Not far away stood several figures. Among them was a young man Chu Feng recognized, named Long Nanxun. Long Nanxun was one of Long Xiaoxiao’s allies, whom Chu Feng had met when she sought his help. Initially, Long Nanxun was hostile towards Chu Feng, but after Chu Feng saved him and Long Xiaoxiao from Master Insight’s deadly trap, their relationship had eased. Unexpectedly, they met again today under such circumstances. When Chu Feng saw Long Nanxun, the latter nodded at him, and Chu Feng returned a smile. This simple gesture told Chu Feng that Long Nanxun was on his side today. Reflecting on Long Nanxun’s initial antagonism, Chu Feng felt a pang of nostalgia.
Then, Long Nanxun’s gaze turned sharp as he addressed the Long clan guard who had approached Chu Feng. “How dare you? Our clan is openly recruiting master spiritists, and you block them?” The guard, who had intended to hassle Chu Feng, quickly knelt in fear. “Young Master Nanxun, I was wrong,” he said. The other guards also looked terrified. This showed Long Nanxun’s significant status within the Long clan, or he wouldn’t have intimidated the guards so thoroughly. Chu Feng could sense that, though guards, these men were not weak in strength.
“It’s not entirely their fault,” another voice chimed in. It was a young man, fair-faced but with a sinister air, clearly not a kind person. He walked side by side with Long Nanxun, suggesting his status was also notable. “Though our clan is recruiting spiritists, the notices clearly state we seek those with strong abilities. These two are obviously here to scam rewards. Shouldn’t they be turned away?” he said. “Young Master Nanxun, Young Master Pingfeng is right. It’s not that I’m looking down on them, but I’m following orders. The elders provided a list, and only those on it may enter,” the kneeling guard explained. “This is my friend, highly skilled in spiritist techniques. He could help us. Even if he’s not on the list, he should be treated as a guest,” Long Nanxun insisted. “Highly skilled?” The youth, Long Pingfeng, sneered. “Nanxun, since when do you associate with such riffraff?” “Pingfeng, have you heard the saying, ‘There’s always someone better out there’?” Long Nanxun retorted.
Long Pingfeng scoffed and turned to several elderly men in spiritist robes behind him. “Masters, do you know these two?” One of them, a sharp-faced old man, smirked. “Young Master Long, we’ve traveled far and attended many spiritist gatherings. Not to boast, but we’ve met every notable spiritist in the Holy Light Galaxy, including Saint Venerable Wudao, Master Tang Chen, Master Mule Tuo, Fairy Muzhi, and Ghost-Face Heavenly Venerable. But these two? Never seen them. Who are their masters?” His gaze dripped with mockery, as if Chu Feng and Old Taoist Ox-Nose were clowns. Chu Feng wanted to retort but felt a hand on his arm—Old Taoist Ox-Nose. Glancing at his master, Chu Feng held his tongue. Given his master’s extraordinary abilities, these people were the true clowns. Chu Feng was curious to see how his master would handle this.
“Frankly, you’re not worthy to speak to me,” Old Taoist Ox-Nose said with a grin, glancing at the spiritists and Long Pingfeng. This provoked Long Pingfeng. “What did you say? You think I’m not worthy?” he demanded angrily. “I came to help your clan, not to be harassed. Young man, I don’t care who you are, but a word of advice: I’m no hypocrite; I’m a true villain. I always settle scores. Speak to me politely, or it won’t end well for you,” Old Taoist Ox-Nose said with a meaningful smile, implying trouble for Long Pingfeng if he didn’t back off. To Long Pingfeng, Chu Feng and Old Taoist Ox-Nose were nobodies, and he wouldn’t tolerate their insolence. “Bold fool, daring to act wild in our clan! Seize him!” he shouted. “They’re my friends. Who dares touch them?” Long Nanxun countered, stepping forward and releasing his pressure to protect Chu Feng and his master. “Take them all!” Long Pingfeng ordered. “Yes, sir!” The guards, emboldened, charged at Long Nanxun.
“Stop!” an aged voice rang out. A golden cloud descended, carrying several figures—elders with extraordinary auras, like immortals. They were the Long clan’s Supreme Elders. “Greetings, Supreme Elders!” Long Pingfeng, previously defiant, knelt immediately. Other clan members, including Long Nanxun, followed suit. Long Nanxun frowned; he could handle the guards, but if the Supreme Elders backed Long Pingfeng, he was powerless. Yet, something astonishing happened. The elders ignored Long Pingfeng and Long Nanxun, walking straight to Chu Feng and Old Taoist Ox-Nose. “Young friend Chu Feng, honored sir, why have you come?” they asked, their faces lit with excitement, as if seeing saviors. At their words, Long Nanxun and others looked confused, while Long Pingfeng’s face turned ashen, realizing his mistake.
