After the treatment, Xue Hui had bid his goodbye to the people of Snow wind family, as he and Chen Zhenlong returned to Divine family Mansion.
Xue Hui first ever encountered Ye Mo, had made him realize how vulnerable his current strength are, as lord Ye Mo had effortlessly seen through him.
With that in mind, once they've come back, he immediately entered seclusion in order to increase his strength.
With the help of all the cultivation resources he obtained during their trip in the outside world, Xue Hui cultivation had broken through to One-Star Silver Rank from being three star bronze rank with only a month of seclusion.
This speed in his cultivation was the result of Xue Hui's vast knowledge and the massive cultivation resources he had collected during their year-long journey.
Resources that Xue Hui prepared ahead of time, knowing that his cultivation technique, [Creation Origin Ancestral Canon], required a large amount of cultivation resources to practice.
The [creation origin ancestral canon] cultivation technique is undoubtedly the slowest cultivation technique that Xue Hui had ever practiced, if he was cultivating a normal supreme cultivation technique Xue Hui had probably stepped to gold or even black gold rank by now.
The reason of why his cultivation technique is extremely hard to cultivate is because of its ever changing nature, unlike the normal cultivation technique, [creation origin ancestral canon] doesn't have a fix path to follow, the more Xue Hui grow the more his cultivation technique change its path in order to carve his own destiny.
Xue Hui himself doesn't know what path his cultivation technique would lead him.
After stepping up to Silver Rank Demon Spiritualist and having his soul force increase by leaps and bounds, the next thing Xue Hui focused on was his physical strength.
Xue Hui's biggest weakness is always his physique.
Despite entering the space of [CREATION ORIGIN ANCESTRAL MANUAL] and obtaining its knowledge, that phenomena itself did not make any changes to his physique.
While Xue Hui had a knowledge of many physique-altering methods to strengthen his body.
Those techniques required some heaven-defying treasures as catalysts to perform, which were out of Xue Hui's reach with his current strength.
So he was left with only one available option to build his physical strength.
Which proved and tested a way to be strong, called physical training.
With a set goal in mind, Xue Hui, with a plan to head outside the wall, informed everyone about his plan.
The moment Xue Hui mentioned about leaving, he was immediately bombarded by a barrage of protests, asking him to stay.
The thought of Xue Hui heading into the outside world worried everyone. The first thing that came to their mind is that Xue Hui was going on another year-long journey like last time, with the only difference, of himi traveling all but himself, which worried everyone.
Although, looking at Chen Wenrou's reaction, Xue Hui had a lingering suspicion that her reason for stopping him was so he could teach her more about pill refining using alchemy fire.
Apparently, she was one of those rare geniuses when it came to alchemy. Being able to ignite her alchemy fire all by herself in such a short time was something that greatly surprised even him.
Anyway, once Xue Hui explained that he would only run around the territory of the St. Ancestral Mountain Range, the ladies of Chen Zhenlong's residence finally agreed for him to leave albeit begrudgingly.
Though that didn't stop Chen Linlin from puffing her cheeks in annoyance, while shooting Xue Hui a pointed glare.
Due to Chen Linlin receiving the Moon Glaze Eternal Lotus Physique not long ago, her body needed some time to fully acclimate to her new soul realm.
Meaning that she needed to wait at least a couple of years before she could begin cultivating without causing any severe backlash to her physique.
As for physical training, Chen Linlin was too out of shape for her to start training in the outside world.
Those extra heaving Pie nuts cake, snow fine chocolate and ten layered fruit crust, had finally caught up to her.
Bringing her along would be both dangerous and unproductive for the two of them.
Then there was also the matter of the martial arts tournament.
Chen Zhenlong after much thought, had decided to announce Chen Linlin's recovery to the public.
By doing so, all the unnecessary rumors pertaining about Chen Linlin's recovery would be quashed before it began.
As of now, aside from them, no one else knew about Chen Linlin's recovery even in the divine family mansion.
This caused Chen Linlin into hiding even within her own clan, just to avoid being seen by everyone.
Once the news of her recovery became known to the members of the Divine Family, even with the strict order from Chen Zhenlong, once the information were out, there would undoubtedly be a leak.
And once the words got out, continued hiding her will completely pointless.
And the longer Chen Zhenlong kept his silence, the more outrageous rumors would spread, making things more complicated for Chen Linlin.
As for the danger that came with this revelation, Xue Hui was not the least bit concerned. With him and Chen Zhenlong around, how could the same thing like poisoning happen again.
Last time, Chen Zhenlong had gotten careless and let his guard down, which resulted in Chen Linlin being assassinated with poison.
Learning from that mistake, forget about poison, even smoke wouldn't get close to Chen Linlin without Chen Zhenlong knowing about it.
Chen Linlin's revelation would also serve as a trap to lure out the culprits behind her poisoning.
With Chen Zhenlong's current strength, along with the considerable number of battle talismans they unearthed during their journey, even if a Four-Star Legend Rank Demon Spiritualist were to attack him, he wouldn't be at any disadvantage.
So yes, Chen Linlin could burn a hole through Xue Hui's skull with her glare, she needs to stay.
With everything settled, the following morning, Chen Zhenlong, along with his wives and daughter, sent Xue Hui off.
"Be careful out there, Hui-Hui. Don't get yourself into too much trouble, okay!" Chen Yinying said while tidying his clothes.
"Don't forget to bring back some Sunburn Grass. Oh! and if you stumbled one hundred years old cold nara barked bring some aswell"
Xue Hui nodded. Chen Wenrou was in the middle of refining her first pill using alchemy fire, and she had been needing those herbs since she burned most of her stock during practice.
"I'll look for you after the tournament, Xiao Hui, so make sure to keep Silver by your side" With Chen Zhenlong connection with Silver, he could easily pinpoint his demon beast companion location.
"Don't get too engrossed in looting some ruins or something. You need to return to us as quickly as possible, okay." Although Chen Linlin was still bummed that she couldn't go with him, she still came to send him off, mostly to remind him not to stay out for too long.
After bidding his farewell, Xue Hui, perched on Silver's back, galloped their way toward the North Gate.
As the sun rose, The streets of Glory City were already bustling with activities. Numerous citizens were outside, setting their shops or rushing toward their work, making the street look busy.
But despite that, many people couldn't help but to halt in their steps as they confusingly watched the scene on the road.
Clip.
Clop.
Clip.
Clop.
One thing Xue Hui discovered about his steed was that Silver enjoyed attention a lot, so much so that their simple walk became a spectacle for everyone to see.
Silver's hooves tapped against the ground, making a rhythmic thumping as he nonchalantly skipped along the road, catching the attention of every person they walked by.
It is good that aside from a few unique features, Silver didn't look like a powerful demon beast, allowing them to stroll through the streets without causing any commotion.
But even so, their unusual tandem is enough to attract quite a number of onlookers.
It's good that Xue Hui didn't mind the attention, and simply smiled amicably to everyone.
As the two continue their impromptu parade.
Xue Hui noticed something in his peripheral vision that made him turn his head to its direction.
His lilac eyes met with the orange eyes of a little girl.
With a slack jaw and widened eyes the little girl stood beside her father.
Her owlish gaze followed the figure of Xue Hui and Silver as they approached them.
Her head bobbed as she followed silver's cheerful trot.
As they passed each other, Xue Hui tore his gaze away and paid her no mind. Unaware that the strings of fate would intertwine their lives together.
"C'mon, Ning'er. Your uncles are waiting for us. We still need to pay a visit to the Sacred Family," the man beside her spoke.
"Hmm." absentmindedly, Xiao Ning'er nod to what her father said, letting him to pull her, as the two of them walked to the opposite direction to where Xue Hui and silver were heading, but even so Xiao Ning'er's eyes lingered to the fleeting back of Xue Hui.
North gate
As Xue Hui and silver arrived at the North Gate, other than a some small scuffle involving Old Man kuon challenging Xue Hui to a fight, to prove he was capable of fending for himself.
Things were relatively smooth when he asked to pass through the gate, thanks to Chen Zhenlong, giving the patrolling guard a heads up about Xue Hui's arrival.
After applying medicine to the unconscious old Man Kuon, Xue Hui and SIlver pass through the gate, while ignoring the dumbfounded looks he was getting from the patrolling guard.
"What an energetic old man," Xue Hui murmured while chuckling, as the two of them disappeared in the forest.
St. Ancestral Mountain Range.
At one of its summits, a vast grassy open plain area devoid of its usual carpet of snow, due to the summer heat.
Xue Hui, who can be seen standing on the edge of the cliff side, a spot where he could view the entirety of the Glory City.
"I think this spot is perfect, not too far from the city and not too closed either for anyone to just walk in on us" Xue Hui stated.
"What do you think of Silver, is this good enough for you,?" Xue Hui asked, which made Silver nod before falling to his side to feel the freshly grown grass on his fur, looking satisfied.
Seeing this, Xue Hui took out the Sacred Jade Room, as he didn't waste time to begin his training.
He started by lifting a heavy object on his back while doing squats, after Xue Hui ran several laps around the edge of the mountain while doing breathing exercises, and he would take a break by doing some stretching.
A workout routine that breaks and builds his muscles, strengthening it.
And once the pain from the workouts subsides and he can get back to his feet.
Xue Hui would go deep to the forest to hunt demon beast and fight it, in order to get a hold of his fighting style in his current strength.
Due to his special training, Xue Hui's physique gradually improved, having a body growth comparable to an entire year's worth of training in such a short span of time.
In the following weeks, Chen Zhenlong made true to his words and visited Xue Hui, checking on him.
While handing all the cooked meals his wives made to Xue Hui.
Chen Zhenlong decided that it was a perfect time to inform Xue Hui about everything that had happened during the time of his absence.
Mostly the events during the martial arts tournament and the banquet he also informed Xue Hui the results of his talks with Ye Mo and Ye Zong.
Xue Hui listened to everything, while stuffing himself with the meal Chen Zhenlong' s brought him.
Another interesting event that had occurred right after the revelation of Chen Linlin's recovery.
Not only caught Xue Hui off guard, but also made him burst out in laughter.
"hahaha..Those self-centered bastards really think too highly of themselves huh!."
Chen Zhenlong had just told Xue Hui that the Sacred Family had arranged a marriage between Chen Linlin and Shen Hong's youngest son, Shen Yue.
Huffing in annoyance, Chen Zhenlong recalled the meeting that had happened between him and the Divine family elders after receiving that proposal.
Several days after the martial arts
tournament,
A representative of the Sacred Family visited the Divine Family to extend their patriarch's willingness to pay a visit to Chen Zhenlong to discuss a matter about strengthening the bond between the two major families.
With the topic of possible marriage between Chen Zhenlong's daughter and Shen Hong's youngest son.
Naturally, Chen Zhenlong didn't even entertain the idea and promptly sent the Sacred Family's representative back to his family, to convey his answer.
With Chen Zhenlong's current view of the Sacred Family, there was no way he would willingly send his only daughter to those people.
It was already suspicious to him that two members from two major families had been assassinated with poison, while the Sacred Family hadn't suffered any attacks at all.
Chen Zhenlong knew he might be jumping to conclusions without sufficient evidence.
But he was at least certained of one thing, he couldn't trust his only daughter to the likes of the Sacred Family.
"I'm surprised you settled that issue pretty quickly," Xue Hui said while smirking.
Looking at him, Chen Zhenlong simply shook his head, and rolled his eyes. How could he not know what Xue Hui really meant by it?
Despite his unfavorable views toward the Sacred Family, that sentiment wasn't shared by everyone, even among the members of the Divine Family.
Some of the Grand Elders and Elders of the Divine Family saw the marriage as a good opportunity to further strengthen the influence of the Divine Family.
Some of the elders didn't even bother to hide their real intentions during their discussion.
Why they shouldn't, this is for the benefits of their Divine family.
They won't relent and keep pushing for marriage.
Until they all found themselves forced to their knees, drowning in overwhelming strength unleashed by enraged Chen Zhenlong.
-The day of the meeting-
Sweating purposely, Chen Fe cursed under his breath as he struggled to push himself up from the ground.
Just like him, every member of the elder factions present in the meeting was forced to their knees by Chen Zhenlong's spiritual pressure.
"FOR TWO WHOLE GOD-DAMNED YEARS! YOU BUNCH OF OLD SCOUNDRELS IGNORED MY LIN'ER'S EXISTENCE LIKE SHE NEVER EVEN EXISTED IN THIS FAMILY!"
THUG!
with another barrage of Chen Zhenlong's soul force pressing down on everyone.
Chen Fe's body was pushed further down, his arms and legs were threatening to give out.
Peering from his side, those shrewd bastards who wouldn't shut up about the marriage now found themselves pressed entirely on the floor, looking like frogs.
"NOW THAT SHE'S BACK ON HER FEET, YOU USELESS BUNCH DIDN'T WAIT THAT LONG, TO USED HER FOR YOUR OWN GAINED!"
THUD!
Wave after wave of condensed soul force crashed against everyone's soul realm, threatening to burst it apart.
"W-we were in the wrong, L-Lord Patriarch… p-please forgive our offense… argh!"
The Grand Elder, the one who's been pushing for the marriage, found himself flat on the ground, blood trickling from the side of his mouth as he begged for forgiveness, afraid that Chen Zhenlong would actually cripple him out of rage.
How could he not?
Chen Zhenlong's strength had far surpassed all of them, subduing every elder with just his soul force alone. How could a Five-Star Black Gold Demon Spiritualist unleashed this amount of spiritual pressure?
The last time these elders had felt such terrifying spiritual pressure was when they witnessed Lord Ye Mo in action.
If their soul perception hadn't clearly sensed Chen Zhenlong's aura as Black Gold Rank, they would have been convinced that he had already broken through to Legend Rank.
Scanning the people around him and seeing everyone's futile attempts to resist his spiritual pressure, Chen Zhenlong finally withdrew his soul force, releasing them from the crushing suppression.
"AND ABOUT THE MARRIAGE!?" Chen Zhenlong asked in a low voice, his cold and furious tone reverberating through everyone's soul.
"We will never speak of it again!"
This time, the response didn't only come from the offending elders, but from everyone present.
Satisfied with the answer, Chen Zhenlong nodded and decided he had had enough of everyone's stupidity.
"Good. This meeting is over."
He waved his arm dismissively.
"You can all go back to your work."
After he said that, the oppressive aura locking everyone in place completely disappeared, allowing them to hastily leave the room.
Freed from Chen Zhenlong's wrath, all the elders let out a relieved sigh, grateful that they had survived such a predicament.
No one tried to voice any grievances.
If they were angry, none of them directed that anger toward Chen Zhenlong. Instead, they pushed the blame onto those shrewd elders who had insisted on the marriage.
With Chen Zhenlong's current strength, even if they were angry at him, what could they possibly do about it?
Furthermore, with his current strength, the possibility of Chen Zhenlong breaking through to Legend Rank Demon Spiritualist was extremely high. How could they afford to make an enemy out of someone like that?
And as for the matter that started all of this, the marriage.
'What marriage?'
'They had never heard anything about marriage.'
Every elder firmly etched that thought into their hearts.
Back in the present.
Xue Hui and Silver were both rolling on the ground as they cackled upon hearing Chen Zhenlong's story.
Watching them laugh, Chen Zhenlong simply shook his head, while a small grin tug on his lips.
Seeing it was time for him to leave, he stood up from his seat and bid farewell to the two.
"Xiao Hui, I'm heading back. Are you coming with me?" he asked, watching as the boy shook his head.
"I'm still in the middle of my training, Uncle. I'll head back once I'm done," Xue Hui answered.
nodding to his response, Chen Zhenlong stored all the herbs Xue Hui had collected to his interspatial ring before turning his back to them.
"Be careful, you two," Chen Zhenlong said before floating into the air and shooting toward the direction of Glory City. With Silver by Xue Hui's side, Chen Zhenlong could easily pinpoint their whereabouts.
Watching him disappear into the distance, Xue Hui steadied his breathing, as he composed himself before shifting his gaze toward the huge waterfall not far from their camp.
Smirking, he stored all his stuff in his interspatial ring, before addressing Silver, "Shall we head over there now, Silver?"
The demon beast donkey looked toward the direction of the waterfall and nodded.
"Ra-ul."
End of Chapter 34