Zhao Chen staggered back several steps, his palm still tingling from the force that repelled him. His expression darkened instantly as he scanned the surroundings.
"Who!!!"
His voice echoed through the entire courtyard like thunder.
For a moment, no one answered.
Then—
A faint fragrance drifted through the air.
It was subtle, yet strangely captivating, like blooming orchids after rain. The tense atmosphere seemed to soften slightly as the scent spread across the courtyard.
Tap… tap… tap…
The crisp sound of heels striking stone slowly approached from the entrance of the Lin family estate.
Everyone turned their heads.
A graceful figure slowly walked forward.
She wore a long crimson dress that hugged her curving figure perfectly, the fabric swaying gently with every step. The dress was slit slightly at the side, revealing slender, fair legs that seemed almost sculpted from jade.
Her waist was slim enough to grasp with one hand, while her chest rose proudly beneath the elegant silk, creating a breathtaking contrast that drew countless stunned gazes.
Long black hair cascaded down her back like a flowing waterfall, tied loosely with a delicate golden hairpin.
However, what truly captured everyone's attention was her face.
Or rather—
The lack of it.
A thin crimson veil covered the lower half of her face, hiding her nose and lips from view.
Only her eyes could be seen.
They were long, slightly narrow, and mesmerizingly beautiful, carrying a natural allure that made people feel as though they were being gently drawn in without realizing it.
Those eyes were calm… confident… and faintly teasing.
Even without seeing her full face, one could easily imagine that beneath the veil hid a beauty capable of toppling cities.
She walked forward calmly as if she were strolling through a garden rather than stepping into the center of a battlefield filled with killing intent.
Behind her followed several Martial Pavilion guards dressed in blue robes, their expressions solemn.
The moment Zhao Chen saw the emblem embroidered on her sleeve—a golden tower surrounded by clouds—his pupils shrank.
"The Martial Pavilion…"
The murmuring crowd immediately exploded into whispers.
"The Martial Pavilion President!"
"It's really her!"
"Why would someone of her status appear here?"
Ignoring the crowd, the woman slowly stepped forward until she stood between Lin Feng and Zhao Chen.
Her beautiful eyes glanced casually at the shattered ground before shifting to Zhao Chen.
Her gaze curved slightly, as if she were smiling beneath the veil.
Seeing she was able to repel him even though he didn't use his full strength still made him narrow his eyes solemnly.
"Martial Pavilion President, what is your excellency doing here?"
"Why defend this criminal?" he asked, hoping to get some information out of her.
But she ignored his question and instead started to speak.
"Elder Zhao," she said lazily, her voice smooth and alluring like aged wine.
"Bullying a junior in broad daylight… isn't that a little embarrassing?"
Her tone sounded playful, but the invisible pressure surrounding her made even Zhao Chen's expression turn serious.
Then her gaze shifted to Lin Feng.
For a brief moment, her charming eyes flickered with curiosity.
"So… you are Lin Feng."
She tilted her head slightly, studying him as if he were something interesting.
Her eyes narrowed faintly, carrying a hint of amusement.
"How interesting."
Behind her, the transparent barrier around Lin Feng shimmered faintly under the sunlight.
And for the first time since the crisis began—
The suffocating killing intent surrounding Lin Feng completely disappeared.
Feeling the killing intent and aura locking him in place vanish, Lin Feng breathed a huge sigh of relief. He was also astonished at her strength. He clasped both hands and bowed in gratitude.
"Thanks to the Pavilion Master for rescuing me," he thanked her.
"Haha!!"
A soft, bewitching, bell-like laughter sounded, making most unable to extricate themselves.
"Don't thank me yet. The danger is not over yet," she said.
Seeing her ignore him and instead chat and laugh with a junior, he almost flew into a rage. But when he remembered how easily she dispersed his power, all traces of anger disappeared and his heart sank in his chest.
'What is going on? How could she be so strong? Although it is said that the Martial Pavilion has a profound background, it is impossible for a branch manager to have so many resources to cultivate.'
'Unless the rumors are true that she's the relative of a big shot in the pavilion who was sent here as a punishment. If that is true, then there's no need to offend her thoroughly,' he thought, weighing his options carefully.
But unfortunately, his arrogance outweighed his reason.
'No. So what if the Martial Pavilion is mysterious? So what if she's the daughter of a big shot?'
'Even if she's the daughter of the headquarters president, at worst I can ask eldest brother to seek assistance from those lords.'
'If those people take action, even the Martial Pavilion can only swallow the loss.'
With that thought in mind, he straightened his back and pointed at the Pavilion Master.
"Lord Pavilion Master, I will ask you again. Why did you help Lin Feng?"
"Don't think because I give you face it means I am afraid of your Martial Pavilion. After all, a foreign dragon cannot suppress a local snake in his own territory."
"Hehe, the elder is too serious. Didn't I just say I don't like bullies?" she jokingly replied, making light of his subtle threat.
"Pavilion Master, you seem confused. I have never bullied anyone. I suspect Lin Feng has been body-snatched. I just want to check him."
"Body-snatched? Where is your evidence?" she questioned him.
"I don't have any other evidence other than the strange event that occurred on the same day as he woke up. The master should be aware that body snatching is a taboo on the continent, and those found to have snatched bodies are to be killed."
"So the brief gathering of lightning that happened long after he woke up is your excuse?"
"Haha, what a body snatcher. I'm afraid it is just your excuse to capture him," she said.
Lin Feng behind her bowed and spoke.
"Pavilion Master, the Zhao elder has been accusing me of hiding a treasure. I think the reason is all made up to capture me and check inside of me for a non-existing treasure. Then, when they can't find it, I will be executed."
She looked at him, then looked back at Zhao Chen, who was already getting furious at the continued questioning.
"Enough!"
"I am going to capture that kid. Are you going to interfere?"
"The Martial Pavilion has never interfered in the affairs of Qinghe City. Are you going to break this rule?"
"Hmm. There has never been a rule that the Martial Pavilion cannot participate in the struggles of any city."
"It seems Elder Chen misunderstands. We never participate because we were too lazy, not that we can't."
This left Zhao Chen speechless because there really wasn't any rule against it. Then his face turned gloomy.
"The Pavilion Lord must involve herself?"
"But with your strength, you don't seem to be qualified."
"Hahaha!"
She clutched her stomach and laughed, which made him even gloomier.
"What is so funny?" he asked through clenched teeth.
"Nothing. Just that even when I'm in the imperial capital, even the Emperor has to give me three points of respect. But here a little nobody dares to challenge me."
Hearing her call him a nobody was the last straw. He burst out with killing intent, which seemed to stagnate the air.
"Are you seeking death?" his voice was cold enough to freeze a spine.
"Which of us is seeking death will be known in a while."
They both floated up into the air. Zhao Chen burst out with his sixth-layer Grandmaster cultivation, feeling arrogant.
"Let's see what gives you the courage to be arrogant in front of me."
"Junior, don't say this old man bullies you. You make the first move," he said condescendingly.
"Hum, okay. Since the elder is so generous, I accept."
"BANG!!"
She released a cultivation of the 9th-layer Martial Grandmaster.