The Supreme God of Martial Arts/C16 Before the Big Battle
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The Supreme God of Martial Arts/C16 Before the Big Battle
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C16 Before the Big Battle

Over the years, despite ongoing minor skirmishes, the three families had never escalated to significant confrontations. It was surprising to see how secretly and substantially the Ye Family had grown. Even Patriarch Ye Xiao's abilities were somewhat of an enigma to him, suggesting that Ye Xiao was likely a formidable force on par with himself.

In a remarkably short time, the Ye Family's rise had left the Jin Family restless and uneasy.

Pushing aside the clutter in his mind, Jin Shengang offered a smile and said, "I'm not sure what's troubling you, Patriarch Ye, but feel free to speak your mind."

Ye Xiao, ever the straight talker, laid out his thoughts plainly. "Let's join forces to take down the Chen Family, and we'll split the profits down the middle, fifty-fifty."

Jin Shengang, aware of Ye Xiao's blunt demeanor, was momentarily taken aback by his proposal before bursting into hearty laughter.

Puzzled, Ye Xiao remained silent, simply giving Jin Shengang a steady gaze. The bustling markets of the Chen Family had significantly impacted the Ye Family's finances, stirring his already impatient nature. Coupled with his nephew Ye Wenhui's grudge against the Chen Family, Ye Xiao had deliberated with the elders and led a group of seven or eight masters for a late-night visit to the Jin residence.

"Patriarch Ye, that's quite the audacious move. But even with our combined strength, wiping out the Chen Family is no easy task. Chen Tong's power rivals ours, and his family boasts several Genuine Essence Stage masters. It's uncertain whether we can even defeat the Chen Family, let alone discuss dividing the spoils," Jin Shengang said with a feigned sigh.

Ye Xiao's frustration boiled over. He clenched his fist and slammed it onto the wooden table, shattering the delicate teacup. "Now that Chen Yan has defected to your side, the Chen Family at best can muster three Genuine Essence Stage warriors. As for Chen Tong, with our combined effort, he'd be easily dispatched. I had thought you, Patriarch Jin, to be a bold and heroic figure, but it seems you're nothing more than a timid soul."

Ye Xiao abruptly rose to his feet and marched toward the door, his subordinates swiftly falling in line behind him.

Upon witnessing this, Jin Shengang quickly stood as well. As Ye Xiao neared the exit, Jin paused briefly to consider, then called out with urgency, "Wait a moment."

In that brief pause, Jin Shengang had reached a decision. With the Chen Family's resurgence, his own efforts were no longer sufficient to undermine them. Moreover, with the Ye Family watching eagerly from the sidelines, collaboration was now the optimal strategy.

Should the Chen Family find an opportunity to recover, such a favorable moment might never present itself again.

Ye Xiao halted in his tracks, a glint of triumphant scheming flashing in his eyes before he adopted a guileless grin.

"I should have known Patriarch Jin wasn't one to hesitate. My apologies for the rashness. As penance, I'll drink three cups."

With ease, he reseated himself, and the two delved into the details of their plan.

"Patriarch Jin, when do you propose we act?"

Ye Xiao massaged his throbbing head, speaking with labored breath.

"I've heard that in three days' time, the Chen Family will host their annual clan competition. They'll be inviting local tycoons and influential figures. If we manage to eliminate Chen Tong before all those eyes, the Chen Family's influence will crumble on the spot."

Jin Shengang spoke with a casual smile, giving off the impression that the Chen Family's fate was already sealed in his grasp. Yet beneath his sleeve, his left hand quivered with barely contained excitement.

"Patriarch Jin, your strategy is masterful. I'm but a straightforward man and will follow your lead. But remember, once our plan succeeds, the terms are as I stated earlier... Hahaha."

"Indeed. Many affairs in Wanbei City will soon require Patriarch Ye's esteemed involvement."

The two exchanged compliments, and then Patriarch Jin observed as Ye Xiao, appearing unsteady, was escorted away by his warrior. A secretive smile played at Jin's lips.

Once outside the Ye Family's threshold, Ye Xiao's feigned inebriation vanished, his eyes sharp and discerning. He cast a backward glance at the Jin residence, snorted disdainfully, and strode off briskly.

The two families appeared to be cooperating, yet each harbored their own devious plans. As time slipped by, night fell two days later.

Chen Chu gazed at the red and blue pill resting in his palm, nodding with satisfaction. It was a top-tier third-grade pill, the Duality Breaking Pill, capable of boosting a Genuine Essence Stage warrior's strength by one level, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Thanks to the Refining Treasure Cauldron, the pill's breakthrough success rate had soared to a full 100%, and its potency had significantly diminished. Should he choose to sell it, droves of Genuine Essence Stage masters would clamor for it, even at a price of ten thousand gold coins.

Staring at the pill, a masterpiece in its own right, Chen Chu licked his lips, a hint of reluctance in his eyes. If not for the restriction that only Genuine Essence Stage experts could consume it, he would have taken it himself without hesitation.

Securing the jade bottle, Chen Chu rose from the bed and swiftly exited the cabin, blending into the cloak of night.

Half a month prior, with the betrayal of Second Elder Chen Yan, Chen Chu had already sniffed out the looming crisis for the Chen Family. Now, with the family competition imminent, his anxiety intensified. His keen instincts, honed in his past life on the Miracle World, had led him to predict that the Golden Leaf Family would strike on the day of the competition. United, the Golden Leaf Family would be an unstoppable force in Wanbei City, bold enough to make their move in full view of all the guests.

The enigmatic City Lord's power traditionally stayed out of family feuds. Given Chen Chu's current status, he had nothing to offer that would pique the City Lord's interest, making the prospect of seeking their aid a non-starter.

The Chen Family's mightiest was his father, Chen Tong, a sixth-level Genuine Essence Stage warrior. To navigate this peril, Chen Chu's only option was to craft pills urgently to elevate Chen Tong's realm and avert disaster.

Despite his reputation as a Pill Saint, the finest pill he could produce in such a short span was the Duality Breaking Pill.

Arriving silently at his father's separate residence, Chen Chu noticed the candle still burning within. Peering through the window, he saw his father's once erect posture now significantly stooped.

Approaching the window, Chen Chu whispered, "Father, are you asleep?"

The silhouette, cast by candlelight, paused briefly before swiftly opening the window. With a hint of surprise, he asked, "Little Chu, why are you still awake at this hour?"

Chen Chu offered a forced chuckle and replied, "Father, you're still up as well. This afternoon, I concocted a new pill. Would you care to try it?"

Intrigued by Chen Chu's enigmatic demeanor, Chen Tong accepted the jade bottle and without hesitation, downed the red and blue pill. He declared heartily, "Why not give it a shot? My own son wouldn't harm me."

After watching his father take the pill, Chen Chu gave a knowing smile and wished him, "With your robust spirit, may you have pleasant dreams."

With those words, he swiftly made his exit from the garden, vanishing into the night.

Chen Tong shook his head, about to resume his writing, when a thought struck him. The surge of Genuine Qi emanating from Little Chu earlier had been unusually strong. Could it possibly be...?

His musings were cut short as his complexion flushed a deep crimson. A fierce inferno seemed to blaze within him, and the power that had lain dormant for years surged forth.

Overcome with barely containable joy, Chen Tong quickly assumed a meditative posture, formed an intricate hand seal, and dove into his cultivation practice.

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