Tang Yan revealed a brilliant smile. "I come from humble beginnings, born in the remote Yun City of the Eastern Region. At that time, my family was in decline, surrounded by enemies on all sides, our survival uncertain from day to day."

"As the sole direct descendant of the family, if I failed in this generation, it would cause the lesser forces attached to us to lose all confidence in the Tang Family's future."

"I could have sold off the family assets and lived a carefree life."

"Or I could shoulder the heavy burden and revive the family."

"I chose the latter. A man, what is there to fear!"

"I put my life on the line and trained bitterly, as if walking a tightrope over a cliff. Finally, I defeated the number one expert in Yun City, gained the favor of the City Lord's Manor, and changed the situation where my family was surrounded on all sides."

"Only later did I realize that the family still faced grand perils!"

"The opponents I have to face are not in the Eastern Region, not in the Imperial City, not in Tingxiang, but in a higher plane."

"Even if my strength reaches the Heaven Rank, I still will have no say."

"I don't know what I have to face, but I carry the expectations of my closest kin."

"My pressure is no less than yours-in fact, it's even greater."

"You ask me what qualifies me to change you?" Tang Yan stared at Yu Juechen, his voice resounding with force. "Long-term goals, firm convictions, an unyielding character, a heart that never gives up! Is that enough?"

An fearless force quietly bloomed, making Tang Yan at this moment resemble a general on a battlefield.

Yu Juechen's body trembled slightly, infected by Tang Yan's confidence. Tang Yan's words were like a ray of sunlight, dispelling the dark clouds that had oppressed him for years.

The shackles on his heart loosened quietly at this moment.

Seeing the fighting spirit gradually fill Yu Juechen's eyes, Tang Yan knew in his heart that the gears of this guy's fate had begun to turn.

"I'll trust you this once! For these four days, I'll follow your lead!" Yu Juechen said solemnly.

"Who said working with me means being my subordinate? We are friends." Tang Yan patted Yu Juechen on the shoulder.

"Friends? What are friends?" Yu Juechen was somewhat bewildered. In his eighteen years at the Rakshasa Sect, everyone had flattered and fawned over him; he had never experienced the taste of friendship.

Bang!

A dazzling firework suddenly bloomed in the distance, like a seductive flower, its flames brilliant and eye-catching.

Tang Yan was about to reply when his expression suddenly changed. He activated Phantom Step, instantly turning into a bolt of lightning as he rushed toward the place where the firework had burst. "Brother Yu, we'll meet again later!"

Watching Tang Yan's back, Yu Juechen almost couldn't react.

What was all this? Wasn't he supposed to make me do chores? Bah, wasn't he supposed to be friends with me? Why did he leave just like that?

Then Yu Juechen realized something, and a complex look appeared in his eyes. "Those who set off the fireworks must be his friends, right?"

With that, he fully exerted his footwork and rushed toward the direction of the fireworks.

...

At the foot of Water Blue Peak, a crowd of onlookers had gathered.

Four people were tied up with ropes and hung from several trees.

Everyone was puzzled-what had these four done to anger the Immortal Sword Gang so much that they received such treatment?

Soon, someone recognized that these four were Tang Yan's companions.

After that dazzling firework was launched, those present understood that the Immortal Sword Gang was using this method to force Tang Yan to show himself.

Though shameless, it had to be said it was simple and effective.

Bai Yu stroked his chin, staring at the sky, and said with amusement, "The characteristics of this firework are obvious enough. That kid should be able to see it, right?"

Yun Zhonghe toyed with the three signal flares in his hand, smiled, and said, "Indeed obvious. If that kid didn't see it, we can just set off a few more."

With that, he tossed another signal flare into the sky.

"Bang!"

The dazzling firework exploded again over Water Blue Peak, its flames brilliant.

Tang Yan, whose figure had already turned into a streak of light, stared at the firework in the sky, his eyes icy cold.

Though he hadn't reached the scene, he had already guessed what had happened.

Using companions as bait to lure the snake out of its hole.

Very well, you've succeeded!

...

"I never thought the esteemed Immortal Sword Gang would act so despicably. Truly an eye-opener for me!" Fang Xuan, who was tied up, shouted sarcastically.

"Despicable? Don't blame me. Blame Tang Yan. If he hadn't taken something that didn't belong to him, you wouldn't have ended up like this." Bai Yu sneered. "Just pray that Tang Yan comes. If he doesn't, you'll lose your qualification to enter the Azure Dragon Academy."

All items on the four had been thoroughly searched, and their Star Values had been taken away.

Even if they were released later, without enough opportunities, it would be extremely difficult for them to gain entry into the Azure Dragon Academy.

"Heaven and earth spiritual treasures are inherently ownerless; they belong to those capable enough to obtain them. On the hundred-zhang Water Blue Peak, Tang Yan was faster than you-that's simply because your strength was insufficient. Now you keep hounding him, aren't you afraid of losing face?" Lin Dongxue mocked without restraint.

Hearing Lin Dongxue's words, Leng Ning's cold expression deepened by a fraction.

Leng Ning naturally possessed a chilly temperament that made people want to keep their distance yet couldn't help but look.

Such a woman, pursued by countless admirers, suddenly saw two beauties whose looks and temperament were no less than her own. Naturally, she developed an inexplicable hostility toward Wan Fei and Lin Dongxue.

"Say one more word, and I'll slap your face until it's swollen, believe me?" Leng Ning threatened coldly.

"Hmph, you were simply outmatched. Why be too ashamed to admit it?" Lin Dongxue curled her lips disdainfully.

"Slap!"

"Slap, slap, slap!"

A series of crisp slapping sounds rang out, and Lin Dongxue's fair, delicate face instantly turned red and swollen.

"Are you obedient now?" Leng Ning smiled, but her eyes were full of contempt.

Biting back the pain, a flash of anger passed through Lin Dongxue's eyes, but she didn't say a word. She would settle this score sooner or later.

"Alright, Cold Beauty, why bother with a little girl? Save your energy for when we catch Tang Yan. Then you can kill or slice him as you please," Yun Zhonghe said lazily.

"Dongxue, it's okay. We'll definitely get revenge for this," Wan Fei comforted her softly.

Lin Dongxue replied quietly, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Wan Fei sighed upon hearing this. She understood in her heart that although Lin Dongxue was young, she was exceptionally intelligent. The reason she had just retorted to Leng Ning was entirely because Tang Yan held too much weight in her heart. With her intelligence, how could she not have foreseen the consequences of that retort?

Noon.

A black shadow moved like a spirit fox, racing all the way until it finally spotted Water Blue Peak.

Tang Yan's speed slowed down at this moment.

He took out a pill and swallowed it. Now that his dantian had merged with the chaotic space, his absorption of spiritual Qi had greatly accelerated.

Feeling the spiritual Qi gradually becoming abundant, Tang Yan took a deep breath and dashed forward.

Before long, Tang Yan saw a dense crowd scattered around Water Blue Peak.

Fortunately, most were just onlookers, not actual enemies.

He quickly scanned the area, and his gaze fell on a row of large trees.

More precisely, on the four people hanging from the trees.

The four bore varying degrees of injuries, likely sustained while resisting.

A faint killing intent swirled around Tang Yan, but he concealed it well, unnoticed by others.