Feng Xinxiao left. He left with absolute determination. He had lost completely.
No one expected this grand competition to end in such a manner. It had only been 2 rounds, but it had ended.
Honestly, Feng Xinxiao was afraid. Ou Yangming had become a demon in his heart. There was only one word that could describe the young fellow, and that was a “freak”. If they were to compete again, who knew what other tricks Ou Yangming would show? Would he still participate in the formation competition? Who knew what his attainments in formations were like? If Feng Xinxiao were to lose again, he would be finished.
To be honest, leaving before the competition was over was a foolish move. He had lost in terms of the breadth of his spirit, but he had also lost his heart.
There were some things that one could not retreat from. Once one had the intention to retreat, if one did not advance bravely, one would be washed down by the great path, making it difficult for one to get close to it.
Similar to He Jian, if he had not taken revenge for the powerhouses in his clan back then, would he have been able to break through to become a Venerable One? He might not have. He would be tormented day and night by guilt, pain, and despair. He was lucky that he did not fall into the demonic path while being overwhelmed by those emotions but wanting to become a Venerable One, he would be dreaming! Once the great righteous energy that he had nurtured in his heart dissipated, and the sword tip was no longer pure, how could the sword in his hand be sharp? How could he slash the stars? Therefore, he went and blocked 3 moves from a Venerable One. Even though he lost, it was still glorious.
Now, although Feng Xinxiao’s matter was small, his style of handling things could also be inferred from this.
To put it bluntly, this person was not worth worrying about. Even if he had ambition, he would not be able to maintain it.
On a winding path, mists filled the air, summer flowers flourished, and butterflies chased bees. It was a leisurely scene.
With every step that Feng Xinxiao took, the ground would shake. His face was gloomy as if water was about to drip down.
“Young Master, what should we do now?” A grey-robed elder slowly revealed himself and asked softly.
“Ah, I lost this time. Next time, I want to win it back.” Feng Xinxiao gritted his teeth hard and made creaking sounds. He sounded somewhat cold when he spoke.
“Young Master, you’re ambitious. I believe that the day won’t be far away…” The old man praised.
“Let’s go!” Feng Xinxiao shook his head.
The Seven Stars Tower had a total of 9 floors. Feng Tian stood by the railing and looked down.
His gaze was deep, and his expression was imposing though he was not furious.
“Father, I’ve lost.” Feng Xinxiao walked up the stairs. The dejection in his voice was hidden very deeply, but Feng Tian could still hear it.
“Your inner demon is gradually growing.” Feng Tian stared straight into Feng Xinxiao’s eyes and went straight to the point.
Feng Xinxiao did not know how to answer and lowered his head quietly.
“Look at me.” Feng Tian’s voice was not loud, but it carried the power of laws. This made Feng Xinxiao’s heart tremble, and he hurriedly raised his head. He only felt that an immortal sword that could cut through ancient times was hanging above his head and would fall at any time to kill him. In just a moment, his back was soaked in a cold sweat as if he was immersed in ice water. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, but he did not even dare to raise his hand to wipe them away. The Ruler was as weak as an ant at this time.
Just as he found it difficult to even take a breath, and his vision became darker such that the entire world was shaking, Feng Tian slowly moved his gaze away.
Feng Tian flicked his sleeve and said coldly, “Even the heavens have their miscalculations, let alone cultivators. Before I became a Ruler, I’ve won many times, but I’ve also lost many times. After experiencing hardships, I finally became a Ruler. As for you? You don’t even have the courage to face defeat. This is what makes my heart cold. Only by learning to gather experience from failure can you improve. Have you forgotten what I taught you? If such a thing happens again, you can step down from your position.” His voice wasn’t loud, but it resonated with the space, causing Feng Xinxiao’s blood to surge.
“I understand…” Feng Xinxiao nodded hard.
After saying this, the pavilion fell silent.
Feng Tian took the initiative to speak after 10 breaths. His voice became gentler as he said in a deep voice, “Please host a banquet for Ou Yangming.”
While Feng Xinxiao was puzzled, he did not refute him. He nodded and hesitated for a moment before he asked, “Do you want to see him personally?”
Feng Tian did not answer. Instead, he said something puzzling, “There are only two kinds of people in this world—enemies and friends. It all depends on what he chooses.”
It was night.
In the middle of the terrace, Ou Yangming was surrounded by the powerhouses from the Peacemaking Sect. Even getting away was difficult for him. These powerhouses had a fanatical look in their eyes.
It was true that Ou Yangming’s performance in the grand competition was too amazing.
Smithing a magic weapon and refining the Eternal Pill. Of course, the most important thing was that his bloodline was so rich that it was unimaginable.
Any of those feats would be enough to cause a stir. What was more, Ou Yangming achieved all of them. Besides, he scared away the usually arrogant Main Combat Sect and ruthlessly slapped them in the face.
Looking at Ou Yangming’s back, Feng Xiang cleared his throat. Instantly, more than 70% of the powerhouses around the young fellow turned to look at him.
Feng Xiang pondered for a moment and noted softly, “Today’s indeed a day worth remembering because we’ve taken a step toward peace and prosperity. This is the joint effort of everyone. Of course, the credit belongs to Master Ou, and no one can take it away.” The crowd burst into laughter. The distance between them became smaller, and the group became closer. This was Feng Xiang’s charm.
He walked toward Ou Yangming and cupped his hands.
Nonetheless, Ou Yangming twisted his body and dodged.
Feng Xiang did not care. He smiled brightly and said, “Master Ou, please!” As he said that, he pointed his right hand forward.
A cold wind blew, blowing up the withered leaves on the ground. The group of people gradually disappeared under the moonlight, and their shadows stretched longer on the ground.
In a pavilion, Ou Yangming and Feng Xiang sat opposite each other.
There was a stove in front of them. The charcoal fire was burning very vigorously, and a pot of liquor was placed on the stove. This was a liquor unique to the Phoenixes, and it was known as the Drunken Immortal.
This kind of liquor was priceless in the Great Wide World, and it could only be discovered but not sought. Even within the Phoenixes, they would not easily treat it to their guests. Of course, with Ou Yangming’s status at the moment, he could naturally drink it.
The pavilion was built in the middle of a lake. It was summer, and there were many pink and tender lotus flowers blooming.
Some were charming and tender, some were graceful and beautiful, some were pure and white. In short, they seemed to be competing with each other for beauty.
“Come and try this liquor. It’s the Drunken Immortal, and I usually can’t bear to drink it.” Feng Xiang stood up and poured a cup of liquor each for Ou Yangming and himself. Within the Phoenixes, he would pour drinks for some figures, but there were definitely not many of them. In fact, there were only fewer than 20 people who could receive the treatment. Not, Ou Yangming had become one of them.
Ou Yangming was quite moved.
He had not been with Feng Xiang for long, but he understood more than half of Feng Xiang’s personality. While the man was proud, he said what he meant and acted realistically. During this period, Feng Xiang had been taking care of Ou Yangming meticulously. This might sound quite intimate, but it was the truth.
Now, Feng Xiang even strongly recommended the liquor.
It could only mean that the Drunken Immortal was not simple at all.
Ou Yangming looked at the liquor in his cup. It was light green and gave off a majestic spiritual power. He licked his lips, picked up the cup, and drank a mouthful of the Drunken Immortal. A mellow fragrance spread along his tongue and went straight to the bottom of his heart. All sorts of things from his past appeared in front of his eyes. Old Craftsman, Ni Yinghong… Even some of the figures whose names he could not remember. In about 8 minutes, he saw everything from the perspective of a bystander.
He sighed lightly and said, “People should live in the present and cherish the present…”
These words came from his heart. After seeing the past, he treasured the present even more.
Feng Xiang looked at him deeply and said, “This is good liquor…”
Ou Yangming understood what he meant. He nodded and said, “The spiritual power in it is very intense. It’s like trickling water that nourishes one’s body. This is no longer a type of liquor, and it’s more precious than immortal liquid. You’re Feng Xiang, and I’m sure that the liquor presented by a Ruler from the Phoenixes can’t be bad no matter what. I know what you want me to do—to become like this Drunken Immortal, where very few figures in the Phoenixes are qualified to drink it. You’ve now drunk it with me, but I’m afraid the matter will be difficult.”
“I didn’t expect you to have such a great understanding,” Feng Xiang praised.
“Everything is simple. As long as one doesn’t lose one’s heart, one will be able to see the essence,” Ou Yangming responded.
“To be able to teach a genius like you, Brother Ou, it seems that your master must be an extraordinary powerhouse.” Feng Xiang pursed his lips and looked at the lake. The waves were calm and unperturbed.
“I guess so. In any case, he’s quite exceptional to me.” Ou Yangming thought for a while then added, “As exceptional as a building that’s many stories tall.” As he said that, the image of Old Craftsman appeared in his mind, and his eyes were smiling.
“That’s indeed exceptional.” Feng Xiang nodded as if it was a matter of fact.
After drinking the liquor, Feng Xiang could say what he needed to say. His expression was solemn.
He said in a deep voice, “Brother Ou, you’ve ruined the plan of the Main Combat Sect this time, so you have to be careful.”
“In the ancestral land of the Phoenixes, there are eyes everywhere, so they won’t dare to act rashly, right? Besides, I’m not someone that can be controlled by others.” Ou Yangming was not worried at all.
“It’s safe in the ancestral land, but you must be wary of others. Feng Tian’s a wicked person. He won’t sit still and wait for death. Besides, under his leadership, the Main Combat Sect is stained with bloodlust. We can’t underestimate them.” Feng Xiang drank a mouthful of the Drunken Immortal, and his eyebrows were tightly knitted together.
“Feng Xinxiao’s considered a great general of the Main Combat Sect. He has lost in terms of his state of mind, so it’ll be difficult for him to become a great person. What do you have to worry about?” Ou Yangming looked at the lotus flowers with a profound gaze.
“I guess I’m being too persistent.” Feng Xiang’s furrowed eyebrows relaxed.
“The wind is about to rise. I have to go back.” Ou Yangming slowly stood up.
Looking at Ou Yangming’s receding figure, Feng Xiang said, “Grandfather wants to see you.”
Ou Yangming was stunned for 2 to 3 seconds before he nodded.
After returning to his courtyard, Ou Yangming pushed the door open with a creak.
He walked into the room and sat cross-legged. With a flash of thought, he immersed his mind into his spiritual world. In the spiritual world, cold wind whimpered, ice and snow fell, and the snow mountain became even more majestic. It rose higher every moment and at an incredible speed. Compared to when he was a Spiritualist, this progress was remarkable. When he visualized the snow mountain, even the temperature in the room plunged.
After an hour, Ou Yangming slowly withdrew himself from his meditation.
His eyes opened, and his gaze was deep like an ancient and distant starry sky. He looked calm and relaxed, simple and ancient.
Indeed, it felt like he was isolated from the world…
After all, given his level of cultivation, his temperament was certainly top-notch.
