novelraw Chapter 404: Lingxiao Pavilion
Chapter 404: Lingxiao Pavilion
The vehicle came to a stop at the base of Lingxiao Pavilion.
It was a colossal tower constructed entirely from some kind of dark spiritual energy metal.
It pierced straight into the clouds.
Runic light flowed across its surface.
It exuded an aura that brooked no desecration.
The moment he stepped through the main entrance, an intangible pressure washed over him.
It didn't originate from any single person, but from the structure itself, and from the heavy, accumulated majesty of hundreds of years steeped within its walls.
The interior space was vast beyond measure, yet not brightly lit.
Soft light spilled from unknown sources, outlining clean, powerful lines.
Enormous pillars supported a soaring dome, while the walls were hung with emblems and scroll paintings symbolizing Daxia's history and glory, silently speaking of the weight of time.He proceeded forward.
Every person he encountered.
Whether they were guards standing solemnly at attention on either side, or administrative staff hurrying by with brisk steps, all had a settled, profound aura, their movements carrying a discipline etched into their very bones.
There was no excessive questioning.
Led by a silent guide.
Su Zhan rode an ascending elevator, finally stopping before a metal door engraved with an intertwined pattern of dragon and tiger.
The door opened without a sound.
The space within was even more magnificent, and more oppressive, than the outside.
It was a circular council chamber, dimly lit, with only a single beam of cold light at its center illuminating a massive ring-shaped conference table.
Behind the table, figures sat in the shadows, their specific features indistinct. One could only feel the weight of their gazes, all focused on Su Zhan, who had just stepped through the door.
These gazes were heavy as mountains.
Every single one of them was a true wielder of power in Daxia.
Council elders, military department magnates, the highest-ranking officials of the Aberrant Purge Division... Each held authority that influenced the lives and deaths of hundreds of millions, and naturally, each carried the unique presence of those who had long resided in high positions, looking down upon the masses.
Their silence was more oppressive than any rebuke.
Spiritual energy fluctuations filled the air, powerful yet subtle, like undercurrents swirling, locking onto every iota of Su Zhan's aura.
The entire hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
The echo of Su Zhan's footsteps in the cavernous space sounded exceptionally clear.
It was a solemnity akin to a courtroom.
An atmosphere of judgment had already begun to permeate the silence.
Centered around the ring-shaped table were several tiers of raised, stepped seating.
Like the senate of ancient Rome.
On each tier sat figures, numbering several hundred in total.
These people wore varied attire: some in ancient-style robes, some in crisp general's dress uniforms, others in the highest-level uniforms of the Aberrant Purge Division...
Without exception, they were the true entities standing at the pinnacle of power in Daxia, the giants of various factions, old monsters who had lived for who knows how many years, wielding both strength and authority.
The pressure from nearly a hundred Ocean Realm auras.
Weighed down heavily on Su Zhan's shoulders.
And there, at a relatively isolated seat beside the main ring-shaped table, Mo Yuan was conspicuously present.
He was still dressed in his deep cyan robe, his expression indifferent, as if out of place amidst the grave atmosphere, yet no one dared to ignore his presence.
His gaze also rested on Su Zhan, calm and unrippled, revealing no particular inclination.
Su Zhan stood at the foot of this mountain formed by Daxia's highest wielders of power.
Alone, bearing the collective pressure that was enough to make mountains and rivers change color.
Su Zhan calmly raised his head, his gaze sweeping openly over each of those figures.
It was as if he wasn't facing a judgment, but conducting an equal inspection.
This was an extremely proactive tactical choice.
He was deeply familiar with an ironclad rule of the negotiation table: the side that speaks first to state demands or raise questions often, imperceptibly, loses some initiative, exposing their own cards and points of concern.
At this moment.
His very presence here was the biggest "question."
His identity, his strength, his intentions—these were all things the other side urgently wanted to clarify.
If he were to rush to explain, to declare his stance, no matter how clever his words, he would immediately fall into the framework set by the others, passively responding to one query after another, struggling to cope.
By choosing silence, choosing to face this overwhelming pressure with absolute calm, Su Zhan was transmitting a crystal-clear signal:
He was not in a hurry.
He had sufficient confidence and time.
It was *they* who needed him to answer their questions, not him who needed to beg them for anything.
He firmly kicked the "question" ball back to the other side.
Forcing them to be the ones to break the silence first, to ask the question they cared about most—Su Zhan, just what exactly is your situation?
This way, the starting point and framework of the dialogue would be defined and guided by Su Zhan.
He could judge the other side's attitude based on how they phrased their questions, and thus craft the most targeted responses, firmly controlling the rhythm and direction of the conversation.
In the deathly silent hall, that suffocating quiet persisted for nearly a minute.
Finally, just as Su Zhan had anticipated.
From beside the round table.
An elderly man wearing the deep blue uniform of the Aberrant Purge Division slowly spoke, breaking the silence.
"Su Zhan."
He called the name directly, his gaze locking onto Su Zhan like a hawk's: "First, congratulations on winning the championship in the Grand Competition, showcasing the... extraordinary potential of Daxia's younger generation.
However, before bestowing honors upon you and discussing subsequent arrangements, there are some circumstances that require your clarification, to ensure... the accuracy and consistency of information.
According to our records, five years ago, during the Transcendence Society's attack on Vermilion Bird Academy, you entered the Mist World and were declared... deceased.
Could you briefly explain where you have been these past five years?
And how... you survived, and achieved such... astonishing accomplishments as you have today?"
All gazes focused on Su Zhan, awaiting his answer.
"Thank you for your congratulations. The experiences of those five years are indeed... not something I wish to dwell upon."
After organizing his words, Su Zhan's voice was slightly low:
"On that day when I entered the Mist World, I did not die immediately. In order to survive, I could only conceal my aura, struggle for existence, constantly walking the line between life and death. As for the improvement in my cultivation...
Perhaps it was the extreme pressure that stimulated my latent potential. As for the specifics of how I broke through, much of it was a haze, and I find it difficult to recount in full detail.
In the end, I managed to find a weak spatial node and, by sheer luck, escaped and returned to Daxia."
Vague and evasive, yet leaving no clear handle to grab.
The high-ranking Aberrant Purge Division official's eyes flickered slightly, clearly dissatisfied with this explanation, but unable to refute it directly for the moment.
He remained silent for a moment, preparing to delve deeper with further questions.
"Esteemed sirs summoned me here, presumably not merely to inquire about my personal experiences over these five years?"
Su Zhan skillfully shifted the topic, turning from guest to host: "Now, with the threat of the Mist growing more severe by the day, and Daxia in a time of urgent need for capable individuals, since I, Su Zhan, have returned, I naturally wish to contribute my share of effort for our great Daxia.
Might I inquire if you have any plans or procedures in mind regarding my subsequent arrangements?"