The Dragon Clan implemented strict secrecy regarding the outcome of this discussion, yet a rumor soon began circulating within their ranks.

Long Feng, who was still out undergoing trials and had not yet returned, had been nominated as the heir to the Clan Head position, a decision surprisingly ratified by the Grand Elder, who was currently in seclusion cultivating.

The nomination had been astonishingly swift, and the approval even faster.

In the past, the Dragon Clan would only begin nominations after the Clan Head had achieved a promotion. If a Fourth Layer Elder did not assume the role of Clan Head, or if the Clan Head was unable to advance and served for life, elections would only commence upon their passing.

Long Haotian was still alive and, moreover, had not yet advanced, yet Long Feng was named heir. This struck many ordinary Dragon Clan disciples as strange.

Despite their unease, no one dared voice an objection.

Long Feng was young, but his strength was undeniable; he was already the foremost figure among the younger generation of the Dragon Clan. With the elders’ consent, the younger generation had no grounds for dissent.

This was merely a minor internal matter for the Dragon Clan.

However, some astute individuals sensed that something was amiss. Long Feng’s nomination was undoubtedly connected to other, far more significant matters.

Following the meeting, another member of the Dragon Clan quietly departed the Dragon Clan Plains.

This time, it was Long Jiu leaving. After Zhang Yang managed to escape from the Great Perfection expert and even leave him severely wounded, Zhang Yang had become one of the most crucial figures in the Dragon Clan. There was a unified consensus across the entire clan: his development could not be obstructed; they must cultivate a strong relationship with him.

This development caused Long Haotian considerable regret; had he known Zhang Yang would achieve such progress, he never should have been blinded by greed, allowing others to bully and even kick Zhang Yang when he was down.

Fortunately, Long Feng and Zhang Yang’s relationship remained excellent, which was considered a small advantage for the Dragon Clan.

At this moment, though no one admitted it aloud, deep within their hearts, the Dragon Clan members were beginning to acknowledge the possibility that Zhang Yang could break through to the Fifth Layer and become a Fifth Layer powerhouse. Otherwise, they would not have gone to such lengths... "Zhang Yang, you're back, and Brother Li is here too!"

After eating with Li Changfeng, Zhang Yang quickly returned home, where Long Feng was already waiting.

He didn't know the specifics, but Long Feng was aware that Zhang Yang’s recent absence involved unusual circumstances. When Zhang Yang had first returned, Wuying and Zhuifeng had rushed to his side, eagerly showing off their advancements.

On this trip, Wuying and Zhuifeng had unexpectedly become Fourth Layer spirit beasts, a revelation that had deeply shocked Long Feng upon discovery.

"Brother Long, you are here too!"

Li Changfeng immediately bowed respectfully. Long Feng didn't exert the same pressure on him as others might, but Long Feng’s strength surpassed his own; he was, after all, a Third Layer expert.

Zhang Yang offered a slight smile and stepped forward, gently clapping Long Feng on the shoulder. "Something urgent came up, and I couldn't notify you in time. I made you return alone!"

"It's good that you are safe!"

Long Feng smiled as well. With Li Changfeng present, he didn't press the issue further.

Watching their casual interaction, a hint of envy colored Li Changfeng's eyes. He understood clearly that Zhang Yang could never regard him the same way he regarded Long Feng—meaning, he couldn't consider him a true friend.

Adding flowers to embroidery could never compare to sending charcoal in snowy weather.

The friendship between Long Feng and Zhang Yang had been forged when Zhang Yang was not yet famous, even when his strength was weak, and it had endured numerous life-and-death trials. A bond forged through such mortal danger could not be matched by any amount of gifts.

After settling Li Changfeng into his room, Long Feng immediately pulled Zhang Yang into the study. Once inside, he directly asked, "What exactly happened this time? I visited the Huyan family; that old man is in a terrible state!"

Only then did a look of genuine concern cross his face.

"It’s a long story. After I took the Snow Lotus Root, I was preparing to meet up with you. Unexpectedly, as soon as I descended the mountain, I ran into that old man. He tried to take me back to Overlord Peak, so I had no choice but to run!"

Zhang Yang offered a wry smile and slowly recounted the events of that day.

The Great Perfection expert was simply too formidable. As he explained again, Zhang Yang couldn't help but feel his scalp tingle, especially realizing that Huyan Feng had only been exerting a maximum of seventy percent of his strength. If Huyan Feng hadn't been concerned about preserving his own body, Zhang Yang might already be dead, never having had the chance to seek aid at Yinlong Mountain.

"You went to Yinlong Mountain?"

Hearing Zhang Yang mention Yinlong Mountain, Long Feng’s brow furrowed slightly. He had only heard that the place was fearsome back when they were in the Southern Border, but he didn't grasp the true terror of Yinlong Mountain. Even so, he felt that Zhang Yang’s decision to go there was somewhat questionable.

"If I hadn't gone to Yinlong Mountain, I truly wouldn't have made it back this time. There is a powerful spirit beast there; it’s what drove Huyan Feng away!"

Zhang Yang spoke slowly. Long Feng’s eyes widened immediately. He quickly asked, "You mean the spirit beast from Yinlong Mountain is the one that inflicted such heavy injuries on that old man Huyan Feng?"

"Yes, the spirit beast residing in Yinlong Mountain is a powerful Fifth Layer spirit beast. If Huyan Feng hadn't fled quickly, he would certainly have died!"

Zhang Yang nodded gently. Long Feng’s jaw hung open. A Fifth Layer spirit beast—no wonder the people of the Southern Border feared Yinlong Mountain so much, and no wonder someone as powerful as Huyan Feng could be so grievously wounded.

Long Feng suddenly recalled something and urgently asked, "Then, last time?"

He was referring to the first trip to the Southern Border, when the old witch deliberately lured Zhang Yang toward Yinlong Mountain, intending him harm.

That time, Zhang Yang had ventured out alone and returned with the Yinlong Grass. Long Feng hadn't paid it special attention then, but knowing about the Fifth Layer spirit beast now filled him with a sudden rush of retroactive fear.

Zhang Yang understood what he was asking and sighed softly. "Fortunately, Wuying and that powerful Fifth Layer spirit beast belong to the same lineage. Because Wuying was there, the spirit beast didn't trouble us; otherwise, I wouldn't have made it back last time either!"

The previous occasion had also been perilous; the moment the giant dragon appeared, Zhang Yang felt completely immobilized.

However, it was precisely because of that previous experience that Zhang Yang dared to venture there this time, giving him a place to evade the Great Perfection expert, and even potentially confront him.

"You... what do you plan to do next?"

After a moment, Long Feng gradually regained his composure and asked quietly.

A cold light flashed in Zhang Yang’s eyes, and the smile vanished from his face. He stated calmly, "Although my Zhang family is not populous, we are a thousand-year-old lineage, and we will not allow others to treat us with such contempt. We do not bully others if they do not bully us; that is the guiding principle of my Zhang family. But if someone provokes us and presses the attack, my Zhang family will not stand by to be bullied. This current incident will not be settled easily with them!"

Zhang Yang’s tone was even, betraying no discernible emotion.

But Long Feng understood that Zhang Yang had made up his mind; he intended to seek justice for himself and demand accountability from the Huyan family. The Zhang family was prepared to confront the Huyan family head-on.

Furthermore, Zhang Yang repeatedly emphasized "my Zhang family," deliberately framing this as a matter between ancient lineages, thereby signaling his intent to exclude Long Feng. Long Feng recognized this; Zhang Yang didn't want him dragged into this mess.

"I understand. Rest assured, though I am a member of the Dragon Clan, I am also your sworn protector. For the next three years, you will not shake me off for any reason. Remember this: when I am with you, I am only your bodyguard!"

Long Feng smiled softly. His voice was quiet, yet it carried an undeniable firmness that brooked no refusal.

"Haha, the young man speaks wisely. Yang Yang didn't misjudge you; you suit my taste, lad!"

A voice suddenly resonated, audible only within the study; those nearby didn't hear it, nor did Zhang Daofeng, who was very close to the room.

Long Feng started sharply and stood straight, looking toward the window. Zhang Yang also stood up, but his face held a trace of pleasant surprise.

He was intimately familiar with that voice; it belonged to his Zhang family's Old Ancestor, Zhang Pinglu.

"Old Ancestor, is that you?"

Zhang Yang called out softly. He and Long Feng could only hear the voice but had no idea where the speaker was located; the sound seemed to emanate from all directions simultaneously.

"Of course, it’s me. No wonder Daofeng released the Scent-Guiding Bees to find me; it seems something major has happened!"

The door suddenly swung open. Long Feng, who had been staring out the window, spun around abruptly, as a very ordinary-looking old man walked in.

This elder appeared just like any other retired man enjoying his twilight years—unassuming, seemingly frail and weak. On the surface, he could deceive anyone.

However, Long Feng understood the terror of this old man. It was this very elder who, with a single sentence, had previously forced back a Li family elder, even injuring him in the process.

"M-Master Zhang!"

Long Feng hurriedly bowed his head and greeted him very softly. He knew this elder's status; he was a figure comparable to the Dragon Clan's own Old Ancestor who had been in seclusion for hundreds of years, and equal in standing to the heavily injured Huyan Feng of the Huyan family.

Among current human cultivators, they represented the pinnacle.

"Old Ancestor, you arrived so quickly!"

Zhang Yang also stepped forward, asking with a light laugh. It had been less than a day since Zhang Daofeng released the Scent-Guiding Bees, yet Zhang Pinglu had appeared already, surprising him greatly.

"I happened to be in Hangcheng these past few days, so it was naturally quick!"

Zhang Pinglu smiled, but the expression soon vanished. He turned back to Zhang Yang and asked, "Yang Yang, tell me everything about your encounter with that old lunatic. Don't leave anything out. That old lunatic is becoming more shameless by the day; he even dares to attack a junior like you and chase you so far!"

As Zhang Pinglu spoke, an unnatural surge of killing intent emanated from him.

This killing intent made even Long Feng shiver. If mere anger manifested such power, Long Feng gained a deeper understanding of those at the Great Perfection realm.

"Yes, Old Ancestor, it was like this..."

Zhang Yang recounted the previous events in detail again. This time, he also included how Zhuifeng led him in the escape and the fight he had with Huyan Feng along the way.

Horror flashed across Long Feng’s eyes once more. Only now did he realize Zhang Yang had actually clashed with Huyan Feng. Although injured, he had genuinely exchanged blows and still managed to escape—a point of immense pride for anyone newly entering the Fourth Layer.

Elder Li was a living example: driven back and injured by a mere sentence, he would surely not last a single move against the Great Perfection expert, let alone fight and then flee.