The Art of Chaotic Divinity

Chapter 24: The Sect Leader's Invitation!

"Hmph, a bunch of mere rats!"

In Ling Feng's heart, a wave of satisfaction washed over him. The distinction between having support and standing alone was profound. Without the sect leader's jade token that Duanmu Qingshan had bestowed upon him today, even if he triumphed over Xiao Qingfeng, he wouldn't dare to take his life. The possibility of merely incapacitating him still carried the looming threat to Ling Feng's own life.

Amidst the wary and fearful gazes of everyone, Ling Feng turned around and walked confidently towards Little Bamboo Peak.

Taking the life of a prodigy from the Wenxian Sect, Ling Feng harbored concerns that news of this act would inevitably reach the sect leader's ears before long. Despite holding the sect leader's jade token, Ling Feng couldn't be certain that it would assure his complete safety.

The safest option is to remain by Duanmu Qingshan's side.

At that moment, a figure abruptly descended behind him. It was a middle-aged man donned in a black robe, characterized by a slender build, a mustache, and narrow, green-bean-shaped eyes. This was none other than Elder Li Liang, the one who had originally assigned Ling Feng to Little Bamboo Peak.

Observing from a distance, Li Liang had witnessed Ling Feng behead Xiao Qingfeng. Unfortunately, he arrived a step too late; by the time he reached them, Xiao Qingfeng's head had already fallen to the ground.

Nevertheless, given that Xiao Qingfeng was not his disciple, Li Liang was merely taken aback, without harboring much anger.

"Elder Li!"

The disciples and stewards around all bowed and greeted, recognizing the esteemed position of Elder Li Liang within the inner sect, just below the sect leader and the various peak leaders. Naturally, he couldn't be disregarded.

"Ling Feng, please hold on!" Disregarding the presence of others, Li Liang approached Ling Feng with a gentle tone and a warm smile.

Yet, those acquainted with him were aware that this individual always concealed a blade behind his smile. Within the Wenxian Sect, he was renowned for possessing the most profound scheming and cunning.

Coming to a stop, Ling Feng turned around and, to his slight surprise, found Li Liang approaching. He wondered, why would Li Liang be looking for him?

"Hehe, Ling Feng, do you still remember me?"

Wearing a smile, Li Liang seemed entirely unaware of Ling Feng's recent act in killing Xiao Qingfeng. Instead, he appeared gentle, treating Ling Feng as if he were his own nephew.

"Don't remember." Ling Feng, disinterested in any further interaction, gave a slight snort and turned to leave.

Li Liang's smile faltered briefly, a trace of malice flashing in his eyes, but expertly hidden.

"Hahaha, a strong personality! Geniuses always carry a sense of pride; I must admit, I misjudged you that day."

With quick strides, Li Liang walked up to Ling Feng, wearing a friendly and welcoming smile.

Ling Feng shrugged, "Just say what you have to say, no need to beat around the bush."

Li Liang grinned, "The sect leader got wind of your recent actions. He scolded both me and Yang Wei, expressing a desire to meet you in person. So, here I am, passing on the message. Are you available to visit the Liuxian Peak today?"

"The sect leader wants to see me?" Ling Feng's eyebrows slightly knitted. For an ordinary disciple, being received by the sect leader was undoubtedly a great honor, but in his case...

He was, after all, a disciple of Duanmu Qingshan, and Duanmu Qingshan had slain the sect leader's master.

He and the sect leader were undoubtedly enemies!

"Don't worry, the sect leader isn't here to settle scores with you. On the contrary, he admires you. A talent like yours is bound to catch the sect leader's attention."

Li Liang chuckled, "Think about it. As a disciple of the Wenxian Sect, do you really want to stay in the shadow of Duanmu Qingshan and be isolated by the entire sect? Once the sect leader accepts you, everyone in the sect will be your fellow disciples, and the elders will become your respected seniors. With your talent, even a century from now, when the sect leader steps down, you might have the chance to become the next sect leader!"

Li Liang was boasting extravagantly, leaving the surrounding disciples stunned and bewildered.

"Wow, so envious! If I had such a chance, I'd willingly sacrifice thirty years of my life!"

"Is Ling Feng about to leap over the Dragon Gate as a carp[1]?"

"What Ling Feng, you should address him as Senior Ling!"

Wearing a smile, Li Liang looked at Ling Feng and cheerfully said, "How about joining me to meet the sect leader?"

With a slight raise of his eyebrows, Ling Feng asked nonchalantly, "What if I choose not to go?"

"Choosing not to go?" Li Liang's expression stiffened. "You're an intelligent person. Surely, you've heard the saying, 'A wise bird chooses its tree to roost,' haven't you?"

"Hahaha!" Ling Feng laughed heartily. "It's not such a challenging decision after all!"

"Exactly, any sensible person would know how to choose," Li Liang chuckled. "Let's go. Follow me to meet the sect leader, and I assure you won't be disappointed!"

Ling Feng rubbed his nose bridge. "Elder Li, please lead the way."

"Without entering the tiger's lair, how can one capture the tiger's cub?"

Curious to know, Ling Feng wanted to see what plans the current leader of the Wenxian Sect had in mind.

...

Situated at the core of Jiuxian Mountain, the Liuxian Peak is the area with the densest spiritual energy in the territory of the Wenxian Sect.

Guided by Li Liang, it didn't take long for the two to reach a grand hall. The disciples in charge of guarding, upon spotting Li Liang, promptly bowed and paid their respects.

"This is the Jiuling Grand Hall. Many yearn to meet the sect leader on regular days, and some wait for decades without the opportunity. You are the first disciple who hasn't been here for even a year and yet has the chance to meet the sect leader," Li Liang explained.

As Li Liang spoke, he guided Ling Feng into the grand hall.

Within the solemn and dignified grand hall, it felt remarkably spacious. At the center stood a man in a blue robe, hands behind his back, facing away from the entrance.

"Bowing before the sect leader!" Li Liang respectfully performed a bow towards Lin Canglang and called out loudly.

Turning around, Lin Canglang fixed his sharp and piercing gaze on Ling Feng, then suddenly asked, "Did you kill Xiao Qingfeng?"

Ling Feng wasn't overly surprised. As the sect leader, Lin Canglang naturally had his ways of gathering information, and news like this couldn't escape the attention of such a prominent figure.

Facing Lin Canglang's gaze, Ling Feng calmly admitted, "It was me."

"Do you know I once considered making Xiao Qingfeng my direct disciple?"

Ling Feng raised a wry smile and calmly remarked, "In other words, I've thwarted your plans for the chosen true disciple, and now you want to kill me to vent your frustration?"

"Then, why did you dare to come?" Lin Canglang's imposing aura surged, reminiscent of an ancient mountain, making it almost difficult for Ling Feng to catch his breath.

"Leader, if you wish to end me, there are countless ways to do so. If I manage to escape today, I won't be able to escape in the future. So, why not face it now?" Ling Feng clenched his teeth, feeling a tinge of regret. At that moment, he couldn't move a single finger, let alone seize the opportunity to retrieve the sect leader's token.

"Hahaha!" The overwhelming aura subsided like a receding tide, and Lin Canglang burst into laughter. "Courageous! Do you know, I believe you outshine Xiao Qingfeng? You have the qualifications to become my third direct disciple!"

Ling Feng raised an eyebrow, realizing that the leader of the Wenxian Sect was no ordinary person. Employing a clever mix of punishment and reward, it was indeed a shrewd strategy.

"Graced by the sect leader's favor, the disciple is truly honored," Ling Feng feigned a pleasantly surprised expression.

"However, as of now, you are a disciple of Duanmu Qingshan. Do you comprehend the nature of the relationship between Duanmu Qingshan and myself, the sect leader?"

"I have some knowledge, but the details are not very clear."

"Knowing some is sufficient!" Lin Canglang briskly walked towards his throne, gradually taking his seat. His unwavering gaze focused on Ling Feng as he declared, "Now, I need you to make a choice. Between Duanmu Qingshan and me, how will you decide?"

1. To experience a tremendous breakthrough ☜