Summoning

Chen Cheng was truly astonished by such strength.

There were nearly sixty Dou Lings in the Chen Family. Chen Cheng had never made a point of getting to know them, so he had no idea who this five-star Dou Ling before him was.

Yan Sheng walked up to Chen Zihang, bowed, and said, "Young Master, this subordinate arrived late. Please forgive me."

"You came at just the right time. Wait at the side," Chen Zihang said to him.

Unlike the others, Yan Sheng did not address Chen Zihang as "Young Master Zihang."

Yan Sheng was not a member of the Chen Family and did not receive a salary from them. He was Chen Zihang's private force, much like the relationship between Huang Yaoshi and Chen Cheng.

Chen Zihang's status was not low. Throughout the empire, many people valued his potential and were willing to follow him.

"Yes," Yan Sheng answered, then took his place behind Chen Zihang.

Yet Yan Sheng kept his eyes fixed on Jiang Yu Yan, the Dou Ling. Jiang Yu Yan had just tried to seize Chen Zihang, and there was no guarantee she would not try again.

In Yan Sheng's eyes, Jiang Yu Yan might not have been stronger than Chen Zihang. Still, allowing his master to be ambushed made him feel deeply negligent.

Chen Cheng had indeed planned to capture Chen Zihang and force him to hand over Feng Ruoxue.

Chen Zihang was an 8-Star Great Dou Shi, higher in cultivation than both Huang Yaoshi and Red Serpent, so the two of them were clearly unsuitable for the task.

Although Yan Lingji was one star above Chen Zihang, the gap in cultivation was simply too small. Chen Cheng could not guarantee that Yan Lingji could swiftly capture Chen Zihang. Once Chen Zihang had time to react, things would become troublesome. After all, Chen Zihang was no weakling himself.

Among Chen Cheng's subordinates, only Jiang Yu Yan possessed Dou Ling cultivation. With an entire major realm separating them, it would have been more reliable. Yet Chen Cheng had not expected Chen Zihang to have a Dou Ling among his own men.

"Chen Cheng, I never expected you to be so capable. You've only been here a few days, yet a Dou Ling is already serving you," Chen Zihang said, looking at Chen Cheng calmly.

Chen Zihang had never seen Jiang Yu Yan, Yan Lingji, or the others in the Chen Family. This meant they had not been arranged at Chen Cheng's side by Chen Yuan or Chen Ye. It could only mean that Chen Cheng had recruited them within a month of arriving at the Chen Family.

Within the Izumo Empire, Great Dou Shi were not uncommon, but Dou Lings were exceedingly rare. Under normal circumstances, Dou Lings were usually patriarchs or elders of extremely powerful clans.

In the military, they would hold positions at the level of city lord or general, with exceptionally high status.

Since making his name, Chen Zihang had only recruited three Dou Lings to serve him. Yet Chen Cheng had gained a Dou Ling follower in such a short time. Such methods made Chen Zihang see him in a new light.

"Chen Cheng, let today's matter end here. One Dou Ling alone will not be enough to stand against me. Go back. If this gets out of hand, it won't do you any good." Chen Zihang looked directly at Chen Cheng, his tone exceptionally calm, as though he were speaking for Chen Cheng's sake.

The commotion here was considerable, and another seven people gradually emerged from Qing Xing Courtyard. After Chen Cheng examined their cultivation—

One of them was also a Dou Ling, while the other six were all Great Dou Shi. Two of them were even Nine-Star Great Dou Shi.

With that, Chen Zihang's side had two Dou Lings and seven Great Dou Shi, including himself. In terms of strength, they utterly overwhelmed Chen Cheng.

"Master, those two are stronger than me. Be careful," Yan Lingji whispered to Chen Cheng as she stood beside him, gripping a flaming hairpin in each hand.

"Mm." Chen Cheng nodded in response.

Even if Yan Lingji had not warned him, Chen Cheng would have kept a close eye on Yan Sheng and the other Dou Ling.

At present, the strongest of Chen Cheng's subordinates were only Dou Lings, and even their star ratings were lower than the enemy's.

Chen Cheng's expression was grave. The gap between the two sides was considerable, and he did not dare act rashly as he considered his options.

"Jiang Yu Yan may be formidable in battle, but she may not necessarily be able to handle two Dou Lings at once. As for the others, Yan Lingji and the rest would also have a difficult time dealing with them. If we force the issue, we may gain nothing. It would be better to withdraw for today."

"After tonight, it will be a new month, and the Summoning System will refresh another summoning opportunity. I'll first see who I can summon before making further plans."

"As for Feng Ruoxue, Chen Zihang only captured her because of me. Given his character, he will not harm her. Feng Ruoxue's disguise is excellent; ordinary people will only take her for a man. So long as neither Chen Zihang nor I reveal that Feng Ruoxue is here, no one else will know. Everything can wait until after tonight."

Chen Cheng had already made his decision. Looking at Chen Zihang, he said forcefully, "Chen Zihang, take good care of her. If even a single hair on her head is harmed, I will never let you off."

"We're leaving."

Chen Zihang waved again at Yan Lingji and the others, then turned and left.

He had come in a rush and left just as swiftly.

"Young Master, Chen Cheng came here so aggressively. What exactly was he after?" After Chen Cheng left, the Dou Ling asked.

Chen Zihang gave a misleading smile and said, "What else could it be? He was merely worried that I would take his position as Young Family Head and found an excuse to come make trouble."

Chen Zihang did not tell his subordinates the truth. Some matters were best known by as few people as possible.

And the excuse he gave sounded entirely plausible, leaving no room for suspicion.

"Young Master, this subordinate truly cannot accept it. You have rendered such great service to the family, yet what has he done? Why should he become the Young Family Head the moment he arrives, while you are left sidelined?" one Great Dou Shi said indignantly.

The words of that Great Dou Shi resonated deeply with the others.

They had followed Chen Zihang because of his status. In the future, once Chen Zihang took control of the empire's foremost family, they, his followers, would become founding elders, and their status would soar.

But now, Chen Cheng's appearance had shattered their dreams. How could they not resent him?

Upon hearing the Great Dou Shi's words, the smile vanished from Chen Zihang's face. His sharp gaze suddenly locked onto the man.

The Great Dou Shi immediately felt a chill rise within him. The surging pressure made him feel as insignificant as a lone leaf adrift on the sea.

"He is the Young Family Head. If you speak such words again, I will not spare you." Chen Zihang's gaze was fierce, and an imposing majesty radiated from his cold face, making no one dare meet his eyes.

"Yes, yes, this subordinate knows his mistake." The Great Dou Shi hurriedly apologized in terror.

"No one is to spread word of what happened today." Chen Zihang looked sternly at the servants.

Chen Zihang's reputation was poor, and the servants of Qing Xing Courtyard all feared him greatly. No one dared disobey anything Chen Zihang ordered.

Others might have seen Chen Cheng when he arrived, but as for the specific reason, they could guess as they pleased.

After returning to Linjiang Courtyard, Chen Cheng was in a bad mood all day. It was not until after midnight that a voice sounded in his mind.

"The host has obtained one summoning opportunity. Would you like to use it?"

"Use it." Chen Cheng gave the command without hesitation.

"Executing."

"This summoned character is Tian Yan."