Chapter 438 - 436: Conflict
The young man approached, walking on air with his hands clasped behind his back.
Each step seemed effortless, covering hundreds of meters in a single stride. Soon, he had descended into the training grounds.
He was handsome, with a small black mole between his sharp, sword-like eyebrows. His blue eyes, which always seemed to hold a hint of malice, crinkled as he smiled at Zifeng Tianhen and the others. "Master," he said lightly, "your disciple has returned late. You aren’t angry, are you?"
Zifeng Tianhen glanced at him.
His face was devoid of emotion. "It’s good that you’re back," he said flatly. "Let’s go."
"Alright!"
Zifeng Jie nodded and followed behind Zifeng Tianhen.
The group soared into the air.
With the appearance of the Profound Celestial Ancestor Realm, the Profound Celestial Ice Field was no longer the world of ice and snow it once was.
For the first time in memory, a sun had appeared!
All of creation began to stir, brimming with the vibrant energy of life.
Jiang Chen was curious. There seemed to be an indescribably complex relationship between the master and disciple, Zifeng Tianhen and Zifeng Jie.
But it was none of his business.
He didn’t pay Zifeng Jie much mind. As he flew high into the sky, he sent a message to Little Black. Before long, the Black Emperor emerged from Brother Zhen’s residence, riding on the Little Vermilion Bird’s back.
The Black Emperor landed on Jiang Chen’s shoulder and yawned, his breath reeking of alcohol. "Jiang Chen, this Emperor is going to catch some sleep!"
"Mm."
Jiang Chen shook his head helplessly.
Faint snores soon reached his ears.
「Meanwhile...」
The Little Vermilion Bird swayed unsteadily before landing on Zhao Hongluan’s shoulder. With a helpless sigh, Zhao Hongluan cradled it, allowing the little creature to rest in her arms.
Everyone was familiar with the Little Vermilion Bird and the Black Emperor, so no one was surprised.
Only Zifeng Jie’s eyes glinted. His gaze shifted from the Little Vermilion Bird to Zhao Hongluan. Rubbing his chin, a playful smirk spread across his face. "Tsk, tsk. And where did this Human Race beauty come from? You’re quite a looker. Hey, little beauty, I’m Zifeng Jie. Interested in getting to know me?"
Hearing Zifeng Jie’s words, the powerhouses of the Purple Wind Clan merely frowned.
But they seemed wary of something and didn’t say anything more.
Purple Wind Frost, however, put her hands on her hips and glared at him. "Zifeng Jie, Sister Hong Luan is an honored guest of our Purple Wind Clan! Drop that disgusting, beastly act."
"Well, well, well, if it isn’t our little sister Hanshuang! You’ve grown up so much. Look at that figure... and that little chest of yours, not a bad size at all! Come on, let your Brother Jie give you a hug. Brother Jie knows a special massage technique that can make them even bigger and firmer!" Zifeng Jie said with a lecherous, sinister grin.
He rubbed his hands together, looking eager to pounce.
"Zifeng Jie, that’s enough!"
Zifeng Jun flashed in front of Purple Wind Frost, his face dark. "Zifeng Jie, don’t go too far."
"And who might this be? Ah, it’s you, Zifeng Jun. Do you really think you can stop me with those pathetic skills of yours?" Zifeng Jie sneered.
His words were utterly dismissive of Zifeng Jun.
Zifeng Jun’s expression darkened. "Zifeng Jie, I am the Young Clan Leader of the Purple Wind Clan! What right do you have..."
The moment he heard the words "Young Clan Leader"...
Zifeng Jie, who had been smiling sinisterly, suddenly turned serious. His eyes narrowed to slits, glinting with a cold light as he gave a chilling laugh. "You have a point. You *are* the Young Clan Leader of the Purple Wind Clan. In that case, Lord Young Clan Leader, I’d love to see for myself just how much you’ve improved over the years. Please, do enlighten me!"
The words had barely left his mouth.
Before Zifeng Jun could respond, Zifeng Jie’s figure blurred.
In an instant, he appeared before Zifeng Jun.
He struck out with his palm, aiming for Zifeng Jun’s shoulder.
Zifeng Jun’s expression changed as he raised an arm to parry the blow.
Zifeng Jie sneered. "Too weak!"
The muscles in his arm contracted like a spring compressed to its limit, then suddenly exploded with power.
BANG—
With a muffled thud, an immense force erupted from Zifeng Jie’s palm, sending Zifeng Jun flying backward.
"Stop!"
"Zifeng Jie, you’ve gone too far!"
Yuan Jiu and Yuan Zeng shouted in unison.
Zifeng Jie shot them a look. "What’s this? Zifeng Jun hasn’t even inherited the Clan Leader’s position yet, and you’re already this eager to pledge your loyalty to your new master?"
"Zifeng Jie, what nonsense are you spouting?"
"It’s been so many years. Can’t you let go of this grudge? Zifeng Jie, why must you make things so difficult?" Yuan Zeng said.
Zifeng Jie gave them a cold glare, his eyes flicking sideways toward Zifeng Tianhen.
A flicker of hatred crossed the depths of his eyes. ’Let it go?’ he said coldly. ’Easy for you to say. If you were in my shoes, could you let it go?’
"You..."
The expressions of Yuan Zeng and Yuan Jiu changed in unison.
They were respected clan elders, yet they were being berated by a junior like Zifeng Jie.
It was a tremendous loss of face.
"Zifeng Jun, I’ll let you off the hook today since you have these two old dogs protecting you. But you want to be the Young Master of the Purple Wind Clan with this pathetic level of strength? That’s hilarious!"
With a final, venomous taunt, Zifeng Jie turned toward Zhao Hongluan. He reached for her, his hand shooting out. "You little Human Race chick, this young master is feeling very heated lately. Why don’t you come over and serve me, help me cool off a bit!"
His speed was incredible.
His hand shot through the air, arriving in front of Zhao Hongluan’s chest in an instant.
The color drained from Zhao Hongluan’s face. Her fiery red hair stood on end as flames erupted from her body.
Zifeng Jie said coolly, "Phoenix Fire? So, you’re the Fire Phoenix, Zhao Hongluan, from the Human Venerable List. Not bad, not bad at all. You’re even more beautiful than the rumors say. Perfect for being this young master’s woman. Come here!"
Zhao Hongluan’s ranking on the Human Venerable List wasn’t very high.
How could she be a match for Zifeng Jie, who was ranked ninth on the Human Venerable List?
A sinister, cold light emanated from Zifeng Jie’s palm as he tore through the flames around Zhao Hongluan, about to snatch her away.
At that critical moment...
A fair-skinned hand shot out, clamping down on Zifeng Jie’s wrist and stopping his advance completely. A calm voice accompanied the hand. "Don’t you think you’re going a bit too far?"
"Hm?"
Zifeng Jie frowned and looked up at Jiang Chen, who had spoken. He raised an eyebrow. "And who the hell are you? Daring to meddle in this young master’s business? You must have a death wish."
Jiang Chen said calmly, "Zhao Hongluan is my friend. Please show some respect."
"Respect?"
Zifeng Jie froze for a second, then burst into derisive laughter as if he’d just heard the world’s funniest joke. "In this world, only the strong command respect. You think you’re worthy of this young master’s respect? Kid, don’t you know that meddlers never come to a good end?"
Zifeng Jie was the type to attack with lethal intent at the slightest provocation.
Even as he spoke, his hand transformed into an ice-blue claw, slashing toward Jiang Chen’s heart.
He was trying to kill Jiang Chen!
"You’re courting death!"
Jiang Chen snorted and threw a punch.
BANG—
Fist met claw, instantly unleashing a gale that sent their robes whipping and snapping in the wind.
THUD!
Both were forced back several steps.
Zifeng Jie stared at Jiang Chen, a flicker of shock and uncertainty in his eyes. He licked the corner of his mouth. "No wonder you dared to stick your nose in my business. You’ve got some skill. But a little bit of skill like yours is nothing to this young master. Kid, as punishment for spoiling my fun, how about you cut off your own arms?"
"You’re not qualified to make me cut off my own arms," Jiang Chen said coolly.
"Good, good, good. It’s been a while since I’ve met someone so arrogant. In that case..." Zifeng Jie chuckled sinisterly, preparing to strike.
Zifeng Tianhen, who had ignored the conflict until now, finally spoke. "Have you made enough of a scene? We’re about to arrive at the Ancestral Land. Do you want the other clans to see our Purple Wind Clan as a joke?"
Everyone’s expression stiffened.
Zifeng Tianhen had spoken. Even Zifeng Jie’s expression changed. After a moment’s hesitation, he shot Jiang Chen a vicious glare. "Kid, once we’re in the Profound Celestial Ancestor Realm, you’d better pray you don’t run into this young master."
"I’ll be waiting."
Jiang Chen said coldly.
"We’ll see about that."
Zifeng Jie gave everyone a cold, sweeping glare before turning and heading to the very back of the group, a sullen and isolated figure.
Jiang Chen frowned. ’This Zifeng Jie is like a venomous snake. I’ll have to watch my back.’
He glanced over at Zifeng Jun and sent a telepathic message. "Brother Zifeng, what’s the deal with Zifeng Jie? I thought he was the Purple Wind Clan Leader’s apprentice. Why is he... like this?"
Zifeng Jun hesitated, a bitter smile on his face, and replied...