The Supreme Martial King Shocking All Realms Chapter 3359 - 3354: Silver City!_1

Yang Chen felt a sense of helplessness over this matter, given his natural inclination toward keeping a low profile. His sole reason for venturing into this Secret Realm today was to secure the reward promised by Ye Shan Daozhu.

Claiming that reward and vanishing without drawing attention or causing any disturbance—that was precisely his preferred way of handling such affairs.

Yet, even before he could truly begin his exploration of the Secret Realm, events had spiraled into something far larger than anticipated.

This left Yang Chen feeling rather powerless, wishing that Jiang Qifeng ahead of him would hurry and activate the Jingling Secret Realm, lest further delays turn the chaos even more unmanageable.

Jiang Qifeng grinned lightly: "Brother Yang Chen, why the rush? Why not relax and enjoy the tea a bit more? You see, the brew from our castle comes from the lotus blooms of Joyful Heart Lake. For typical visitors, I wouldn’t dream of offering them such a delicacy."

Jiang Qifeng showed no urgency whatsoever about letting Yang Chen delve into the Secret Realm.

What reason did he have to rush?

With Yang Chen present, a steady stream of newcomers kept arriving, ensuring plenty of participants eager to tackle their family’s Secret Realm, didn’t it?

He stood to reap substantial profits from the Jiyu Essence.

In truth, none of this had crossed his mind initially. He’d simply hosted Yang Chen out of idle curiosity and extended the stay by a couple of days. But as more arrivals poured in, Jiang Qifeng spotted a golden business chance, and suddenly, opening the Secret Realm felt far less pressing.

Observing Jiang Qifeng’s demeanor, Yang Chen spoke with a sigh: "Senior Jiang, if things drag on like this, I might have to depart."

Noticing Yang Chen’s growing impatience, Jiang Qifeng let out a chuckle: "Fine then, since Brother Yang Chen is so eager, this old fellow will hasten to unlock the Secret Realm for you."

"That sounds perfect," Yang Chen replied.

Jiang Qifeng chuckled again: "Brother Yang Chen, what do you know about this Jingling Secret Realm?"

"Prior to arriving, I specifically sought out information. From what I gathered, Ye Shan Dao Ancestor mastered the Soul Law and crafted numerous formidable souls. The incomplete ones that didn’t quite succeed were sealed away in this Jingling Secret Realm," Yang Chen explained.

"Correct, though don’t dismiss those semi-finished creations lightly, Brother Yang Chen. Truth be told, some of the stronger ones could even prove too much for me," Jiang Qifeng stated, hands clasped behind his back. "So, Brother Yang Chen, how far do you reckon you’ll get?"

Yang Chen recognized the probing nature of Jiang Qifeng’s words and responded calmly with a steady smile, neither arrogant nor servile: "How far does Senior believe I’ll advance?"

Jiang Qifeng realized he’d gleaned nothing useful from that exchange, so he shook his head. Had he known Yang Chen’s potential, he wouldn’t have bothered asking in the first place.

At this point, pressing further was pointless, leaving him to remark: "Typically, Heaven-separated Realm cultivators manage only up to the seventh floor. Given your exceptional talents in the Heaven-separated Realm, Brother Yang Chen, it’s reasonable to expect some impressive achievements."

The corner of Yang Chen’s mouth lifted slightly, though he offered no reply. Instead, he trailed after Jiang Qifeng toward the outdoors.

The moment Yang Chen and Jiang Qifeng emerged, the whole of Jingling Ancient Castle erupted in excitement.

Onlookers crowded both within the castle walls and beyond.

Those permitted inside the castle generally possessed higher standing and greater power among cultivators.

Outside, the cultivators were less formidable but far more numerous.

"There’s Yang Chen coming out."

"I’ve heard Yang Chen plans to challenge the Jingling Secret Realm. Curious to see how he fares."

"Personally, I suspect it’s all exaggerated hype. This Yang fellow has been the subject of some bizarre tales lately. No way someone’s that formidable in reality. At best, he’ll hit the seventh floor. The Jingling Secret Realm’s trials dwarf those at Fang Xuan Villa in terror."

"Indeed, the souls forged by Ye Shan Dao Ancestor are no pushovers. Every single one poses a nightmare challenge."

Yang Chen could feel the myriad gazes fixed on him, the murmurs swirling around his name. Helplessness washed over him once more.

He remained silent, fixing his attention solely on the Secret Realm, yearning to conclude this expedition swiftly.

Yet, the more he harbored such hopes, the more it appeared fate had other plans.

Currently, with Jiang Qifeng guiding Yang Chen toward the Jingling Secret Realm’s entrance, the preparations were underway to fully reveal the portal.

Suddenly, a middle-aged man appeared in Yang Chen’s view, accompanied by a band of cultivators.

The instant this man showed up, Jiang Qifeng broke into a warm smile: "Oh? Daoist Friend Yin Cheng!"

The leader, the middle-aged Yin Cheng, returned a composed smile: "Daoist Friend Jiang, it’s been ages."

Yang Chen cast a glance at Yin Cheng, registering mild surprise since Yin Cheng too was a Heaven-appointed Realm cultivator, matching Jiang Qifeng’s level.

It was expected for Heaven-separated Realm folks to observe him, but a Heaven-appointed Realm powerhouse doing the same felt oddly out of place.

Puzzled, he examined Yin Cheng more closely, immediately detecting the man’s gaze laced with hidden intentions.

More alarmingly, that look carried clear hostility, causing Yang Chen’s features to tighten in astonishment.

He’d never encountered Yin Cheng before; they were complete unknowns to each other. Preconceptions weren’t surprising, but outright animosity? What sparked it?

Following a brief exchange, Jiang Qifeng turned to Yang Chen with a smile: "Brother Yang Chen, meet Daoist Friend Yin Cheng. He ascended to the Heaven-appointed Realm long ago and holds great influence in the Grand Abyss Palace. Furthermore, he’s among Ling Bie Daozhu’s personal disciples."

Hearing that, enlightenment dawned on Yang Chen.

Ah, so Yin Cheng’s enmity stemmed from being Ling Bie Daozhu’s follower.

It all clicked now. Ling Bie Daozhu harbored a profound vendetta against him, one verging on irreparable. Though the Daozhu couldn’t venture into the Ancient Divine Realm himself to confront Yang Chen, surrender was far from his mind. Evidently, he’d briefed his underlings on the bad blood with Yang Chen.

Just as Jiang Qifeng prepared to present Yang Chen, Yin Cheng cut in with a sneer: "No need for introductions, Daoist Friend Jiang. Who hasn’t heard of Yang Chen these days? With fame like his, it’s clear he’s grown bold enough to disregard us entirely."

Jiang Qifeng was sharp; from these nuanced cues, he easily discerned the tension brewing between Yin Cheng and Yang Chen.

Unwilling to entangle himself, he merely raised an eyebrow before inquiring: "Daoist Friend Yin Cheng, what brings you to Jingling Ancient Castle this time? Are you here to attempt the Jingling Secret Realm yourself?"

"I won’t be entering, but you’re familiar with my subordinate, Nine Stars King," Yin Cheng replied coolly.

"Daoist Friend Nine Stars King? Of course I know him. Haha, he’s always shone brightly among Heaven-separated Realm experts. Does he intend to test his mettle in this Jingling Secret Realm?" Jiang Qifeng boomed with laughter, inwardly thrilled at the escalating drama. The grander the spectacle, the more it amused him.