Chapter 609: Resolving

In the massive city, countless gazes were fixed on the ruined manor. The atmosphere in the area shifted noticeably, especially upon the appearance of Jiang Taishen and Chu Qing. The top two individuals on the Saint Son List seemed to be in a standoff.

Jiang Taishen's reputation across the Saint Province Continent was undeniable, built upon a foundation of formidable achievements. While Chu Qing's accomplishments were less frequent, he was equally renowned. Nearly everyone in the Saint Province Continent knew that the chief Saint Son of the Cangxuan Sect was famously lazy. When trouble arose, his immediate instinct wasn't to resolve it, but to quickly evade it.

Despite his indolence, no one doubted Chu Qing's formidable strength. He and Jiang Taishen had indeed crossed paths before. While Jiang Taishen ultimately had a slight edge, Chu Qing had, in a way, emerged from the confrontation unscathed, as Jiang Taishen was unable to truly overpower him. This incident alone attested to Chu Qing's prowess.

Now, with these two figures—arguably the most exceptional of the younger generation in Cangxuan Heaven—confronting each other, countless spectators naturally craned their necks in anticipation.

Inside the ruined manor, Jiang Taishen gazed at the appearing Chu Qing and offered a faint smile. His eyes were narrow and long, turning into mere slits when he smiled, which surprisingly gave him a benevolent appearance.

"Chu Qing, it's truly rare to see you actively issue a challenge."

Chu Qing touched his handsome face, subtly glancing at Yaoyao. He knew he had no choice but to intervene; given Yaoyao's nature, if he didn't act, she would certainly not let the matter rest today. Furthermore, as the lead Saint Son of the Cangxuan Sect, he couldn't merely stand by if Jiang Taishen intended to target Yaoyao, despite his well-known laziness.

"Jiang Taishen, if you wish to fight, then follow me," Chu Qing sighed.

Jiang Taishen smiled. "I genuinely wish to cross paths with you again, but now isn't the opportune moment for a fight. Chu Qing, the Saint Sons from our various sects are currently focused on opening up the depths of the Grand Profound Mountain Range. If we were to engage in battle here, it would throw everything into disarray, making it much harder for the great hidden fortune within the Grand Profound Mountain Range to manifest. Therefore, for today's matter, how about both sides take a step back and agree to a temporary truce? After all, if a confrontation is truly desired, I believe my Sacred Palace will gladly oblige when the time is right," Jiang Taishen said meaningfully.

Chu Qing smiled brightly. "It would be best if you're willing to concede."

Jiang Taishen shook his head. "It's not a concession, but a mutual step back."

"It's all the same," Chu Qing replied nonchalantly.

Jiang Taishen's lips twitched. Chu Qing's knack for psychological manipulation was indeed becoming increasingly refined.

Chu Qing turned to Yaoyao, offering a gentle smile. "Little Junior Sister Yaoyao, look, they've conceded. Shall we spare them for today?"

Yaoyao cast an indifferent glance at him. "What if I say no?" she replied.

Chu Qing patted his chest. "If you say no, then we'll simply fight them!"

"Then let's fight," Yaoyao said.

Chu Qing froze, a troubled expression on his face. All parties had previously reached a temporary agreement to focus all efforts on conquering the Grand Profound Mountain Range, meaning the Saint Sons were forbidden from fighting for now. Any violation could incite the wrath of all factions.

Just as Chu Qing found himself at a loss, Zhou Yuan appeared beside Yaoyao. He looked at her and smiled. "Let's set this matter aside for now."

"Give me a reason," Yaoyao stated calmly.

Zhou Yuan raised his head, his gaze sweeping towards Jin Chanzu with the golden hair in the distance, a chilling glint passing through his eyes. Jin Chanzu, sensing Zhou Yuan's gaze, looked back with an indifferent expression. A smirk played on his lips, and his eyes held unconcealed disdain, clearly not taking Zhou Yuan seriously.

"Because I'll be the one to deal with him," Zhou Yuan stated slowly.

His voice was not suppressed, so Jiang Taishen and Jin Chanzu both heard his words. Jiang Taishen maintained his faint smile, but Jin Chanzu couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. With a playful smirk on his lips, he shook his head and quietly muttered, "Such arrogance from someone who doesn't know their place."

Many others who overheard also secretly shook their heads, clearly dismissing it as nothing more than a bold statement from Zhou Yuan to save face, not to be taken seriously. Yaoyao, however, fixed her bright eyes on Zhou Yuan, and the icy chill lingering on her cheeks gradually faded. Finally, she gave a slight nod. "Now that's some ambition," she commented. She naturally understood that allowing Zhou Yuan to personally defeat powerful adversaries was crucial for his growth. However, when she arrived earlier and witnessed Jin Chanzu's sudden assault on Zhou Yuan, a surge of fury and killing intent had instantly overwhelmed her, prompting her to act against Jin Chanzu without a moment's hesitation.

"Then I'll leave his life for you to claim," Yaoyao said softly, glancing at Jin Chanzu before turning her gaze away.

Seeing Yaoyao finally rein in her emotions, Chu Qing, who stood nearby, let out a visible sigh of relief. He then gave Zhou Yuan a thumbs-up, realizing that within the Cangxuan Sect, Zhou Yuan was likely the only one who could truly temper Yaoyao's intensity. It wasn't that he feared the Sacred Palace; it was simply not the right time for an all-out confrontation.

"Jiang Taishen, you may leave."

Chu Qing turned to face Jiang Taishen and his group, pausing in slight silence, his eyes cast down. "However, I must offer a piece of advice: while the Sacred Palace is indeed powerful, do not underestimate my Cangxuan Sect."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Taishen smiled faintly. "The Cangxuan Sect was, after all, the former overlord of Cangxuan Heaven. How could my Sacred Palace possibly underestimate it?" Yet, his voice lingered subtly on the word "former."

Jiang Taishen's gaze then shifted to Zhou Yuan, observing him with interest. "So you are Zhou Yuan. You certainly are... interesting. However, if this is all you amount to, what makes you worthy of the Palace Master's attention?" Only he and Jin Chanzu were able to hear that final remark.

Zhou Yuan's brows furrowed slightly under Jiang Taishen's stare, feeling as though he was being scrutinized like prey. Jiang Taishen, however, quickly withdrew his gaze. He glanced at the Sacred Palace's chief disciples nearby without a word, then turned and swiftly departed, soaring away from the city. He didn't bother to inquire about the casualties among the Sacred Palace's chief disciples, as in his view, they were simply lacking in strength. Their deaths merely meant no more wasted cultivation resources for the Sacred Palace.

Jin Chanzu lingered for a moment. As he finally departed, his golden vertical pupils fixed on Zhou Yuan. "Kid, you got lucky this time," he drawled indifferently. "Next time we meet, I doubt your luck will hold."

Zhou Yuan watched him go and slowly replied, "After our next encounter, your fifth rank on the Saint Son List might very well change hands."

Jin Chanzu chuckled in disbelief, casting a dismissive look at Zhou Yuan before ascending into the sky on a surge of Origin Qi, a cold sneer drifting back from the distance.

"Delusional nonsense. What an idiot. I await your public humiliation."