The people around began to whisper. "Grandmaster Ye's attitude toward Li Yitong is so enviable."

"The Li Family is probably going to attach themselves to a more powerful backer. Sigh. Some things are simply unattainable for people like us, no matter how much we might want them."

In the bustling noise of the banquet, Ye Cangtian's gaze was as sharp and calm as an owl's. His target was as clear as a mirror—Li Yitong. The envious murmurs of the crowd were like the buzzing of bees; though noisy, they failed to stir a single ripple in his heart.

The atmosphere of the banquet became somewhat eerie in his presence, but he stood as steady as a great tree in a raging wind. His gaze wandered through the crowd, finally settling on Lin Xiaolong and Zhao Qin.

At that moment, Lin Xiaolong lifted his cup and looked directly at Chen Zheng. "It is said that Bajiquan is unmatched in the world, as mighty as a great river and a fierce tiger. Today, I have the good fortune to meet a descendant of Bajiquan. May I have the privilege of witnessing it?"

Zhao Qin followed suit, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. "I would also like to witness your Bajiquan, Brother Chen. I wonder if you would indulge us?"

Their eyes met, sparking like flint and steel as they silently conveyed their intentions.

Beside them, the expressions of Li Yitong and Li Chen changed at once. Li Yitong's eyes, in particular, filled with worry and helplessness for Chen Zheng. She wasn't afraid of their threats, but of Chen Zheng's volcanic temper hidden beneath his calm exterior. She feared that once it erupted, it could destroy them irreparably.

However, her worried glance was caught by Ye Cangtian.

Ye Cangtian immediately felt a flash of displeasure and said indifferently, "You two shouldn't overestimate yourselves. The power of Bajiquan is formidable!"

Lin Xiaolong and Zhao Qin quickly caught his meaning. "Rest assured, Grandmaster Ye," they said in unison. "We are well aware of Bajiquan's strength. This is merely our curiosity."

They then turned their gaze back to Chen Zheng. "Brother Chen, we'll drink to you. We hope you'll go easy on us."

As his words fell, Lin Xiaolong downed the wine in his cup in a single gulp.

"I hope Brother Chen can show mercy!" Zhao Qin added with a smile.

Chen Zheng furrowed his brow, a wave of annoyance washing over him.

Just then, a mechanical voice slowly rang out.

[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for successfully triggering a choice-based mission.]

[Option One: Accept the challenge and display the power of Bajiquan. Reward: The Golden Bell Shield secret manual.]

[Option Two: Display the power of the Grandmaster Stage and crush your opponents. Reward: A certain amount of cultivation.]

The Golden Bell Shield? And it's an ancient martial arts secret manual? Chen Zheng was taken aback, his curiosity instantly piqued. My knowledge of the Golden Bell Shield is limited to descriptions in novels and TV shows; I don't know any of the specifics.

He remained silent until Lin Xiaolong's lip curled into a provocative smirk. "Don't be stingy, Brother Chen. Or is the so-called Bajiquan all bark and no bite?"

Zhao Qin also interjected, "Since Brother Chen has no intention to spar, then let it be. It's just a pity that the name of my Buddha's Fist might have to overshadow Bajiquan!" He said this with a laugh that seemed playful but was laced with provocation.

Chen Zheng glanced at the two of them and made his decision. I choose Option One!

He then lifted his gaze and said indifferently, "So, are you coming at me together, or one at a time? I'd suggest you both come at once. Otherwise, I'm afraid the second one won't have the guts to step up."

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned.

How unbelievably arrogant!

To face the inheritors of Buddha's Fist and Hung Ga Kung Fu and demand they attack him together? There were only two possibilities. Either Chen Zheng's strength was so incredible that he could easily crush both of them, or his personality was simply arrogant to the point of courting death.

In the crowd's eyes, Chen Zheng didn't seem like the first type.

"Big words are easy, Brother Chen," Lin Xiaolong said, his tone dripping with menace. "Just be careful the wind doesn't rip that tongue from your mouth."

"Hmph!" Zhao Qin's smile vanished, replaced by a cold, dissatisfied snort.

Ye Cangtian narrowed his eyes, his sharp gaze attempting to see right through Chen Zheng.

However, Chen Zheng didn't respond to Lin Xiaolong, simply frowning slightly. Just as Lin Xiaolong thought he was about to back down, Chen Zheng suddenly spoke. "What's wrong? Are you scared? Or perhaps, are you two afraid of my Bajiquan?"

"What audacity!" Zhao Qin stood up angrily. "You've got a big mouth! Today, I'll let you witness the power of my Buddha's Fist!"

"Brother Chen, you're the one who issued the challenge," Lin Xiaolong said coldly. "If our fists don't show mercy and you get hurt, don't blame us!"

Chen Zheng didn't reply, instead getting up and walking outside.

Zhao Qin and Lin Xiaolong's cold gazes met. With contemptuous snorts, their lips curled into sneers, and they exited the hall together.

Li Yitong gracefully caught up to Chen Zheng. "Su Ming!" her voice was as soft as a breeze.

"I know what I'm doing, don't worry." Chen Zheng's reassuring smile was as gentle as a spring breeze.

"Alright." Li Yitong nodded lightly, choosing to wait quietly on the side.

From a corner, Ye Cangtian watched everything, his gaze like that of an old hunter, concealing a sharp, murderous intent.

At this moment, they had arrived in the courtyard, standing about ten meters apart in a delicate balance.

"Hung Ga Kung Fu, Lin Xiaolong!"

"Buddha's Fist, Zhao Qin!"

The two men announced their martial arts schools in unison. This was a form of etiquette in the martial arts community, a show of respect.

"Bajiquan! Chen Zheng!"

Chen Zheng's response was equally respectful.

However, in the next instant, Lin Xiaolong and Zhao Qin shot toward Chen Zheng like blazing flames. Their figures were as fleeting as the wind, the power in their bodies surging like a tide. The moment they moved, they were like tigers pouncing down a mountain, holding nothing back.

In the blink of an eye, they had closed in on him. Then, from two distinct angles, they sealed off his escape routes, like two fierce eagles eyeing their prey. Expectation gleamed in their eyes, as if they could already see Chen Zheng being sent flying.

The surrounding crowd cried out in surprise, unable to believe how quickly everything had happened.

It's over!

All eyes focused on Chen Zheng, that single thought running through their minds.

Yet, no one noticed the slight upward curl of Chen Zheng's lips, his expression filled with disdain. He was completely unconcerned by their attacks. If he was to demonstrate the true power of Bajiquan, he certainly wouldn't trade blows with them step by step. Only by utterly overwhelming them could he fully display the strength of Bajiquan.

With that thought, Chen Zheng's body leaned forward slightly, and he stomped his foot down with force.

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