Chapter 1027: Watched

Proofreader : Papatonks

Ouyang Changqing felt conflicted as he looked at Zhuo Fan. He could tell the other was strong, but did not mean he was ready to admit it, "Unless a proper match is taking place, no one can say who's stronger!"

"What's the point? That exchange was enough to show the difference between you."

Ouyang Lingtian gave him a sharp glare then spoke heavily, "That ice dragon is something you and the western lands disciple have made with your power. It can be said he fought both of you then and easily beat it. He is far above you in this aspect and..."

Ouyang Lingtian grew silent at the end and Ouyang Changqing got curious, "And?"

"The ice dragon used your strongest Heaven Sealing Sword Art yet he easily broke it. This shows he is above you. He is in another class than you who are fighting for the best disciple in the four lands. You just can't win against him."

Murong Xue was the one to finish Ouyang Lingtian's words.

He was staring at his father with eyes filled with questions and Ouyang Lingtian nodded, "Xue'er is right. I've been fighting for so many years, but not once have I seen any divine sword's power being restrained. Not even Invincible Sword's Sundering Sword Art has such power. But he... just who is he?"

Ouyang Lingtian stared at Zhuo Fan filled with doubt. The others were also curious, trying to guess his background. At the very least, they could rule out being a tiny steward to some merchant clan.

Murong Xue kept her promise to Shangguan Qingyan and did not say a word. Not like they needed her help, since Zhuo Fan gave himself away in broad daylight. He was in the limelight and there was no escaping it.

Sea Bright Sect was not about to overlook such a mysterious and dangerous element slipping into their home either.

They were all looking tense, trying to pick his every tell. Zhuo Fan acted oblivious, just sitting there with a girl on his shoulder not wanting to disturb her.

"I am Ouyang Lingtian of Sea Bright Sect. Who might sir be and where do you come from? What brings you to the Sea Bright Sect?" Seeing how the strange mood had no effect on Zhuo Fan, Ouyang Lingtian came over before this seemingly Radiant Stage cultivator, he dared not disrespect in the least.

The rest looked intently at the exchange. Ouyang Changqing still refused to believe what was happening. His father, the best in northern lands, was paying respects to some junior. It only went to prove how much the best in northern lands evaluated Zhuo Fan, no less than at his level.

Since he got rid of the Heaven Sealing Sword Art in one move, it meant that such power was the nemesis of the Heaven Sealing Sword. As its wielder, he was definitely concerned.

While the cultivation was far below, the skill used put him on edge.

Zhuo Fan gave him a look and knew he could no longer play innocent, having got to his usual mysterious and calculative self. He regarded the extremely respectful northern lands senior and spoke casually, "Senior Ouyang, I am only a steward of the Qian clan coming to deliver goods. Let's leave it at that."

"Qian steward? Ha-ha-ha, does sir take me for a child? We know everything about the Qian clan and there's no one like you among it."

Ouyang Lingtian shook his head, "I don't want to force sir to be honest, but the situation is critical now. Your sudden presence here terrifies us all. I have no choice but to offend sir to avoid any problems. I can only ask for your forgiveness."

Ouyang Lingtian's face was cold, giving the elders a look.

The dozens of Genesis Stage elders had the merchant group surrounded.

The guards tensed, awaiting for Zhuo Fan's orders.

Shangguan Qingyan started, clenching her fists with a frown and a pained heart.

Murong Xue shook her head, while the western lands disciples and Sea Bright Sect disciples watched the events unfold.

Shui Ruohua and the other girl were just confused, looking at Zhuo Fan in wonderment.

[How did he turn dangerous? Who is he, to need to arrest him?]

Zhuo Fan didn't move still, looking gracefully at the peaceful girl leaning on him.

He then glanced at Ouyang Lingtian, "Senior Ouyang, could you give me a moment to sit better?"

"Sit better? What for?" Ouyang Lingtian had no idea what trick Zhuo Fan was trying to pull.

Zhuo Fan shook his head, "Senior Ouyang, I just want to sit and nothing else. After all the destruction the ice dragon caused, it will make for a nice sunset to enjoy with the ice covering everything."

[Enjoy the sunset?]

Ouyang Lingtian's brow twitched, looking around the icy and snow-covered ruins, then at Zhuo Fan with a dump look.

[What's up with this guy? There's no shock, panic, fear, nor anger, just the intention to watch the scenery? Is he alright?]

Ouyang Lingtian was floored by the deep eyes behind the eagle mask.

Zhuo Fan's request had him stumped. The others let Ouyang Lingtian take the lead and would not stop now.

So all were looking dumb at Zhuo Fan, who just wanted to enjoy twilight.

They had seen their fair share of people in their long lives as cultivators, against sly weasels or rash fools, but Zhuo Fan took the cake.

Chu Qingcheng opened her eyes, much clearer than before, but still vacant. She then left Zhuo Fan's side.

"Qingcheng is awake."

Shui Ruohua lit up and spoke in gratitude, "After all these years, this is the first time she had such a peaceful rest. Even with all the chaos around, it's a miracle she could sleep for so long..."

Shui Ruohua teared up. Zhuo Fan nodded at Chu Qingcheng and said, "Senior Ouyang, let's go. Miss Shui, I'll leave Miss Chu in your care."

"Did you stay like that so you won't disturb her?"

Ouyang Lingtian saw Zhuo Fan showing no change but then it hit him, "I get it now. Sir, after you."

Ouyang Lingtian gestured and a couple elders approached Zhuo Fan to detain him. Zhuo Fan didn't fight, walking away with a deep gaze as Shui Ruohua held Chu Qingcheng.

[Qingcheng, after I save young Sanzi, I will come get you and will never leave your side again...]

Pa!

He barely made a step as Chu Qingcheng reached out and gripped Zhuo Fan's hand.

Zhuo Fan started and looked on with hope.

[Is Qingcheng awake...]

What he saw was the same empty eyes, even as her soft hand held on to him, like something precious, unwilling to let go.

Shui Ruohua tried to pull her, but the grip wouldn't give.

Shui Ruohua was awkward, looking puzzled.

[What's got into Chu Qingcheng?]

Zhuo Fan knew that she reached for him out of instinct.

No matter when or where, even with her faded mind, her memories gone, her feelings would never change. Chu Qingcheng was holding on to Zhuo Fan all because of those feelings.

Zhuo Fan's heart was in pain again, speaking firmly to Ouyang Lingtian, "Senior Ouyang, could you also bring Miss wherever you're taking me?"