Chapter Five

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Just moments after the corpses flopped unceremoniously onto the forest floor and the phantom bell vanished into thin air like a mirage in the desert, another figure descended with all the grace of a swan

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Just moments after the corpses flopped unceremoniously onto the forest floor and the phantom bell vanished into thin air like a mirage in the desert, another figure descended with all the grace of a swan. It wasn't just any figure—this person exuded an air of authority and power that set them apart from the ordinary disciples. It was none other than Feng Mingzhu, the esteemed peak master of Fenghuang Peak, revered throughout the cultivation world as a war god incarnate.

In the annals of their novel, Feng Mingzhu was a legend for a reason. He was the master who wielded victories like a magician with a deck of unbeatable cards, all without ever drawing his sword. The only times he faced true challenge were when names like Huai Xiaozhun, Xiao, and Zhao Lian were penned.

With wide eyes and a heart pounding like a drum in a rock concert, Xue Xinyu turned to face Feng Mingzhu, the living legend now standing before him. Meeting the War God felt like stumbling upon a rare mythical creature in the wild—equal parts exhilarating and nerve-wracking, with a sprinkle of disbelief thrown in for good measure.

"Ah, Feng-shidi, what brings you here?" Xue Xinyu inquired, doing his best to suppress the squeal of excitement bubbling up within him. After all, he had a reputation to uphold, even in the face of meeting his idol.

"I'm sorry, Master Xue, but initially, we weren't aware of your proximity, so we sent out a signal firework to call for aid," one of the disciples explained, their voice tinged with a hint of apology.

"I understand," Xue Xinyu reassured them, flashing a reassuring smile before turning his attention back to Feng Mingzhu. "Xue-shixiong, it's been a while since our last encounter. It seems trouble has a way for finding you wherever you go," Feng Mingzhu remarked, his voice carrying the weight of past adventures and shared memories.

Their initial meeting had been during a disciplinary trial. It was a time when Huai Xiaozhun, in his youth, stumbled upon a treasure, the remnants of a warlock's legacy. Despite the temptation, Huai Xiaozhun chose to keep it under wraps.

Shortly thereafter, Feng Mingzhu joined Huai Xiaozhun's class, hence the affectionate term 'shixiong'—senior brother—used by Feng Mingzhu.

"Feng-shidi, it's a delight to see you again," Xue Xinyu greeted warmly, genuine curiosity sparkling in his eyes. "Considering the vast distance of Fenghuang Peak, what brings you to Gentian Recess?" His query hung in the air, a mix of genuine curiosity and subtle bewilderment at Feng Mingzhu's unexpected presence.

"I happened to be nearby, taking a leisurely stroll, when I spotted the signal firework," Feng Mingzhu explained casually. Laughter erupted from the other disciples, leaving Feng Mingzhu momentarily puzzled. It was an ironic twist—the peak master's excuse mirrored Xue Xinyu's own explanation earlier.

"Since you're already here, would you care to join me for some tea at Gentian Recess?" Xue Xinyu proposed with a flourish, his enthusiasm palpable. Feng Mingzhu's eyes twinkled with amusement as he readily accepted the invitation to catch up over tea.

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