Demon Slaying, Gaining 60 Years of Cultivation From the Start

Chapter 106: Chapter 101: Threat (Three more ten thousand words, asking for subscription!)_1

"Hmm?"

Upon hearing this, Liang Xu's brows furrowed slightly. He was aware of the close relationship between Chen Yu and Lu Sheng, and now, as Lu Xinlan walked over with Gu Chen, he instantly understood what it meant.

This was his rival in love!

"The Star Ranking? Never heard of it!" Liang Xu said with a faint smile.

The officials of the imperial court had always paid little regard to the people of Jianghu, viewing them as a group of uncivilized ruffians. They had long been subdued by the present emperor; anyone who dared defy him would see their sect headquarters directly trampled by Da Xia.

Therefore, in their eyes, the geniuses from the Jianghu sects counted for nothing and couldn't make a show in high society, far from attaining the noble birthright and abundant martial resources of their royal and aristocratic offspring.

In the face of Jianghu forces, people from Da Xia always maintained a superior attitude. Even the demons wreaking havoc across the nine provinces were not taken seriously by this group.

Some even felt that the Jing Tian Department was too inadequate; after the Emperor of Da Xia went into seclusion, they couldn't even handle mere demons.

After all, none of them had ever ventured far from Tiandu or witnessed the true terror of demons.

If it weren't for the help of the Vajra Stage, Gu Chen, who had completed so many missions, wouldn't even be alive today.

Accustomed to wealth and luxury, living in gilded cages for so long, they had no idea what the outside world was truly like.

Seeing this group of people, Gu Chen could predict the kind of incompetent officials that would appear on Da Xia's court in the not-so-distant future.

With the demon calamity worsening and the Six Union God Sect causing chaos, the world was in a state of strife, yet these people, protected by the legacy of their forebears, imagined a peaceful realm.

The collapse of a dynasty often began from such ignorance.

Gu Chen didn't care about Liang Xu's words. It was clear that they were not on the same path and had nothing to say to each other. He walked inside, sticking close to Lu Xinlan's side.

Seeing this, Liang Xu's resentment grew, his teeth clenched tightly.

"Brother Gu, it seems we are truly fated to meet again," Cao Zhen, holding a wine glass, said with a smile as he approached Gu Chen.

Actually, Gu Chen somewhat admired Cao Zhen; he could tell that there was no hint of a smile in Cao Zhen's eyes, and his heart felt the same, yet he could still manage to force a smile and initiate conversation.

His mouth spat out insincere words without any hint of embarrassment.

"Quite fated indeed," Gu Chen replied dismissively.

Cao Zhen didn't take offense, continuing, "Brother Gu, I have truly fallen for Miss Qinyan at first sight. There might have been some misunderstandings between us causing Miss Qinyan to resist me a bit. May I ask Brother Gu to help persuade her on my behalf?"

Gu Chen glanced at him but didn't respond.

Cao Zhen said with a smile, "Brother Gu, I sincerely wish to marry Miss Qinyan, and my status is certainly fitting. With Miss Qinyan by my side, I can assure you she will not suffer. If she likes Tiandu, I am also willing to stay with her here. As long as Brother Gu is willing to help, everything is negotiable."

It was quite evident from Cao Zhen's words that he was trying to buy Gu Chen over, especially since his position as the heir to the Marquis of Pingxi was so much more elevated compared to the Gu Mansion that, as long as Gu Chen had any desire, he was not afraid of failing to buy him over.

A glint of amusement appeared in Gu Chen's eyes as he said, "That sounds good. Since Lord Marquis is so sincere, would he also be willing to show some goodwill, so that our Gu Family can see?"

Cao Zhen's face showed genuine pleasure as Gu Chen agreed, saying, "Of course, that's no issue at all. What does Brother Gu wish for?"

In his view, even if Chen Yu favored Gu Chen, Chen Yu was not likely to be overly biased toward him, as the rules of the Jing Tian Department were clear. Gu Chen would still need to complete missions for the department to earn merit and exchange it for what he wanted.

Cao Zhen was ready to offer benefits to Gu Chen, confident that Gu Chen would not be able to resist, given the disparity in their wealth and status. This disparity was what made him confident in being able to buy Gu Chen's support.

However, Gu Chen's next words caused Cao Zhen's face to darken for the first time.

Gu Chen spoke indifferently, "If Lord Marquis is willing to share a Superior Martial Skill for my perusal, then I will believe that Lord Marquis's feelings for Qinyan are genuine."

Despite Cao Zhen's preparedness for Gu Chen's possible lofty demands and his willingness to make expensive concessions, who could have expected Gu Chen to make such a bold request?

Cao Zhen suppressed his anger, turning an ashen face toward Gu Chen and said, "Brother Gu must be joking, right? Do you realize how valuable a Superior Martial Skill is?"

Gu Chen looked at Cao Zhen with an amused smile and responded, "What's wrong, Lord Marquis is unwilling?"

Cao Zhen's eyes darkened with anger. He knew Gu Chen was taunting him; Superior Martial Skills were indeed in his possession, but they were extremely precious to the entire Pingxi Marquis Mansion. There were only two, and how could he possibly give one to Gu Chen so casually?

Even if the Marquis of Pingxi spoiled him greatly, he would not tolerate such prodigality. For the sake of a woman, to part with a Superior Martial Skill—should Cao Zhen dare to make such a move, his own father would begin to doubt if his son had lost his mind.

Biting his teeth, Cao Zhen whispered fiercely to Gu Chen, "Do you really think that with Chen Yu from the Jing Tian Department and Zhou Qing from the Mingjing Department backing you up, I'm without recourse?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Chen's eyes sharpened as he looked at Cao Zhen.

Cao Zhen felt a chill in his heart, but still pressed on, "With my standing, there's no woman I can't have. My current humble approach and earnest pleas are already quite exceptional. I hope Brother Gu doesn't forget the difference in our statuses!"

His words implied that, to him, the Gu Family was no different from weeds by the roadside. His condescension to personally pay a visit and bring gifts was already a big favor.

Indeed, had Gu Chen not been in the picture, Gu Qingyan would have found herself delivered to Cao Zhen's bed that very night of their first meeting, sparing him all this effort.

This was the disparity that status and position brought forth. When the powerful wanted to oppress the common folk, what could the latter do?

If Cao Zhen was truly determined to pursue Gu Qingyan, he could simply take her by force and the Gu Family would be powerless to oppose—what could Gu Chen do then?

Could it be that Gu Chen would go and tattle to Chen Yu and Zhou Qing?

Even if he did, would Chen Yu and Zhou Qing bother to intervene?

Even if they did intervene, it would only lower Gu Chen's standing in their eyes.

The reason Cao Zhen did not do so was partly because he genuinely had some fear of Chen Yu and Zhou Qing, and secondly because he indeed felt differently towards Gu Qingyan and the other women.

But now, since Gu Chen remained unyielding, he no longer hid his intentions and laid everything bare.

"You dare?!"

Gu Chen's eyes darkened, a flicker of murderous intent passing through their depths.

Cao Zhen felt a chill, but he didn't care and instead slapped Gu Chen on the shoulder with a smile, "Brother Gu, why deceive yourself? Isn't it better to have the best of both worlds?"

At that moment, Lu Xinlan approached. Her beautiful eyes sparkled, noticing something off with the atmosphere between the two men, and she asked, "What are you two talking about?"

"Nothing much." Cao Zhen smiled and once again donned his trademark insincere grin, "They say seeing is believing, I've long heard that Miss Lu Xinlan of the Duke of Liang State is unparalleled in beauty, a delicate flower of Tiandu. Seeing you today, the reputation is indeed well-deserved."

Lord Marquis is too kind," Lu Xinlan said with a light smile, her charming face radiant.

"Please, continue your conversation," said Cao Zhen to Lu Xinlan with a nod before he took his leave. As he departed, he cast a glance at Gu Chen, his eyes carrying an inscrutable look.

"Do you know Cao Zhen?" Lu Xinlan's bright eyes turned towards Gu Chen.

Gu Chen replied, "We've met a few times by chance."

Lu Xinlan nodded and the conversation between her and Gu Chen resumed. This time they discussed martial arts, and before long, Lu Xinlan's eyes shone with interest, her distance from Gu Chen noticeably closer than when they first met.

Liang Xu watched from the side, his eyes practically spitting fire with jealousy.

Meanwhile, Cao Zhen approached Liang Xu and whispered, "Brother Liang, it seems that the Duke of the Liang State and Commander Chen have plans to bring Miss Lu and Gu Chen together. In my view, Gu Chen is merely a second-rank Metropolitan Procurator from the Jing Tian Department, inferior to you in every aspect. Not to mention, his family background is miles apart from yours.

Now that Miss Lu is captivated by his honeyed words, you must be careful, Brother Liang."

This Liang Xu, at twenty-three, already had the cultivation level of the peak External Qi Stage, even within a step's reach from the Vajra Stage. Cao Zhen intentionally stirred the pot, hoping to provoke Liang Xu into giving Gu Chen a lesson.

Gathering all the intelligence he had on Gu Chen, his strength was indeed extraordinary. However, Liang Xu was the legitimate heir of Uncle Dingyuan, with decent martial talent and not just an empty shell. The martial skills he learned were strong, and with his realm suppressing Gu Chen, it seemed that Gu Chen was at a disadvantage no matter how one looked at it.

It didn't matter to Cao Zhen whether Gu Chen won or lost; his goal was to cause trouble for Gu Chen. Win or lose, Liang Xu would bear a grudge against Gu Chen, achieving Cao Zhen's purpose.

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"Gu Chen!"

Seeing Gu Chen and Lu Xinlan's increasing closeness, Liang Xu couldn't bear it any longer and bellowed angrily.

"You should take a look in the mirror. What is your status compared to Miss Xin Lan?"

Instantly, everyone around turned their attention towards the commotion, watching with the anticipation of a good show.

Lu Xinlan too was surprised by Liang Xu's reaction but, as if Gu Chen hadn't heard him, he continued speaking.

Seeing himself ignored, Liang Xu could no longer contain his rage. Was this nobody really ignoring him?

Liang Xu, furious, marched towards Gu Chen and said, "I am talking to you. Are you deaf?"

Only then did Gu Chen turn around, gave Liang Xu a few looks, and responded, nonchalantly, "Sorry, there was a bug chirping just now, I really didn't catch it. What did you just say?"

"You!"

Liang Xu's face reddened instantly, pointing his finger at Gu Chen.

Hearing Gu Chen's provocative words, everyone around chuckled.

Even the usually reserved Lu Xinlan couldn't help but display a hint of amusement in her eyes, finding Gu Chen's words quite funny, almost aggravating Liang Xu to death.

Standing at a distance, Cao Zhen let out a cold laugh, knowing that the enmity between the two men had just deepened. Given Liang Xu's narrow-mindedness and the loss of face before Lu Xinlan, he wouldn't let the matter rest.

"You're courting death!" Liang Xu roared, his eyes bloodshot.

Seeing Liang Xu pointing his finger at him, Gu Chen's expression also cooled, "I detest being pointed at with a finger the most. Do you no longer want those fingers?"

He realized that the more he kept a low profile, the more some people took him for granted. Since this was the case, Gu Chen decided he no longer wished to maintain that approach, but rather to strike back with force.

"I'll butcher you, you bastard!"

Liang Xu bellowed, ready to act, and Gu Chen's eyes instantly turned icy.

But at this moment, Lu Xinlan spoke up. Her pretty face turned stern as she said in a cold voice, "Today is my grandfather's birthday feast. Do you intend to start a fight, Master Liang?"

At her words, Liang Xu's expression stiffened, his hand stopping mid-air.

Seeing this, Cao Zhen stepped forward, affecting the role of a peacemaker, "Brother Liang, indeed it would be inappropriate to fight today. If you really cannot swallow this anger, perhaps we can find another solution?"

"What solution?" a red-eyed Liang Xu asked Cao Zhen.

"I hear that martial prowess is valued in the Duke's Mansion, and even the servants know a move or two. I've been told that there are three great cauldrons in the mansion, used by the Duke himself for strengthening his body and training his physical force. How about, we have a contest of lifting cauldrons?"