"If he cannot reach sainthood before his time is up, he will really die, so practicing the Reverse Life Technique is a last resort."
“Once you start practicing the Reverse Life Technique, it's like walking on thin ice. You have to be careful with every step. That's why he doesn't dare to start a war with us rashly.” Su Ruochu nodded slowly and said, “To put it bluntly, this old man is still afraid of death.”
“He is indeed afraid of death. At his age, if he cannot reach the level of sainthood or half-step sainthood, his lifespan is basically over.” Ye Xingchen smiled slightly: “That’s why he doesn’t dare to fight us young people to the death.”
“However, nothing is absolute. After all, there is another celestial expert in seclusion here.” Su Ruochu said, “If he were to swallow his pride and join forces with that Elder Gao, he could easily control us.”
“First, the Xuan Yang Sect is not a monolithic entity.” Ye Xingchen said with a smile, “There are infighting among the factions, and the Chen family is Chen Wuliang’s family, so they receive relatively more resources, which has already aroused the dissatisfaction of the other elders.”
“If this old man knows what’s good for him, he’ll listen to me and choose a new successor. If he doesn’t, well, he’ll probably not be able to return to the Xuan Yang Sect this time.”
"I don't think he's very pragmatic," Su Ruochu said leisurely, looking at the sea of clouds in front of her.
"That's normal. After all, he's almost reached the pinnacle of martial arts and sees all living beings as ants." Ye Xingchen smiled slightly. "If he doesn't know what's good for him, then let's see him off. We'll just watch how he chooses to proceed."
The Chen family's private villa.
In the largest courtyard of the villa, Chen Wuliang stood with his hands behind his back in the pavilion.
Chen Wanning stood respectfully behind him. He had already reported on the recent situation of the Chen family. Although his father looked like a child of only one or eight years old, the majesty he exuded still made Chen Wanning tremble with fear.
"Although I haven't been with the Chen family for the past few decades, I have provided them with the greatest support within the Xuan Yang Sect." After listening to the report, Chen Wuliang snorted, "But the Chen family has not met my expectations."
"Especially recently, you've actually been outmaneuvered by a young lad like this? I'm really disappointed."
“Father…” Chen Wanning gritted his teeth and bowed as much as possible: “Everything was going according to plan, but… then Ye Xingchen appeared.”
"Twenty years ago, if Ye Jinyu had not been eliminated, he would have inevitably hindered the development of my Chen family."
"In the end, it's all cause and effect." Chen Wuliang slowly turned around, his childish face showing an unusual maturity: "If Ye Jinyu is not eliminated, it will affect the future of the Chen family. But who knows that after Ye Jinyu, his son will make a comeback twenty years later."
"It's all about timing and fate."
"Father, please stay at the Chen family home for a while after you leave seclusion this time," Chen Wanning said. "Ye Xingchen must also be eliminated to warn those who are restless and tell them that our Chen family is not a toothless tiger."
"Heh, after decades of seclusion, the Chen family is not as prestigious as it used to be." Chen Wuliang sneered, "None of that matters. Let me ask you, you're getting on in years. In a few years, you'll be joining me in seclusion at the Xuan Yang Sect for cultivation."
"Which son do you plan to hand over the Chen family's great enterprise to?"
"I've been thinking about this matter as well. Both the eldest and the second eldest are exceptionally talented," Chen Wanning said. "The eldest has a high reputation and acts without considering the consequences."
"The second son is relatively steady and knows how to appear weak and bide his time. Both of them are actually good candidates."
"What about the fourth generation?" Chen Wuliang snorted. "I've heard that one of your two grandsons is not very promising."
“This… Chen Hao, the eldest son’s son, is indeed somewhat uneducated and incompetent.” Chen Wanning bowed deeply: “This is all due to my poor discipline; it is my fault.”
"What's it to you?" Chen Wuliang glanced at the old man: "Everyone is different. Nobody knows what kind of child will grow up. We can only say that's his personality."
“But the Chen family can’t keep these good-for-nothings around forever. If they dare to cause any more trouble, they’ll be kicked out of the Chen family.”
"Yes." Chen Wanning nodded hurriedly, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.
"I've heard the second son's child is quite good." Chen Wuliang said to himself, "The position of family head is related to the future of the Chen family, so you must be very careful. Moreover, my Chen family values lineage. Don't let the third-generation heir get old and find an illegitimate child to take over the Chen family."
"How can someone who lacks a proper name and whose words are not righteous be entrusted with the great responsibility of the Chen family?"
"Yes, I understand, Father." Chen Wanning had a general idea of what Chen Wuliang meant.
"What are you afraid of?" Chen Wuliang glanced at him: "After being the head of the family for so many years, you are still timid and hesitant in front of me. Back then, it wasn't just you who was slightly more capable. The others... have long since become the best among the crowd, just like your brother."
Chen Wanning's legs went weak, and he almost knelt down on the ground.
Yes, he had three brothers, but now he's the only one left. As for the others...
Chen Wanning dared not think any further, nor did he want to recall that nightmarish experience. He was only grateful that he was still alive.
"Young Miss, you can't go in, Young Miss..." Just then, a voice came from inside.
Chen Roujin strode over, while several bodyguards at the door anxiously chased after her, trying to stop her.
But how dare they stop her? She charged straight ahead, barging her way here.
"Grandpa." Chen Roujin walked straight up to Chen Wanning and stopped in front of him. "I need some funds, but my family said that this money needs your special approval. Could you please give me a note?"
"Who let you in? Get out!" Chen Wanning roared.
If he can't even control his granddaughter in front of his father, it means he lacks ability.
"I'll leave once the funding is approved." Chen Roujin chuckled, not taking Chen Wanning seriously at all: "Otherwise, I'll keep following you. Go ahead and kill me if you dare."
"You...you rebellious daughter! Guards, throw her out!" Chen Wanning roared in fury.
"Miss, let's go." A bodyguard advised, reaching out to try to stop Chen Roujin, but as soon as he touched Chen Roujin's body, his palm felt as if it had been pierced by a steel needle.
Black energy rose from one of his hands and disappeared at an extremely fast speed.
The bodyguard staggered back a few steps, then let out a hysterical scream.
One of his hands kept dissipating, as if it had vanished into thin air, and the black energy kept spreading towards him, eventually covering his entire arm.
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