Chapter Forty-Eight: The Enemy Arrives

"Who dares to spread rumors behind our backs? Such malice deserves death!"
Within the Orchid Heart Hall, Gu Renfeng's fury was palpable, his killing intent boundless.
Menial servants were of the lowest rank, holding no status within Tiandu Sect. Now, with the Divine Court on the verge of reigning over the world, the repercussions of this rumor spreading could easily be imagined.
"Indeed. If I discover who it is, I’ll ensure he’s torn to pieces."
Feng Yu was incensed as well; the Divine Court’s momentum, once so powerful, was now disrupted by this petty incident. If they didn’t respond with overwhelming force, Yunxi’s flag-raising today would become a farce.
"This was all within my expectations. You need not say more. When the time comes, I will settle matters myself. Should anyone dare make a move, suppress them without mercy."
Lin Fan, at the heart of the matter, showed not the slightest anger. He remained calm and composed, as if everything was firmly within his grasp.
He had long since guessed who was spreading malicious gossip in the shadows, and had already weighed his response.
Gu Renfeng and the others exchanged glances but, sensing Lin Fan's intention to keep silent, refrained from further questioning.
By now, it was midday. Gu Renfeng and his companions stood armed at the entrance of Orchid Heart Hall. Those they had recruited to the Divine Court had already arranged everything; the entire hall was in perfect order.
"What a display of power—disciples from the three great houses arriving together! Has Yunxi allied with them already?"
"This is a show of force. The Gu, Zhuge, and Feng families are all superpowers in Tiandu Sect, each with more than one master at the Celestial stage. Perhaps this is their collective will."
From afar, onlookers watched with amazement, each speculating in their hearts.
"The Ji family from Tianwu Domain has arrived."
A loud voice rang out, and figures appeared in the distance, approaching slowly.
"So it's Brother Ji Ming. It's been several years since we last met, hasn't it?"
Gu Renfeng stepped forward to greet him, though his expression was somewhat sour—for the first to arrive was not a disciple of Tiandu Sect.
Still, Ji Ming’s identity was extraordinary, his strength unfathomable, with a Celestial-level master of his clan overseeing matters here. In this stronghold, they were all people of great prestige.
"Brother Renfeng, you’re too polite. I thought you, with so many important things on your mind, would have long forgotten your old friends."
Ji Ming was a short young man with deep, penetrating eyes. Though he seemed approachable, everyone in Tianwu Domain knew he was a god of slaughter, infamous for his ruthless methods.
After a few words of greeting, Gu Renfeng had someone escort Ji Ming and his party inside, where arrangements had been made for them.

Ji Ming’s arrival was the signal that opened the floodgates. Soon, the space outside Orchid Heart Hall was filled with powerful figures.
"The Ouyang family of Tianwu Domain has arrived..."
"The heir of the Li family of Tianwu Domain has arrived..."
"Ye Chenfeng of the Ye family, Tiandu Sect, has arrived..."
"Huo Qing of the Huo family, Tiandu Sect, has arrived..."
...
One after another, voices announced the arrivals; the great families had all sent their most powerful descendants, while even some lesser families saw Condensing Meridian masters come in person, each bearing generous gifts.
And this momentum only grew, as the giants of every faction appeared, turning the gathering into a grand event. But everyone knew not all were here to offer congratulations—some harbored ill intentions.
Gu Renfeng and the others nearly wore their smiles to stiffness, but none of them were ordinary men. Well accustomed to such social maneuvering, it was no wonder Lin Fan had sent them to act as hosts.
"What Divine Maiden? I’d like to know—does Tiandu Sect answer to the Divine Maiden, or does the Divine Son reign supreme?"
A jarring voice cut through the crowd. In such a setting, such words were clearly provocative—a troublemaker had arrived.
"Cheng Wushuang?!"
Feng Yu’s eyes blazed as he bellowed, murderous intent swirling around him.
The speaker was a man of about twenty-five or twenty-six, who spoke slowly and with tremendous presence. As he strode forward, there was a heroic air about him—his gaze was like a torch, his brow marked by fierce spirit, as if he were a deity himself.
"He’s the strongest among the younger generation of the Cheng family in Tiandu Sect. Though his name doesn’t appear on the inner sect rankings, rumor has it his strength could easily place him in the top five."
The commotion drew the eyes of all present, some mocking, some amused—everyone watched with their own thoughts.
"What, is this how the Divine Court treats its guests? Aren’t you afraid of losing face?"
Behind Cheng Wushuang followed another—Cheng Yu—whose strength had clearly risen, reaching the tenth level of Body Refinement.
"And where is Lin Fan? Does he think that climbing to greater heights allows him to disregard all rules? To not even come out and greet his guests—is it that he’s forgotten his old friend, or is he too afraid to face the one who once trampled him underfoot?"
Cheng Yu's arrogant shout rang out as he laughed, his eyes full of disdain.

"You court death!"
At this, Gu Renfeng was enraged. He stepped forward, his gaze icy, his blood surging, clearly intent on meting out a lesson.
"Thinking of making a move?"
Cheng Wushuang sneered, striding forward as a terrifying aura swept out, forcing Gu Renfeng to stumble back.
"Haha! So these are the Divine Court’s champions? All bluster, no substance—in my brother’s eyes, mere ants."
Cheng Yu pressed his advantage, intent on ruining the Divine Court’s reputation and making Yunxi’s flag-raising a complete failure.
Yet all could see the man behind Cheng Yu—without his backing, Cheng Yu would never have dared provoke Yunxi. An oppressive tension hung over the entire gathering; this was a clash between the Divine Son and Divine Maiden of Tiandu Sect.
"Get out of my sight!"
Zhuge Tai and Feng Yu stepped forward together. Both at the tenth level of Body Refinement, their combined aura could barely match Cheng Wushuang.
"So much for the heirs of the three great houses. You’ve brought disgrace to your clans."
Cheng Wushuang’s aura surged again. Three mouthfuls of blood spurted forth as Gu Renfeng and his companions’ energy faltered—they had already suffered minor injuries. Cheng Wushuang’s strength was indeed formidable, among those closest to breaking through to the next realm.
"Cheng Wushuang, do you think so little of me?"
At that moment, a voice rang out. A man strode from Orchid Heart Hall, his presence overwhelming, like a true god, radiating power that awed all present.
Chen Daolin had finally appeared—if not for him, the Divine Court would have been humiliated. But the identity of the Young Sect Master of Tiandu Sect was sufficient to erase all prior indignities suffered by the Divine Court.
"I hear you’ve been making quite a fuss—do you have some complaint against me?"
Chen Daolin turned to Cheng Yu, his gaze lofty, overlooking all. Cheng Yu staggered and coughed up blood on the spot.
"Do you want to fight?"
Cheng Wushuang pulled Cheng Yu behind him, his voice cold as the two powerhouses squared off against each other.