Seeing everyone gathered, Zheng Xiaofeng quickly stood up to introduce to the Sect Master and the elders:

"These two are from the Tianyan Sect of the Central Continent."

The Sect Master of Qingfeng Sect smiled warmly, "So, you are esteemed disciples of the Tianyan Sect. What brings you to Qingfeng Sect?"

Faced with the Sect Master's inquiry, Chu Xingchen showed no reaction, his gaze fixed solely on Shangguan Hong.

The Sect Master looked slightly awkward, glancing at Zheng Xiaofeng.

His eyes questioned—what is going on here?

Zheng Xiaofeng felt helpless inside. What kind of situation is this? This job is really impossible to handle. Every time he encounters someone he can't offend, he has to act subservient, and whenever something happens, it seems like it's his fault.

If he knew everything, would it be his turn to be the Sect Master?

Despite his frustration, Zheng Xiaofeng had no choice but to step up.

With a familiar humble smile on his face, he cautiously asked, "Do you know Elder Shangguan?"

"Naturally, we've met once before." Chu Xingchen finally heard the words he was waiting for, a slight smile appearing on his face. "I wonder if Elder Shangguan still remembers me?"

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Hong paused briefly before replying, "Of course, I remember."

He hesitated, then asked in confusion, "But back then, didn't you say you were from the Heavenly Dao Alliance of the Central Continent?"

Chu Xingchen propped his chin with his right hand, his tone flippant and dismissive, "Oh? From what Elder Shangguan is saying, are you doubting me?"

"Of course not, it's just..."

Shangguan Hong's words trailed off, leaving room for endless speculation.

The Sect Master turned his gaze back to Zheng Xiaofeng.

His eyes still questioned—what on earth is going on here?

Exhausted, Zheng Xiaofeng really wanted to take the token from Chu Xingchen's waist and throw it in the Sect Master's face.

He had been doing this subservient act for so many years, and he couldn't tell if a Central Continent token was real or fake?

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He could only speak up to mediate again, "Elder Shangguan... is there some misunderstanding between you?"

Shangguan Hong remained silent.

"Misunderstanding? Not really," Chu Xingchen's tone remained flippant, "It's just a past grudge."

This time, without waiting for the Sect Master's gaze, Zheng Xiaofeng quickly smiled and smoothed things over, "Our esteemed guests are really good at joking. Didn't you say there's a task for which you need Qingfeng Sect's cooperation?"

Listening to Zheng Xiaofeng's somewhat awkward transition, Chu Xingchen calmly said, "From Elder Shangguan's tone, it seems like he thinks I'm a fake from the Tianyan Sect. Aren't you going to verify it with me?"

Chu Xingchen paused, then leisurely added, "Or perhaps, let Elder Shangguan verify it personally?"

Just as Zheng Xiaofeng was about to continue easing the situation, Shangguan Hong's aged voice came first, "That would be best."

This statement left Zheng Xiaofeng momentarily stunned, looking at Shangguan Hong with incredulous eyes.

What madness had taken over this person?

Ignoring the looks from others as if he were crazy, Shangguan Hong had his reasons for doing so. If this person hadn't come, it would have been fine, but once he arrived, Shangguan Hong found it a bit strange.

For safety's sake, Shangguan Hong had checked Li Xingtian's background upon returning.

It recorded that Li Xingtian initially worked in the mine and was transferred to the outer sect due to a lack of herbalists.

Although Shangguan Hong was concerned, he was helpless, as he couldn't defeat the person and was rescued in disgrace.

Initially, when the mine was attacked, he suspected it might have been this person's doing, but upon reflection, Chu Xingchen's spiritual power was pure, with no traces of evil cultivation.

Moreover, at that time, Shangguan Hong genuinely believed that Chu Xingchen was likely from the Central Continent.

But now... a Central Continent person, with a group, knowing about the mine.

If he were truly a disciple of the Tianyan Sect, why deceive him by claiming to be from the Heavenly Dao Alliance?

If he truly wanted to save someone, showing a token would have silenced him, so why the pretense?

There must be something fishy!

Perhaps the evil cultivator who attacked the mine was led by this person, and in Qingfeng Sect, there was the Mountain Protection Array and so many Golden Core elders.

If this person were truly a fake from the Tianyan Sect...

Even if he were genuine, at worst, apologize humbly or accept punishment.

The benefits outweigh the risks, so why not do it?

Shangguan Hong quickly made up his mind and walked forward without hesitation, saying, "Since you are from the Tianyan Sect, surely you have other means of proof besides the token?"

The Sect Master, who had intended to stop Shangguan Hong, paused upon hearing this.

Shangguan Hong noticed the Sect Master's subtle action, understanding that the Sect Master was tentatively agreeing.

A slight smile appeared on his aged face.

Without a word, Yaoqin suddenly drew the sword placed beside her, unleashing a sword intent so sharp it seemed capable of easily shattering stars.

The violent spiritual power was perfectly condensed, and as if a mere flash of light, the opulent hall was completely cleaved by this sword.

The raging spiritual power waves crushed everything in the room.

Several Golden Core elders quickly erected spiritual power barriers to withstand the somewhat exaggerated aftermath.

As the spiritual energy settled again, the hall was already in ruins, the terrifying sword mark having shattered the hall's walls and even flattened the mountain behind it.

Boulders tumbled down recklessly.

Shangguan Hong, who was closest to the sword intent, was forced back several steps, even though the sword intent wasn't aimed at him.

Yaoqin slowly sheathed her sword and placed it back beside her chair.

She hadn't even stood up to unleash that sword.

"The Divine Evolution Taiqing Sword of the Tianyan Sect," Yaoqin said coldly, looking at the still-shaken Shangguan Hong, "Do you want to verify anything else?"

Shangguan Hong instantly held his breath upon hearing this. What else was there to verify?

This divine ability, only taught to true disciples of the Tianyan Sect, was far more convincing than a token.

But wasn't this person... a bit too exaggerated?

Chu Xingchen looked at Shangguan Hong's heavy expression and deliberately asked Yaoqin beside him in a puzzled tone, "Senior Sister, why did you hold back?"

Yaoqin's tone was icy, "After all, this is someone else's sect; we must leave some face."

Zheng Xiaofeng glanced at the nearly ruined hall... there wasn't much face left.

Chu Xingchen nodded lightly, then stood up, casually picking up the longsword Yaoqin had placed beside her, saying, "My Senior Sister has proven she is from the Tianyan Sect, now it's my turn to prove it to you all."

Chu Xingchen said this as he faced Shangguan Hong, making a move to draw the longsword, seemingly intending to use the Divine Evolution Taiqing Sword to cut Shangguan Hong in two.

The Sect Master quickly intervened, "Wait... esteemed guest, please wait!"

What was there to verify? With such power, another sword strike would leave no good place in Qingfeng Sect.

The Sect Master glared at Shangguan Hong, angrily scolding, "Elder Shangguan! Apologize to our esteemed guests!"

Chu Xingchen and Yaoqin's reactions were yet unknown.

But upon hearing this, Zheng Xiaofeng felt a sense of relief throughout his body.

Finally, he wasn't the one taking the blame.