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Chapter 185 Zhao Feng, whom we haven't seen in a long time, Xiao Yan's fighting power, third stage (2 words, update 25)

The Whisperers!
That familiar red logo is like a pebble thrown into a calm lake.

It instantly awakened fragments of Fang Qingyu's long-buried memories.

In Qingjian City, at Chenfeng Martial Arts School, the figure of the Taoist priest who had taken Lin Kang's place and taught him Bajiquan for the first time—with his pine-like physique, ethereal temperament, and unfathomable depth—clearly emerged.

Fang Qingyu's steps froze on the spot!

He suddenly looked up, his gaze piercing through the crowd and precisely locking onto the face of a middle-aged man wearing a faded dark blue Taoist robe, whose figure was still as upright as bamboo, and whose face carried a gentle smile.

"Brother Zhao?!"

Fang Qingyu blurted out, his voice filled with an incredulous surprise and the familiarity of a long-awaited reunion.

The corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up, revealing a genuine smile.

"Qingyu!" Zhao Feng also saw him, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, which then turned into deep joy.

He strode over, his smile still gentle. "I thought I'd only see you after I went into the 'Abyss,' but I didn't expect to meet you here."

Fang Qingyu was taken aback: "You're going to enter the 'Abyss' too?"

He immediately realized what was happening, and his eyes showed even deeper confusion. "Wait, Brother Zhao, what are you doing here?"

This is Shangjing, the gathering place for the Hidden Dragon Project, where core disciples from top martial arts schools and aristocratic families come together.

How did Zhao Feng, the Taoist priest who "taught" at Chenfeng Martial Arts School in Qingjian City, end up here?

Moreover, he just mentioned "Yuan"!
Seeing this, Wei Banmeng, who was standing next to him, also showed a hint of understanding on her usually cold face, and explained, "Daoist Zhao Feng is from Mingri Mountain. Mingri Mountain also has a few spots to participate in the Hidden Dragon Project this time."

"Tomorrow Mountain?"

Fang Qingyu was taken aback again.

He had just heard Wei Banmeng mention this name.

The introduction at the time mentioned some of the more powerful forces participating in the Hidden Dragon Project.

Mount Tomorrow is considered one of the most mysterious and profound Taoist holy sites in the Federation.

They possessed their own blessed land and held a transcendent status.

Seeing the changing expressions on Fang Qingyu's face, Zhao Feng smiled gently and explained, "When I went to Qingjian City, it was a mission assigned by my sect, which required me to stay there for a while. Lin Kang and I are old acquaintances. He happened to be busy at the time, so he asked me to cover for him and teach boxing at Chenfeng Martial Arts School for a few days. I didn't expect to run into you there."

His tone carried a strange sense of destiny.

The group found a relatively quiet rest area and sat down.

Fang Qingyu then learned from Zhao Feng that the key for believers to break through to become Chosen Ones also requires the understanding of "natural power" and the establishment of a deeper connection with heaven and earth and all things.

Therefore, it is perfectly normal for believers to participate in the Hidden Dragon Project and enter the "Abyss" to seek a breakthrough opportunity.

"I see."

Fang Qingyu suddenly realized that the last bit of doubt in his heart had been resolved.

Looking at Zhao Feng, whose demeanor remained refined but whose aura was even more profound and reserved than when he was in Qingjian, he exclaimed, "I never expected that Brother Zhao would have such a distinguished background."

Zhao Feng picked up the cup of tea offered by the staff and took a sip. His face remained casually relaxed with a smile throughout. He looked at Fang Qingyu, his eyes clear and filled with admiration: "What I didn't expect was that you would grow so fast. When I first saw you at the martial arts school, you had just started practicing, but there was a fierce and indomitable spirit in your eyes, like a wolf cub. How long has it been? You have already surpassed me."

He paused, then smiled more broadly, “No wonder when Lin Kang was drinking with me afterwards, he half-jokingly said, ‘If you ever come to the capital, I hope you don’t break your Dao heart.’”

These words made Fang Qingyu laugh, and the atmosphere became much more relaxed.

Wei Banmeng listened quietly, her gaze shifting thoughtfully between Fang Qingyu and Zhao Feng. Jiang Wei sat next to Fang Qingyu, clutching her small backpack, sipping her juice, her big eyes curiously observing Zhao Feng.

Chat for a while.

Wei Banmeng reminded her that it was time to go to the top floor to complete the formal registration procedures for the Hidden Dragon Project.

The three of them, along with Zhao Feng, took the elevator directly to the top floor.

The staff at the registration desk were dressed in crisp uniforms and looked serious.

When the staff member saw the information about Fang Qingyu handed over by Wei Banmeng, and then saw Jiang Wei standing next to Fang Qingyu, their expression became noticeably strange. Their eyes darted back and forth between the two of them, as if trying to confirm something.

He quickly checked the internal system, and after a moment, the strange look on his face deepened, but he still followed the procedure to confirm that everything was correct, completed the registration for Fang Qingyu, and issued an electronic nameplate representing his identity.

Just when Fang Qingyu thought the process was over.

The staff member's gaze shifted to Jiang Wei, who was standing quietly to the side, and asked in a businesslike but clearly puzzled tone, "Ms. Jiang Wei, we just received notification that you have also obtained temporary supplementary eligibility for this Hidden Dragon Project. Would you like to participate?"

"Um?!"

"Little Jiang?"

Fang Qingyu and Wei Banmeng spoke almost simultaneously, both showing obvious surprise on their faces.

Fang Qingyu immediately looked at Jiang Wei.

The little girl was also visibly taken aback, and for the first time, a clear look of surprise flashed in her large, clear eyes.

She seemed surprised to be singled out.

But after only a moment's hesitation, she raised her head, met the staff's gaze, her small face expressionless, and answered in a clear and firm voice:

"join."

The staff member nodded, seemingly relieved, as if it were just a confirmation process.

He quickly operated the device a few times and soon created an electronic nameplate for Jiang Wei. Then he handed Fang Qingyu a uniquely shaped, all-black communicator with a slightly wide screen.

“Mr. Fang, this is a communication device used exclusively within ‘The Abyss.’ It uses a special frequency band and encryption technology and can only be used inside ‘The Abyss’ and in specific areas for emergency communication and receiving instructions. Please keep it safe,” the staff member explained.

Finally, he added, "Please be on time at 8:00 AM tomorrow for the launch meeting of Project Hidden Dragon in Conference Room A1 on the top floor. All important notes and detailed rules of 'The Abyss' will be announced at the meeting. Please do not be late."

Zhao Feng also completed his registration procedures.

The group walked out of the registration area and exchanged contact information.

"What a pleasant surprise!" Zhao Feng looked at Jiang Wei, his eyes filled with a gentle smile and a hint of inquiry. "It seems this trip to 'The Abyss' will be even more interesting than expected. See you at the meeting tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow, Brother Zhao."

Fang Qingyu nodded.

After saying goodbye to Zhao Feng, Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei, filled with questions, followed Wei Banmeng back to the blessed land of Longyuan Pavilion by elevator.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the simulated "sky" of the grotto-heaven, bathing the entire plain in a warm orange-red hue.

The shadows of the flowers, plants, and trees were stretched very long.

They returned to the small courtyard, nestled among exotic flowers and plants, that had been assigned to them.

Why were you suddenly given this qualification?

Fang Qingyu pushed open the rustic wooden door, frowning as he pondered.

Jiang Wei hugged her small backpack, a hint of confusion on her face, and gently shook her head.

squeak-

The wooden door was pushed open.

Fang Qingyu's words came to an abrupt halt.

His and Jiang Wei's gazes both froze in the center of the courtyard.

There, sitting at the round stone table in the courtyard, was a person.

An elderly man, dressed in a simple dark blue robe, with a slender figure, a rustic face, and an aura as calm and profound as a mountain.

Sitting quietly on the stone bench, holding a cup of steaming hot tea in my hand.

His gaze calmly fell on Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei as they pushed open the door and entered.

Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei were both taken aback.

Fang Qingyu subconsciously took a half step back, looked up at the simple wooden plaque above the courtyard gate with the words "Zhuxi" engraved on it, and then looked down at the electronic key card he had just received, which corresponded to "Zhuxi Courtyard".

Yes, this is the place.

Fang Qingyu looked at the old man beside the stone table again.

Above his head was the same question mark title as Hong Qitian, the father of Director Zong of the Bureau of Divine Religion.

This unfathomable old man appeared silently in their courtyard, as leisurely as the master of the house.

"Who are you...?" Fang Qingyu asked tentatively, his voice tinged with caution.

Upon hearing this, the old man put down his teacup, raised his head, and glanced at Fang Qingyu with his deep, ancient eyes, before rolling his eyes in a very obvious way!

"I saved your life, and you don't know who I am?"

The old man's voice carried a mixture of exasperation and amusement, a kind of helpless resignation.

Fang Qingyu was taken aback by the sudden eye roll and questioning, and his brain raced.

He saved his own life.
After being severely injured and unconscious deep in the pit, he was given a miraculous pill that stabilized his near-death condition, along with the person who brought him out of the ruins.
A name instantly popped into my mind.

"Sect Master Yan?"

Fang Qingyu asked tentatively.

He only learned of the existence of this Martial Saint during the intervals between periods of unconsciousness and from what he heard afterward; he had never seen his true face.

The old man nodded irritably: "At least you're not completely stupid."

Upon confirming his identity, Fang Qingyu's initial wariness immediately turned into heartfelt gratitude.

He led Jiang Wei into the courtyard and solemnly bowed to Yan Shouzhen beside the stone table:
"Many thanks to Pavilion Master Yan for saving my life! And also to the Songdu Pit."

This kindness is too great.

Yan Shouzhen waved his hand casually, as if brushing away a fallen leaf: "Alright, alright, no need for formalities. Sit down."

He pointed to the two stone benches opposite the stone table.

Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei sat down as instructed, both looking at the legendary Martial Saint with intense curiosity.

Yan Shouzhen's gaze swept over Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei, and without beating around the bush, he went straight to the point:
"You two don't need to guess about the doubts you had at the registration desk. The little girl's temporary supplementary qualification was an application I submitted, and it was approved."

Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei were taken aback again upon hearing this.

Fang Qingyu immediately said, "Thank you, Pavilion Master!" Jiang Wei also nodded slightly.

But despite their gratitude, their doubts only deepened.

Is this Dragon Abyss Pavilion Master being a little too kind to them?

First, they nominated Fang Qingyu, an "outsider" with no background, to the Hidden Dragon Project. Now they've used their connections and influence to secure an extremely valuable temporary spot for Jiang Wei.

The Dragon Abyss Pavilion is full of geniuses, and the number of places is already limited. Yan Shouzhen's move must have come at a considerable cost, and may even have aroused some dissatisfaction among some people in the pavilion.

Fang Qingyu looked at Yan Shouzhen's calm and composed face, and did not continue to thank him, but simply waited quietly.

Yan Shouzhen looked at Fang Qingyu's calm and waiting eyes, seemingly seeing through his thoughts, and said calmly:

“Strictly speaking, your qualifications were not ‘given’ by me.”

He paused, then emphasized, "Do you really think that I, Yan Shouzhen, can give the qualification for Project Hidden Dragon to whomever I want, or stuff as many people into it as I please?"

These words plunged Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei into a vortex of doubt once again.

If he didn't give it to them, then why did he make this special trip to tell them this news?
Surely they can't just be here to drink tea?
Yan Shouzhen picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and looked on with satisfaction at the two people's puzzled expressions.

He put down his teacup before speaking calmly, posing a crucial question:

"Young man, do you know what's inside the 'Abyss'?"

Fang Qingyu was taken aback, immediately recalling what Su Wanqing had said to him in the hospital room. He thought for a moment, then tentatively replied:
"Did Miss Su mention extreme weather? Gale-force winds, torrential rain, raging waves. The strongest natural imagery in the world, used to erode the perception of order, allowing people to truly connect with all things in the universe?"

Yan Shouzhen nodded slightly, affirming Su Wanqing's statement: "Yes, that girl is right, the understanding of 'natural power' is the core. But, it's not just about that."

His eyes became deep.

"'The Abyss' is a place of creation, a fragment of the rules of heaven and earth, and a sedimentation site of ancient power. There, in addition to the raging power of nature, some extremely special existences, or rather, phenomena, are also conceived."

Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei listened intently.

“One of them is extremely rare and precious.” Yan Shouzhen’s gaze fell on the Dragon Sparrow Slaying Blade that Fang Qingyu was carrying. “It is called ‘Source Tide’.”

"Primal Tides?"

Fang Qingyu repeated this unfamiliar term.

“That’s right.” Yan Shouzhen nodded. “This is a highly concentrated primordial energy flow that can only appear briefly in the core area of ​​the ‘Abyss’ under specific extreme environmental conditions and when the energy reaches a certain critical point. It contains the purest fragments of ‘creation’ and ‘rules’, and is an excellent opportunity for transformation for certain special artifacts.”

"A special object?"

Fang Qingyu's heart stirred, and he vaguely grasped something.

This time, Yan Shouzhen's gaze did not fall on Fang Qingyu's sword, but instead carried a hint of barely perceptible expectation as he slowly said, "For example, divine weaponry."

Fang Qingyu's pupils contracted slightly.

Yan Shouzhen continued, "The two 'Xuanchi' swords on Wei Banmeng's back are also divine weapons. However, their rank is still in the initial stage and needs the source tide to awaken and upgrade them."

He looked at Fang Qingyu, his gaze becoming sharp and direct:
"The opening of the 'Abyss' in this Hidden Dragon Project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Although the Source Tide is rare, it is not without trace. I need someone in the 'Abyss' to assist that girl, Banmeng, in finding and capturing the opportunity for the Source Tide to appear, so as to help her 'Mysterious Dragon' complete a crucial advancement."

"Of course, the same applies to your Dragon Sparrow. Half Dream and those two silly boys will also help you find the Source Tide."

"So," Yan Shouzhen leaned forward slightly, the invisible pressure making the air seem to freeze, "Young Fang, would you be willing to help each other out with this?"

A brief silence fell around the stone table.

As the last rays of the setting sun completely sank below the horizon, the simulated starlight within the grotto-heaven began to twinkle, scattering across the quiet courtyard.

Yan Shouzhen's presentation contained a wealth of information, which completely resolved Fang Qingyu's doubts.

This lord's generosity was not without reason.

His "investment" in Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei was based on his high recognition of Fang Qingyu's abilities.

This is a win-win proposal.

First, we helped Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei secure the qualifications to enter the "Abyss," and then we had them assist each other in finding an opportunity for the other to advance their divine weapons.

Fang Qingyu did not hesitate at all.

Yan Shouzhen had saved his life and also secured a valuable qualification for him and Xiao Jiang.

In addition to Wei Banmeng's friendship
He had no reason to refuse this request, both emotionally and logically.

Moreover, Fang Qingyu has also developed a strong interest in the so-called "source tide," which may also be an opportunity for Long Que Zhan E.

"it is good."

Fang Qingyu's voice was calm and firm.

Looking at Fang Qingyu's crisp and decisive answer, Yan Shouzhen finally revealed a genuinely satisfied smile on his simple face.

He picked up his teacup, drank the last bit of slightly cool tea, and then slowly stood up.

The dark blue cloth robe looked particularly simple under the starlight, yet it possessed a profound and dignified air.

"Okay, get some rest. Don't be late for tomorrow's kickoff meeting."

After saying this, Yan Shouzhen disappeared silently into the courtyard as if he had never been there, as if he had blended into the night.

Then Fang Qingyu looked at Jiang Wei, who had an elderly relative at home.

Do you know what the Source Tide is?

"I know," Jiang Wei replied matter-of-factly.

He then took out his pink phone, opened a webpage, and turned the screen towards Fang Qingyu.

"Well, that's roughly the idea."

Fang Qingyu looked at the screen, and his lips twitched.

It reads: Xiao Yan, Dou Qi Level 3.
Then his eyes lit up.

"Something like a strange fire!?"

Jiang Wei nodded in agreement. "Yes!"

Fang Qingyu's mind immediately began to wander. The Dragon Sparrow has five forms, evolving from Hibernation Thunder to Awakening of Insects. The information that had appeared in his mind earlier indicated that it needed to be tempered with powerful lightning.

If only we could find some strange lightning to temper it.

Its power is probably several levels higher than its normal form!
(End of this chapter)