Chapter 192 Violent Rose
Fortunately, there were no powerful monsters lurking outside the Duanyun Mountains, so they were able to move forward smoothly without encountering any major disasters.
This hunting trip yielded little results, and even more unfortunately, teammate Lu Chuan was killed, casting a shadow over everyone's hearts.
After selling all the property, Shangguan Jiannan did not take a penny. He generously donated some of his own savings and asked Xu Dake to pass it on to Lu Chuan's family as a comfort to the deceased.
In his opinion, although the path of a warrior is dangerous, as long as his family is healthy, it is the greatest comfort.
Xu Dakai was also deeply saddened by Lu Chuan's death. He gladly accepted Shangguan Jiannan's kindness and added his own thoughts, vowing to take good care of Lu Chuan's family.
After a short rest in Dahuang City, Shangguan Jiannan and Lu Jing set out on the journey back to their clan.
Although this trip did not bring much wealth, and may even have resulted in losses, the accumulation of practical experience is priceless.
What’s more worth mentioning is that Shangguan Jiannan’s storage ring contains hundreds of precious Xuanming ice crystals, which are excellent materials for setting up formations. This trip is by no means in vain.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, Shangguan Jiannan's strength has quietly improved to the late stage of Sword King Realm, and he is only one step away from Condensation Realm.
He was full of confidence, thinking in his mind: “Those top masters in the sect, such as Ji Beixuan, have only just entered the Condensation Realm.
As for Ji Beishan from the same class, I’m afraid he is no match for me.”
After years of accumulation, all he had was a breakthrough at this moment. Shangguan Jiannan was full of confidence in his own strength.
Recalling his experiences in the netherworld, he became more determined to move forward.
Shangguan Jiannan's strength had originally been firmly in the top ten within the sect, and now it seems that he has a good chance of being among the top five.
Among the inner sect disciples, there are only a handful of top masters, and even fewer who can reach the late stage of Sword King Realm. Most of the others are still lingering in the Sword King Realm.
Shangguan Jiannan was quite pleased with this.
Above the mountain gate, there were shadows of people and disciples coming and going in a constant flow, so fast that it was hard to keep up.
Shangguan Jiannan and Lu Jing changed into the iconic purple robes of the inner disciples of the Tianjian Sect and hurried along the mountain road, attracting glances and exclamations from the passers-by.
"Look, isn't that Senior Brother Shangguan Jiannan? His cultivation has improved a lot!" "Yes, the speed is amazing, and his cultivation method is really enviable."
...These discussions were heard by the wind, but Shangguan Jiannan just smiled indifferently and did not slow down his pace.
Lu Jing followed closely behind. The black Fang Tian Huaji in her hand was particularly eye-catching. The name of the Violent Rose had long been known in the sect and also attracted many eyes.
"Finally, we're home."
Standing in front of the mountain gate and looking at the familiar sect scene, Shangguan Jiannan felt a long-lost sense of familiarity in his heart.
He took a deep breath and was filled with emotion. The disciples around him also looked at him with curiosity and discussion.
After entering the sect, the two of them dispersed and merged into the crowd.
Shangguan Jiannan quickened his pace and headed straight for Yin Wuqing's hall.
At this moment, a slightly sarcastic chuckle suddenly sounded in my ears.
"Hey, isn't this Shangguan Jiannan!" As soon as the voice sounded, Shangguan Jiannan immediately stopped and his eyes turned cold in an instant.
He was very familiar with this voice - Feng Yueyang.
Turning around, I saw Feng Yueyang standing not far away with a somewhat contemptuous smile, and next to him stood Ji Beishan with a calm expression.
The two stood side by side, which made Shangguan Jiannan wonder: How could they be together? However, after thinking about it, Shangguan Jiannan was relieved.
After all, birds of a feather flock together. These two are both from prominent families, so it is not surprising that they get together.
He raised his eyebrows slightly, a barely perceptible complex emotion flashed in his eyes, and then he continued to move forward.
The two walked side by side, but there seemed to be an invisible wall between them.
Shangguan Jiannan stopped and the disciples behind him whispered to each other, making the scene a little noisy.
Feng Yueyang inadvertently exuded a hint of spiritual energy. The powerful and steady aura made the disciples around him unconsciously keep their distance and feel awe.
Ji Beishan, who was standing aside, had a frosty face and his eyes were fixed on Shangguan Jiannan with a playful look.
Feng Yueyang's cultivation level had vaguely reached the late stage of Sword King Realm, and Ji Beishan was even more unfathomable. The faint spiritual energy he exuded made even Shangguan Jiannan feel wary.
"This is not good, I'm afraid."
Shangguan Jiannan sighed inwardly and his expression changed slightly.
"Didn't you say you were going out for training? Why are you back so soon?" Feng Yueyang raised a hint of contempt and looked at Shangguan Jiannan with a playful look.
As soon as these words were spoken, the disciples around him burst into laughter and discussions.
Shangguan Jiannan became famous because of his trip to the underworld, and then mysteriously disappeared because of Guo Cheng's revenge. His sudden return now naturally arouses people's imagination.
Everyone speculated that he might have encountered disciples from the Temple of War God outside and had to return in embarrassment.
Feeling Shangguan Jiannan's gloom, Feng Yueyang became more and more proud, and his next move made the whole scene silent in an instant.
He strode forward, his finger pointed directly at Shangguan Jiannan, his voice steady and powerful, echoing throughout the venue.
"Do you dare to fight with me?" Feng Yueyang's low voice echoed in this empty place, clearly knocking on everyone's heart.
The originally noisy scene suddenly became quiet. Everyone looked at each other in disbelief - Feng Yueyang actually directly challenged the sect master Shangguan Jiannan.
After a moment's silence, the crowd erupted in deafening cheers. This wave of enthusiasm quickly swept across the entire square. The disciples' emotions were completely ignited, and their eyes were shining with anticipation and excitement.
The two masters are finally going to face off head-on, which is undoubtedly the scene they most want to see.
The cheers surged like a tide, pushing the surrounding atmosphere to a boiling point.
Feng Yueyang was full of confidence, while Shangguan Jiannan had a solemn expression, with complex lights flashing in his eyes, as if he was having a fierce inner struggle.
"What? Are you scared?" Feng Yueyang raised his lips into a provocative smile. Although his voice was soft, it was loud enough for everyone in the audience to hear.
He looked around, enjoying the commotion he had caused, and then slowly approached Shangguan Jiannan, with a bit of contempt in his tone, "If you don't dare, it's not too late to admit defeat now, and I will naturally not embarrass you."
As soon as these words were spoken, all the disciples held their breath and waited, their eyes fixed on Shangguan Jiannan.
In public, refusing the challenge would undoubtedly be a huge blow to his prestige.
The air was filled with tension and depression, as if even breathing had become heavy.
Whispers began to be heard all around, with people talking a lot. Some accused Feng Yueyang of being arrogant, while others believed that Shangguan Jiannan should not back down.
These voices are intertwined to form a force of public opinion that cannot be ignored.
At this moment, Shangguan Jiannan suddenly raised his head, his eyes sharp as torches, and stared directly at Feng Yueyang, as if he had made a decision at this moment.