Chen Hong had not intended to let Chen Miaomiao “assume her role” so soon, as they had only just introduced her to Yunluo Chenjia the day before. However, the main family’s arrival this time was “aggressive,” and without Chen Miaomiao to hold the fort, they feared the very “roots” of Yunluo Chenjia would be dug away!
Chen Miaomiao deliberately remarked, “Isn’t the main family’s arrival a good thing? Why do you all look so troubled?”
Having spent several days with Chen Miaomiao and achieving successive breakthroughs under her guidance, Chen Chuqing had long admired her immensely. She quickly explained, “They want the elder to move to Fancheng permanently.”
Chen Miaomiao grew interested and smiled, “Well, aren’t they all part of your Chen family? Whether in Fancheng or Yunluo Zhen, they’d still be contributing to the Chen family.”
Her words left the two thoroughly stumped. On the surface, it indeed seemed that way—whether the main family in Fancheng or the branch family in Yunluo Zhen, they were all part of the Chen family!
But for the clansmen living in the branch family, was this even remotely the same?!
Just think about the life they led before Chen Wen awakened his Liandan talent—what kind of existence was that?
In the eyes of Fancheng Chenjia, they weren’t even considered clansmen; they were merely dogs raised by them, living less dignified lives than even the servants of Fancheng Chenjia.
Now that they had finally risen, did Fancheng Chenjia think they could simply command the elder to serve them with a single word?
Dream on!
Chen Wen was the cornerstone of Yunluo Chenjia! Wasn’t this cutting off their lifeline?
“But the elder refuses to go!” Chen Hong quickly adjusted his emotions and smiled. “As you know, the more advanced and precious the Liandanshi, the higher their demands for the environment. The elder has his reasons for not wanting to go to Fancheng. If he were to leave, wouldn’t it be troublesome for us to seek pills in the future? Moreover, the elder is currently at a critical moment in his breakthrough to becoming a Grade 4 Liandanshi. If he were to fail, wouldn’t the Grade 4 Pill promised to you yesterday go to waste?”
Chen Miaomiao nodded as if suddenly enlightened. “Right, right, right! And there’s my Grade 4 Pill. What you say makes perfect sense. Quick, take me to see him.”
“Yes, senior. Please, this way!”
“Lead the way!”
Chen Chuqing and Chen Hong were instantly filled with confidence. With Chen Miaomiao, a Yuanying Laozu, on their side, what did a mere Jindan elder sent by the main family amount to?!
…
In the main hall, Chen Wen sat with his eyes lowered, sipping tea unhurriedly and calmly. However, the expression on the face of Chen Wei, the elder sent by the main family in Fancheng, was far from pleasant.
Chen Wei had assumed that since the main family had humbled itself to extend an olive branch, this insignificant elder from the Yunluo branch family should have accepted it with gratitude. To his surprise, this old fool dared to play dumb with him?
Hah, a mere Grade 3 Liandanshi—it wasn’t as if Fancheng Chenjia lacked such talents. Did he really think he was something extraordinary?
“Baipao Laozu has arrived!”
A loud announcement echoed from outside the hall, causing everyone inside to react with varied expressions.
Chen Wen immediately straightened his back, eagerly looking toward the entrance.
The members of Fancheng Chenjia were by no means deaf or blind incompetents. Chen Wei had already learned of the so-called Baipao Laozu the day before, but he had not taken her seriously.
The reason was simple: Yuanying Cultivators were treasures even among the great sects, revered as supreme powers. How could they possibly take a liking to the meager resources of Yunluo Chenjia, which were nothing but scraps?
Without a doubt, Yunluo Chenjia had been swindled!
She must be a lowly swindler using the name of a Yuanying Cultivator to deceive others. Only these country bumpkins from the countryside can’t tell the difference.
Before Chen Wen could speak, Chen Wei had already coldly said, “Let her in!”
Upon hearing this domineering voice, Chen Miaomiao knew the main family intended to give her a “warning.”
Unfortunately, the main family had miscalculated. She was not some expendable pawn or cannon fodder of the Yunluo Chenjia, so why would she charge into battle for them or sacrifice her life?
Chen Miaomiao leisurely walked into the hall, raised her eyes, and smiled slowly, like the bright sun shining and a gentle breeze caressing.
“Apologies, Benzun is late. Did it affect your conversation?”
As she spoke, she turned and took a seat with ease, her white robe fluttering gracefully, calm and composed.
“Please continue, just treat Benzun as one of your own. Oh, and little Qing’er, be a dear and pour Benzun a cup of tea.”
“Senior, please wait a moment.”
Chen Chuqing quickly brought over the Lingcha and presented it with both hands. Receiving a nod of thanks from Chen Miaomiao, she was overjoyed.
Chen Miaomiao’s act of not treating herself as an outsider not only stunned the Yunluo Chenjia members but also left the Fancheng main family bewildered, especially Chen Wei.
First, Chen Wei hadn’t expected the Baipao Laozu to possess such grace, beauty, and… such thick skin. Second, her features seemed vaguely familiar, as if he had seen her somewhere before. Third, she had no trace of Lingqi whatsoever—she was completely an ordinary person.
What Yuanying Laozu? Utter nonsense!
This was indeed a fraud!
Furious, Chen Wei immediately released his Lingya, crushing down on Chen Miaomiao like a tidal wave.
Although the others present couldn’t see the terrifying Lingqi as vast as an ocean, their legs immediately went weak, and cold sweat poured down their backs. Some Lianqi Ji disciples of the Yunluo Chenjia were even less fortunate—some vomited blood and fainted on the spot, while others clutched their heads and wailed in agony.
The scene was a mess, like a living hell!
Although Chen Wen was a Zhuji peak Xiushi, he was still no match for Chen Wei. However, he hadn’t forgotten his noble status as a Liandanshi. Suppressing the urge to vomit blood, he angrily shouted, “Chen Wei, how dare you cause trouble! Aren’t you afraid this elder will never provide Alchemy Pills to the main family again?!”
Chen Wei didn’t even spare Chen Wen a glance. Like a bloodthirsty Moshou, he fixed his gaze on Chen Miaomiao, but his words were directed at Chen Wen: “Chen Wen, you’ve truly lost your mind from Liandan. What Yuanying Laozu? What reclusive master? What stands before you is nothing but an ant without a trace of Lingqi or cultivation, yet you’ve elevated her to the heavens. Disgraceful fools!”
If Chen Wen weren’t still somewhat useful, he would have crushed his skull on the spot!
Utterly foolish!
The Chenjia’s reputation has been tarnished by these idiots!
Upon hearing Chen Wei’s words, the Yunluo Chenjia members were nearly driven mad!
“What?!”
“She’s actually a mortal?!”
“This… this… this…”
Chen Wei arrogantly raised his brow, waiting to see Chen Miaomiao’s internal organs rupture and blood flow from her seven orifices.
But he waited and waited. Even Chen Wen had collapsed to the ground, clutching his head in agony, yet Chen Miaomiao remained utterly composed. She even took a leisurely sip of tea, completely untouched by the rampaging Lingqi. Her hair and robes exuded nothing but ease.
Watching Chen Wei’s expression shift from confidence to bewilderment, then to shock and disbelief, Chen Miaomiao finally set down her teacup. A faint smile curved her red lips as she said softly, “Young one, do you know what it means that beyond every person lies another, beyond every mountain rises another? Hmm?”
Young… young one…
Chen Wei was a Jindan Xiushi. If even he couldn’t see through her cultivation… unless she was an old monster from the Fenshen-period, but was that even possible?!
Was it possible?!
Fear, like a dark shadow, coiled tightly around him.
“You… just who are you… ah…”