Chapter 869 - 867: I Represent Black Fire Immortal Mountain

The procedures for offering congratulations were fundamentally the same everywhere. No matter how unique the occasion, the standard formalities had to be observed, drawing major factions and geniuses from all over. Since a top-tier immortal sect was involved, it was bound to be an extremely bustling affair.

Regarding the rumors Cui Cheng mentioned, Xu Yang figured they were likely related to the Black and White Meteor Tower. It was a top-tier treasure, after all. If Hong Xiaoxing wielded some special treasure or personally challenged geniuses to spar, using it as a reward would be far too extravagant. While her strength was impressive, there were more than a few people stronger than her. So, it was highly probable that the rumor pertained to something else entirely. However, no one could guess what it was right now.

After pondering in his guest room for a moment, Xu Yang suppressed his stray thoughts and stood up to leave. He planned to take a stroll around Hongtian Ancient City.

This ancient city boasted a very long history, with ancient auras and traces prominent everywhere. Stepping into the city, a bustling atmosphere hit him in the face. The crowds surged, and cultivators were exceptionally numerous. As Xu Yang strolled casually down the street, eight out of ten conversations he overheard were about Hong Xiaoxing's coming-of-age ceremony.

The invitations extended to all major factions of the Eastern Continent were practically common knowledge. However, only the top immortal sects, first-rate factions, and certain top-tier geniuses and experts were qualified to attend. An ordinary Middle Stage of Golden Immortal had no right to participate. The standards were extremely high, and for an average person, being able to attend was undoubtedly a supreme honor. Even the congratulatory gifts presented were terrifyingly valuable.

Thinking of this, Xu Yang couldn't help but wonder what the Pavilion Master was giving Hong Xiaoxing. However, after some thought, he abandoned the idea of checking. A congratulatory gift was either a heavenly treasure or something relatively rare; given Cang Feng's status and level, his gift naturally wouldn't be simple. There was no real need to look into it.

As he walked, the surrounding buildings gradually became sparse, and the crowd thinned out significantly. Xu Yang looked over in surprise. Ahead of him lay a massive enclosed area filled with towering pavilions, palaces, soaring ancient trees, and even lofty mountains. Within this ancient city, it stood out as exceptionally unique and eye-catching. He could even vaguely sense invisible restrictions lingering in the air at the edges, sending a shiver down his spine.

He thought, "This must be Hongtian Prefecture of Hongtian Ancient City."

There was simply no other place in Hongtian Ancient City that could possess such grandeur. "Hongtian Prefecture" was how the Hong Family referred to themselves, though outsiders generally just called it Hongtian Ancient City. Xu Yang was quite curious about what lay inside, but since the ceremony was starting in just two days, there was no rush. After taking a few looks from afar, he walked along the perimeter toward one side.

Suddenly, Xu Yang halted his steps, staring in surprise at a figure by the street in the distance. Cultivators were scarce here. As he watched, the other party seemed to notice as well and slowly turned around, revealing a face Xu Yang was exceptionally familiar with.

It was Yang Yuan.

Their eyes met. The surprise on Yang Yuan's face flashed by, quickly replaced by a bright, enthusiastic smile as he walked over.

"I didn't expect to see Mr. Xu here," Yang Yuan said.

"Seeing Mr. Yang here is quite a surprise to me as well. When did Mr. Yang arrive in the Eastern Continent?" Xu Yang asked with a faint smile.

"A little later than you, Mr. Xu," Yang Yuan replied. "And I certainly can't compare to your battle achievements. To make such a resounding name for yourself in the Eastern Continent in just a few short months and reach sixth on the Dragon and Tiger List is truly impressive."

"You aren't lacking either, Mr. Yang," Xu Yang noted. "As a genius on the Immortal Pride List, if you were to fight, you'd be at least in the top ten of the Dragon and Tiger List."

At these words, Yang Yuan's expression became momentarily unnatural. The strength required for the top ten of the Dragon and Tiger List practically suffocated him. By now, being called a genius of the Immortal Pride List felt like an outright insult to him. He had clearly made it onto the list, yet he still wasn't a match for those who hadn't even been ranked.

First Liou Xueyan, then Xu Yang.

When he asked himself honestly, he knew he was absolutely no match for Liou Xueyan. He was currently at the Middle Stage of Golden Immortal Cultivation, so his combat prowess was naturally extraordinary. But he had watched the recordings of Liou Xueyan's battles, and after seeing them, he was left in complete silence. There was a good reason she ranked higher than him on the Immortal Pride List. Even with the tempering and fortuitous encounters he gained in the Ten Thousand Beasts Abyss, it still wasn't enough.

As for Xu Yang, there was even less need to explain. His growth speed was so fast that Yang Yuan could barely suppress the killing intent in his heart. The fact that Xu Yang could also secure the protection of a figure like Lord Mobai and have the astonishing Celestial Sword Mountain backing him made Yang Yuan mad with jealousy.

Xu Yang was also sizing up Yang Yuan. He was at the Middle Stage of Golden Immortal. As for his strength... no matter how capable he was, he posed absolutely no threat to Xu Yang now. Recently, Blood Marsh hadn't made any moves. Xu Yang wondered if they had given up because their losses were too painful, or if they were holding back for something bigger. As for Yang Yuan, this guy was likely secretly in contact with Blood Marsh.

"Mr. Xu, you must have received an invitation from Hongtian Prefecture, right? I heard you even crossed paths with Hong Xiaoxing in the Four Symbols Demon Evil Valley," Yang Yuan asked with a beaming smile.

Xu Yang raised an eyebrow slightly and said playfully, "You certainly pay attention to a lot of things, Mr. Yang. Yes, I was invited here."

Yang Yuan sighed. "I can't compare to you, Mr. Xu. I came on my own accord to represent Black Fire Immortal Mountain."

Xu Yang's eyes narrowed slightly. Yang Yuan was trying to corner him. Even though Xu Yang came by invitation, everyone knew he hailed from Black Fire Immortal Mountain of the Northern Continent. Logically speaking, he should be the one most qualified to represent the sect. But with Yang Yuan representing Black Fire Immortal Mountain, there would be quite a show to watch when the time came. Although it didn't mean much to Xu Yang personally, in the eyes of outsiders, it would undoubtedly be a huge loss of face.

"Whether I represent them or not doesn't matter; I'm a disciple of Black Fire Immortal Mountain either way," Xu Yang said with a broad grin. "Since you joined the sect earlier than me, have a higher cultivation base, and are stronger than me, it's only natural that you represent the immortal mountain, Mr. Yang."

From beginning to end, their conversation was filled with thinly veiled barbs. As Xu Yang's words fell, the muscles in Yang Yuan's face twitched again. He cursed inwardly, "Damn bastard. Joined earlier, higher cultivation, and stronger? This is nothing short of humiliation."

Taking a deep breath, Yang Yuan forcibly suppressed his inner rage and killing intent. He chuckled and asked, "Did you just arrive today, Mr. Xu?"

"That's right."

"Perfect. I found a rather interesting place over there where quite a few geniuses who arrived early are gathering. If you're interested, Mr. Xu, why don't we go over together and exchange some pointers?"

Geniuses? Xu Yang glanced at Yang Yuan warily and gave a slight shake of his head. "I'll pass."

"Could it be that you look down on them, Mr. Xu?" Yang Yuan frowned, his tone unfriendly.

"If they are worthy of my respect, I will naturally respect them," Xu Yang retorted bluntly with a cold sneer.

Yang Yuan's eyes narrowed as he suddenly let out a low chuckle. "There is also a genius from Hongtian Prefecture there. Word is that he will reveal some hidden details about Hong Xiaoxing's coming-of-age ceremony."

Hmm? Xu Yang's eyes flashed as he immediately thought of the Black and White Meteor Tower. But shouldn't that be kept a secret? Or was Hongtian Prefecture deliberately leaking information out of fear that they wouldn't attract top-tier geniuses? But it surely wouldn't come to that, right?

"I've also heard that Hongtian Prefecture wants the event to be as lively as possible," Yang Yuan continued to bait him. "Fearing some top-tier geniuses might not show up, they specifically leaked some information in advance and even brought out astonishing treasures for this purpose."

Xu Yang's face broke into a full smile. "Why didn't you say so earlier, Mr. Yang? I'm quite interested in this."

"After you."

"You first, Mr. Yang."

The two men, each harboring their own hidden agendas, left with faces full of smiles, chatting enthusiastically.