The overwhelming wave of mouse潮 sound dispersed completely, spreading out chaotically in all directions, and in an instant, the forest surrounding the stone staircase suffered severe damage. The sound waves, like sharp blades, sliced through the trees with a rustling noise, severing numerous trunks at their midpoints. Holding onto Na Lan Yanran’s slender waist, Xiao Yan hesitated slightly, then moved swiftly, gliding effortlessly to the summit and gently setting her down. The platform and the summit were now utterly quiet—no one had expected Xiao Yan to choose such a bold, direct approach, and even more surprising was the fact that he had truly succeeded in breaking through the wave of sonic pulses formed by the countless Gold-Mousethrough the murmur of the mice. Such strength—how many of the present attendees could possibly match that? “This guy is truly a monster…” Many people exchanged puzzled glances in their minds. “Hm…” After a moment of stillness, Jin Shi finally regained his composure, gazing at the weary Gold-Mice. He couldn’t help but chuckle, having never imagined this young man possessed such skill. Now that Xiao Yan had disrupted the sonic wave array so effectively, its power must have been significantly diminished—thus, the later arrivals would surely benefit. Sighing in resignation, Jin Shi only waved his hand and said, "The gate has been cleared. Next, you have less than thirty minutes." Hearing Jin Shi's words, a figure hurried forward and then quickly made his way down the stone steps... After a brief assessment, Xiao Yan's gaze finally turned to Feng Qing'er and the other three. At that moment, the four also returned their attention to him. Tang Ying and Mu Qinglun remained composed, but Feng Qing'er and Wang Chen exchanged somewhat cold glances. "Congratulations," Tang Ying offered a composed smile, bowing slightly to Xiao Yan. "Thank you," Xiao Yan replied, maintaining a polite demeanor toward Tang Ying—whom he held no ill will against. As for Feng Qing'er and Wang Chen beside him, he paid them little attention, and this apparent indifference only deepened their cold expressions. Mu Qinglun first glanced at the next challenger ascending the stone staircase, noting that the outcome seemed certain, then turned her attention back to Xiao Yan with genuine interest. "How far has your 'Three Thousand Thunder Strikes' technique progressed?" she asked lightly. "Before Feng Qing'er's very eyes, Mu Qinglun asked such a question—clearly aiming to make her feel uncomfortable. Indeed, upon hearing this, Feng Qing'er's expression grew even colder, and she said calmly, "Mu Qinglun, now that you're merely relying on your words, you haven't exactly shown any real skill. At the Four Directions Pavilion gathering in three months' time, I'll put your progress to the test—see if you've truly improved over these years." Mu Qinglun lifted a corner of her lips, smiling gently, "I'm quite looking forward to it. I wonder if last time's good fortune will find its way back to you this time." "Whether it's good fortune or not, that's something only you can truly judge," Feng Qing'er lifted her gaze slightly, her calm tone carrying a sharp, pointed intensity. Witnessing this exchange, Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned—seemingly, the harmony between the Four Directions Pavilion wasn't as smooth as he had imagined. Yet, seeing Feng Qing'er visibly put on the defensive, he felt a genuine sense of satisfaction. Perhaps, due to her status, she had always struck him as somewhat unapproachable from the very beginning. "Miss Mu, would it be possible to speak a moment privately?" Xiao Yan didn't wish to interrupt the sharp exchanges between the two women, yet at this very moment he was eager to learn some news. He spoke out accordingly. "Ah, this isn't something many people don't know—so you're asking about this, then?" Mu Qinglun slightly arched her delicate brows. "Then, Miss Mu, do you know where Master Feng is currently?" Xiao Yan politely inquired. "Who are you? And why are you seeking out my teacher?" Mu Qinglun narrowed her eyes, slightly wary. Seeing Mu Qinglun's cautious expression, Xiao Yan only could smile faintly, hesitated a moment, and said, "A disciple of an old friend, sent by my master to locate Master Feng." "A disciple of an old friend? Which one?" Mu Qinglun was momentarily taken aback, carefully studying Xiao Yan's features. "Well... once you get to know me better, you'll find out—but at this very moment, it would be inconvenient to mention." Xiao Yan shook his head, somewhat apologetic, saying that he had never met Feng the Master and thus had no clear idea of his character. Though the old doctor had said he could be absolutely trusted, Xiao Yan, no longer a young novice, had long since developed a cautious demeanor that had become deeply ingrained in his nature. Upon hearing this, Mu Qinglun couldn't help but purse her lips. Feng the Master had an extensive network of friends and associates, so this reason clearly wasn't sufficient. Yet she didn't wish to be overly demanding, for with Feng's strength, even if Xiao Yan truly harbored ill intentions, he would have little impact. She then raised her jade hand and said, "My teacher prefers to travel and is rarely seen by ordinary people. However, if you truly wish to find him, you should go to Fenglei Dong Ge three months from now." "Fenglei Dong Ge?" Hearing this, Xiao Yan was immediately taken aback, then broke into a wry smile. After all, they had grown so strained in their relationship with Fenglei Pavilion that it seemed impossible to even visit its headquarters. Just the fact that Feitian has been pursuing him to this extent is enough. Moreover, the Wind-Thunder Pavilion is the headquarters of the Wind-Thunder Pavilion, where surely many powerful figures reside. If he goes there, he may never return. "The Four-Direction Pavilion's grand assembly will take place three months from now, and it will be hosted at the Wind-Thunder Pavilion. As one of the participating pavilions, our Star-Perished Pavilion naturally has to attend, and so will my teacher. If you wish to see him, you'll have to wait until then—no, I'm not playing games with you, I promise." Seeing Xiao Yan's wry expression, Mu Qinglun smiled softly and spoke with a gentle tone. "Three months from now, then?" Xiao Yan sighed, pondered a moment, and finally nodded firmly. "Thank you, Miss Mu." "Are you really planning to go? Not only will Feitian be there, but also the heads of the other two pavilions, and even the Eastern Pavilion's Master, Lei Zun. If you go, you'll be practically asking for it." Mu Qinglun stared at Xiao Yan, her clear, luminous eyes wide with astonishment, as though gazing at a fool. In her eyes, Xiao Yan's actions were nothing short of willingly walking into a trap. "I'll keep things in check," Xiao Yan smiled. If indeed, as the medicine elder had said, Feng Zun would offer him substantial assistance in rescuing the medicine elder, then his chances of success would surely increase significantly. After all, at present, he was rather isolated in the Central Plains. Seeing Xiao Yan's determination, Mu Qinglun found herself unable to object further. She simply waved her hand and said, "Since you've decided to go, I can't be blamed. However, if indeed your teacher and former disciples step in, perhaps the elder will intercede on your behalf, securing your release from Fenglei Pavilion. With his standing, even the Thunder Sovereign would not be able to overlook it." Xiao Yan smiled and nodded, once again thanking Mu Qinglun. At that moment, he heard a commotion from the stone platform—turns out, two more figures had successfully broken through the mouse tide sound array. "Let's go," Mu Qinglun said, glancing at the platform before waving at Xiao Yan. As she prepared to turn, she hesitated slightly and added, "By the way, be especially careful with Feng Qing'er and Wang Chen." With that, she lightly stepped off the odd stone and drifted gracefully to the platform. Watching Mu Qinglun's silhouette, Xiao Yan nodded slightly, then subtly shifted his gaze toward Feng Qing'er and Wang Chen, a faint glint of frost in his eyes. If they didn't come to trouble him, that would be fine. But if they were determined to make a scene, he would make sure they knew—he Xiao Yan was no easy figure to mold!