C19 Huo Xiaotian

Observing Chen Bai's bewildered expression, which seemed genuine, Chen Lieh's face softened somewhat. He spoke in an even tone, "Tell me, where have you been all this time?"

"Oh, Dad, you mean that!" Chen Bai exclaimed, his face lighting up with understanding. He carefully chose his words before continuing, "I was at the entrance to the library when I heard my master calling me urgently, so I was immediately teleported away. As for where I went, my master insisted that I must keep it a secret, so I truly can't tell you, Dad."

"You little rascal! Is there anything you can't share with your old man?! Do you believe I'll spank you until you cry?!"

Chen Lieh was visibly upset. This kid had been increasingly defiant lately. What was there to hide from his own father?

Chen Faang, sensing that Chen Lieh was on the verge of anger, quickly stepped in to mediate.

"Hey! Second brother, think about what you're saying. The kid has his own destiny, and it's only natural he can't share everything with us old folks. If we force it out of him and upset his enigmatic master, we all might suffer the consequences."

"Exactly! My master seriously warned me against revealing anything, or he would disown me as his disciple. Please, Dad, don't be mad." Chen Bai, seeing an ally in Chen Faang, eagerly seized the opportunity to appeal further, his woeful expression making him look irresistibly adorable.

Chen Lieh's anger abated considerably at the sight of his son. After a moment's thought, he spoke with a hint of frustration, "You're indeed fortunate. Alright, if you're unwilling to share, I won't press you any further."

With those words, the library was enveloped in quietude.

The silence lingered until Chen Bai, unable to bear the tension any longer, broke it. "Dad, have you figured out how we're going to handle the Huo family and Chen Yuan?"

At the mention of this, both Chen Lieh and Chen Faang's brows knitted tightly. Taking a deep breath, Chen Lieh replied, "You don't need to concern yourself with that matter. Your third uncle and I have our strategies."

Following this exchange, the atmosphere in the library grew even heavier. Sensing the mood had soured further after the mention of the Huo family, Chen Bai quickly made an excuse and left the library.

After leaving the library, Chen Bai casually inquired about recent events with a fellow Chen family member he encountered on his way back. However, the person was exceedingly evasive and claimed ignorance on every matter. Frustrated by the lack of information, Chen Bai had no choice but to dismiss him and continue on his way.

Pondering the situation, Chen Bai found himself at a loss and resignedly shook his head, proceeding towards his residence. Throughout his walk, he encountered numerous Chen family people wearing gloomy expressions. They managed only strained greetings upon seeing him, which weighed heavily on Chen Bai's heart.

Approaching his home, Chen Bai was greeted by the expectant Chen Jiang.

"Oh! My dear Young Lord, you've finally returned. I've been terribly worried about you these past days," exclaimed Chen Jiang as he rushed over to meet Chen Bai.

Unfortunately, Chen Bai was in no mood for pleasantries and responded with a half-hearted acknowledgment.

Noticing Chen Bai's demeanor, Chen Jiang quickly changed the subject with a smile, "Young Lord, are you fretting over the Huo family's affairs?"

"Do you know about it?" Chen Bai's interest was piqued, and he pressed eagerly, "Tell me, what's been happening recently?"

Chen Jiang, pleased with Chen Bai's urgency, took his time before responding, "You've come to the right person, Young Lord. I'm known as the Chen family's well-informed source."

"Enough with the chatter, get to the point," Chen Bai interjected, clearly impatient.

With a sly grin, Chen Jiang complied, "Alright, I'll get straight to it. Since your disappearance, Young Lord, there's been a flurry of activity in Wind City. First, word spread that you, previously dismissed as worthless, have astonishingly advanced to Foundation Stage Level Three with a Common Spirit Root. Then, the news of our Patriarch's breakthrough to the eighth level of the Golden Core Stage. And lastly, your acceptance by a prestigious master has elevated the Chen family's status in Wind City to unparalleled heights."

Chen Jiang paused, his tone turning grave, "But just a couple of days ago, the Huo family struck some sort of fortune. Their former head, Huo Xiaotian, who had vanished without a trace, has returned with his cultivation now at the third level of the Nascent Infant Stage. Since then, they've targeted our Chen family's assets, seemingly intent on swallowing them whole. Our family has suffered significant losses over these days."

"Doesn't the City Lord Mansion have any stake in this? If our Chen family falls, what good would it do for them?"

"Young Lord, you may not be aware, but Huo Xiaotian has joined a sect in the Great Wilderness known as Life Death Valley. He's even risen to the rank of great elder. He didn't return alone this time; he brought two Nascent Infant Stage Elders from his sect with him. That's three Nascent Infant Stage cultivators altogether, and they've arrived in Wind City with quite an intimidating presence. I've also heard that Huo Xiaotian initially planned to completely annihilate our Chen family, but he held back because of your mysterious master." Chen Jiang said, smiling slightly, his respect for Chen Bai growing more evident.

"I see. I'll inform my master about this later. Spread the word to calm the Chen family people, so no one is overly anxious." After instructing Chen Jiang on a few other matters, Chen Bai headed inside.

Upon entering, Chen Bai's expression darkened. He knew that the Huo family's inaction was solely due to the fear of his enigmatic master. But Chen Bai was acutely aware that this supposed master was nothing more than a fabrication. If the Huo family discovered this, it could spell disaster for the Chen family.

Lost in his thoughts, Chen Bai was jolted by the sudden tolling of the Chen family's bell.

"Dong! Dong! Dong!"

Three rings signaled an imminent threat, putting the entire Chen family on high alert.

Without hesitation, Chen Bai made his way to the plaza.

Arriving at the plaza, he saw a group of figures standing defiantly to one side.

The man at the forefront was clad in a black and white robe, his pupils a striking black and white. This was Huo Xiaotian. Accompanying him were two others, similarly attired. Their mere presence exuded an aura that was enough to unsettle anyone.

Across from them, Chen Lieh stood with the Chen family's finest, their faces etched with gravity as they faced the trio.

"After so many years, the head of the Huo family appears even more distinguished than in the past," Chen Lieh said with a nod of respect. "What brings the Huo family to ours with such a formidable entourage?"

Huo Xiaotian merely gave Chen Lieh a cursory glance, paying him no mind.

Huo Fei, the current head of the Huo family, stepped forward and jeered at Chen Lieh, "Ha, Patriarch Chen truly fails to recognize his betters. My father is a cultivator of the Nascent Infant Stage; how could he stoop to converse with someone of the mere Golden Core Stage like you? I've heard your son had the good fortune to become a disciple of a distinguished figure. My father has come specifically to meet this esteemed senior."

Before Chen Lieh could respond, Huo Xiaotian spoke up unhurriedly, "I am Huo Xiaotian, a junior in your presence. I would be honored if the senior would come forth for a discussion, allowing me the privilege of expressing my admiration."

His voice seemed to carry the weight of profound truths, and at his utterance, the Chen family members began to cough up blood. The weaker ones collapsed unconscious, and a few, standing too close, were even killed by the force of his words.

"You! The Huo family must not push us too far!" Chen Lieh exclaimed, shaking with fury.

With a smug look, Huo Fei taunted, "What's the matter? My father merely spoke, and you accuse him of excessive bullying? You really can't withstand even the slightest pressure. Quickly, call out your so-called great figure. His reluctance to show himself suggests he's nothing but a charlatan."

Chen Bai, wiping the blood from his mouth, stepped forward with an easy smile and retorted, "Hahaha, it seems to me that it's the Huo family who fails to understand their place. What stature does my master hold that he should deign to meet with the likes of you? I'll have you know my master isn't even in this realm at the moment, but rest assured, I've informed him of all the Huo family's actions. He has already dispatched one of his Spirit Beasts to deal with this matter. It would be wise for the Huo family to prepare themselves for the inevitable."

At the mention of being considered only worthy of a beast's attention, Huo Xiaotian's composure shattered completely.

"Alright! Since you're brimming with confidence, I'll give it a few more days. I'm eager to see what sort of creature your enigmatic master will send to take on the Huo family."

"It's not just any creature; it's a beast. My master has said he'll use a beast to fight a beast." As Chen Bai spoke these words, the Chen family people erupted into laughter, infuriating Huo Xiaotian to the point where his face turned a mix of green and red. Yet, he held his tongue, and with a dramatic sweep of his sleeve, he stormed out of the Chen family's presence.

As the Huo family members were about to depart, Chen Bai called out, "Hey! My master mentioned that if you value your lives, all you need to do is leave Wind City, and you'll be fine."

"Young Lord is invincible!"

"Young Lord is so cool!"

With the Huo family gone, the Chen family people breathed a collective sigh of relief and began showering Chen Bai with compliments.