Indeed, this is the truth.
Herb Pavilion and Medicine Valley, spread across the Yan Kingdom, are significant foundations of the Lingyin Sect.
However, these words, hidden in mockery, imply that the path of the Spirit Plant is not worthy.
Given this, where should the Lingyin Sect, established with Spirit Plants, stand in their hearts?
The laughter on the faces of the Xu Family disciples quickly froze.
It’s not that they didn’t want to—no matter how reasonable Chen Ye’s words were, what of it? They came to mock, their voices loud enough to overpower reason.
Continuing to laugh like that might spread to outsiders who would think they disrespect the Lingyin Sect.
Xu Qingsong squinted slightly, retracting some disdain.
Being eloquent isn’t really a skill.
But standing alone, holding one’s own among numerous Late Period Qi Cultivators and even Foundation Establishment Cultivators, shows some ability.
"Taoist Friend Chen’s skill in speaking is quite impressive. I wonder, are the skills in your hands as quick as your tongue?"
Xu Qingsong changed his tone, skillfully returning Chen Ye’s earlier words:
"You mentioned earlier that my elders bully the weak with their age. Rather... let me give you the opportunity today to do the same, how about it?"
With that, he turned slightly, addressing the blue-robed cultivator behind him whose face had turned ashen with embarrassment from earlier, speaking calmly: "Xu Lin, step forward and spar with Steward Chen."
The blue-robed cultivator named Xu Lin heard this, and his eyes immediately flashed with a ferocity!
With a "swish," he folded his fan, stepped forward, and the Late Period Qi Cultivation spiritual power around him erupted without restraint, stirring up a fierce wind!
"Steward Chen," he grinned sinisterly, speaking word by word, "Please enlighten me!"
Not gaining an advantage with words, he wanted to make up for his lost face — with interest — through action!
The atmosphere at the valley entrance was tense, as if ready for combat!
Duan Ling’s heart jumped to his throat.
This Xu Lin, judging by his aura, is clearly a skilled Late Period Qi Cultivator, with a solid foundation, unlike ordinary Loose Cultivators!
Steward Chen has strong Sword Intent, but the killing intent is so fierce; if he accidentally kills Xu Lin...
Seeing Chen Ye’s changing expression, Xu Qingsong smiled more deeply.
He lazily added another sentence:
"Of course, if Steward Chen doesn’t dare to accept the challenge, that is also simple."
He pointed to the Foundation Establishment elder behind him, who was resting his eyes, and slowly said:
"Simply go over right now, apologize for your earlier insolence, and kneel down to my elder, then today’s matter is settled."
"This old man has no interest in hearing apologies from those smooth-talking cultivators. Spare it!" The elder waved his hand impatiently, feigning indifference.
"Uncle Xu, though a wise person forgives minor offenses, a minor person must know their wrongs, right?"
Blue-robed cultivator’s face showed flattery, praising repeatedly.
Only then did the elder nod gently, "Indeed. As an elder, I should impart some lessons to the juniors."
At this moment, Chen Ye suddenly heard Mao Qingzhu’s voice in his mind:
"Brother Ye, if you wish to make a move, then do so... Don’t be concerned about that old man."
"Hmm, I cannot retreat on this matter."
Chen Ye replied secretly, gradually gaining some understanding in his heart,
"Xu Qingsong never wanted Qing Jun to return honorably to the Xu Family, and now Sister Qingzhu is about to bring Qing Jun back to Xu Family. They can’t stop you, so they want to suppress me, to attack me."
"Seems I’ve added trouble for Brother Ye again..." Mao Qingzhu spoke with remorse.
"Not so, Qing Jun’s matter is my matter," Chen Ye calmly responded.
He understood clearly.
Perhaps in Xu Qingsong’s eyes, he was previously just a Loose Cultivator, lacking courage.
All it would take is bringing people to visit, either intimidating or enticing him, and he would hand Qing Jun over just like the methods used at Lingyin Sect...
To Xu Qingsong and the others, Qing Jun is undoubtedly a disgrace, easily targeted by other forces within the Xu Family, thus they naturally do not want Qing Jun to come home.
Hence, if Qing Jun falls into Xu Qingsong’s hands, the outcome is predictable.
"Fine."
Among the gaze of those either contemptuous, worried, or watching a spectacle, Chen Ye cupped his hands,
"Since Taoist Friend Xu has such an interest, Chen humbly accompanies."
Seeing him accept the challenge, the grin on the blue-robed cultivator Xu Lin’s face widened!
His spiritual power roared into action, a long sword shimmering with green light already in hand, its tip pointed directly at Chen Ye, aggressive!
Chen Ye stood empty-handed, not even summoning a Magic Sword.
He simply looked at his opponent and raised his right hand.
"Zheng——!"
A gentle hum.
Dozens of golden sharp energy strands shot from his fingertips, swirling around him like living creatures, flying and dancing!
Precisely the Geng Metal Qi!
But now, the Geng Metal Qi was far beyond the past, difficult for everyone to recognize as a mere First Tier Lower Grade magic.
Each strand of energy was condensed into substance, the sharp aura causing the air to emit a "sizzling" sound!
"Gaudy trick!"
Xu Lin snorted coldly, kicked the ground forcefully, shooting forward like an arrow, the long sword in his hand swirling up a fierce Spiritual Light towards Chen Ye’s chest!
He intended to crush this presumptuous Spirit Plant Cultivator with one move!
Chen Ye’s lips curled slightly, as he concentrated on his thoughts.
The dozens of swirling Geng Metal Qi suddenly seemed to come to life, forming a golden barrier before him!
"Ding ding dang dang!"
A series of dense, crisp sounds!
Xu Lin’s sword, which seemed certain to succeed, struck against the golden barrier of energy, but not only failed to penetrate even a bit further, but was also shaken by the recoil, leaving his hand numb and his blood surging!