At that moment, Lu Qian coughed and chided, "Chen Biao, Sun Hao's surprise attack on Lin Chen was the first to occur. Such despicable behavior is a disgrace to the martial arts community. He deserves the heavy injuries he received, cease your senseless protests."

Knowing he was in the wrong, Chen Biao glared fiercely at Lin Chen, then cupping his fists toward Lu Qian, he said, "Elder Lu, it is my fault for failing to discipline him properly. When we return, I will most certainly teach this unfilial disciple a lesson. We have other matters to attend to and will take our leave now."

Chen Biao had been full of confidence before, but unexpectedly, he ended up losing both the fight and face. With the crowd jeering, he led his men to leave in an embarrassing retreat.

Lu Qian approached Lin Chen and observed him carefully, "Truly, a hero emerges from the youth, I did not expect such a young man to be at the late-stage of Qi Refinement. Very impressive, indeed."

Lin Chen's displayed strength led Lu Qian to mistakenly believe that he was at the late-stage of Qi Refinement.

"Elder Lu flatters me, I merely won by fluke," Lin Chen said humbly.

"Hmm, not only are you exceptionally strong, but you also possess a remarkable composure. I like you very much. Would you be interested in joining the Martial Arts Alliance?" Lu Qian looked at Lin Chen with admiration, growing fonder of him with each glance.

Upon hearing Lu Qian's words, He Xiong couldn't help but rejoice, and hurriedly said, "Lin Chen, you have yet to thank Elder Lu."

Lin Chen had some understanding of the Martial Arts Alliance. It was a place all martial artists in Huaxia dreamt of joining. Entering the Martial Arts Alliance, one could not only meet other strong practitioners but also stand a chance to acquire advanced Cultivation Techniques. There were many benefits to be gained.

"Thank you, Elder Lu," Lin Chen said, bowing with clasped fists toward Elder Lu.

"Yes, Xiao Dong is attending the Martial Arts Alliance conference and has yet to return. Once he does, I will have him handle your membership proceedings. However, joining the Martial Arts Alliance requires passing some tests, but with your strength, you will surely pass with ease," Elder Lu said with a smile.

Lin Chen nodded, "Then I will await Elder Lu's news."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Lin Chen, Lu Qian finally took his leave.

Checking the system, Lin Chen couldn't contain his joy. After this battle, his popularity had surged to 1230.

Gaining so much popularity from just one tournament fight, Lin Chen was quite satisfied with the outcome.

At this time, He Xin walked up to Lin Chen, her head lowered and cheeks slightly red, "Lin Chen, thank you."

Lin Chen replied with a mischievous smirk, "Just saying it with your mouth isn't enough."

He Xin's face reddened like a ripe strawberry as she looked up, her beautiful eyes fixed on Lin Chen.

"Xin sister, what are you planning?" Lin Chen asked, feeling slightly nervous, his own face blushing.

Lin Chen looked at He Xin, whose expression was somewhat strange, and chuckled awkwardly, "Xin sister, are you alright?"

He Xin, her eyes still firmly on Lin Chen, suddenly said, "Lin Chen, about that incident when we were children, I'm not mad at you anymore."

"Oh!" Lin Chen recalled the scene beneath the moonlit night and couldn't help but scratch his head in embarrassment.

"Kiss, give us a kiss!" As the two whispered to each other on the stage, those below who enjoyed a spectacle began to jeer again.

He Xin bit her lip, then suddenly closed her eyes and lightly kissed Lin Chen's face. Her cheeks turned as red as a ripe apple as she hurriedly ran off the stage.

A burst of laughter erupted from below the stage, with some even shouting, "Together, get together!"

He Xin had kissed Lin Chen once before, but that was only in front of about a dozen people in the gymnasium; today, however, she kissed him in front of a thousand.

Lin Chen's cheeks also grew hot, and he scratched his head helplessly, thinking things might get a bit troublesome.

At that moment, He Xiong clapped Lin Chen on the shoulder, "Little Chen, my sister has you in her heart. In the future, we must become closer, just remember not to bully my little Xin, alright?"

After hearing He Xiong's words, Lin Chen let out an awkward laugh, "With Xin sister's high standards, how could she fall for someone like me?"

He Xiong laughed heartily, "Still playing modest? After all that kissing, don't pretend it's nothing."

Lin Chen's heart complained, suddenly recalling a saying, "You won't die if you don't do anything foolish."

Seeing Lin Chen's cheeks turn bright red, He Xiong thought Lin Chen was shy and changed the subject, "Little Chen, I'm sorry for kicking you out backstage today. I hope you don't take it to heart."

Lin Chen, with a magnanimous shake of his head, said, "Xiong Brother, you're too kind. You did it for the martial arts school, and I would have made the same choice had I been in your shoes."

"Hmm, as long as you understand, brother, that's good." Seeing Lin Chen didn't blame him, He Xiong finally felt relieved.

Lin Man ran over, brimming with pride, "Bro, you were awesome! The girls in our village, Little Cui and Little Ling, are asking if you have a girlfriend."

"Naughty girl, stop causing trouble for your brother." Lin Chen was really not in the mood for romance right now.

When Lin Chen got back to his doorstep, he saw a familiar BMW coupe parked in front of his house.

Walking into the courtyard, he saw Xue Ying sitting on a bench, shucking corn with his mother.

The two of them were chatting and laughing, clearly enjoying themselves.

"Ying Sister, how come you didn't give me a call before coming?" Lin Chen said with a smile as he walked into the yard.

"You're a busy man now; how dare I disturb you so easily?"

There seemed to be a sting in Xue Ying's words, but Lin Chen couldn't remember offending her.

"Little Chen, Xue Ying has been here half the day. You two have a chat first; I'll go inside and cook for you," his mother said, giving Lin Chen a knowing look before heading inside.

Lin Chen sat opposite Xue Ying, looking at her somewhat cold beautiful face, and said in an ingratiating tone, "Ying Sister, you really are getting more and more beautiful."

"Little guy, stop buttering me up. How can I not look beautiful after using your skincare cream? Anyway, I heard you're planning to develop that wasteland at the foot of Longquan Mountain. Why didn't you tell me about such a big project?"

"Sister, I just didn't want to trouble you," Lin Chen finally understood why Xue Ying was angry.

Actually, it wasn't that Lin Chen didn't want to involve Xue Ying, but she had already helped him so much, and he felt embarrassed to go to her whenever there was a problem.

"You sneaky kid, I think you've got some skills and forgotten about your sister," Xue Ying pretended to be angry.

"Sister, how could I? No man could resist your charm," Lin Chen said with an awkward smile.

"Go on, what does a brat like you know about seduction. Here's a card with five million in it; you're just starting, and you certainly need money," Xue Ying passed a golden card to Lin Chen.

"Sister, I really can't accept this," Lin Chen hurriedly shook his head, refusing to accept Xue Ying's card no matter what.

Seeing Lin Chen refuse the card, Xue Ying quickly changed her tactic, "Lin Chen, I've been eyeing that large open space at the foot of Longquan Mountain. It's backed by the mountain and facing Longquan River. I want to build a villa there; you wouldn't deny your older sister this favor, would you?"

"But this isn't the city center; house prices can't be that high," Lin Chen clearly understood Xue Ying's intention but still disagreed.

"If I say it's worth it, then it is. With you, Lin Chen here, I believe Peach Blossom Village will definitely be a paradise in the future. I trust my own judgment; buying this villa is a surefire win. Of course, if you don't treat me as a friend and won't give me face, unwilling to sell, then forget it," Xue Ying's face fell as though she was truly upset.

"Alright, alright, sister, I'll take it, okay?" Lin Chen said helplessly, shaking his head as he took Xue Ying's bank card.

In fact, Lin Chen was really short of money now; after all, the money he had on hand was not enough for such a large piece of wasteland.

Seeing Lin Chen accept the card, a captivating smile finally appeared on Xue Ying's face.

Today, Xue Ying wore a pair of thin silk stockings. Her long legs crossed and stretched out in front of Lin Chen. The glimpse of white under her short skirt was tantalizingly hidden, making Lin Chen's heart itch.