Chapter 943: Yanxia Mountain

Yanxia Mountain stood like a solitary jewel within the vast sweep of the Cangqiong Mountain Range.

Though it fell under the Cangqiong Sect's name, it operated with quiet sovereignty, its ways untouched by the sect's usual rules.

Over time, this independence became a source of reverence. To the disciples, Yanxia was sacred ground, a place reserved only for those deemed truly worthy.

After the Royal Sword Team challenge, Sect Leader Yue Zhonglian had spoken of a place where Ling Feng's Mark of Brilliance might take root and grow.

Yet the days that followed left no room for new journeys. He had devoted himself fully to healing the Vice-Captain Gong Cheng's shattered dantian.

Now, as though fate had turned a fresh page, Yue Yunlan appeared before him with an invitation.

She explained everything. The place her father once spoke of was none other than Yanxia Mountain.

Ling Feng followed Yue Yunlan and her maidservant deeper into the mountain, listening as Yue Yunlan recounted the mysteries of Yanxia Mountain. With each passing tale, he gained a clearer understanding of this sacred place.

Coincidentally, he had been struggling to condense his Mark of Brilliance, finding no breakthrough despite repeated attempts. If this journey to Yanxia Mountain could provide him with even a sliver of enlightenment, it would be a blessing beyond measure.

𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"We've arrived!"

Yue Yunlan turned her head, her eyes curving into crescents like the delicate arc of a moon, and said with a soft laugh, "First, you'll meet my master."

"Your master?" Ling Feng rubbed the side of his nose. For someone of Yue Yunlan's status, her teacher could only be someone extraordinary.

Qiao Qiao stepped forward, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Her master is Elder Xiao Yunsu of Yanxia Mountain! Most people call her Sword Emperor Yunmiao!"

"Sword Emperor!"

Ling Feng drew in a sharp breath. To earn such a title, a martial artist must not only possess strength at the Human Emperor level, but also have attained peerless mastery in the Sword Dao.

"Master is one of the strongest experts in Yanxia Mountain," Yue Yunlan said with visible pride as she motioned Ling Feng forward. "Let me take you inside."

Yue Yunlan led Ling Feng through Yanxia Mountain's protective barrier. The guarding disciples immediately bowed when they saw her, though their eyes betrayed curiosity about the unfamiliar man beside her. None dared voice their questions aloud.

Beyond the barrier stretched an endless stone staircase climbing the mountainside. As they ascended, passing disciples would stop to greet Yue Yunlan, only to frown when they noticed Ling Feng walking closely behind her.

Each whispered the same questions to themselves: Who was this outsider? Why would the young mistress bring him into their sacred mountain? And why did they seem so comfortable together?

With her noble status and peerless beauty that could topple nations, it was no exaggeration to say every young man in the Cangqiong Sect undoubtedly regarded Yue Yunlan as their dream lover. Now seeing their fantasy woman walking so intimately with an outsider, their jealousy burned like witnessing a prized cabbage being devoured by some wild boar.

Most of these disciples had spent years in secluded cultivation within Yanxia Mountain, completely unaware of Ling Feng's reputation. Had they known, they wouldn't have wasted energy on such meaningless resentment.

Ling Feng naturally noticed the unfriendly gazes from Yanxia Mountain's disciples. He sighed inwardly, wondering what offense he had committed to deserve such hostility.

...

"Master!"

After ascending the mountain path, Yue Yunlan finally brought Ling Feng to a simple yet elegant courtyard. There, beneath a pavilion draped in wisteria, a graceful middle-aged woman in lavender robes sat quietly savoring a cup of fragrant tea.

Yue Yunlan's eyes brightened when she saw the woman. She hurried into the pavilion and wrapped her arms around her master's shoulders from behind in an affectionate embrace. With a hint of shyness in her voice, she said, "This is Ling Feng. He's the one I told you about."

"You're still clinging to me like a child, even at your age."

Xiao Yunsu gently tapped Yue Yunlan's cheek, her tone soft with affection. She had never taken a husband nor raised a child, but she had poured all her maternal warmth into Yue Yunlan, treating her as a daughter in all but name.

Yue Yunlan giggled and turned to point at Ling Feng.

"Master, Ling Feng saved Lan'er's life more than once!"

In front of Xiao Yunsu, all of Yue Yunlan's composure fell away. She acted not as the noble daughter of the sect leader, but as a carefree girl. Her reverence for this woman was deep, heartfelt, and unguarded.

Xiao Yunsu shifted her gaze to Ling Feng. A faint smile lingered at the corner of her lips.

"So you are General Ling Feng. The one who stood alone against the Royal Sword Team. You truly are a dragon among men!"

Ling Feng lowered his head in a humble bow.

"You honor me, Senior."

"With your accomplishments at your age, I would say no praise is too much."

Xiao Yunsu studied Ling Feng closely.

"No wonder my junior sister Hong Lian speaks of you so often. You possess medical skill that borders on the miraculous, and your martial talent is even more fearsome."

Hong Lian was none other than Sect Leader Yue's wife. In their younger days, she and Xiao Yunsu had cultivated together as sister disciples, until marriage had called Hong Lian away from the martial world.

Ling Feng gave a small, knowing smile as he rubbed his nose. He'd learned long ago that empty modesty meant nothing to cultivators of their stature.

Xiao Yunsu gave a small nod, pleased by his self-control.

"Lan'er told me you defeated Xuanyuan Pozhen in open combat?"

"It was only a three-strike exchange," Ling Feng said indifferently. "At best, it ended in a draw."

Xiao Yunsu's expression shifted ever so slightly. She saw through his understatement with ease.

Yue Yunlan had already recounted the duel in vivid detail, but hearing the confirmation from Ling Feng himself still struck her as remarkable. He had not even reached twenty, while Xuanyuan Pozhen had been celebrated as a prodigy for years.

"You truly are exceptional."

Her voice dropped, and in the next breath, she released a wave of pressure. Spiritual Element Realm, sixth level.

She had to see it for herself.

"Is this a test?"

Ling Feng stood with his hands at ease, his expression calm. His sword will spread out like flowing water, and his Lingtian Sword Force shimmered into being, neutralizing the pressure around him with natural ease.

"Please forgive my rudeness, Senior Yunmiao."

His voice was clear, and not the slightest tremor marked his breath.

Xiao Yunsu laughed softly and withdrew her aura. Her eyes showed satisfaction.

There was no longer any doubt. This youth was indeed a dragon among mortals!