Chapter 252 : Vast Difference in Strength

Chapter 252: Vast Difference in Strength

‘Damn it, of all times, why now?!’

Even someone as composed as Xu Ziqing couldn't help but curse inwardly.

A loud roar from outside the cave residence shattered the ambiguous atmosphere she had deliberately crafted.

With that, Xu Ziqing could no longer keep clinging to Chen Beiwu, let alone continue expressing her affection.

“You sure you want to offer yourself to me? I've never planned to take a Dao companion, nor do I intend to continue my bloodline or have children.”

Chen Beiwu wrapped his arm around Xu Ziqing’s slender waist and pulled her in slightly as he spoke bluntly.

He did feel some affection for Xu Ziqing.

But a Dao companion within the Immortal Alliance wasn’t the same as an ordinary couple—it referred to cultivators who shared ideals and walked the path of cultivation together through the way of beast taming.

Chen Beiwu's ambition lay on the path of immortality. Even becoming a Golden Core True Person, or a Nascent Soul True Monarch, was not his final goal.

In that case, if he were to take a Dao companion who couldn't keep up with his cultivation progress, it would be no different from dragging dead weight—and worse, it could easily expose the secret of the Nine-Breath Chaos.

Upon hearing that, Xu Ziqing lifted her head and stared at him with eyes that regarded him as a heartless rogue.

No Dao companion?

Then how was that any different from messing around and shirking responsibility?

No children?

Her talent couldn’t compare with Chen Beiwu's at all. If she could miraculously form a Golden Core in the future, it would already be a stroke of immense fortune. Eventually, her lifespan would run out—how could she not consider continuing her bloodline?

“So, you just want to take advantage of me?” Xu Ziqing asked with a half-smile.

“Not at all. There are simply some things I must make clear ahead of time—otherwise, I fear you might regret it later.”

Chen Beiwu’s eyes were calm, clearly conveying his stance.

He disdained deception with words only to turn around and abandon her later. That would be the behavior of a true scoundrel.

Of course, what he was doing now wasn’t exactly noble either—just a more honest kind of scoundrel.

In a way, it was also a kind of rejection.

After all, few female cultivators in the Immortal Alliance would follow a man without knowing where things stood.

Especially not someone like Xu Ziqing—a concubine-born daughter of the Nascent Soul Xu Clan, well-versed in the logic of gains and losses.

She was not a naive girl easily swayed by emotions.

“I understand.”

To Chen Beiwu’s surprise, Xu Ziqing not only didn’t pull away, but wrapped her arms around his neck instead. Her soft, curvaceous body trembled slightly.

“I have one question.”

Xu Ziqing leaned her head in, gently brushing her cheek against his, then fixed her gaze on his eyes:

“Have you ever had feelings for me? Even once is enough.”

“I have,” Chen Beiwu answered honestly, from the heart.

Upon hearing that, Xu Ziqing’s eyes lit up faintly, and the scales in her heart tipped to the other side.

After a moment’s hesitation, she sighed softly, her tone wistful: “Actually, I don’t care about Dao companion titles, nor about the issue of bloodlines.”

Chen Beiwu remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

“But my Xu Clan cares. There's nothing I can do about that.”

As she spoke, Xu Ziqing reached out to caress his cheek gently, a dazed look flashing in her eyes.

Being a concubine-born daughter of a Nascent Soul Clan wasn’t easy. The clan’s generous treatment from childhood wasn’t without its price.

To maintain the Xu Clan’s political structure within Fallen Dragon Manor, daughters born to concubines couldn’t choose their marriages freely—they were nearly always pawns in political unions.

Only female cultivators of outstanding talent were exceptions.

And Chen Beiwu's fame for Flawless Foundation Establishment was resounding. He was a peerless genius among the new generation of the Immortal Alliance.

If she were fortunate enough to become his Dao companion, the entire Xu Clan would be shaken.

Even the Nascent Soul Patriarch she had never met might leave seclusion personally to preside over their Dao companion ceremony.

But if Chen Beiwu refused even the title of Dao companion, the Fallen Dragon Xu Clan might not recognize their relationship out of concern for face.

Unless Chen Beiwu continued his rise—forming a First-Grade Golden Core and attaining True Monarch status, gaining higher and higher standing in the Immortal Alliance.

At that point, let alone her, even if Chen Beiwu asked her to arrange things for her closest friend, it would be easily done.

After all, rules existed to restrain the weak, while the strong always had certain privileges.

There were Golden Core True Persons in the Immortal Alliance with many concubines, and Golden Core Fairy Mistresses with numerous male favorites—it was simply a matter of power.

For instance, her father, True Person Xu, publicly had only one Dao companion, but in truth had dozens of close female friends.

Her mother was just one of them—yet no one dared to question it.

Still, thinking of her mother’s current situation, Xu Ziqing couldn't help but hesitate.

Even the most beautiful things grew stale over time—feelings were the same.

Even though Chen Beiwu far outshone the clan-assigned marriage candidates, in the end, things might still turn out with both sides growing tired of each other.

“Whether the Xu Clan cares or not doesn’t matter. What matters most is what you think.”

Sensing Xu Ziqing’s hesitation, Chen Beiwu spoke softly.

“You still don’t know what I think?”

Xu Ziqing’s warm smile returned. She kissed Chen Beiwu lightly on the cheek and slowly got up.

“Since guests have arrived, this concubine shall go brew tea first and not disturb Chen-lang while he hosts.”

Hearing her change in address, Chen Beiwu instantly understood her intent.

“With uninvited guests at the door, tea won’t be necessary.” Chen Beiwu smiled and looked toward the cave entrance.

Although his heart lay in the path to immortality, he didn’t mind having some beauty along the way—several confidantes to discuss the Dao together.

“This tea isn’t for the uninvited, but for Chen-lang alone.”

Xu Ziqing elegantly took out a tea box from her storage ring.

…

‘What’s going on?’

Shen Yuanbao frowned slightly at the cave residence that showed no signs of movement.

He had issued a challenge using merit points—Chen Beiwu could have easily refused with any excuse.

But a Cave Dwelling Challenge was different; it was well within the rules of Yuqing Immortal Sect.

If Chen Beiwu refused the challenge, he would have no choice but to move out and suffer the shame of losing face.

“Chen Beiwu has been hiding and refusing to appear—he must be afraid of Brother Shen!” Ding Xue scoffed.

“Little sister, mind your words,” Ding Xu shot her a glare and reprimanded her harshly.

In the past, he might’ve agreed with her and believed that this newly arrived third-ranked genius was all bluster.

But after facing Chen Beiwu personally, he couldn’t muster even a sliver of disrespect.

When facing a true powerhouse, one must act accordingly.

His sister’s dismissive attitude was unworthy of a proper cultivator.

Ding Xue bit her lip and fell silent, her gaze toward the Jiuyue Cave Residence turning colder.

“How strange. Isn’t Shen Yuanbao supposed to reside in the Third Peak of Qiyun Residence? Why would he come to Fuyou Residence and initiate a Cave Dwelling Challenge?”

“Right? The Third Peak has a Fourth-Tier Spirit Vein. If Shen Yuanbao wins this challenge, wouldn’t that be a huge loss—giving up a Fourth-Tier cave?”

“You’re thinking too small. For a prodigy like Shen Yuanbao, face is more important than a Fourth-Tier cave.”

“That’s true. Shen Yuanbao would never tolerate a weakling outranking him—that’s the kind of boldness expected of the Shen Clan's pride!”

As the shouting echoed, all the new disciples not in seclusion within Fuyou Residence came out to watch the commotion.

News of what happened quickly reached the ears of True Monarch Jiang Chuan.

“Just as I expected.” True Monarch Jiang Chuan smiled slightly, unsurprised.

Jade uncarved would never become treasure.

His junior brother had astounding talent and needed worthy opponents to spar with, to compete and grow together.

And Shen Yuanbao was a rival he had personally chosen for Chen Beiwu—sooner or later, the two would clash.

“Let’s see if little junior brother can win.” Jiang Chuan’s eyes narrowed slightly as he flicked his finger, summoning an illusory scene before him.

The image displayed was precisely the Jiuyue Cave Residence of Fuyou Residence.

“He’s coming out!”

“Chen Beiwu has emerged!”

Someone shouted in a low voice, and the previously noisy Fuyou Residence instantly fell silent. Countless eyes locked onto Chen Beiwu.

Those gazes held awe, envy, and jealousy—but mostly admiration and astonishment.

The doors of the Jiuyue Cave Residence swung open with a thunderous sound. Chen Beiwu, dressed in white, stepped out. His robes fluttered without wind, a golden dragon-fish swirling around him in a misty cloud, like a celestial being riding a dragon from myth.

With that appearance and power, what cultivator in the Immortal Alliance wouldn’t be envious?

Chen Beiwu lifted his eyes and swept his gaze across the assembled cultivators, finally landing on Shen Yuanbao.

“You want to fight?”

Chen Beiwu—just those three simple characters—carried an inexplicable pressure, making the hearts of every cultivator present tremble slightly.

The ferocity in Ding Xue’s eyes also completely dissipated at that moment, becoming clear and calm.

Her brother's defeat was not unjust!

Having seen such a powerhouse in person and felt that overwhelming aura firsthand, only now did she realize how vast the world truly was. She even felt a tinge of shame for her earlier remarks.

A prodigy of this level would fear no challenge!

Seeing this scene, Ding Xu also breathed a sigh of relief.

Regardless of whether President Shen won or lost today, Chen Beiwu was not someone the two siblings could afford to offend.

Fortunately, his younger sister had enough sense not to let infatuation cloud her mind and speak rashly to his face.

“Good, good, good. It was worth coming here personally to issue this challenge.”

Shen Yuanbao’s eyes lit up with excitement, his fighting spirit stirred.

As a fellow genius of Flawless Foundation Establishment, he could clearly feel an intense pressure emanating from Chen Beiwu.

A pressure even greater than that of Gu Xiao, who ranked second on the Rising Stars List—second only to Yu Zhaohua, who held the first position.

Boom!

As Shen Yuanbao’s voice fell, lightning exploded—an enormous beast suddenly appeared, letting out a roar that shook the heavens.

It was the very beast that had earned great renown for the Shen Clan, a Treasure Beast of Earthly Sha, the Violet-Lightning Thunder Leopard.

Just as Shen Yuanbao could no longer restrain the battle intent within and prepared to strike alongside the Thunder Leopard—

“Cough, cough, cough!”

A hoarse cough rang out suddenly.

Startled, everyone turned around and saw an old man in hemp robes, who had somehow appeared between Shen Yuanbao and Chen Beiwu without anyone noticing.

“Private duels are forbidden within Fuyou Residence.” The old man tapped the ground with his wooden staff.

“If you wish to settle a Cave Dwelling Challenge, take it to the Dueling Platform.”

With that, the old man’s figure flickered and vanished instantly.

‘Yuqing Immortal Sect truly hides dragons and crouching tigers.’ Chen Beiwu narrowed his eyes.

He couldn’t discern the old man's cultivation, but he could see the Crimson Dragon Fortune above his head.

There was no doubt—the old caretaker of Fuyou Residence was no ordinary cultivator, but a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

…

Yuqing Immortal Sect, Dueling Platform.

As word spread, the already packed spectator seats became even more crowded with curious senior disciples, among them was Ye Xinya, ranked seventy-ninth on the Yuxu Rankings.

‘Interesting. Shen Yuanbao is actually facing off against Chen Beiwu.’ Ye Xinya raised her brow slightly.

Though the Shen Clan’s influence as a True Venerable family was slightly below that of the Lingyuan Ye Clan, Shen Yuanbao's exceptional talent had earned him the favor of his clan's patriarch. His actual status was no less than hers, a Golden Core True Person, and perhaps even higher.

If Shen Yuanbao were to hold a grudge over this match, she might find herself with an opportunity to play the role of the fairy saving the hero.

Unfortunately, knowing Shen Yuanbao’s character, regardless of who won this Cave Dwelling Challenge, as long as Chen Beiwu performed decently, Shen Yuanbao would more likely choose to befriend than offend.

“Be careful.”

Shen Yuanbao had no intention of exchanging pleasantries—dueling was his best way to understand an opponent.

Boom!

With a clap of thunder, seventy-two Thunder-Penetrating Spirit Needles flew out from Shen Yuanbao’s sleeve, transforming into a net of lightning that enveloped the Violet-Lightning Thunder Leopard.

With the enhancement of these composite artifacts, the Thunder Leopard’s cultivation years soared from two hundred and ninety to three hundred and ninety-nine. Its aura surged instantly, nearing the level of a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator.

‘Still not moving?’

Seeing Chen Beiwu remain motionless the entire time, Shen Yuanbao frowned slightly but continued forming hand seals.

Speed is power.

Whatever trick Chen Beiwu was planning, it would be meaningless before the speed and power of a beast whose cultivation had surged.

“Zzzra—”

Electric arcs flickered. The Violet-Lightning Thunder Leopard moved with near-instantaneous speed. Even peak Foundation Establishment cultivators couldn’t track its exact movements.

In an instant, the spot where Chen Beiwu and Golden Egg stood turned into a sea of thunder.

Countless bolts of lightning, thick as horned dragons, lit up the arena, blinding the surrounding cultivators and shaking the heavens with thunder.

‘Was he finished just like that?’

Watching the raging lightning storm on stage, all nearby cultivators were aghast.

Several less experienced new disciples were shaken to their core, slumping back into their seats.

Only true powerhouses, such as Ye Xinya and Shen Yuanbao himself, sensed something was off.

“The difference is too great.”

Ye Xinya let out a sigh.

“Did Chen Beiwu lose?” a few beautiful junior sisters asked regretfully.

“No. Everyone underestimated Chen Beiwu’s Flawless Dao Foundation and Companion Beast. The one who will lose today is Shen Yuanbao.”

Just as Ye Xinya finished speaking, a faint golden radiance rose from the sea of thunder, rapidly expanding until it transformed into a golden fish-dragon over a hundred zhang in length.

“Roar!”

With a deafening dragon cry, the lightning cage on the Dueling Platform shattered with a crash, dispersing into countless arcs that faded away.

The Violet-Lightning Thunder Leopard let out a miserable cry. The lightning patterns on its body instantly dimmed, and blood seeped from its mouth, nose, and ears. Its might from earlier had completely vanished.

“Now, do you still wish to fight?”

Chen Beiwu stood with hands clasped behind his back, the golden fish-dragon spiraling into the air behind him.

Though both had Flawless Foundation Establishment, a single realm’s difference meant a world apart.

Had Chen Beiwu still been at the mid-stage Foundation Establishment, defeating Shen Yuanbao would’ve required him to use every last trump card, and he might even have lost.

But now, as a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator, he was two minor realms above Shen Yuanbao. Such a disparity couldn’t be bridged—not even by a Treasure Beast of Earthly Sha.

After all, the Violet-Lightning Thunder Leopard had yet to reach its full maturity and couldn’t unleash the full power of a Treasure Beast.

Under such circumstances, if Chen Beiwu couldn’t crush Shen Yuanbao with absolute dominance, he might as well bash his head against a block of tofu.

Boom!

Just then, the overcast thunderclouds gradually dispersed.

Under the watchful gazes of the many cultivators, fine golden motes of light drifted from the fish-dragon’s scales, lending Chen Beiwu an otherworldly, immortal air.

In contrast, Shen Yuanbao, standing opposite him, appeared particularly insignificant—utterly lacking the presence of a genius from a True Venerable family.