Chapter 934: Xiaofan's Master

"Vice-captain, I've finally gotten justice for you!"

Ling Feng collapsed weakly to the ground, every last ounce of strength drained from his body.

Tears slid from the corners of Gong Cheng's eyes. Though he had fallen unconscious, his mind remained clear. He had "seen" everything that happened and felt all that his comrades had done for him.

"Big Brother! We won!"

Jiang Xiaofan approached Ling Feng, grinning through his tears. This victory had come at too great a cost.

"

Hahaha!

Kid, from today onward, this old man officially acknowledges you!"

Pill Devil and Sword Maniac exchanged glances midair before landing lightly on the platform. Their overwhelming Human Emperor aura forced Eunuch Li to shrink back.

The crowd buzzed with curiosity about these two elders' identities. Who knew Ling Feng had such powerful backing?

Pill Devil tossed out a bottle of medicinal pills with a chuckle. "Take these first to restore your vitality."

"Many thanks, Senior Pill Devil."

Ling Feng wiped blood from his lips and distributed the pills. As his strength gradually returned, he struggled to bow in gratitude, only to be stopped by Pill Devil.

"Kid, I've always admired those who value loyalty above all!" Pill Devil patted Ling Feng's shoulder. "We old men had sworn off public appearances, but for you, we'll make an exception."

Noticing the two masters, Jiang Xiaofan hurried forward with a bow. "Master Pill! Master Sword!"

"

Hmph.

Brat, are you still calling me Master Sword?" Sword Maniac frowned and shot Jiang Xiaofan a glare.

Xiaofan scratched his head. "Ah? Master Sword, are you angry with me? What should I call you then?"

Ling Feng kicked Xiaofan's calf in annoyance, sending the younger man kneeling. "Big Brother, why did you kick me?"

"You idiot," Ling Feng sighed. "When you comprehended the mysteries of the Sword of Silent Awe just now, you passed Senior Sword Maniac's test. You're now his last disciple!"

Xiaofan's eyes widened. He immediately kowtowed three times before Sword Maniac. "Disciple pays respects to Master[1]!"

"

Hmph.

Foolish boy!" Sword Maniac's lips quirked as he glanced at Ling Feng. "If only you could be half as quick-witted as this one."

Helping Xiaofan up, he continued, "I give you three days. Come find me at Flame Valley afterward."

"Yes, Master!"

By the time Xiaofan raised his head again, the two masters had already vanished into the sky.

"Walking through the air... true experts indeed," murmured Yan Cangtian, who had appeared beside Ling Feng unnoticed.

Pill Devil and Sword Maniac were old acquaintances of Yan Cangtian. Unfortunately, the two clearly had no intention of staying long, so he chose not to disturb them.

Ling Feng mused silently. Since Pill Devil and Sword Maniac were peers of his own master's master, then Jiang Xiaofan being accepted as Sword Maniac's last disciple meant he was now on the same level as his master's generation.

Shaking his head, Ling Feng felt the medicinal strength spreading through his body, restoring about thirty percent of his energy.

Now it was time to settle accounts with the Yan family.

Yan Jinghong still lay motionless at the platform's edge where Li Bufan had defeated him, barely clinging to consciousness.

Xuanyuan Pozhen, having recovered somewhat, intercepted Ling Feng. "You've already won. Show mercy and let the wager go."

"Brother Xuanyuan, I respect your character greatly. But some matters have complexities you don't understand. Best not interfere."

Ling Feng saluted before turning his gaze to the Empress Dowager upon her phoenix throne. She had remained while the Tianbai King departed, as if anticipating this moment.

The woman who had climbed to her position through extraordinary wisdom and composure met Ling Feng's challenging stare without flinching.

In a flash, Ling Feng seized Yan Jinghong by the throat, standing tall at the platform's center. "Empress Dowager, we signed a death waiver. Surely you've no objections if I kill him now?"

The crowd gasped. First a prince, now threatening the Yan family heir before the Empress Dowager herself?

Was Ling Feng determined to offend every noble house in the empire?

The Empress Dowager's smile never wavered. Rising gracefully, she said, "Ling Feng, we both know Jinghong's life isn't what you truly want. Why speak in circles with me?"

"Well said!" Ling Feng tossed Yan Jinghong aside like garbage. "Three days, I'll collect what's owed."

"This one shall await General Ling at Cining Palace."

The Empress Dowager gave a slight nod. With a maid supporting her, she slowly departed Tianwei Square, showing no interest in Yan Jinghong's fate.

Yan Jinghong coughed blood, eyes filled with bitter resentment. His dao heart shattered by Li Bufan's "Devil Heart Questioning-Sword," he would achieve nothing unless he could rebuild it. To Ling Feng, such trash posed no threat.

Seeing the Empress Dowager's retreating figure, Yan Cangtian let out a soft sigh and silently lamented in his heart,

From now on, strangers to each other.

Yan Cangtian shook his head and gently patted Ling Feng's shoulder. In a deep voice, he said, "Kid, I'm heading back now. I don't think anyone will bother you anymore."

"Thank you, Master." Ling Feng bowed to Yan Cangtian, then glanced toward General Deng and the others, who all returned the gesture with fists clasped in salute.

As Ling Feng bowed, his eyes fell upon the last elder.

It was a stranger who had unexpectedly come to his aid.

"Senior, you are...?"

The old man straightened proudly. "Cai Yong, Tiger Awe General! Well done, my Cai family descendant!"

𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"

Pfft

..."

Ling Feng nearly spat blood. "Cai family descendant? Senior, there must be some mistake..."

1. In this context, the author used 2 different terms for master.

Shīfù (师父) is a casual way to call someone your master

Shīzūn (师尊) is much more formal, used when the master has truly accepted you as a disciple

They both just translate to 'Master' in English, which might sound confusing. ☜