Dong Wenjun, dressed in a gray robe, pushed the door open with a gloomy expression.
"Greetings, Elder Dong."
In an instant, the expressions of Yao Susu and the others changed, and they bowed deeply.
Who was Dong Wenjun? He was the protecting elder of the Mystic Azure Sect, a top figure in the Tribulation Crossing stage.
The presence of such a figure here frightened many people, filling their hearts with awe.
"The protecting elder of the Mystic Azure Sect has actually come. This is a renowned figure!"
"If the two sects are forming an alliance, it shouldn't require the personal presence of a top figure in the Tribulation Crossing stage!"
"It seems that he didn't come for the alliance, otherwise he would have shown himself earlier, instead of hiding."
The onlookers were in an uproar, astonished and envious.
Dong Wenjun had not left the Mystic Azure Sect for many years. This time, he came secretly because he was worried that Chen Qingyuan was being bullied and had been hiding in the cabin's planks.
"Senior Brother Dong, why did you follow me here?"
Chen Qingyuan was also very surprised, turning to look at Dong Wenjun, who had white hair and a majestic demeanor.
"I came to make sure you weren't being bullied."
When Dong Wenjun looked at Chen Qingyuan, he immediately put away his indifferent attitude towards outsiders and showed a kind smile, speaking gently.
He had already lost one junior martial brother and could not afford to have it happen again.
When Chen Qingyuan's soul lamp went out, Dong Wenjun felt as if he had been struck by lightning, filled with grief. Later, he knelt in front of the grave of the Supreme Elder, admitting that he had not taken good care of Chen Qingyuan and deeply blaming himself.
"Senior Brother…" Chen Qingyuan's nose tingled slightly, his throat tightening.
A protecting elder would only leave the sect in times of crisis or for important matters.
However, in order to ensure Chen Qingyuan's safety, Dong Wenjun violated the sect's rules.
When the others heard Dong Wenjun's words, they were both surprised and envious. To have a senior brother in the Tribulation Crossing stage protecting the Dao was something that countless people wouldn't dare to dream of.
It would have been one thing in the past, because at that time, Chen Qingyuan had exceptional talent and was the hope of the new generation of the Mystic Azure Sect. Now, Chen Qingyuan had become a disabled mortal, and the higher-ups of the Mystic Azure Sect would not have gone to such lengths.
"No one can bully my junior martial brother." Dong Wenjun asked Chen Qingyuan to stand aside and handle these matters himself.
After that, Dong Wenjun stood above the nine heavens, scanning the various sect cultivators with his gaze, and finally looked at the people from the Eastern Joy Palace. "If the Mystic Azure Sect is not welcome in the alliance, then the Mystic Azure Sect can leave now."
"Elder Dong, please calm down. We have no intention of disrespecting the sect."
Yao Susu bent her waist even lower, the back of her clothes damp with cold sweat.
Just now, Yao Susu dared to speak ill of Chen Qingyuan because she only saw a few inner disciples accompanying him on the warship and didn't take it seriously. If she had known that Dong Wenjun was in the cabin, she wouldn't have dared to say what she had just said.
Having offended Dong Wenjun's authority, the current sect master of the Eastern Joy Palace would have to come and apologize.
A top figure in the Tribulation Crossing stage was also a top figure in the vast Northern Wilderness and could not be offended.
"What do you mean by that?"
Dong Wenjun questioned loudly.
"Elder… Elder…"
A terrifying pressure fell on Yao Susu, making her feel as if she were being crushed by a mountain, heavy and suffocating.
"In the past, I chatted with you a few times out of consideration for my junior martial brother, giving you some face. But in terms of seniority and strength, you don't even have the qualifications to see me. Today, you dare to oppress my junior martial brother, truly overstepping your bounds."
Dong Wenjun had watched Chen Qingyuan grow up and had spoiled him since he was young, giving him whatever he wanted, whether it was delicious food or fun. He couldn't bear to scold Chen Qingyuan, let alone allow others to bully him.
If it weren't for the fact that there were still a few old fellows from the Eastern Joy Palace, Dong Wenjun wouldn't have just used pressure to intimidate, but would have directly given Yao Susu a few big slaps.
When the younger generation came to provoke, Dong Wenjun turned a blind eye and didn't want to get involved. But if the older generation dared to rely on their seniority, then Dong Wenjun couldn't bear it.
"I know my mistake."
Yao Susu couldn't bear the pressure of the Tribulation Crossing stage, feeling as if her bones had been crushed into pieces, and apologized through gritted teeth.
"Hmph!" Dong Wenjun snorted coldly, dispersing the pressure. "If there's a next time, I will personally educate the Eastern Joy Palace."
"Thank you for forgiving me, Elder."
Even if Yao Susu had a thousand grievances and dissatisfaction in her heart, she couldn't show it and had to thank him.
"Now get lost!"
With his hands behind his back, Dong Wenjun didn't even bother to look at Yao Susu. If he wanted to, he could easily suppress her with just one finger.
Soon after, Yao Susu and the others hurriedly left without looking back. This time, they had lost face on a grand scale and would surely become the subject of gossip for many people in the near future.
No one had expected that this big shot from the Mystic Azure Sect would come. The young person who had just insulted Chen Qingyuan was afraid of retaliation and disappeared in the blink of an eye.
***
Upon learning that it was related to Chen Qingyuan, Yan Minghai immediately rushed over."Senior Brother Dong." After making some inquiries, Yan Minghai quickly understood the whole story. Returning to the warship, he first saluted Dong Wenjun with a cupped fist, then turned his worried gaze to Chen Qingyuan. "Junior Martial Brother, are you alright?"
"Thud"
Suddenly, Dong Wenjun kicked Yan Minghai, sending him flying a kilometer away.
Yan Minghai paused in mid-air, straightened his clothes, and flashed back to his original position.
"Little Seven, how could you be so thoughtless, leaving Junior Martial Brother alone on the ship? If I hadn't accompanied him, who knows how he might have been bullied."
Dong Wenjun scolded, pointing at Seventh Elder Yan Minghai's nose.
"It's all my fault; I almost put Junior Martial Brother in danger."
Yan Minghai blamed himself.
"Senior Brother Dong, I'm fine, please don't blame Senior Brother Yan anymore." Chen Qingyuan quickly stepped forward to mediate, pulling Dong Wenjun to sit down on a chair and pouring him a cup of tea. "Senior Brother, have some tea to calm down."
Dong Wenjun's kick had been too fast; Chen Qingyuan hadn't even had time to react, only realizing what happened afterward.
"Since Junior Martial Brother doesn't blame you, let's just forget about it."
After drinking a cup of tea, Dong Wenjun's anger dissipated significantly.
Yan Minghai cast a grateful look at Chen Qingyuan, spared from a beating.
The cultivators from all walks of life watched this scene in disbelief.
They couldn't understand why Chen Qingyuan, now a useless person, was still so cherished.
"Elder Dong graces the Heavenly Jade Sect with his presence, please come inside for a visit."
Just as everyone was still puzzled over why Chen Qingyuan was so favored, the Grand Elder of the Heavenly Jade Sect stepped forward with a smile and a respectful bow.
"I'm here to play chess with Junior Martial Brother; I'm not available." Dong Wenjun had no intention of giving face to the Heavenly Jade Sect and directly refused.
Hearing this response, the Grand Elder of the Heavenly Jade Sect was stunned.
Soon, the Grand Elder regained his composure and smiled, "Whenever Elder Dong is free, you are always welcome to come in. The Heavenly Jade Sect will ensure you are well received."
Dong Wenjun disliked such pomp and circumstance and couldn't be bothered to reply.
Due to Dong Wenjun's appearance, many old fellows showed up, each coming over to greet him.
Yan Minghai dealt with all these trivial matters, while Dong Wenjun sat in the cabin, playing chess with Chen Qingyuan, drinking tea, and laughing merrily.
***
The day of the alliance marriage soon arrived, and the sky was adorned with auspicious and colorful clouds stretching for hundreds of thousands of miles. Many sects arrived on time, bringing grand gifts in a showy manner.
"They're here."
The Heavenly Jade Sect's wedding procession arrived punctually, full of grandeur, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
Seven Flood Dragons pulled a white jade war chariot, filled with cultivators of formidable strength and extraordinary aura.
Following the white jade war chariot was a flower sedan.
Though called a flower sedan, it actually looked like a moving miniature palace.
Made entirely of gold and jade, many parts were engraved with dragons and phoenixes dancing. Spiritual Qi transformed into white mist that surrounded it, and inside the sedan, Bai Xixue wore a pink long dress and a Phoenix Crown.
The mist was ethereal, and the sky was filled with colorful clouds.
The cultivators watched from afar, unable to take their eyes off.