Chapter 172: Senior Sister |
Inside the Sea Sand Sect, within an open pavilion built against a cliff face, tea fragrance wafted through the air.
A young man who appeared to be in his early thirties, dressed in Sea Sand Sect elder robes with handsome features and a carefree expression between his brows, was none other than Elder Qiao Hongyun.
Seated opposite him was a middle-aged woman with lingering charm, another powerful elder of the sect named Wu Hui.
Standing behind Wu Hui was a young man with a long sword at his waist, none other than Chen Lin, who currently ranked third on the Sea Sand Sect's Sect Master Candidate list.
The three were casually discussing some recent personnel changes within the sect, the atmosphere relaxed and familiar.
"So it's settled then, that Deputy Executive position in the Sea Patrol Hall will go to Junior Nephew Liu?" Wu Hui took a light sip of tea and smiled.
Qiao Hongyun refilled her tea while nodding, "This young man handles matters reliably, and his cultivation has just reached the right level. After some tempering, he may prove very useful in the future."
As he spoke, he took another clean teacup and poured one for Chen Lin behind Wu Hui as well, "Junior Nephew Chen, you should also try this 'Foggy Sea Cloud Needle.' It's new tea that just arrived this year."
Chen Lin quickly bowed slightly and received it with both hands, respectfully saying, "Thank you, Master Uncle Qiao."
Just then, a duty disciple hurriedly entered the pavilion and bowed to report to Qiao Hongyun, "Elder Qiao, there is a visitor outside the mountain gate claiming to be your old friend, requesting an audience with the elder."
Qiao Hongyun didn't even raise his head, asking casually, "Oh? Did the visitor give their name?"
"Replying to the elder, the visitor says his surname is Shen, given name Xiuyong."
"Shen Xiuyong?"
Qiao Hongyun's hand holding the teapot paused slightly, then he suddenly stood up, a complex and indecipherable expression flashing across his face, seeming both surprised and as if he had expected this.
Seeing his strong reaction, Wu Hui couldn't help but ask, "Elder Qiao, what's the matter?"
She furrowed her brow in thought, "Shen Xiuyong... this name does sound somewhat familiar, as if I've heard it somewhere..."
Qiao Hongyun took a deep breath and had already regained his composure, smiling, "I've made Elder Wu laugh. This person is an elder from the Five Terraces Sect of Yunlin Prefecture, an old acquaintance of many years. It's just been a long time since we've met. I heard he recently advanced in cultivation and broke through to the True Aura realm. Coming here now, he probably can't wait to 'show off' to me."
His tone carried familiar teasing.
Upon hearing this, Wu Hui nodded in understanding, "So it's Elder Shen from the Five Terraces Sect."
The Five Terraces Sect and Sea Sand Sect both belonged under the Tianbao Upper Sect, and had always maintained exchanges. The visit of a True Aura elder required proper reception.
The disciple carefully asked, "Elder Qiao, shall this disciple go welcome Elder Shen and his party in now?"
"No, I'll go receive him personally."
Qiao Hongyun waved his hand and turned to Wu Hui with slight apology, "Elder Wu, please excuse me for a moment."
Wu Hui stood up with a smile, "No matter. It's been a long time since I've seen an expert from the Five Terraces Sect visit. Previously, I had several dealings with Sect Master He Yuzhou and Courtyard Master Chu Jinyun. This time I'll go along as well to show our Sea Sand Sect's hospitality."
Chen Lin behind her naturally followed as well.
Qiao Hongyun nodded and said no more. The group then headed toward the mountain gate.
Arriving beneath the imposing mountain gate archway, Qiao Hongyun immediately spotted Shen Xiuyong standing with his hands behind his back.
Qiao Hongyun's face immediately showed an undisguised expression of "disdain," and from afar he sneered, "Shen Xiuyong! You old fellow, after dawdling for so many years, you've finally deigned to break through to True Aura? I thought you were planning to grow old and die at embracing elixir realm!"
Hearing this, Shen Xiuyong turned around. Seeing his old friend, he was equally unceremonious in retorting, "Qiao Hongyun! Does breaking through to True Aura a few years before me make you so remarkable?"
The two engaged in verbal sparring the moment they met, but anyone could hear that beneath this seemingly explosive exchange lay deep friendship.
Chen Qing watched quietly from the side. It seemed this Elder Qiao was indeed Master Uncle Shen's close friend.
Qiao Hongyun snorted and turned to Wu Hui beside him, introducing, "Elder Wu, this is Elder Shen Xiuyong from the Five Terraces Sect. This is our sect's Elder Wu Hui."
Shen Xiuyong restrained his mutually antagonistic demeanor with his old friend and politely cupped his fists, "I've long heard of Elder Wu's great name. This humble one, Shen Xiuyong, pays his respects."
He turned to introduce Chen Qing, "This is my junior nephew, the Chief Disciple of the Five Terraces Sect's Qingmu Courtyard, Chen Qing."
Wu Hui smiled and nodded in return, "Elder Shen is too kind."
She only found Shen Xiuyong's name familiar, and was even more unfamiliar with Chen Qing, simply taking him as an outstanding young Five Terraces Sect disciple accompanying his elder to see the world.
However, Chen Lin behind her, upon hearing the name "Chen Qing," suddenly had a flash of light in his eyes.
He was close friends with Miao Zhiheng of Golden Sand Fortress. Not long ago, Miao Zhiheng had returned from Yunlin Prefecture in a disheveled state, and before entering seclusion to heal his injuries, had mentioned to him that at Black Stone Ridge in Yunlin Prefecture, he had suffered a great loss at the hands of a Five Terraces Sect disciple named Chen Qing, even losing the black iron box he had been determined to obtain!
So this was that person!
Chen Qing keenly sensed Chen Lin's gaze. His expression unchanged, he followed proper etiquette, cupping his fists again toward Qiao Hongyun and Wu Hui, neither humble nor arrogant, "Five Terraces Sect disciple Chen Qing pays respects to Senior Qiao and Senior Wu."
"Mm, not bad, young and promising."
Qiao Hongyun praised casually, then said to Shen Xiuyong, "Alright, let's not stand at the mountain gate being blown by the wind. Let's go inside to talk."
Qiao Hongyun led Shen Xiuyong and Chen Qing through the mountain gate, along a main path paved with bluestone, toward the side hall area designated for receiving distinguished guests.
He casually asked an accompanying disciple, "Is 'Mountain Ridge Pavilion' available now?"
The disciple quickly replied, "Replying to Elder Qiao, Mountain Ridge Pavilion has no arrangements today."
"Good, we'll go to Mountain Ridge Pavilion." Qiao Hongyun nodded.
Mountain Ridge Pavilion was one of the best-located reception halls among the Sea Sand Sect's many guest halls. Outside the windows were surging seas of clouds and distant rolling mountain ranges, with magnificent scenery.
The group arrived at the elegantly decorated yet grand Mountain Ridge Pavilion and took their seats.
Qiao Hongyun instructed, "Go have the steward arrange for tea service, using the 'Azure Sea Rising Tide' I have stored here."
"Yes."
The disciple left to carry out the orders.
Before long, a middle-aged man dressed in Sea Sand Sect steward robes with steady steps led several tea-serving disciples inside.
He stood calmly to one side, directing the disciples to pour tea and serve water for everyone, their movements orderly and coordinated.
When Chen Qing's gaze fell on this person, his heart stirred slightly.
This steward was none other than Li Yuan.
Li Yuan's appearance had indeed undergone some changes.
Not having seen him for several years, his originally black temples were now tinged with frost-white, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes had deepened considerably, as if he had weathered many hardships.
He was concentrating on directing the disciples in serving tea. When his gaze inadvertently swept over Chen Qing, his pupils contracted slightly, a flash of disbelief and confusion crossing his face.
Could it be...
With Qiao Hongyun's keen eyesight, he naturally took in Li Yuan's demeanor completely and asked, "Steward Li? What's the matter?"
Li Yuan took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in his heart, lowering his eyes and no longer daring to look at Chen Qing, "Replying to Elder Qiao, it's nothing. It's just... it's just that this young hero's features strongly resemble an old acquaintance this subordinate knew many years ago... I was momentarily distracted. Please forgive me, Elder."
Shen Xiuyong found this interesting and asked with a smile, "Oh? Such a coincidence? May I ask what that old acquaintance of Steward Li's name was?"
His tone was relaxed, as if merely making casual conversation.
Li Yuan replied, "Replying to Senior Shen, he was called... Chen Qing."
"Are there truly such coincidences in this world?"
The next moment, Shen Xiuyong laughed, "Steward Li, look, look! My junior nephew here happens to also be named Chen Qing! Does your Sea Sand Sect's tea have some special property that can brew connections with people of the same name?"
Boom...!!!
Shen Xiuyong's words struck like a thunderbolt, once again hitting Li Yuan's heart hard.
Although he had harbored suspicions, having it confirmed to his face brought incomparably fierce shock.
Chen Qing!
Chief Disciple of the Five Terraces Sect's Qingmu Courtyard!
An honored guest of Elder Qiao Hongyun!
Master Uncle of Elder Shen Xiuyong!
Any one of these identities was vastly different from the youth in his memory!
At that time, though that youth had already achieved transforming strength, in his eyes he was merely a rather talented youngster from a remote small city.
The Sea Sand Sect's outer sect had countless such seedlings. Why should he, a steward, make an exception?
Moreover, for the sake of his niece Zhou Yu's quota, he had already expended considerable effort and favors. How could he be willing to go to additional trouble for an unrelated youth?
But now...
How much time had passed?
That youth he once didn't value highly had already transformed, becoming a leader among his peers, a true elite of a great sect!
Even more so, he could now stand on equal footing with the Sea Sand Sect's Sect Master Candidate disciples, a great sect's Chief Disciple!
His prospects, how could they compare to a mere Sea Sand Sect inner sect disciple?
How was this possible?!
This was simply preposterous!
His seemingly thorough yet cold refusal back then now felt like a silent yet resounding slap, striking hard across his face.
A burning pain, from his cheek straight to his heart.
If only he had been willing to put in a bit more effort back then and formed this favorable connection... then today Chen Qing should be by his side, owing him a debt of gratitude, having become a prodigy of the Sea Sand Sect.
He dared not even imagine such a scene!
Even those normally high-handed chief stewards and elders would likely show him some respect.
Thinking of this, Li Yuan felt somewhat regretful and fearful in his heart.
Now not only was that favor gone, but he had likely created ill will.
This was what worried him most.
Qiao waved his hand, saying, "Alright, you may withdraw for now."
Li Yuan didn't dare meet Chen Qing's eyes and carefully cupped his fists before leaving.
After Li Yuan departed, Shen Xiuyong looked at Chen Qing, "Junior Nephew, you know him?"
"We met once before." Chen Qing nodded. He and Li Yuan had indeed only met once. He would ask about Senior Sister privately later, no need to rush now.
Hearing this, Shen Xiuyong didn't ask further questions, then began catching up with Qiao Hongyun.
Though the two were now both in their early thirties and held elder positions, when interacting privately they still often showed the competitive spirit of their youth.
Qiao Hongyun took a sip of tea, his tone carrying a hint of mockery, "Speaking of which, when Elder Shen broke through to True Aura recently, the Five Terraces Sect must have been quite lively. I heard there was even a celebration banquet? Unfortunately, I was entangled in mundane affairs at the time and couldn't personally attend to offer congratulations, to witness Elder Shen's moment of glory with my own eyes. Truly regrettable."
Between the lines, the mocking intent was obvious.
Shen Xiuyong wasn't one to take losses lying down. He immediately scoffed and counterattacked mercilessly, "Qiao Hongyun, stop with the passive-aggressive remarks. Don't forget that year by Azure Wave Pond, you truly lost to me by half a move."
At these words, both Wu Hui and Chen Lin's eyes flickered with surprise.
Qiao Hongyun was known as a genius within the Sea Sand Sect, having advanced to True Aura at a young age. Who would have thought he had once been defeated by Shen Xiuyong.
Qiao Hongyun snorted lightly, "Shen Xiuyong! Back then you cheated, using dishonorable means! A victory without honor, and you dare keep mentioning it?"
"There's no day like today. How about you and I have another match?"
He absolutely refused to admit he was inferior in skill, especially to Shen Xiuyong.
"Oh? I cheated? A loss is a loss. What excuses are you making?"
Seeing Qiao Hongyun's reaction, Shen Xiuyong laughed inwardly but affected nonchalance on the surface, "I've only just broken through, my realm hasn't stabilized yet... What, is Elder Qiao today trying to take advantage of my weakness for a victory without honor?"
He deftly turned the "victory without honor" label right back.
Qiao Hongyun was momentarily speechless. Hearing those four words "victory without honor," he snorted lightly.
Watching this, Chen Qing thought to himself: Master Uncle Shen is truly cunning. In just a few words he's gotten a read on Elder Qiao's temperament, making him wary.
"Alright, alright, you two elders."
Seeing this, Wu Hui smiled and smoothed things over at the right moment, raising her teacup in indication, "You're both pillars of your sects, distinguished elders. Why act as impulsively as youngsters? Don't let the younger generation see this and laugh."
Her gaze swept over Chen Qing and Chen Lin, her tone gentle yet pointing out that juniors were present.
Only upon reflection did she realize that though these two held the title of elder, they were actually only in their early thirties. Compared to the truly older generation, they were indeed still young and hot-blooded.
Shen Xiuyong seized the opportunity to step down, smiling as he gestured to Chen Qing, "Junior Nephew, have some tea. This 'Azure Sea Rising Tide' that Elder Qiao treasures is rare good tea, not something you can drink just anywhere."
As he spoke, he took a light sip.
Qiao Hongyun's eyes rolled, and he put down his teacup, saying loudly, "Shen Xiuyong, since you're not inclined to spar, I suggest this instead. You and I can just sit here and drink tea while letting the young people exercise a bit. How about it?"
His gaze turned to Chen Qing, smiling, "I've long heard that your Five Terraces Sect has been producing many talented people in recent years, and this Junior Nephew Chen Qing is particularly renowned. Even Xiao Bieli of Hanyu Valley was defeated by him. It just so happens that the rising stars of our Sea Sand Sect are not necessarily inferior!"
As he spoke, he glanced meaningfully at Chen Lin beside him.
Shen Xiuyong immediately saw through Qiao Hongyun's scheme.
Knowing he wouldn't readily spar having just broken through, Qiao wanted to use a match between the younger generation to determine superiority, finding face indirectly.
Chen Qing's hand, which had been about to pick up his teacup, paused almost imperceptibly. He raised his eyes to look at Chen Lin across from him.
At that moment, Chen Lin was also looking at him. Their gazes met in the air.
A flash of battle intent passed through Chen Lin's eyes, carrying a hint of eagerness.
Wu Hui took everything in but didn't speak to stop it.
She was happy to see this happen. Though the Five Terraces Sect was strong, it wasn't the sole hegemon of Yunlin Prefecture. Its overall strength ultimately lacked some foundation compared to the Sea Sand Sect.
She had great confidence in Chen Lin's strength. This young man had exceptional talent, steady temperament, rich combat experience, and firmly held third place on the Sea Sand Sect's Sect Master Candidate list. In fact, many believed he had the strength for second place.
If Chen Lin could win, it would naturally bring great prestige to the Sea Sand Sect.
Shen Xiuyong's thoughts raced as he quickly transmitted to Chen Qing, "Junior Nephew, this person is a Sea Sand Sect Sect Master Candidate, ranked third, but his actual combat power is said to rank second. He's absolutely not comparable to Miao Zhiheng. If you're unwilling, I'll find an excuse to decline. No need to force yourself."
Though he didn't want to lose face before Qiao Hongyun, he was more concerned with Chen Qing's thoughts.
Chen Qing's expression didn't change as he transmitted back, "What's in it for me?"
He never engaged in meaningless fights, especially in situations with such obvious comparative intent.
Hearing this, Shen Xiuyong nearly laughed in exasperation. This kid really wouldn't accept any loss, still thinking about bargaining at a time like this.
He quickly replied, "That Wood Yang Jade at the Gathering Treasure Workshop auction, I'll throw away my old face and help you get it no matter what. How's that?"
"Deal."
Chen Qing answered decisively.
The Gathering Treasure Workshop auction had too many variables. With Shen Xiuyong, a True Aura expert, as guarantee, his chances of obtaining the Wood Yang Jade would be much greater.
This was a worthwhile transaction.
Seeing Shen Xiuyong remain silent in contemplation, Qiao Hongyun urged, "Shen Xiuyong, give me a straight answer! Yes or no? Don't tell me you lack confidence in your own junior nephew?"
Shen Xiuyong laughed heartily, appearing confident. Though he wasn't one hundred percent certain of Chen Qing's exact strength, he couldn't lose momentum now, "When have the young talents of my Five Terraces Sect ever shrunk from a challenge?"
A gleam flashed in Qiao Hongyun's eyes as he called out, "Good! Straightforward! Chen Lin!"
"This disciple is here."
Chen Lin had already been listening to the two elders' conversation. Hearing the call, he immediately stepped forward, "This disciple has long heard that Junior Brother Chen of the Five Terraces Sect has exquisite spear techniques. Being able to exchange pointers with Junior Brother Chen is Chen Lin's honor."
Qiao Hongyun nodded with satisfaction and smiled at Wu Hui, "Elder Wu, what do you think? Let the young people exercise a bit, exchange and learn from each other. It will also let us observe the outstanding disciples of other sects and learn from each other's strengths."
Wu Hui smiled faintly and nodded slightly, "Fellow practitioners sparring and exchanging insights is indeed a fine thing. Chen Lin, you must remember to stop at the right point. Don't lose your sense of proportion and harm the harmony between our two families."
She naturally was happy to see this happen. It would both allow observation of the Five Terraces Sect younger generation's top strength and she had full confidence in Chen Lin.
For a moment, everyone's gaze in the pavilion converged on Chen Qing, awaiting his final response.
Chen Qing's expression remained calm as water. Under everyone's gaze, he slowly stood and cupped his fists in salute to Qiao Hongyun, Wu Hui, and Chen Lin, "This junior dare not disobey the two seniors' kind regard. However, this place is your Sea Sand Sect's tranquil cultivation ground with pleasant scenery. I wonder where might be suitable for sparring to avoid inadvertently damaging your honorable sect's landscape with stray strikes."
Qiao Hongyun smiled slowly, "No matter, our Sea Sand Sect has a martial training ground specifically for disciples to compete."
Shen Xiuyong said, "Then let's go."
Qiao Hongyun made a gesture of invitation, "Please!"
Then the group rose. Under Qiao Hongyun's guidance, they left the tea-fragrant pavilion and headed toward the Sea Sand Sect's martial training ground.
The group arrived at the martial training ground.
This training ground was extremely spacious, paved with hard black iron rock, with viewing stands all around. Along the edges stood weapon racks displaying unsharpened practice weapons.
At the moment, a few scattered disciples were sparring at the field's edge. Seeing Elder Qiao Hongyun and Elder Wu Hui personally arrive, followed by Chen Lin and a group of core disciples, their hearts jolted. They immediately stopped what they were doing and bowed respectfully.
When they saw Chen Qing walking shoulder to shoulder with Chen Lin, they began whispering curiously among themselves.
"It's Senior Brother Chen Lin!"
"Elder Qiao and Elder Wu are here too!"
"Who's that unfamiliar face? He can actually walk side by side with Senior Brother Chen Lin?"
"Didn't you hear the rumors just now? It's a young elite from the Five Terraces Sect who's going to spar with Senior Brother Chen Lin!"
"This is big news!"
The news spread like wildfire among the Sea Sand Sect's inner sect disciples.
"There's a top-tier match at the training ground again?"
"Senior Brother Chen Lin is personally taking the field this time?"
"Who's his opponent? Senior Sister Mo or Senior Brother Zheng?"
"Neither! I heard it's an outsider, the young Chief Disciple from the Five Terraces Sect named Chen Qing!"
In an instant, many disciples who had been cultivating or resting were drawn in. They set aside their tasks and rushed toward the martial training ground.
Public matches between top geniuses were not common within the Sea Sand Sect. Each one was a rare opportunity to observe and learn.
...
Meanwhile, at a secluded sword practice area.
Zhou Yu flicked her wrist lightly. Her long sword traced a sword flower, her body following the sword, her moves already showing considerable structure.
Zhao Yun stood opposite her, also holding a sword, breathing slightly, smiling, "Congratulations, Junior Sister Zhou. You've finally stabilized your transforming strength cultivation, and your 'Flowing Cloud Sword Technique' is becoming increasingly proficient."
Zhou Yu withdrew her sword and stood upright. Fine beads of sweat dotted her forehead, and her face showed a trace of genuine satisfaction.
Being able to break through to transforming strength at this age was partly due to her own day-and-night diligent cultivation, but more importantly due to the resources provided by her uncle Li Yuan.
Zhao Yun wiped her sweat with her sleeve and asked seemingly casually, "Junior Sister Zhou, Senior Brother Wang He mentioned organizing an outing in a couple days for some familiar senior brothers and sisters to climb Facing Sea Cliff to enjoy the autumn scenery. Will you come along?"
Hearing this, Zhou Yu's smile faded somewhat. She gently shook her head, "Senior Sister Zhao, please thank Senior Brother Wang for his kind intention on my behalf. I won't go."
Zhao Yun looked at her and couldn't help lowering her voice to advise, "Junior Sister Zhou, let me speak frankly. Senior Brother Wang He really is a good person. At such a young age he's already at early-stage embracing elixir, and his father is Steward Wang of the Law Enforcement Hall... You and I are not young anymore. We should think about our futures. For us inner sect disciples, if we have no special opportunities, embracing elixir is our peak. If we can find someone to rely on..."
Zhou Yu's brow furrowed slightly, and she unconsciously tightened her grip on her sword hilt without responding.
How could she not know Zhao Yun meant well?
Just then, a female disciple familiar with them came running over breathlessly, her face flushed with excitement, "Senior Sister Zhao! Junior Sister Zhou! Quick! Go to the martial training ground quickly!"
"What's wrong? Why so flustered?" Zhao Yun asked.
The female disciple said excitedly, "Senior Brother Chen Lin! Senior Brother Chen Lin is at the martial training ground about to duel someone!"
"Senior Brother Chen Lin?!" Zhao Yun was indeed greatly surprised.
In the eyes of these ordinary inner sect disciples like them, Chen Lin was a genius figure requiring them to look up to him, ranked third on the Sect Master Candidate list, extremely likely to become high-level sect leadership in the future, or even contend for the position of Sect Master.
His matches were far from ordinary.
"Against whom? Senior Sister Mo or Senior Brother Zheng?"
Zhao Yun quickly pressed for details. She assumed that those who could cross hands with Chen Lin would only be those few with similar rankings.
"Neither!"
The messenger disciple's eyes shone, "I heard it's an outsider, a young talent from the Five Terraces Sect. But to be able to duel with Senior Brother Chen Lin, he must be an extraordinary figure!"
"Let's go! Junior Sister Zhou, let's go watch! Observing matches of this level will greatly benefit us!"
Zhao Yun was also stirred with great interest. She pulled Zhou Yu along with the flow of people, walking quickly toward the martial training ground.
By the time they arrived, the area around the martial training ground was already crowded with people, voices rising in excitement.
Not only had most of the ordinary inner sect disciples come, even the two geniuses ranked seventh and ninth on the Sect Master Candidate list were present watching from the sidelines.
Zhou Yu was pulled along by Zhao Yun, squeezing into a position with a fairly decent view.
She looked toward the center of the martial training ground.
She saw two people standing opposite each other in the field.
On one side was their Sea Sand Sect's proud son of heaven, Chen Lin, standing tall with a composed bearing. Though the sword at his waist remained sheathed, a sharp aura already emanated from it.
And on the other side...
When Zhou Yu's gaze touched that face, her breathing suddenly seized.
"Junior Brother Chen!?"
Zhou Yu was thunderstruck, crying out involuntarily, her voice distorted.
"What Junior Brother Chen! That's Senior Brother Chen!"
Zhao Yun's expression changed slightly. She quickly tugged Zhou Yu's sleeve and reminded her in a low voice.
In the Sea Sand Sect, disciple rankings represented status hierarchy. If someone with ulterior motives heard Zhou Yu's "junior brother" just now, it would inevitably be considered disrespectful to a senior brother.
But Zhou Yu seemed not to hear, her heart pounding wildly out of control, her mind in chaos.
Chen Qing?
Chief Disciple of the Five Terraces Sect's Qingmu Courtyard?
Dueling with Senior Brother Chen Lin?
Each piece of information struck her heart like a heavy hammer.
That person who once silently practiced boxing in the courtyard, that youth from an impoverished family!?
How had he become someone who could stand on equal footing with the Sea Sand Sect's top genius Chen Lin, even taking the stage to compete, the Five Terraces Sect's Chief Disciple?
This was so absurd it was like a bizarre dream!
A tremendous sense of unreality enveloped her.
Those familiar features and contours, more angular than several years ago, having shed youthful immaturity, his figure upright as a pine tree. This was completely different from the Chen Qing in Zhou Yu's memory, as if he had undergone complete transformation.
"I don't know who will win."
"Need you ask? Of course it will be Senior Brother Chen Lin."
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