On the Dark Star, this kind of situation was quite common.
Due to the constraints of the laws of heaven and earth, the limit martial artists could reach was the third level of the Return to Void Realm. But every powerhouse who attained this level refused to settle for the status quo — they all wished to go a step further and achieve the legend of the Void King Realm.
No one had ever succeeded, but that did nothing to diminish these powerhouses' determination and stride in exploring the martial Dao and the Heavenly Dao.
When the Emperor's Garden opened, Qu Zheng had gone as well, though his gains had been modest. What he was now discussing with Mo Xiaosheng was related to the Emperor's Garden.
And just then, the sound of footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall, followed by a disciple's voice: "Reporting to the Alliance Master, reporting to the Grand Elder — Senior
"Fang, that old ghost?" Qu Zheng's brow furrowed, and he said with displeasure, "That old bastard actually dares to come to my Zhantian City? He's not placing me, Qu, in any regard at all!"
Mo Xiaosheng also showed a look of astonishment. After all, the Zhantian Alliance and the Leitai Sect were both giants of the Dark Star. While their relationship couldn't be called openly hostile, they rarely had much contact and instead clashed frequently. Every year, the disciples below would engage in many battles, resulting in considerable casualties.
Deep infiltration of the other's headquarters was a grave taboo!
Moreover, Fang Peng's identity was no ordinary matter — he was the Sect Master of the Leitai Sect, holding a status equal to Qu Zheng's own.
With his lofty position and sensitive identity, his rash arrival at Zhantian City could very well spark friction between the two giants, leading to an all-out war between them. So upon hearing the disciple's report, Qu Zheng immediately grew irate.
"Alliance Master, please remain calm." Though Mo Xiaosheng was equally puzzled, he considered things far more thoroughly than Qu Zheng. He hurriedly said, "That old ghost dares to come to Zhantian City — perhaps he has important matters to discuss with the Alliance Master. We might as well first see what he's really here for before making any decisions."
Hearing this, Qu Zheng felt there was some logic to it. Besides, as the host, he had nothing to fear from Fang Peng, who had come alone into enemy territory. After a moment's contemplation, he nodded slightly. "Very well, then. We'll do as the Grand Elder suggests. If he truly comes to provoke our Zhantian Alliance — hmph — this old man will show him what it means to overestimate himself!"
His words had barely fallen when hearty laughter rang out from beyond the hall, followed by a jovial voice: "It's been years, and Brother Qu's temper is still as fiery as ever."
As the voice arrived, a figure had already appeared at the entrance. The Zhantian Alliance disciple was horrified and hastily tried to block the way, but was kicked aside by the newcomer. He groaned for quite a while and couldn't even get back up. Then, without the slightest courtesy, the visitor strode directly into the hall as though it were his own courtyard, wearing an expression of complete ease.
Qu Zheng's face turned dark, and Mo Xiaosheng also furrowed his brows deeply, looking quite displeased.
The visitor was none other than the Leitai Sect's Sect Master, Fang Peng. But neither of them had expected this fellow to be so brazen as to simply walk in without an invitation.
Having entered the great hall, Fang Peng found himself a seat and settled in uninvited. He glanced sidelong at Qu Zheng and said, "Brother Qu, I've traveled far and am a guest here — not even a cup of tea? Surely the Zhantian Alliance isn't stingy to that degree?"
"Hmph. If anyone else had come, I, Qu, would certainly welcome them. As for you… tea is out of the question," Qu Zheng snorted coldly.
Fang Peng pursed his lips but didn't seem inclined to pursue this idle topic any further.
"Fang, old ghost — what brings you all the way to my Zhantian City instead of holding down the fort at your Leitai Sect?" Qu Zheng didn't bother beating around the bush and went straight to the point. "
"Who would dare?" Hearing Qu Zheng mention Cheng Pengxuan's death, Fang Peng's expression darkened somewhat. He snorted coldly. "Although Elder Cheng unfortunately perished, our Leitai Sect is no pushover. Who would dare court death?"
"You talk big," Qu Zheng sneered, a dangerous gleam flickering in his eyes. "If this old man were to keep you here, I think your Leitai Sect would be nothing more than chickens made of clay."
"Keep me here?" Fang Peng pointed at himself, a faint smile on his face. "Brother Qu, spare me the empty boasts. If you truly have such confidence, why not try? See whether your Zhantian City can really hold me, Fang, prisoner."
The moment those words left his mouth, the dangerous light in Qu Zheng's eyes intensified, as though he truly meant to make a move.
After all, if he could slay Fang Peng here, the Leitai Sect would inevitably collapse. Then, of the Dark Star's two great giants, only the Zhantian Alliance would remain standing supreme.
Yet Fang Peng was so calm and composed, as though he held some trump card up his sleeve — this made Qu Zheng uncertain, and he hesitated to commit.
Mo Xiaosheng was equally perplexed. Though Fang Peng's strength was considerable, once he had entered Zhantian City, leaving would not be up to him. The old fellow couldn't possibly be so foolish as to walk right into the lion's den, could he?
"Enough." After a tense standoff, Fang Peng waved his hand. "Fine, I'll tell you the truth. The only reason I dared venture deep into the Zhantian Alliance alone was that I was following orders."
"Following orders?" Both Qu Zheng and Mo Xiaosheng started. "Whose orders? Following whose command?"
Fang Peng was the Sect Master of the Leitai Sect — who could possibly command him? Their hearts lurched, and a vague suspicion formed in their minds.
"What do you think?" Fang Peng narrowed his eyes and gazed at them.