C2 Meng Clan

The girl nestled in his embrace was deep in slumber, her face as serene as an angel's, stirring memories of his own sister within him.

"If only Chu Yu were still here..." In that moment, the once mighty Immortal Venerable was reduced to a forlorn youth, his unblemished face etched with sorrow that could not be erased.

Abruptly, a group of men in black suits emerged at the intersection ahead, prompting Chu Yang to halt. More men, similarly attired, materialized behind and around him, encircling him completely.

"Kindly set the young lady down," came the voice of a middle-aged man from behind. Chu Yang's brow creased slightly as he turned to face a man who stood out in his unique attire, his expression unreadable.

"And why should I?" Chu Yang's voice was laced with defiance and challenge. As the first generation Immortal Venerable, he was not one to cower before such minor confrontations, nor to heed the commands of others.

Chu Yang's haughty demeanor ruffled some feathers, particularly those of the Meng family, who were unaccustomed to such insolence in Jinzhou. A hand stealthily reached into a pocket, drawing a small, icy weapon.

But he had sorely underestimated Chu Yang. With over thirty people around, any slight movement could not escape the discerning eyes of an Immortal Venerable. In a flash, a white figure moved, and before the crowd could react, the man's wrist was seized, his gun now pointing skyward. A loud "bang" startled the girl awake.

"Manager Chen, that's quite enough," the girl said as she deftly landed on her feet. Truth be told, she had been awake all along. Yet, the embrace that cradled her was so secure, the chest against her cheek so broad and comforting, she had indulged in a little pretense of sleep.

"Chu Yang, my savior just now. And this is Manager Chen and Li An, my caretakers," she said with a charming naivety, as if the fierce altercation had never occurred. At the mention of "caretakers," Chen Li An's stoic face spasmed ever so slightly.

"And you? Fortunate enough to have been rescued by me, yet you've put me in the line of fire. Who might you be?" Chu Yang inquired with a cocky tilt of his chin, exuding the disdain of an Immortal Venerable, his tone teasing.

"I'm Meng Jingxian, the second daughter of the Meng family. You may not know my name, but the Meng family..."

"I've never heard of it." Meng Jingxian's boastful self-introduction was rudely cut short. Worse yet, Chu Yang simply turned and walked away. Such insolence!

"Step aside," commanded a voice from beyond the crowd. A tall and imposing bodyguard promptly cleared a path with due respect. An elderly man with an authoritative air approached Chu Yang, speaking with cultured grace that barely concealed a sense of superiority. "Young man, you saved my granddaughter. I am at a loss for how to express my gratitude."

Chu Yang's attention, however, was drawn to the jade stone on the elder's chest. If he wasn't mistaken, that jade likely concealed a withered immortal seed. While not as potent as a spiritual seed, an immortal seed held the capacity to split and grow. Properly nurtured, it could unleash vast spiritual force, aiding in the awakening of one's own spiritual seed.

Seeing an opportunity for gratitude, Chu Yang saw no reason for false modesty.

"Anything I want?" Chu Yang asked, an eyebrow arching boldly. The onlookers bristled with indignation at his audacity to address the esteemed Master Meng in such a manner.

The elder remained unfazed, understanding that true ambition required a generous spirit. "Indeed, anything within my power."

"Very well. I'll take the necklace you're wearing," declared Chu Yang, stunning the crowd once more. They had expected him to ask for a trivial sum of money, not brazenly desire Master Meng's cherished personal ornament. They anticipated a swift comeuppance for such impudence.

To everyone's surprise, the elder merely smiled and gently removed the necklace, passing it to Chen Lian. Chen, a longtime confidant of Master Meng, was often puzzled by his master's decisions. Now, more bewildered than ever, he found himself rooted to the spot, the necklace in hand. Could he, a mere youth, truly be deserving of Master Meng's personal treasure?

"Lian, have I not taught you to stand by my word? Do you not yet understand?" Meng Jingzhong chided sharply.

Chief Steward Li presented the necklace with the utmost respect.

"In that case, I too have a favor to ask. I must insist you agree," the elder implored.

What? The esteemed Master Meng was actually making a request of this young man? And addressing him with such honorifics?

"Go on, I'm listening," Chu Yang replied, his tone as distinctive as ever.

"Would you consider joining my company as its chairman?"

This was sheer lunacy.

The crowd's faces soured more than if they had swallowed flies. Had Grandfather Meng lost his wits? Who was this youth that he would simply hand over a company to him? It was an excessive honor. Even Meng Jingxian was baffled by her grandfather's actions.

Yet, Grandfather Meng was a titan of commerce, esteemed in both political and military realms. His vast life experiences had exposed him to the myriad wonders of the world, including many phenomena beyond the realm of natural science.

Meng Jingzhong could almost see a colossal dragon slumbering within Chu Yang. His abilities already surpassed those of ordinary men by leaps and bounds. Given time, if all his potential were to be unleashed, he would be invincible.

Moreover, Chu Yang had specifically requested his necklace. It dawned on him that this seemingly ordinary young man might just be the legendary Immortal of the tales. If so, he would not hesitate to offer his entire fortune to win this person's favor.

Chu Yang was naturally pleased to accept such a generous gift.

Returning to the luxurious residence provided by the Meng family late at night, Chu Yang examined the Immortal Seed. Though withered, it had not lost all life. Utilizing the Genuine Qi within him, Chu Yang rejuvenated the seed, its husk gleaming with a crystalline green sheen.

Holding the seed at the center of his palm, Chu Yang brought his hands together. After a moment, a tendril of green smoke spiraled from his clasped hands. When he opened them again, the seed had vanished, now residing within Chu Yang himself.

In an instant, Chu Yang's presence transformed. A soft red glow flickered at his brow. Outside, the curtains danced wildly in the still air, as if moved by his powerful essence. Chu Yang was like the dawn's first light—though not yet fully risen, its nascent glow already illuminated the farthest reaches of the earth.