Chapter 870: The 5th Young Master of Profound Wing Mansion

Chapter 870 -868: The 5th Young Master of Profound Wing Mansion

Xu Yang knew Yang Yuan harbored ill intentions. There might even be something fishy about this invitation. However, there were truly very few people in Hongtian Ancient City who could threaten him right now. He had nothing to fear. If he actually gained something from this, it would be a pleasant surprise.

The place Yang Yuan mentioned was located right next to the massive estate of Hongtian Prefecture, separated by just a single street. It was a sprawling mansion. The antique plaque above the entrance was engraved with three bold, flowing characters—”Profound Wing Mansion”—which exuded a formidable presence.

“Profound Wing Mansion?” Xu Yang revealed a look of confusion.

“Mr. Xu, you haven’t heard of it?” Yang Yuan asked in surprise. Seeing Xu Yang shake his head, Yang Yuan said calmly, “Mr. Xu, you came to Hongtian Ancient City to attend Miss Hong’s coming-of-age ceremony, yet you didn’t do any homework at all.” His words carried undisguised mockery.

Xu Yang couldn’t care less. “My presence here is enough. Why would I need to do any homework?”

Yang Yuan quickly averted his gaze, his face turning an ashen, gloomy color.

He thought, “That hurts. Xu Yang, you really deserve to die. I can’t compare to him in strength, Immortal Foundation, or status. I can only try to win an argument of words, but even then, his words hit where it hurts.”

Xu Yang’s Ninth Grade Immortal Foundation was no longer a secret. It was the real deal. Yang Yuan had already anticipated that Xu Yang’s future cultivation speed and strength would be far beyond his reach. Trying to catch up would be as difficult as scaling the heavens. Therefore, Xu Yang had to die. He had to die in the Black and White Starry Sky. No matter how monstrous a genius was, they were useless if they didn’t live to mature.

If Xu Yang died, the upper sect would at most feel a momentary sense of pity. But if he died, Yang Yuan would finally have his day in the sun. Otherwise, having been thoroughly suppressed in the lower realm, the gap between them would only grow wider in the upper realm.

Most importantly, Yang Yuan knew very well that he and Xu Yang were simply not walking the same path, and there was absolutely no room for reconciliation. Despite their outward politeness, every conversation was laden with hidden sparks. Could Xu Yang be unaware of his involvement in the Blood Marsh assassination? Hmph, absolutely impossible. Yang Yuan was certain that if a perfect opportunity arose, Xu Yang would kill him without hesitation. The feeling was mutual.

Yang Yuan took a deep breath. Staring at the plaque, he said calmly, “Hongtian Prefecture once had four great prefecture armies under its command. Each army possessed immense strength, comprised entirely of battle-hardened elites who ventured into forbidden grounds, fought ancient beasts, and hunted all kinds of ferocious creatures. They possessed every kind of talent imaginable—including those skilled in formations, Alchemy Dao, forging, and restrictive seals—all nurtured from a young age. While they might not be at the absolute pinnacle, they were still the cream of the crop in their respective fields.

“Profound Wing Mansion is one of them. The army commander is King Xuan Yi, a Golden Immortal Extreme Realm expert who holds an incredibly high status in Hongtian Prefecture.”

Xu Yang was inwardly startled. This was undoubtedly one of Hongtian Prefecture’s core forces. Just Yang Yuan’s description of the four great army commanders was enough to shock him. This single army alone was probably comparable to many first-rate factions. And there were four great commanders, not to mention their other hidden forces. He could only conclude that top-tier immortal sects were far from simple.

“Many geniuses from all over who arrived early have already gathered inside. Furthermore, the one hosting this gathering is King Xuan Yi’s Fifth Young Master, Xuan Ningchen.” Yang Yuan glanced at Xu Yang, a barely imperceptible, sinister smile flashing across his eyes before he strode toward the mansion. “Let’s go in.”

Upon approaching the entrance, Yang Yuan took out a Token. The guards took one look and immediately let them pass, not bothering to question Xu Yang in the slightest. They walked into the mansion and headed deep inside, neither of them speaking much along the way.

Soon, they arrived at the rear of the mansion. The area ahead was concealed by a high wall, surrounded by towering, ancient trees. Faint commotions could be heard from within, sounding as if people were sparring, though the restrictive seals muffled most of the noise.

“This is the place. It seems someone is sparring again,” Yang Yuan said with a smile, walking straight toward the courtyard gate.

Xu Yang slowly followed. They pushed the door open and entered without drawing anyone’s attention. The space inside was massive. Two young men were locked in a fierce battle on a small martial arts arena, which was covered by a restrictive seal above. Dozens of people were gathered around the edges, watching with great interest and shouting out from time to time.

“That is the Fifth Young Master, Xuan Ningchen.” Yang Yuan pointed toward the edge of the arena at the only seated person—a young man in brocade robes. He looked barely twenty years old, his face still holding a trace of youthfulness, and his cultivation was only at the Late Stage of Celestial Immortal. He appeared quite weak compared to the others in the courtyard. However, given his status, no one dared to underestimate him.

Xu Yang swept his gaze past Xuan Ningchen and looked at the surrounding crowd. “Which factions do the geniuses currently here belong to?” he asked calmly. Most of them were young people, ranging from the Peak of Celestial Immortal to the Early Stage and middle stage of Golden Immortal, but he didn’t recognize a single face.

“Basically every top-tier immortal sect is represented here, except for Celestial Sword Mountain. However, they are mostly second-rate disciples from their respective sects,” Yang Yuan replied with a faint smile, a flash of arrogance crossing his face. Although these people were only second-rate in their top-tier immortal sects, they were still extraordinary to the outside world. Yet, in this gathering, he was more than capable of looking down on them all.

“I’ll introduce you to the Fifth Young Master,” Yang Yuan said.

“Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Yang,” Xu Yang said with a slight nod.

Since he was already here, it was only natural to pay his respects to the host. He followed Yang Yuan and approached Xuan Ningchen from behind.

Xuan Ningchen was watching the battle with keen interest, shouting, “Lin Sheng, hurry up and counterattack! If you don’t strike back now, you’ll lose your chance!”

Xu Yang’s eyes flickered. It seemed this Fifth Young Master was quite fond of lively scenes.

“Fifth Young Master.”

“Hmm?” Xuan Ningchen suddenly turned around. Seeing Yang Yuan, his face instantly broke into a broad smile. “Oh, it’s Mr. Yang! You came at just the right time. Take a look at these two guys—is there any suspense left?”

Yang Yuan smiled. He glanced at the match and chuckled softly. “I’m afraid there’s no suspense left.”

“Sigh, how boring,” Xuan Ningchen said, instantly losing interest. “Oh, and who is this?” He noticed Xu Yang and couldn’t help but feel curious.

“Allow me to introduce him, Fifth Young Master. This is my fellow disciple, Xu Yang.” Yang Yuan grinned, then took a step back after speaking.

“I am Xu Yang. A pleasure to meet you, Fifth Young Master,” Xu Yang said, cupping his hands slightly.

“Black Fire Immortal Mountain? Xu Yang? Wait, you’re…” Xuan Ningchen shuddered, his eyes widening. He instinctively grabbed the armrests of his chair and shot to his feet.

He stared blankly at Xu Yang, his face filled with shock and disbelief. Although Xuan Ningchen possessed an extraordinary background, what kind of reputation and status did Xu Yang currently hold? Sixth on the Dragon and Tiger List, a Ninth Grade Immortal Foundation, and Mo Baijun as his Guardian. He was an elite genius on par with those from the top-tier immortal sects. Who would dare ignore him?

In terms of status, even if his eldest brother were here, he would have to treat Xu Yang with the utmost politeness. With his average aptitude, Xuan Ningchen’s status in the Profound Wing Mansion was mediocre; he merely enjoyed playing around. How could he possibly compare to Xu Yang?

“You’re truly Mr. Xu? The sixth on the Dragon and Tiger List?” Xuan Ningchen swallowed hard, his eyes suddenly lighting up. Yet, in disbelief, he lowered his voice and probed, “The one who beat Jiang Yue Long to a pulp?”

His reaction was entirely justified. To him, the top ten of the Dragon and Tiger List were people he honestly didn’t even have the qualifications to meet. While Yang Yuan was his fellow disciple, Xuan Ningchen wasn’t an idiot. Even though his aptitude was average, his age young, and he usually acted like a spoiled rich kid, how could someone born into a place like the Profound Wing Mansion not understand human nature?

Yang Yuan clearly didn’t get along with Xu Yang. Furthermore, Xu Yang’s movements in the Eastern Continent were so elusive that ordinary people couldn’t find him even if they tried. For him to suddenly appear here truly left Xuan Ningchen feeling overwhelmed by the unexpected favor.