C24 Pann Shaotian

"You'd better get out of here quickly, young man. If Pann Shaohuang calls his brother, you're in for a serious beating," the shopkeeper advised Ling Yunfan after the young man had scurried away. The shopkeeper, now compensated, approached Ling Yunfan with concern.

Ling Yunfan and Ye Tianwen, who had been eating, set their bowls aside and exchanged curious glances.

"Why do you say that? Does Pann Shaohuang have some sort of special background? And just how strong is his brother?" Ling Yunfan asked, noticing the sympathetic looks from those around him and sensing the complexity of the situation.

"Ah, it's clear now why you didn't hold back. Pann Shaohuang is the second son of the Pan Clan, one of the five major families in Purple Gold City. They have a formidable presence here. His brother, Pann Shaotian, possesses Essence Gathering Level Two cultivation and is one of the strongest young warriors in the city. He's defeated many peers in battle. While he doesn't dote on his brother excessively, he won't stand by if his brother's been attacked," the shopkeeper explained with a resigned look.

"A formidable peer, huh? I'm curious how I'd measure up against Pann Shaotian," Ling Yunfan mused, a hint of anticipation in his voice, while the others remained quiet.

Not just Ling Yunfan but also Yuu Mo and Ye Tianwen were eager to gauge Pann Shaotian's prowess.

"We appreciate the heads-up, Manager. Pann Shaohuang might be trouble, but we're not the kind to be pushed around. We won't be running off. Besides, when it comes to personal strength, we might just give Pann Shaotian a run for his money," Ling Yunfan responded confidently after a moment's thought.

"Well, if you're set on staying, there's not much more I can say. Just look out for yourselves!" The manager, realizing his advice fell on determined ears, left them with that parting caution and retreated to his spot behind the counter.

The inn had quieted down considerably after the earlier commotion, with only a handful of onlookers remaining to dine and watch the unfolding drama. Ling Yunfan and his companions hardly gave the dwindling crowd a second thought as they savored their meal.

"Who dares to be so brazen, beating my brother to a pulp in Purple Gold City?"

Before long, a man donning an earthy yellow robe strode into the inn. His features bore a striking resemblance to Pann Shaohuang, and his voice carried an unmistakable air of authority. As he spoke, Ling Yunfan quickly gauged the newcomer's strength to be at Essence Gathering Level Two and recognized him as Pann Shaohuang's brother, Pann Shaotian.

"We're the ones who fought, indeed. Do you seek guidance?" Ye Tianwen rose to his feet, responding as the words settled in the air.

Pann Shaotian's gaze shifted to Ye Tianwen, and after a brief surge of elemental energy to assess his level, he replied with a chilly undertone, "So you're the one. You have the cultivation of Essence Gathering Level Two. It seems my foolish brother was at fault, but as his elder, it's my duty to defend him. Come at me, and show me what you've got!"

"Challenge accepted!" Without hesitation, Ye Tianwen drew his long spear from his Universe Bag and launched an attack at Pann Shaotian.

"A fellow spear wielder? How serendipitous." A slight grin formed on Pann Shaotian's face as he brandished his own spear, a low-level Treasure Artifact, to meet Ye Tianwen's assault.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The clash of their spears sent waves of elemental energy surging through the inn, shattering tables and sending less powerful cultivators tumbling away from the epicenter of their battle.

"I haven't met a formidable foe like you in ages. I'll cover the damages—let's keep the battle alive!" Pushed back by Ye Tianwen's force, Pann Shaotian's stoic demeanor gave way to excitement. He left those words hanging as he resumed his attack, this time unleashing the full might of his martial skills.

Wind surged around Pann Shaotian, funneling into his long spear. In mere moments, it transformed into a weapon that seemed forged by the very force of a tempest, while gusts swirled around him, lending an air of undeniable dominance.

"I refuse to be bested by you!" declared Ye Tianwen from across the way, fully alert and unleashing the martial technique he'd previously employed against Xiaotian.

In an instant, a lightning spear clashed with a storm spear, both hurtling towards their adversary with ferocious intent.

"Run for it! Once their techniques collide, we'll all be caught in the crossfire!"

Amidst the spectators, a voice cut through the tension, prompting a swift exodus.

"Storm Break!"

"Thunder Spear Strike!"

Bang!

The impact of their collision resounded, and in a flash, slicing winds and brilliant lightning danced a chaotic ballet.

"Mr. Yunfan, who do you think will win?" Yuu Mo inquired, eyes wide as the fighters seemed evenly matched.

"It's hard to say. If they've both given their all, then it's likely a draw, though Mr. Tianwen might have the upper hand," Ling Yunfan responded thoughtfully.

"Ugh!"

Pann Shaotian grunted, stumbling back in tandem with Ye Tianwen.

"To think it's a draw!" The shopkeeper, peeking from his hiding spot, was visibly astounded by the turn of events.

Pann Shaohuang, though slightly resentful of the tie, acknowledged his equal match with a smile. "Impressive. You're worthy of the one who dared challenge my foolish brother. We'll have to spar again."

"In truth, it wasn't me who fought your brother, but Mr. Yunfan here. I stepped in to face you for the challenge. If we're speaking of strength, he surpasses me by leagues," Ye Tianwen admitted with a smile, gesturing towards Ling Yunfan as he addressed Pann Shaohuang.

Upon learning that the young man serenely sipping tea possessed a strength surpassing both his own and Ye Tianwen's, he was utterly astonished. He was aware that Ling Yunfan's cultivation level was merely at Essence Gathering Level One, yet Ye Tianwen had claimed his power exceeded that of a warrior at Essence Gathering Level Two, which left him in sheer amazement.

"Could it be that Purple Gold City has produced such a formidable young talent? Maybe they're also headed to the Dragon Hidden Sect's Inner Sect Disciple Assessment. If so, befriending them could be beneficial. We could look out for each other once we're there," Pann Shaotian mused, eyeing Ling Yunfan with a look of disbelief.

Having resolved to befriend Ling Yunfan and his companions, Pann Shaotian approached them with a warm smile. "There's a saying, 'No fight, no acquaintance.' I am Pann Shaotian. May I have the pleasure of knowing your names?"

"I'm Ye Tianwen."

"Ling Yunfan."

"Yuu Mo."

Upon Pann Shaohuang's approach, the trio introduced themselves in unison.

"If I'm not mistaken, you three are also planning to attend the Dragon Hidden Sect's Inner Sect Disciple Assessment, correct? Would you mind if I joined you on the journey?" Pann Shaohuang inquired, his voice tinged with a hint of hope, after noting their amiable demeanor.

At his words, Yuu Mo and Ye Tianwen exchanged a knowing glance with Ling Yunfan, as if awaiting his lead.

"Certainly. There's strength in numbers, and unity is key," Ling Yunfan replied after a brief contemplation, recognizing the sincerity in Pann Shaohuang. Eager to forge a new friendship, he extended a cup of tea and said, "With this cup of tea, let us become friends."

Overjoyed at the prospect of a closer friendship with Ling Yunfan, Pann Shaohuang eagerly accepted the tea and drank it with gratitude.