Su Yan

"After cultivating this technique, the younger disciple's temperament drastically changed, but his strength also surged suddenly, making him stronger than the elder disciple. The younger disciple believed that with his newfound power, the Pavilion Master would favor him. However, once the Pavilion Master learned of his practice of the dark arts, he was heartbroken and decided to strip him of his powers. Before the Pavilion Master could act, the younger disciple had already received news of the impending action. This news led him to be completely consumed by the demonic power, descending into darkness. On that fateful night more than a decade ago, Lingxiao Pavilion was drenched in blood! The elder disciple died tragically, and the younger fled in fear of retribution."

At this point, Su Mu paused, turning to see that everyone was listening intently, their faces etched with concern. Satisfied, he continued, "In a single night, the Pavilion Master's hair turned white. The loss of his most prized disciples—one dead and one fallen into darkness—was a blow beyond measure."

"Since then, the Pavilion Master has rarely been seen, and people assumed he had succumbed to despair and passed away. However, several years later, the Pavilion Master re-emerged, personally traveling great distances to capture his second disciple and confine him in the Dragon Trap Gorge!"

Yang Kai's mind suddenly stirred as he recalled the last words of the mysterious Elder Eleven: "I am not here to seek treasures, but to see a person!" 

Whom was he referring to? Undoubtedly, it was the one imprisoned in Dragon Trap Gorge.

Could this Elder Eleven be...

Su Mu continued, "Yet, after this incident, the Pavilion Master has been unable to advance beyond the Divine Travel Realm, remaining stuck at this stage. His unresolved heartache prevents him from finding peace in this lifetime."

As the story concluded, the group expressed their sympathy for the Pavilion Master's plight, condemning the fallen disciple as heartless and despicable.

Yang Kai's thoughts were tumultuous. Could the Elder Eleven be the same person Su Mu described? If Su Mu's story were true, it was very likely.

Just then, a cacophony of noise ahead drew his attention. Yang Kai looked up to see a large clearing in the dense forest, bustling with activity. It resembled a massive marketplace, with disciples from the three factions gathered together. Countless stalls displayed an array of goods, creating a feast for the eyes.

Nearby, there were even dozens of wooden huts, ranging in size. Some appeared to be for living quarters, while larger ones provided shelter from the elements, accommodating many people.

Under the bright sunshine, the disciples had set up their stalls in the open space.

The Blackwind Market was indeed a world of its own.

"Alright, we've arrived," Su Mu said, mainly bringing Yang Kai here to familiarize him with the place. Should he ever need it, he could come here to trade.

"This place is quite impressive," Yang Kai remarked, surveying the bustling marketplace with a hint of excitement.

"Of course," Su Mu replied with a smile. "Here, we can find anything we low-level martial artists might need. And there's no need to worry about safety; the three factions have experts stationed here to maintain order. See those small wooden huts? The ones serving as our base are where my sister is stationed."

"Your sister?" Yang Kai glanced at him, recalling that Su Mu had mentioned his sister was a core disciple when he last caused trouble. Core disciples were the future hope of Lingxiao Pavilion.

Su Mu immediately became defensive. "Let me warn you—don't even think about making any moves on my sister."

Yang Kai couldn't help but chuckle.

Su Mu added, "Even if you did, you probably wouldn't stand a chance."

"Your sister is that formidable?"

"Indeed. She's at the third level of the True Yuan Realm. Few among the younger generation can rival her."

Yang Kai was slightly taken aback. For a young disciple to reach the True Yuan Realm was already remarkable; the True Yuan Realm was a step below the Divine Travel Realm, where the Pavilion Master currently resided.

"Given your sister's prowess, why are you only at the Body Tempering Realm?" Yang Kai inquired, puzzled.

As if touched on a sensitive subject, Su Mu's face turned awkward. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Just a bit too fond of play. But don't worry, I'll definitely cultivate diligently in the future. I can't let a trial disciple like you surpass me."

Yang Kai nodded slightly. It seemed that the hardships he had faced recently had indeed sparked Su Mu's competitive spirit.

"Come on, I'll take you to meet my sister. With her protection, it will be much easier to navigate the Blackwind Market."

As they prepared to meet Su Mu's sister, the group's expressions turned serious. Even Su Mu straightened his clothes and dusted himself off, clearly showing a mix of fear and respect for his sister.

"What is your sister's name?" Yang Kai asked Li Yuntian quietly.

"Su Yan."

A fitting name; the real question was what kind of person she was.

Soon, they arrived at one of the wooden huts. Yang Kai looked up and noticed that not only this hut but also several nearby huts displayed Lingxiao Pavilion plaques. It seemed these huts were where the Pavilion's experts were stationed.

Su Mu appeared nervous, took a deep breath, and cautiously climbed the steps. With a poised manner, he knocked gently on the door, his voice as soft as a cat's meow: "Sister, I've come to see you."

Li Yuntian and the others struggled to stifle their laughter, their shoulders shaking. Yang Kai also found it hard to keep his amusement in check.

Su Mu seemed aware of the group's reaction and shot a glare at them.

"Come in!" A cool, melodious voice from inside commanded, akin to a mountain spring, refreshing and crisp.

Su Mu signaled to the group and then stepped inside.

As Yang Kai entered the room, he cast a discreet glance around. He found the interior of the hut even more modest than his own, sparsely furnished. Yet, once inside, the raucous noise of the marketplace was abruptly muted, creating an unexpectedly serene atmosphere.

The hut must possess some subtle magic to achieve such an effect.

While observing the room, Su Mu suddenly let out a pained cry. Yang Kai turned to see Su Mu crouching on the floor, holding his head in distress, with a woman dressed in white standing nearby.

The woman had her beautiful black hair styled into a cloud-like coiffure, with crescent-shaped willow-leaf brows, slender and bright eyes, a delicate nose, slightly rosy cheeks, and lips like two cherry petals. Her snow-like complexion and slender figure were mesmerizing.

However, her demeanor was chillingly cold, making the entire hut feel even cooler.

The woman was sitting cross-legged on the floor, coldly regarding Su Mu. It was evident that this was Su Yan.

"Do you know why you're being punished?" Su Yan asked.

Su Mu shook his head. Seeing the fierce glint in his sister's eyes, he quickly nodded.

"Then speak up," Su Yan's voice was soft yet carried an undeniable authority. Yang Kai understood why Su Mu was so fearful of his sister; who could withstand such a commanding presence, even if she were a stunning beauty?

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