The murdered youth was from the Bei Ming Mountain Mansion, backed by the Bei Ming Imperial Preceptor, whose power was by no means small.
"Hmph, a bunch of losers who haven't even heard my name."
Zhou Yan raised an eyebrow, scanned the crowd, and declared arrogantly, "My name is Nangong Yan, an outer disciple of the Heavenly Water Sect. If you want to know the answer, go ask Nangong Yan."
Nangong Yan?
The name was completely unfamiliar. No one had heard of it.
The surrounding crowd exchanged bewildered glances, their faces filled with confusion. They had never heard this name, let alone known Nangong Yan.
"Senior Brother Nangong, you're too arrogant."
Suddenly, a young man in a blue robe walked over, sneering, "Who do you think you are? Why should we go ask you?"
This blue-robed youth was around twenty-five or twenty-six years old. He cultivated martial arts and had already reached the Divine King realm, making him one of the more powerful individuals present.
His name was Wang Kai, a scion of a prominent family in Bei Ming City. He had grown up with Nangong Yan, and they were extremely close.
Although they often quarreled, they held no real animosity towards each other.
Therefore, Wang Kai believed Zhou Yan was merely boasting.
"I never repeat myself!"
Zhou Yan's eyes flickered, his tone low and chilling. "I'll give you one more chance. Disappear from my sight immediately!"
"Arrogant and ignorant fool!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Kai was instantly enraged. A terrifying surge of true energy erupted, transforming into the ferocious silhouette of a tiger.
Roar!
The tiger roared, baring its fangs and claws as it lunged at Zhou Yan with overwhelming might.
"A petty trick, unworthy of showing off before me?" Zhou Yan sneered, shaking his head.
Bang!
The next moment, Zhou Yan stomped his foot. The entire tavern trembled, and a dazzling golden blade light erupted, instantly tearing the tiger apart.
Following that, this blade light, like divine punishment, struck Wang Kai.
Crack!
The sound of breaking bones echoed, followed by a burst of crimson blood mist. Wang Kai's body exploded, turning into a mangled corpse.
"Hiss!"
In an instant, the entire place fell silent. Everyone's eyes widened, their bodies trembling uncontrollably, their hearts threatening to leap out of their chests.
This youth was too terrifying; he had killed Wang Kai with such ease.
"Who exactly are you!"
After a brief, deathly silence, an enraged roar suddenly erupted, echoing throughout the tavern.
"Who am I?"
Zhou Yan raised his head, a hint of coldness in the depths of his eyes. He spoke indifferently, "That kid just now insulted my parents. He deserves to die!"
"Today, I have come to Bei Ming City to seek justice for my parents. I hope you all will bear witness!"
"What!?"
"This brat actually came for revenge."
In an instant, the surrounding crowd erupted in a clamor.
"This brat is incredibly audacious!"
"He actually wants to cause trouble for the Luo Yun Sect!"
Many people muttered and pointed fingers.
The Bei Ming Imperial Preceptor commanded the more than 300,000 troops of Bei Ming City and held immense power. How noble and revered he was.
Furthermore, the Bei Ming Imperial Preceptor had four daughters and one son: the little princess Bei Ming Yuan, the ninth princess Bei Ming Yue, the seventh prince Bei Ming Feng, and the eighteenth princess Bei Ming Shuang.
As such, the Luo Yun Sect was one of the Bei Ming Imperial Preceptor's most elite forces, with profound foundations and terrifying strength. They were not to be trifled with.
Even ordinary citizens had heard of the Luo Yun Sect's reputation.
"Hmph! This brat is too insolent."
"A mere outer disciple dares to run rampant in Bei Ming City."
A noisy hubbub arose around the tavern.
"Heh heh, you little beast, I admit you're powerful, managing to instantly kill my disciple."
Just then, a cold shout was heard. A burly elder strode in, clad in black python-patterned armor, a saber at his waist, exuding an aura of tempered steel.
"Master, save me!"
"Quickly help me kill this brat!"
Nangong Yan, who was lying on the ground, struggled to get up. Upon seeing the elder, he was like a drowning man grasping a life-saving straw, filled with surprise and joy.
"You little beast, how dare you lay a hand on my disciple."
The burly elder stared at Zhou Yan menacingly, his voice chilling. "Now, kneel down and beg for forgiveness, and I might spare your life. Otherwise..."
Boom~
A vast aura erupted from him, like an abyss and a sea, making the air turn thick.
Divine King, Ninth Layer!
"Divine King Realm Ninth Layer?"
Sensing the burly elder's cultivation, the surrounding onlookers gasped in shock.
In Bei Ming City, the peak of power was a Divine King Realm Ninth Layer expert. Such a master could traverse the land unimpeded and was almost invincible.
"Haha, you little beast, you're scared now, aren't you? Hurry and kneel to beg for mercy. Perhaps my master, being merciful, will spare your life."
Nangong Yan sneered, mocking, "What are you waiting for, you idiot? Hurry and kneel."
"Noisy!"
Zhou Yan's expression turned cold. He let out a sharp cry, took a step forward, and punched fiercely at Nangong Yan's head.
Bang!
A dull thud was heard. Nangong Yan's head shattered like a rotten melon, spraying blood.
Gush~
Nangong Yan's body collapsed limply onto the ground, completely lifeless.
"Hiss!"
This scene sent everyone into a state of frozen terror.
A disciple of the esteemed Luo Yun Sect was so easily killed, and the killer was merely a sixteen-year-old boy. It was too brutal.
"Bastard, daring to kill in broad daylight."
"I'll report you to the authorities, have them arrest you."
Suddenly, some people indignantly cursed.
Zhou Yan paid them no mind.
In Zhou Yan's memory, the original owner, Zhou Yan, was weak, insecure, and timid, afraid to even speak.
"Little brother, you are a disciple of the Luo Yun Sect. Why are you indiscriminately killing innocent people?"
"Yes, you killed the direct son of the Bei Ming Imperial Preceptor!"
"Little brother, you should flee quickly!"
"Indeed, escape for your life!"
The crowd in the tavern began to persuade him.
"Flee?"
Zhou Yan curled his lips in disdain. "Does a mere ant like him require me to flee? Since I'm here, I might as well eliminate him."
Hum~
Instantly, a sharp sword intent surged from Zhou Yan, sweeping in all directions.
With a sword in hand, Zhou Yan's entire demeanor changed completely.
At this moment, he was like a descending god of death, exuding a palpable killing aura that made the surrounding people's hearts palpitate.
"So... so terrifying!"
"My soul is trembling!"
"This... this is sword intent!"
Around the tavern, martial artists turned pale, sweat beading on their foreheads.
Zhou Yan's sword intent was displayed without reservation, sharp, piercing, and dominant...
In their impression, only a true master who had reached the Innate realm could possess such an aura.