These Supreme Elders were not only of lofty status but also possessed formidable strength. The one leading the conversation with Old Taoist Ox-Nose and Chu Feng, named Long Duan, was particularly powerful, a Martial Venerable expert. Among the Long clan’s Supreme Elders, he was a top figure, and among those present, he was the strongest. Though all the Supreme Elders inspired awe, Long Duan was the most revered. Normally, Long Duan was domineering, taciturn with clan members, and rarely smiled. Yet now, facing Chu Feng and Old Taoist Ox-Nose, he wore a beaming smile, his eyes gleaming as if he’d found treasure. This made Long Pingfeng and Long Nanxun realize that Old Taoist Ox-Nose was no ordinary figure. Otherwise, Long Duan wouldn’t treat him so courteously.
“You know me?” Old Taoist Ox-Nose asked, giving Long Duan a casual glance. His attitude was not only haughty but carried a hint of disdain. Frankly, he treated Long Duan no differently than the Long clan guards, showing no regard for either. This sparked anger among the Long clan members. Long Duan was a revered Supreme Elder, after all. Yet, despite Old Taoist Ox-Nose’s attitude, Long Duan’s smile didn’t falter. His demeanor shocked the clan members, confirming that Old Taoist Ox-Nose and Chu Feng were far more extraordinary than they’d imagined, even surpassing their earlier assumptions. For Long Pingfeng and the guards, this was bad news. Though they stayed silent, their trembling bodies betrayed their fear.
“Honored sir, I am Long Duan, a Supreme Elder of the Long clan. You may not have seen me, but I have indeed seen you. Though I focus on martial cultivation, I’m also a spiritist, albeit not highly skilled. I’ve always admired spiritist techniques. When the Ancient Spirit Domain opened, I was there. Due to the Holy Light Galaxy’s rule barring martial cultivators from interfering, I stayed hidden, observing from afar. I witnessed everything that happened, including the remarkable feats of you and your disciple. I was astounded and have admired you both since. I hoped to visit and befriend you someday. To see you and young friend Chu Feng here today is a delightful surprise,” Long Duan said.
“Disciple? Is this Chu Feng’s master?” Long Nanxun’s eyes lit up. He had seen Chu Feng’s spiritist prowess firsthand and had wondered about his master’s identity, certain he must be formidable. Now, learning that the unassuming Old Taoist Ox-Nose was Chu Feng’s master, Long Nanxun looked at him with newfound respect and awe. No wonder Long Duan, a figure of such stature, treated this plain-looking man with such reverence. Others, less aware of Old Taoist Ox-Nose’s significance, had heard of the Ancient Spirit Domain. Long Duan had indeed gone there and only recently returned, so they were unaware of what transpired. But from Long Duan’s words, it seemed this unremarkable master-disciple pair had done something extraordinary there.
“I see,” Old Taoist Ox-Nose nodded, his attitude softening slightly, at least giving Long Duan a proper look. “Honored sir, how should I address you?” Long Duan asked. “Call me Ox-Nose,” Old Taoist Ox-Nose replied. “That… doesn’t seem quite appropriate, does it?” Long Duan said, as the name didn’t sound respectful. Back when Old Taoist Ox-Nose’s name echoed through the Ancestral Martial Starfield, it wasn’t a flattering title. Though his spiritist skills were recognized, many thought him boastful and unreliable, hence the mocking nickname. “What’s inappropriate? Everyone calls me that. Just use it,” Old Taoist Ox-Nose said impatiently. “Very well, I’ll call you Master Ox,” Long Duan said. For someone of his status, calling a spiritist “Master” was already respectful, yet he addressed Old Taoist Ox-Nose as “Honored sir,” showing exceptional deference, likely because, having just returned from the Ancient Spirit Domain, he knew of the Dragon Vein Source’s activity. He believed Old Taoist Ox-Nose was the key to opening it.
“You’re a Supreme Elder here?” Old Taoist Ox-Nose asked suddenly. “Yes, as are these others. Let me introduce—” Long Duan began, but Old Taoist Ox-Nose waved him off impatiently. “No need for introductions. I only want to know one thing. The Long clan has some reputation in the Holy Light Galaxy. How do you raise such arrogant juniors?” He glanced at Long Pingfeng, kneeling with his head bowed, and the guards who had brandished weapons earlier. “Who will explain what you did to Master Ox and young friend Chu Feng?” Long Duan demanded sternly. “Supreme Elder, I know what happened,” Long Nanxun said, stepping forward to recount the events. “Foolish idiots, you’ve disgraced our clan! What are you waiting for? Apologize to Master Ox and young friend Chu Feng!” Long Duan roared at Long Pingfeng. The kneeling Long Pingfeng and the guards hurriedly apologized. As Long clan members, they rarely knelt to outsiders, even when wrong, due to their lofty status. But with Long Duan’s command, they dared not disobey.
Unexpectedly, despite their apologies, Old Taoist Ox-Nose’s expression remained unchanged. With a scornful smile, he said, “If apologies sufficed, what need is there for rules? Is this how the Long clan educates its people? No wonder they’re so arrogant.” His blatant dissatisfaction was clear.
