Sensing the murderous intent emanating from Shangguan Pojun, a smile graced Su Miaoyu’s lips.
Long Chen, you can’t blame me for this. You have only yourself to blame. Everything that has happened is of your own making. Since you’re a ghost that refuses to be exorcised, let the entire Long Family pay your debts!
Just as everyone was leaving Nine Demons Mountain, a figure appeared within the Heavenly Demon Sect. The man exuded an eerie, unsettling aura.
He waved his hand, and a mirror image materialized before him, displaying the battle between Long Chen and Yan Chen. When he saw Long Chen activate Dragon Blood Boiling, the man’s eyes widened slightly. He focused intently, replaying the scene over and over. Then, his calm expression shifted to one of sheer delight.
He stared intensely at Long Chen’s image. "So, you were the one who broke the formation. No wonder... no wonder. It seems this trip wasn’t in vain after all." He chuckled, his eyes glinting like a venomous snake that had just spotted its prey.
After returning to the Martial Ancestor, a blood-red flower slowly drifted into Long Chen’s chamber. Upon seeing it, Long Chen immediately understood it was a signal from Xia Duoduo. Just as he stood up, the flower flew back out. Without hesitation, he immediately followed it. The blood-red flower finally vanished when he reached the back mountain of the Martial Ancestor.
Long Chen stopped as well, and a moment later, a figure flashed into view.
The visitor was Xia Duoduo, who looked pale and exceptionally weak. Despite her state, she still bowed respectfully upon seeing Long Chen. "This servant greets the Young Master."
Seeing her condition, Long Chen was quite surprised. "Are you injured?"
"Yes," Xia Duoduo admitted, not bothering to hide it. "I had only just recovered my original body when I clashed with someone from the World King Palace. My meridians were damaged as a result."
Long Chen waved his hand, and a bottle of Elixir Pills appeared in his palm. "Take these. They should help with your injuries."
"Thank you, Young Master," Xia Duoduo accepted the bottle. "I will recuperate here on the back mountain. Since I am not a disciple of the Martial Ancestor, it is inconvenient for me to be seen within the sect, and I’d rather not cause you any trouble. If you need anything at the Martial Ancestor, Young Master, you can summon me at any time."
"Alright."
Upon his return, Long Chen gathered his thoughts and entered closed-door cultivation for two days to stabilize his strength and Realm. He only stopped on the third day when Chen Yao came to find him.
Long Chen looked at Chen Yao and asked, "Steward, is it time for my promotion to First-class Disciple?"
Chen Yao smiled. "The King has summoned you. It’s likely related to that."
"He wants to see me?" Long Chen was somewhat surprised.
"That’s right," Chen Yao nodded. "He has something to tell you."
"What is it?"
"I’m not sure," Chen Yao shook her head. "You’ll have to go yourself to find out. However, from my perspective, it’s definitely good news."
"Alright, then," Long Chen replied. "Steward, I’ll take my leave."
「Tuoba Jin’s grand hall was majestic and imposing.」
Long Chen paused at the entrance for a few seconds before stepping inside. At that moment, Tuoba Jin was seated on the main throne. Long Chen glanced around and noticed that Tuoba Jiao was also present.
Tuoba Jiao saw him and looked surprised. "Why are you here?"
"The King summoned me."
Long Chen brushed past Tuoba Jiao and bowed toward Tuoba Jin. "Your Majesty."
Tuoba Jin stroked his beard, smiling at Long Chen in satisfaction. "Take a seat."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Long Chen’s attitude toward the King before him was one of respect.
After he was seated, Tuoba Jin addressed him. "Long Chen, your performance at the Demon Pursuit Conference was exceptional. You have brought great honor to our Martial Ancestor and elevated the standing of the Human Institute within it. That is a truly magnificent achievement!"
"As a member of the Human Institute of the Martial Ancestor, it is my duty," Long Chen said, taking the opportunity to ask, "Your Majesty, I’ve heard that an outstanding performance at the Demon Pursuit Conference could warrant an exceptional promotion to First-class Disciple. I wonder when that condition will be fulfilled?"