Mainland Martial Arts

Chapter 186 The strange old man

However, Lin Feng did not back down. His eyes flashed with determination. He knew that for Chen Xiner, he had to bravely face all challenges.

After two days of arduous trekking, Lin Feng finally arrived at the foot of Jiuhuang Peak. He pulled the reins and brought the horse to a slow halt. The horse snorted, as if sensing the solemn atmosphere. Lin Feng dismounted, planted his feet firmly on the ground, feeling the solidity of the earth.

He raised his head, his gaze settling on the gatehouse in front of him. It was tall and imposing, like the gate of a majestic castle. Constructed from massive stones, each smooth and level, it exuded an air of antiquity. Above the gatehouse, inscribed were the three characters "Jiuhuang Peak," written in a powerful, majestic style. The golden characters shone brightly in the sunlight, as if declaring to the world the sacredness and inviolability of this place.

A massive stone stele stands in front of the gate, carved from white jade, smooth as a mirror. Inscribed on it are the three characters "Jiuhuang Pavilion" in a simple and solemn script, as if to recount the long history and glorious achievements of Jiuhuang Pavilion. The stele is surrounded by exquisite carvings, including auspicious dragons and phoenixes, and unicorns offering blessings. Each pattern is vivid, as if it were about to leap from the stone tablet.

Lin Feng stood there, gazing silently at the gatehouse and stone tablet, he couldn't help but sigh, "As expected of a major sect, this is so magnificent." His eyes were filled with awe and admiration, but also with a hint of determination and unyielding spirit. He knew that the Nine Emperors Pavilion was a powerful force, filled with countless experts, but he wasn't afraid. For Chen Xin'er, for justice, he had to bravely face the Nine Emperors Pavilion's challenge.

Lin Feng frowned slightly, lost in thought. He thought for a moment, and it seemed he had to go up. There was no other way to go, only this staircase that stretched as far as the eye could see. This staircase seemed to be the only access to the Nine Emperors Pavilion, and also a test for visitors.

Lin Feng turned and led the horse aside. He found a sturdy tree and tied the reins to it. The horse seemed to sense the danger its owner was facing; it snorted softly, its eyes filled with worry. Lin Feng gently patted the horse's head and said, "Don't worry, wait for me to come back." His voice was gentle but firm, as if offering the horse an invisible comfort.

Then, Lin Feng turned and walked alone toward the staircase behind the gatehouse. The staircase stretched as far as the eye could see, like a stairway to heaven. Built of massive stones, each smooth and level, it exuded an ancient aura. Lush trees flanked the staircase, their leaves swaying gently in the breeze, as if cheering Lin Feng on.

Lin Feng slowly ascended the seemingly endless staircase, his steps steady and resolute, each one a testament to his boundless determination. His black suit fluttered gently in the breeze, his hair dancing with it. On his resolute face, a pair of deep eyes shone with an unyielding spirit.

As Lin Feng continued to climb, he reached the halfway point of the mountain. The mist here was even thicker, like a mysterious veil, making it difficult to see the surrounding scenery clearly. At this moment, Lin Feng's eyes were attracted by a figure on a rock.

An elderly man sat quietly, legs crossed, like a celestial being in trance. He wore a long gray robe, faintly etched with lines, like the marks of time. His hair was gray, but neatly combed. His face was lined with wrinkles like ravines, yet he exuded the calmness of someone who had experienced life. His eyes were closed, his expression serene, as if he had become one with the world, his mind wandering in the vastness of space.

Although Lin Feng had doubts in his heart, he didn't dare to be careless. He stopped, clasped his fists, bowed, and said respectfully, "Junior Lin Feng, greetings to the elder." His voice echoed in the silent mountains, but received no response.

Lin Feng frowned slightly, but he didn't give up. He continued, "Today, I would like to see your Pavilion Master. Please forgive me if I have offended you." However, the old man continued to sit there quietly, without any movement, as if he had not heard Lin Feng's words at all.

Lin Feng pondered inwardly, who was this old man? Why was he here? Was he from the Nine Emperors Pavilion? A series of questions flashed through Lin Feng's mind, but he had no answers. He hesitated for a moment, then decided to ignore the old man and continued walking forward.

Just as Lin Feng was about to reach a point where he was on par with the old man, the old man suddenly waved his hand in front of Lin Feng without any warning. In an instant, a powerful stream of true energy whistled out like a hurricane, rapidly attacking Lin Feng.

Lin Feng, as if sensing something, glanced sideways and was instantly startled. Without time to think, he quickly took a step back. The energies passed in front of Lin Feng like a sharp blade, bringing with them a sharp gust of wind.

Wherever the Qi passed, the stone on the other side of the stairs was instantly split in two, the cut smooth as a mirror. The broken stones fell one after another, making a crisp sound, which was particularly harsh in the quiet mountain.

Lin Feng turned around and looked at the old man warily. His eyes were filled with surprise and confusion. He didn't understand why the old man had attacked him. The old man still had his eyes closed, his expression serene, as if he hadn't been the one to attack him.

Lin Feng felt a surge of unease. He didn't know how strong this old man was, nor did he know why he was trying to stop him. But he knew he had to be careful, or the consequences would be disastrous.

Lin Feng took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. He stared at the old man, ready to respond to his next attack at any moment. He clenched his fists slightly, and the Qi in his body slowly flowed, ready to burst out at any moment.

"Senior, why did you attack me? I just want to see the leader of your pavilion and I have no ill intentions." Lin Feng asked again, with a hint of vigilance and confusion in his voice.

However, the old man still did not respond. He sat there quietly, like a silent statue.

Lin Feng's heart was filled with helplessness and confusion. He didn't know what to do. Should he keep going forward or turn around and leave? He hesitated for a moment, then finally decided to keep going. He couldn't give up his goal just because of this old man's obstruction.

Lin Feng took a cautious step forward, his eyes fixed on the old man, observing his every move. He was filled with anxiety, wondering if the old man would attack again.