Chapter 326: Strong Qualities

Gao Yuan, a recently prominent king-level expert whose reputation has soared, has defeated many established kings, solidifying his current status as a top-tier king. His Baji Fist has reached a transcendent level of mastery, and his power is astonishing. Now, with a mere display of his fist-marks, he can manifest supernatural abilities.

"Brother Gao, it's best not to act rashly. Wudang's old grandmaster is also here," someone beside him advised.

"What do you take me for? He's a cripple; do I need to fight him?" Gao Yuan smiled. He could naturally sense that Chu Feng's internal energy was sparse. Powerful as he was, his divine perception was sharp, and even if Chu Feng, in the Awakening Realm, tried to conceal himself further, he couldn't hide it from Gao Yuan.

"The Young Master of Baji Sect is here!" People nearby, upon noticing Gao Yuan, showed various expressions. This young grandmaster from the Baji Sect was currently riding high in fame and was a celebrity-level expert. He had once said that he regretted Chu Feng's crippling, as he had originally wanted to spar with him. Now that these two had truly met, what would Gao Yuan do? People around them glanced sideways, paying close attention.

Gao Yuan approached Chu Feng. He observed this young man, once renowned but now crippled, who was even younger than himself. This made him show a strange expression.

"Are you Chu Feng? Your name is well-known, famous far and wide. It's just a pity that you can no longer fight me." Gao Yuan was quite direct. It was unclear whether this was his true nature or if his words were sharp and aggressive.

Many people nearby were observing. This was Chu Feng's first appearance after three months. How would he react to being confronted by a newly risen supreme king? Even though Chu Feng was crippled, he still attracted attention and was a focal point. The area became slightly quiet. Those nearby turned their heads to look in their direction.

Chu Feng remained calm. He said, "Fighting and killing are pointless; I've given them up."

As soon as these words came out, people were stunned. All the evolvers present were speechless, with strange looks in their eyes. He actually said... this was truly baffling. It left people speechless. In the past, who didn't know his name? He had cut a bloody path, his reputation formidable, dubbed "Demon King Chu" by his enemies, known for his ferocity. And now he claimed fighting was pointless and he'd quit.

*Pfft*. Someone nearby couldn't help but laugh aloud. "That answer is too casual! Is this something you can 'quit'? Clearly, you're just crippled!" However, no one dared to mock him. They were still wary of his former prestige. Moreover, this person always acted unconventionally. He had previously spread rumors saying he was physically unfit but then shamelessly engaged in several "final battles."

Gao Yuan was surprised. He clearly hadn't expected such a light response from Chu Feng. It was like a Tai Chi move, deflecting a thousand pounds with four ounces.

At this moment, the old grandmaster from Wudang Mountain greeted an acquaintance, then returned to their area. He looked at Gao Yuan and asked, "How is your grandmaster?"

"Greetings, senior. The patriarch of Baji Sect is well. He's healthy and full of vigor. He has always wanted to spar with you," Gao Yuan said with a smile.

People were all surprised to hear this. That would mean a battle between two old grandmasters. In terms of martial arts, perhaps no one in the current era could compare; their profound skill was unimaginable. Others' profound strength was due to evolving through strange fruits and similar means, seizing the opportune moment of the world's great changes. But those centenarian masters were already grandmasters of martial arts in normal times.

Chu Feng spoke. He said, "I don't like to hear that. If your grandmaster is so powerful, why didn't I see him come to spar with me when I was in good health?" He was "inviting trouble," taking on potential challenges himself. Similar to what Gao Yuan had just said, it seemed like a genuine display of character, yet also aggressively domineering.

Many around showed unusual expressions. Some former opponents could barely hide the excitement in their eyes. Demon King Chu was just like before, stirring up trouble again! In everyone's eyes, he was supposedly crippled now. How could he possibly fight? If he truly angered the Baji Sect, he would face serious consequences. His former adversaries naturally hoped Chu Feng would suffer a setback, secretly rejoicing and anticipating something to happen.

Gao Yuan smiled faintly. He said, "Chu Feng, you were indeed extraordinary in the past. However, at that time, our Baji Sect was unlucky. We didn't find enough strange fruits to evolve. I hadn't emerged before your fame, and after I became famous, you declined. It's truly a pity we couldn't have a real fight." Everyone's eyes glinted. This young master of the Baji Sect clearly did not acknowledge Chu Feng's former standing and refused to recognize his past status.

Gao Yuan had a faint smile on his lips. He said, "I see you can still use Awakening Realm energy. How about we just exchange a few moves, to gauge each other? I won't take advantage of you; I'll only use Awakening Realm energy too." At this moment, his former rivals were excited. They looked at Chu Feng, then at Gao Yuan, full of anticipation. Even Xu Qing in white was intrigued, wanting to see the outcome of their contest.

"Forget it, it's boring." Chu Feng shook his head.

"You don't dare. Are you afraid that your hard-earned reputation will be damaged if you lose?" Gao Yuan smiled faintly. For a moment, many gazes turned towards Chu Feng. Those who could come here were not ordinary people.

"I just think that doing so would be bullying you. The win would be without suspense. It's just too boring," Chu Feng said. As soon as these words were uttered, his arrogance was fully displayed, causing an uproar among the crowd.

"This is truly his style. So... spirited, no matter the opponent," someone mumbled. Of course, "spirited" could also be replaced with "arrogant" or "megalomaniac." But that person didn't dare to be so sarcastic, always holding some reservations about him.

In fact, many people were speechless. This adversary was now crippled, yet still so unyielding in character, maintaining an air of unrivaled supremacy, which displeased some. Of course, there were also many who had a good impression of Chu Feng. They now sighed softly, thinking that this might be the reason Chu Feng had been invincible in the past. His mindset was simply too good. Even now, having fallen to this state, he remained so confident, feeling invincible. This was the resilient quality of a strong individual!

Gao Yuan was displeased. After his rise, he had swept away opponents, becoming one of the most brilliant kings of the era, known to all. Yet Chu Feng, who was crippled, still dared to be so arrogant. However, he glanced at Chu Feng and didn't get angry. He calmly said, "Very well, let me see how you'll bully me."

Just then, someone suddenly arrived and spoke to Gao Yuan. "Brother Gao, please come this way. The Palace Master of Jade Void Palace and other seniors are already waiting for you on another island. Please join them." Hearing this, everyone showed envy. There was more than one island in Xuanwu Lake, and the other island was mostly where senior masters gathered. They were all top-tier kings, where ordinary people could not set foot. Gao Yuan, so young, was already at the peak of his power, his strength astonishing. Now, being esteemed by the Palace Master of Jade Void Palace and others, who had personally invited him, this spoke volumes.

"Alright, I'll go immediately." Gao Yuan nodded, then looked back at Chu Feng. He said, "We'll meet again later. I truly want to see how you'll bully me."

Chu Feng was remarkably calm. He nodded and said, "In that case, you go ahead. Come back later to take your beating."

"Hmph!" Gao Yuan was not a good-tempered person. He had been restraining himself, making himself appear broad-minded and gentle. Now, he let out a cold snort and turned to leave.

The group was stunned. They exchanged bewildered glances, seriously doubting if Chu Feng was truly crippled, as he still acted so casually, showing no concern for himself at all. If it were anyone else, after becoming an ordinary person, they would likely have been despondent long ago, finding a secluded place to lick their wounds. How could they still carry such an edge as before?

"What do you know? This is what a true expert is like! Even if his body has problems, his mindset remains invincible!" Just then, someone spoke up. Since Gao Yuan had already left, they weren't afraid to speak.

"As expected of Demon King Chu. Ah, this young uncle is too amazing," Xiong Kun echoed with a sigh in the distance. He, Hu Sheng, and others had also arrived. They had seen everything clearly and were somewhat speechless. Of course, some people scoffed.

At this very moment, someone came to invite the old grandmaster from Wudang Mountain, requesting him to go to another island to discuss some matters. With a person of his stature arriving, it was impossible to keep it unknown. The old grandmaster sighed, looking at Chu Feng. "Did the Palace Master of Jade Void Palace and the others not know Chu Feng was also here? They invited Gao Yuan away, but didn't come to invite Chu Feng?"

"Grandmaster, please come this way. The Sea Race people have also arrived. This time, all parties are discussing to set rules; you really must be there," the person invited politely. Seeing this, Chu Feng understood the old grandmaster's intention to bring him along, but he shook his head, not wishing to go there.

"Alright, be careful here by yourself." The old grandmaster departed. He wasn't actually worried. Chu Feng had some peculiar magnetic stones on him, and he had already witnessed their power, confident that Chu Feng could protect himself. At the same time, the old grandmaster didn't believe anyone would dare to defy universal disapproval and try to kill Chu Feng. At most, they would just engage in sharp verbal exchanges. If anyone dared to openly make a move, it would be inviting disaster for themselves. After all, Chu Feng had saved many powerful individuals on Mount Longhu; these were all his protective talismans!

Xu Qing in white was very low-key and was not among those invited. He was very calm, consistently staying with Chu Feng, and they chatted amicably. At this moment, Xiong Kun, Hu Sheng, Lu Qing, and others ran over. Their reunion was still warm, and they showed no coolness due to Chu Feng's crippling. Chu Feng smiled, holding a wine glass, and enjoyed talking with them.

Xiong Kun whispered, "Young uncle, you truly are highly skilled and bold. Currently, super kings are constantly rising outside. Many new kings want to challenge your former status to prove themselves. There are still some celebrity-level kings like Gao Yuan, some even stronger. Your attendance at this gathering, it just makes people uneasy."

"No matter, they're all just worthless chickens and dogs," Chu Feng said very calmly.

"Oh my god!" Hu Sheng, with his narrow eyes, immediately pulled back his neck, being much more cautious than Xiong Kun, thinking that this person really dared to say anything. Even Xiong Kun, despite his usual casualness, was now speechless. Did this young uncle still think he could look down on the world? His arrogance was a bit excessive.

"Isn't that too arrogant?" someone in the distance muttered in a low voice.

"Young uncle, let's watch our words. Don't let anyone resent you," Xiong Kun whispered.

Chu Feng nodded. He said, "Yes, the glorious years are gone. Let's not talk about those messy fights and killings. They're really meaningless. I hate violence." Some of his former adversaries, many of whom were present, wanted to cry upon hearing this. "Who was more violent than you back then?" They now wanted to punch him upon hearing such words!

"Chu Feng?!" Jiang Luoshen approached. She was deeply surprised to see him here, and that he dared to show up. She had a slender figure, with long legs, walking gracefully. Her bright eyes were enchanting, and she was known as the "Nation's Goddess." Her beauty and demeanor were indeed impeccable.

"It hasn't been that long since we last met, and you don't recognize me already? Why are you looking at me so strangely?" Chu Feng said.

Jiang Luoshen smiled sweetly and charmingly. She said, "You're in Jiangning, hmm, let me think. Could it be that you're here to see your first love, Lin Nuoyi? This is her territory, after all." Clearly, she and Lin Nuoyi were always in competition, never forgetting to try and pull her down.

"You're overthinking it," Chu Feng replied calmly, then glanced at her and said, "Aren't our relations more intimate?" Everyone was astonished. What had they just heard? Was Chu Feng personally confirming a past relationship with Jiang Luoshen? There had indeed been many rumors about them, but they had gradually been clarified later.

"Stop messing around." Jiang Luoshen quickly changed the subject. She was truly worried Chu Feng would reveal all sorts of things here. Thinking of how they had once slept in the same bed, her fair and radiant face flushed. She quickly swept her long hair back to conceal her embarrassment.

"Why exactly have you come here? I know your character, you scoundrel!" Jiang Luoshen felt that Chu Feng definitely had a reason for being here.

"I missed everyone here, so I came to see you all," Chu Feng said with thick skin. His former rivals and hostile individuals all cast sidelong glances, wanting to curse and swear at him. Those who had a good impression of Chu Feng felt a touch of sadness, believing he had been crippled and forgotten in a corner. His current appearance suddenly made their feelings complex.

"Actually, I came here to help old friends craft weapons. Hmm, recently, observing the celestial phenomena at night, I had some insights and suddenly comprehended the great dao. I wish to bestow it upon you all." Chu Feng spoke shamelessly, without a blush.

"Is this the quality of an expert: arrogant, invincible, and thick-skinned?!" someone mumbled.

Jiang Luoshen urged, "Quickly, tell me why you're really here. If you're looking for Lin Nuoyi, I'll help you call her."

Chu Feng put away his smile, and with a serious expression, he said, "To be honest, I'm currently researching how to forge spiritual weapons. Frankly, I can now enhance the quality of some weapons and even refine flying swords. I came this time hoping to cooperate with everyone." The group was truly startled. They were somewhat suspicious and didn't quite believe him. In fact, it was too sudden; many thought he was joking and not to be taken seriously.

"I guarantee on my honor that this is not empty talk." Chu Feng ceased smiling and looked serious. People were surprised. Was this real or fake?

"Heh heh. Isn't this Demon King Chu, who once dominated the world? Now, tsk tsk tsk..." Just then, a young man with purple hair walked over. He was extremely handsome, possessing an uncanny aura, his face bearing a mocking expression, unrestrained, openly targeting Chu Feng, completely unafraid. Beside him were some followers, including both otherworldly beings and humans.

Chu Feng's expression shifted slightly. He smiled and said, "Kong Sheng, you're actually still alive. I shot you with several arrows back then. I remember one hit you in the buttock, blood blooming everywhere. And you actually recovered." This person was Kong Sheng! At that time, Chu Feng was not yet a king-level expert. He had intense conflicts with the Peacock Race and the Weasel lineage from Mount Pan. This young man was the leader among his enemies then.

At that time, Kong Sheng had led a group of young otherworldly beings, including Huang Xiaoxian. They were very influential in Shuntian, and various human factions tried their utmost to win them over. On that day, Chu Feng had killed several quasi-kings of the Peacock Race and the Weasel Race. Only Kong Sheng had escaped with severe injuries. It was unexpected that he had appeared again today. The current Kong Sheng had long since become a king-level expert and was very powerful, his strength astonishing. In fact, given his strength back then, as a descendant highly valued by the Peacock King, even if the world hadn't continued to evolve rapidly, he would surely have become a king long ago. Now that he had appeared, he naturally harbored deep-seated hatred for Chu Feng, his gaze cold.

Kong Sheng suppressed the cold glint in his eyes and smiled. He said, "What, has the formidable Demon King Chu changed professions to become a blacksmith? Where's your invincible spirit from before? How pathetic you are now."

"What the hell do you know? Do you think breaking five shackles means you can flaunt yourself in front of me? In the past, killing you was like butchering a dog. I chased you until you had nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. And now, in my eyes, you're still nothing." Chu Feng's words were extremely impolite, causing Kong Sheng's expression to change instantly. Chu Feng was disdainful. He never showed kindness to his enemies. For a moment, silence fell. Everyone watched. People sensed that a fierce conflict was imminent.

"Wudang Grandmaster and the other kings are protecting you; I won't kill you, but I can still teach you a lesson!" Kong Sheng said coldly. He waved his hand, and some people followed him forward, including otherworldly beings and humans, all of whom had conflicts with Chu Feng in the past. They surrounded him along with Kong Sheng.

"What kind of skill is this? When Chu Feng was healthy, did you dare show up? Now, coming here to act tough, it's just a display of incompetence!" someone said.

"You're being rude!" Xiong Kun, Hu Sheng, and others also rebuked, blocking the way.

Kong Sheng, unhurriedly, paced forward. He said, "He's crippled now; whose fault is that? Now he's weak, yet he dares to be arrogant with us. Does he really think he's still Demon King Chu of the past? This is a death wish. Get out of my way!"

"You..." Hu Sheng and the others were shocked and angry, and also very worried.

"Kong Sheng, just let it go," Jiang Luoshen also tried to dissuade him.

"Everyone, step back." Just then, Chu Feng spoke, telling everyone to move back. He was very composed. He said, "Originally, Gao Yuan wanted to come and take a beating. I was quite surprised, thinking he'd be the first to cry out for his parents in a moment. I didn't expect you all to be more eager than him. Come on, all of you." The group was dumbfounded by his words. He really dared to speak like that. Did he really think he was still at his peak? At the same time, some people felt sympathy for Gao Yuan. He got 'shot' again, scorned by Demon King Chu.

"You really don't know what's good for you! You're always so conceited. Then I'll grant your wish!" Kong Sheng's handsome face held a mocking smile as he led his people closer.

However, at this moment, Chu Feng lightly kicked a magnetic stone beneath his foot, changing its position. Then, several magnetic stones in the nearby grass lit up. The area instantly changed.

"Here, this one's for you too." Chu Feng threw a magnetic stone engraved with symbols from his hand onto the ground in front. As a result, everyone witnessed an astonishing scene. Kong Sheng and his group stumbled and swayed, as if their souls had been startled out of them. Each of them tottered, on the verge of collapsing.

"I really hate violence. Fighting and killing are very boring. But you always force my hand." Chu Feng said, walking over. While claiming to hate fighting and dislike violence, he immediately gave Kong Sheng several loud slaps, which echoed loudly, leaving Kong Sheng completely slumped on the ground. Everyone was shocked, completely dumbfounded!