C14 Arriving at the Dongfang City!

The flying ships of the third class can expand or contract to accommodate up to 25 people comfortably. Most disciples of the Heaven Sect preferred to remain in their cabins aboard the flying ship, engaging in deep meditation and cultivation as they prepared for the imminent inter-sect exchange meeting.

Yuwen Tian stood at the very front of the flying ship, occasionally adjusting its direction and speed. He was the only one capable of this task, as the three-tiered vessel required the power of someone in the Violet Palace Realm to operate it. Among the many disciples, he alone had achieved the third level of the Violet Palace Realm, with no other disciple having reached this level of cultivation.

Three days later, the flying ship suddenly shook violently, jolting all the meditating disciples awake. They rushed to the deck to discover the cause of the disturbance. A Blazing Mountain Condor, two meters in length, was approaching their ship with a thunderous flap of its wings.

The aura of the Blazing Mountain Condor was formidable; a mere flap of its wings could whip up fierce gales, causing the air currents high above to surge and the flying ship to rock violently. The sight of the fiery red bird, radiating an overwhelming ferocity, terrified the more than twenty Heaven Sect disciples who had gathered on the deck.

The presence of the Blazing Mountain Condor was particularly alarming because it exuded the energy of the Violet Palace Realm, a level of power that none could match except for Yuwen Tian. At that moment, Yuwen Tian's own energy was contained, not yet revealed, which meant the Condor did not perceive him as a threat. To the Condor, the twenty-five people on the flying ship were nothing more than easy prey.

"Ruthless!" The massive Blazing Mountain Condor circled the ship menacingly, its piercing eyes fixed on the humans aboard as it emitted a chilling screech.

The sound sent shivers down the spines of all who heard it, and their eyes instinctively sought out Yuwen Tian for salvation. "The aura of this Blazing Mountain Condor is definitely of the Violet Palace Realm; we stand no chance against it," Pingyu remarked, managing to maintain his composure. "We must depend on Senior Brother Yuwen Tian."

"That's right, we're at an impasse," Wang An concurred with a nod.

Yuwen Tian took a moment to assess the situation and realized that the Flaming Mountain Condor before them only possessed the strength of the third level of the Violet Palace Realm. Unconcerned, he casually strode to the forefront of the group, his serene gaze sweeping over the Condor that was eyeing everyone on the flying boat with predatory intensity.

With a snort, the Flaming Mountain Condor sized up the situation briefly before decisively flapping its wings. A fierce gust of wind arose, and it launched a powerful attack on the third-grade flying boat.

The air churned, and the enchanted flying boat rocked violently, leaving everyone struggling to maintain their footing.

"Scram," Yuwen Tian uttered coolly, his gaze still fixed on the Condor. His voice, though calm, was laced with immense authority that resonated between heaven and earth.

The Flaming Mountain Condor, being of the third level of the Violet Palace Realm, understood Yuwen Tian's command and was instantly incensed.

"Defiant!" it screeched.

With that cry, the Condor's body burst into brilliant flames, resembling a phoenix rising from the ashes, radiating an intense heat that caused the surrounding temperature to soar.

It slashed with its talons, unleashing a fiery pillar that bore down on the flying boat with searing heat, the flames billowing and lighting up the sky, generating waves of oppressive heat.

"This is bad!" the Heaven Sect disciples on the deck cried out in alarm.

Yuwen Tian's expression turned icy as he rapidly channeled his internal energy, his body glowing with a golden light. With a gesture, a robust defensive shield materialized from nowhere, shielding the flying boat.

Boom!

The fire pillar slammed into the golden barrier, igniting a shower of sparks and a series of thunderous explosions that rippled outward in all directions.

"We're holding up."

The passengers on the deck exhaled in relief, their faith in Yuwen Tian reaffirmed.

Yang Dingtian, well aware of Yuwen Tian's capabilities, remained unfazed by the threat posed by the Flaming Mountain Condor.

Pingyu exclaimed in admiration, "Yuwen Tian truly lives up to the title of the Son. His strength is formidable."

As the pillar of fire transformed into a myriad of sparks, it vanished into the void, while Yuwen Tian's golden barrier remained steadfastly suspended in mid-air.

The Flaming Mountain Condor sensed that something was amiss and quickly realized it had underestimated the seemingly unremarkable human before it.

Swoosh!

The Flaming Mountain Condor shifted its focus, its piercing black eyes as sharp as those of an eagle, fixating on Yuwen Tian. With a gentle flap of its powerful wings, it stirred ripples through the air and transformed into a streak of fiery red light, hurtling towards Yuwen Tian with ferocious intent.

"You're seeking your own demise!"

Yuwen Tian rose into the sky as an ominous cloud, vast enough to blanket the heavens, materialized behind him. Within the cloud, lightning flickered ominously, creating a spectacle both terrifying and awe-inspiring.

"Five Thunderbolts Strike!"

Boom!

With his hands forming mystical seals, Yuwen Tian made a forceful gesture, and the lightning within the cloud seemed to heed his call, converging at breakneck speed. In a flash, it coalesced into a Thunder Dragon, pitch-black and brimming with dreadful power.

The Thunder Dragon, undulating and roaring, surged forward with overwhelming celestial might. It shot towards the Flaming Mountain Condor, which was barreling towards Yuwen Tian, unstoppable as a true dragon.

The Flaming Mountain Condor, sensing the imminent threat of the Thunder Dragon's assault, was too swift to evade in time.

Panic, desperation, and a wild frenzy flashed in the Condor's dark eyes. Suddenly, its body erupted in a blaze of glory, and with an open maw, it unleashed a dragon made of flames. The fiery dragon roared forth, stirring up waves of heat, and collided mid-air with the Thunder Dragon, which was hurtling at an incredible velocity.

Boom!

Flame clashed with lightning in the void, unleashing what seemed like an endless explosion of energy. The terrifying shockwaves enveloped thousands of kilometers, lingering persistently, unable to fade away.

The void quaked, and ripples of pure power spread visibly in all directions.

The Thunder Dragon's power became even more focused, and after a brief deadlock, it shattered the fire dragon with a surge of overwhelming energy. It then relentlessly struck the Flaming Mountain Condor, which watched in horror as the force collided with its two-meter-long body with a resounding 'boom.'

Crackling and snapping!

Upon contact with the condor, the Thunder Dragon unleashed its immense electrical force, sending devastating bolts of lightning coursing over the bird's body, savagely extinguishing its vitality.

"Ruthless!"

From a distance, the Flaming Mountain Condor appeared to be engulfed in a sphere of lightning, its agonized cries resonating in the ears of all who heard, sending shivers down their spines.

"The Saint's mastery of lightning spells is truly formidable; even a casual strike can catch this Violet Palace Realm Flaming Mountain Condor off guard."

"Of course, the Saint practices the 'Sacred Lightning Art' from our Heaven Sect, which is the pinnacle of our Sect's lightning techniques. It's rumored that the Saint has only mastered the initial levels," He Xiangwen remarked.

"Explode!"

Yuwen Tian stood upon the void, his hands weaving signs, and with a forceful gesture, he sent a beam of blue light slicing through the air.

The blue light penetrated the Flaming Mountain Condor, which exploded into a cloud of blood mist with a 'boom,' leaving no trace behind.

"Trash."

This all transpired in the blink of an eye. Having dealt with the matter, Yuwen Tian casually dusted off his hands and stepped lightly onto the deck. He surveyed the stunned Heaven Sect disciples with a cool detachment and commented, "A mere beast has frightened you all. I wonder how you plan to bring honor to our Heaven Sect."

With that chilling statement, Yuwen Tian fell silent, standing tranquilly on the magical flying ship's deck, guiding it onward.

Truth be told, Yuwen Tian felt nothing for these Heaven Sect disciples; his actions were purely for show.

He Xiangwen, Wang An, and Bai Ling'er, feeling a deep sense of shame upon hearing Yuwen Tian's words, approached and confessed, "Saint, our courage failed us. We are deeply ashamed."

"Take a look at Yang Dingtian. This guy is always so serene, not showing a hint of worry. You all should take a page from this true disciple's book," Yuwen Tian said, his piercing gaze briefly resting on Yang Dingtian, who was nearby.

Hearing this, Yang Dingtian quickly approached. "I wouldn't dare claim such a thing. It's only because I'm confident in the Saint's strength that I'm at ease," he said humbly.

Yang Dingtian bowed his head, avoiding Yuwen Tian's gaze, worried about incurring his displeasure.

Yuwen Tian let out a dismissive snort, uninterested in further conversation.

The realization of Yuwen Tian's formidable power put the minds of the twenty-plus disciples of Heaven Sect at ease, allowing them to focus on their cultivation without concern for the dangers of the journey.

Even as the flying ship trembled, they remained fearless, comforting themselves with the thought, "With the Saint here, we're safe from any peril."

If Yuwen Tian were aware of their thoughts, he would scoff. He had no intention of concerning himself with their fates.

Half a month later, Yuwen Tian piloted the flying ship to Dongfang City.

After landing, Yuwen Tian addressed the group, "Just follow my lead."

As Yuwen Tian took charge, the guards of Dongfang City, overwhelmed by his imposing aura, offered no resistance and allowed them to pass.

Dongfang City was vast and thriving, with Xiantian realm warriors even among the crowds on the streets.

The lively hustle and bustle of the inner city drew admiring glances from some of the Heaven Sect disciples.

For Yuwen Tian, such scenes were commonplace. Without further comment, he confidently led his followers to the City Lord's Mansion.

"Saint, your arrival honors us," greeted City Lord Wang Shan, who received Yuwen Tian and his entourage with exceptional warmth. He hosted a lavish banquet and provided them with the finest accommodations and hospitality.

"Have representatives from the other sects arrived yet?" Yuwen Tian inquired nonchalantly of the obsequious City Lord.