Chapter 65

The elite disciples’ eyes flashed with a hint of apprehension. Although the two geniuses had just entered the True Forging Realm, the power they displayed was already on par with ordinary mid-stage True Forging Realm martial artists.

Given time, their future would be boundless!

This thought crossed everyone's mind!

If they knew that Li Chen had not even used the full strength of his second-stage spirit body, and had not even unleashed his Inner Strength, it would be safe to say that he had not revealed even half of his true power. One could only imagine their reactions.

Qiu Qianyi and Zhang Chulong exchanged glances, both seeing the hidden murderous intent in each other's eyes. Both had their own families and did not have a strong sense of belonging to the sect.

Deep down, they knew that they had already torn their faces with Li Chen, and it would be impossible to reconcile.

Unless the two of them lowered their faces and knelt to beg for mercy, otherwise...

With their pride, how could they possibly do such a thing?

"Is showing off really that meaningful?"

Watching Li Chen, who was being watched with fear by everyone, Chu Ziyun's face flashed with displeasure, and she coldly turned and walked back into the courtyard.

Although she did not have a good impression of Yang Haotian, Li Chen's duel with him completely disregarded her feelings, especially on such an occasion.

Don't think that her scolding was nothing; if it were anyone else, they would probably have held a grudge.

"Little Brother Li, you—sigh!"

Pang Wenshan squeezed through the crowd, pulled Li Chen aside, and sighed without saying much more.

He had now come to terms with the gap between himself and Chu Ziyun but did not want the camaraderie they had shared in the past, when they fought off the wolf pack together, to fade away.

"Hehe, Senior Sister Chu wouldn't be that petty!"

Li Chen, once again the shy young man he used to be, scratched his head, the scenes from that night flashing through his mind.

"You!"

Pang Wenshan was helpless, attributing Li Chen's behavior to youthful arrogance. Seeing that they could not stay here any longer, he pulled him and a few others away.

Seeing that the show was over, everyone was excited, forming pairs and groups to head off into the distance.

In the courtyard, only the previous generation of elite disciples and the new sect geniuses were present. Besides, the courtyard was so small that it could not accommodate so many people.

Clippety-clop, clippety-clop!

Eight hundred miles west of the Xuan Yun Sect, near the edge of the Ancient Cang Mountains, outside the city of Luo Phoenix, a group of sturdy horses kicked up a trail of dust as they galloped forward swiftly.

"Little Brother Li, when we arrive in Luo Phoenix City, you must visit my Zhao family!"

A middle-aged man in black said with a smile.

"That's right, since you're back in Luo Phoenix City, Little Brother Li should also visit my Liu family!"

Another middle-aged man in white extended the same invitation.

These two were the strongest of the three major families in Luo Phoenix City, Zhao Qingfeng and Liu Chengshu.

This time, they were accompanying Li Chen to Luo Phoenix City to attend Li Kunfeng's seventieth birthday banquet.

In Luo Phoenix City, the Li family, due to the presence of the old patriarch Li Kunfeng, had the upper hand over the other two families. After all, the Li family also had a True Forging Realm martial artist, Li Yueqing.

"Seniors, you are too kind. I will definitely visit!"

Li Chen nodded shyly on his horse, his mind already wandering elsewhere.

Luo Phoenix City, as he knew, was not originally called this. A sudden natural disaster over a decade ago destroyed most of the city. It was renamed because a huge phoenix appeared in the sky at the time.

The old patriarchs of the Zhao and Liu families died in that disaster.

According to his grandfather, Old Li, it was on that morning that he found the naked Li Chen.

A dozen years had passed, and Li Chen was no longer the medicine slave who could be beaten and scolded at will. He had become a True Forging Realm martial artist, a powerful figure whom even Li Kunfeng would treat with respect.

One must admit, life is unpredictable!

Among the inner disciples, Liu Ziqing and Zhao Shanshan were urging Li Chen to visit both families for a drink, no matter what.

As a new sect genius, regardless of his previous status, they would try to win him over for their families, both emotionally and logically.

The group chatted on horseback, and before long, they arrived at the gates of Luo Phoenix City, slowing their horses.

Most of this group were from Luo Phoenix City and knew the roads well. It didn't take long to reach the Li family's gate.

At this moment, the Li family's gate was festively decorated, with many guests coming and going, presenting gifts and offering congratulations, making it a lively scene.

Coincidentally, the gatekeeper was Li Feng, who had blocked Li Chen's way that day.

"Quick, someone is causing trouble, go notify the guards!"

Seeing Li Chen with such a group, he thought they were there to seek revenge and immediately shouted.

Rustle!

The guests who were entering and the onlookers nearby were all in an uproar. Who was so bold as to cause trouble at such a critical moment?

Some sharp-eyed people recognized the two middle-aged men on horseback as the strong figures from the Zhao and Liu families.

Although the two spent most of their time at the Xuan Yun Sect, they returned to the city a few times each year to oversee their family businesses and deter troublemakers, so many people recognized them.

"Shouting and making a fuss, what kind of behavior is this? You don't even recognize Elders Zhao and Liu. Go back and take fifty lashes!"

Li Mingfeng, who was managing the gifts at the gate, slapped him across the face and kicked him back inside.

The unfortunate Li Feng was groaning as he was dragged away by two guards to receive his punishment.

"Elders Zhao and Liu, please forgive my subordinate's mistake. He didn't recognize you. Please come in!"

Li Mingfeng smiled and bowed to the two.

His subordinates quickly came forward to lead the horses away.

"Ha ha!"

The two nodded indifferently and, led by a servant, walked straight into the courtyard.

As for the gifts, they had already been prepared and delivered by both families. They were here merely to make an appearance and to accompany Li Chen.

"Look, isn't that Li Chen the ugly one?"

"Are you seeing things? How could that Li Chen kid dare to come to the manor?"

"Quick, look! It's the boy with the monkey on his shoulder!"

"How could it be? Li Chen is as skinny as a dried-up monkey. That person is so tall?"

"It's him. Although he has grown taller, I would recognize him even if he turned to ashes!"

Whispers and pointing from the servants could be heard from all around. Li Chen subconsciously touched Jinzi, the little monkey perched on his shoulder, whose tiny paws were tugging at his hair, making him look even more disheveled.

The people accompanying him knew his past and, seeing that he was not angry, breathed a sigh of relief.

They were afraid that if his past was exposed, Li Chen would lose his temper and start a fight.

Clearly, their worries were unnecessary.

Li Chen had seen such gossip before. Besides, with his cultivation and broadened horizons, he didn't have enough time to practice diligently, let alone waste it on getting angry.

"Ha ha, Qingfeng, Chengshu, you finally made it!"

Approaching the hall set up for the birthday celebration, the current head of the Li family, Li Jueming, laughed and welcomed them.

Although he was of the same generation and age as Zhao and Liu, his talent was inferior to theirs, and he had yet to break through to the True Forging Realm. However, he had several accomplished daughters, with Li Yueqing breaking through to the True Forging Realm early, which made him proud.