When the Flying Flower Sect's master discovered that Chu Feng's power was no weaker than Zhao Xuanhe's, his brow furrowed slightly, and a trace of panic set in.
If he had initially thought of Chu Feng as a madman, then after witnessing Chu Feng's true strength, everyone realized that this young man was no fraud — he was the real deal.
But before long, the Flying Flower Sect master's heart, which had been suspended in midair, settled back down.
He was a World Spirit Grandmaster who had comprehended the sixth level of the Dragon Transformation Sense. Even if he couldn't see through the full extent of Chu Feng's Dragon Transformation Sense, he could still gauge the quality of Chu Feng's formations.
In truth, he was far from the only one — many people present could see it clearly.
Although Chu Feng's boundary arts were on the same level as Zhao Xuanhe's, the formations he deployed were nothing impressive.
He lacked Liu Shangwu's exquisite control over formations.
He had no treasured artifact to bolster his power like Zhao Xuanhe did.
In terms of mere mastery of boundary arts and the strength of the formations he laid down, he was even inferior to Zhao Xuanhe.
In everyone's eyes, even if Chu Feng had comprehended the third level of the Dragon Transformation Sense, he stood no chance against Zhao Xuanhe. Without even resorting to the power of his treasured artifact, Zhao Xuanhe could defeat this Chu Feng with ease.
Swish, swish, swish—
The time for one incense stick's worth had elapsed.
Without a single unnecessary word, Zhao Xuanhe launched his assault.
The offensive formation he deployed this time was the same one he had used against Liu Shangwu earlier. Cold light illuminated the void as a sky full of sword rain came hurtling straight toward Chu Feng.
Liu Shangwu struck without hesitation, and though he hadn't activated the power of his treasured artifact, he was far from holding back. He had no intention of wasting time or dragging things into a second round. This was a battle to the death — whoever lost would die.
And so, he intended to kill Chu Feng right here in this first exchange.
Clang, clang, clang, clang—
The sky full of sword rain crashed down upon the defensive formation Chu Feng had laid. The blades were so powerful that they pierced straight through the formation, embedding themselves within it. Though they had only penetrated partway and hadn't fully pierced the defensive array, countless cracks had already spread across its surface.
"As expected — this formation is nothing more than paper."
A smile spread across the Flying Flower Sect master's face.
In his daily life, he played the role of a noble, upright, and benevolent gentleman. He rarely allowed himself to show such a smug expression.
But before long, he reined in his smile.
He had noticed a man approaching him.
The man was plainly dressed with unremarkable features — the very picture of insignificance. But he was none other than the servant of Grandmaster Huizhi, and true to his name, he was called Pingfan.
Though Pingfan typically played the role of Grandmaster Huizhi's servant, his strength was nothing to scoff at — even the Flying Flower Sect master did not dare treat him lightly.
"Master Xu, there are people outside claiming to be elders of your Flying Flower Sect. They say they have an urgent matter and wish to see you," Pingfan said in a low voice.
This castle was not a place just anyone could enter. Even members of the Flying Flower Sect had to wait outside. However, in cases of emergency, someone could be sent in to relay a message.
"Oh? Could you ask them to wait a moment?"
The Flying Flower Sect master didn't want to leave at a time like this. He wanted to watch with his own eyes as Zhao Xuanhe defeated Chu Feng — to watch Chu Feng die with his own eyes.
"They say there are changes in the mountains. As for whether you'll see them, Master Xu, that is your decision."
With those words, Pingfan turned and left.
But the Flying Flower Sect master's expression had already turned ugly.
"There are changes in the mountains." Just those few words were enough for the Flying Flower Sect master to sense that something was terribly wrong. He hastily rose to his feet and headed outside.
Crack—
Crack—
Just after the Flying Flower Sect master stood up, the swords that Zhao Xuanhe had already driven into the defensive formation plunged even deeper. Cracks now covered every inch of Chu Feng's defensive array — at any moment, it would shatter apart.
"Still struggling to hold on?"
Zhao Xuanhe's expression was one of contempt as he delivered a mocking taunt.
"I'd advise you not to break through this formation of mine. Leave yourself a way out."
Yet instead of growing angry, Chu Feng fired back with sarcasm of his own.
"What's the matter? Regretting it already?"
"It's too late for regrets now."
Zhao Xuanhe laughed mockingly.
And now Chu Feng laughed too.
"I'm saying this for your own good."