CHAPTER 20: CHAPTER 20: YOU THINK YOU’RE UP TO IT?

There was no scrutiny, everyone could attend tonight’s gathering.

Ji Chen easily entered the Celestial Saint Garden.

Looking around, he saw that it was a vast garden, filled with lush plants and trees, presenting a picturesque and serene setting, a rare tranquil place.

At this moment, the garden was already crowded with numerous figures, all young talents from various places in the Chu Kingdom, engaging in conversation and discussing some current popular topics.

"I wonder if we’ll be lucky enough to see the Eldest Princess tonight?"

"She is the pearl of our Chu Kingdom, a peerless beauty rarely seen in a century!"

Some people were discussing, with most of the topics revolving around the Eldest Princess and some renowned young talents.

Ji Chen was also curious, wanting to see what charm this so-called Eldest Princess possessed.

He wandered alone in the Celestial Saint Garden, passing by a pond during the lotus blooming season, with moonlight reflecting on the water’s surface, and the scenery was exceptionally beautiful.

Men and women gathered by the pond, mostly from various sects or distinguished families, all of high status or wealth.

Ji Chen walked alone and eventually arrived at a pavilion.

Inside the pavilion was a stone table, with a variety of wine and fresh fruits laid out for anyone to freely enjoy.

Ji Chen took some and tasted them by himself.

Carrying a pot of wine, he walked deeper into the Celestial Saint Garden.

He didn’t know how long he walked until a bamboo forest appeared ahead.

Sweeping his gaze, Ji Chen found that in the bamboo forest were about a dozen young figures sitting together.

His curiosity aroused, he also approached.

"Halt."

However, at the entrance of the bamboo forest, two guards in brocade clothing stopped Ji Chen, saying, "The Eldest Princess is hosting young talents from various families and sects here, unauthorized persons are not allowed to approach."

Hearing this, Ji Chen paused slightly.

No wonder the Eldest Princess didn’t appear—she was here.

Those personally hosted by her were clearly Young Master Level figures from sects and distinguished families, all of extraordinary status.

"Ji Chen?"

Just as Ji Chen considered leaving, a young man walked out from the bamboo forest entrance.

He wore a long black garment and appeared to be around twenty years old.

"Lu Ren?"

Upon seeing the person’s appearance, Ji Chen couldn’t help but furrow his brows slightly.

Apparently, he recognized the other person.

Lu Ren from the Celestial Profound Sect was one of those who injured his fellow Celestial Profound Sect disciples in Yang City.

"Why are you here?" Lu Ren also furrowed his brows, obviously surprised.

Ji Chen sneered, "If you can come, why can’t I?"

"I didn’t expect such a waste like you to have such a strong life force. Despite being severely injured, you could still survive and even move freely so quickly," Lu Ren sneered, recalling the scene in Yang City.

Hearing this, Ji Chen unexpectedly said calmly, "Don’t worry, I’ll settle this account with you all sooner or later."

"Settle?"

Lu Ren sneered, scanning Ji Chen up and down, "Just a good-for-nothing playboy. The Celestial Saint Garden is not a place for a waste like you. Get lost, or else I won’t mind personally sending you out."

"Is that so?"

Ji Chen laughed, looking directly at him, "Just you?"

"It seems you’ve forgotten the pain already since your scars healed so quickly from before in Yang City?"

Lu Ren squinted, stepping towards Ji Chen. At the same time, an aura of spiritual power surged from him, reaching the Vein Condensation Realm Second Layer.

Such cultivation wasn’t particularly outstanding, and among peers, it was quite ordinary. But to Lu Ren, this level of strength was more than enough to handle a waste like Ji Chen, who was only at the Eighth Layer of the Qi Refining Realm.

"Let me remind you of how you cried and begged us for mercy in Yang City back then."

With a cold laugh, Lu Ren approached Ji Chen, stopping three steps away.

"Buzz..."

The moment his words fell, a cold glint flashed in his eyes, and then he struck fiercely towards Ji Chen, intending to capture him directly.

"Overestimating oneself."

Ji Chen squinted, letting out a cold snort, with disdain flickering in his eyes.

Previously, he indeed couldn’t match Lu Ren.

But things were different now—even ten Lu Rens wouldn’t pose any threat to him.

"Bang!"

Without hesitation, as Lu Ren’s attack reached him, Ji Chen’s palm, hidden under his sleeve, was already brewing impressive spiritual power and launched it.

A dull sound echoed, followed by a wail.

In the next moment, Lu Ren was sent flying by Ji Chen’s palm, coughing up blood, crashing heavily onto the ground nearby.

"You..."

Struggling to get up, Lu Ren looked at Ji Chen in shock.

Even now, he couldn’t fully comprehend what had happened.

He, with a dignified cultivation of Vein Condensation Realm Second Layer, was severely injured by Ji Chen’s single blow!

How could this be?

What on earth happened?

This good-for-nothing, who was only at the Eighth Layer of the Qi Refining Realm, since when did he possess such astonishing strength!

"Slap!"

While Lu Ren was still in shock, Ji Chen had already walked calmly to him and mercilessly swung a slap at him.

The crisp sound of the slap was painful just to hear.

Lu Ren screamed again, two of his teeth shattered.

Blood trickled from his mouth as he clutched his swollen cheek, his face full of fury, "Ji Chen, you damn waste dare to..."

"Slap!"

Another slap hit fiercely, sending Lu Ren flying again.

Ji Chen stood in place, his gaze bearing down on him, unable to suppress a cold laugh, "If I’m a waste, then what does that make you now—not even worth a waste?"

"Bang!"

With that, he kicked Lu Ren to the ground, showing no mercy. Ji Chen took two steps forward, pressing his foot on Lu Ren’s chest to prevent him from getting up.

"This feeling, you probably haven’t experienced it before, right?"

Ji Chen laughed, with a glint of killing intent emerging from his eyes.

"Stop!"

At this moment, a cold shout came from within the bamboo forest.

Then, those in the forest, startled by the commotion, emerged.

One of the men in brocade frowned, face full of anger, glaring at Ji Chen.

"Who are you, and how dare you harm a disciple of my Celestial Profound Sect!" the man roared.