This is true martial arts!

Chapter 318 No one dares to steal it yet! [6k votes requested]

Xiaofeng pointed to a patch of sky ahead shrouded in light mist, where the outlines of several floating mountain peaks were faintly visible.

"The exact location of the reception platform is movable and concealed by a secret technique, so the raging wind cannot go any further."

The raging wind slowed down and descended over a relatively gentle ridge.

The group leaped off the eagle's back.

Xu Feng looked up and saw various colored lights occasionally flashing through the clouds in the distance.

Clearly, many extraordinary individuals from various dimensional realms have gathered near this "reception platform".

"Come on, the reception platform isn't far from here, we'll walk there."

Xiaofeng identified the direction and led the way.

Cangya and Yinzong followed closely behind, cautiously observing their surroundings.

Xu Feng followed in the middle, looking around at the surroundings.

The vegetation here is noticeably taller and more resilient than outside, and the air is filled with a vibrant energy.

But it was also mixed with a faint smell of blood and residual energy fluctuations from the battle.

Clearly, this area is not peaceful.

Sure enough, after traveling less than ten miles, they encountered a small patrol of alien races.

The opposing side consists of five "people" of various races.

Leading the group was a strange race with blue fleshy wings on its back, a bird's head and a human body, whose aura was around that of a low-level lord.

They had clearly spotted Xu Feng and his group, and quickly surrounded them, their eyes filled with vigilance and scrutiny.

"Halt! Who are you? What brings you here?"

The bird-headed alien had a shrill voice and held a bone spear in his hand.

Xiaofeng stepped forward, took out the silver jade slip, and announced loudly, "I am Xiaofeng, an outer disciple, ordered to escort Jinmu of the Golden-Winged Clan, and have come to participate in the Peak Master candidate assessment! This is the Deacon Hall's certificate!"

The bird-headed alien took the jade slip, examined it carefully, and then looked Xu Feng over.

The gaze lingered for a moment, especially on Xu Feng's dim yet still majestic golden feathers, the little white dog on his shoulder, and the snake at his feet.

The wariness in his eyes lessened slightly, but it still carried a hint of businesslike indifference.

"The credentials are correct; Jinmu is the candidate for Peak Master."

...There are indeed records.

He handed the jade slip back.

"However, the reception platform is not yet open. You can go to the Welcoming Cliff, which is thirty miles ahead, and wait there. There is a temporary campsite there."

Remember, do not wander off, and especially do not approach the core area of ​​Tianzhu Peak. Violators will be killed without mercy!

His tone was forceful and arrogant, as if he didn't take Xiaofeng, this high-ranking lord, seriously at all.

"Understood, thank you for your trouble." However, Xiaofeng didn't care at all, cupped his hands and accepted the jade slip.

The patrol team made way, but their eyes remained fixed on them until the group disappeared into the depths of the forest.

"Hmph, a bunch of watchdogs, what are they so arrogant about?"

Silvermane, young and impetuous, muttered something under his breath.

"Silence!"

Xiaofeng glared at him and hissed.

"This is at the foot of Little Green Sky Mountain, a place teeming with hidden talents and strict rules. Observe more, speak less, and be cautious in your words and actions!"

"Yes." Silvermane shrank his neck.

Xu Feng glanced at Xiao Feng but said nothing more.

When he arrived here, it felt as if he had entered another world.

This place is completely detached from the technology of human society; it's more like an ancient world, following ancient rituals.

These alien races, on the contrary, were more like humans than the other alien races and beasts in the mountains.

After traveling about twenty miles, they crossed a mountain ridge and came to a relatively open cliffside area.

Dozens of tents of various sizes and styles have been set up on the cliff, dividing the area into different zones.

Many alien figures of varying strengths moved about within it.

Some sat alone in silence, while others chatted quietly in small groups.

More often than not, they looked at the newcomers with wary or curious eyes.

This is the "Welcoming Cliff," a temporary gathering place for people from different races who come to participate in the assessment or visit.

The arrival of Xu Feng and his group immediately attracted a lot of attention.

Xu Feng's unique Golden Wing Clan appearance, in particular, and the obviously extraordinary Lord-level beast pet beside him, caused a slight commotion and discussion.

"The Golden-Winged Clan? There are still pure-blooded descendants in existence?"

"Judging from his aura—he seems to be at the peak of a high-level lord? Daring to compete for the peak master position, he must have some skill."

"That's...the genius wolf king of the Howling Wind Wolf Clan? How did it end up with the Golden Wing Clan?"

"I heard that a few days ago in Black Wind Valley, a powerful Golden Winged Clan member instantly killed the Azure Scale Poisonous Flood Dragon. Could it be this fiend?"

Hearing various whispers, Xu Feng seemed oblivious, maintaining the arrogance and indifference befitting "Jinmu".

Xiao Feng straightened his back, feeling honored.

soon.

-

A monkey-like attendant, dressed in a gray-blue leather armor with small mountain patterns embroidered on his cuffs, quickly approached and was fairly polite: "Are you distinguished guests here to participate in the assessment?"

Please show your receipt and provide your name and ID so we can arrange accommodation.

Xiaofeng presented the jade slip again and said, "Golden Wing Clan, Senior Jinmu."

"Recommended by Peak Master Yinyue, we are here to participate in the Golden Roc Peak Master candidate assessment; we are the senior's followers."

After confirming the identity, the ape-clan attendant's face became more respectful: "So it is Senior Jinmu. Peak Master Yinyue has already given instructions."

Please follow me; your campsite area has been reserved.

It led Xu Feng and his group through the somewhat noisy camp to a relatively secluded spot with a wide view near the cliff edge.

A larger and more elaborate gray-brown animal hide tent has been set up here, along with two smaller ones. "Senior, please rest here. The reception platform will open promptly in three days."

If needed, one can ring the bell inside the tent, and a servant will come.

However, please do not leave the area around Welcoming Cliff to avoid any misunderstanding.

After giving his instructions, the ape servant bowed and withdrew.

Xu Feng nodded slightly and led the three wolves into the main tent.

The tent is quite large, with a spacious interior and simple yet clean furnishings.

Thick furs covered the floor, and there was a low table and a futon in the corner.

There was even a small brazier for heating and lighting.

"Conditions are acceptable."

Xu Feng nodded slightly and sat down on the main seat cushion.

Ah She coiled up near the door, while Xiao Bai jumped onto the low table, curiously looking around at the new environment.

Xiaofeng instructed Cangya and Yinzong to set up the other two tents and to be on guard.

"Brother, it seems we've arrived neither too late nor too early."

Xiaofeng said in a low voice.

"I just glanced around, and there are at least thirteen Lord-level experts gathered in this camp. They are probably all here for the remaining two Peak Master positions."

On Jinpeng Peak's side, I saw the banners of "Lightning Roc" Lei Yu's followers, and also "Iron Claw Eagle" Li Kong's men... The competition is fiercer than I imagined.

Xu Feng hummed in response, neither confirming nor denying.

"It's alright, since we're here, let's make the best of it."

Xu Feng said calmly.

"Take advantage of today to go and find out if there is any new information about the assessment content or other candidates. Remember, just listen and don't speak."

"Understood!" Xiaofeng accepted the order, and with a mixture of excitement and caution, he left the tent.

Silence returned to the tent.

Xu Feng slowly exhaled, his eyes becoming deep and unfathomable.

The wait didn't last long.

About three days later.

Suddenly, a ripple like water appeared in the void in front of them.

Immediately afterwards, a clear and melodious bird call came from afar, piercing through the clouds and mist.

A magnificent, azure-green phoenix, slightly smaller than the raging wind, gracefully descended from the sea of ​​clouds, its tail feathers trailing a trail of dazzling light.

This bird resembles a blue-crowned crane, but it does not have golden feathers on its head.

On the back of the bluebird stood a female bird-woman dressed in blue feathers, with a cold and stern face and an aura that clearly reached the limit of a lord.

Holding a gleaming silver token, her gaze swept over Xu Feng and the others on the mountain ridge with lightning speed.

"Are all those taking Jin Pengfeng's assessment present?"

The woman's voice was clear and crisp, yet carried a businesslike indifference.

Before the crowd could react, Xiaofeng quickly stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Senior, I am Xiaofeng, an outer disciple, and I have come with my sworn brother Jinmu to participate in the Golden Roc Peak Master candidate assessment. This is an introduction jade slip."

As it spoke, it presented the silver jade slip with both hands.

The others quickly spoke up as well.

Qingwan took the jade slip and infused it with a trace of her blood and qi to examine it.

After a moment, her cold expression softened slightly, and her gaze fell on Xu Feng, especially lingering for a moment on Xu Feng's golden feathers and the aura he deliberately exuded.

"Golden Wings——Kaneki?"

She nodded slightly.

"The jade slip is correct. Now that you have obtained the qualification for direct assessment, please come with me."

The rest of the attendants may wait here, but are not allowed to approach the reception platform during the assessment.

"Yes."

Xiao Feng responded, addressing Xu Feng.

"Brother, I await your good news here."

Xu Feng nodded: "Thank you for looking after my two pet beasts."

Xu Feng said no more, and with a light leap, his body floated up like a feather.

They landed steadily on the back of the Azure Phoenix, where the Azure Phoenix Envoy was, and stood side by side with the woman.

The Azure Phoenix Envoy glanced at Xu Feng's effortless movements with some surprise, but said nothing more.

After Xu Feng took the lead and stood up, the other dozen or so examinees jumped up one after another.

Soon, the woman gently patted Qingluan's neck.

"唳——"

The Azure Phoenix let out a melodious cry, spread its wings, turned around, and flew into the depths of the clouds.

After flying for a while, passing through several seemingly ordinary but actually spatially fluctuating cloud and mist barriers, the view in front of us suddenly opened up!

Several enormous mountain peaks were seen floating in mid-air, defying common sense, and connected to each other by thick black iron chains or rainbow bridges.

On the mountain peaks, pavilions and towers stand side by side, their style rugged and simple, yet exuding an indescribable Taoist charm.

The rich spiritual energy of heaven and earth almost condensed into a tangible mist, flowing between the mountain peaks.

Further away, amidst the swirling clouds and mist, the silhouettes of even more majestic mountains could be faintly seen.

That is the true core of Xiaoqingqiong Mountain—where the eighteen main peaks are located!

Xu Feng's pupils contracted, unaware of the reason, but he was quite surprised.

What a magnificent...celestial scene!

These alien races do have some tricks up their sleeves!

Directly in front of them was the largest floating platform, with a flattened top and paved with huge blue stone slabs. This was the "Guiding Platform." The Azure Phoenix carried Xu Feng and the others and slowly landed at the edge of the platform.

"We have arrived. Please wait here. An officer will announce the assessment details shortly."

After speaking, the Azure Phoenix Envoy rode the Azure Phoenix into the sky and disappeared into the clouds on the other side of the mountain platform to go and guide the other candidates.

Xu Feng took a step and quietly stepped onto the blue stone slab of the reception platform.

His expression was calm as he scanned the reception platform and quickly locked onto several individuals with the strongest auras.

In the southeast corner, a powerful member of the Thunder Feather Clan, with golden wings on his back, his body crackling with subtle electric sparks, and an arrogant gaze, was coldly looking over. This must be "Lightning Roc" Thunder Feather.

On the northwest side, there was a lone traveler with a thin frame, unusually long arms, hooked fingers, and an aura of coldness like that of a lone wolf.

This beast closed its eyes to rest, but Xu Feng could feel a trace of its spiritual power sweeping over him. It was none other than "Iron Claw Eagle" Li Kong.

In addition, there was a handsome but somewhat pale-faced young man in blue robes, surrounded by several bird-clan maids. His aura seemed weak, but the pressure of his bloodline was faintly visible.

She also looked at Xu Feng with curiosity. According to the information Xiao Feng had gathered in the past two days, this was probably Qing Yi, the "Qingwan descendant".

Besides these three obvious competitors, Xu Feng also sensed at least four or five other auras that were extremely well hidden and no weaker than Lei Yu and Li Kong, scattered throughout the crowd.

"Ha, the Golden-Winged Clan, these days, any Tom, Dick, or Harry dares to vie for the position of Peak Master?"

Just as everyone had settled down, a sarcastic voice rang out.

Xu Feng turned his head and saw that the speaker was a gray-feathered bird with a hooked nose and sinister eyes.

His strength lay with that of a high-ranking lord, who was looking at him with disdain, especially at the fact that he had no real wings on his back, only faint golden feather phantoms.

Clearly, Xu Feng's "Golden Wing Clan" appearance might seem somewhat "down-and-out" or "incongruous" to some pure-blooded avian race members.

Xu Feng didn't speak, but merely glanced at the gray-feathered bird clan.

The gray-feathered bird felt a chill run down its spine, as if it were being watched by some terrifying being.

The sarcastic words that were on the tip of his tongue were swallowed back, and his expression changed slightly.

Those with keen senses nearby couldn't help but linger their gazes on Xu Feng for a moment longer, revealing thoughtful expressions.

Xu Feng didn't even glance at the gray-feathered bird clan member, but went straight to a relatively empty corner of the reception platform, sat down cross-legged, and closed his eyes to rest.

This behavior, however, was seen by other competitors as "arrogance" or "unfathomable".

A flash of lightning appeared in Lei Yu's eyes, and he let out a cold snort.

Li Kong kept his eyes closed, as if everything outside was irrelevant to him.

Qingyi blinked, seemingly more interested in Xu Feng.

On the welcoming platform, a gentle breeze blew, carrying the unique chill of the Kunlun Mountains.

More than a dozen bird lords of various shapes and sizes stood or sat, maintaining a subtle distance from each other, and the air was filled with a silent contest and scrutiny.

Xu Feng sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, seemingly resting, but in reality, his spiritual power quietly enveloped the entire platform.

He could clearly sense several gazes, some fiery, some cold, and some arrogant, sweeping over him from time to time.

Especially Lei Yu and Li Kong, although they did not directly provoke each other, their hidden hostility and assessment were almost undisguised.

Time slipped away quietly as we waited.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

Just as nearly twenty candidates had gathered on the reception platform, the woman riding the blue phoenix reappeared.

Accompanying her were three powerful alien warriors with profound auras, dressed in different clothes, each with a different mountain emblem embroidered on their cuffs.

It was clear that the three peak masters had come in person.

"quiet!"

"Qingxuan's" clear and cold voice resounded across the reception platform, containing a powerful pressure that instantly silenced all whispers.

Her gaze swept across the entire room, like a blade cutting through the air.

"I am the Peak Master of Qingxuan Peak. The rules of the assessment are very simple," Qingxuan's voice continued, devoid of any emotion. "This reception platform is the arena. The one who remains on the platform in the end will be the Peak Master of Jinpeng Peak."

He paused, then added, "Those who fall off the receiving platform are considered to have conceded defeat."

During the assessment process, life and death are irrelevant.

However, if anyone maliciously tortures and kills someone who is already powerless to resist, don't blame this peak master for being ruthless.

Before he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent for a moment, then erupted into a suppressed commotion.

Melee! Indiscriminate melee!

This is undoubtedly the cruelest and most direct screening method!

It tests not only strength, but also reaction, strategy, and even the ability to seize opportunities!

"Remember, falling off the receiving platform means elimination, but intentional death is strictly prohibited!"

Those who violate this rule will be disqualified and severely punished!

Another burly, horned "Barbarian Peak" steward added in a cold voice, his tone menacing.

"Now—" Peak Master Qingxuan's gaze sharpened, "Begin!"

A brief silence.

Then, "Boom!"

It was as if a powder keg had been ignited; chaos erupted instantly on the reception platform!

Almost the instant Qingxuan finished speaking, several figures suddenly sprang up.

Without the slightest hesitation, they charged towards the nearest "competitor"!

Most candidates understand that in this chaotic situation, preserving strength and waiting for the right opportunity is the best strategy.

But there are always those who want to eliminate the weak first, and others who are forced into the chaos.

In an instant, a strong wind howled, and blood and energy erupted.

Roars, shrieks, and crashes suddenly erupted!

Xu Feng opened his eyes and stood up the instant Elder Qingxuan finished speaking.

Instead of launching an attack, he slightly shifted his body to the side, as if he had foreseen the future, and dodged a blazing fire feather that came from the side.

At the same time, his footwork changed mysteriously, which was the change of direction movement technique he had learned from the incomplete "Golden Wings Soaring Through the Sky".

What seemed like a small movement caused another cold claw aimed at his back to miss its mark.

His gaze swept calmly across the entire room.

The battle was extremely fierce.

Those who qualify for the final assessment are at least among the best of the high-ranking lords.

They possess formidable combat power and ruthless methods.

Almost every breath someone was injured, coughing up blood, or even blasted off the stage by the ferocious attack, screaming as they fell into the clouds below.

Xu Feng's figure drifted backward several feet like a ghost.

At the same time, his mental energy was fully activated, and the intent of "Soul-Eating Calamity" spread out quietly from him like invisible ripples.

He wasn't trying to attack anyone.

Instead, the goal is to create a temporary "perceptual interference zone".

This makes those who try to attack the strong or eliminate the weak subconsciously ignore his seemingly "quiet" corner.

The battle broke out fiercely and ended very quickly.

It only takes the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

The number of people on the welcoming platform has been drastically reduced.

The screams and the sounds of things falling off the stage gradually subsided.

Finally, when the last Gray Falcon Clan lord, whose strength was slightly inferior, was struck by a bolt of lightning from Lei Yu and charred blackened, he rolled to the ground.

The stage fell silent instantly.

The dust settled slightly.

Only a few figures remained on the stage.

Xu Feng stood in a corner, his breathing steady, and his golden feathers were spotless.

Electric snakes coiled around Lei Yu's body, his golden wings were slightly open, and his eyes were sharp.

Li Kong still maintained his lone wolf demeanor, but dark red drops of blood slowly slid down his fingertips, their origin unknown.

Qingyi was protected by two loyal but now injured bird-clan maids. Her face seemed even paler, but her eyes remained clear.

The other two were brothers who looked very similar and whose bodies were engulfed in faint crimson flames.

These two individuals, from the Firebird Clan, stood back to back, warily surveying the others. Both bore considerable injuries.

The group looked at each other, and as their eyes met, a chill ran down their spines.

Those who survive such a chaotic battle unscathed or with only minor injuries are all tough nut to crack.

A brief silence and standoff.

Everyone was rapidly assessing the situation, searching for potential allies or a breakthrough.

Just then.

Lei Yu's arrogant gaze swept over Xu Feng, Qing Yi, and the Firebird brothers, and a cold smile suddenly appeared on his lips.

He exchanged a glance with Li Kong, who was not far away.

The two seemed to have reached some kind of tacit understanding instantly.

"My apologies, my two Fiery Brothers!"

With a roar, Lei Yu transformed into a golden lightning bolt, rushing straight towards the elder brother of the Blazing Fire Brothers!

It was so fast that it almost tore through the air!

Almost simultaneously, Li Kong vanished from the spot like a ghost.

The next instant, he appeared to the side and behind the younger brother of the Blazing Brothers.

He stabbed at the back of his heart with a claw, vicious and ruthless!

"mean!"

"They're joining forces against us?!"

The Blazing Brothers were both shocked and furious, and hastily put all their strength into defense.

The elder brother's hands surged with crimson flames, transforming into a fire shield to block Lei Yu.

The younger brother turned around and spat out a stream of scorching heat, trying to force Li Kong back.

however.

Lei Yu and Li Kong had been preparing for this for a long time, and then suddenly launched their attack.

With their strength already slightly superior, two sounds, "boom" and "hiss," rang out almost simultaneously!

In just one exchange, the already wounded Blazing Brothers were severely injured, screaming and staggering backward until they reached the edge of the reception platform.

"Get out of here!" Lei Yu pressed his advantage, kicking his brother in the chest.

Li Kong followed up with a vicious side kick.

The Blazing Brothers could no longer maintain their balance and fell into the clouds below with screams. They were instantly teleported away by the formation and lost their chance to escape.

Only four people remained on the stage.

Xu Feng, Lei Yu, Li Kong, Qing Yi.

Lei Yu and Li Kong slowly turned around, their gazes simultaneously locking onto Xu Feng.

As for Qingyi, she seems to have been selectively "ignored" or considered not to pose much of a threat.

"The Golden-Winged Clan?"

Lei Yu looked Xu Feng up and down, his eyes full of disdain and mockery.

"Your bloodline is almost depleted, yet you dare to compete for the position of Golden Roc Peak Master?"

"Young Master Qingyi of the Azure Phoenix lineage at least possesses some glory of ancient blood. Who do you think you are?"

Li Kong didn't speak, but his cold gaze was like a venomous snake, fixed on Xu Feng, and a ghostly light flickered at his fingertips.

Xu Feng has clearly been identified as the next target to be eliminated.

The two men, positioned on the left and right, subtly formed a pincer movement.

The atmosphere instantly became extremely tense.

Qingyi frowned slightly, as if she wanted to say something.

But after glancing at Lei Yu and Li Kong, and then at Xu Feng, who remained unusually calm, he chose to remain silent for the time being.

Faced with the two men's undisguised contempt and murderous intent, Xu Feng simply raised his eyelids slowly.

His face showed no sign of anger, but rather an almost indifferent calm.

"What I, Kaneki, have set my sights on," he said, his voice calm yet carrying a resolute coldness and arrogance, "no one dares to take it from me."

"Arrogant!"

"court death!"

Lei Yu and Li Kong were both enraged!

How dare a mere Golden-Winged Clan member be so arrogant?!