At this moment, Chen Jie appeared to have formed a Dragon Realm aura around him. Anyone entering this aura would be subjected to the blast of Gang Qi emanating from him.
In fact, this is a standard indicating that Chen Jieâs strength is approaching the Molten Furnace Realm. Itâs known that the conventional standard of the Molten Furnace Realm is the ability to release a field of Gang Qi, within which his strength would double.
For example, when Han Miaozhen unleashes her Phoenix Domain, a pair of flaming wings will grow from her back, and the space within five meters around her becomes her domain.
The power is frighteningly strong.
However, since Chen Jieâs strength hasnât reached the Molten Furnace Realm and canât create a domain with Gang Qi, he can only produce an aura with it, with Chen Jie reigning supreme within this mere one-meter radius â just enough to encompass the Old Prefect.
At this moment, Chen Jie placed his arm on the Old Prefectâs shoulder. Seemingly friendly, he was actually leading him to experience what is known as the pressure of death.
Sweat was pouring down from the Old Prefectâs body, indicating he was genuinely terrified.
But fortunately, at that moment, Hu Weiyong came out gently smiling to help solve the Old Prefectâs trouble, saying, "Heh, Gang Leader, I donât think it was the Old Prefect who did it; he isnât the type of person who doesnât know his limits."
Upon hearing this, the Old Prefect said, "Yes, yes, Iâm not that kind of person, really not."
Chen Jie said, "Mm, I know, I know. So, Old Hu, who do you think the perpetrator might be?"
After hearing this, Hu Weiyong said, "Heh, who isnât the Old Prefect naturally, but thereâs one person, whom I think is very suspicious."
Chen Jie said, "Go on, Iâd like to know who it is."
Hu Weiyong said, "Iâve heard the Old Prefect has a friend with astounding strength, a Half-step Dragon, who dominates here in Xianning Prefecture. Could it be this person?"
Upon hearing this, cold sweat dripped from the Old Prefectâs forehead. Itâs over; theyâre targeting Wu Daojun this time.
The Old Prefect thought to himself and said, "No way, my Brother Wu isnât someone who bullies others with his power."
Chen Jie said, "Alas, my lord, one may know a personâs face but not his heart. You canât blindly trust others."
Hearing this, the Old Prefect said, "No, my Brother Wu, no, isnât..."
Chen Jie laughed, "If itâs not him, then could the mastermind behind Xianning Prefecture be you, my lord?"
On hearing this, the Old Prefect said, "That, that is even more impossible. I have absolutely no knowledge of this matter, absolutely no knowledge!"
Upon hearing this, Chen Jie laughed and said, "Then it must be this Half-step Dragon, Wu Daojun."
The Old Prefect paused, then quickly said, "Thatâs right, itâs him."
The Old Prefect still held a strong belief in survival, which dictated that if someone has to die, it wonât be himself. So when Chen Jie led him to this point, he didnât know how to respond and was truly stunned.
Chen Jie heard this and said, "Mm, I also think it should be this martial expert, Half-step Dragon, Wu Daojun."
"Then letâs invite this Wu Daojun in."
Upon hearing this, someone outside called out, "Half-step Dragon Wu Daojun Hero, my gang leader invites you."
With these words, everyoneâs eyes turned towards the door, and they saw the renowned Wu Daojun.
Wu Daojun walked into the room with a few steps as Chen Jie looked at him, noticing he had thick eyebrows and big eyes, a delightful demeanor, and a rather appealing appearance.
As this person entered the room, he was also assessing Chen Jie.
Chen Jiusi was dressed in a very ordinary gray casual outfit that seemed unspectacular (fleeing during hardship), but his appearance was exceptionally handsome. His gaze was like a torch, containing immense energy that captivated anyone who looked at him, commanding deep respect and awe.
This person was a martial expert. Though he was only twenty years old, his body had Gang Qi several times, even dozens of times stronger than others. Such a terrifying existence was simply too horrifying. How could there still be such a monster in this world!
Wu Daojunâs heart skipped a beat, but he didnât show it on his face.
The two exchanged glances, one a true Dragon, the other a fake one. They didnât speak, but it was as if they had already exchanged several rounds.
Xiao Hu stood up at this moment, swallowed the chicken leg in his mouth, and said, "A martial expert has arrived!"
As Wu Daojun entered, he directly cupped his hands and said, "Greetings to Scholar Chen."
Chen Jie frowned and said, "What Scholar Chen, what are you talking about?"
Wu Daojun said, "On the Heroic List, Guild Leader Chen is ranked second. According to Jianghu rules, the second-ranked is called Scholar."
Chen Jie said upon hearing this, "Is there such a rule?"
Wu Daojun said, "It was left over from the Pre-Song Period when there was another famous figure in Jianghu known as Scholar Li, who was ranked second on the Heroic List."
"Well, wasnât Scholar Li the second in the imperial exams?"
Wu Daojun said, "Though Scholar Li was proficient in poems, wine, and songs, he never participated in the imperial exams. His position as Scholar was because he was ranked second on the Heroic List, gracing the list at twenty-three as a top figure of the time. But now compared to Guild Leader Chen, he falls far short."
"Truly, the waves behind push the waves ahead, as newcomers replace the old!"
Upon hearing Wu Daojunâs sentiment, Chen Jie slightly frowned and said, "Youâre quite good at flattery."
Wu Daojun said, "The situation is stronger than people, seeking survival in straits. If one doesnât study other skills, one might not live long."
Chen Jie laughed, "Very well, I do quite like you."
Wu Daojun said, "Thank you, Guild Leader Chen, for your favor."
Chen Jie said, "But separating different matters, my Fishing Guild came to Xianning Prefecture to make a living, and yet you have either beaten or scolded my Fishing Guild. My guild members have suffered enough bullying, and today I must seek justice for my brothers. Do you think Iâm being unreasonable?"