Chapter 24

In front of the residence of the named disciples at Luoyun Peak, Chen Songtai sat at a round table with a sullen face. Across from him was Feng Luming: "Senior Brother Feng, it's been a month. If Li Chen doesn't return soon, he must be severely punished!"

"Hehe, Junior Brother Chen, don't worry. He's just a new disciple with poor talent. If he dares to be away for a month, I'll make sure he pays dearly!"

Feng Luming smiled casually, showing no concern, and quietly put away a pill wrapped in oil wax on the table.

Chen Songtai's eyes twitched involuntarily. To take revenge and create trouble for Li Chen, he had made a significant sacrifice, giving up a mid-grade Breath-Gathering Pill.

Although he could never break through to the True Refinement Realm, he had advanced further in the Inner Breath Realm. Even if it didn't mean a higher status, it would be beneficial for cultivating his family and descendants.

Not to mention, this Breath-Gathering Pill was from his share, which he had been reluctant to use, but now he had given it away.

As they spoke, a slender figure slowly approached, standing a head taller than the surrounding young men practicing martial arts, making him stand out like a crane among chickens.

It was Li Chen, who had just returned after a month away!

"Hmph, Li Chen, you have a lot of nerve. You just joined the sect and already violate the rules. Today, you will be severely punished. Come over and kneel to receive the whipping!"

Feng Luming coldly snorted and sat with a grand air, displaying his authority in front of the named disciples.

This commotion naturally drew the attention of many named disciples, who began to whisper among themselves.

"Disciple Li Chen greets Manager Feng. Today marks exactly one month since I joined the sect. How have I violated any rules?"

Li Chen took a few steps forward, bowed, and spoke with neither arrogance nor humility.

After nearly a month of killing in Ancient Cangshan, he naturally exuded a special aura. However, he was good at reading people and situations. Seeing Chen Songtai nearby, he knew trouble was coming.

Since he couldn't avoid it, there was no need to flatter. He was still angry about the Monkey Wine being stolen in the small town. If not for the important demon core he had kept in his pocket, he would have gained nothing but a slight increase in cultivation over the month.

"You have a lot of nerve, a young boy spouting nonsense. That day you said you had an emergency at home, but as far as I know, you are just a fatherless and motherless house slave. What emergency could you have? Today, I will teach you a lesson on how to follow the sect's rules!"

Feeling disrespected by Li Chen, Feng Luming flew into a rage, leaping up and punching towards Li Chen's face.

Chen Songtai watched closely, a cold smile on his face. Li Chen had only won by luck against Lu Hongyang from the East Courtyard. Facing this seasoned Sixth Layer Realm martial artist, he had no chance.

But what made Chen Songtai's jaw drop was that Li Chen, without panicking, simply sidestepped, grabbed Feng Luming's wrist, and pulled him forward, then kicked out.

Thud!

Feng Luming flew several meters away like a broken sack, landing in a daze despite his cultivation. The named disciples cheered, as they had often been oppressed by him, even having their hard-earned Breath-Gathering Pills taken away.

"Is Senior Brother He looking for me?"

Li Chen looked at the stunned Chen Songtai and said calmly.

"Yes... Yes, I've been waiting for you for half a month!"

Chen Songtai regained his composure, stuttering, more shocked by Li Chen's strength and calm demeanor.

The middle-aged Feng, who had risen, was about to fight Li Chen again but stopped when he heard the mention of 'Senior Brother He.' His face turned pale, and he glared at the two as they left.

Although he had connections to be a manager, his abilities were limited to bullying these young disciples. Chen Songtai had been waiting for half a month, clearly indicating that He Kongming had urgent matters to discuss.

If he delayed He Kongming's affairs, this inner sect genius was not someone he could afford to offend.

"What are you looking at? Get back to your martial arts training!"

Feng, unable to resolve his frustration, vented his anger on the named disciples.

The young men, intimidated by his authority, immediately stopped their laughter and began practicing diligently, fearing his displeasure and a beating.

...

"Li Chen greets Senior Brother He!"

In the courtyard, Li Chen bowed.

"Good, it seems you've improved this month!"

He Kongming looked Li Chen up and down and said calmly.

"Senior Brother, Li Chen did not follow your orders and went to Ancient Cangshan after joining the sect, delaying important matters. He must be severely punished!"

Before Li Chen could speak, Chen Songtai added fuel to the fire, a sinister look in his eyes.

"Hmph, when did it become your place to make decisions for me?"

He Kongming gave him a cold glance.

"Junior Brother dares not!"

Chen Songtai shivered and缩缩了脖子.

"Thank you, Senior Brother He, for your praise. Li Chen's current achievements are due to your cultivation. According to Senior Brother Chen, you have something to discuss?"

Li Chen lowered his head, his hair covering his eyes, feigning his usual timidity.

Facing this Ninth Layer Inner Breath Realm martial artist, Li Chen was no match and had to endure the humiliation and hide his true self.

"Alright, in half a month, you two will accompany me to Ancient Cangshan. Don't go out during this time and focus on your cultivation here!"

He Kongming nodded indifferently.

"Li Chen will follow Senior Brother's orders!"

"Chen Songtai will follow Senior Brother's orders!"

Both hurriedly bowed.

...

"Hisss!"

The next morning, at the water-fetching spot in the mountain hollow, Li Chen frowned and suddenly drew a sharp breath.

Due to the excessive force in carrying the water buckets and the lack of medicinal pills to heal his wounds, the scabs had formed. Now, the movement had caused several blood marks to appear on his shoulder blades.

"I'll get you for this!"

Li Chen gritted his teeth, enduring the pain as he lifted the two buckets and quickly walked along the stone path.

Anyone who had their month's worth of gains stolen would be upset, especially when it included the extremely precious Monkey Wine.

"Hey, hey, hey!"

With his cultivation and physical strength improved, Li Chen reached the outer disciples' morning practice area in half the usual time.

Glancing casually, he saw that Li Yuerong, Zhao Shanshan, and Zhang Ziliao were still there, but Pang Wenshan and Chu Ziyun were no longer among them.

Retracting his gaze with a sense of loss, Li Chen's steps were heavy. He knew the difference between him and them and understood the gap between them. Having endured countless white eyes and humiliations, he had developed a resilience and pride that few could match.

"Hey, you there, bring the water buckets over!"

A familiar yet strange voice called out, but the voice and the person had changed.

Li Chen forced a smile, nodded, and ran over like a servant, placing the water buckets down.

Immediately, the person who had called him out proudly summoned everyone to fetch the water.

"Who dares to touch it?"

Suddenly, a cold voice rang out, startling the disciples who had come to fetch water. The leader, full of anger, turned to look.

These outer disciples, being teenagers around fourteen or fifteen, were all proud and arrogant. Being shouted at like this, how could they not be furious?

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