Chapter 763: Everything, For the Empire
Lin Feng and the others turned their gazes toward that line of purple figures. These people of the Tian Ji Peak stood at the very front of the crowd, surrounded and elevated, like stars clustering around the moon, lofty and aloof.
Yu Tianji was especially so. The people of Tian Ji Peak revered him as their leader. He was the leading figure among the younger generation of Tian Ji Peak, holding a status comparable to Ling Xue at Tian Shu Peak, and even more prestigious than Ling Xue's standing there.
"Tian Ji Peak," thought the eight of them, including Lin Feng. Some eyes revealed indifference, while others showed a trace of envy—envy toward those disciples of Tian Ji Peak, wishing they too could be among them, lofty and untouchable, without having to suffer humiliation like at Tian Xuan Peak. Baili Xi, for instance, harbored such thoughts.
"The geniuses selected from the mortal world by Tian Xuan Peak this time are not bad. But Tian Xuan Peak's foundation is what it is. If you are unwilling to accept this, then strive to become stronger, and win some face for your Tian Xuan Peak." Yu Tianji spoke indifferently, with the tone of a young leader, very arrogant. He was likely the future leader of Tian Ji Peak, which might mean becoming the leader of the entire Heavenly Lake Snow Peak. He was already cultivating this leadership aura.
However, Yu Tianji's tone did not sit well with Lin Feng. Many others regarded Yu Tianji as a leader, so they found his words and tone natural. But Lin Feng had no concept of a leader in his heart. You and I are the same—disciples of Heavenly Lake Snow Peak, all of the same generation. Even if Tian Ji Peak's status is higher, they have no right to lecture them in such a tone.
"Tian Ji Peak. A junior here lectures many of his peers, and some still think it's justified. I wonder if this is due to a servile nature, or if some people already see themselves as lofty senior leaders." Lin Feng's faint voice rang out, causing the crowd's gazes to stiffen. Was Lin Feng mocking them for being servile? What a bold fellow. Did he think defeating someone from Tian Shu Peak made him something special?
Yu Tianji's brow furrowed slightly, a sharp light flashing in his eyes as he stared at Lin Feng, as if trying to see through him.
"Hmm?" Lin Feng's brow furrowed, a sharp gleam bursting from his eyes as he locked onto Yu Tianji. The light in Yu Tianji's eyes trembled violently, his body swaying slightly, and he couldn't help but close his eyes.
"Hmph." Lin Feng snorted coldly, his icy gaze fixed on Yu Tianji. This man had used a divine ability to spy on him, trying to see through him completely. He must have cultivated some special technique. But such spying methods relied on soul power, and among his peers, Lin Feng didn't believe anyone's soul power could rival his. So, in his anger, he caused Yu Tianji's eyes to suffer backlash.
"Hmm?" The crowd's eyes stiffened at this scene. It seemed that Yu Tianji, the unfathomable one, had used his spying technique on Lin Feng. Given Yu Tianji's strength, the spying should have been flawless. Lin Feng should have been completely seen through. So why did Yu Tianji suddenly close his eyes?
Yu Tianji's eyes soon opened, sharp light flickering as he stared intently at Lin Feng.
"I was interrupted. My spying divine ability has been interrupted by a peer for the first time. And I already saw that his Sword Dao Will is at the fourth level and still rising—probably at the fifth level. Unfortunately, I didn't see clearly. What a formidable guy. It seems this man is the true hidden leader of Tian Xuan Peak's side in this secret realm. He's even more powerful than Heavenly Lake Snow." Yu Tianji muttered to himself while staring at Lin Feng, then snorted coldly at him. He turned his gaze to the crowd and said, "Everyone entering the secret realm, work hard."
With that, Yu Tianji fell silent, lost in thought. Lin Feng's strength should be comparable to the young leaders of the other snow peaks.
But the crowd was puzzled. Yu Tianji had changed the subject, letting Lin Feng off just like that?
Only Lin Feng knew the truth. That one glance had likely revealed some clues to Yu Tianji. If not let it go, would he start a big battle right here? This was the Snow Hall. Minor friction was acceptable, but a major battle disturbing the Snow Hall's seniors would be hard to explain.
The hunter beside them quietly watched the unfolding events. Heavenly Lake was divided into seven snow peaks, and they never stopped collisions and competition between them. Only through competition could the younger generation grow faster, allowing true geniuses to stand out—the strong achieving peak status, the weak being eliminated.
Not just Heavenly Lake; all major sect forces inevitably had competition. Without competition, there was no motivation to advance. Of course, in the world of martial arts, wherever there were martial artists, there would be conflict.
"This time, Tian Xuan Peak won't be so easily bullied anymore." The hunter felt comforted and proud. People like Heavenly Lake Snow, Huangfu Long, and Han Qiuyu had very strong talents and would never fear the young elites of other snow peaks. And Lin Feng was someone who could contend with the leaders of other peaks, just as Yu Tianji had guessed—Lin Feng was the hidden leader of Tian Xuan Peak this time.
"Dong..."
A melodious bell sound echoed through the Snow Hall, drifting out slowly. At that moment, a figure slowly stepped out from within the hall. This person wore a purple robe, symbolizing the leading peak, Tian Ji Peak. His hair was white as snow, and his beard reached his chest, giving him an air of immortal grace.
"Seven snow peaks, are all present?" the white-bearded old man asked faintly. Though not loud, his voice was clear and distinct, reaching everyone's ears.
Those who had led the young talents all bowed and replied, "All present."
"Mm." The old man's gaze swept over the fifty-six young people, nodding with satisfaction.
"Heavenly Lake has never stopped you from competing with each other. Because competition keeps your blood hot, gives you the motivation and determination to grow stronger. This is precisely why Heavenly Lake is divided into seven snow peaks. No matter how you fight on ordinary days, it's fine. But I must remind you: when you enter the secret realm this time, you won't only face Heavenly Lake's geniuses, but also the young talents of various major forces in the Qian Domain. Those geniuses are no weaker than you. So, in the secret realm, you are no longer fighting your own people, but them. Remember this firmly: you are all people of Heavenly Lake. Set aside all grudges."
The old man spoke slowly, his voice solemn. In the secret realm, they would have to contend with other powerful forces.
"Do you all understand my words?"
"We will follow this teaching." Everyone bowed and spoke loudly.
The old man nodded, then raised his right hand to his chest, bowing slightly, his voice solemn: "Everything, for the empire!"
Seeing the old man's gesture, everyone also raised their right hands. The people of Tian Xuan Peak did the same. They placed their hands over their chests, bowed slightly, and spoke with solemn dignity: "Everything, for the empire."
"Everything, for the empire!"
"Dong..."
The solemn and sacred voice echoed through the Snow Hall, answered by a clear bell sound. The lingering bell vibrated in the minds of the crowd, as if reminding them to remember their mission. Everything, for the empire—this was Heavenly Lake's mission. No matter how fierce the internal strife, the ultimate goal was one: for Heavenly Lake to grow strong, for the empire to have strong warriors. This sense of mission had always supported the entire vast empire, making the current Heavenly Lake Empire a top force in the Qian Domain.
The solemn and sacred voice echoed in Lin Feng's mind. He also raised his hand slightly, placing it over his chest, silently reciting in his heart: "Everything, for the empire!"
A grave sense of mission swirled in his chest. This sense of mission had a kind of magic; it could infect everyone. This small detail made Lin Feng understand that the strength of the Heavenly Lake Empire was no accident. This sense of mission and cohesion could touch people's hearts and penetrate their souls. Who wouldn't yearn for such a nation? It made all the empire's people feel a strong sense of belonging and honor.
The white-bearded old man glanced inadvertently at Lin Feng's side, a faint smile appearing in his eyes. He had, of course, noticed that Lin Feng was the only one who hadn't joined the others earlier. But in the end, he too was infected. The true magic of the Heavenly Lake Empire lay in its ability to make even those who weren't originally from the empire find a sense of belonging in this nation, to make them take pride in the Heavenly Lake Empire. This way, the empire would attract more and more geniuses!
PS: Early morning habit, asking for flowers!