Chapter 78: Dark Night, Fierce Wind

Ye Zihan and Chen Yiyan lingered at the inn for a while, sharing a few drinks before preparing to retire for the night. Yan Chen had already reserved a premium room for Chen Yiyan, and now the group was ready to rest; tomorrow, they would venture into the Beast Domain, and needed their strength.

Their greatest threat was not some lurking beast, but the infamous Phantom Temple, known across the continent. If the Phantom Temple continued its lawless ways, countless prodigious youths would fall victim to their hands. Their killings were executed with such mastery that no evidence was left behind; thus, the major powers could only swallow their bitterness in silence.

“It’s late. Let’s get some rest,” Chen Yiyan said, standing in Ye Zihan’s room to bid him goodnight. Their journey to the Beast Domain had already consumed much time, and rest was essential if they were to face tomorrow’s challenges.

When they first arrived in Black Tortoise City, it was already late, prompting them to retire early. Ye Zihan was indifferent to the hour, for his habits made little distinction between night and day—it was merely a matter of time. Cultivators were unlike ordinary people, and Ye Zihan was unconcerned; yet, night was often the most perilous, when assassins thrived under the cover of darkness.

Ye Zihan nodded. “Good night, everyone. Yan Chen, you should rest as well. We may have much to do tomorrow.” He had no certainty about what the day would bring, but knowing the Phantom Temple’s methods, if they learned of Chen Yiyan’s existence as a genius youth, they would not let it pass.

Ye Zihan himself was also a remarkable youth, putting him in danger. Especially after his draw with Chen Yiyan in the martial arena, he had become a focal point of attention. What’s more, Ye Zihan had declared the name of his sect, Heaven-Defying Pavilion, a previously unknown group, now subject to heated discussion: how could such an obscure sect produce a youth capable of matching Chen Yiyan?

To the residents of Black Tortoise City, Ye Zihan’s origins were a subject of great curiosity. None believed his background to be simple, any more than they believed Chen Yiyan’s was so; youths of such caliber must surely hail from hidden clans or major sects.

Their suspicions, however, went unanswered. No one understood Ye Zihan’s history or the style of his martial arts, for his techniques were beyond their comprehension. The person most invested in unraveling Ye Zihan’s secrets was none other than the city lord of Black Tortoise City, but even he could find no trace of Ye Zihan’s origins; the entire Phantom Continent held no record of him.

Although Yan Chen’s background was well known, Ye Zihan’s remained a mystery. He was not famous on the continent, yet he had managed to fight Chen Yiyan, who was at the Five Elements Realm, to a draw. Despite the lack of information, no one gave up searching; all believed Ye Zihan would achieve greatness in the Phantom Continent. To face Chen Yiyan’s Five Elements Realm with the power of the Four Symbols Realm, and emerge equal—such a feat could not be dismissed.

Chen Yiyan was praised as a prodigious youth, though his brutality had tarnished his reputation in Black Tortoise City. He cared little for fame, focusing instead on increasing his strength; he knew that power was the only true friend.

In the Beast Domain, fighting was everywhere. Without strength, one walked in constant danger, unless one was an utterly powerless commoner. Otherwise, cultivators would seek to humiliate the weak, deriving pleasure from their suffering.

“Good night, Brother Ye. If anything happens, call for me—I’m right next door,” Chen Yiyan said, withdrawing from Ye Zihan’s room to rest. Tomorrow, there would surely be much to do.

“Good night, you should rest as well,” Ye Zihan replied, then urged Yan Chen to do the same. They had barely paused for rest on their journey, and had been busy in both the Branch Mountains and Clearwater Mountain. Now, rest was needed.

Ye Zihan looked at Yan Chen and said, “We’ve caught the attention of some cultivators in Black Tortoise City. I sensed the aura of several power-level experts—what their intentions are, I don’t know. We must be cautious tonight.” He had to warn Yan Chen to rest lightly, for their group was being watched in the inn, and their observers surely had a purpose.

Yan Chen was startled. “Is that true? We haven’t offended anyone—why would anyone plot against us? Could it be that Chen Yiyan’s enemies have come for him?” He doubted that the power-level experts were after himself, for they had not caused trouble upon arrival. Anyone they had offended had already joined Heaven-Defying Pavilion.

Ye Zihan couldn’t discern their enemies’ intent, but sensed no goodwill from their aura; otherwise, there would be no need for covert surveillance. More concerning, it was not just one power-level expert, but a group.

Ye Zihan smiled. “Just rest and stay alert. If someone comes to kill us and we’re caught unawares, that’s a grave mistake.” Yan Chen, though a Four Symbols Realm prodigy, would find facing a power-level expert to be a nightmare.

Yan Chen looked at Ye Zihan. “I’ll be careful. You should too. Should we warn Chen Yiyan?” Yan Chen was more worried for Chen Yiyan, who had made many enemies in Black Tortoise City; he believed these people were likely targeting Chen Yiyan.

Ye Zihan replied, “It’s fine. We’ve already exchanged information through divine sense, so no one outside could overhear us. But caution is always wise.” When Chen Yiyan left Ye Zihan’s room, they had secretly communicated about the situation outside. Indeed, several powerful cultivators were gathering, and they seemed formidable. Chen Yiyan, accustomed to facing enemies, had warned Ye Zihan and his companions.

Despite the presence of power-level experts outside the inn, Chen Yiyan felt no fear. He had never shrunk from pursuers; if he were afraid, he would not have dared to challenge all comers in the city. This was Chen Yiyan, a man unafraid to love or hate.

Yan Chen, reassured by Ye Zihan’s words, finally understood the odd exchange of glances earlier. Yet, he still worried for Chen Yiyan—having killed many young prodigies, would their families seek vengeance? It was entirely possible.

Yan Chen smiled. “Since you and Chen Yiyan have already discussed it, my worries are probably unnecessary. I’ll go rest, but you must be careful. The night is dark and windy—those power-level experts might truly attempt to kill us.” Though he said he wasn’t worried, he was still anxious; their opponents were a group of cultivators, including power-level experts—a major force indeed.

In the Phantom Continent, few could reach such heights, for it was a formidable realm. To mobilize so many at once against Ye Zihan and Chen Yiyan was the mark of a powerful faction.

Even hidden clans like the Yan family could not gather so many power-level experts so quickly, especially in Black Tortoise City. According to the city lord’s rules, outside forces were forbidden from committing crimes or assassinations within the city.

Yet here was a force brazenly defying the city lord’s authority. This meant that behind these experts stood an immense power—stronger even than the city lord himself.

This realization sent chills down Yan Chen’s spine; now he understood the gravity of their predicament. Their adversaries were not mere cultivators, but a force willing to flout the rules of Black Tortoise City, especially under the veil of night in the Beast Domain.

“Big brother, we don’t need to fear these fellows. I, Mo You, could wipe them out single-handedly! If you don’t believe me, just watch how I deal with them, haha.” Mo You poked his head from Ye Zihan’s arms, grinning mischievously at Yan Chen.