Li Yun pushed open the great door and stepped into the courtyard residence reserved for Martial Ascension Gate.
The mont he crossed the threshold, he imdiately felt the difference between this place and the bustling outer districts of the Boulder Inn.
Outside, the inn had been loud and lively. Voices rose from every direction, footsteps never ceased, and countless guests moved like flowing rivers through halls and courtyards. Here, however, the atmosphere changed completely.
The residence was quiet, elegant, and clearly protected by multiple formations.
Stone paths curved gracefully through carefully trimd gardens filled with spirit bamboo, flowering plants, and ancient ornantal trees.
Clear streams flowed gently through the courtyard, passing beneath carved stone bridges before disappearing into hidden channels. Lanterns of soft spiritual light glowed along the pathways, bathing the surroundings in warm radiance without disturbing the calm.
The entire area carried a composed and dignified atmosphere worthy of a major force.
Li Yun could sense subtle barriers hidden throughout the grounds. Defensive formations were woven into the walls, the paving stones, and even the surrounding plants. If an intruder entered carelessly, the peaceful residence would likely transform into a deadly trap in an instant.
A disciple waiting near the entrance noticed Li Yun and imdiately stepped forward with respect.
"Senior Brother Li, the Peak Lords are waiting in the central hall. Please follow ."
Li Yun gave a slight nod and followed him deeper into the residence.
As they moved along the inner paths, the disciple remained silent, clearly aware of the importance of the summons. They passed side courtyards reserved for resting disciples, training chambers hidden behind stone walls, and several smaller halls where sect elders were likely staying.
Soon, they arrived before the central hall.
The disciple stopped outside, bowed once, and withdrew.
Li Yun pushed open the door and entered.
The chamber within was spacious and solemn. Thick sandalwood pillars supported the ceiling, while spirit lamps burned with steady fla around the walls. A faint fragrance of incense lingered in the air. The floor was laid with polished stone, and the furnishings were elegant without excess.
Three imposing figures were already seated inside.
Peak Lord Shen Ming of Heaven Mandate Peak occupied the central seat. His posture was relaxed, yet the authority surrounding him naturally drew the eye. Even seated, he gave the impression of soone who could command storms with a word.
To his left and right sat the other two Peak Lords who had appeared earlier at Heaven Dew Peak. Their auras were fully restrained, yet the pressure that naturally surrounded them was enough to remind anyone present that these were true experts capable of dominating entire regions.
Li Yun did not delay.
He stepped forward, cupped both fists respectfully, and bowed.
"This disciple Li Yun greets Peak Lord Shen Ming and the two Peak Lords."
Shen Ming looked at him for a mont before nodding lightly.
"Sit."
Li Yun obeyed and took the offered seat below them.
For a brief ti, the chamber remained silent. The three Peak Lords simply observed him, as though weighing more than his outward appearance.
Then Shen Ming spoke slowly.
"Li Yun, today you truly stood out at the Tea Ceremony."
There was clear appreciation in his eyes.
"Even though we weren’t present to see your performance, we heard enough to know you didn’t let down the na of the Martial Ascension Gate."
The other two Peak Lords also gave slight nods.
Even they had to admit that what Li Yun displayed today was enough to shake the Southern Martial Domain.
Yet Shen Ming’s tone gradually shifted.
"However..."
He leaned back slightly.
"You also created enormous trouble for yourself."
Li Yun smiled faintly but did not imdiately respond.
The mountain-robed Peak Lord of the Human Origin Peak snorted.
"Enormous trouble is putting it mildly. You offended Yan Luo publicly, humiliated Boundless Martial Palace before countless witnesses, killed their people before today, and forced Huang Chen himself to appear."
The sword-cloud Peak Lord of Profound Mystery added in a calm voice,
"From this day onward, your na has spread across the Southern Martial Domain. Unfortunately, so has the list of enemies who now wish to kill you."
Li Yun rely shrugged.
"They already wanted to kill before today."
That answer caused the three Peak Lords to exchange glances.
Then Shen Ming laughed softly.
"You are quite bold but I like it."
He fell silent for a mont and studied Li Yun carefully.
Truthfully, he was not nearly as shocked by Li Yun’s monstrous display as most others had been.
Because only he knew a secret no one else present understood.
When Li Yun had first entered Heaven Mandate Peak, Shen Ming had personally tested his aptitude once again.
Quasi-Twelve Star Aptitude.
Even now, rembering it stirred his heart.
The founding ancestor of Martial Ascension Gate, whose na was spoken with reverence through countless generations, had not reached that level.
And in Shen Ming’s judgnt, if such talent were genuine and Li Yun did not fall midway through his path, then this young man was very likely the greatest genius to appear in the entire Southern Martial Domain in countless years.
Compared to that truth, defeating Xian Li or shocking Huang Chen while still young was not impossible.
It was expected.
Naturally, Shen Ming could never speak the full truth aloud.
If the outside world learned just how terrifying Li Yun’s aptitude truly was, the number of people seeking his death would multiply overnight.
Hidden enemies would erge from every direction, and forces that currently viewed him as only a troubleso junior would begin treating him as a future calamity that needed to be erased early.
Because of that, Shen Ming rely looked at Li Yun calmly and spoke in a asured tone.
"You perford well today."
His voice remained steady, yet the praise did not soften the warning hidden beneath it.
"But you also made many enemies, especially Boundless Martial Palace."
Li Yun raised an eyebrow slightly, though his expression remained relaxed.
The other two Peak Lords also glanced toward Shen Ming, sensing that his words carried deeper aning than a simple reminder.
Shen Ming continued slowly.
"You may think today was only a clash between juniors, but for a force like Boundless Martial Palace, face is often more valuable than reason."
He tapped the armrest of his chair lightly, the sound crisp within the silent hall.
"You humiliated their disciples in public. You defeated Xian Li before countless witnesses. You forced their elders to lose face, and you made Yan Luo retreat in anger."
His eyes sharpened.
"To outsiders, it was an exciting spectacle. To them, it was a humiliation carved into their reputation."
The atmosphere in the room grew heavier.
The mountain-robed Peak Lord folded his arms and snorted.
"Those people have always been overbearing. Losing once feels to them like losing ten tis."
The sword-cloud Peak Lord spoke calmly after him.
"And unlike ordinary enemies, a major sect does not think with one mind. Even if so elders choose restraint, others may seek revenge in secret."
Shen Ming gave a faint nod.
"That is exactly the danger."
He turned back toward Li Yun.
"You have the ability to rise above your peers. That much was clear to long ago. But ability alone is never enough. Talent that shines too brightly draws blades from every direction."
His gaze beca stern.
"You are now at the center of attention. From this mont onward, every move you make will be watched. Every journey outside the sect may carry hidden danger. Every conflict may be backed by forces larger than what appears on the surface."
The chamber fell quiet once more.
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