"Who would’ve thought that among the younger generation of immortals, there’d be such a clever disciple. She was the first to see through the trial with Rong Xian’s Golden Core, guiding both Bei Chen and the young fox. Unfortunately…" Feng Xian sighed, "her natural affinity for the Dao is poor. She’ll be lucky if her lifespan reaches a century."
Jin Yao shared his sentiment. "She may lack immortal fate, but her intelligence and strategic sense are outstanding. When this matter concludes, perhaps she could take on a civil position in the Heavenly Palace, where the spiritual energy of the Nine Heavens could offer her new chances."
"You’re kind-hearted, Head Seat." Feng Xian nodded approvingly, then continued, "Who do you think will emerge as the winner of this martial feast?"
Jin Yao’s gaze swept over Bei Chen, Nan Wan, and Mu Jiu in the water mirror before lingering on Chong Zhao. "Kunlun cultivates the path of purity, Yun Xiao values victory too much, and though the fox clan is cunning, they lack poise. But this boy, though he seems unremarkable, is steady and composed. During the battle with Rong Xian’s Golden Core, I saw that his immortal power is no less than Bei Chen’s."
Feng Xian agreed. "You have a discerning eye. I haven’t heard of any disciple like him among the immortals. Where is he from?"
"Mystical Sect."
"Mystical?" Feng Xian was surprised. The Mystical Sect had been in decline for a century without a single great master, yet it had produced such an exceptional disciple.
"Mystical Sect was once among the Six Immortal Houses, but it fell into decline after Master Ling Bo ascended. This disciple will surely make a name for himself in this Wu Tong martial feast. With him, Mystical Sect may well reclaim its place among the Six Houses within a century." Jin Yao stroked his beard with a smile.
Feng Xian nodded in agreement but then noticed Jin Yao’s gaze had fallen on the young man next to Bai Shuo and became curious. "Do you have concerns about that boy?"
Jin Yao looked at Feng Xian. "Don’t you?"
Feng Xian smiled. "I can’t see through him. And if I can’t see through someone, I won’t interfere."
"Please enlighten me. All of our disciples are in Strange City, and although we can observe through the water mirror, I still need to provide explanations to the heads of the other sects."
Feng Xian glanced at Hua Da Tie in the water mirror. "Are you aware of a girl under the King of Strange City’s protection? At eighteen, she was able to draw the Sword of Strange King, endowed with rare natural strength."
Jin Yao nodded. "I’ve heard of her. With such strength, I once thought the King of Strange City might make her his successor, but something must have happened—she was exiled from Strange City a few years ago. So, you think this blacksmith with a mysterious background is…?"
"With natural strength and unaffected by the spiritual suppression in Strange City, she must be one of the strangers." Feng Xian looked at the mirror. "It seems she is indeed the young princess."
"Then why would the King of Strange City’s daughter conceal her identity among these disciples? Could she be after the Wu Tong heartfire? But with her skills, she could contend with peak immortal lords—the heartfire holds little value for her. So, why would she return now?"
Feng Xian placed a stone on the chessboard and spoke, "A few years ago, disciples from the phoenix clan saw the princess of Strange City slay a snow leopard with a single blow in the far northern snowy lands. Since then, there’s been no word of her."
"The far northern lands… using a staff as a weapon…" Jin Yao’s eyes widened, turning to Feng Xian. "The Hall of Hao Yue! Are you saying the princess of Strange City is from the Hall of Hao Yue?!"
"Have you heard of the two generals who stand guard at the main hall of Hao Yue?"
"Mountain Guard and Heavenly Fire?!" Jin Yao gasped. "So, she’s the Demon Lord of Heavenly Fire?"
In just ten years, the Hall of Hao Yue had risen within the demon realm, standing alongside Cold Spring and Jingyou as one of the Three Great Powers. This rise wasn’t only due to its half-god Lord Fan Yue, but also thanks to the two generals, Mountain Guard and Heavenly Fire. Known only by their titles, their origins remained unknown. However, their immense demon power and mastery with staff weapons had made them infamous. Mountain Guard was known for striking down the Gate of Life and Death in the Three Realms with a single blow, while Heavenly Fire earned her reputation in repeated battles with Cold Spring Palace over sacred lands.
She had single-handedly defeated half of Cold Spring’s Twelve Envoys. Her ruthless efficiency nearly made her the Hall of Hao Yue’s second-in-command.
With her in Strange City, could that young man be…
"Could the boy be…?"
Jin Yao’s expression grew serious as his gaze settled on the youth beside Bai Shuo. He was about to rise when Feng Xian held him back.
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