Chapter 89: The Preaching Conference Is About to Commence

Wang Yicai's face changed the moment he heard that, as if something came to mind; his eyes were full of greed and ambition, with a thick streak of malice.

"Wang Wu, the blossom of beauty, has an extraordinary talent; I've admired her for a long time and can't wait to see her!" Zhang Heng said, but he looked at Wang Yicai with ill intent.

Zhan saw through his thoughts at a glance, laughed, and replied, "Miss Wang, your unparalleled grace makes you the pride of our Tianyuan Bright Moon Branch; countless people admire your bearing. It's just a pity that you and our president are a talented‑beautiful pair, a match made in heaven, which makes me, Zhan, enviously jealous!"

Before the words finished, Wang Yicai's face twisted with ferocious anger, saying, "What are you saying? Your president being together with Wang Wu is impossible!"

He shook his head hard, looking incredulous, thinking the other was talking nonsense.

Wang Wu is the pride of the Wang family, looking down on everyone; how could a lowly country brat win her favor?

"Who is your president? I'm curious, Zhang; what kind of person could capture Miss Wang Wu's heart?" Zhang Heng had originally been teasing, just to disgust Wang Yicai, but upon hearing Zhan's words, his eyes showed a hint of melancholy, and even more curiosity.

Zhan grinned, pulled Chen Dongming over, and laughed, "Our president is, of course, Chen's cousin Lu Fan. You didn't know? Then why trouble Chen, just to pry for information?"

Zhang Heng and Wang Yicai both froze, not noticing the oddity in his words, just standing dumbfounded. Chen Dongming was also speechless, his face shocked, "What did you just say? How could Young Master Lu become your president? He's always been solitary, never joined any guild."

Lu Fan's reputation has recently skyrocketed, instantly becoming a leading talent of the Bright Moon Empire. Yet Chen Dongming knows Lu Fan's background; not long ago he was bullied and nearly beaten to death. Even with guidance from a master, he couldn't spontaneously form a guild.

Moreover, the person holding me now possesses unfathomable power, a Bone‑Tempering Realm Grand Martial Artist; how could he willingly be subordinate?

"Hehe! That's what you don't know: Lu Fan founded the Tianlong Guild, and I, Zhan, joined it as an individual, temporarily taking the role of vice president."

Zhan wore a strange expression, scanned the people around him, his voice loud, as if trying to claim the title of "vice president" outright.

"Ugh! You, a direct descendant of the Zhan family, actually serve as vice president of a backwater guild, and you look so smug—truly disgracing the face of our noble lineage!"

A coquettish shout, and a pretty woman behind Wang Yicai stepped out, her face full of contempt and disdain. Yet her demeanor was uniquely seductive, instantly catching Wang Xiao's eye.

His gaze narrowed slightly, scrutinizing her, especially lingering on certain curvy parts, and said, "They say the seventh day of the Wang family produces a sister with outstanding talent; it must be you, Miss Wang Ruolan!"

Wang Ruolan's face froze, a brief daze, then a hint of resentment, "Hmph! The Zhan family is no less than our great Wang clan, yet you turned out to be such a debauched rake—truly disappointing!"

Zhan didn't get angry at all; instead he laughed, "Miss Ruolan, you're right; I'm indeed incompetent, but I have good taste!"

He paused briefly, gave Chen Dongming a strange look, and said, "Our Tianlong Guild's president Lu Fan possesses a natural talent, a peerless genius. I'm sure you all know that the upcoming Symbolic Cultivation Guild's preaching conference is being held for him. As for the Dragon Tower secret realm later, our president will naturally take the lead…"

He launched into a nonstop tirade, spewing exaggerated praise for Lu Fan, openly stoking hatred, even deliberately belittling Zhang Heng and Wang Yicai, as if he would not rest until he had completely offended those before him.

"Y‑you…," Chen Dongming could no longer listen, pointing at Zhan with one hand, shocked and angry, stammering, "You're openly trying to harm my cousin! Are you really the vice president of his guild?"

Wang Yicai and his sibling both wore angry faces, but their ire was not aimed at Zhan; instead they glared at Chen Dongming as if he were Lu Fan, grinding their teeth, eager to tear his flesh and gnaw his bones.

Zhang Heng gave a wry smile, shook his head, took two steps back, his eyes watching Zhan with a hint of apprehension.

He seemed generous and straightforward, yet his actions were extremely scheming, clearly trying to stir hatred against Lu Fan, making it easy later to provoke him—absolutely not to be messed with.

Zhan didn't care; after talking for a while, he felt the effect was enough. He released Chen Dongming, wore a laughing expression, and strolled into the house, sat down, and began drinking tea.

Chen Dongming's face was angry, but with his limited ability he could do nothing, so he forced himself to leave and rushed toward the Lu family residence.

This matter must be reported to Lu Fan, otherwise a hidden attack might occur without anyone knowing.

Watching Chen Dongming's back, Zhang Heng clasped his fists and said to Zhan, "Brother Zhan, your righteousness is admirable; I have other matters, so farewell!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he hurriedly darted out of the house, as if fearing that a moment's delay would let Zhan plot his demise, leaving him bone‑less.

Wang Yicai and his sibling glared fiercely at Zhan, then flicked their sleeves and left. The old man in a black robe, clutching a bloodied hand, followed with a gloomy face. Since he is a direct descendant of the Zhan family, he could not act against him; today's grievance must stay in his heart, and later he'll have to rely on Wang Yicai to avenge him.

In the blink of an eye, everyone vanished, leaving only Zhan alone, holding a teacup, his expression turning gloomy, with no trace of triumph left.

"Heh heh heh, you kid performed well; I like it. You're set as the Tianlong Guild's vice president!"

A coquettish laugh rang out as Ling Yao twisted her body and emerged from a shadow. Like a supple willow in the wind, she exuded otherworldly charm. Yet Zhan dared not even glance at her, bowed his head, and said with a mournful face:

"Instructor Ling, I've done exactly as you instructed; please release me! If that Lu Fan finds out I 'schemed' against him, I, Zhan, won't be able to escape. I can't bear the vice president role; please find someone else!"

He emphasized the word "schemed" heavily, indicating he was forced, coerced by Ling Yao.

"Hmph! Release you? You think that's nice." Ling Yao snorted coldly, a flash of frost in her eyes, and said, "Without my protection, that Lu Fan will deal with you in an instant! You're truly foolish, venturing out alone without any guard. Even though your cultivation has advanced to Grand Martial Artist, in front of Lu Fan you're still nowhere near enough!"

Upon hearing this, Zhan's face turned completely bleak. He also regretted not bringing a senior family guard; if he had, Ling Yao would never have had the chance to coerce him into such despicable, underhanded acts.

"Kid, obey my words and you'll reap benefits later. Your elder brother Zhan Yun has remarkable talent; at your age he's already advanced to the Kaiyuan Realm Martial King. Though your own talent isn't lacking, it's far behind his, so you must forge a different path, using leverage to gain strength."

Lu Yao's gaze narrowed slightly as she looked out, as if piercing the void and seeing Lu Fan's figure.

"That Lu kid isn't that impressive; after all, it's just riding his momentum. I'll give you a chance to bind yourself to him; later you can simply borrow his great influence, and Zhan Yun will no longer be a threat!"

Ling Xiao listened to Ling Yao's tempting words, a faint spark of interest appearing on his face. His elder brother Zhan Yun is the pride of the Zhan family, with astonishing divine powers. He ventured here alone, far from home, precisely because of Zhan Yun.

Now the person before him seemed to point out a bright path for him; perhaps there truly was a sliver of possibility.

Three days later, at the Yuanyang City Symbolic Cultivation Guild headquarters, the Hexagonal Star Light Array unfolded with great power, its seals strict. Inside, crowds swarmed, forming groups of three to five, buzzing with discussion.

"Hehe! Brother Li, didn't I hear you went out to train two years ago? Why did you suddenly return this time? I've never heard you practice the Symbolic Dao; does this preaching conference involve you?"

"Hehe, Wang Mazi, aren't you also big and burly? What brings you here?"

"Haha, you two needn't test each other. The preaching conference is about to open; all Symbolic Cultivators of the Bright Moon Empire will gather here. We martial cultivators merely seek opportunities, perhaps to ask a master to forge a spirit tool—nothing big, no need to become a laughingstock!"

A group of familiar martial artists gathered, teasing each other or testing one another. Each wore an excited expression, their eyes flickering as they spoke, all eyes fixed on the Symbolic Cultivation Guild.

Inside the guild hall, Zhao Zhenchuan stood with his hands behind his back, pacing back and forth, looking frantic.

"President, the guests have all gone outside; could you, sir, go out to attend to them?" the sweet and charming Xing Yu asked brightly.

Zhao Zhenchuan was slightly startled, a cloud of worry in his brows, sighing, "Where are Wang Zhao and Zhan? It's already… hasn't Master Lu been found yet?"

Xing Yu said cautiously, "Commander Wang went out to maintain order; outside, the crowds of martial cultivators are massive, and he's worried about incidents, so he's patrolling with others!"

Zhao Zhenchuan shook his head slightly, snorted coldly, "Useless, this should've been arranged in advance. When the time comes, he's always busy!"

Xing Yu didn't dare to reply, her face embarrassed. At that moment, Zu Qing Tan shuffled over, his plump body trailing, shouting, "Zhao old ghost, why are you standing here stupidly? There are too many people outside; the Hexagonal Star Light Array can't be fully attended—go take a look!"

In the past, if Zu Qing Tan had spoken like this, Zhao Zhenchuan would have cursed him outright, retorting. But now he had no such mood, and he immediately stepped deeper into the guild.

"Zu Qing Tan, Master Lu hasn't been found yet; at this critical moment, I'm truly afraid…"

Zhao Zhenchuan felt uneasy, entered a secret room, glanced briefly, his face immediately turned sour, trembling, and said:

"What's going on? The Hexagonal Star Light Array is a standard fifth‑rank formation; how has its power weakened to this level?"

Zu Qing Tan, hearing this, also sighed, "This is your doing; haven't you checked lately? Although many external martial cultivators gather, their vital energy puts pressure on the formation, but it shouldn't be this bad!"

Zhao Zhenchuan, already worried, seeing this scene, said, "The Hexagonal Star Light Array had never had problems before; someone must have tampered with it. Look, the four directions' light is dim, likely corrupted by external forces. Only the empire's military and the Sacred Martial Temple could do such a silent operation."

"Hmph! I knew those charlatans were restless; now the trouble is huge!" Upon hearing "Sacred Martial Temple," Zu Qing Tan's face turned black.

"It's nothing serious; this time the preaching conference's focus is definitely not on us. Since the Wang family has agreed to take on all the trouble, even the Holy Martial Hall can't do anything about it!"

Zhao Zhenchuan gritted his teeth and said, but he didn't seem to believe his own words.

"Ah, you! How can such a big matter be placed on someone else? It's fine for us to take on some trouble; if we harm Lu Shao, that would be a grave sin!" Upon hearing this, Zu Qing Tan frowned tightly, gave Zhao Zhenchuan a helpless glance, and added:

"Lu Shao is still young, but his talent for the Seal Dao is outstanding; in the future he'll surely become the pillar of the Bright Moon Empire's Seal Cultivation World. Our lifelong hopes are all placed on him; even if the two of us were to die apologizing, we could hardly escape the blame!"