CHAPTER 540: CHAPTER 538: DRIVE PEOPLE AWAY_1

The Nine Dragons Lake Sword Discussion was not an annual event, but whenever it was held, the Four Outstanding Talents invariably dominated. The final stage of the event would always see the younger generation challenging these four individuals.

If someone could defeat any one of them, they could replace the latter, rising to become one of the new generation’s Four Outstanding Talents.

Therefore, each generation’s Four Outstanding Talents were typically the four strongest individuals of the younger cohort.

However, the positions of Liu Feiyue and her three peers had remained unshakable for five years, meaning these four had reigned supreme over the younger generation for that entire period.

"There are many talents in the world, and this year’s event is widely recognized as a particularly strong one. It’s likely there will be some upheavals."

Liu Feiyue shook her head lightly. Both people and things follow the principle of Prosperity and Decline; when things reach an extreme, they inevitably reverse. She had a premonition that this Sword Discussion would likely see significant changes.

The positions of not only those on the Young Master List, but also the Four Outstanding Talents, could be shaken. Even my Junior Brother Ling Chen, among others, might be a significant disruptive force in this Sword Discussion, Liu Feiyue mused, her gaze resting on him.

Seeing Liu Feiyue mention the abundance of talents while her gaze fell upon Ling Chen, Yin Zongli’s expression faltered slightly. He then turned to Ling Chen, a smile still gracing his lips, "And who might this impressive young sir be?"

"He is Dustless, a new Disciple of The Master of Cyan Robe Association," Lin Ya said with a quick glance at Ling Chen, a smile playing on his lips.

"Oh? A new Disciple of The Master of Cyan Robe Association?"

Yin Zongli raised an eyebrow. He discreetly sensed Ling Chen’s aura, discovering it was merely that of a Grandmaster Fifth Realm, which left him somewhat surprised.

The Master of Cyan Robe Association was notoriously strict when selecting Disciples. Even he, Yin Zongli, drawn by the Cyan-robed Guest’s reputation, had once journeyed to Green Cloud Mountain hoping to become his Disciple, only to be coldly rejected.

He clearly remembered the four words spoken to him: "Aptitude too poor."

Those words had dealt him a severe blow. At the time, The Master of Cyan Robe Association had only one Disciple, Liu Feiyue, so he had grudgingly accepted the judgment. But now, this Dustless character had appeared out of nowhere and somehow gained the Master’s discerning eye, which puzzled him.

It seems that fellow’s judgment isn’t all that great; he can still misjudge, Yin Zongli thought.

On the surface, however, he would never reveal such thoughts.

"To have gained the discerning eye of The Master of Cyan Robe Association, Brother Dustless must surely be an individual of extraordinary talent. Your Cultivation is just a little low; you’ll need to work harder," Yin Zongli said, adopting the tone of a senior addressing a junior.

"Indeed, I certainly cannot compare to Brother Yin. I’m afraid I’ll need Your Excellency’s guidance during the Sword Discussion at Nine Dragons Lake," Ling Chen replied impassively.

"Certainly, certainly."

Yin Zongli hadn’t expected Ling Chen to be so modest and nodded in satisfaction. Even if only for Liu Feiyue’s sake, he would have to offer Ling Chen plenty of ’guidance’; it was a good chance to leave a better impression on the fair lady.

Hearing this, Liu Feiyue couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle. She knew perfectly well that even the Gentleman of the Wind, who ranked higher than Yin Zongli, had been defeated by Ling Chen. How could Yin Zongli possibly be his match?

When the time comes, Yin Zongli is bound to be harshly humiliated, she thought.

Just as Yin Zongli was feeling quite pleased with himself, Ling Chen gestured with his hand and reminded him with a smile, "Shouldn’t Brother Yin be heading back now? The auction is about to begin."

"Heh," Yin Zongli chuckled. "Miss Liu, you’ve seldom visited Blackwater City, so you’re probably unfamiliar with this auction. Why don’t I serve as your guide?" He still had no intention of leaving. Having come all this way, he couldn’t possibly depart empty-handed.

"With Young Master Lin Ya present, I fear there’s no need for you to trouble yourself," Ling Chen stated indifferently.

This fellow is truly thick-skinned, Ling Chen thought.

Looking at Liu Feiyue, it was clear she held little fondness for Yin Zongli. However, given her transcendent and aloof demeanor, she wasn’t the type to voice such a refusal. So, it fell to Ling Chen to do it for her.

I really don’t want to spend the entire auction looking at that disagreeable face. More importantly, I’m not familiar with this fellow at all, he considered.

Upon hearing Ling Chen’s words, even Yin Zongli, despite his thick skin, could no longer stay. He could only cup his hands briefly before turning to leave, his face dark and gloomy.

"Damn kid," Yin Zongli muttered, glancing at Ling Chen with a resentful glare.

If it weren’t for all the prying eyes here, he would have taught Ling Chen a lesson. For now, he would have to wait for another opportunity.

"Finally, that annoying guy is gone."

Watching Yin Zongli depart, Lin Ya heaved a sigh of relief. Yin Zongli had come to bother him quite a bit these past few days, and his departure brought him a sense of relief.

"But this person is narrow-minded," Lin Ya cautioned. "You’ve offended him this time. I’m afraid he won’t let you off easily if you encounter him in the future."

"I’ve met many people like him. One more makes no difference."

Ling Chen shook his head; he wasn’t so timid as to be scared by this.

Lightly shaking his head to dismiss the thoughts, Ling Chen closed his eyes, entering a state of calm repose and quietly awaiting the auction’s commencement.

Soon after Ling Chen closed his eyes, a massive influx of people began to pour into the auction house. The VIP seats in the front row also started to fill up. Within half an hour, nearly all the seats were occupied.

When all the seats were taken, Ling Chen slowly opened his eyes and murmured, "It appears many experts have indeed been attracted to this auction..."

During his brief, closed-eye meditation, he had sensed that among the VIPs in the front row alone, there were more than three Top Sky Apex Strong. Besides them, there were some individuals in coarse clothes and bamboo hats, others in black robes, and those concealing their true appearances, all possessing inscrutable auras, suggesting they were hiding their true strength.

There are definitely crouching tigers and hidden dragons among them, he mused.

Liu Feiyue also nodded slightly, a solemn look in her eyes as she scanned the room. For the auction to attract so many experts, the items up for bid were bound to be extraordinary.

The finale item, in particular, would undoubtedly be a heavyweight Treasure capable of causing significant waves.

As Ling Chen was contemplating, a crisp bell chime suddenly echoed from the center of the auction stage, its clear sound cutting through and subduing the noisy chatter.

As the bell chime slowly faded, an Array Formation on the auction stage suddenly activated. A barrier of Energy light extended upwards, eventually forming a cage-like shield that enveloped the entire platform. This was a protective measure. The people of the Black Sand Land were largely lawless, and incidents of auctioned items being plundered were not unheard of. Although the Black Market was no ordinary power, they still needed to exercise caution. The items being auctioned this time were exceptionally valuable; if anything went awry, the Black Market would lose face entirely.

Gazing at the expanding Energy shield, Ling Chen exhaled lightly. The real show is finally about to begin...