Despite knowing that Zhou Yan was likely deliberately making things difficult for her, she had no choice but to bow her head under another’s roof.
Lie Wanqing’s beautiful eyes seemed ready to spit fire. She had already completely lost any favorable impression of Zhou Yan, and now seeing him open his mouth to try to snatch the Qiankun Rings left by Elder Lie and Master Han after their death, her heart grew even more displeased.
However, the Elders of her clan were speaking out on her behalf to settle this matter, making compromises in front of Zhou Yan, which prevented her from overreacting.
She understood that a person like Zhou Yan was definitely ruthless and merciless, and she could only swallow this grievance and force it down into her stomach.
With this in mind, she took a deep breath and managed to calm her fury, stepping forward before the Elder to take out the two Qiankun Rings, then approached Zhou Yan.
She did her best to stabilize her anger, but she could feel her heaving bosom, still the subject of the other’s unabashed ogling, which nearly drove her mad.
But what could she do? This individual, appearing so low in Realm yet frightfully powerful, likely didn’t blink an eye when killing with his swordsmanship. Even more hateful was the fact that he dared to brazenly flirt with someone like Feng Yunyan, the Holy Daughter. What was she compared to that?
To call such a person despicable and shameless? He admitted it himself, so what more could be done?
People who are shameless, thick-skinned, and unscrupulous... Lie Wanqing felt that this was truly her first encounter with such a person.
Yet she hoped that she would never encounter such a person again because to encounter it once made her feel like she would die of anger!
The very thought of it infuriated her, and she could feel that his hot and intense gaze was unscrupulously roaming her body, which was simply intolerable!
With resentful energy, Lie Wanqing slapped the two rings into Zhou Yan’s hands, her words icy as she bit her silver teeth.
"Haha, not bad. It would be perfect if your attitude were a little better," Zhou Yan said with a smile that made Lie Wanqing stagger, nearly falling to the ground.
Clearly, her chest heaved even more intensely, a result of her anger and of the provocation she felt, but she could only endure...
"Mm, now that the rings are in hand, then Zhou Lingzhe, this Ancient Array should be manageable now, right? You know we must make our way to the City of No Tears as soon as possible," Feng Yunyan interjected, her lips parting slightly to inquire.
"Of course, but before that, we have to pass through this Ancient Array," Zhou Yan answered nonchalantly.
His attitude worried Feng Ling Bamboo, who feared that Zhou Yan’s uncompromising demeanor would upset the likes of Feng Yunyan and Chen Tianjian, making the journey ahead difficult.
But it seemed that from beginning to end, Zhou Yan didn’t take Feng Yunyan or Chen Tianjian too seriously. Even though he appeared polite and kind to them on the surface, the feeling that he wasn’t taking them seriously was quite clear.
Feng Ling Bamboo knew her feeling was accurate, and it was precisely because of this that she felt even more concerned.
At this moment, Zhou Yan’s indifferent attitude made Feng Ling Bamboo anxious again.
This young master always seemed so wildly arrogant and conceited...
"This... Aren’t we all cooperating with you? How else do you want us to be? Don’t tell me you want to use this as an opportunity to gain greater benefits?" Feng Yunyan frowned and spoke up at this time.
This statement was basically a veiled warning to Zhou Yan that it was fine for them to be used by him to a certain extent, but not to overdo it. Like using this as an excuse to consume the two Great True Men’s Qiankun Rings—that would be going too far.
Zhou Yan naturally understood the meaning of her words. He also sensed Feng Ling Bamboo’s great concern. Her arrogance, among such high-level geniuses, seemed to have been suppressed too much.
However, Zhou Yan didn’t care about any of this. Without giving Feng Yunyan another glance, he surveyed the surroundings and glanced at the cultivators still watching him before speaking lightly, "Firstly, this dangerous Ancient Array isn’t something I wish to enter. It was those two who did not heed advice and rashly went in, causing us to be in this passive situation.
In that case, the Ancient Array is considered activated, and it can’t be avoided. I am essentially a victim as well.
Secondly, I didn’t demand that you must do this. You are all geniuses, powerful individuals in your own right, and naturally, you won’t just perish so easily. Thus, you are just as free to overcome this Array on your own."
Zhou Yan’s words left many cultivators inwardly cursing him for his shamelessness, but the terror of the Ancient Array had already deeply stimulated them.
"Because this place is constantly watched by an invisible demon, it seems like death could come at any moment, excruciating beyond compare."
Therefore, despite knowing Zhou Yan’s words were arrogant and meant to suppress them, all the geniuses held back their anger.
"Zhou Lingzhe, we consider ourselves to be extremely sincere. How can you speak to us in this manner?"
Feng Yunyan’s face turned slightly cold, and her expression grew discontent when she looked at Zhou Yan.
Originally having a countenance as cold as an ice mountain, her expression now carried a uniquely charming allure.
"Oh, it looks as if I’m not getting anything done? Just two Qiankun Rings, and everyone’s interested? If you think I’m messing around, you’re free to take this road yourself. I didn’t restrict you; it’s you who came begging to me!"
Zhou Yan sneered, then added, "To tell the truth, besides these, to get out of here, my strength must reach the Sword Spirit Realm, or I won’t be able to break the Array.
After all, everyone knows that my Realm is still very low, and my strength weak. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be speaking to me so arrogantly."
Zhou Yan chuckled sinisterly, his face once again filled with disdain.
Among these people, the one he found most inscrutable was Feng Yunyan. Her shifts in mentality were peculiar; Zhou Yan felt a vague sensation about her but couldn’t precisely determine what it was.
Moreover, since entering the Ancient Array, Zhou Yan felt that mysterious call grow stronger.
Upon seeing that statue, the feeling of oppression in his heart intensified, yet he did not let it explode. Now with Feng Yunyan speaking thus, he plainly stated his purpose.
As expected, upon his words, many Cultivators began to grow angry.
"Sword Spirit Realm? That requires a complete blood exchange; when would that even be possible?!"
"I’m thinking he’s just toying with us. Just because he knows a bit about Ancient Arrays, he’s getting cocky now, isn’t he!"
"Elder Lie’s death might have nothing to do with him. Maybe he’s just seizing the opportunity to intimidate people!"
"Even with exceptional talent, progressing from the Sword Heart Third Layer Heaven to the Sword Spirit Realm without heaven-sent treasures would take at least three to five years of effort. How could it possibly break through? In three to five years, we would miss all opportunities, so what’s the point of going to the City of No Tears?!"
"Exactly, he’s just fooling with us! I, Wang Xingbin, suggest that it would be better to directly kill this man; hence we could also immediately divide the Sword Intent Crystal Stones!
With the ancient Sword Intent Crystal Stones, even if we do not go to the City of No Tears, our gains would be tremendous!"
"I also agree with Master Wang’s view. Even if the Array is formidable, we can retreat without issue, right? Everyone understands that leaving Ancient Tomb Mountain doesn’t entail any risks!"
The Cultivators clamored, and Feng Ling Bamboo beside Zhou Yan was already sweating profusely in her palms. She had fully prepared herself for combat.
But Zhou Yan continued to stand there calmly, seeming to completely ignore the loud dissent of the Cultivators.
"Everyone, please calm down."
At this moment, Chen Tianjian stepped forward and silenced the crowd’s doubts.
The scene quieted down once again.
"I think, since Zhou Lingzhe has also come here, he surely wishes to enter the City of No Tears. Since Zhou Lingzhe himself wants to go, he will naturally try his best, and we should trust his ability.
As for what he said, I find it quite normal. After all, breaking the Array does require consumption. If we were to hire an Array Sword Master, it would also consume a significant amount of resources. It’s acceptable for Zhou Lingzhe to want some ’benefits.’
Additionally, the strength of the Ancient Array, according to my sensing, is indeed unimaginable. Zhou Lingzhe’s higher Realm, the more confident he naturally becomes.
As for the rate of progress, have we all forgotten how astonishing Zhou Lingzhe’s breakthrough speed has been since he began Cultivation? He started Cultivation at the age of fourteen, and now, at only nineteen, he’s already at the peak of Sword Heart Third Layer Heaven.
Therefore, I have reason to believe that as long as he’s willing, entering the Sword Spirit Realm will also be achieved in a short span of time.
And consider, once we enter the City of No Tears, the greater opportunities are fundamental. Let us not overlook this key point!"
Chen Tianjian’s words seemed to take a longer view.
With his remarks, the murderous intent of the crowd was suppressed, and silence returned to the scene.