Shen Zhong.
One of the core disciples of the Changsheng Sect.
With a tall and burly figure, his bulging muscles are like small hills, standing at over 1.9 meters tall. Even Yang Hu pales in comparison.
Not yet thirty years old, but acts maturely, especially his deep eyes, which seem to carry a flavor of being well-worn by time.
Chen Yang didn't respond to him, turning to look at Chen Changsheng.
How could he not see that this old guy was doing it intentionally?
With his ability, he could easily block the attack, but he chose to turn a blind eye.
"Haha."
Facing Chen Yang's scrutinizing gaze, Chen Changsheng chuckled and said, "You all, the 'fight before knowing each other' principle applies here. Let me introduce you."
"His name is Shen Zhong, an outstanding figure among the younger generation of my Changsheng Sect."
Chen Changsheng first pointed at Shen Zhong, then at Chen Yang, saying: "This is Chen Yang, from the secular world's Chen Family, and also part of my Changsheng Sect."
Chen Yang gave a slight nod to indicate a greeting.
"Ah, part of the secular world,"
Shen Zhong assessed Chen Yang again, speaking with a deceptive smile: "From such a place and without receiving a bit of nurturing from our Changsheng Sect, showing this level of strength is indeed remarkable."
"Not just remarkable, right?"
Chen Changsheng took over the conversation, either intentionally or not, and said with admiration, "His talent surpasses even yours, Shen Zhong, and the entire younger generation of the Changsheng Sect."
"Chen Yang has many qualities worthy of your learning."
As expected,
Upon hearing this, a glint appeared in Shen Zhong's tiger-like eyes, staring intently at Chen Yang while his mouth curled into a smirk, "To receive such commendation from the elder, you're the first."
"We just traded one move earlier, why not finish the fight?"
Though not explicitly stated, the implication was clear: Shen Zhong was unconvinced.
Chen Yang glanced at Chen Changsheng, he could confirm that this old fellow was intentionally setting him up with enemies.
This old codger!!
Chen Changsheng ignored Chen Yang's gaze, his hands behind his back, maintaining a smile without saying anything.
Seeing Chen Yang remain silent, Shen Zhong continued: "Also, for earlier showing disrespect to my elder and the Changsheng Sect, don't you owe an apology?"
"The Changsheng Sect, not worth going."
Without a word, Chen Yang turned and walked away.
"Heh..."
Shen Zhong burst into laughter, "If you don't dare to fight, just say so, what skill is there in running away?"
"Don't leave."
Chen Changsheng quickly pulled Chen Yang back, then reprimanded Shen Zhong, "What's wrong with you? Have you no etiquette?"
"Elder, I..."
"Shut your mouth!"
After a reprimand, Chen Changsheng held onto Chen Yang while laughing, "Practitioners, especially in our Changsheng Sect, tend to have a fiery temperament, don't take it to heart."
"We're already at the doorstep, how could there be any reason not to enter?"
Chen Yang stared at Chen Changsheng expressionlessly: "I truly have no time nor the desire to play these games with you."
"Boring."
Chen Changsheng muttered to himself, then proudly said: "What games? Do you think I have time for such things? Or do you think I'm that childish?"
"I don't have time to argue with you."
Saying that, Chen Changsheng pulled Chen Yang forward, "Let's go, let's go."
Shen Zhong narrowed his eyes, glaring at Chen Yang with clenched fists.
This elder in the family, though normally like an elderly child, had never in his memory shown this attitude towards a young person.
The most crucial point is that this young person does not stand out in any way.
He was unconvinced.
Furthermore, probably not just him, but the entire Changsheng Sect wouldn't be convinced.
Why??
Shen Zhong walked last, saying to himself, "I don't care who you are, I will challenge you."
Chen Changsheng continued smiling, occasionally flashing a cunning look in his eyes.
"You brat, daring to show temper to me? Don't you realize that from the moment you agreed to go to Changsheng Sect with me, you've boarded my pirate ship, never to disembark?"
"Wrong, even if you didn't agree, I'd knock you out and drag you to Changsheng Sect."
Chen Changsheng corrected himself, secretly pleased, "This is your fate! From the moment we met on the Northern Mountain, it was destined."
The following path was entirely through the untouched forest; it was filled with thorns and towering trees, obstructing view beyond five meters.
In just half an hour, Chen Yang spotted a dozen hidden posts along the way.
This showed that Shen Zhong was likely on sentry duty earlier.
If no local guided him, barging in recklessly, even if he didn't kill anyone immediately, it would soon attract a massive force to assist.
Such tight security is indeed rare.
Before long, the untamed forest ended, and as the view cleared, a valley with towering trees, winding rivers, and picturesque scenery appeared before them.
The valley was vast, filled with scattered buildings of ancient style, hidden within the lush greenery.
Some were farming, some practicing martial arts, while others gathered in groups chatting, all in harmony.
This is the Changsheng Sect?
Whether it was Chen Yang or Yang Hu, or Gu Zhiqing, all showed faces of astonishment and surprise.
Fifty years ago, the sect was nearly annihilated, one in ten survived, yet now it shows such scale.
What kind of grand scene was the Changsheng Sect at its prime?
Truly unimaginable.
Seeing Chen Yang surprised, Shen Zhong curled his lip in disdain as well as arrogance.
As if saying, look at this nescient figure.
"This is my Changsheng Sect."
Chen Changsheng raised his hand, exhibiting a bit of grandeur pointing to the world, "Despite being cut off from the outside world, my Changsheng Sect continues to grow and prosper."
Yet in his words, there remained a trace of melancholy and sorrow.
If not for being forced, who would willingly stay hidden in deep forests, who would willingly cut ties from the outside world?
Should there be a shred of possibility, Chen Changsheng would move the Changsheng Sect and inform everyone that Yuning Mountain isn't the Three Valleys, Six Courts, and Nine Sects, but the Ten Sects.
Regrettably,
It's still far from the right time, else, as soon as it comes to light, the event from fifty years ago would repeat.
"Indeed." Chen Yang nodded.
Chen Changsheng waved his hand, "Come on, I'll show you around."
Entering the Changsheng Sect, everyone met along the way respectfully greeted Chen Changsheng, while curiously sizing up Chen Yang and the others.
It had been many years since a new face was seen.
Meanwhile, Chen Yang noticed information indicating the chief disciple competition will take place the day after tomorrow.
A name, Chen Yuan, was frequently mentioned by these people, likely a strong contender for chief disciple.
"..."