110. Gathering of the Mighty

“Don’t doubt it. Three martial arts grandmasters witnessed it with their own eyes—Zhang Lianchun, Bai Longtu, and Gu Qingyuan. Therefore, Mr. Chen definitely exists, and the story of him slaying Yasui Kazuo is true. We just don’t know what he looks like,” Hong Zhongshan said, shaking his head as he spoke to the group.

Among martial arts grandmasters, there are their own channels of communication, so he knew more than the rumors circulating outside—and the information was more reliable.

This included the tale of Chen Fengyun single-handedly withstanding dozens of gunshots, something no other grandmaster could achieve. As a result, many martial arts masters believed Chen Fengyun had already reached the rank of Great Grandmaster.

“Whether or not Mr. Chen is a Great Grandmaster, it’s unlikely we’ll run into him. As long as we seize the opportunity in the underground palace this time, perhaps Miss Ma and Elder Hong can break through to Great Grandmaster status. Then our Northern Sect could firmly suppress the Southern Sect,” Han Wenjun, a middle-aged man who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke.

“Yes, the more formidable Mr. Chen is, the less likely the Southern Sect can hire him to intervene. So we needn’t worry about encountering him this time,” Zhou Xingyu, the last middle-aged man from the Northern Sect, agreed.

Besides the elder Hong Zhongshan, the leaders of the current Northern Sect generation were Wan Jianlin, Zhao Tingfeng, Han Wenjun, and Zhou Xingyu. They were accompanied by several young elites, the next generation of the Northern Sect.

Since Changbai Mountain was within the Northern Sect’s territory, and they had enlisted the help of Martin Dang of the Demon-Expelling Dragon Clan, they believed they held the advantage and brought a group of young disciples to gain experience.

The Southern Sect was different. Venturing deep into enemy territory to seize opportunities was risky. Without the support of the super-strong Chen Fengyun, they wouldn’t dare come in such numbers.

Even so, they prepared for the worst, bringing only the young Chu Wangshu, who volunteered himself, while all the elders stayed behind.

Soon, a vast valley appeared ahead, shrouded in mist. The Northern Sect members didn’t hesitate; as if familiar with the place, they swiftly disappeared into the fog.

Not long after, two or three figures darted into the mist. Because the fog was thin, they could be seen from more than ten meters away. Once their figures vanished inside, the Southern Sect reached the valley entrance.

“Mr. Chen, shall we go in as well?” Feng Tianbao stopped and asked Chen Fengyun.

“There’s a simple ‘Cloud Rising, Mist Enveloping’ formation inside the valley, but it shouldn’t be dangerous. From now on, make decisions on your own in front of others. If danger arises, I’ll warn you—no need to ask for my opinion on everything,” Chen Fengyun nodded and then addressed Feng Tianbao.

Chen Fengyun trusted that Feng Tianbao and the others were seasoned veterans, far more experienced than himself. Unless danger or treasure disputes occurred, he preferred not to interfere with Southern Sect affairs.

“Understood, Mr. Chen.”

Feng Tianbao immediately grasped Chen Fengyun’s meaning and led the group into the valley, while Chen Fengyun followed quietly behind, blending in like a junior from the Southern Sect.

Shortly after they disappeared into the valley, martial arts masters arrived one after another. Some entered the valley without hesitation; others watched from the surroundings, then followed when they saw others going in.

“Rumble…”

A massive pool appeared at the valley’s front, with a towering waterfall dozens of meters high cascading down. The thunderous roar was muffled and only audible close to the pool.

The mist rising from the splashing water spread throughout the valley, lingering for a long time. Sunlight struggled to penetrate, adding an air of mystery.

At this moment, over ten Northern Sect members gathered on the eastern side of the pool, standing on a huge ox-shaped blue stone, their gazes icy as they fixed on the pool. Some also kept watch on their surroundings, eyeing the late arrivals.

When the Southern Sect group reached the valley, their eyes met with the Northern Sect’s, sparking fierce tension. Particularly between Feng Tianbao and Wan Jianlin, the elders’ gazes brimmed with hatred.

However, Hong Zhongshan, the Northern Sect leader, focused his gaze on Feng Tianbao. He sensed that Feng Tianbao’s aura had already broken through to the grandmaster level.

“Feng Tianbao, unexpected that you surpassed me to reach the grandmaster realm first. Looks like a battle between us is inevitable,” Wan Jianlin’s face darkened, though his fighting spirit flared.

“I wonder how the Southern Sect dares to venture into Changbai Mountain with such audacity. So Feng Tianbao, you’ve broken through to grandmaster. But your Thirteenth Uncle isn’t here. Do you really think you alone can suppress our Northern Sect?” Zhao Tingfeng said with some jealousy. Seeing Martin Dang among the crowd, he laughed aloud.

“Wan Jianlin, after all these years, you still haven’t broken through. Pathetic. We knew you invited Miss Martin Dang of the Demon-Expelling Dragon Clan, but our Thirteenth Uncle is here too, nearby,” Feng Tianbao retorted coldly, unafraid.

His words were deliberately vague—claiming the Thirteenth Uncle was close, placing psychological pressure on the Northern Sect. The Thirteenth Uncle was legendary, with strength likely rivaling Martin Dang, so the Northern Sect naturally felt uneasy.

Meanwhile, Hong Zhongshan and Martin Dang exchanged glances. Hong’s eyes swept over the Southern Sect members, mostly familiar faces save for two young disciples, so he gave little thought.

Martin Dang scanned the Southern Sect group, then suddenly her expression stiffened as her gaze settled on Chen Fengyun. However, Chen Fengyun was busily observing the pool ahead, not noticing her. After a moment’s hesitation, she withdrew her gaze, still somewhat puzzled.

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh…”

At that moment, several figures dashed into the valley, stopping by the pool’s edge. Most were Chinese, though a few wore foreign attire and bore non-Chinese features.

“Jiangnan’s Wei Zhifu, Qiannan’s Li Dongsheng, Jiangnan’s Luo Wanfeng, Capital’s Ye Bufan, Xi’an’s Zhou Zixu—so many grandmasters have been drawn by the opening of the Changbai underground palace?” Feng Tianbao surveyed the surrounding masters, pointing out the Chinese names to the others.

In fact, most Southern Sect elders recognized these strong figures, except Chen Fengyun and Chu Wangshu, so Feng Tianbao introduced them accordingly.