These days, the hottest topic in Yulan City was undoubtedly Feng Hao.
The Feng family naturally began to take Feng Hao seriously.
Even if he failed in his three-year challenge, he would surely become a Great Martial Master-level strong cultivator.
As for the Wan family, the first thing Wan Shuo did upon returning home was to send word of this development to the Yun family.
Naturally, when Yun Ying heard about it, she showed no reaction.
Her talent was exceptional.
She had already broken through to Martial Master at thirteen — and she was an elemental martial artist, an ice martial artist at that.
If Wan Shuo hadn’t mentioned it, she would have basically forgotten about the whole affair.
At night, the heads and elders of the Yang and Hu families gathered together.
“The situation in Yulan City is clear to all of you, I’m sure.”
Yang Chong’s face was dark as he spoke in alow voice.
The Wan family had produced an elemental martial artist — their rise was unstoppable.
And the Feng family had obtained a Yellow-grade high-tier essence art and a Xuan-level martial skill.
Unless something unexpected happened, the next generation of the Feng family would surely surpass the others.
And all because of that Yellow-grade high-tier essence art.
“Let’s hear your thoughts.”
He opened the floor for discussion.
“The Wan family can’t be touched.”
Hu Li said directly.
“Correct.”
His words met with agreement from everyone.
The Wan family now had the Yun family’s protection.
They were no longer a force that small families like theirs could touch.
“As for the Feng family…”
Speaking of the Feng family, Hu Li’s brow also furrowed deeply.
The scene at the Yage Auction House was still fresh in their minds.
“Who is that cloaked figure?
And what connection does he have to the Feng family?”
That was the question giving them headaches.
“Better not touch the Feng family for now.”
Hu Li let out a light sigh.
That kind of person — casually producing Xuan-level martial skills, and with Ouyang Peng of the Yage Auction House showing him such deference — sent chills down their spines.
“If we can’t touch this one or that one, are we just supposed to wait to be absorbed?”
An elder of the Yang family spoke resentfully.
“That’s not what I’m saying.”
Hu Li shook his head and spoke slowly.
“The Feng family is not yet a threat.
Even with those two manuals, without decades, they won’t surpass us.
If we wait a while and the cloaked figure makes no move, we can act then.”
“Right.”
Yang Chong nodded.
“But—”
Hu Li’s eyes narrowed, a sharp light flickering within them.
“That boy absolutely cannot be allowed to live.
Otherwise, the consequences will be endless.”
“Yes.”
Clearly, Feng Hao’s rate of growth had put them on edge.
He could no longer be ignored.
“That boy will become a major threat.”
Yang Chong’s eyes also gleamed sharply.
“Heh heh.
Killing him is simple enough.”
Hu Li chuckled darkly.
“I’ve heard that someone spotted that boy leaving the city every evening.
When the time comes…”
“Good.
It’s settled.”
The people in the room quickly reached an agreement and begandeploy their men.
Day after day passed.
Feng Hao continued to temper himself with Tiger Movement, wasting no time.
As usual, as the sky darkened, he wiped the sweat from his face and headed out of the city.
Beneath the rosewood tree, Feng Hao threw punch after punch, practicing the connection between the two postures.
Each strike left a clear fist imprint on the trunk.
“Who?”
He spun around sharply to see a man in black rapidly approaching.
“Heh, quick reaction.”
The man’s voice was somewhat hoarse.
He didn’t slow down.
His eyes gleamed sharply, and his aura began to rise.
In the darkness, a faint, shimmering light emanated from him.
“A Martial Master!”
Feng Hao’s heart seized up.
His face turned deathly pale.
That shimmering light was the manifestation of martial essence.
This man in black was a genuine Martial Master.
“Who are you?”
He locked his gaze on the black-clad man, watching him warily.
“Heh.
What do you think?”
The man continued closing in with ill intent.
“Run!”
Only one thought crossed Feng Hao’s mind.
He turned and fled toward the Beast Mountain Range.
Against a Martial Master, he had no chance of fighting back.
“Think you can escape?”
The man snorted disdainfully.
He leaped into the air, swooping down on Feng Hao like a hawk.
*Thud!*
From a distance, the man struck out with a palm.
Blood droplets scattered through the air.
“Heh heh.”
Looking at the fallen Feng Hao, the man couldn’t hide his satisfaction.
The thought of this genius dying by his hand was enough to twist his features.
The searing pain in his back made Feng Hao feel like his organs and bones had been crushed.
Without hesitation, he activated the medicinal properties of the Divine Farmer’s Canon, spreading them through his body.
A cool sensation washed over him.
He sprang to his feet and, with the wind whistling past his ears, fled headlong into the Beast Mountain Range without looking back.
“Damn it!”
Watching the agile figure, the black-clad man was stunned for a moment before activating his martial essence and giving chase.
He couldn’t understand how a boy he had just severely wounded was moving like nothing had happened.
His speed didn’t look like someone who was injured at all.
*Swish!
Swish!*
Feng Hao had never been in the Beast Mountain Range before.
He picked a direction and plunged in, weaving through the foliage.
Hearing the shouts behind him, his heart raced.
He pushed his speed even harder, every muscle in his body working at full capacity.
“Damn it!”
The black-clad man stared hatefully at the figure disappearing deeper into the mountains.
He slowed to a stop.
This was the infamous Beast Mountain Range.
Entering it as a mere Martial Master was suicide.
He glared resentfully for a moment, waited a while, then withdrew.
*Whoosh…
whoosh…*
Wind rushed past his feet as Feng Hao’s figure darted through the Beast Mountain Range.
He had no idea how deep he had gone.
Only when he could no longer hear the sounds of pursuit did he slow down.
“Where is this?”
Looking around at the dark, dense forest, Feng Hao’s heart trembled.
“Damn.
This is the Beast Mountain Range.”
His already pale face turned even whiter.
The Beast Mountain Range was a forbidden zone.
It was filled with countless magical beasts.
Even a Martial Master entering alone would only meet death.
Now, having been chased here, Feng Hao had no idea how deep he had gone.
No wonder the black-clad man hadn’t pursued further.
But his current situation wasn’t much better than being hunted.
On the way in, he had already used the Divine Farmer’s Canon three times — meaning he had penetrated at least into the mid-periphery zone.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Feng Hao’s heart was filled with bitterness.
He had escaped the wolf’s mouth only to fall into the tiger’s den.
He walked with extreme caution, nervously scanning his surroundings, terrified that a magical beast might burst out from some unknown place at any moment.
[END OF CHAPTER 17]