Chapter 1736: Long Aotian
Very soon, a disciple of Solitary Moon Heavenly Palace personally came to escort Ling Feng to the core area of the tea gathering.
The so-called core area was reserved exclusively for geniuses who had received invitations.
Those who accompanied them could only remain in the outer area and watch from afar.
The strong were respected.
That principle had remained unchanged since ancient times.
If one wished to earn respect, strength was the only language that mattered.
"You two can wait here."
Ling Feng glanced back at Murong Bai and Yue Huaqing.
Neither of them possessed an invitation, so they were naturally unable to enter the core area.
"That's fine."
Murong Bai nodded.
He knew his own limits.
Being able to observe the battles of these experts from a distance was already more than enough for him.
"Junior Brother Ling, do your best! Make the name of our Dongling Region known!"
Yue Huaqing clenched her delicate fist and made an encouraging gesture toward Ling Feng.
Ling Feng narrowed his eyes and smiled, neither agreeing nor denying it.
When he arrived at the central area, he discovered an unexpectedly luxurious pavilion standing before him.
The structure glittered with gold and jade, adorned with carved beams and painted rafters.
Compared to the ruined buildings surrounding it, the difference was like heaven and earth.
Ling Feng rubbed the bridge of his nose.
This pavilion clearly did not belong to the ancient city itself.
It was most likely a magical treasure carried by Xiao Juanyun.
In that regard, it was somewhat similar to his Five Elements Heavenly Palace.
Of course, aside from looking impressive and serving as a display of status, it did not seem particularly useful.
"Please."
The Solitary Moon Heavenly Palace disciple leading the way glanced back at Ling Feng and spoke in a deep voice.
Holding his invitation, Ling Feng naturally had the right to enter.
Under the gaze of countless eyes carrying varying degrees of hostility, he calmly strode up the pavilion's stairs.
Upon entering, he found that many geniuses from the Xijian Region had already gathered inside.
The interior was extremely spacious.
Tables and chairs lined the surrounding area.
At the center was an open space roughly a hundred zhang wide.
Its purpose was obvious.
It had been left empty for sparring and exchanges.
Seated at the place of honor was a man dressed in green robes.
His figure was lean, yet his gaze was exceptionally sharp.
Whenever his eyes opened and closed, an overwhelming aura of invincibility naturally emanated from him.
Ling Feng immediately guessed that this was Xiao Juanyun, the man who had sent him the invitation.
This man was powerful.
That was Ling Feng's first assessment.
Still, if it came to a fight, he had no fear.
Naturally, Ling Feng's arrival attracted quite a bit of attention.
Even Xiao Juanyun looked over.
Some merely gave him a glance.
After noticing his cultivation level, they either frowned or revealed mocking smiles before losing interest entirely.
"May I ask who this is?"
Xiao Juanyun rose and walked over.
He was familiar with most of the experts from the Xijian Region.
This unfamiliar face could only be one person.
The Dongling Region genius who had killed Li Tianxing.
"Ling Feng."
Ling Feng smiled faintly and answered calmly.
Xiao Juanyun nodded slightly.
"So you're Brother Ling from the Dongling Region. I've heard quite a bit about you."
Ling Feng touched his nose and inwardly found the remark amusing.
What reputation did he have?
Still, these kinds of polite formalities did not need to be exposed.
"I've also heard your name many times, Brother Xiao."
Ling Feng smiled and exchanged a few courteous words.
This Xiao Juanyun was quite different from most Xijian Region experts he had encountered.
He lacked that arrogant attitude of looking down on everyone else.
"Please, take a seat."
After a brief exchange, Xiao Juanyun personally arranged a seat for Ling Feng.
Many of the Xijian Region geniuses looked visibly disdainful.
To them, Ling Feng was merely a native from the Dongling Region.
Was someone like him really worthy of such treatment?
In their eyes, Xiao Juanyun was placing far too much importance on Ling Feng.
Still, no one dared voice their dissatisfaction openly.
A figure of Xiao Juanyun's status could do as he pleased.
Ling Feng swept his gaze across the room.
Aside from the geniuses of the Xijian Region, another group occupied a separate section.
Their clothing and appearance differed noticeably from those of the sword cultivators.
More importantly, powerful vitality energy surged from their bodies.
These were most likely geniuses from the Beihan Region.
Now, geniuses from three great regions had gathered within the ancient city.
All of them were waiting for the mysterious ruin to open.
Silence lingered for roughly thirty breaths.
Finally, someone let out a hearty laugh.
"Hahaha! Since nobody wants to take the lead, I'll do it!"
A figure rose to his feet.
He was tall and powerfully built, appearing to be in his thirties or forties.
His tiger-like eyes shone brilliantly.
Every glance carried tremendous pressure.
With the bearing of a dragon striding and a tiger stalking, he walked confidently into the open space.
"My name is Long Aotian. Which friend here would care to offer some guidance?"
"I'll be the first to step forward."
A voice answered with a chuckle.
The next moment, a figure flashed into existence before Long Aotian.
The newcomer appeared to be around thirty years old.
He possessed an elegant demeanor and an easygoing temperament.
"Brother Long, Brother Li."
Xiao Juanyun smiled and offered a reminder.
"The rules of this tea gathering remain the same. Only sword techniques and sword will may be used. Sword essence is forbidden. Otherwise, my little pavilion might not survive the exchange."
His gaze then shifted toward the geniuses from the Beihan Region.
"And to our friends from the Beihan Region, please refrain from using vitality power. Let's focus solely on technique. A friendly exchange is enough."
"Naturally."
Long Aotian laughed loudly.
"It's only a sparring match. I won't get serious."
As he spoke, his sword swept outward and settled into an attacking stance.
"Hmm?"
Ling Feng narrowed his eyes.
There was something strangely familiar about Long Aotian's swordsmanship.
"Long Aotian. His surname is Long?"
A thoughtful look flashed across Ling Feng's face.
It was obvious.
Long Aotian was most likely from Dragon Sword Heavenly Manor.
Furthermore, he probably came from the same clan as Long Tengyuan.
The moment the two opponents' gazes met, a sharp aura erupted from both of them.
The swords had yet to move.
Their momentum had already begun to clash.