God of Pets Chapter 858: Suppression

Previously, the Chu Family maintained only an office within the Ji Family’s dominion. Now, this once modest establishment has expanded, resembling a granted concession.

An elder of Ji Shentong’s stature, boasting several hundred years and with numerous prominent Ji Family members as his progeny, held significant sway. For such an individual to personally await a junior at the doorstep within the Ji Family’s city prompted a sigh from Ji Liuying.

Chu Hongwu did not emerge to greet them himself. Instead, a guard escorted them inside, not to the reception hall, but directly into Chu Hongwu’s private courtyard.

Upon entering, Elder Ji Shentong and Ji Liuying observed Chu Hongwu standing on a small, curved bridge, scattering fish food to the aquatic life below. These were no ordinary fish, but Ji Liuying lacked the inclination to admire them.

"Elder Tong, to what do I owe the surprise of your personal visit?" Chu Hongwu inquired, feigning astonishment as if just noticing Ji Shentong's presence.

"Young Master Chu, earlier there was a minor disagreement between Liuying and yourself. It was her discourtesy in receiving guests, and I have brought her to offer an apology," Ji Shentong stated, casting a pointed look at Ji Liuying, signaling her to speak.

Before Ji Liuying could utter a word, Chu Hongwu responded with a trace of cynicism. "For this young lady of the Ji Family to apologize, how could I possibly accept such an offer? This is your Ji Family’s city, your Ji Family’s Great Cave Heaven; I am merely a visitor. Even if wronged, I can only endure the indignation, I would not dare ask your Ji Family’s young lady for an apology."

"Young Master Chu, you jest. Our Ji Family has always upheld fairness; mistakes warrant an apology," Ji Shentong countered.

"Elder Tong, your words carry a flawed premise. If transgressions are remedied merely with an apology, does that permit one to err at will, provided they apologize afterward? Should I strike one of your Ji Family members and then offer an apology, would your Ji Family let the matter rest?" Chu Hongwu posed with a wry smile.

Ji Shentong’s expression grew troubled, and he seemed poised to reply, but Ji Liuying interjected.

"If Young Master Chu possesses the might to strike our Ji Family’s people, we would not require your apology. We would only lament our own inadequacy and inadequacy, and in such an instance, I would commend you, Young Master Chu, for your commendable actions."

"Liuying!" Ji Shentong exclaimed, his voice laced with anger.

"Well spoken! That is precisely the sentiment I wished to hear. Then today, I shall allow you to say 'commendable actions.'" With those words, Chu Hongwu launched a palm strike directly at Ji Liuying. He harbored a pent-up fury; without unleashing it, this resentment would remain unvented.

The Chu Family was replete with prodigious talents, yet few attained the Great Cave Heaven realm before the age of thirty. Chu Hongwu's ascent to Great Cave Heaven at the young age of twenty-six marked him as an anomaly. He had never before endured such humiliation. At that prior moment, his engagement in a contest with another had been disrupted by Ji Liuying’s interference, leading to his defeat—an outcome he could not possibly accept.

Ji Liuying did not retreat; instead, she met his strike with a palm of her own. Their palms met, resulting in a stalemate, an evenly matched confrontation.

"Liuying, cease immediately!" Ji Shentong urged, attempting to halt their exchange. However, not only did Ji Liuying disregard his plea, but even if she had been willing to stop, Chu Hongwu would not have. Surely, he could not permit Ji Liuying to stand there and receive another blow?

As the combat commenced, Ji Shentong mused: "Perhaps this is for the best. That Chu Hongwu currently stands as the youngest in the Chu Family to reach Great Cave Heaven, and his cultivation ranks among the apex of the younger generation within the Chu Family. Given they are both operating within the seven senses, Liuying is certainly no match for him. Allowing him to vent his frustration might resolve this matter."

With this thought, Ji Shentong resolved to remain silent, stepping aside and preparing to intervene only to prevent the collateral damage from their battle from harming the courtyard.

Ji Shentong, much like Chu Hongwu himself, presumed Ji Liuying would be outmatched. However, in the actual engagement, Chu Hongwu discovered that no matter how ferocious his offensive became, Ji Liuying could match him blow for blow. This realization caused Chu Hongwu’s expression to turn sour, as he clearly sensed Ji Liuying effortlessly neutralizing all his techniques while holding back.

This was not merely an equal exchange; only a demonstrably superior force, significantly exceeding his own, could produce such an effect. Even if Chu Hongwu were inclined to concede this point, as their combat intensified once more, he resolved to fight with serious intent.

Ji Shentong had never anticipated the turn of events. Among the Ji Family’s younger generation, Ji Liuying was considered merely above average, with a discernible gap separating her from the top echelon, and at times, not even reaching that level.

However, Chu Hongwu was a figure capable of challenging the Ji Family's elite young cultivators, theoretically far surpassing Ji Liuying.

Yet, the current confrontation depicted Chu Hongwu unleashing his full might, while Ji Liuying appeared to parry his attacks with ease, even preserving the courtyard's integrity during their intense engagement.

Considering this, Ji Liuying's demonstrated strength seemed considerably greater than Chu Hongwu's.

"How is this possible? How can Ji Liuying wield such formidable power?" Ji Shentong exclaimed, disbelief etched on his face.

But the reality was undeniable: Ji Liuying employed genuine Innate Divine Skills alongside the Eight Innate Techniques, martial arts that Ji Shentong himself had mastered.

Still, the execution of these techniques by Ji Liuying contained subtle, brilliant nuances that even left Ji Shentong in awe.

"Does Ji Liuying truly possess such exceptional talent? I must have severely underestimated her previously," Ji Shentong's bewilderment deepened, his expression growing increasingly perplexed.

A sense of regret began to surface within him; had he foreseen Ji Liuying's true potential and capabilities, he might not have insisted on her public apology—an act that could have potentially harmed her cultivation path, wounded her Dao heart, and stunted her future growth.

Ji Shentong found himself increasingly relieved that the forced apology had not yet transpired.

Before this revelation, Ji Shentong had paid little mind to Ji Liuying, viewing her compelled apology as a minor affair.

However, Ji Liuying's current display of power forced Ji Shentong to recognize her profound significance.

For a pragmatic individual like Ji Shentong, it was clear that the collective strength of the Ji Family was the ultimate solution to any predicament.

Ji Liuying's performance was on par with, and potentially even exceeded, that of the Ji Family's most promising young talents.

If the Ji Family's top young cultivators were to engage Chu Hongwu, they might struggle to achieve the same level of flawless control displayed by Ji Liuying.

In truth, even Ji Liuying herself had not anticipated being able to contend with Chu Hongwu to this extent.

Initially, she surmised that despite her advancements, facing a top-tier contender in their age group like Chu Hongwu would necessitate every ounce of her effort just to hold her ground.

She had even considered entering the Secret Realm to gain an advantage and potentially suppress Chu Hongwu.

Yet, as the actual battle unfolded, Ji Liuying discovered this was unnecessary; employing the Secret Techniques and Skills imparted by Chen Guan, she effortlessly overpowered Chu Hongwu without expending her full capabilities.

"A true Master is indeed existence on par with the Celestial Beings, wholly worthy of instructing a Celestial King," Ji Liuying's reverence for Chen Guan swelled within her heart.