Chapter 631: The Arrival
Chapter 631: The Arrival
After settling the messenger, Oliven Ber hurriedly found Talu with the letter, asking the students present to leave. With a solemn expression, he said, "Talu, Anyao Pavilion has sent a letter."
At the mention of Anyao Pavilion, Talu's demeanor turned serious. She took the letter, opened it, and skimmed through its contents.
The letter was written in the elegant Great Prosperity Golden Pavilion Script. It began with a customary greeting, followed by a brief recollection of the two sects' historical connection. Then, it revealed its true purpose.
It stated that since ancient times, the two sects had a tradition of exchanging martial arts techniques.
During the previous Talu's time, the two sects had also engaged in such exchanges. Therefore, Anyao Pavilion intended to send a disciple to spar with the current Talu.
Although the tone seemed polite and humble, it was more like a notification, informing them of their intentions without considering the recipient's thoughts.
Oliven Ber expressed his concern, "The visitor doesn't seem friendly, and they're coming at this time. Anyao Pavilion is likely targeting the Rift. If they bring that item, as soon as Mr. Chen begins his cultivation in the evening, the existence of the Rift might be revealed to them."
Talu asked, "Oliven Ber, is that item really in their possession?"
Oliven Ber replied, "Your master mentioned it. It's highly possible."
When the Fist Sage from Single Stream Pavilion fought the Sword Sage from Anyao Pavilion, he carried a personal item that was said to sense the presence of rifts from a distance.
However, the rift had already disappeared, and everyone in the pavilion believed it was gone. Thus, the item held only sentimental value, and the senior's body was never returned, implying that Anyao Pavilion had taken it.
But the previous Talu rediscovered the rift, restoring the item's value. Anyao Pavilion might guess its purpose, and if they bring it with them, upon landing on the island, they could potentially locate the rift's true position through anomalies during cultivation.
Even if Chen Chuan stops cultivating, it won't help. After Ferris Wheel Corporation's departure, Single Stream Pavilion is destined to attract Anyao Pavilion's attention. This period is nearly the best and final opportunity for Anyao Pavilion to achieve their goal at any cost.
If they fail to find it, they might not allow others to keep the rift, and it's hard to predict what Anyao Pavilion might do. This is what worries Oliven Ber the most.
After some thought, he said, "Talu, our strength alone might not be enough to deal with Anyao Pavilion. We should discuss this with Mr. Chen."
Talu nodded, "Let's go find Mr. Chen."
At that moment, Chen Chuan was seated on the Lotus Throne, sensing the approach of the two. He opened his eyes, stood up, and asked, "Is Anyao Pavilion making its move?"
Oliven Ber was surprised, "Mr. Chen, how did you know?"
Chen Chuan smiled, "Your spiritual energies have informed me of what you're about to face."
He sensed that both individuals were in a state of heightened alertness and vigilance, as if triggered by a powerful opponent. Talu's vibrant and spirited demeanor suggested more than just fear of the opponent.
The most likely cause for this situation was the previously mentioned Anyao Pavilion.
Chen Chuan's calm demeanor put Oliven Ber at ease. He collected himself and said, "Anyao Pavilion just sent a letter, which is as good as a challenge. They might arrive here within the next few days."
Chen Chuan slightly nodded, as he had anticipated this. With even the Linenax Federation's action squad led by Utko noticing Fei Guang Island, how could Anyao Pavilion, who had long set its sights on Single Stream Pavilion, let this opportunity pass?
Missing this window would mean losing the chance forever.
He assured them, "Elder, Talu, as I said before, we are of the same Pureline Sect, and this matter concerns me as well. I will stand with you."
Oliven Ber felt relieved by his words, especially after witnessing Chen Chuan's performance the night before and his ability to perceive the secret technique's legacy.
The previous Talu had reached her forties or fifties before perceiving these secrets, and Oliven Ber recalled her as an exceptionally powerful fighter, rarely encountering worthy opponents except for the Sword Sage, who rarely appeared in public.
He believed that even if Chen Chuan didn't match that level, he could still handle Anyao Pavilion's visitor, but there was still a concern.
"Anyao Pavilion might send their top disciple, Ya Jianhong," he said.
Chen Chuan had heard the name during his conversation with San Cheng Huang, he only knew a little about him. "What's Ya Jianhong's strength like?" he asked.
Oliven Ber replied, "His talent is said to be average. If it were just him, Mr. Chen should have no trouble dealing with him. But..."
The late Talu had once said that each generation's top disciple of Anyao Pavilion might not be the strongest fighter but would undoubtedly be the one most capable of bearing the Sword Sage's spiritual legacy.
Chen Chuan's heart stirred slightly. Spiritual Legacy? This reminded him of Jian Chengsheng.
"Old Talu once said that the martial arts schools that have survived to this day on the open seas all have techniques to pass on their spiritual legacy to their disciples. Some are more gentle, some are more aggressive, and some are necessary for cultivation. Anyao Pavilion falls between the latter two."
"Master Ya Jianhong was able to become the First Disciple because, according to Anyao Pavilion's traditions, it wasn't about how well he learned the secret techniques, but about him being the most suitable to receive the master's power."
Perhaps fearing that Chen Chuan would be intimidated, he added, "But the Sword Sage's power is too strong. Although a disciple can accept his power, their endurance is ultimately limited. So, his strength shouldn't be beyond what we can handle."
Chen Chuan nodded. This explanation made sense. Even if there might be exceptional cases, it wouldn't be incomprehensible. He sincerely said:
"Both of you, if Master Ya Jianhong comes to the island and issues a challenge, then please leave it to me. Although I'm not from Danliu Pavilion, you are fellow members of the Pureline Sect. Not to mention that I can't avoid this matter either."
Oliven Ber was very grateful. "Mr. Chen, thank you." Then, with a serious expression, he said, "Since that's the case, Talu and I will go and give Anyao Pavilion a formal response."
Chen Chuan nodded.
After the two left, he thought to himself that such an opponent would undoubtedly be very helpful in developing his own force. Then he turned around and sat down again in front of the Lotus Throne.
Seven days later, a ferry braved the waves and sailed into Ro Wang Island. After the ship docked, several warriors dressed in ancient robes and with their hair in buns disembarked in the torrential downpour.
They were wearing the combat attire of Anyao Pavilion.
There were numerous disciples of the Three Great Pavilions on the open seas, and there were many branch pavilions, but those who could wear these clothes were all from the main pavilion. This naturally drew the attention of the people at the harbor.
These people surrounded a short and frail-looking person in the middle. Although his silhouette appeared youthful, his face revealed a young man.
The young man's face showed a hint of confusion, as if he wasn't very intelligent. However, those accompanying him treated him with great respect.
At this moment, the frail youth turned his head to the side, then suddenly broke away from the group and walked in a certain direction. The person behind him hurriedly grabbed him and said, "We need to find a place to stay first. When the weather improves, we'll go to Fei Guang Island. Please come this way."
The frail youth glanced at him, his eyes becoming more confused. The others also came over and carefully persuaded him, and only then did they bring him back to the group. Then they headed towards a pre-arranged inn.
Two days later, after more than ten days of strong winds, the messenger came to the island again and delivered another letter to Oliven Ber.
This was the second letter from Anyao Pavilion, deliberate dance-like striptease. The content stated that they had arrived at Ro Wang Island and were preparing to visit Danliu Pavilion to pay their respects to Talu.
Oliven Ber frowned deeply.
Based on the itinerary, the people from Anyao Pavilion had set off on the same day they sent the letter, without waiting for a response from Danliu Pavilion. This indicated that although Anyao Pavilion had made some superficial efforts to conceal their intentions, that was all they did.
He checked the time on his watch. In about half an hour, they would arrive, and they were indeed pressing forward without giving them any room to react.
He exhaled and selected a few disciples from the Combat Academy, leading them to wait at the dock below. Before long, a sailboat sailed in from the sea.
As the boat gradually approached and docked at the pier, disciples dressed in Anyao Pavilion's combat attire disembarked, their eyes sharp and hands on the long sabers at their waists, ready to take action at any moment.
Oliven Ber approached them, and they all turned to look at him, their gazes as sharp as knives.
He maintained his composure and walked in front of them, saying in a deep voice, "I'm Anyao Pavilion's instructor, Oliven Ber. Talu has specifically asked me to come and welcome all of you." As he spoke, he bowed slightly.
The group observed him for a moment, and one person stepped forward, returning the bow.
"I am Shi Yuanba, a disciple of Anyao Pavilion. This time, following the master's instructions, I accompany my senior brother to visit the fellow practitioners of Danliu Pavilion. Please excuse our intrusion."
"So, it's Mr. Shi Yuanba." Oliven Ber glanced at the person behind him and asked, "Which one is Master Ya Jianhong?"
Shi Yuanba's expression turned solemn, and he straightened his body, taking a step to the side to reveal the short and frail youth with a confused expression. He said solemnly, "This is our senior brother, Master Ya Jianhong."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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