In Cangli Ancient City, such a commotion had surely not gone unnoticed. In fact, when Lin Fei activated his Gravity Domain, numerous Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core True Persons were alerted.
However, upon realizing it was a confrontation between Lin Fei and Meng Sanqian, they promptly retreated to a safe distance. Lin Fei's reputation outside the city was formidable; he had, on his own, defeated the Five Elders of Taiyi Dao Palace. Now, confronting merely Meng Sanqian seemed like child's play. Who would dare cross Lin Fei?
Lin Fei glanced at the crowd surrounding them. In actuality, not everyone in Cangli Ancient City could act recklessly. Though the city's rules were not as strict as in Illusion Worry City, Cangli Ancient City still had its enforcers. They were a law enforcement team formed by several major factions. But at this moment, no enforcers were in sight.
Lin Fei realized his notorious reputation was having an effect; the powers of Cangli Ancient City did not want any conflict with him.
Zhang Chu was still in a daze. She had watched with her own eyes as Meng Sanqian was obliterated by Lin Fei, turned into a mist of blood, dead beyond doubt. But instead of feeling elation, she felt empty. For over a century, hatred had been her driving force. But now, with her enemy effortlessly eliminated, she felt lost.
"Zhang Chu, now that Meng Sanqian is dead, our deal is complete. Take care," Lin Fei said to her. With that, he took a step, turning into a beam of light, and left Cangli Ancient City.
"Senior..." Zhang Chu wanted to say something, but Lin Fei had already left.
"If you wish to continue practicing martial arts, go to the Ancient Origin Sect for an assessment," Lin Fei's voice echoed in her ears. "Being a Martial Saint, whether you pass the assessment and join the Ancient Origin Sect is up to fate."
Zhang Chu's eyes brightened. "Ancient Origin Sect..." She had been initially confused, but determination now shone in her eyes. It seemed she had made up her mind.
Having flown out of Cangli Ancient City, Lin Fei paused. Relaying a message to Zhang Chu was a mere gesture. He didn't care whether Zhang Chu would go to the Ancient Origin Sect or not. At this moment, he had no intentions of returning to the Ancient Origin Sect.
"By now, Taiyi Dao Palace has probably received news of my killing the five elders," he thought. "If Taiyi Dao Palace has decided to act against me, they'll be fully prepared next time. The depth and resources of a Nascent Soul sect should not be underestimated. Returning to Ancient Origin Sect at this time would risk getting ambushed by their forces."
Lin Fei was very clear about the situation. Taiyi Dao Palace had openly declared enmity. They were determined to eliminate him at any cost. Thus, Lin Fei couldn't return to the Ancient Origin Sect. As for the safety of the Ancient Origin Sect, he was not too concerned.
Neither Profound Light Cave Heaven nor Red Hades Mansion would be foolish enough to let Taiyi Dao Palace target the Ancient Origin Sect. Although they might tolerate Taiyi Dao Palace targeting Lin Fei due to his potential threat, they would definitely not stand by if the Sect was threatened. Should that happen, the three major powers would unite against Taiyi Dao Palace, making it challenging for the latter to triumph.
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So, Lin Fei only needed to protect himself. He didn't have to worry about the Ancient Origin Sect. However, staying in Cangli Ancient City was no longer an option. If Taiyi Dao Palace arrived, the city would not have resisted them. He also couldn't venture into the territories of the three major powers, as he would still be under threat from Taiyi Dao Palace there.
"Where can I go to avoid the threat of Taiyi Dao Palace?" Lin Fei pondered, "A place where I'm not in the dark and have some form of support?"
Soon, a light bulb went off in Lin Fei's mind. He thought of a location, and more importantly, a person associated with that place. Even if Taiyi Dao Palace was aware of this place, they couldn't do much about it.
"Xiao family!" Lin Fei thought of Xiao Yuchen and the Xiao family. As a prestigious Martial King family, the Xiao family was not afraid of Taiyi Dao Palace. Moreover, the Xiao family was located far from Taiyi Dao Palace's reach.
Lin Fei also knew Xiao Yuchen personally, so he wouldn't be completely lost in the Xiao family. Once he settled there, he could then search for a new Great Divine Ability and continue his cultivation.
By the time Lin Fei's strength was sufficiently robust, the question wouldn't be whether Taiyi Dao Palace could assassinate him, but whether Lin Fei would flatten Taiyi Dao Palace!
"Let's go." Lin Fei transformed into a streak of light, flying toward the Xiao family.
...
Lately, Xiao Yuchen had been in low spirits. Many knew she had entered the Blood Pool, attempting to reawaken her bloodline. However, she had failed. Entering the Blood Pool was a rare opportunity, and her failure became a source of ridicule. For a while, several Martial Sovereigns in the Xiao family laughed at her, both openly and behind her back.
The Martial King Family differed from other powers. In the Martial King Family, there were many Martial Sovereigns. After all, awakening one's bloodline and unlocking one's Divine Ability automatically elevates one to the rank of a Martial Sovereign.
Of course, awakening the bloodline is no simple feat. However, compared to ordinary martial artists who diligently progress from refining their bodies to postnatal and prenatal cultivation, and all the way from Martial Saint to Martial Sovereign, the descendants of the Martial King Family had it much easier. This privilege was a legacy from their ancestors, an innate advantage. Others could only envy such fortune, unable to replicate it.
Given the abundance of Martial Sovereigns and the limited access to the Blood Pool, competition among the Xiao family's Martial Sovereigns was inevitable, albeit subtle. Xiao Yuchen's recent experience, which some saw as wasting an opportunity for the Blood Pool's baptism, became fodder for ridicule, especially among those who harbored grudges against her. Consequently, Xiao Yuchen preferred to stay secluded.
"If only Lin Fei were here..." Xiao Yuchen thought. With his Saber Domain and formidable Divine Ability, he could attempt the second level of the Martial King Tower with high chances of success. If he succeeded, she would have another opportunity to enter the Blood Pool and try awakening her bloodline.
However, "inviting" Lin Fei came at a cost. Last time, Xiao Yuchen had offered the Gravity Domain Divine Ability as an incentive. Now, she no longer had such top-tier abilities to entice him. She couldn't "afford" Lin Fei.
"It seems I'll need to venture into some forbidden lands," she mused. "Without acquiring treasures and opportunities, how can I persuade Lin Fei? Without his help, my chances of entering the Blood Pool and awakening a third Divine Ability are slim..."
Determined, Xiao Yuchen steeled herself. She was highly ambitious and aspired not just to remain a Martial Sovereign, but to achieve the rank of Martial King!
Suddenly, a report came in. "Aurora Sovereign, there's a Martial Sovereign outside who calls himself 'Lin Fei.' He claims to know you and wishes to see you. Do you recognize Sovereign Lin Fei?"
"What? Lin Fei?" Xiao Yuchen exclaimed in surprise.
"Bring him in. No, wait—I'll go greet him personally!" Overjoyed, Xiao Yuchen almost instantly flew towards the main gate of the Xiao family to welcome her unexpected guest.