Chapter 234 - 222: Exchange
As the Black Wind Spirit Dragon descended, the figures on its back gradually came into view. There were about forty or fifty of them in total, and their cultivation was remarkably consistent—all were at the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Looking closely, one could see that perhaps due to their high vantage point, they were observing the members of the Wanxiang Sect just as they were being watched. The arrogance on their faces was plain to see, completely undisguised.
"ROAR!!!"
Once it had descended to a certain altitude, the Black Wind Spirit Dragon suddenly whipped its tail, kicking up a massive tempest that tore through the air. As the storm raged, a powerful pressure naturally emanated from the beast. This pressure grew more palpable as the dragon descended, transforming into a mountainous weight. Whether intentional or not, it pressed down upon the Wanxiang Sect disciples in the plaza.
In an instant, many disciples who had only recently broken through, whose foundations were unstable and whose cultivation was still shallow, turned pale. Their bodies trembled slightly under the pressure, like small boats tossed in a storm, teetering on the verge of collapsing to their knees.
"Tier Three... Peak!"
Yu Changsheng took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing as he felt the pressure descending from the heavens.
As the Spirit Dragon Sect’s Guardian Peak Spirit Beast, not only was its bloodline outstanding, but its cultivation was also astonishing.
Feeling the pressure around him, Yu Changsheng remained unmoved. He felt a slight obstruction, but with a mere thought, the discomfort vanished.
’Trying to establish dominance the moment they arrive? They should take a look at where they are. The Spirit Dragon Sect is truly arrogant.’
Yu Changsheng secretly shook his head, his expression calm and his body relaxed.
His Golden Core-level Divine Sense aside, his peak Foundation Establishment physical body alone was enough. Either of these attributes would prevent him from being affected by the pressure unintentionally released by a Golden Core Peak beast.
What surprised Yu Changsheng was that although Li Minghan had struggled at first, he quickly recovered. Noticing Yu Changsheng’s gaze, Li Minghan gave him a small smile and clapped him on the shoulder.
"The Spirit Dragon Sect is really making a show of force. To think they’d bring out their Guardian Peak Spirit Beast for a simple exchange."
Yu Changsheng’s casual and calm demeanor, however, was noticed by some of the Spirit Dragon Sect disciples on the Black Wind Spirit Dragon’s back. He immediately drew their attention, and a group of them silently committed his face to memory.
"Is that the Yu Changsheng everyone was talking about recently? He looks like he just broke through not long ago, but he seems awfully calm. I wonder if he’s just putting on an act or if he has real strength."
A disciple on the Spirit Dragon’s back muttered with a disdainful look.
"Not bad. To be able to withstand Senior Spirit Dragon’s beastly aura for this long without his expression changing... it seems he has some skill."
"Looks like the Wanxiang Sect might have something to them after all, even if they’re in decline."
Another disciple’s eyes glinted, a hint of interest playing on his lips.
And in a hidden corner among the disciples, unnoticed by anyone, one disciple’s face was dark. He clenched his fists, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Yu Changsheng below.
"Yu Changsheng..."
The gaze seemed to contain endless resentment, like that of a demon returned from the Nine Netherworld. But looking closer, one could also notice, hidden deep beneath the hatred... fear.
"Hm?"
Yu Changsheng turned and looked up, his brow furrowed in slight confusion.
’Was that my imagination...’
Just a moment ago, Yu Changsheng’s keen Divine Sense had detected a pair of malicious eyes staring at him.
"Hmph!"
Seeing the disciples in the plaza teetering on the verge of collapse, Mo Pengcheng frowned and snorted coldly. He looked up at the Black Wind Spirit Dragon, his gaze sharp and a hint of anger on his face.
With another cold snort, he waved his hand, and a tremendous force erupted. In an instant, it quelled the tempest, and the immense pressure vanished along with it.
"Cut the act! This isn’t the Spirit Dragon Sect’s territory!"
Mo Pengcheng’s voice was cold. He waved his hand again, and another tremendous force swept toward the Black Wind Spirit Dragon. Simultaneously, he unleashed his own aura, his Golden Core Peak cultivation radiating outwards without reservation. The power startled everyone, surging like a tidal wave toward the members of the Spirit Dragon Sect.
"ROAR!!"
The Black Wind Spirit Dragon roared, the sound deafening. Just then, Mu Yongxian’s figure appeared, positioning himself between the man and the beast. A flash of cyan light swept past, neutralizing Mo Pengcheng’s attack.
"Peak Master Mo, there’s no need to be angry. My Guardian Peak Spirit Beast is new to this place. It feels insecure in a new environment and naturally forgot to restrain its aura. I hope Peak Master Mo won’t take it to heart."
Mu Yongxian’s expression remained calm, his voice carrying the perfect hint of an apology as he bowed his head to Mo Pengcheng.
Mo Pengcheng’s brow furrowed. He stared silently at Mu Yongxian for a long moment before finally speaking.
"Don’t let it happen again!"
"Of course. We will be more careful."
Mu Yongxian chuckled, not seeming to mind the small incident. As he observed Mo Pengcheng’s expression, a profound look flashed in his eyes.
"Now that your Spirit Dragon Sect has arrived, let’s get you settled. You must be tired from your journey. Rest for the night. The exchange will officially begin tomorrow."
Mo Pengcheng shook his head, deciding not to press the issue further. After giving a few instructions, he walked off with Mu Yongxian. The Black Wind Spirit Dragon was also recalled.
As for the disciples who had been on its back, they were naturally led away by servants to their temporary lodgings.
"This generation of Spirit Dragon Sect disciples looks tough to deal with. Their overall cultivation seems a bit higher than ours."
Li Minghan had now fully recovered. He watched the retreating backs of the Spirit Dragon Sect disciples, his expression dimming slightly.
Yu Changsheng considered this for a moment. "Well, the ones they sent to represent the sect in the exchange are bound to be their elites."
"But in the end, a Beast Master’s competition comes down to their Beast Taming ability. A high Cultivation Realm alone doesn’t mean that much."
"Mm," Li Minghan nodded. His gaze fell upon the person at the very front of the Spirit Dragon Sect group, and he lowered his voice.
"There are quite a few famous disciples in this generation from the Spirit Dragon Sect. See that disciple at the very front? He’s supposed to be the strongest among them in Beast Taming, at least publicly."
Yu Changsheng followed Li Minghan’s gaze and saw that, behind the Spirit Dragon Sect’s Mu Yongxian, there was indeed a person standing at the head of the disciples. He was quite conspicuous, drawing everyone’s attention.
"I’ve made some inquiries. That person is Yang Chengxu, the number one disciple of their Spirit Dragon Sect’s Beast Taming Lineage’s Inner Sect. He’s also Mu Yongxian’s disciple. His own strength has reached Late-stage Foundation Establishment, and he has two rare Spirit Beasts. I just don’t know what level of Tier Two they are."
Li Minghan’s expression was grave.
"His strength is formidable, and he has yet to be defeated. There are even rumors that when he truly unleashes his power, he’s unrivaled below the Golden Core Realm. He’s probably going to be the most troublesome opponent in the competition between our two sects."