Chapter 1280: Chapter 1277: The Mountain-Opening Bell Tolls, Ceremony Begins (Second Update)

Under Sheng Manyu’s overwhelming interrogation, the entire room fell into silence, and many faces revealed a hint of amusement.

Especially Su Junneng, with his mouth and nose bleeding from the beating, his eyes practically brimming with triumph.

Let’s see how you handle this! Su Junneng thought to himself.

Unexpectedly, Xue An, who was at the center of the storm, did not show the slightest ripple on his face. Instead, he relaxed comfortably against the low couch, lightly tapping his fingers on the tea table.

It was only after a moment that Xue An chuckled lightly, “Not bad, but I must say, you’ve got two things wrong!”

“Oh? Which two?” Sheng Manyu asked coldly.

“First, the one who wants to be apprenticed to the Golden Cauldron Pavilion is not me, but him!” Saying this, Xue An pointed to Xing Yushu sitting behind him.

Only then did the crowd notice this silent and unspoken young man, but they soon showed a hint of disdain.

Because whether in terms of clothing or demeanor, this Xing Yushu clearly was just an ordinary youngster inexperienced in the ways of the world, without anything particularly remarkable.

Sheng Manyu sneered even colder, “And the second point? Don’t tell me you have no feelings for my sister?”

Her tone was filled with sarcasm.

But just then, Xue An, who had been looking down, suddenly raised his head and glanced at her.

Originally full of scorn, Sheng Manyu was instantly frozen on the spot, with the words stuck in her throat, unable to speak.

Because under that one look from Xue An, Sheng Manyu felt every hair on her body stand on end, and a chill ran through her heart.

That feeling was like being stared down by a Tyrannosaur, sending shivers down one’s spine.

But these feelings were fleeting; as soon as Xue An lowered his gaze again, everything faded away like the tide, so fast it seemed as if it had been but an illusion.

Then Xue An spoke with an indifferent tone, “Secondly, I came to the Golden Cauldron Pavilion merely to fulfill a friend’s request and to have a look around. If I am unsatisfied with the result, I will take back some of the things here!”

At this, Xue An paused, casting a cold glance at Sheng Manyu, “As for the so-called power of the Sheng Family… in my eyes, they are but ants!”

These words, like a heavy bomb, left many bewildered.

Even Sheng Manyu was a bit stunned, and it took a while before she came to her senses, then she couldn’t help but fly into a rage.

“What arrogance, to dare to insult the Sheng Family like this…”

Before she could finish, there was a loud pop.

A streak of white light flashed by, striking directly on Sheng Manyu’s shoulder.

Caught off guard, Sheng Manyu was sent stumbling back more than a dozen steps by the force, barely managing to steady herself, then a look of pain appeared on her face.

Because the white light had completely shattered her scapula.

The intense pain made this pampered and revered young lady from the Sheng Family almost explode with rage.

Whereas Xue An spoke indifferently, “I just warned you, any more nonsense, and I’d smash all your teeth, but considering you are Sheng Miaotong’s sister, I will give you some face for now!”

At the same time, Lu Shifa also recovered from the shock. He had long wanted to show off in front of everyone, and, upon hearing these words, he naturally became even angrier; thus, he grunted and his aura surged, preparing to teach this ignorant kid a lesson.

Xue An’s lips curled upward with a trace of cold amusement. He had already grown impatient with these folks.

Actually, if not for Sheng Miaotong, Sheng Manyu would already be dead by now.

Although Xue An didn’t care much about reputation, if someone relentlessly provoked him without knowing better, he wouldn’t mind sending them to the otherworld to gain some experience.

But just at this moment, a long and melodious bell chime came from afar, instantly spreading throughout the entire valley and this small town.

Upon hearing this sound, everyone was initially startled, followed by someone with extensive knowledge exclaiming: “It’s the Mountain Opening Bell! Golden Cauldron Pavilion is going to open the mountain!”

This news shocked everyone.

Even though no one knew why this Mountain Opening Ceremony was being held a day earlier than usual, since it was already happening and was related to whether or not they could enter Golden Cauldron Pavilion, everyone’s first reaction after coming to their senses was to rush toward Golden Cauldron Pavilion.

Such a turn of events, naturally, did not go unnoticed by everyone in the tea house.

Lu Shifa, Sheng Manyu, and others all changed their expressions dramatically.

For them, the most important thing right now was to enter Golden Cauldron Pavilion first; everything else could be put aside.

Therefore, after exchanging a glance with Sheng Manyu, Lu Shifa spoke in an extremely cold tone: “Kid, consider yourself lucky, I’ll let you live a bit longer! Manyu, let’s go!”

Sheng Manyu gave Xue An a cold glance and then turned to leave.

Sheng Miaotong naturally could not be an exception, but as the young girl was leaving, she stealthily turned her head back to give Xue An a slight shake, her eyes filled with anxiety and worry.

Her intention was clear, which was to urge Xue An to leave this troublesome place as quickly as possible and certainly not to linger.

But Xue An simply responded with a slight smile.

Sheng Miaotong was extremely anxious, but intimidated by her sister’s authority and not daring to speak outright, she could only leave the tea house with a heavy heart.

Soon, all of them had left.

The tea house was empty and desolate, with only Xue An and Xing Yushu remaining; even the lady in palace attire had disappeared without a trace.

Through the window, one could see the swarming crowd on the avenue, rushing towards the distant mountain gate.

Xing Yushu couldn’t help being a bit anxious, “Sir, aren’t we going over now?”

Xue An laughed, “Are you worried?”

Xing Yushu gritted his teeth, “A little! With so many people going to worship the mountain, what if we don’t make it in time and fail?”

Xue An gave Xing Yushu a deep look, then turned his gaze to the towering Golden Cauldron Pavilion in the distance and said softly, “Actually… there’s really no need for panic!”

“Huh? Sir, what did you say?” Xing Yushu hadn’t caught Xue An’s words and asked somewhat puzzled.

Xue An laughed heartily and then stood up, saying lightly, “It’s nothing, since we’re here, we might as well watch the excitement, let’s go!”

With that, Xue An and Xing Yushu strode out of the tea house one after the other, flying straight towards the distant mountain gate.

As they crossed the seemingly isolated mountain gate standing in the wilderness, Xing Yushu felt as if a new vista had opened up before his eyes.

A massive square suddenly appeared before them.

And the square was already bustling with noise and excitement.

People from all directions had gathered here, anxiously waiting for something.

Despite the large number of people, the hierarchical division among them was still distinctly observable.

Those standing at the forefront, occupying the best positions, were invariably the splendidly dressed descendants of great families.

Sheng sisters, Lu Shifa, and others were prominently among this crowd, at the core location.