Chapter 5: My Gratitude to Elder Xue for Making This Possible

Lu Chengfeng, dressed in elegant black brocade robes with an iron crown on his head and soft boots on his feet, stood poised, looking every bit the refined young noble. His sword was sheathed at his side, lending him an aura of sophistication and calm.

Yet, within Bixiao Peak, he was renowned for his strength and steely resolve. At seventeen, he had descended the mountain and, with nothing but his sword, wiped out the entire Black Wind Fortress, leaving no one alive. His ruthless methods and formidable swordsmanship quickly earned him a reputation across the outer peaks. Unlike his late master Zhao Changzhen, he was also close to the disciples of Bixiao Peak, never hesitating to guide even the nominal disciples in their swordsmanship when asked.

Though young, Lu Chengfeng had gained considerable respect in Bixiao Peak, and none dared defy his words or actions.

Seeing his arrival, the disciples of Bixiao Peak could not contain their relief, calling out:

"Senior Brother!"

"Senior Brother, you've finally come!"

"Senior Brother, Brother Luo was injured by them!"

Seven or eight nominal disciples surrounded Lu Chengfeng, speaking in a rush, their voices filled with anger. Yet their words also held a hint of fear, as none dared to look directly at Xue Dulong, not even daring to mention his name.

Lu Chengfeng waved them aside and approached the fallen disciple, Luo Yong, ignoring the menacing glare of Xue Dulong.

Luo Yong, a man in his forties, had been with Bixiao Peak for years. He was unmarried and had no children, having devoted his life to the mountain, regarding it as his home. When Lu Chengfeng first joined the sect, Luo Yong had looked out for him, even gifting him the cold iron that made his Cold Cicada sword.

Of the two disciples who had been attacked, one was relatively unhurt, having only taken a blow to the chest that left him slightly sore. But Luo Yong had borne the brunt, blood trickling from his mouth as he lay unable to move. The other disciples were too frightened to intervene, fearing his injuries would worsen.

Lu Chengfeng knelt beside Luo Yong, carefully checking his pupils and taking his pulse. His expression darkened.

"Luo Yong has sustained internal injuries, his organs damaged. He needs to take a dose of Essence-Replenishing Qi Powder immediately to stabilize his condition. Later, he'll require guidance from an inner expert to fully recover."

"Zhang Feng, Zhao Hua, carefully carry him back up the mountain and fetch a dose of Essence-Replenishing Qi Powder from Second Sister Su Wanning at my courtyard. I'll cover the cost."

With Lu Chengfeng's arrival, the nominal disciples felt a sense of order restored. Two young disciples promptly lifted Luo Yong and began carrying him up the mountain with utmost care.

Growing impatient, Xue Dulong's eyes bulged with anger, his voice booming like thunder. "Lu Chengfeng, you pretty-faced brat! Stop wasting time with your pretense of kindness. It's all worthless. I'm going to crush your skull today!"

Standing tall, Lu Chengfeng placed his hand on his sword's hilt. "Xue Dulong, do you think the Yun Cang Sword Sect belongs to you? Trespassing on Bixiao Peak, injuring sect disciples—if you don't give an explanation today, I'll make you pay."

Xue Dulong burst into laughter. "You? A pretty face like you? Don't make me laugh! You think killing a few Black Wind bandits makes you a big shot?"

"Listen closely, I've already passed the sect's elder examination. Those two dared speak out of turn to me. The fact they're still alive is because I showed mercy."

"And you… if you want to make me pay, then go ahead. I'll take your head as a trophy, venting my wrath," Xue Dulong sneered with a malicious grin.

Lu Chengfeng's expression remained calm. He knew Xue Dulong wasn't one for empty threats. If he could attack without restraint, he would've done so already. His words were a façade, biding time to probe Lu Chengfeng's stance under the guise of maintaining sect rules.

As an elder, even Xue Dulong couldn't openly murder a disciple. The Yun Cang Sword Sect would have descended into chaos long ago if such actions were permitted. Besides, Lu Chengfeng had a reputation as a young swordsmanship prodigy within the sect. If Xue Dulong killed him outright, even he would face severe consequences.

Seeing through Xue Dulong's intentions, Lu Chengfeng narrowed his eyes, a faint smile appearing on his previously stern face. "Elder Xue, you flatter me. Since you've passed the elder examination, how could I dare to raise a hand against you?"

"Besides, I had my wedding yesterday. I married Senior Sister Luo Suyi, and our night together was filled with bliss. Life couldn't be more satisfying."

"I didn't expect Elder Xue to come by so soon to congratulate me. I'm deeply grateful for your kind gesture."

"And I must thank Elder Xue for his infamous reputation—if not for that, Suyi might not have agreed to marry me so readily."

"A beauty so captivating, such a rare gem… Only I can truly savor her charm. Thank you, Elder Xue, for making this possible."

Xue Dulong's face twisted with jealousy and rage at Lu Chengfeng's taunts, roaring, "Lu Chengfeng, you're courting death! Luo Suyi just lost her husband, and today I'll make her a widow for the second time!"

After having coveted her for so long, Xue Dulong had been infuriated when Lu Chengfeng married her and claimed her first. Thoughts of Luo Suyi's enchanting figure, her alluring smile, ignited his jealousy into a burning rage.

He had no patience left to observe sect rules. With his master's support and his status as an elder, he was prepared to pay any price for breaking the rules.

With murder in his heart, his aura transformed, like a savage beast charging forth from the mountains. His right arm swung in a punch that mimicked a spear technique from the Thirty-Six Black Wind Demon-Breaking Spear.

As his fist swept through the air, it generated a gust, and the disciples around felt a chill as if they were hearing the roar of a black bear, and then the blow descended like a venomous dragon, aimed to crush Lu Chengfeng's skull.

This strike, replacing a spear with a fist, was ruthless and brutal, clearly intended to kill.

Lu Chengfeng stood with his hand resting on his sword, his black robes billowing in the wind, his eyes narrowing to a slit, giving the appearance of one frozen in fear.

But at that instant, a figure descended from above, landing between Lu Chengfeng and Xue Dulong. With a simple raise of his palm, he caught the incoming iron fist, halting it completely.

"Xue Dulong, how dare you try to kill a sect disciple in broad daylight?"

"Do you think the Discipline Hall is filled with nothing but dead men?"

The newcomer appeared to be in his twenties, dressed in the Discipline Hall's black uniform with a crimson belt. With a single raised hand, he immobilized Xue Dulo

ng's fist, leaving him red-faced and straining against the unyielding grip.