Chapter Twenty-Five: The Arrival of Ye Nichang

Liu Qingxin was even more formidable now than when she had gone to the General’s Mansion to break off their engagement. At that time, she was at the seventh level of the Spirit Manifestation Realm. Only two or three months had passed, and she had already stepped into the eighth level—her natural talent was evident. Moreover, she was only eighteen years old.

She was known as the Saintess of the Cloud Sea Academy, and this title was earned by her own merit, not merely because her father was the dean. Seeing Chu Tianchen severely injure two of her followers from the Liu Sect, she could no longer restrain herself and struck out with a palm at him.

This was a strike from a genuine eighth-level Spirit Manifestation expert. Even in the entire Cloud Sea Academy, among all those in the Spirit Manifestation Realm, including those at the ninth level, who would dare claim they could defeat Liu Qingxin?

Facing a palm from an eighth-level expert, Chu Tianchen had no chance to dodge; Liu Qingxin’s speed was simply too fast. For that instant, it felt as though time around him had frozen. He had no choice but to grit his teeth and desperately channel his vital energy. Every bit of energy from his two pulse wheels erupted without reservation as he met her palm head-on in front of the crowd.

In the next moment, Chu Tianchen was sent flying more than ten meters. Every bone in his arm felt as if it were being violently ravaged by an icy chill, on the verge of shattering; the pain was excruciating. The cold air invaded his body, jolting his internal organs as if they were being displaced. His blood surged chaotically, and unable to hold it back any longer, Chu Tianchen spat out a mouthful of blood.

Seeing this, the onlookers were stunned. A second-level Pulse Connection practitioner had withstood a blow from an eighth-level Spirit Manifestation expert. Even if Liu Qingxin had not used her full strength, it was still an eighth-level strike. For a second-level practitioner, even a master of the Origin Realm would likely have been killed or crippled!

Liu Qingxin looked at Chu Tianchen with a grim expression, genuine killing intent visible in her eyes. Chu Tianchen’s emotions were complex. Just like his grandmother, he hadn't been deeply affected when the other six women broke off their engagements. But Liu Qingxin was different; she had practically grown up in the General’s Mansion and could be considered his childhood sweetheart. He could never have imagined that merely asking them to return three thousand origin stones would incite such intense hatred in her.

Had she not received enough resources and guidance at the General’s Mansion all these years? She had been mentored by several martial arts grandmasters since she was young. His mother, his two aunts, and his eldest aunt had all treated her like their own daughter. How could she be so heartless as to do this? Among his seven fiancées who had broken their engagements, Liu Qingxin was the one he least wanted to treat as an enemy. As she had said that day, it was best to part on good terms and have no further connection. Yet, seeing her act this way was truly unbearable.

"Damn, that Chu Tianchen actually withstood that palm. He truly lives up to his reputation as the former number one genius."
"How is this possible? He is only at the second level of the Pulse Connection Realm!"
"Clearly, Saintess Liu softened her blow and held back her strength; otherwise, he would be dead by now."
The surrounding crowd whispered among themselves.

Liu Qingxin took a deep breath and began to walk slowly toward Chu Tianchen. With every step, her aura grew more intense, laced with strands of killing intent. "Well, now he’s really done it. He’s completely enraged the Saintess; he won't be able to escape this time," someone remarked.

At that moment, Chu Tianchen abruptly produced thirteen silver needles and pierced them into his own vital acupuncture points.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

A terrifying power instantly surged within him. Chu Tianchen felt as if his body were about to explode. Facing the encroaching pressure of Liu Qingxin, no kindness remained in his eyes. No one, absolutely no one, would be allowed to trample upon his family!

Just as the two were about to clash again, a figure descended from the sky, blocking the space between them. It was none other than Liu Qingxin’s brother, Liu Qingfeng. At twenty-five, he had already entered the Heavenly King Realm and was a certain candidate to become a future martial arts grandmaster. Chu Tianchen knew him well; although Liu Qingfeng was a few years his senior, he had often come to the General’s Mansion to study in the past.

With a mere thought, Liu Qingfeng released his Heavenly King Realm aura, forcing both of them to retreat several steps.

"Brother, what are you doing!" Liu Qingxin shouted angrily.
Liu Qingfeng glared at her, "Have you forgotten what Father instructed?"
At these words, Liu Qingxin’s anger slowly subsided.

"In any case, this statue must stay here and kneel; no one is to touch it!" Liu Qingxin declared. "Father was being sentimental and giving the Chu family face, but they are ungrateful."

"Chu Tianchen, I’ve heard about the trouble my sister caused at the Chu family. You know her; she’s been spoiled by us since she was young. Apologize to her, and let today’s matter pass," Liu Qingfeng said to Chu Tianchen. "As for these statues, let them stay as she wishes for a few days. Once her anger dissipates, I will have someone dismantle them."

"Brother! Whose side are you on!" Liu Qingxin exclaimed, clearly displeased.
"Stop this nonsense! Do you really have no idea why he is still alive?" Liu Qingfeng’s face darkened as he spoke in a low, stern voice.

Liu Qingxin fell silent at once. Chu Tianchen, who had been gradually calming down, frowned upon hearing Liu Qingfeng’s words. It wasn't just the demand for an apology—it was that final remark. Why was he still alive? What did that mean? Wasn't it because his grandfather had sealed him away for five years, leading the Human Emperor to believe he was no longer a threat? Could there be another hidden reason?

"Chu Tianchen, why are you still standing there? Apologize!" Liu Qingfeng said impatiently. "You should know her temper better than I do. If I hadn't appeared in time, she really would have killed you."
"Is that so?" Chu Tianchen replied coldly. "Are you so certain that I would be the one to die, and not her?"

With that, Chu Tianchen took a deep breath and retracted the thirteen needles. He spat out another mouthful of blood and slowly approached the six statues.

"Grandfather, Father, Uncle, Aunt, I am sorry," Chu Tianchen said, filled with guilt.

Then, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he channeled his vital energy and shattered the statue of Chu Qingcang with a single punch, followed by those of his uncle, his father, and his aunt. With every statue that crumbled, his heart felt as if it were bleeding. At this moment, his desire to kill reached a breaking point.

"Brother, you see? He refuses a toast only to drink a forfeit!" Liu Qingxin shouted coldly. "He has no respect for either of us. Even if I can't kill him today, I will make him suffer."

She channeled her energy once more, her Spirit Manifestation aura exploding as she lunged toward Chu Tianchen. Chu Tianchen’s gaze darkened, killing intent surfacing. He suddenly formed a strange seal with his hands, and in an instant, an intensely terrifying aura emanated from his ring.

Just then, another figure appeared. The newcomer reached out, grabbed Chu Tianchen’s hand, and with a gentle palm strike, sent Liu Qingxin flying dozens of meters back. Had Liu Qingfeng not caught her in time, she would have fallen heavily.

"To kill someone like this, you would use that power? Is it worth it?" the newcomer asked.

Chu Tianchen looked at her face, stunned for a moment, before slowly calming down. It was none other than Ye Nishang, the woman who had forcibly pushed him down in the Sifang Forest.