C11 Conflict

In the expansive Martial Skill Hall, a raised training field was set aside for clan members to spar. At that moment, two young clansmen were engaged in a cautious exchange of moves.

One of them, Chen Chu, recognized the other quite well—it was Chen Su, the youth who had shadowed him for the past three years.

Chen Su, clad in a long black robe, had sharply defined features and a refined appearance. His movements exuded a maturity beyond his years. He was effortlessly deflecting his opponent's aggressive onslaught, exuding an air of mystery.

Without warning, Chen Su's adversary unleashed a burst of white light from his arms, leaping forward and transforming mid-air to deliver an elbow strike.

Mountain Breaking Strike! An Intermediate Yellow Rank martial skill.

The intense fluctuations of Genuine Essence left the onlookers, young clansmen all, in awe. Their eyes were wide, not wanting to miss a moment of the thrilling bout.

Even the middle-aged clansmen tucked away in a corner watched with appreciative eyes.

"Chen Ao's really honing that Mountain Breaking Strike. That level of attack could give even a Seventh Stage Qi Refining cultivator a run for their money."

"But this time, he might have met his match. To my knowledge, Chen Su reached the Eighth Stage of Qi Refining just half a month ago. His talent is something to be envious of."

It's worth noting that only a select few in the Chen Family had achieved the Genuine Essence Stage. Even these middle-aged clansmen, at the pinnacle of the Qi Refining Stage, had seen no advancement in seven or eight years, fully aware of the critical role talent plays.

On the training field, Chen Su's eyebrows lifted slightly as he finally ramped up his focus.

"Watch out, Brother Su!"

With a light tap on the ground, Chen Su's body glided like a drifting willow leaf. Genuine Qi surged within him, and the overwhelming pressure he released caused his opponent's face to pale.

Chen Ao, catching sight of the clansmen rooting for Chen Su, felt a surge of involuntary irritation. Despite knowing he might be outclassed, his competitive spirit wouldn't allow him to back down.

We're all part of the Chen Family, so why should he alone possess the enviable talent? Why should he alone receive the best conditions for cultivation? It's unfair that he was allowed to practice the advanced techniques on the second floor of the Martial Arts Pavilion when he was merely at the fifth level of the Qi Refining Stage. I won't stand for it!

Chen Ao's fists were clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He summoned his Genuine Qi to its utmost limit, turning his skin as impenetrable as steel. Like an arrow released from its bow, he propelled himself toward Chen Su in midair.

His incredible speed whipped up a gale that snatched the wooden hairpin from Chen Su's head, sending his hair flying in disarray. The once serene expression was gone, replaced by a look of dishevelment.

A flicker of annoyance crossed Chen Su's face as he funneled a steady stream of Genuine Qi into his right palm. A burst of white light emerged, and the Qi solidified into a series of palm shadows. His fingers tinged with a flash of green before he unleashed the strike with the speed of lightning.

This was the Thunder Light Palm, a superior Yellow Rank martial skill and one of the Chen Family's most prized techniques.

The white palm imprint swelled in the air before slamming into Chen Ao with a thunderous impact. A heavy thud echoed as a figure was sent hurtling from the mist, flying beyond the bounds of the training ground and crashing to the earth, skidding for meters and leaving behind a stark, crimson streak.

Bystanders rushed to Chen Ao's aid, their voices laced with concern.

Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he fought through the pain. Chen Ao struggled to his feet, his eyes meeting the feigned worry of those around him, their mockery thinly veiled. With a surge of anger, he shoved them aside and hobbled away.

"Brother Chen Su is truly formidable. Judging by this display, one of the Heavenly South Academy's two admission tokens has to be destined for you."

"Absolutely. Chen Ao's pride was his downfall. He thought too highly of himself, yet he was no match for Brother Chen Su."

"Indeed. Brother Chen Su is the epitome of our Chen Family's younger generation's strength. He's a beacon for Wanbei Town."

Chen Su basked in the adulation of his peers, his earlier displeasure completely dispelled. As he was about to depart with his entourage, a familiar face caught his eye at the doorway.

"Chen Chu? Seems like he's made quite a turnaround lately."

"Rumor has it he's concocted a batch of second-grade pills, lifting the market pressures off the Chen Family. But who knows if there's any truth to it."

"Come on, where did you get that scoop? It's totally unreliable. Crafting second-grade pills requires at least a Genuine Essence Stage master. Given his sickly look, how could he pull that off?"

"Hey, why not just ask him and find out?"

Chen Chu approached a row of bookshelves, perusing martial arts techniques, when he noticed several young clansmen eyeing him with hostility as they approached.

"Well, if it isn't the esteemed genius Chen Chu. A warrior of the Genuine Essence Stage, and yet you're browsing here? The second floor awaits your presence."

The speaker was a young man standing next to Chen Su, unremarkable in appearance but tall in stature, sporting a golden badge with seven white tassel patterns on his chest, signifying the Seventh Level of the Qi Refinement Stage.

Chen Chu, irked by the mocking tone, had no time to waste on these childish provocations. Clutching his book, he sidestepped to avoid further interaction.

The young man, emboldened by Chen Su's amused expression and lack of intervention, intensified his mockery and reached to snatch the book from Chen Chu.

Chen Chu, preferring to avoid conflict but with the pride of a former War God, was not one to back down from a challenge. With a swift motion of his right arm, he seized the outstretched hand.

"What's the matter?"

Chen Chu's piercing gaze fixed on the young man as he spoke in an icy tone.

The young man winced in pain, struggling to free his wrist, but the grip was unyielding, like an iron clamp binding his arm.

Flushed with exertion and unable to break free, he was about to channel his Genuine Qi when the grip suddenly released. Caught off balance, he stumbled backward, then toppled to the ground.

"There's no need for such grand gestures before the New Year's even upon us."

Chen Chu's voice cut through the air at just the wrong moment, eliciting a burst of laughter from those around. The young man, having been embarrassed in public, rose in a fury. Genuine Qi roiled within him as he launched a punch toward Chen Chu's face.

At a mere fourth level of the Qi Refinement Stage, Chen Chu would be no match for the youth without resorting to the Netherworld Finger. As he weighed his options, a figure clad in purple burst through the doorway, issuing a cold command, "Enough! This is the Martial Skill Hall, not a place for brawling."

Chen Su, who had been enjoying the spectacle from the sidelines, finally intervened to halt his classmates. With a touch of irreverence, he remarked, "Well, if it isn't Sister Chen Man. I heard you were deep in seclusion, cultivating for this year's enrollment slots. What brings you out here?"

The woman known as Chen Man shot a sidelong glance at Chen Chu and warned, "The Chen Family has secured only two spots at the Heavenly South Academy this year. If you don't take your cultivation seriously and miss this chance, you'll live to regret it."

Chen Su's eyes flicked to Chen Chu, who was feigning diligent study, a hint of malice flickering within them before he smoothly concealed it.