Mainland Martial Arts

Chapter 223 The Appearance of Chen Shanchang

Chen Xiner blinked her big black gemstone eyes, frowned slightly, and said embarrassedly: "Lin Feng, I realize that I really know nothing about your family situation."

When Lin Feng heard this, a sly glint flashed across his deep eyes. He raised the corner of his mouth slightly and said teasingly, "Oh? You're thinking about getting to know my family so soon. Are you anxious to meet my parents?"

A bewildered expression instantly crossed Chen Xin'er's delicate face, her small mouth slightly open, looking bewildered. Seeing her adorable appearance, Lin Feng couldn't help but laugh out loud, then explained, "According to the customs of our world, before marrying, a woman usually has to visit the man's home, meet his parents, and learn about his family situation."

Chen Xiner nodded in sudden realization, but at that moment, as if she suddenly realized another layer of meaning in Lin Feng's words, her fair face suddenly turned red, like a blooming peach blossom. She gently hit Lin Feng's arm in a coquettish manner, then shyly turned her face away, muttering, "You're so bad, you always say nonsense." Lin Feng looked at her shy appearance and laughed even more happily.

Chen Yu and Xu Tian sat quietly by the fire under the tree. Chen Yu's stern face looked even more serious in the firelight. His eyes were fixed on the dancing flames, as if searching for some answer within them. Xu Tian lowered his head slightly, his eyes somewhat empty, as if lost in his own memories.

Suddenly, Xu Tian's eyes grew deep, and a charming figure gradually emerged in his mind: his childhood sweetheart, Ma Ziyan. He silently thought to himself, if Ziyan were still alive, they would be living a simple yet happy life in a quiet town. Thinking of this, Xu Tian's heart was filled with helplessness, and he sighed deeply, his sigh filled with endless sadness.

Chen Yu noticed the change in Xu Tian's mood. He frowned slightly, turned sideways, looked at Xu Tian with concern, and asked, "Brother Xu, seeing you look like this, is there something bothering you? Why don't you tell me? I'll share your burden with you."

Xu Tian was silent for a moment, as if trying to sort out his thoughts. After a while, he slowly raised his head, looked at Chen Yu, and said in a hoarse voice, "This is a past that I have always been reluctant to talk about. Zi Yan and I grew up together. Our relationship was like the clear spring water in the mountains, pure and beautiful. But who could have imagined that Chu Yi of the Chu family in Xihai City would later fall in love with Zi Yan. To get Zi Yan, Chu Yi used all kinds of tricks and schemed to frame me. He created one conspiracy after another, which caused an irreconcilable conflict between Zi Yan and me. In the end, he framed me and sent me to the frontier. While I was exiled to the frontier, Chu Yi took the opportunity to marry Zi Yan."

As Xu Tian spoke, tears welled up in his eyes, gleaming in the firelight. He continued, "When I returned to Xihai City after countless hardships, I discovered that my father had been beaten to death by Chu Yi's men. They also captured me and wanted to kill me. Just when I was in despair, Lin Feng stayed by my side. He saved me, and together we went to destroy the Chu family. But while we were escaping, Zi Yan was killed by Chu Feng, the Chu family's eldest elder, in order to save me." Xu Tian couldn't help but let his tears roll down, dripping onto the back of his hand.

Chen Yu listened quietly to Xu Tian's story, his heart filled with sympathy. He gently patted Xu Tian's shoulder and said comfortingly, "Brother Xu, your experience is truly tragic. This kind of pain is unbearable for anyone."

Xu Tian wiped his tears and said through gritted teeth, "I swore to gain powerful strength to protect those around me. I don't want such a tragedy to happen again. That's why I chose to practice the magic sect's skills. Although it is very dangerous, it can quickly improve my strength. You also know that if you want to break through to the Grandmaster level, it normally takes at least ten years. Just like you, although you are already a half-step Grandmaster, you are only in your twenties. If you want to break through to the Grandmaster level, it will take at least seven or eight years. Moreover, to compete with those big families, you must at least reach the level of Sixth-Rank Grandmaster or above, otherwise there is no chance of winning."

After listening to Xu Tian's words, Chen Yu nodded slightly. He could understand Xu Tian's choice. After all, in this cruel world, strength is the basis of survival.

In the quiet forest, the night was as cool as water. Chen Xin'er rested quietly in Lin Feng's arms. The two of them looked up at the vast starry sky. The stars twinkled like brilliant gems inlaid in the sky, while the bright moon, with a missing corner, cast a soft glow. In this peaceful atmosphere, Chen Xin'er's eyelids gradually became heavy, and before they knew it, they fell asleep in Lin Feng's arms. Lin Feng looked at the beautiful woman sleeping in his arms, a gentle smile on his lips, and then slowly closed his eyes.

Nearby, beside a nearby fire, Chen Yu and Xu Tian lay side by side. Chen Yu's brow furrowed slightly, as if lost in thought even in his sleep. Xu Tian, ​​on the other hand, wore a calm expression, his breathing slow and even. The firelight flickered on their faces, sometimes bright and sometimes dim. As the night deepened, the two of them drifted off into sleep.

As the first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the leaves, a thin layer of mist filled the forest. Lin Feng was the first to open his eyes. He moved gently, afraid to wake Chen Xin'er in his arms. Seeing that Chen Xin'er was still sleeping soundly, his eyes were filled with tenderness. After a while, Chen Xin'er also slowly woke up. She blinked and looked at Lin Feng, a sweet smile on her face.

Lin Feng gently picked up Chen Xiner and floated down from the treetops. They woke up Chen Yu and Xu Tian, ​​and after a simple meal, the four of them mounted their horses and continued on their way.

Around noon, they arrived at a beautiful lake. The water was crystal clear, the surface as calm as a mirror, without a single ripple. In the center of the lake stood an antique pavilion, resembling a beautiful painting. The path to the pavilion was on the other side of the lake, and to reach it, one had to perform Qinggong exercises.

Lin Feng and the other three reined in their horses and gazed toward the pavilion. They saw an elderly man sitting quietly sipping tea. He wore a plain robe, his hair graying, and his face kind, yet possessed a commanding presence. Behind him stood a middle-aged man with one arm. Lin Feng narrowed his eyes, observing him closely. Suddenly, he recognized the one-armed man as Chen Minghui of the Chen family. He had never seen the elderly man before.