Chapter 5525 The Head Pavilion’s Power
Yue Zifeng was so fast that no one even saw him move. The most terrifying part was that none of the experts had sensed when he drew his sword.
In other words, anyone targeted by this sword would be dead before they even realized they were in danger. The sheer thought of such an unstoppable strike sent chills through everyone present. Their expressions completely changed.
At first, all their attention had been focused on Ye Lingkong, then on Long Chen, and some had even watched Tang Wan-er. But Yue Zifeng? They had completely overlooked him, viewing him as someone with nearly zero combat power.
Yet in this instant, Yue Zifeng’s silent sword proved how deeply their instincts had betrayed them.
Caught in Yue Zifeng’s grasp, the elder was shocked and enraged, but he didn’t dare to move. He understood all too well that his life now depended entirely on Yue Zifeng’s whims. Not even a half-step Divine Emperor could save him.
Long Chen casually approached the elder and, to everyone’s shock, patted his wrinkled face gently.
“Youngster, don’t be so impulsive. Remember, impulsivity is the devil—it’ll drag you straight into the abyss of death,” Long Chen said.
The elder twitched in anger, but he didn’t dare to resist. He could only stand there as Long Chen patted his face like he was an unruly child.
Tang Wan-er nearly lost control, choking back laughter. Youngster? Long Chen was clearly mocking the elder for acting so immaturely despite his age.
After a final pat, Long Chen turned away, and at that moment, Yue Zifeng’s sword vanished. None of them even noticed when he had withdrawn it. Yue Zifeng simply stood there, as if everything had just been an illusion.
Only now did the newcomers realize that these people were not to be trifled with. The arrogance in their eyes vanished without a trace.
Suppressing his anger, the half-step Divine Emperor asked Ye Lingkong, “Who are you? Are you the pavilion master?”
Seeing that Ye Lingkong was also a half-step Divine Emperor, the fiery elder naturally assumed him to be the one in charge. If not the pavilion master, then at least the vice pavilion master.
Ye Lingkong vigorously shook his head like a rattle. “Me? I’m just a little left emissary of the Wind God. I have no authority. Don’t look at me; I don’t know anything.”
“The Wind God’s Left Emissary?”
The group’s expressions shifted dramatically. The Wind God’s Left Emissary was a position of extraordinary prestige. In some ways, it outranked even a pavilion master. They had misjudged him.
Yet Ye Lingkong, with his lazy, carefree demeanor, hardly looked like someone of such status.
Seeing their reactions, Ye Lingkong quickly pointed a finger at Long Chen. “I don’t run things here. I just listen to vice pavilion master Long’s orders.”
With that, he threw all the trouble onto Long Chen.
Meanwhile, Long Chen was already walking toward the palace doors, hoping to slip out unnoticed. But the moment Ye Lingkong spoke, everyone’s attention shifted to him.
Long Chen sighed inwardly. Why couldn’t he stall them with a bit more nonsense?
If Long Chen could have gotten outside, he could have found an excuse and been done with this. But now, slipping away would seem improper.
“Vice pavilion master Long?”
The crowd was stunned. This young man was the vice pavilion master?
Realizing he couldn’t leave, Long Chen turned back and spread his arms magnanimously. “I am the vice pavilion master of the Wind God Sea Pavilion. What do you need?”
Still visibly shaken, the elder composed himself and said, “This old man is the Wind God Head Pavilion’s Imperial Wind Commander—”
Long Chen cut him off, a sly glint in his eye. “The vice commander, right?”
Based on Long Chen’s experience, if this man were the true head commander, he would have declared it outright. Those with lesser titles often tried to inflate their importance implicitly.
The elder’s face turned slightly red, and he nodded awkwardly. “Yes... this old man is the Wind God Head Pavilion’s Vice Imperial Wind Commander, Jin Ke. Greetings, vice pavilion master Long.”
With his rank now exposed, Jin Ke dropped his arrogant demeanor. It was clear this youngster wasn’t ordinary, and humility was the wiser choice. Bowing politely, he cupped his fists toward Long Chen.
Long Chen returned the gesture. “I am Long Chen. Since we’re all on the same side, let’s skip the formalities and get to the point. Why are you here?”
Jin Ke replied, “The Heaven Vein Mystic Realm is on the verge of opening, but the branch pavilion hasn’t sent back any reports. The Head Pavilion sent us to investigate it.”
The Head Pavilion? Long Chen knew nothing about it but didn’t let that show. Nodding confidently, Long Chen replied, “The Heaven Essence World’s state is still uncertain. The dragon veins have yet to awaken, so we’re still observing changes. There’s no new information to report.”
Long Chen had no idea what he was talking about, but his nonsense sounded convincing. Unsure himself, Jin Ke simply nodded.
Before Jin Ke could probe further, Long Chen quickly changed the subject. “Does the Head Pavilion have any instructions? Is there something specific you need from us?”
Jin Ke’s expression turned serious. “The Head Pavilion’s thirty million sealed heavenly geniuses have been awakened. In seven days, they will arrive at the Wind God Sea Pavilion. At that time, we may need...”
Jin Ke suddenly trailed off awkwardly.
Long Chen smirked. “You’ll need us to follow their orders?”
“It’s not orders,” Jin Ke said, trying to maintain decorum. “We’ll need to work together. After all, the Head Pavilion has more disciples, and they’re a bit stronger. More importantly, the Heaven Vein Mystic Realm is filled with countless dangers. To reduce casualties, we need a leader to organize formations and combine our power.”
Long Chen’s smile grew faint. It just meant that the branch pavilion had to listen to the main pavilion. While it was only natural, these people were just too arrogant. When the heavenly geniuses arrived, they’d undoubtedly view the branch pavilion’s disciples as nothing more than dogs.
“We’ll prepare to receive them,” Long Chen said calmly. “We’ll make space for them to rest. But as for taking orders or accepting a leader, I have my reservations.”
“Reservations?” A sharp female voice interrupted. A female disciple stepped forward, sneering. “Don’t tell me your branch pavilion’s pitiful disciples plan to march straight to their deaths in the Heaven Vein Mystic Realm?”
With extreme disdain, her words sent ripples through the group, and their expressions darkened instantly.