NOVEL WEB Chapter 7 - Promise After One Year
“Lee Junjie, your edge over me is simply due to your longer cultivation and age. If our ages were the same, defeating you would be a walk in the park.” Chen Shaofeng wore a smirk as he addressed Lee Junjie.
Geniuses harbored a unique sense of pride, one that remained impervious to criticism or denial. This pride was an integral part of their identity as geniuses.
Consequently, when Chen Shaofeng issued this provocative statement, he did so fully aware of the intended provocation. He quipped, “Really now? So, you're saying that if you were my age, you could easily defeat me? Well then, let's add a few years to your count, I'm genuinely curious to witness this defeat.”
Lee Junjie's words resonated with unwavering confidence in his own genius status. Indeed, maintaining even a modicum of self-assurance was a prerequisite for bearing the title of a genius.
Wang Jianming and Wang Yan, standing nearby, began to harbor concerns. They possessed firsthand knowledge of Chen Shaofeng's innate talent from earlier times, and allowing him a few more years to develop could lead to immeasurable growth, a prospect that left them uneasy.
“How many years?”
Chen Shaofeng shook his head, then raised a finger, saying, “Give me just one year, and I'll be able to best you.”
“You think you can defeat me in a year? You're still dreaming, aren't you?” Lee Junjie burst into hearty laughter.
Laughter filled the room, with Wang Jianming and Wang Yan, who were well aware of Lee Junjie's prowess, joining in enthusiastically.
“Attempting to outmatch an elite warrior in a mere year? Your understanding of cultivation is truly baffling. You dare utter such unrealistic claims,” Wang Yan remarked with a touch of mockery.
Chen Shaofeng remained unperturbed, his expression unchanged as he glanced at Lee Junjie. “If you're not up for it, that's fine. But at the very least, don't spout so much nonsense here.”
“A year it is! I'm eager to witness how you plan to surpass me within that timeframe. I won't play dirty; if you can match me in a year, consider it my loss. I'll even apologize to you and help you win Wang Yan and her father's approval. What do you say?”
Lee Junjie's confidence was palpable, even adding extra unfavorable terms to his challenge. Perhaps, only he believed he could pull it off!
The Wang Family father and daughter were alarmed by Lee Junjie's words. “Junjie! How could you suggest such a thing?”
Lee Junjie looked somewhat displeased at the Wang Family duo and questioned, “Do you honestly believe I'll lose?”
Seeing the two of them speechless, Lee Junjie concluded, “Then it's settled! Chen Shaofeng, I'll spare your life for now. In a year, I'll claim it from you.”
“I won't give you the chance.” Chen Shaofeng said with a serious face.
Confidence is a valuable attribute, but it necessitates a certain level of inner strength. Rest assured, I won't pose any threats to you for the next year.
At this juncture, Lee Junjie wore a cryptic smile and spoke with an icy tone, “Don't assume that just because you've crossed me, you'll have an easy passage. While I may spare your life, I can't guarantee the same for others who may not survive even a year.”
Hearing Lee Junjie's words, the father and daughter exchanged smiles. Initially, they had anticipated an easier outcome but were taken aback by the unfolding situation.
Without delay, Lee Junjie turned and departed, leaving a sense of unease among those present rather than relief; most were filled with worry.
“Master Hou!” I've just remembered that I have some pressing matters to attend to at my residence. I'll be taking my leave now.”
At this moment, Tian Linxi, one of the Tian Family Patriarchs among the three prominent clans, rose alongside the Wang Family and left promptly, without waiting for Chen Liuyuan to respond.
Tian Linxi had clearly assessed that Chen Liuyuan and his son were in for a grim fate if they continued to provoke the son of King Mua Nan, prompting him to swiftly distance himself from the situation.
“Master Hou!” I almost forgot that today is the day my child returns from his journey outside. I should take my leave now.” Sun Qian, the remaining head of the Sun family, stood up and bid his farewells at this juncture.
After the appearance of the first person, it seemed reasonable for a second to follow suit. Subsequently, a significant number of individuals departed from Chi Yunhou's residence.
Each person had their own reasons, though Chen Liuyuan made no effort to impede their departure, for he had no grounds to do so.
These individuals had to prioritize their own families. Chi Yunhou's mansion had undoubtedly incurred the wrath of King Mua Nan's son. Staying there would only bring them harm, both personally and to their kin.
However, even though they comprehended this, they could not have anticipated the once vibrant Chi Yunhou's mansion to turn eerily cold. Apart from a handful of servants, there was hardly anyone left.
“These ingrates!” I used to rush here when I needed something from the Marquis, and now, when the Marquis's Mansion is in peril, they're leaving one by one,” Butler Lao Chen fumed.
“Lao Chen, let it be. Today, the Marquis's Mansion has indeed provoked someone it shouldn't have. I believe it's best for you to vacate the premises. Judging by what Lee Junjie said earlier, I fear a great calamity may befall us soon,” Chen Liuyuan said with a sense of resignation.
“I belong to the Marquis's Mansion, and in life or death, I am bound to it,” Lao Chen declared resolutely.
“We won't abandon our post either,” echoed the other servants of the Marquis's Mansion.
The expressions on these loyal servants, willing to stand by even in the face of adversity, spoke volumes about the kindness Chen Liuyuan had shown them day in and day out. Otherwise, they would not have chosen to remain.
“You all…”
Before Chen Liuyuan could finish speaking, his expression changed, and he immediately adopted a cautious demeanor.
Chen Shaofeng's countenance turned serious as he fixed his gaze on the sudden appearance of a figure before him.
Before him stood a middle-aged man clad in black, his face devoid of emotion, almost resembling a lifeless visage. In his left hand, he held a sword, and although the blade remained sheathed, an intense aura of swordmanship emanated from his being.
The sword's power was overwhelmingly potent, pressing down on Chen Shaofeng, leaving him breathless. Nearby, Chen Liuyuan found himself similarly ensnared by the sword's might, rendering it profoundly formidable.
“Who are you?” Chen Shaofeng inquired with a furrowed brow.
The middle-aged man cast an indifferent glance at Chen Shaofeng and replied, “Are you the one who rashly declared the intention to defeat His Highness within a year?”
Chen Shaofeng, fully aware that he was referring to Lee Junjie, felt a surge of caution wash over him.
Nevertheless, he was aware that retreating wasn't an option. He maintained his composure and responded confidently, saying, “It's me! What can I do for you?”
“What's your decision? While the crown prince assured your safety, I never promised to let you off the hook. I'll grant you the opportunity to make a move against me, or you might not get another chance,” the middle-aged man dressed in black stated, his face devoid of emotion.
“If you intend to confront my son, you must first gain my fist's approval.”
With these words, Chen Liuyuan clenched his fist and charged toward the middle-aged man in black. His fists suddenly ignited with scorching scarlet flames, causing the air around them to warp due to the intense heat.
“Back off!” “Don't push me to resort to violence; you're not my target. Don't provoke unnecessary trouble.”
The middle-aged man in black exuded a dominating presence, projecting an aura that felt impenetrable. Despite Chen Liuyuan's Ninth Level of Spiritual Martial Stage prowess, he appeared insignificant before the middle-aged man.
Witnessing this, Chen Shaofeng's anger flared, and he channeled his energy vigorously, unleashing a formidable aura that radiated from his body.