Chapter Thirty-Five: Encountering Ye Xiang Once More

“These people are not ordinary.” After seeing certain figures standing around the Gathering Platform, Yan Chen shifted his steps and moved closer to Ye Zihan, speaking quietly.

Ye Zihan nodded in agreement. Whether in aura or bearing, these people possessed a strength far beyond the common folk. He asked, “Which forces do these people belong to?”

Yan Chen turned his head and glanced to the left. “If I’m not mistaken, that young man in white over there should be a master from one of the Five Families—the Senfeng family. His name is Senfeng Jue. Among the younger generation of the Senfeng family, he stands out. He cultivates Shadow Martial Arts and entered the Three Talents Realm two years ago; now he’s probably at the mid-stage. His physique is unique, making his combat power much greater than other shadow warriors of his rank. Don’t be deceived by his gentle appearance—he’s a fierce warrior. There’s a rumor that during a family competition, he was so caught up in the fight that he severely crippled one of his cousins, Ou Zhi. But because of his remarkable talent, the Senfeng family didn’t punish him, which made him even more arrogant.”

Ye Zihan narrowed his eyes. He had expected Senfeng Jue to be a difficult character, but hadn’t anticipated that such a refined-looking man would be so belligerent.

“The woman in white beside him is called Senfeng Zhi. Although her combat strength isn’t as impressive, she possesses extraordinary talent in forging. She cultivates the Hunter Path and has also reached the Three Talents Realm. I’ve heard she’s infatuated with Senfeng Jue and secretly admires him. The Senfeng family has already issued a marriage decree, planning for the two to wed.”

“An intra-family marriage?” Ye Zihan was slightly surprised. When people from the same family marry, the close blood ties can easily result in genetic conflicts—not suitable for union. Isn’t the Senfeng family afraid of harming their descendants?

Yan Chen appeared unconcerned. “Senfeng Jue is a direct descendant, while Senfeng Zhi is from a collateral branch, separated by several generations. Their bloodlines are quite distant, so the risk is minimal. Most importantly, the Senfeng family’s history is shorter than the other four. They don’t possess many rare treasures or secret techniques, and lately, their business ventures have faltered, suffering significant financial losses. Without resources to acquire advanced skills, even talented disciples struggle to become top experts. The family ranks fourth among the Five Families. This marriage is likely a gamble—they hope Senfeng Jue and Senfeng Zhi will combine their strengths to produce an exceptional lineage, thereby increasing the number of peak experts and boosting the family’s power.”

“I see.” Ye Zihan was somewhat reassured by Yan Chen’s explanation, though the Senfeng family’s method was risky. If bloodline conflict occurred, the descendants of Senfeng Jue and Senfeng Zhi might be simple-minded, lacking even basic intelligence, let alone talent.

After introducing the two from the Senfeng family, Yan Chen’s gaze shifted further left, sizing up the blue-robed youth. “That young man in blue, his killing intent is overwhelming. He must be Qian Duan from the Qi family, known as the ‘Blood Vulture.’ He’s exceptionally gifted—when he was born, fierce winds sliced a tree in the courtyard into nearly a thousand segments, so his father named him ‘Qian Duan.’ At five, his talent became evident, progressing rapidly in the Summoning Path. Now he’s at the late stage of the Three Talents Realm. His combat style is both flamboyant and ruthless, and his love for battle surpasses even Senfeng Jue’s. His main summoned beasts are lion-vulture hybrids, and in every fight, he must draw blood; otherwise, he won’t stop. That’s why he was dubbed ‘Blood Vulture.’ If you face him, be very careful.”

Ye Zihan nodded to show he understood, then pointed to the right. “What about that person in black?”

Yan Chen turned and studied the figure shrouded in shadow. After a long moment, he shook his head. “This person’s aura is strange, hard to discern, and I can’t see his face. I don’t know his origins, but from the fluctuations of his source energy, he’s likely not from the Four Sects or Five Families—perhaps a civilian powerhouse.”

Yan Chen was well-read and even Hong Yan praised his knowledge, but now he couldn’t identify the man in black. Ye Zihan knew he should be especially cautious.

Besides these four, the surrounding crowd was also formidable—anyone bold enough to attend the famed Five Elements Gathering had some skill.

“Whoosh!” “Whoosh!”

Just as Yan Chen was tirelessly introducing the famous heroes to Ye Zihan, several sounds suddenly pierced the air. The crowd saw blurs flash by, and several figures appeared at the front of the Gathering Platform.

“So this is the Gathering Platform? Aside from being massive and spacious, there’s nothing special about it!” a rough voice rang out.

Ye Zihan looked closely—three had arrived: two men and one woman. The rough voice belonged to a burly man.

“One of the Four Great Sects—the Tyrant of Absolute Sound Valley, Feng Ba!” Yan Chen identified the burly man.

“Feng Ba, it’s been three years since we last met, and you’re as ignorant as ever.” To Feng Ba’s left, a fair-skinned youth sneered. “This platform was forged from tri-colored ironstone and lava. With your earth arts, even at full strength, you couldn’t destroy a single side.”

“That fair-skinned youth is Qingquan from the Celestial Mechanism Palace!”

“What?!” Feng Ba’s thick brows shot up in disbelief. With his mid-stage Three Talents Shadow Martial cultivation, he couldn’t destroy one side of the stone platform?

Angered, he stepped back, braced himself, and prepared to strike the platform.

“Don’t be rash.” Seeing Feng Ba about to attack, the elegant woman hurriedly stopped him. “The Five Elements Gathering hasn’t begun; best not cause trouble now.”

“Yunting is right. This is the Night Moon family’s domain, after all. Before the Gathering starts, it’s best to leave the platform intact.” Qingquan added, though his tone hinted he could destroy it himself.

“That’s Bing Yunting from the Ice family!”

Some knowledgeable onlookers recognized the newcomers.

“Three of the Five Families, two of the Four Great Sects—aside from the Ye family, Night Moon family, Misty Rain Pavilion, and Phoenix Academy, five of the nine major forces are already here!”

People couldn’t help but exclaim. The Gathering was two days away, yet most major powers of the human world had already assembled. The event’s influence was clear!

“So many people—it seems we aren’t early at all.” As the crowd marveled, a melodious voice rang out, as sweet as a nightingale leaving the valley, crisp and enchanting.

Ye Zihan turned to see two women in purple approaching. The one in front had bright eyes and perfect teeth, her gaze captivating hearts at every glance. The woman behind her had delicate hands, skin like jade, elegant brows, and moved with the grace of a lotus. Her beauty rivaled legendary beauties of old.

The two breathtaking women became the focus, drawing every gaze.

“So that’s who it is—the Twin Phoenixes of Phoenix Academy. Their beauty is famed across the land, and now I see the legends are true.”

Qian Duan, the blue-robed youth, stepped forward. He’d heard not only of their beauty but also their exceptional skill. A battle-lover like him cared little for gender, eager only for a duel.

“These two in purple are the brightest stars of Phoenix Academy, known as the Twin Phoenixes. The one in front is Yun Han, a mid-stage Three Talents Spirit Envoy. The one behind is Meng Qingruo—she’s only sixteen, yet already a late-stage Three Talents Sealer!” Yan Chen explained to Ye Zihan.

“Master Qi is devoted to cultivation. I fear our humble appearance doesn’t suit your taste.” Yun Han smiled, her charm irresistible.

“The Twin Phoenixes’ fame is well-earned—not only beautiful but also exceptional in skill. Might I have the honor of a contest?” Senfeng Jue, dressed in white, stepped forward, Senfeng Zhi closely behind.

“Has the Senfeng family truly declined, seeking only women to compete?” Feng Ba laughed mockingly.

Senfeng Jue’s gaze turned cold. “Absolute Sound Valley grows more arrogant by the day—someone who doesn’t even understand tri-colored ironstone and lava dares to boast before me?”

“What did you say!” Feng Ba exploded with rage. “Senfeng Jue, do you dare to fight me?”

Senfeng Jue sneered. “If you have the skill, come at me. No need for empty words.”

“Very well!” Feng Ba, furious, shouted twice, “If you’re injured, don’t blame anyone!”

“By you?” Senfeng Jue’s voice was full of disdain.

“Yes, by me!” Feng Ba roared, stepped forward, raised his fist, and aimed a direct blow at Senfeng Jue.

The two began fighting without warning, and the crowd made no move to stop them—they were eager to gauge their strength.

“The Five Elements Gathering will soon begin. You all will have your chance to shine then—why waste energy now and spoil the harmony?”

Just as Feng Ba’s fist was about to reach Senfeng Jue, a gentle voice sounded, and a wave of force shot out, neatly blocking Feng Ba’s attack.

“Night Moon Tian?” Feng Ba’s displeasure faded when he saw the one who intervened: the Night Moon family’s foremost junior, Night Moon Tian.

“Good eye, Brother Feng.” The gentle voice sounded again as Night Moon Tian strode out, elegant and composed.

“Everyone, the Gathering is about to begin. I ask you to wait two more days, refrain from unnecessary conflict, and give my Night Moon family this courtesy, will you?” Night Moon Tian addressed the crowd politely.

“Since the host has spoken, I won’t argue with that oaf.” Senfeng Jue glanced at Feng Ba, then at Night Moon Tian.

Feng Ba snorted but said nothing. With Night Moon Tian present, he dared not strike again. Besides, Night Moon Tian had just neutralized his blow with a gentle breeze—clearly his cultivation surpassed Feng Ba’s.

“Thank you both for your understanding.” Night Moon Tian smiled and continued, “Have you all found accommodations? If you don’t mind the modesty of my home, I invite you to stay as guests.”

“No need, Night Moon Tian. I’m a rough man—I’ll just pick any inn.” Qingquan of the Celestial Mechanism Palace declined first.

Living under another’s roof always brings inconvenience.

The others were shrewd and politely refused as well, except for the burly Feng Ba, who gladly accepted. “Then I’ll trouble you, Night Moon Tian.”

“You’re too kind, Brother Feng.” Though most declined, Night Moon Tian’s expression remained unchanged, showing no embarrassment.

“So lively—looks like we’re late, Yu.”

“Seems so.”

Two more voices sounded in the crowd. Ye Zihan turned, and upon recognizing one of them, his body suddenly trembled, his breath thrown into disarray.

“Ye Xiang?”