Compared to Fang Yuan, who had crushed him with absolute strength, deep down he loathed this man of unknown origin even more—
a "pretty boy" who seemed to want nothing more than to climb the ranks by currying favor with Chen Yin.
At least Fang Yuan's strength had convinced him utterly, leaving him with nothing to say.
But Liu Chengfeng always struck him as hypocritical.
"Need something?" Zhang Meng made no attempt to hide his rejection. With a shake of his shoulder, he flung off Liu Chengfeng's hand.
Liu Chengfeng seemed utterly unconcerned by his attitude. His smile remained unchanged, yet his gaze seemed capable of seeing through one's heart as he said softly:
"Senior Brother Zhang, you're unwilling to accept this, aren't you? You cultivated bitterly for years, only to lose to a newcomer who had barely entered the school."
Zhang Meng's expression darkened, fury rising in his eyes. "Liu Chengfeng, what exactly are you trying to say?! Here to laugh at me?"
"No, no, no." Liu Chengfeng waved his hands repeatedly, stepping closer and lowering his voice, his tone carrying a bewitching quality.
"Senior Brother Zhang, you misunderstand. I simply feel that it isn't worth it for you. Everyone has seen your efforts and your strength.
It's just... sometimes, direction matters more than effort."
He paused and watched Zhang Meng's reaction. Though Zhang Meng's expression remained unpleasant, he did not interrupt immediately, so Liu Chengfeng continued slowly:
"The road to the second grade is not limited to the Martial Arts School's true inheritance. In fact... some paths are faster and stronger than following the proper steps and cultivating bitterly."
"The second grade..." Zhang Meng's pupils suddenly contracted, and his heart gave a violent thump.
This was the realm he dreamed of, and also the heavenly chasm that trapped