Chapter 534: Mockery
"So it's Young Master Xiang. Please come in." A deferential smile bloomed on the guard's face when he heard Xiang Shaoyun's name. Tang Longfei had given the order to allow Xiang Shaoyun entry upon his arrival. Also, his arrival was to be immediately reported.
Xiang Shaoyun nodded and entered the city hall. In large cities like the Bloodsin City, the city hall was an existence of great power. But this particular city hall looked neither fancy nor luxurious. Instead, it was spartan and spacious. Xiang Shaoyun walked along a path made of rare stone materials, and when he neared the main hall, Tang Longfei rushed out from inside.
"Shaoyun, you're finally here! You have been quite busy, huh?" said Tang Longfei cheerily.
"My apologies, Big Brother Tang. I had a lot of affairs to take care of for the past few days," said Xiang Shaoyun apologetically.
"Haha, I understand. Come on in, my father can't wait to meet you!" Tang Longfei grabbed Xiang Shaoyun's hand and dragged him into the hall.
The friendliness displayed filled Xiang Shaoyun's heart with warmth. The care shown here was one that would touch the heart and fill the heart with comfort. They entered the main hall. Inside, Tang Zhan was seated on a throne.
However, there were some other people in the hall as well. All of them focused on Xiang Shaoyun the moment he entered. They were curious as to what kind of person was worthy of being personally welcomed by the city hall's young master. They had never imagined that it would be a young man.
"Your nephew greets you, Uncle Tang," Xiang Shaoyun gave his respects.
"Your timing is impeccable, Shaoyun. Come, let me introduce you to a few friends of mine. This is Ning Chenba, you can call him Uncle Ning. That is his daughter, Ning Wenhuang. This is Uncle Yan Benkai and his son, Yan Shengqiu," Tang Zhan introduced the people to Xiang Shaoyun. He then said, "This is Xiang Shaoyun, the son of my sworn brother, Xiang Yangzhan."
Xiang Shaoyun greeted the four one after another. Ning Chenba looked to be the oldest person present. He might look like he was only about 50 years old, but in truth, he was a powerful cultivator who had lived over 1,000 years.
His daughter was beautiful, with a tall and supple figure. She wore a wreath on her head, her eyes were bright, and a sword hung on her back. She exuded a clear aura of a Skysoar Realm cultivator and emanated a valiant and carefree bearing.
Yan Benkai looked middle-aged. He was slim, with a conspicuous mustache above his lips and a pair of bright eyes that seemed capable of seeing through all secrets. As for his son, Yan Shengqiu, he was dressed gorgeously and emanated an aura of pride. He wore battle attire, with two swords hanging at his waist, and a pair of silver boots.
Ning Chenba responded to the greeting with indifference. As for Yan Benkai, he asked, "Is it the same Xiang Yangzhan who had met Shangguan Wusheng in battle?"
"Yes," Tang Zhan replied.
Yan Benkai continued, "I heard that the Ziling Sect is now in the hands of Di Batian? It was rumored that Xiang Yangzhan's son is a licentious person who never cultivates, a silkpants through and through. It seems like that is far from true?"
Xiang Shaoyun was somewhat embarrassed, and he said, "I wasn't sensible back then. But I will personally retake everything!"
"Hehe, it's always good to have confidence," said Yan Benkai with a tone indicating he didn't really mean his words. In his opinion, Xiang Shaoyun was only a seventh-stage Skysoar Realm cultivator. Sure, he would have a decent future, but regaining the Ziling Sect was simply a dream.
"Uncle Yan, Shaoyun is also heading to the Dragon Phoenix Academy with me," Tang Longfei said. He couldn't stand listening to the mocking tone Yan Benkai used when speaking to Xiang Shaoyun, and tried to regain some dignity for his friend.
As a response, Yan Shengqiu laughed, "Haha, Big Brother Tang, is someone with his strength even worthy of going there with us? Are you sure you're not playing a joke?"
It was clear he viewed Xiang Shaoyun's strength with scorn. In fact, he felt that having Xiang Shaoyun going with them was an insult. At this time, Ning Wenhuang also spoke, and her pleasant voice rang out, "Uncle Tang, Longfei, I don't think he is qualified to go to the Dragon Phoenix Academy with us."
She was direct and plainspoken, speaking her mind without hiding anything. Like Yan Shengqiu, she viewed Xiang Shaoyun with contempt. Xiang Shaoyun's relationship with Tang Zhan did not matter, as the process of joining the Dragon Phoenix Academy was not child's play. Without the strength of a peak King, one would only fail the test. In their opinion, having Xiang Shaoyun travel with them would only embarrass them.
"Oh? Do Uncle Ning and Uncle Yan think the same as well?" Tang Longfei raised his brow.
While fiddling with a jade bead in his hand, Ning Chenba replied indifferently, "You young people can make your own decision about this."
He then shut his eyes, evidently not wanting to be involved anymore.
As for Yan Benkai, he smiled and said, "Longfei, the Dragon Phoenix Academy is one of the Four Great Ancient Academies. Only the most outstanding of geniuses will be recruited. You, Wenhuang, and Shengqiu are all decent talents. It won't be hard for you to enter. But this Xiang Shaoyun is rather lacking. It will be too hard on him if he has to go with you. I suggest he wait for his next opportunity."
The Four Great Ancient Academies would only recruit one every 100 years. Thus, Yan Benkai was basically saying that Xiang Shaoyun was unqualified to join.
Tang Longfei was displeased. Just as he was about to speak, Xiang Shaoyun said, "Uncle Tang, I am only here to offer my greetings to you. Since you have some guests here, I will be taking my leave."
He then turned and left without hesitation. He couldn't be bothered to bicker pointlessly with Tang Zhan's guests. They were merely looking down on him due to his low cultivation level and his apparent lack of background. It was not like Tang Zhan was intentionally introducing them to him. After all, he had come today without notifying the city hall in advance. He had only encountered them by coincidence.
"There's no rush, Shaoyun. Get Longfei to accompany you for a bit. I still have something to talk with you about later," said Tang Zhan. "Although you are now a special-recruit of the Dragon Phoenix Academy, you still need to watch your temper before your uncle, alright?"
It might seem like Tang Zhan was speaking disapprovingly, but his selection of words were meant for his guests. Sure enough, the four guests were all stunned.
"Shaoyun, wait for me." Tang Longfei quickly chased after Xiang Shaoyun.
Yan Benkai finally recovered from his shock and said, "Brother Tang, d-did you just mention that he's a special-recruit disciple?"
"Yes. It's my fault for not mentioning that in advance. That kid killed an Emperor by himself at the fort above the Devil Domain. The recruiting elders of the four academies were there, and they all offered a special-recruit position to him. He ultimately chose the Dragon Phoenix Academy. He will be a guarantee for Longfei to enter the academy this time. Then again, he has quite a temper. Please don't mind him," said Tang Zhan.