Chapter 458: Chapter 301: Journey to Flying Dragon City, Gathering Storms, Huang Lu as Bait! The Lady Angles?

The stamped disciples are the core of the sect, their deep ties to the sect driving their lifelong pursuit of becoming an elder. Kong Yu had strategized for over a decade, exhausting his efforts in serving the sect, yet he was overshadowed by Li Xian’s rise to fame in just a few bouts. How could he reconcile this imbalance? Seething with resentment, he seized the opportunity to test the waters.

Li Xian’s demeanor remained calm, thinking to himself that having borrowed a boat to leave the island, he must consider Tang Feng’s reputation. He would not rush into retaliation, but applied a subtle amount of force to his hand as a warning. If Kong Yu continued to push, he would show no mercy.

Kong Yu raised an eyebrow, not realizing that Li Xian was yielding. He mused to himself, "He does have some skill, but if this is all, he won’t be able to best me. Although he is quite famous and valued by Chief Shi, deserving some credit, he will suffer at my hands in this technique."

He increased his grip, his Inner Qi surging to his palm, executing the martial art "Iron Bone Hand," dark glints sparking between his knuckles and fingers with profound mastery. Yet, it had no effect, leaving Kong Yu stunned. Just as he was puzzled, an overwhelming force rebounded against him.

His expression changed in an instant, losing composure, wanting to speak but hesitating. He found himself in a difficult position, wishing to beg for mercy but unable to swallow his pride, holding out desperately, cold sweat streaming down his forehead, teeth clenched tightly, and his body trembling slightly.

Tang Feng, observing this scene from the side, remained silent. In martial arts, conflict is unavoidable, with the strong showing ferocity and the weak suffering grievances.

After a moment, Kong Yu spoke up, "Brother, Brother Hua... I admit defeat. Please... please let go."

Li Xian glanced over with a sidelong look, weighing it up privately: "This person seems affable, yet harbors ill intent. If we were elsewhere, I would teach him a lesson, but this is Tang Feng’s flower boat, and I must give him face." He then released his grip.

Tang Feng said, "No mistake, come, let me introduce you."

Tang Feng has served as the "Flower Cage Sect Elder" for several decades.

He has nurtured many trusted aides, and this time traveling to Flying Dragon City, where masters abound and hidden talent lies, the situation grows increasingly turbulent. Tang Feng dared not be careless, thus bringing many capable and trusted followers, including the ’Three Stamped Disciples’ Kong Yu, He Wafu, and Wei Ze, all nearing or at the Martial Arts Second Realm.

However, coming from humble beginnings, they had scant resources, and their Martial Arts Realm was inevitably achieved through "endurance" and "grinding," leaving them slightly weaker. Nonetheless, the three are masters of array formations. If they lead an array, their skills are substantial.

There are also those of the "Five Elements Flower Protective Array," "Divergent Flower Shadow Array," and "Lingering Return Array"... these have martial arts mastery that is mediocre, barely reaching the Food Essence Realm, but they have rigorously trained as a team, focusing solely on array formations among the apprentices.

In total, there are "twenty-four" people, with weapons and armor crafted specifically according to the needs of the formations. Every time Tang Feng starts a meal, these people get a share of the broth. Moreover, every few months, he must prepare special meals for them, distributing essence meat.

Crafting this formation required no small amount of effort.

Li Xian pondered: "Tang Feng’s strength was not lacking, and now with Kong Yu, He Wafu, and Wei Ze assisting, along with an additional twenty-four trusted aides expertly trained in array formations, able to follow his commands."

"But there is still the risk of neglecting his own strength. If these trusted aides, and their formations fall into disarray, what would happen then?"

About half an hour later, all the Flower Cage Sect followers had boarded the ship. The ferry envoy Jin Shichang welcomed them onboard.

Tang Feng, seeing everything in place, felt a surge of heroic spirit, calling out loudly and waving a big hand. The disciples set sails and hoisted the anchor... busily working. A dozen or so followers went to the bottom of the flower boat to turn the oars together, chanting "hey," "ha," "hey," "ha" rhythmically.

With everyone’s combined effort, the flower boat sailed towards the depths of the lake.

Li Xian stood at a high point, the wind over the lake blowing.

This journey off the lake was bound to be extraordinary.

(ps: Madam Wen truly made a comeback this time.)