CHAPTER 335: CHAPTER 188 DIVINE FIRE EMPIRE

Luo Chen shook his head, his curiosity thoroughly ignited. "Are you truly only thirty-three?" he couldn’t help but ask.

Li Qing nodded, yet he self-consciously touched his short brown hair, sighing, "It’s a pity to have gray hair at thirty-three; look, I even have wrinkles. Even the greatest talents cannot escape the merciless etching of time." His tone carried a trace of self-mockery and helplessness.

Luo Chen nodded in deep agreement, indeed, the marks of time couldn’t be erased. But he remembered another question, "Have you recalled where you met me before?" He looked at Li Qing expectantly.

Upon hearing this, Li Qing frowned slightly, falling into contemplation. He examined Luo Chen, trying to retrieve fragments from his memory related to this young man. After a moment, realization flickered in his eyes, "I remember now, a few years ago, at a gathering at the Martial Soul Hall, I saw you. Back then you were still a raw youth, I didn’t expect you’d grown so much now."

Upon hearing this, Luo Chen was momentarily dazed. He struggled to recall that gathering, but only could remember some vague fragments. However, meeting Li Qing again here brought him unexpected surprise and joy.

"So, we’ve met already, truly destiny," Luo Chen mused.

Li Qing also smiled, "Indeed, truly fate. Who would’ve thought we’d meet again under such circumstances." He paused, then continued, "What are you doing now? Any interest in joining the Martial Soul Hall, fighting alongside me?" His tone was filled with enthusiasm and anticipation.

Upon hearing this, Luo Chen felt a surge of excitement. Joining the Martial Soul Hall and becoming a strong martial artist like Li Qing had always been his dream. However, he didn’t immediately reply, instead took a deep breath to calm his excitement, "I will give it serious thought." He solemnly declared.

Li Qing nodded upon hearing this, "Good, I await your reply." With that said, he turned and walked elsewhere, leaving Luo Chen and Zhao Dongfang in place, bewildered. They knew this unexpected encounter might change their fate.

A gentle smile appeared on Li Qing’s face, as if recalling distant memories, he slowly began, "Now that I think about it, it was over ten years ago, back then you..." His voice was abruptly interrupted by a cold and arrogant tone from the corner of the balcony.

"Long have I heard of Senior Li Qing’s fame, today seeing you in person, truly extraordinary." That voice stated, carrying an undeniable arrogance, "I am Liu Wenlong from Dongfang family, here to ask for some instruction!"

As that voice fell, the scene which was slightly restless was instantly ignited. Those nobles and tourists initially intending to seek pleasure in Drunken Dream Garden now all looked shocked towards the balcony corner. There appeared a tall figure slowly walking out, his presence caused the surrounding air to seemingly freeze.

"Challenging Lord Li Qing, is this young man suicidal?" Someone exclaimed, the words smashed into the serene lake, instantly stirring ripples of shock.

"Exactly! That guy must be tired of living, choosing this way to die, challenging Lord Li Qing is surely a path to death!"

"Lord Li Qing will punish his arrogance, watch, this young man is undoubtedly doomed!"

Voices of discussion erupted around, yet these sounds didn’t affect Liu Wenlong. He walked out from the corner with composure, dressed in gray oriental-styled attire, highlighting his striking cold demeanor, his waist-length silver hair shimmered under the lights, giving him an inexplicable radiance.

Luo Chen’s eyes narrowed, noticing Liu Wenlong wasn’t carrying any weapons. This left him a bit surprised, could it be Liu Wenlong intended to duel Li Qing barehanded?

At the same time, Li Qing maintained his calm and tranquility. He smiled lightly and addressed Liu Wenlong, "Today I met old acquaintances, my mood is good, I don’t want to fight you. You’re young and talented, your future is promising, but today is not the time for spar. Please leave."

However, Liu Wenlong did not back down because of this. He stared at Li Qing with determination, his tone revealing an unyielding resolve: "Senior Li Qing, I’ve admired your martial skills for long, and now that I have the fortune of meeting you, I hope you will generously instruct."

The scene momentarily fell into a stalemate. Everyone’s gaze fixated on these two individuals, one renowned martial artist, the other a young and ambitious challenger. How will this unforeseen duel conclude?

Li Qing met Liu Wenlong’s steadfast gaze, inwardly he sighed silently. He knew very well, this fight today was likely unavoidable. Hence, he slowly nodded and spoke, "Since you’ve made up your mind, then let’s begin."

As Li Qing’s words fell, the atmosphere around turned tense at once. Everyone held their breath, waiting for this imminent martial showdown. And Luo Chen was intently watching Liu Wenlong, eager to see what abilities this young challenger possessed to dare challenge a master like Li Qing.

"No, my purpose coming to the Divine Fire Empire is precisely to challenge the masters of the world, if Senior Li Qing does not provide instruction, I certainly will not leave here!" Liu Wenlong’s voice was resolute, his eyes revealed an unshakable determination. His words reverberated in the air, carrying an unrivaled aura, causing those nearby to tremble in awe.