Chapter 124: The Disciple Wishes to Keep a Low Profile
The Sky-Eye Stone—a truly wondrous gem.
Once touched, all illusions vanish without a trace!
Take Qin Feiyang, for instance.
If he were to come into contact with the Sky-Eye Stone, his true face would immediately be revealed!
In other words, at this very moment, he was on the brink of having his identity exposed!
“What should I do?”
Qin Feiyang’s mind raced swiftly.
If his identity were uncovered here, unless he hid in the ancient castle for the rest of his life, death was the only path.
Meanwhile, Feng Ling’er and Ling Yunfei cast discreet glances toward Qin Feiyang, their hearts laden with worry.
Even the Fat Man’s gaze flickered uncertainly.
Only Lu Hong and Luo Xiong showed no sign of disturbance.
A black-armored guard spoke, “I believe you’re all aware this is the Sky-Eye Stone. Please press your hands on it one by one.”
Luo Xiong was the first to step forward, placing his hand atop the stone.
Three breaths passed.
The Sky-Eye Stone remained inert.
The black-armored guard smiled, “Lord Luo, apologies for any offense earlier. You may now enter the city.”
“In times of crisis, such measures are necessary.”
Luo Xiong returned the smile and stepped aside, looking at Qin Feiyang and the others. “Hurry up and don’t waste time here.”
Ling Yunfei, the Fat Man, and Lu Hong underwent the inspection one after another, and the Sky-Eye Stone showed no abnormal reaction.
“What should I do?” Qin Feiyang stood aside, outwardly calm but inwardly burning with anxiety.
Feng Ling’er remained still, pondering a way.
Luo Xiong urged, “Ling’er, Haotian, you two, hurry up.”
Feng Ling’er stepped forward, lifted her head to glare at the black-armored guard, her eyes blazing with fury.
The guard said, “Miss Ling’er, please cooperate.”
“Zuo An is an old man; he can disguise himself, but surely he can’t become a woman?”
Feng Ling’er snapped angrily.
The guard nodded, “You’re right. Gender can’t be changed, but it’s possible one of his subordinates is female.”
“You mean I’m supposed to be one of his subordinates?”
The guard waved his hand, “No, no. I mean one of his subordinates might disguise herself as you.”
“Preposterous!”
Feng Ling’er, seething with rage, swung her delicate hand forcefully, smashing the Sky-Eye Stone against the city wall until it shattered into fragments.
“Feng Ling’er, you are defying the law!” the black-armored guard bellowed furiously.
“You’re insulting me!” Feng Ling’er shouted back.
Qin Feiyang secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Without the Sky-Eye Stone, there was no need for further inspection—thanks to this woman.
He composed his expression and prepared to step forward to reason with her.
But another black-armored guard suddenly said, “Don’t argue with her. I have another Sky-Eye Stone here.”
As he spoke, he indeed produced another Sky-Eye Stone.
Qin Feiyang’s steps froze; the hope he just placed down once again hung precariously in his throat.
The guard grasped the stone and fixed Feng Ling’er with a stern gaze. “I warn you, don’t destroy this one, or I’ll have no choice but to take you to see the King of Yan!”
Crack!
Before he could finish, Feng Ling’er waved her hand and shattered the Sky-Eye Stone outright.
“Come on then! I’ve been wanting to meet the King of Yan!”
“I want to ask him why, when my grandfather—a citizen of Yan Prefecture and an elder of the Dan Hall—was abducted by Zuo An, he as the King of Yan hasn’t come forward to rescue him!”
Feng Ling’er’s voice was fierce and resolute as tears streamed down her cheeks, painting a picture of heartbreaking sorrow.
Qin Feiyang hurried forward to comfort her, “Don’t cry. Your grandfather will be fine.”
Luo Xiong quickly approached and said to the two black-armored guards, “Ling’er’s grandfather was captured and his fate is unknown. It’s natural she’s upset. Please be understanding.”
The two black-armored guards exchanged glances, their brows furrowing slightly.
Clatter, clatter!
At that moment, a steady and powerful set of footsteps echoed from within the city, drawing closer.
Soon, a middle-aged man emerged from the city gate.
He stood about six feet tall, clad in a purple and gold robe, his square face radiating immense authority.
“It’s him!”
Qin Feiyang clenched his fists tightly.
The newcomer was none other than Lin Han.
“Greetings, Lord Lin,” the two black-armored guards bowed deeply.
Luo Xiong cupped his hands respectfully, “Lord Lin, long time no see. I hope all is well.”
“Luo Xiong?” Lin Han’s eyes flickered with surprise. “I didn’t expect you’d personally escort them.”
Luo Xiong smiled, “They are the stars of the future; we cannot afford mistakes.”
Lin Han’s gaze swept over Qin Feiyang and the others, nodding approvingly, “Indeed, they’re all quite impressive.”
“Greetings, Lord Lin,” Ling Yunfei and the others bowed.
But Qin Feiyang and Feng Ling’er did not.
Lin Han glanced at Qin Feiyang, then looked back at Luo Xiong with a faint tone: “Since they’ve arrived, you may return. I will ensure they are escorted to the Martial King Hall and the Dan King Hall.”
“No,”
“Something’s not right!”
Qin Feiyang’s heart tightened as he cupped his hands. “Lord Lin coming personally in the dead of night to welcome us is truly an honor.”
In truth, he was warning Luo Xiong.
Consider: the Lin family is vast. Why would Lin Han, the head, come personally at such a late hour? He could easily have sent someone else.
His motives were surely impure.
Everyone present was no fool.
At Qin Feiyang’s subtle warning, all became alert.
Luo Xiong was secretly startled but smiled, “Lord Lin, your position is exalted; how could you trouble yourself to escort them? I shall take them from here!”
Lin Han glanced again at Qin Feiyang, a cold glint flickering in his eyes. “Such a large incident occurred in Black Bear City. There is much to handle afterward. Don’t waste time on them; return. Do you distrust me?”
“That is not the case,”
“But the Dan Fire was stolen.”
“Without Dan Fire, the Dan Hall is no Dan Hall.”
“I came to Yan City both to escort them and to petition the Grand Hallmaster for Dan Fire.”
“Since I’m headed to the Dan King Hall anyway, there’s no need to trouble you.”
Luo Xiong smiled politely.
“The matter of Dan Fire, I will convey to your Grand Hallmaster. You may leave,” Lin Han’s tone grew firmer.
Clearly, he had lost patience.
“When did matters of the Dan King Hall become your domain, Lin family?”
“You already meddle in the Martial King Hall’s affairs; isn’t that overreach?”
At that moment, two hoarse voices, tinged with frost, came from behind.
Swish!
With a rush of air, two white-haired elders swiftly dashed out from the city, stopping opposite Lin Han.
“Elder Wan!”
Feng Ling’er immediately ran to the elder on the left, her face full of grievance.
Elder Wan smiled kindly, “Ling’er, I know your grandfather’s condition. Don’t worry; we will find a way to save him.”
“Thank you,” Feng Ling’er nodded, then pointed at the two black-armored guards, fuming, “Just now, they suspected I was Zuo An’s agent. That’s an insult to my character. Elder Wan, you must stand up for me.”
“What?” Elder Wan’s old eyes flashed angrily as he stared at the guards. “You dare slander a core disciple of the Martial King Hall? Are you looking to die?”
“Elder Wan, this is a misunderstanding.”
“Yes, we only sought to verify Miss Ling’er’s identity. No ill intent.”
The two guards hurriedly explained.
“Did you not know her grandfather was abducted by Zuo An?”
“What you did is just pouring fuel on the fire.”
“If I were here, I’d have executed you both on the spot!” Elder Wan thundered.
One guard nodded, “Yes, yes, we were wrong, but this is the King of Yan’s order...”
Before he finished, Elder Wan sneered, “Don’t use the King of Yan to pressure me. The Royal Family has no authority over the Martial King Hall’s disciples.”
The two guards exchanged helpless looks, taking a step back and falling silent.
Witnessing this, Qin Feiyang was deeply astonished.
Feng Ling’er’s status in the Martial King Hall was evidently extraordinary.
Luo Xiong relaxed and stepped forward with a smile, “Elder Wan, Elder He, old friends! You came without a word—have you forgotten me?”
“Haha...”
“How dare we forget you?”
“Old friend, once this is settled, we’ll have a proper drink.”
The two elders laughed heartily.
Clearly, the three shared a close bond.
“I have no time for drinks now,” Luo Xiong shook his head and sighed deeply, beckoning Qin Feiyang and the others over. “Come, I’ll introduce you.”
Qin Feiyang and company hurried over.
Through Luo Xiong’s introductions, they learned that Elder Wan was the Martial King Hall’s Chief Disciplinary Elder, and Elder He was the Dan King Hall’s Chief Disciplinary Elder.
Their status was second only to the Grand Hallmasters of the two halls, wielding absolute authority.
For example, Feng Cheng and Elder Mo were the Disciplinary Elders of the Dan Hall in Black Bear City, ranks far below these two.
Of course, Feng Cheng and Elder Mo’s strength could not compare.
Even Luo Xiong, though familiar with these elders, was on a vastly different level.
In fact, across the entire Yan Prefecture, these two were among the most formidable figures.
Faced with such dignitaries, the group dared not be remiss and bowed quickly.
“Well done. All the newcomers are promising,” Elder Wan said with a satisfied smile.
Elder He nodded, then looked at Qin Feiyang. “Jiang Haotian, I heard you can refine top-grade elixirs?”
At this, Elder Wan, Lin Han, and the two black-armored guards all turned their gaze toward Qin Feiyang.
“Center of attention once again,” Ling Yunfei and the Fat Man exchanged helpless glances.
Some people just couldn’t be compared.
Qin Feiyang glanced at his companions, nodded toward Elder He, and grinned sheepishly, “If I say I can’t, Elder, will you hit me?”
“Uh!”
Elder He was momentarily taken aback but then shook his head, chuckling.
“This kid is somewhat amusing.”
His expression darkened. “If you can’t, I won’t beat you, but I will slaughter you!”
“Ah…” Qin Feiyang gasped, then nodded. “In that case, I admit it—I truly can refine top-grade elixirs.”
“Good acting—Fatty gives full marks,” the Fat Man chuckled softly.
Elder He’s face turned grim. “I say, it’s good you can refine top-grade elixirs, so why the reluctant attitude?”
“I want to keep a low profile!” Qin Feiyang said helplessly.
“Low profile?”
The elders exchanged looks, clearly not seeing any trace of modesty.