novelburst
Chapter 457: Conflict!
Chapter 457: Conflict!
Chapter 457: Conflict!
Chapter 457: Conflict!
"Xiao Yin, since Master has mentioned that there is a spatial barrier set up by the Devouring Gold Mouse Clan at the bottom of the Tianshan Blood Pool, assist me in entering it later! Afterward, stay outside and look after Han Yue, Yanran, and Ah Zi."
Based on Xiao Yi Xian's understanding of Xiao Yin’s strength, she knew that the Tianshan Blood Pool no longer had any significant effect on someone of her level. Hence, she arranged things this way.
"Don't worry, Sister Xian! Leave everything to me!" Xiao Yin cheerfully nodded upon hearing her instructions.
...
Two hours later, at the foot of Tianmu Mountain, the first group of "young talents" who had ventured into the mountain range finally arrived before the entrance to the maze.
"Huh? Why is the entrance to this maze so large? Didn’t the sect records state that only one person could pass through at a time?"
Standing before the maze entrance, Jiang Feng stared at the large hole that Xiao Yin had blasted open, his face full of confusion.
Behind him, two youths, around twenty-four or twenty-five years old, shared his reaction. These two were the direct disciples of Fu Fan, the master of the Bone Transformation Sect in Bone Transformation City. Their strength had reached the level of eight-star Dou Emperor, making them among the top-ranked experts in the group entering this time.
"Brother Jiang Feng, do you know what happened here?" the two asked Jiang Feng in unison.
"I have no idea. It was already like this when I arrived," Jiang Feng replied, shaking his head.
"This maze entrance was clearly destroyed by someone. Who would dare to do such a thing? Aren’t they afraid of angering the Devouring Gold Mouse Clan and inviting trouble?" The two disciples from the Bone Transformation Sect suspiciously examined the large hole as they walked toward it.
"This is great! The maze’s effects have been nullified, and we can save a lot of time passing through!"
"Exactly! Although the mist here is denser than in other areas, it’s no longer enough to obstruct our vision."
Noticing this, the two disciples paid no attention to Jiang Feng and quickly passed through the hole, disappearing from his view.
Seeing this, Jiang Feng hesitated no longer and stepped into the now-useless maze.
Because the maze’s effects were mostly gone, those disciples equipped with detailed maps quickly navigated the area. It didn’t take long before they exited the maze and reached the Tianshi Platform at the mountain’s midpoint.
At this moment, Jiang Feng, who was swiftly ascending, and the disciples from the Bone Transformation Sect, arrived at the Tianshi Platform. Upon seeing only members of the Devouring Gold Mouse Clan present, their faces immediately lit up with excitement.
According to convention, the absence of other humans on the platform meant they were the first to arrive.
“Whoosh!”
“Whoosh! Whoosh!”
Jiang Feng and the two disciples from the Bone Transformation Sect landed on the platform one after another, their faces carrying an air of pride.
However, the recognition Jiang Feng had anticipated from the Devouring Gold Mouse Clan—admiration, or at least acknowledgment—did not come. Instead, the clan members, Jin Shi and Jin Gu, barely glanced at them before looking away with cold expressions, even frowning.
"Hmph! A group of defeated remnants from back then. Why are they acting so high and mighty?" Jiang Feng felt annoyed. In his mind, the Devouring Gold Mouse Clan was merely a group of glorified gatekeepers.
Before long, more people began to ascend the Tianshi Platform. This time, groups of ten or twenty arrived at once, far exceeding the numbers of previous years. Representatives from nearly all surrounding factions, both large and small, had made their way here.
As the platform became increasingly crowded, Jin Shi and Jin Gu’s expressions grew darker, their brows furrowing even deeper.
“Ahem!”
"The time has come. Who among you wishes to be the first to attempt the trial?" Jin Shi forced himself to step forward and speak in a steady tone.
"This year's trial remains the same: the Mouse Tide Sonic Array. Whoever can pass through it will be allowed to ascend to the peak of Tianmu Mountain! So far, five individuals have already completed the trial and reached the summit!" After saying this, Jin Shi deliberately lowered his voice, attempting to maintain a calm demeanor.
"I’ll go first!"
Before Jin Shi's words had fully settled, a disciple from a prominent sect, eager to prove himself, stepped forward.
However, just as this seven-star Dou Emperor was about to leap toward the stone staircase leading upward, Jiang Feng suddenly interrupted.
"Hold it!"
Raising his arm and calling out loudly, Jiang Feng took a few steps toward Jin Shi and Jin Gu, questioning them. "According to the rules, your Devouring Gold Mouse Clan is only allocated two spots. Yet now, you claim five people have already gone up. Are you intending to take five more spots for yourselves? Aren’t you afraid of inciting everyone’s anger with such greed?"
As soon as Jiang Feng finished speaking, more people began to realize the implications of his words, joining in with accusations against the Devouring Gold Mouse Clan.
"That’s right! Jiang Feng is absolutely correct. The Devouring Gold Mouse Clan’s behavior this year is outrageous. Do they intend to disregard the agreements of the past?"
"We're so many people here, yet you’re giving us only three spots? The Devouring Gold Mouse Clan is far too greedy!"
Facing the growing outcry, Jin Shi did not resort to force but angrily retorted, "Hmph! Stop spouting nonsense. My Devouring Gold Mouse Clan has never violated the agreement. The five individuals who passed the trial earlier are not from our clan!"
"Heh, every year, the trials are open and transparent. Why is it that this year, some people could pass in advance? What a joke!" Jiang Feng sneered in response to Jin Shi's explanation.
Jiang Feng’s words reignited the crowd's anger, which had only just started to subside.
Seeing this, a cold glint flashed in Jin Gu's eyes. He spoke in a deep voice, "Young man, if you continue to speak so disrespectfully to the clan leader, do you believe I won’t throw you down the mountain right now?"
The immense pressure radiating from Jin Gu was focused entirely on Jiang Feng, causing his face to turn pale. He quickly realized that the seemingly unassuming elder before him, Jin Shi, was none other than the Devouring Gold Mouse Clan's clan leader—a figure rumored to rival Tianleizi, the master of the Wind Thunder Pavilion’s Northern Branch.
"My goodness, I acted so insolently in front of such a terrifying expert!" Jiang Feng immediately regretted his earlier behavior. The words he had intended to say were swallowed back into his throat.
"Senior, it was my mistake just now. Please forgive my rashness!" Jiang Feng lowered his head and apologized sincerely to Jin Shi.
"Forget it. My Devouring Gold Mouse Clan has always adhered to the rules. While it is true that anyone who passes the trial can ascend to the summit, if more than eight individuals reach the peak, they will still need to compete among themselves for the spots." Jin Shi waved his hand, his words carrying a clear implication.
It was obvious that regardless of when someone completed the trial, only eight spots would be allocated at the summit, and those who made it through would have to determine their eligibility through further competition.
"In that case, let me be the first to attempt the trial!" Jiang Feng stepped forward with determination.
(End of Chapter)
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