A day passed after meeting with Geng Chao, and it was time for the Peak Meet to commence.
Early in the morning, the Yin Group and all participating forces were invited to the Misty Rain Tower upstream.
Due to the large number of people, not every force could ascend the Misty Rain Tower.
Besides the team leaders, only one additional person could accompany them; the rest had to wait outside.
The main hall was in an uproar, everyone waiting for the auspicious hour to arrive.
Facing the noisy crowd, both Qingyan and the Rain Star Daoist beside him were helpless.
The reason was simple: the top forces for the Peak Meet had not yet fully arrived, leading to various speculations among the numerous factions.
Of course, some opposing forces also used this opportunity to mock each other and exchange threats.
This was normal; the ruins were neither particularly large nor small, and it was inevitable for forces to clash and create friction.
*Tuk-tuk-tuk...*
Ye Cangtian sat on his chair, quietly sipping his tea, seemingly oblivious to the clamor in front of him.
However, at that moment, the sound of footsteps approached, and along with the sound, Ye Cangtian sensed the killing intent emanating from Qiangwei beside him.
He turned his head and saw Meng Nan of Xuefeng, accompanied by several others, heading towards him.
Seeing this, Ye Cangtian was taken aback. He recognized two people from Xuefeng: Meng Nan and Hou Qing.
Beside the two of them were two burly men, their chests embroidered with the emblem of a fierce tiger's head, a symbol Ye Cangtian found somewhat unfamiliar.
"Ye Cangtian, we meet again."
Meng Nan glanced over and greeted him with a cold smile.
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian shrugged and said, "It's hard to even find some peace. Speak, what guidance do you have for me?"
"Guidance is not the word; I'm just here to pay my respects. After all, speaking so calmly like this might be the last time."
Meng Nan sneered, his smile carrying a hint of fierce ruthlessness and confidence, as if he were certain of his opponent's demise.
Seeing this, Ye Cangtian chuckled and said, "You speak the truth, but I still want to advise you: do not be stubborn, lest you harm yourself and others!"
"Hahaha..."
Before Meng Nan could respond, a burly man beside him burst into laughter.
After a moment, he looked down at Ye Cangtian disdainfully and said, "Ye Cangtian, who do you think you are?
What right do you have to advise others? Those few little trash brought by the Yin Group? They aren't even enough to get my teeth into!"
As he spoke, the burly man reached into his mouth, picked out a bit of food residue, and provocatively flicked it towards Ye Cangtian.
This...
The man's laughter had already attracted the attention of those around, and now this insulting gesture stunned everyone.
While the Yin Group's strength might not be the strongest, they were certainly not the weakest.
Moreover, Ye Cangtian was a terrifying Heavenly rank expert; for them to still act this way, their audacity was truly astounding.
*Swish!*
At that moment, a cold glint flashed.
Qiangwei, who was guarding Ye Cangtian, directly drew her sword and swept it, slicing the food residue away.
Immediately after, without hesitation, she thrust her sword towards the burly man.
In her eyes, such an insult to Ye Cangtian and the Yin Group was a path to death, and there was no need for restraint.
*Clang!*
The man was not to be outdone; a large saber suddenly appeared in his hand, and he met the attack head-on, blocking Qiangwei's thrust.
Seeing this, Qiangwei's sword flicked again, and just as she prepared to advance further, Ye Cangtian's voice reached her.
"Qiangwei, come back. Be mindful of the occasion."
Ye Cangtian stopped Qiangwei in time. The Peak Meet was about to begin, and at this moment, Qiangwei had missed her chance to strike.
If she were to forcefully attack now, Qingyan and the Rain Star Daoist would likely intervene directly.
Therefore, Ye Cangtian ceased his futile efforts.
As Qiangwei walked back, Ye Cangtian turned his gaze to the burly man and said calmly, "Big brute, which faction are you from?"
*Hmph!*
The burly man looked at Ye Cangtian and snorted coldly, "Ye Cangtian, remember my name. You'll know who you died at the hands of in the future! I am Zuo Hu, the sect master of the Tiger King Sect!"
Tiger King Sect? Zuo Hu?
Ye Cangtian smiled slightly and looked at him, "It seems the Yin Group has no grievances with you, right?"
"Indeed, none!"
Zuo Hu nodded and continued, "However, since you have enmity with Xuefeng, you have enmity with us. Be careful in the future!"
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian's expression darkened. "What? Does your Tiger King Sect insist on interfering?"
"That's right!"
Zuo Hu nodded again and said coldly, "It's your fault for offending Xuefeng!"
"Alas!"
Ye Cangtian sighed upon hearing this. "Since I gave Xuefeng a chance, I'll give you a chance too. It's best not to provoke the Yin Group, or you will bear the consequences!"
*Pfft!*
Zuo Hu spat, looking at Ye Cangtian dismissively, "With just the few insignificant members you brought from the Yin Group? I'd like to see what you're capable of!"
As he spoke, Zuo Hu hefted his saber and walked towards Ye Cangtian step by step with a sinister smile.
Seeing this, Qiangwei immediately stepped in front of Ye Cangtian.
"Qiangwei, step aside."
The voice came, and Qiangwei frowned. Although she was unwilling, she still retreated.
Seeing this, Ye Cangtian smiled calmly and said, "Qingyan, you have no intention of intervening in this matter, is that right? Then don't blame me for not showing your Misty Rain Tower any respect!"
As his words fell, the expressions of those around changed again.
Although Ye Cangtian was a Heavenly rank expert, he was, after all, a junior, and the Yin Group was relatively weak.
Yet, Ye Cangtian spoke to Qingyan in such a manner; his audacity was immense.
Was he not afraid of Qingyan taking his anger out on him?
Upon hearing this, Zuo Hu also wore a cold smile. Speaking to Qingyan like this, he expected Qingyan might directly step in to discipline Ye Cangtian.
If Ye Cangtian could be injured, it would be much easier to kill him afterward.
"Zuo Hu, if you do not back down, do not blame the Misty Rain Tower for being impolite to your Tiger King Sect!"
At this moment, a voice that stunned everyone rang out.
No one had expected that Qingyan would not blame Ye Cangtian but would instead block Zuo Hu for him.
This...
Zuo Hu was also stunned on the spot. He hadn't anticipated such a turn of events. What was going on?
The next moment, he turned to Qingyan and questioned him sternly, "Sect Master Qingyan, do your eyes have a problem? Clearly, someone from Ye Cangtian's side attacked me first!
How can they attack, but we cannot?"
*Hmph!*
As his voice fell, Qingyan let out a cold snort, and the gaze in his aged eyes became exceptionally sharp.
"Zuo Hu, my eyes are perfectly fine. If you hadn't provoked the Yin Group first, why would their people attack you?
Moreover, Ye Cangtian promptly stopped his subordinate. You were not injured, so it's considered even.
If you continue to make trouble now, I don't mind taking action myself to see what capabilities you have to dare challenge the majesty of the Misty Rain Tower!"
As Qingyan's words fell, Zuo Hu's face darkened, but his eyes revealed a hint of apprehension.
If the Yin Group's strength was not great, he wouldn't have paid them much mind, but the Misty Rain Tower was different.
The Misty Rain Tower was one of the five top forces. Even with his arrogance, he knew that the Tiger King Sect was no match for the Misty Rain Tower.
Thinking this, Zuo Hu shrugged and said with a smile, "Since Sect Master Qingyan has said so, I must give him this face.
As he spoke, Zuo Hu looked at Ye Cangtian beside him and said dismissively, "Ye Cangtian, you truly disappoint me. Relying on others for protection, without any spirit. I look down on you!"
"Who do you think you are? What benefit do I gain if you look down on me?"
Ye Cangtian stared at him with a cold smile, not provoked.
He knew clearly in his heart that the other party was deliberately trying to anger him. If he were to attack, Qingyan would also intervene.
At that time, it might escalate into a conflict between the Yin Group and the Misty Rain Tower.
Damn it, this Ye Cangtian is so composed. He's a difficult opponent!
Hearing Ye Cangtian's words, Zuo Hu muttered inwardly, then said, "Ye Cangtian, we will meet again someday. I hope next time we meet, you won't disappoint me!"
As he spoke, Zuo Hu turned to Meng Nan beside him and said with a smile, "Brother Meng, let's go wait somewhere else. Otherwise, I'm afraid I might not be able to control myself..."
"Alright, alright."
Meng Nan quickly agreed. He had been sweating bullets just now.
If Zuo Hu had only targeted Ye Cangtian, he wouldn't have said anything. But Zuo Hu had also provoked Qingyan, which made him tremble with fear.
After all, he was cooperating with the Misty Rain Tower.
If the Misty Rain Tower held a grudge against him because of Zuo Hu, Xuefeng would face difficulties in its future operations!
Fortunately, Zuo Hu stopped in time...