162: The afterglow of Danxia landforms heralds the start of a grand event.

With one Nascent Soul Elder from Heavenly Frost City injured and another retreating, and the Young Lord Ling Tianyu fleeing in a sorry state, this brief yet intense conflict that occurred on the streets of Danxia Town was like a giant boulder cast into a calm lake, instantly stirring up monstrous waves.

News spread as if it had grown wings, rapidly sweeping across the entire Danxia Mountain region and diffusing even faster toward the entire Eastern Region.

"Have you heard? A Golden Core Loose Cultivator named Lin Fan fought alone against two Elders from Heavenly Frost City, Elder Han Shuang and the Giant Axe Elder, in Danxia Town. Not only did he not fall behind, but he also severely injured Elder Han Shuang!"

"A Golden Core killing a Nascent Soul? And two of them at that? How is that possible?!"

"It's absolutely true! Many people saw it at the time! That Lin Fan unleashed an extremely bizarre Sword Domain, forcibly blocking the offensive of two Nascent Soul Cultivators, and in the end, he even shattered Elder Han Shuang's Lifebound Treasure with a single sword strike!"

"Hiss... What is this kid's background? A Loose Cultivator from overseas? I fear he must be the personal disciple of some reclusive old monster!"

"Heavenly Frost City has kicked an iron plate this time; they've lost all face!"

"I don't think so. Heavenly Frost City is a major power in the Northern Region after all; how could they just let it go? Although Lin Fan has strength, two fists are no match for four hands; trouble is still ahead for him."

All sorts of discussions were rampant. The name "Lin Fan" entered the view of various powers in the Eastern Region for the first time, and he was labeled as "mysterious," a "Prodigy," and "not to be provoked."

As for Lin Xuan and the other four, who were at the center of the vortex, Danxia Town was already a place of trouble and not suitable for a long stay.

Shortly after the conflict ended, the Danxia Pavilion sent a deacon to politely indicate that there were vacant, quiet courtyards within the pavilion and to invite Lin Xuan and the others to stay temporarily, clearly intending to befriend and protect them. Although the Elder of Danxia did not appear in person, this goodwill had already been conveyed.

Lin Xuan pondered for a moment and accepted this kindness. At this moment, he didn't know how many eyes were watching from the outside; staying in the Danxia Pavilion's courtyard could at least save them from many unnecessary disturbances and allow them to heal and recover in peace.

The courtyard was located behind the main Peak of Danxia Mountain, with a quiet environment, abundant Spiritual Qi, and protection from a Formation. After the five moved in, they immediately activated the Restriction to isolate the interior from the exterior.

Inside the quiet room, Lin Xuan sat cross-legged, his face still pale from excessive exhaustion. Controlling the Primal Beginning Sword Domain against two Nascent Soul Cultivators simultaneously, especially that final sword strike that gathered all his strength, had been a tremendous burden on his Divine Sense and Spiritual Qi, and his Meridians were also throbbing with pain.

He took out a Medicinal Pill, swallowed it, and slowly circulated the "Nine Revolutions Golden Body Art" and the "Primal Beginning Sword Scripture," guiding his Qi, blood, and Spiritual Qi to nourish his damaged Meridians and calm his shaken Divine Soul. Inside his Dantian, that Golden Core was spinning round and round; although its luster was slightly dim, its Foundation remained solid, and after this extreme exertion, it had actually become a trace more refined.

【Host's Meridians are slightly damaged, Divine Sense is excessively exhausted; full recovery is expected to take twelve hours. Primal Beginning Sword Domain proficiency has increased, and insight into the evolution of Laws has deepened.】 The System provided an accurate assessment.

Just as Lin Xuan was concentrating on his recovery, the door of the quiet room was gently pushed open.

Su Wanqing walked in carrying a bowl of steaming Spiritual soup that emitted a refreshing medicinal fragrance. She was still wearing a plain white dress, her face cool and detached, but the look in her eyes as she gazed at Lin Xuan carried concern that was hard to conceal.

"This is a soup I brewed using 'Soul-Calming Flower' and 'Blood Jade Ginseng'; it is beneficial for recovering Divine Sense and Qi and blood." She placed the jade bowl on the low table beside Lin Xuan, her voice soft.

Lin Xuan opened his eyes and, seeing the trace of imperceptible fatigue in her eyes, knew that she had also expended a lot of energy just now. Feeling a warmth in his heart, he took the jade bowl: "Thank you, Senior Sister."

Su Wanqing shook her head gently and sat down to the side, her icy eyes gazing at him. After a moment of silence, she said: "In the future... do not push yourself so hard again." Her tone carried a hint of lingering fear and reproach. Although she knew Lin Xuan's strength was formidable, facing two Nascent Soul Cultivators was ultimately too dangerous.

Lin Xuan knew she was worried about him, so he smiled and took hold of her slightly cool, slender hand: "Rest assured, I know what I'm doing. Besides, don't I have you and the others behind me to support me?"

Su Wanqing's fingertips trembled slightly, but she did not pull back, allowing him to hold her hand. The ice in her icy eyes melted, turning into a pool of clear spring water, and she gave a soft "Mn."

Between the two, tenderness flowed, and no words were needed.

However, this tranquil atmosphere did not last long.

"Yo~ Did I come at a bad time?" A charming, bone-melting voice rang out at the doorway, carrying thick jealousy.

Qu Feiyan was seen leaning against the doorframe, her red clothes like fire, outlining breathtaking curves. She was also holding a jade tray with several Spiritual fruits brimming with Spiritual Qi. Her alluring eyes swept over Lin Xuan's hand holding Su Wanqing's, and she said sourly: "Senior Sister~ You really know how to pick the right time to show your devotion. Junior Brother, this is a 'Vermilion Flame Fruit' I just exchanged for at the Danxia Pavilion's storage; it is the best for replenishing Origin Qi. Come and have a taste~"

As she spoke, she swayed her waist and walked over, sitting unceremoniously on Lin Xuan's other side. She picked up a bright red Spiritual fruit and made a gesture to feed it to Lin Xuan's mouth.

Su Wanqing's brows furrowed slightly, and she subconsciously wanted to pull her hand back, but Lin Xuan held it with a slight force. He looked at Qu Feiyan helplessly: "Senior Sister, I can do it myself."

Qu Feiyan refused to let it go and coquettishly said: "What? You can drink the soup fed by Junior Sister Su, but you can't eat the fruit fed by me? Junior Brother, you are so biased!" In those alluring eyes, water shimmered, looking aggrieved, as if Lin Xuan had committed some heinous crime.

Lin Xuan immediately felt a headache. The "war" between these two Senior Sisters seemed to have not only failed to ease with their closer relationship but instead showed signs of intensifying. He had no choice but to open his mouth and accept the Vermilion Flame Fruit. The flesh melted upon entering his mouth, and a wave of warm Spiritual Qi instantly dispersed into his limbs and bones; it was indeed much more comfortable.

"Thank you, Senior Sister Qu." Lin Xuan said vaguely.

Qu Feiyan smiled with satisfaction and glanced triumphantly at Su Wanqing.

Su Wanqing's expression was indifferent, but she tightened her grip on Lin Xuan's hand slightly.

Lin Xuan felt the completely different soft, fragrant warmth and the invisible confrontation coming from both sides. In his heart, he felt both helpless and a secret sense of satisfaction. He steadied his mind and said: "Now that matters here are settled, we need to leave Danxia Mountain as soon as possible and head to Tianshu City, where the Myriad Elixirs Grand Gathering will be held."

The attention of the two women was diverted.

"The people from Heavenly Frost City likely won't let this go; we need to be extra careful on the road." Su Wanqing said with a serious tone.

"What is there to fear?" Qu Feiyan snorted coldly, "Kill one if one comes, kill a pair if two come! It will just give my blood lotus more nourishment!" She was now brimming with confidence in Lin Xuan.

Lin Xuan shook his head: "Open spears are easy to dodge, but hidden arrows are hard to guard against. Heavenly Frost City has a massive influence in the Northern Region and also has dealings with some Sects in the Eastern Region; we cannot afford not to be cautious. We need to change our itinerary and appearance."

He pondered for a moment and said: "We will not take the conventional Teleportation Formation; we will detour through the 'Misty Swamp.' Although the journey is slightly longer, it can avoid many eyes and ears. As for our appearance..." His gaze swept over the overly eye-catching looks and temperament of Su Wanqing and Qu Feiyan, "I will have to trouble the two Senior Sisters to disguise yourselves a little."

Su Wanqing and Qu Feiyan looked at each other; although they were somewhat reluctant, they knew this was necessary. Su Wanqing could use Taiyin Power to restrain her aura and slightly change her appearance. Qu Feiyan was more adept at illusion techniques.

With the plan decided, the next step was to recover with all their might.

Twelve hours later, Lin Xuan's state had recovered to its Peak, and he had even benefited from the misfortune, gaining more rounded control over the Primal Beginning Sword Domain. Su Wanqing and Qu Feiyan had also finished their adjustments.

The five quietly left the Danxia Pavilion courtyard without alerting anyone. After leaving the Danxia Mountain area, they followed the plan, changed their appearances and auras, bypassed the main cities and Teleportation Formations, and fled toward the Misty Swamp, which was known for being treacherous and mysterious.

And not long after they left, several groups of powerful Cultivators arrived at Danxia Town one after another, including many in Heavenly Frost City attire, but they all found nothing.

The Myriad Elixirs Grand Gathering was about to be held in Tianshu City; a bigger stage, more opportunities, and more risks were waiting for them ahead.