At this very moment, atop Heavenly Pool Mountain, the spectators were all utterly bewildered.
A mist erupting from Long Xingyun's body enveloped Jiang Xueyan and himself in a cloud, which vibrated ceaselessly in place, with no sound emerging from within.
What in the world were these two doing?
The layman watched the excitement, while the insider observed the skill.
But now, even the ancient martial arts practitioners were stunned.
They had never witnessed such a scene in a duel.
"Old Long, can you explain to me what kind of tactic your grandson is employing?" Lu Shengming asked Long Xiaotian, who was sitting beside him, his head full of fog and his curiosity bursting.
Long Xiaotian scratched his head, rolled his eyes, and said, "Alas, I don't know what this brat is up to either, but one thing is certain: the Jiang family's girl has already lost to my grandson!"
"Regardless, our Long family's ability to decisively defeat the Jiang family is all thanks to our master. Without him, it would be absolutely impossible to defeat the Jiang family!"
Lu Shengming asked again with curiosity, "Old Long, can you tell me, then, who is this master of yours and your grandson?"
Upon hearing this, Long Xiaotian quickly waved his hands and said with humility, "My and Xingyun's master is a celestial being who wanders among the clouds. Without his permission, I would never dare to reveal his identity!"
Lu Shengming chuckled, "No way, Old Long, is it that exaggerated?"
Long Xiaotian shook his head and said repeatedly, "To Director Lu, I assure you there is not the slightest exaggeration. My and Xingyun's master often rides a divine eagle, accompanied by a divine hound, soaring through the blue sky, surveying all beings, and looking down upon the world."
"To your ears, this may sound like a mere legend, but what I speak of has indeed happened in reality!"
Seeing him speak so earnestly, the people present stifled their desire to laugh, but forcefully held back. Could such a thing possibly exist in this world?
Yet, upon further reflection, it seemed plausible!
Without the guidance of a high master, their cultivation would not have broken through so significantly in such a short period.
Long Xiaotian's skill alone would not have been enough to defeat Jiang Feijiao.
Recalling the cries of an eagle and a dog from the sky before the match, and the expressions of these two kneeling on the ground in excitement at that time, it became even harder to deny his words.
"Little Li, when you get back, investigate thoroughly. In this world today, is there anyone who can fly in the sky riding an eagle?"
At this moment, Lu Shengming lowered his voice and said to a young girl beside him.
Little Li nodded and replied, "Alright, I'll investigate immediately when we get back!"
Boom!
Just as he finished speaking, the white mist in the center of the arena exploded.
When the mist completely dispersed, the scene that unfolded before their eyes immediately left everyone present dumbfounded once more!
The two were locked in a tight embrace, kissing passionately.
Their affectionate and lingering scene made people momentarily believe they had entered a distorted dimension.
A duel to the death had somehow birthed a pair of lovers?
This dramatic turn of events made it difficult for everyone to accept the reality.
Each and every one of them wondered if their eyes were playing tricks on them.
Only Long Xiaotian sat to the side, with a calm and leisurely smile, murmuring to himself, "My grandson can conquer the Jiang family's young lady with his charm, all thanks to the power bestowed by his master!"
"Xueyan!"
Jiang Feijiao cried out as if driven mad, "What are you doing?"
Hearing Jiang Feijiao's hysterical shouts, Jiang Xueyan's delicate body trembled. She hastily broke free from Long Xingyun's embrace, turned around, and with a plop, knelt down before her father.
"Dad!"
Jiang Xueyan shrieked and wept, "I am no match for Long Xingyun, I have already lost to him!"
"Long Xingyun has always been my idol, I like him. Just now, I have already become his woman. I implore you, Dad, to bless our union!"
Everyone present was utterly speechless upon hearing this!
Just a moment ago, Jiang Xueyan had already become Long Xingyun's woman?
Then, what exactly had happened just now?
For a moment, the minds of those present couldn't process the information.
Even Jiang Feijiao was confused, not understanding at all what his daughter meant.
At this moment, Long Xiaotian suddenly stood up and laughed heartily, "Xingyun, you are truly my good grandson, Long Xiaotian! Well done!"
He then shouted loudly to Jiang Feijiao, "Jiang-姓 scoundrel, grant these two young people your blessing!"
"With me as the head of the Northern Branch of the Hidden Aristocratic Families, coupled with the strength of my Long clan, we will absolutely prevent your Jiang family from being wiped out!"
"At the very least, I can spare your life, allowing you to survive in this world!"
Pfft!
Upon hearing this, Jiang Feijiao spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed to the ground, completely unconscious.
Long Xiaotian instructed Long Xingyun, "Xingyun, your father-in-law has fainted. Quickly take Xueyan and carry him down the mountain for medical treatment!"
"Yes, Grandpa!"
Long Xingyun immediately took Jiang Xueyan's hand. Together with members of the Jiang family, they lifted Jiang Feijiao from the ground, placed him in a car, and drove down the mountain.
At this moment, Long Xiaotian's gaze was sharp as he swept across the representatives of the various Hidden Aristocratic Families present. He performed a bow to the heavens and loudly declared, "Everyone, if anyone is displeased, you may challenge my Long family on the spot!"
Everyone present exchanged glances, and not a single person uttered a sound.
Given the formidable skills displayed by the Long family grandfather and grandson just now, who would dare to provoke them!
Furthermore, the Long family had always had a good reputation in the northern region, and among these Hidden Aristocratic Families, almost no one wished to make an enemy of the Long family.
"Since no one is speaking, I, on behalf of the Jianghu Affairs Bureau, hereby announce that from today onwards, the position of head of the Northern Branch of the Hidden Aristocratic Families will be held by Long Xiaotian!"
As soon as Lu Shengming finished his announcement, thunderous applause erupted.
"Azhong!"
Long Xiaotian excitedly instructed Uncle Zhong, "According to the challenge letter and the rules of the martial world, take some men to the Jiang family and claim what I have provided!"
"Yes, Azhong will go immediately!"
Uncle Zhong responded, and immediately led a group from the Long family down the mountain.
Subsequently, Long Xiaotian turned back, bowed again to Lu Shengming and the crowd, and laughed heartily, "Early this morning, I sent people to book out the largest hotel in Xuecheng, the Phoenix City Grand Hotel, in its entirety."
"At noon, I invite everyone to grace us with your presence at the Phoenix City Grand Hotel for a gathering!"
At noon.
In a small grove within the backyard of the Phoenix City Grand Hotel.
Long Xiaotian and Long Xingyun knelt on the ground. Before them stood the Sky-Piercing Eagle, carrying Taotie Bao.
"Sky-Piercing Eagle, Divine Hound, these are three stalks of thousand-year-old ginseng I have just obtained from the Jiang family. Please pass them on to Master!"
Long Xiaotian presented a brocade box with both hands.
"Woof woof!"
Taotie Bao raised its two front paws and gave a slight wave. A suction force swept out, and from over three meters away, it snatched the brocade box from Long Xiaotian's hand into its embrace.
"Chirp—"
After receiving the thousand-year-old ginseng, the Sky-Piercing Eagle let out a piercing cry that split the clouds and shattered the rocks. It then soared into the sky with Taotie Bao and vanished from sight.
"Heavens, these eagle and dog have become spirits?" Lu Shengming suddenly appeared there.
Long Xiaotian was startled, "Director Lu, why are you here?"
Lu Shengming chuckled, "I saw Uncle Zhong arrive and hand you a brocade box. Then you and Uncle Xing furtively came here, and I followed from the shadows."
"Tell me, who exactly is the master of you two?"
Long Xiaotian's face turned stern, "Director Lu, what I would like to tell you is that some matters are not for you to inquire about. It is best not to pry!"
"Furthermore, our master is a person who prefers tranquility and greatly dislikes being disturbed without cause in his leisurely life!"