C10 The Flame Emperor Xiao Yan Was Born a Loser(1)

Yanshan stared at the corpse of the Tyrant Blade Sect Elder, his voice trembling with fear, "This is sword force manifesting as Sword Qi Shape Transforming. At the very least, it's at the level of Small Completion Sword Force!"

Upon hearing Yanshan's words, the Sword Soaring Pavilion Elder and the Tiger Roar Sect Elder immediately realized the gravity of the entity they had provoked. Someone capable of comprehending sword force had to be a Golden Core Stage expert at the minimum.

Throughout the history of the Purple Chu Kingdom, only the previous Divine Martial Sect Master, Le Zhengyu, had managed to grasp the sword force during the Golden Core Late Period. Not even in the entire South Domain had anyone achieved this at the Body Refining Stage. It was clear that the Profound Heaven Sect Master was a force to be reckoned with, undoubtedly a Golden Core Stage powerhouse.

The crowd around Chen Feng shifted their gaze, their earlier disdain replaced by a newfound respect.

Those who had ridiculed the Profound Heaven Sect now discreetly made their exit, fearful that Chen Feng might seek retribution.

Chen Feng's gaze was icy as he regarded the trio before him. Despite it being his first kill, he felt no discomfort, a fact that left him perplexed.

Lu Xueqi observed her nominal master with astonishment. She was aware of her sect master's exceptional abilities, but she hadn't anticipated such a formidable display of power.

As a prodigy from a major force like the Ice Snow Holy Land, she knew that talents capable of comprehending both sword force and sword intent were not uncommon. Yet, Chen Feng's Sword Qi was more than mere sword force; it likely reached an even higher echelon. The more Lu Xueqi contemplated it, the more daunting it seemed.

The elders from the Sword Soaring Pavilion and the Tiger Roar Sect could no longer endure the pressure of Chen Feng's sword qi. They fell to their knees, bowing repeatedly.

"We were blind to your greatness and dared to oppose the Profound Heaven Sect. We beg for your mercy, Senior, and plead for our lives."

Yanshan watched their pitiful state, a bitter taste in his mouth. He hadn't anticipated the Profound Heaven Sect's overwhelming strength. He wondered what kind of individual could mentor such a formidable woman, who stood at the pinnacle of the Body Refining Stage. Yet, he knew all too well that the world offered no remedy for regret.

Still, as an elder of the Blazing Fire Sect, he refused to grovel as the others had. He remained unconvinced that this man possessed the same level of might as the Blazing Fire Sect Master.

"Sect Master Chen, please forgive my oversight. Let's consider this matter settled. Your disciple broke the palms of ten disciples from my Blazing Fire Sect and also killed an elder of the Tyrant Blade Sect. Your side hasn't suffered a loss. You may continue to use this territory."

Yanshan, seemingly brimming with unwarranted confidence, stood tall and addressed Chen Feng with a smile.

"Furthermore, the Profound Heaven Sect has no desire to needlessly provoke the Blazing Fire Sect, Tyrant Blade Sect, Sword Soaring Pavilion, and Tige Roar Sect."

Yanshan's words carried an undertone of threat.

Chen Feng's gaze sharpened as he responded, "Are you threatening me? Do you really believe you speak for your sects? You're hardly my equal."

Yanshan was taken aback; he hadn't expected Chen Feng to be so uncompromising, but he pressed on.

"The Profound Heaven Sect is looking to expand. It's not worth making enemies of four major sects. Why not step back, Sect Master Chen? Our four sects are willing to make amends to quell your wrath."

Yanshan's plan was to placate Chen Feng for now, then report back to his sect and call for a campaign against the Profound Heaven Sect. He was certain that the storage ring from Chen Feng's disciple would compel the Sect Master to act personally, and then he would have his revenge.

Meanwhile, members from the Sword Soaring Pavilion and Tige Roar Sect were prostrating themselves, weeping and pleading, "We are ready to make reparations to compensate you, Sect Master Chen. We beg you to spare our lives."

Gone was their earlier haughtiness as they lay there.

Yanshan, watching them, inwardly scorned their disgraceful display.

Chen Feng glanced at Lu Xueqi, his personal disciple. Though Lu Xueqi had not been harmed, Chen Feng was clear that his disciples were not to be trifled with.

He then turned his attention back to Yanshan, knowing that killing him now would leave no chance for peace with the Blazing Fire Sect.

"You've earned a death sentence, but I'll settle for a living punishment. You instigated today's events, so I'll cripple one of your arms as an example to all."

Chen Feng had barely finished speaking when he unleashed a sword force that surged towards Yanshan.

Caught off guard, Yanshan was taken aback, having not anticipated Chen Feng's immediate and swift attack. He exerted all his energy to activate his movement technique in a desperate attempt to flee.

But the sword qi had Yanshan in its grip, rendering him unable to move. Powerless, he could only watch as Chen Feng severed his arm.

In that moment, Yanshan came to a stark realization. He kept silent, knowing full well that for Chen Feng, taking his life would be as simple as reaching into a bag. Yanshan's previous attempt to use his sect's influence as a threat now seemed laughably foolish.

Chen Feng cast a brief glance at Yanshan, utterly indifferent. With the feud now in full swing, he was prepared to fight it out ruthlessly.

Once he returned to his sect and achieved a breakthrough to the Golden Core Stage, he might even stand a chance against the Sect Master of the Blazing Fire Sect.

"The Tyrant Blade Sect, Sword Soaring Pavilion, and Tiger Roar Sect will each pay 500,000 taels of silver as penance. The Blazing Fire Sect, on the other hand, must pay 1,000,000 taels. Any objections?" Chen Feng declared.

The three representatives were in no position to protest, eager to produce the silver and leave the scene as quickly as possible. Yanshan, now a far cry from his initial defiance, clutched his severed limb, his face etched with terror.

"Dismissed," Chen Feng said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

Turning to Lu Xueqi, he instructed, "Xueqi, accompany them to collect the money. If they fail to pay, show no mercy."

Lu Xueqi nodded in acknowledgment and made her way towards the territories of the three sects.

The onlookers' perceptions of the Profound Heaven Sect shifted, many initially eager to align themselves with it. However, considering the sect's conflicts with the Blazing Fire Sect and the other major sects, they ultimately abandoned the idea.

"Sect Master Chen truly exudes authority, and his tactics are nothing short of remarkable," came a robust voice.

Chen Feng looked in the direction of the voice to see Zhang Jin, an elder from the Mountain Leaning Sect, for whom he had considerable respect.

Chen Feng quipped, "The Profound Heaven Sect has managed to ruffle the feathers of the four major sects. Yet Elder Zhang, you still dare to visit. Aren't you concerned about being caught up in the Profound Heaven Sect's troubles and facing retaliation from those sects?"

Zhang Jin gave a wry smile and responded, "As long as the Blazing Fire Sect doesn't make a move against us, the Mountain Leaning Sect can hold its own against any one of the other three sects."

"If simply speaking out leads to their blatant aggression, it would only expose their pettiness to the world's martial artists."

"Even so, I trust that the Profound Heaven Sect will ultimately lend us a hand when the time comes," Zhang Jin stated with confidence.

Indeed, as Zhang Jin suggested, should the Mountain Leaning Sect face any threats, the Profound Heaven Sect would certainly not just stand by idly.

At this juncture, the Mountain Leaning Sect's visit was not without the intent to seek an alliance, especially since Chen Feng had not forgotten their earlier favor in making introductions to the Profound Heaven Sect. Though it was a small gesture, it was one he intended to repay, adhering to his own code of conduct.

Chen Feng nodded, affirming Zhang Jin's words without further comment.

Seeing Chen Feng's agreement, Zhang Jin felt a surge of joy. He knew that if Chen Feng survived the upcoming conflict, the Profound Heaven Sect would possess the might to claim dominance over Essence Opening City, bringing considerable advantages to the Mountain Leaning Sect by association.

Zhang Jin had already informed his Sect Master of this meeting, securing his approval before making such statements.

"Sect Master Chen truly has a masterful command of the sword. There's no one in Essence Opening City who can match you," Lee Qian said, stepping forward with a smile as his entourage quickly tidied up the debris scattered on the ground.

Chen Feng chuckled in reply, "I still have a ways to go to catch up to you, Butler Lee."

Lee Qian let out an awkward chuckle. As the supervisor of the City Lord Mansion, he was well aware of the implications in Chen Feng's words. Feigning misunderstanding, he added, "I'll take care of it tonight."

"Tonight, the City Lord Mansion is hosting a banquet. I hope you, Sect Master Chen, will join us for a conversation."

Chen Feng hesitated briefly, somewhat taken aback by the invitation from the City Lord Mansion. Why would they invite me without any apparent reason? He mulled it over and decided, "I should check it out tonight."

The word on the street was that City Lord Lee Tongxuan possessed Golden Core Level Three strength. Even if he had recently advanced, he would be at most at Golden Core Level Four. Chen Feng felt confident in his abilities; he was certain he could make a swift escape if he couldn't match Lee Tongxuan.

During the conflict with Yanshan and the three sect elders, Lee Qian had simply watched from the sidelines. Given their casual acquaintance, it wasn't Lee Qian's place to get involved in Chen Feng's troubles.

But the City Lord Mansion's overture was different. Chen Feng's display of remarkable strength had quickly piqued their interest. Rumors suggested that the City Lord Mansion and the Blazing Fire Sect were at odds, so this banquet likely had an ulterior motive of alliance-building.

After pondering for a short while, Chen Feng responded, "Alright, I'll be there promptly tonight."

Lee Qian's laughter rang out joyfully, "Hahaha, the City Lord Mansion eagerly awaits the honor of Sect Master Chen's presence tonight."

Lu Xueqi approached Chen Feng and remarked coolly, "All the money has been collected."

Chen Feng acknowledged with a nod, offering no further comment. To him, the money was just as secure with Lu Xueqi as it was with him.

Lee Qian gazed at Chen Feng enviously and exclaimed, "Sect Master Chen, congratulations on amassing such a substantial fortune!"