Chapter 798: The Might of Thunder

The moment Chen Beifeng's furious roar thundered, a massive torrent of Origin Qi descended directly from the void, suppressing everything in its path. As the torrent swept through, the space itself trembled violently, and an astonishing oppressive force enveloped the area.

The faces of the many onlookers around them changed instantly, and they quickly retreated, unwilling to be drawn into the conflict. They could clearly sense Chen Beifeng's anger; his attack was extremely fierce. He evidently intended to teach Zhou Yuan a harsh lesson. After all, everyone in the Four Pavilions knew that Lin Zheng and Wu Dao were his people, yet Zhou Yuan dared to publicly strip them of their commander positions. It was clear he had no regard for Chen Beifeng whatsoever!

Zhou Yuan likewise felt the astonishing Origin Qi surging towards him. His eyes narrowed slightly. "This Chen Beifeng is truly overbearing," he thought. However, to intimidate him with just this? Chen Beifeng probably wasn't capable of it yet! A cold glint appeared in Zhou Yuan's eyes. Since Chen Beifeng chose to use force to suppress him, there was no need for Zhou Yuan to be polite.

He twisted his palm, and the Sword Pill materialized. Overwhelming sword qi surged. The next instant, a sword light covered in dragon scales and burning with soul flames, empowered by the eleven million Origin Qi stars within Zhou Yuan's Divine Dwelling, transformed into a massive azure sword shadow. It shot forth and, under the gaze of numerous onlookers, fiercely collided with the whistling torrent of Origin Qi.

*Boom!*

The moment they collided, a violent and unparalleled wave of Origin Qi shockwave erupted. Many figures in the vicinity were sent staggering backward by the impact. As the shockwave raged, both attacks simultaneously dissipated. The azure sword shadow flew back, transforming into the Sword Pill which Zhou Yuan retrieved. However, the powerful force transmitted from the collision still caused Zhou Yuan's body to tremble slightly, and he took several steps back. His gaze flickered. From this initial exchange, he had already perceived Chen Beifeng's formidable strength. It was no wonder Chen Beifeng was the most favorable candidate for the Wind Pavilion Master position.

In mid-air, a figure flashed forth—it was Chen Beifeng. At this moment, his eyes were fixed on Zhou Yuan with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty. He had struck in anger, originally intending to injure Zhou Yuan with a decisive blow and assert dominance over the scene. Yet, he never expected Zhou Yuan to completely neutralize his enraged attack, with the only consequence being a mere few steps backward. This was clearly entirely different from his expectations. Based on his perception of Zhou Yuan yesterday, Zhou Yuan should not have been able to take that attack unscathed.

Chen Beifeng frowned, but quickly dismissed his thoughts. Regardless of how Zhou Yuan performed, there was no way he would allow Zhou Yuan to dismiss Lin Zheng and Wu Dao from their positions today. It was important to remember that the entire Wind Pavilion currently had only eight commanders, and four of them were his people. This was the result of his long efforts. If Zhou Yuan were to dismiss three of them at once, it would be a significant loss for him. More importantly, it would damage his reputation.

"Deputy Commander Zhou Yuan," Chen Beifeng said, glancing indifferently at Zhou Yuan, "although Jin Teng's provocation yesterday was unpleasant, do not seek personal revenge and make yourself a laughing stock. Release them, and I will let this matter go." His tone was calm, yet it carried an accustomed air of command. It was likely that no one in the Wind Pavilion had dared to defy him for years.

Zhou Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Deputy Commander Chen Beifeng, did you not hear clearly what I said earlier? These three dared to ambush me within the Wind Domain, an act of insubordination. Do you think the rules of my Wind Pavilion are set by you?" His words were calm, but as unyielding as stone. This caused a slight stir among the onlookers, especially some members of the Wind Pavilion, who couldn't help but widen their eyes. They had likely never seen anyone in the Wind Pavilion dare to speak to Chen Beifeng in such a manner in all these years. Even Ye Bingling, who was also a Deputy Pavilion Master, often found herself at a disadvantage in her frequent clashes with Chen Beifeng.

Zhou Yuan's attitude also made Chen Beifeng's eyes turn cold. He then said grimly, "Nonsense! Why would those three attack you without reason? Don't think that just because you're the new Deputy Pavilion Master, you can casually slander others!"

"I also suspect their motives. It feels as if someone instructed them," Zhou Yuan sneered, casting a meaningful glance at Chen Beifeng.

Chen Beifeng's gaze grew even colder. "Utter nonsense," he said coldly. Immediately, he took a step forward, and immense Origin Qi erupted from his body, forming three nine-colored halos behind him. He stated icily, "If Deputy Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan truly insists on fabricating charges against these three, then I, this Deputy Pavilion Master, will not stand idly by." His demeanor indicated he intended to forcefully intervene and take the people.

"Hmph, Deputy Pavilion Master Chen Beifeng, you certainly are putting on quite a display of authority!"

However, just then, a cold, clear voice suddenly rang out. Many gazes turned to see three figures emerging from the entrance of the Wind Tower. Leading them was Ye Bingling, followed by Liu Zhixuan and Yi Qiushui. "Since when do your words, Chen Beifeng, override the rules of the Wind Pavilion? Do you think you are the Wind Pavilion Master now?" Ye Bingling's pleasant voice was filled with a chilling aura.

Seeing Ye Bingling appear, Chen Beifeng frowned even deeper. "This is merely his side of the story!" he said.

Ye Bingling glanced at Liu Zhixuan behind her. He stepped forward and said, "Deputy Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan's account is entirely true. When they couldn't find Deputy Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan, they attacked me, attempting to extract his location from me. If Deputy Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan hadn't arrived in time, I believe my arms would have been twisted off."

A ripple of murmurs went through the surrounding crowd. Chen Beifeng's eyelid twitched. He hadn't expected those three fools—Jin Teng and the others—to produce a witness! "Liu Zhixuan is quite close to Zhou Yuan; his words cannot be fully trusted," Chen Beifeng insisted stubbornly. At this point, even if it meant being specious, he absolutely could not admit anything.

Seeing his stubbornness, Ye Bingling couldn't help but raise her delicate eyebrows.

"Heh heh... What a lively scene."

However, just as Ye Bingling was about to speak, another chuckle interjected. A figure appeared beside Chen Beifeng—a young man in a red robe with a slightly playful smile on his face. His appearance immediately drew gasps of surprise.

"Deputy Pavilion Master of the Fire Pavilion, Wang Chen?" Ye Bingling was startled when she saw him.

The young man, Wang Chen, waved his hand with a smile. "Deputy Pavilion Master Ye, long time no see." His gaze swept over Zhou Yuan, then he said, "What happened today is merely a misunderstanding. There's no need to make it so awkward. After all, it wouldn't look good for your Wind Pavilion if this got out. So, why don't I mediate? Deputy Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan can release them, they apologize to you, and wouldn't that perfectly resolve the matter?"

Zhou Yuan stared calmly at the Deputy Pavilion Master of the Fire Pavilion. From the moment he appeared, Zhou Yuan understood the source of today's events. It was likely still connected to the Crimson Fire Mansion of the Heavenly Spirit Sect. And the Fire Pavilion was entirely under the control of the Heavenly Spirit Sect. Perhaps Wang Chen, who seemed harmless, was secretly instigating today's events. Of course, the ultimate connection would undoubtedly be with the Crimson Fire Mansion. Those people clearly had no intention of letting go just because he had joined the Wind Pavilion.

Ye Bingling's beautiful brows knitted tightly. She clearly hadn't expected Wang Chen to suddenly appear. This man was the Deputy Pavilion Master of the Fire Pavilion and held considerable renown among the Four Pavilions.

Chen Beifeng's expression softened. "Since Brother Wang Chen is mediating, then naturally I cannot pursue this matter further..."

However, before he could finish speaking, Zhou Yuan interrupted him expressionlessly, saying, "Let's stick to the rules. How can an outsider interfere in Wind Pavilion affairs? Although I've only just joined the Wind Pavilion, I know the rules. Currently, the position of Pavilion Master is vacant. If there are disputes regarding punishments, the Deputy Pavilion Masters can vote jointly. Therefore, at this moment, I propose dismissing Jin Teng and the other two from their commander positions."

Chen Beifeng's face stiffened. The smile on Wang Chen's face also faltered slightly. He then stared at Zhou Yuan with a smiling gaze and said, "Is Deputy Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan really giving me no face at all?"

"If Deputy Pavilion Master Wang Chen has any objections to my actions, you may report it to the five Elder Enforcers," Zhou Yuan stated earnestly.

Wang Chen narrowed his eyes, smiling as he pointed at Zhou Yuan. Yet, deep within his eyes, a chilling coldness and fury seemed to surge. He clearly hadn't expected a newly appointed Deputy Pavilion Master of the Wind Pavilion to dare openly defy him.

Zhou Yuan ignored them, turning his gaze instead to Ye Bingling. As long as she supported him, the punishment would take effect. Ye Bingling also hadn't expected Zhou Yuan to be so unyielding, but she didn't hesitate for long. After all, her relationship with Chen Beifeng was already extremely poor, and today's incident was entirely Chen Beifeng's own doing. Thus, she nodded her head slightly and said, "I support this."

Chen Beifeng's face immediately darkened.

Zhou Yuan looked up, his gaze calm as he stared at the two of them. His voice spread through the air. "Of the three Deputy Pavilion Masters, two are in agreement... Therefore, effective immediately, the punishment takes effect: Jin Teng, Lin Zheng, and Wu Dao are stripped of their commander positions. Furthermore, they are forbidden from entering the Wind Domain for cultivation for one year. Should they re-offend, they will be expelled from the Wind Pavilion."

When Zhou Yuan's voice rang out, the expressions of the many Wind Pavilion members around them subtly changed. Their gazes, as they looked at Zhou Yuan again, were now filled with awe. Only at this moment did they realize that this seemingly gentle new Deputy Pavilion Master possessed the power of thunder when he became angry.

"Good, good!" Chen Beifeng could only manage a grim "Good," then with a flick of his sleeve, he used Origin Qi to sweep up the pale-faced Jin Teng and the other two, turning and departing immediately.

Wang Chen also cast a cold glance at Zhou Yuan, then leisurely said, "Deputy Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan certainly has quite a temper. However, I must advise you: if you don't change that temper of yours, you might suffer greatly in these Four Pavilions." His words carried a profound implication. Then, with a cold chuckle, he turned and stepped into the air, departing.

The many onlookers around them watched this scene, secretly clicking their tongues. This newly arrived Deputy Pavilion Master of the Wind Pavilion truly had a stubborn and fierce temper. However, in doing so, he not only offended Chen Beifeng but also Wang Chen of the Fire Pavilion. It was hard to tell if this was recklessness or a calculated move on his part. Regardless, after this incident, his reputation was sure to spread throughout the Four Pavilions.