Vol 2 Ch 40: A Heated Dispute


    Feng Zhaoting''s infamous indulgence in his younger brother was no secret in Destiny Hall. Not only was his overprotectiveness well-known, but even uttering a single insult against Feng Yizhou could result in the annihtion of an entire n. Killing him outright? Unthinkable.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The gravity of the situation made Xie Feng break out in a cold sweat. His voice trembled as he managed a stiff smile. "Elder Ling, you must be joking…"


    Zhang Xuan shook his head. "No need to be so tense. This has nothing to do with you. Just lead the way."


    Seeing Zhang Xuan''sposed yet stern demeanor, Xie Feng realized the matter had escted beyond his pay grade. Without another word, he led the way forward, his thoughts racing.


    The contest for vice hall master was one thing, a mere political rivalry. But to outright kill Feng Yizhou? That was a deration of enmity, a feud that could not be resolved peacefully. This incident was bound to throw Destiny Hall into chaos.


    Following Xie Feng, Zhang Xuan remained calm, even rubbing his face to rx his features. Meanwhile, in the hall master''s chamber, Feng Zhaoting''s fists were clenched tight, his gaze locked in an unwavering stare.


    "Hall Master, that was my brother—my flesh and blood! And now, he’s been ughtered by Ling Buyang. I demand justice! If not, I will settle this in blood!"


    Han Xiao frowned deeply. "Feng Elder, calm yourself. This might be a misunderstanding. Let’s hear from Ling Buyang before we make any decisions.""Misunderstanding?" Feng Zhaoting scoffed angrily. "My brother’s corpse lies cold, and thousands bore witness to his public execution. What misunderstanding could there be?"


    At that moment, Xie Feng entered, bowing respectfully. "Hall Master, Elder Ling has arrived."


    "Let him in," Han Xiao instructed.


    The doors opened, and to everyone''s surprise, Zhang Xuan strode in, his face streaked with tears, his expression grief-stricken.


    "Hall Master! You must seek justice for me!" he wailed, his voice choked with emotion.


    "???"


    Both Han Xiao and Xie Feng were stunned, while Feng Zhaoting’s fury froze mid-breath.


    What was going on?


    "Ling Buyang, you finally dare to show your face!" Feng Zhaoting growled, his eyes burning with rage.


    "You!" Zhang Xuan’s eyes sharpened instantly. "I’ll kill you!"


    Without hesitation, he raised his hand, a de of energy slicing through the air toward Feng Zhaoting.


    Caught off guard, Feng Zhaoting raised his hands to block.


    Boom!


    The collision sent a shockwave through the chamber. Though Feng Zhaoting managed to stand his ground, he was forced back several steps, his expression darkening as he felt the residual tremors in his chest. ?


    "You…" Feng Zhaoting’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Your strength…"


    How had Ling Buyang’s power increased so dramatically? He had not only survived the attack but also momentarily gained the upper hand.


    Before Feng Zhaoting could fully process what was happening, Zhang Xuanunched another offensive, his left hand forming a de while his right became a hammering fist.


    "Enough!"


    Han Xiao’s voice boomed through the chamber, an invisible force dissolving the shing energies instantly. Zhang Xuan and Feng Zhaoting were both immobilized, their movements locked.


    "Hall Master!" Zhang Xuan turned, tears streaming again. "You mustn''t shelter this murderer!"


    "Murderer?" Feng Zhaoting was bbergasted. "You’re calling me a murderer?"


    Han Xiao’s frown deepened. "Exin yourself, Ling Buyang."


    Zhang Xuan nodded, his voice shaking with indignation. "Hall Master, Feng Zhaoting sent his men to my Not Necessary Hall, ughtering everyone! My disciples, my legacy, all wiped out. This feud cannot be ignored!"


    "Not Necessary Hall… destroyed?"


    The revtion sent shockwaves through the room.


    Han Xiao’s gaze hardened. "Feng Elder, is this true?"


    "I—I don’t know!" Feng Zhaoting stammered.


    "I’ll investigate immediately!" Han Xiao ordered. He turned to Xie Feng. "Go to Not Necessary Hall and report back."


    "Yes, Hall Master!" Xie Feng quickly departed.


    After some time, Xie Feng returned, his face pale. "Hall Master, Not Necessary Hall has indeed been wiped out. Madam Yu Qingyu has been found dead, along with dozens of disciples. Witnesses im they saw ck-d figures entering the hall. The trail leads back to Yunshan Hall."


    Han Xiao’s face darkened. "Feng Elder?"


    "This… This must be a mistake!" Feng Zhaoting protested.


    "Hall Master!" Zhang Xuan interjected. "This cannot go unpunished. I demand a life-and-death duel!"


    "Enough!" Han Xiao raised his hand, silencing the room. He turned to Feng Zhaoting. "Elder Feng, didn’t you recently acquire a Violet Bamboo Spirit Pill to aid your breakthrough?"


    "Hall Master…" Feng Zhaoting’s heart sank.


    "Split it in half and give the other half to Elder Ling aspensation. Then we’ll discuss reparations."


    Gritting his teeth, Feng Zhaoting reluctantlyplied. He produced a jade bottle, split the pill, and handed half to Zhang Xuan.


    "Half a pill for so many lives?" Zhang Xuan sneered. "You think that’s enough?"


    Before Feng Zhaoting could respond, Zhang Xuan snatched the pill fragment and pocketed it.


    "You dare!" Feng Zhaoting’s fury erupted, his palm striking out.


    Zhang Xuan met the attack head-on. Their sh shook the chamber, but Feng Zhaoting''s superior strength sent Zhang Xuan stumbling back, a trickle of blood staining his lips.


    Han Xiao intervened once more, his voicemanding. "Enough. This matter is settled for now. Elder Ling, take this."


    He handed Zhang Xuan another jade bottle. "A Warm Spirit Pill. It’ll help fortify your soul."


    "Thank you, Hall Master," Zhang Xuan said, epting the bottle while hiding his growing curiosity about Han Xiao''s impartiality.


    As Han Xiao dismissed them, Zhang Xuan’s mind raced. The power dynamics in Destiny Hall were moreplex than he had imagined.


    Author''s Note