On this day, within the Wind Lightning Mountain Range of the Central Plains' Northern Region, even though thunderclouds covered the sky, they couldn't block the ocean of people flooding at the mountain's base.
"Junior Sister, hurry up! If we're late, we won't get a good spot!"
"Senior Brother, there are way too many people… can that East Pavilion even hold everyone?"
"Exactly! That's why we've got to move fast. The Grand Meeting officially starts today— the Four Pavilions have all arrived at the East Pavilion already!"
"Really? Feng Qing'er of the Wind Lightning Pavilion, Mu Qingluan of the Falling Star Pavilion, Tang Ying of the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion, and Wang Chen of the Yellow Spring Pavilion — all of them are the best among the younger generation. I wonder who will take the championship?"
"Heh, who knows which of them will win, but if we're talking about real prodigies, it has to be that Master Liu Xi. Not only is he a top-tier alchemist, but he's also a Dou Zong expert!"
"That's right! If Master Liu Xi participates, who among the younger generation can outshine him? The championship definitely will belong to him!"
"..."
Figures streaked swiftly through the sky, landing one after another on the winding stone paths that led upward through the mountain. After a moment's hesitation, the crowd split into two groups — one heading toward the spectator area, and the other toward the competition grounds.
The stone road snaked up the mountain like a silver vein, and at its end, an endless sea of people had gathered. Around them stood towering silver trees, each trunk filled with flickering lightning — connecting heaven and earth in a web of electric veins.
At the heart of the crowd lay a massive plaza paved with silverwood, scarred with marks of past battles. It was clearly a training or sparring platform.
Atop the Wind Lightning Range stood the most striking sight of all — a colossal silver tower piercing through the clouds. Its body shimmered with arcs of lightning that danced endlessly, the tip vanishing directly into the storm clouds above. The sight alone filled onlookers with awe and dread.
In front of the plaza sat a row of high-grade silverwood seats with a perfect view of the entire arena. Around them stood disciples of the Wind Lightning Pavilion — their cold, sharp expressions and restrained Dou Qi aura marking them as far stronger than ordinary disciples.
At this moment, all the seats were empty. Those who were qualified to sit there had not yet arrived.
Time flowed on. Before long, a series of deep, resonant bell chimes echoed from the silver tower above.
Boom!
A massive bolt of lightning fell from the clouds, flooding the sky with blinding light. As the radiance faded, several silhouettes slowly stepped out from the lightning — and leading them was none other than Venerable Lei himself.
The group descended and took their seats, but Venerable Lei tilted his head upward, eyes glimmering with anticipation. It was clear he was waiting for someone.
Moments later, a sharp whistling sound tore through the air — a gigantic sword nearly ten zhang long flew through the clouds and hovered above the plaza before descending.
Venerable Lei's expression remained calm as he said faintly, "So it's Venerable Jian. Since you're here, please, take your seat."
The massive sword shattered into countless motes of light, revealing two figures — an elderly man and a young one.
The elder was short and dressed in coarse linen, looking no different from an ordinary old man. Yet from Venerable Lei's words, it was clear this was none other than Venerable Jian, Pavilion Master of the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion.
Beside him stood a young man with cold eyes and heavy Dou Qi pressure — Tang Ying of the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion.
The two landed gracefully. Seeing Venerable Lei's calm yet oddly expectant expression, Venerable Jian couldn't help feeling puzzled, but he said nothing — merely nodded and took his seat while Tang Ying stood quietly behind him.
"Hehe… how strange! Venerable Lei, why so cold today? This attitude isn't like you at all!"
A faintly sinister voice echoed next — moments later, a streak of black light shot up from the mountain's base like a phantom and appeared before the seats in an instant.
The black light faded, revealing an old man in dark robes, pale-faced and eerie, with a pair of mismatched eyes — one black, one white — that gave him an unnerving presence.
Behind him stood a young man with similar sharp, shadowed eyes — clearly his disciple.
Venerable Jian rolled his eyes but didn't respond. Only one person would speak to Venerable Lei and Venerable Jian in such a tone — Venerable Huang of the Yellow Spring Pavilion.
Venerable Lei only glanced at him lightly, smiling faintly but saying nothing. Compared to the person he was waiting for, even the Three Venerables or the entire Four Pavilion Grand Meeting seemed trivial.
Seeing both of them ignore him made Venerable Huang's expression sink. He grumbled coldly, clearly itching to stir up trouble — the kind of man who just couldn't stay quiet without provoking someone.
But just then, his expression suddenly froze, and his sinister gaze shifted toward the horizon — where a massive tornado-like vortex of wind came roaring in.
"Tch, that fellow — always the last to arrive, just because he wants to show off…"
His mocking tone clearly targeted the newcomer.
The giant wind vortex rapidly closed in, and within seconds, it reached the plaza. Then, with a faint hum, it dissipated into countless breezes, revealing two figures.
One was an elderly man in a blue robe with long, flowing hair that danced freely in the wind. Despite his age, his features were refined and striking, his aura elusive and transcendent — none other than Venerable Feng of the Falling Star Pavilion.
Beside him stood a young girl with a bright, lively face — Mu Qingluan, her intelligent eyes shining with youthful vitality.
The pair descended gracefully, Venerable Feng smiling warmly as he clasped his hands.
"Hehe, apologies for being late."
Venerable Lei and Venerable Jian both rose and returned the greeting politely. Among the four, Venerable Feng was the oldest and strongest, deserving their respect.
Only Venerable Huang remained indifferent — the friction among the Four Pavilions was long-standing. Despite their alliance, they were far from harmonious.
Venerable Lei smiled and said, "Not late at all… in fact, we're still waiting for someone else."
Before his words faded, a sharp cry echoed across the heavens.
"Screech!"
A majestic eagle's cry tore through the thunderclouds, followed by a clear, hearty laugh. "Haha! Venerable Lei, I'm not too late, am I? My mount's a bit slow today!"
At that moment, Venerable Lei abruptly stood up, joy lighting his face. His booming laughter rolled across the entire mountain like thunder.
"Not late — you've come at the perfect time!"
Venerable Feng, Venerable Jian, and Venerable Huang all exchanged startled looks. Who could make Venerable Lei greet them with such enthusiasm?
All around the mountain, countless cultivators stared upward in shock. The Four Venerables of the Four Pavilions were already here — so who else could possibly arrive now?
(End of Chapter)
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This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on P4 treon, For those who want to read 2 chapters ahead for free, you can find me on P4 treon by searching for my username: Fallen_Archangel_.
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