First Meeting with Yao Chen

Under the night sky, the stars glittering across the heavens were reflected in those obsidian-deep eyes, making them seem even more mysterious and unfathomable.

Yang Chen stood with his left hand behind his back, his fingertips absentmindedly brushing the black ring. In his right hand, he lightly held a folding fan, his expression giving away neither joy nor anger.

"If you intend never to see the light of day again, then you may continue hiding."

As soon as Yang Chen finished speaking, a surge of soul power emerged from the ring behind him. It then transformed into the transparent figure of an elderly man behind Yang Chen.

After appearing, the old man's expression seemed somewhat unnatural. He had not expected that after secretly stealing the little boy's Dou Qi for three years, he would be caught red-handed by the boy's own uncle.

"Ha ha, young man, your talent is quite exceptional. At such a young age, you've already reached the Dou King realm. Your future prospects are truly—"

Smack!

With a flick of his wrist, the folding fan in his hand snapped open with a crisp, forceful sound, cutting off Yao Chen. Yang Chen gently waved the fan, took two steps forward, then spoke with his back to Yao Chen.

"Yao Chen, Venerable Yao. Yang Chen knows a little about your story—Starfall Pavilion, Pill Tower, and, of course, your origins."

The corners of Yao Chen's mouth twitched. You call this knowing a little? Are youngsters these days all so modest?

"Oh, and Yang Chen has also heard a thing or two about Flower Sect and Venerable Yao's story, as well as Pill Tower President Xuan Yi and your adopted son, Han Feng."

Before Yang Chen had even finished speaking, Yao Chen's pupils abruptly contracted, and his face instantly twisted with a trace of ferocity. Han Feng—this name had nearly become his taboo, as well as the greatest pain in his heart.

Yao Chen stared at Yang Chen's back. After a long while, he finally said in a hoarse voice, "Speak. What do you want me to do?"

Only then did a smile appear on Yang Chen's lips. He slowly turned around and looked at Yao Chen with a smile.

"It seems Venerable Yao has misunderstood. I bear no ill will toward you. Of course, that is on the condition that you bear no ill will toward Xiao Yan. Otherwise, Yang Chen will have no choice but to send Venerable Yao down to reunite with them. I trust Venerable Yao does not doubt whether I have the ability to do so."

As he spoke, the smile on Yang Chen's face deepened. Yet the dangerous aura hidden within it made even Yao Chen, once a Dou Zun expert, feel his heart palpitate.

Suddenly, Yao Chen's gaze sharpened and fell upon the silver, eye-shaped inscription on Yang Chen's brow, where streams of light flickered. A trace of fear rose from the depths of his heart.

The next instant, Yao Chen involuntarily shifted his gaze away, his heart filled with shock. What exactly was that thing? It had actually made him, a former peak Dou Zun who had once dominated the land, feel such terror.

As a member of the Yao Clan, although Yao Chen's Dou Di bloodline was exceedingly thin, he had once studied the Dou Di bloodline within his body and understood the power of such ancient bloodlines.

Yet according to Yao Chen's knowledge, even the legendary divine-grade bloodline could not compare to even a fraction of the power contained within Yang Chen's strange eye.

Records stated that the purity of a divine-grade bloodline could rival that of a Dou Di's descendant. Yet Yang Chen's special eye gave Yao Chen the feeling that a Dou Di himself had descended—divine might as oppressive as a prison, making one afraid to look directly at him, as though even doing so would be an act of desecration and disrespect.

However, though that eye was terrifying, Yao Chen relaxed inwardly. At the very least, Yang Chen's words had revealed that this absurdly young monster before him did not seem to harbor much ill will toward him.

As for Yang Chen's origins, Yao Chen had no real clues, but they were undoubtedly terrifying. It was highly possible that they came from a background even he knew nothing about.

A powerful and mysterious force beyond the Eight Ancient Clans—just thinking about it was terrifying!

"Ha ha, you overstate things. Since you know this old man's origins, you must also understand my character. I, Yao Chen, would not dare claim to be particularly righteous, but I can certainly be considered upright and honorable. As for your nephew, circumstances forced my hand, and I had no other choice. I hope you can forgive me."

He had called him "young man" just moments ago, but now it had become "your excellency." An old hand was still an old hand—his reaction was truly quick.

When facing Yang Chen, Yao Chen had now completely placed himself in a lower position. This fellow of unknown origins and mysterious background genuinely made him uneasy.

Yao Chen even suspected that if Xiao Yan were truly harmed, not only would he suffer, but Starfall Pavilion, Pill Tower, and even Flower Sect, which had been deliberately mentioned earlier, would all be implicated by him. Yao Chen did not doubt Yang Chen's capabilities in the slightest. Even if he could not do it now, he certainly would in the future.

As for why the Yao Clan had not been mentioned, it was naturally because the Yao Clan was on bad terms with Yao Chen. Could it be that after he had offended the other party, they would repay evil with kindness, avenge Yao Chen, and wipe out the Yao Clan for him?

"Yang Chen naturally trusts Venerable Yao's character. Otherwise, you would not have met me today."

Yang Chen nodded slightly. Yao Chen's character was indeed trustworthy. If Yao Chen had harbored any other intentions, Yang Chen would have erased him entirely.

"I see that Venerable Yao has delayed appearing. Could it be that you have taken a liking to Xiao Yan?"

"Ha ha, Xiao Yan's talent is outstanding, and his will is tenacious. If possible, it would naturally be best for him to inherit my legacy. It is just that, Your Excellency..."

If he had been speaking in front of Xiao Yan, Yao Chen would surely have said something like, "His talent barely passes." But if he said that before Yang Chen and this lord became displeased...

Besides, could Venerable Yao speak nonsense? Xiao Yan's talent was already quite good. Otherwise, how could he have caught the eye of the great Venerable Yao?

"I naturally trust Venerable Yao's abilities. So long as you can properly train Xiao Yan, whether Venerable Yao wishes to regain a physical body or settle your grievances with the Yao Clan, neither will be a problem!"

Yang Chen's words alone made Yao Chen, this old fellow who had lived for who knew how many years, redden around the eyes.

This was what someone else's uncle was like! Back then, if he had had an uncle who could sweep his sleeve and domineeringly declare that even a Dou Di clan would not be a problem, he would not have suffered so bitterly!

As for that unfilial son Han Feng, what was he worth?

It was not that Yao Chen looked down on Han Feng. Rather, in his view, even Yang Chen as he was now would not find it difficult to kill Han Feng, though he might have to pay some price.

"What happened today shall be known only to heaven and earth..."

Yang Chen chuckled. Upon hearing this, Yao Chen hurriedly cast aside his other thoughts. They exchanged a knowing smile, and Yao Chen said,

"You know, and I know. There will never be a third person who knows. Please rest assured of that."

"Xiao Yan is in Venerable Yao's care, then!"