple gown. She wasn't tall, but the long dress fit her perfectly from head to toe, shimmering with a dazzling brilliance. Her fair skin and nearly flawless features made her stand out in a way that was truly unique.
The sword-wielding woman before them was noble, elegant, and serene—every beautiful word seemed to fit her perfectly. Her long, lustrous hair, tinged with a myriad of colors, was casually tied with a purple ribbon, cascading down to her hips. On her delicate shoulder rested a small white fox.
The fox's fur was snow-white and incredibly soft, giving off an aura that made one feel an instant affection for it.
"You have the audacity to speak to her like that?"
A crisp, cold voice rang out from within the mist.
The voice indicated that its owner was young, but it caused the woman in the light purple gown to freeze, her eyes wide as if her soul had been touched.
"Who's speaking?" one of the men shouted.
"Me."
As the voice fell, a man and three women emerged from the mist. The women were breathtakingly beautiful, and the man was handsome, especially one of the women who appeared to be of mature age. Every movement she made exuded a soft, watery tenderness, as if she could melt anyone on the spot.
"Whoever you are, get lost. We're disciples of the Yellow Spring Pavilion," one of the men threatened.
"Oh, just the Yellow Spring Pavilion," Mu Chen replied indifferently.
"Kid, I advise you to mind your own business if you want to live longer. Leave while we're still not interested in killing you," another man coldly snapped.
"Sorry, but I was born to meddle in others' affairs. If it's not someone else's business, I'm not interested!" Mu Chen rarely played the role of a provocateur, but now he couldn't help but smirk mockingly.
"If you're looking for death, I'll grant your wish," one of the men said, swinging his palm toward Mu Chen in an attack.
"If you're looking for death, I'll grant yours too," Mu Chen sneered, raising his hand and striking through the air.
Boom!
Before the man attacking Mu Chen could land his palm on him, a ripple appeared in the space around him. In the next moment, he was struck by a terrifying force and sent flying into the sky, becoming a briefly shining star.
The man was sent flying to a height of at least ten thousand meters. Even with the realm of a Battle Emperor, being struck to such a height would result in either death or severe injury.
Whoosh
Seeing the situation turn unfavorable, the other three men in yellow robes, like weasels, immediately darted into the mist-shrouded dense forest without hesitation.
"You ran fast. I'll let you live a few more days."
Mu Chen smiled, then turned his gaze to the stunning woman in a purple dress with nine-colored long hair, and said with a smile, "Bibi Dong, we meet again!"
(End of Chapter)