"So it is Young Master Xiao. May I ask what business brings you here, Young Master Xiao?" The State Preceptor walked out with a smile, stopping the other disciples.
"Hand Daoist Bichen over to me," Xiao Yifeng said coldly.
"Young Master Xiao, do you really think I am afraid of you? What I respect is the Wentian Sect behind you. If you come here making unreasonable trouble, even if I capture you, the Wentian Sect would have nothing to say!" The State Preceptor replied, sounding righteous and confident.
Xiao Yifeng understood this well. Yesterday, the other side had been in the wrong first, so even if he caused a commotion, he would have a valid explanation.
Today, however, was a matter between two kingdoms and had nothing to do with him personally. The State Preceptor truly had no reason to grant him face.
"Since the State Preceptor refuses to hand him over, I will just have to cause a scene," Xiao Yifeng sneered.
"Oh? I wonder what ability Young Master Xiao possesses to cause a scene here. This poor Daoist would like to wait and see." The State Preceptor did not fear him in the slightest, believing that even if Xiao Yifeng relied on a Magical Artifact, he was merely at the Qi Condensation stage.
"Little Bing, did you hear that? Someone wants you to cause a scene. Since that is the case, do not hold back. Wake up quickly," Xiao Yifeng said with a smile.
Just moments ago, he had funneled a stream of aura into his body, stimulating the Profound Frost Ice Python. Unexpectedly, the creature was startled awake.
The State Preceptor only saw a sudden surge of dense cold Qi erupt from Xiao Yifeng's body. Then, a streak of bright light flew out from his arm.
A roar resounded through heaven and earth. A massive ice flood dragon manifested in the sky, resembling a true dragon with a horse's head, a snake's tail, and a pair of straight horns atop its head, though lacking the branching tines of a true dragon.
The moment this huge Demon Beast appeared, everyone present was shaken. Demon Beasts were unlike ordinary mortals, and high-tier beasts possessed strength far exceeding human cultivators of the same realm.
Xiao Yifeng held Yuge as he landed atop the flood dragon's head, looking down at the crowd. "Does the State Preceptor truly want me to cause a scene here?"
The State Preceptor's face turned foul. He had already spoken grand words, only for the young man to produce such a terrifying spirit beast.
"What do you want?" the State Preceptor asked.
"What does the State Preceptor want? I only wish to rescue Daoist Bichen," Xiao Yifeng replied with a light smile.
"Bring him out," the State Preceptor snorted coldness.
"The State Preceptor is indeed a wise man," Xiao Yifeng said.
After communicating with Little Bing through spiritual sense, joy flashed across Xiao Yifeng's face. He guided Little Bing to land on the square and transmitted a voice message to the State Preceptor: "I wonder if the State Preceptor possesses materials such as Ocean Morning Flower and Starlight Grass. I am willing to exchange a Middle Grade Magical Artifact for them."
Time was pressing, and Xiao Yifeng could not afford to worry about minor losses. He offered a Middle Grade Magical Artifact with great generosity. Hearing this, the State Preceptor's eyes gleamed. After brief consideration, he gave an almost imperceptible nod.
After exchanging a few covert transmissions, the State Preceptor summoned a disciple, whispered instructions into his ear, and dispatched him.
Soon, the severely injured Daoist Bichen was brought out. He did not appear to have suffered severe torture, but his aura was weak and withered.
Seeing Xiao Yifeng and Yuge, Daoist Bichen was startled. Knowing it was not the time to talk, Xiao Yifeng signaled him, and Daoist Bichen immediately flew up to land upon the flood dragon.
Xiao Yifeng cupped his hands toward the State Preceptor. "My thanks to the State Preceptor. This small gift is a token of my respect. I hope that when we meet next time, we shall be friends rather than foes." Saying this, he tossed down a Storage Bag, which landed directly in the State Preceptor's hand.
The State Preceptor swept his Divine Sense across it, unable to conceal his joy. Inside lay a Middle Grade Magical Artifact orb of unknown function-the very compensation Xuan Yi had given Xiao Yifeng earlier. Now, Xiao Yifeng used it to settle the matter.
"Safe travels, young friend!" the State Preceptor said cheerfully. Being on good terms with disciples of major sects was indeed beneficial; their hands were generous and lavish.
The massive ice flood dragon circled once in the sky before soaring away.
Along the way, Daoist Bichen handed Xiao Yifeng a Storage Bag, explaining that the State Preceptor had instructed his disciple to pass it over. Xiao Yifeng opened it and found the remaining precious materials he needed for Foundation Establishment.
Combined with what Mo Tianqing and Little Bing had gathered, he now possessed everything required for a Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment. Though Xiao Yifeng knew many techniques, his current cultivation was insufficient to perform them. Once he reached Foundation Establishment, he would have far greater assurance.
Noticing Daoist Bichen's puzzled expression, Xiao Yifeng handed him a healing pill and briefly explained the situation.
Daoist Bichen's expression turned grave upon hearing the truth. Xiao Yifeng asked, "Daoist, have you heard any news regarding Brother Tianzhi while you were there?"
"After I was captured, I heard that the Crown Prince had already escaped the city," Daoist Bichen replied.
Xiao Yifeng felt doubtful. He and Yuge had flown all this way without seeing any traces. Had he and Zhang Tianzhi missed each other?
Setting his doubts aside, Xiao Yifeng steered the group toward the location where the overseas vessel was moored. However, as they approached the port, they noticed something unusual ahead. Little Bing growled continuously and refused to advance.
Xiao Yifeng could not perceive any anomaly himself, but he trusted Little Bing's Divine Sense. He said coldly, "Come out!"
"Hehe, as expected of a Wentian Sect disciple. Even at the Qi Condensation stage, you are not easy to deal with. This servant, Plum Attendant, greets the young master." A charming voice rang out as a woman suddenly appeared on the path ahead, as though stepping out of thin air.
She possessed a fair, pointed chin, captivating phoenix eyes, and soft long hair pinned high. Her red dress barely covered her essential areas, making her attire revealing and her appearance seductive-bearing a striking resemblance to Consort Lin.
Xiao Yifeng's expression grew solemn. Judging by her aura, she was at least at the Golden Core stage. Standing openly before him without fear, she clearly came with ill intent.
"Lady, going through such trouble to intercept me, I doubt it is merely to chat," Xiao Yifeng said with a bitter smile.
"I did not expect you to possess a spirit beast at the peak of Foundation Establishment. It truly is somewhat troublesome. Fortunately, we did not come alone," Plum Attendant chuckled.
Two more women stepped out from beside her, dressed similarly, though one wore yellow and the other purple. Their cultivation matched hers, both at the early Golden Core stage.
"Orchid Attendant and Chrysanthemum Attendant of Chanmian Pavilion greet the young master." The two scantily clad women curtsied politely.
Chanmian Pavilion was one of the four major forces under the Starry Sky Sacred Hall. Their cultivation methods were sinister and their reputation notorious; as their name implied, they specialized in dual cultivation secret arts to absorb human vital essence.
No wonder three Golden Core cultivators could be dispatched even to such a remote place. Judging by the names Plum, Orchid, and Chrysanthemum, there was likely a Bamboo Attendant as well.
Xiao Yifeng's heart sank. Facing three early Golden Core cultivators with hostile intent, the name of the Wentian Sect might not deter them. This time, he was in deep trouble.