Chapter 102: A Surprise for Them

The Feng family residence was situated atop a mountain. Although isolated, the Mortal Market lay not far below. The inn Chen Xiang had booked was within that market, also close to the Feng estate.

Originally, Chen Xiang intended to leave the Feng residence and head straight to the inn. Yet, as he stepped through the gate, his pace suddenly halted. A faint smile curved his lips as he deliberately slowed, strolling toward the back mountain behind the Feng estate.

The chubby young man from Kunshan Sect made no attempt to conceal himself; he swaggered boldly out of the Feng gate.

At that moment, several figures flickered nearby. Five men, all wearing matching yellow brocade robes, appeared behind the slightly plump youth. Their aura was formidable, their eyes sharp—clearly individuals specially trained for combat.

These five were the bodyguards assigned by the Kunshan Sect’s Sect Master to protect the young master. The young master’s cultivation talent was abysmal; even with the aid of heavenly treasures, he had only just reached the foundation establishment’s completion stage. Being the Sect Master’s only son, he was never sent out alone for fear of danger.

"Young Master!"

The five simultaneously cupped their fists and bowed in salute.

“Hm.” The young master gave a casual wave before asking, “Did any of you see a boy in black come out just now?”

The guards lowered their hands and nodded. One stepped forward and said, “Young Master, since the longevity banquet began, only one person has come out—a boy in black. He’s over there.”

He pointed toward the back mountain.

Following the direction, the young master caught sight of Chen Xiang leisurely walking along a small path. Just as Chen Xiang rounded a bend, their view was blocked by the Feng estate’s enclosing wall.

“Quick, follow him!” The young master, unable to see Chen Xiang anymore, gave the order and hurried after him.

The five said nothing further, trailing behind their young master. They instinctively knew what was about to happen—it was hardly their first encounter like this.

Chen Xiang maintained a vigilant spiritual perception, observing them as they followed. Seeing their pursuit, he relaxed.

“Heh heh, I didn’t expect this chubby kid to actually want to mess with me. Maybe I should give them a little surprise later,” Chen Xiang murmured with a bright smile.

Having cultivated the Spirit Refining Technique and undergone the Ice Spirit Tower’s purification, his divine sense was now terrifyingly strong. He had long sensed many cultivators secretly watching from the gate, though he could not identify their status.

He also discerned the cultivation levels of the five: all were between the eighth layer of Qi Gathering to the peak of Qi Gathering stage—cultivators whom he could extinguish with a mere breath.

In no rush, Chen Xiang deliberately led them on a winding path through the scenery several miles away.

“Tch, what’s this brat turning left and right for? You five, go get him quickly! But save some strength—I want to invite him for tea when we get back,” the young master grumbled, visibly annoyed, and spoke to the five behind him.

The five exchanged hesitant glances. One said, “Young Master, this man discovered us long ago. Now he’s leading us around; I’m afraid it’s a trap!”

“Oh?” The young master’s gaze sharpened. Observing Chen Xiang at a distance, he realized that Chen Xiang—untrained and weaker in cultivation—had not noticed them at all.

“He’s only at Qi Gathering stage. Even if it’s a trick, can’t you five handle him?” The young master grew impatient after a moment’s thought.

Hearing this, the five guards’ eyes flickered with disdain, but they quickly masked it.

“Young Master, you can’t see it that way. Many people stumble into traps unexpectedly. Since he’s acting like this, he must have a trump card,” one guard advised.

“Hm, you have a point.” The young master nodded thoughtfully.

After three seconds of contemplation, he tapped his left hand with his right. “Is Second Uncle nearby?”

The five guards immediately understood the young master’s plan. Damn, calling the Grand Elder over for such a trivial matter? They braced themselves for a scolding.

They quickly dissuaded him. “No, Young Master, we can’t alarm the Fifth Elder.”

“Exactly. The Grand Elder only steps in for emergencies. We shouldn’t bother him for something this small.”

“Don’t worry, Young Master. The five of us will handle this immediately.”

...

After much persuasion, they finally convinced the young master to abandon the idea of summoning the Grand Elder.

They involuntarily recalled the Grand Elder’s demeanor within the sect—cold on the surface but ruthless underneath. A chill ran down their spines.

Who knew the Grand Elder best in Kunshan Sect? It was these specially trained guards. They had witnessed firsthand the Grand Elder’s heartless nature.

Meanwhile, Chen Xiang’s divine sense clearly overheard their conversation. Initially, he brightened at the thought of the sect’s Grand Elder being called—another chance for profit. Alas, the five guards’ intervention dampened his hopes.

His spiritual perception covered the entire mountaintop, save for a few places shielded by prohibitive formations.

He soon found a suitable spot.

Then, using his Qi Gathering-level agility, he leapt several times before landing in a concealed valley. The small valley was surrounded by trees, its interior invisible from the outside.

Upon landing, Chen Xiang stood quietly, waiting for them.

---

The young master grew anxious when Chen Xiang vanished into the woods. He urged, “Hey, hurry up! That kid’s disappeared!”

The five looked around. Unable to find Chen Xiang, they used their divine sense to scan and spotted him standing in the valley, breathing a sigh of relief.

They dared not delay further. In a flash, the five and the young master entered the valley, facing Chen Xiang.

Their divine senses immediately swept the surroundings. The valley was eerily silent, with no signs of formations or other creatures, which somewhat reassured them.

The young master surveyed the area with satisfaction and laughed heartily, “Ha! Kid, knowing you don’t have long to live, you’ve picked a nice spot to hide. Not bad, not bad! This place is scenic and secluded—perfect for being undisturbed. But unfortunately, I can’t let you have your way.”

The five guards, initially puzzled, soon grew serious. They were no tenderflowers pampered in a greenhouse. To knowingly bring trouble to such a remote, tranquil spot meant either foolishness or genuine skill.

Chen Xiang smiled faintly and glanced behind them before meeting their gazes calmly.

“Chubby boy, you’re adorably stupid. You’re so used to bullying others face-to-face that even those stronger than you fear you, which has clearly muddled your mind,” Chen Xiang said with a smile.

“Hmph. Kid, I’m going to cut out your tongue and feed it to the dogs. Let’s see how calm you stay then!” The young master’s face darkened at the nickname “Chubby Boy.”

“Hurry up. I’m getting impatient,” he added sternly.

The five guards hesitated. Although Chen Xiang radiated the aura of a third-layer Qi Gathering cultivator throughout, his composed demeanor aroused their suspicion.

“Hey, move it! I’ve got other things to do,” Chen Xiang said casually.

The young master’s face darkened further as he shouted, “Get him, now! Do you believe I’ll call Second Uncle over?”

At the threat, the five guards snapped to attention and charged forward, drawing their spirit weapons to attack Chen Xiang.

To be continued...