My gorgeous wife Chapter 2050 - 2018: Reunion with Luu Chen

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Previously on My gorgeous wife...
Li Chen and Old Chen arrive at the legendary Zizhao Marketplace, a place steeped in the tales of the King of the Netherworld and his former rivals. Li Chen recognizes Dark Moon Blade Liang Qi disguised as a street vendor and suspects he and Bright Sword Lu Chen are secretly co-leading the market. They encounter a stele erected by Ji Changfeng, now a renowned young warrior, ostensibly to promote fairness but which Li Chen suspects is a monument to his past humiliation at the hands of Zizhao's associates.

After another round of wandering, even Old Chen couldn't help but exclaim, "This place is indeed excellent, but alas, I didn't bring enough funds to indulge in a shopping spree. I have a few younger relatives just embarking on the martial path who require beginner potions for body tempering."

"You can always return another time," Li Chen chuckled. "Besides, this marketplace isn't moving anywhere."

"That is true," Old Chen agreed with a nod.

Just then, two martial artists materialized before Li Chen, obstructing his path. Despite their polite demeanor, they stated, "You two, our Market Master extends an invitation for a conversation."

"Luu Chen?" A smile graced Li Chen's lips. As he had suspected, Luu Chen and Liang Qi were indeed partners in operating this marketplace, one openly and the other from the shadows.

"Very well, lead the way. A casual chat is all that's needed. It has been a while since I've simply conversed," Li Chen remarked, giving them a casual wave.

The two martial artists exchanged surprised glances. Had Li Chen not appeared to be merely a seventeen or eighteen-year-old youth, they might have mistaken him for a formidable senior. To casually chat with their Market Master?

This nonchalant attitude seemed rather presumptuous.

Beside Li Chen, Old Chen instinctively tugged at his sleeve, subtly urging him to be cautious with his words.

This was Zizhao Market City, not their cruise ship.

Although Old Chen possessed considerable strength, there were many individuals present who surpassed him, let alone the Market Master, Luu Chen.

"Let's proceed; I'm slightly pressed for time," Li Chen gestured, as if checking his wrist, though it bore no timepiece.

Observing Li Chen's bearing, one of the martial artists showed a hint of displeasure and snorted coldly. However, he eventually led the way with due diligence.

After all, it was the Market Master's directive, and without his explicit command, they would not dare to lay a hand on Li Chen.

Zizhao Marketplace was expansive, yet the Market Master's residence presented itself as an ordinary, unassuming courtyard.

Despite its ordinary appearance, Li Chen could discern subtle intricacies within the courtyard's surroundings.

"Far from simple; there's even a formation," Li Chen commented to Old Chen beside him, smacking his lips. "With this formation in place, even Earth-level experts at their peak wouldn't stand a chance of breaching it."

"That potent?" Old Chen was equally astonished.

While speaking, Old Chen couldn't help but cast a glance at the two individuals ahead. Strangely, they appeared oblivious to their conversation, continuing to lead the way in silence.

Following them, Li Chen entered an ancient courtyard, serene and graced by a venerable tree.

It was an old locust tree.

And beneath this ancient locust tree sat a solitary figure.

Dressed in immaculate white robes.

Luu Chen, the Bright Sword.

And concurrently, the reigning Market Master of Zizhao Market City.

As Li Chen and Old Chen entered, Luu Chen slowly opened his eyes. His gaze, upon landing on Li Chen, suddenly ignited with a sharp brilliance, as if attempting to perceive Li Chen's very essence.

Yet, Li Chen's composure remained unfaltering, allowing Luu Chen unrestricted scrutiny.

A flicker of recognition dawned in Luu Chen's eyes, prompting Li Chen to turn and say with a smile, "Old Chen, you go explore on your own; I will find you later."

"This..." Old Chen glanced at Li Chen, then observed Luu Chen. He understood that his presence would serve no purpose here, so he nodded, "Be careful."

Once Old Chen had departed and Luu Chen dismissed his subordinates, the Market Master slowly approached Li Chen, scrutinizing him intensely before speaking with a gentle tone, "...Lord Nether King?"

Upon hearing Luu Chen's address, Li Chen's smile widened. "You recognize me; it seems my near-fatal strike back then left quite an indelible memory."

Luu Chen's expression shifted to one of profound awe. "You... you truly are Lord Nether King? But you... how..."

"It is best not to inquire about such matters," Li Chen interjected, waving a hand. An invisible, compelling force emanated from him, instantly silencing Luu Chen.

Even in his current state, devoid of Yuan Force, the commanding aura of a supreme leader was not easily diminished.

Prior to his journey to the Heaven Realm, Li Chen was unequivocally acknowledged as the paramount expert. Even through the subsequent years, Li Chen had attained the Realm of Shen Tian. Within the Heaven Realm, even a Heavenly King would tremble in his presence, let alone someone like Luu Chen who remained at the Earth Level.

"Has the master returned from above?" Luu Chen inquired cautiously. Even a powerhouse of his caliber did not dare to speak further of 'above'. Significant events had transpired previously.

He recalled hearing from the old master Zi Zhao that a Heaven-level expert had seemingly descended from 'above,' resulting in a cataclysmic battle.

"You refer to the Heaven Realm?" Li Chen chuckled, shaking his head. "The Heaven Realm is remarkable, yet not terrifying. Most inhabitants are ordinary, with no substantial differences; only their average cultivation level is somewhat elevated."

Luu Chen swallowed hard, listening intently, refraining from offering any commentary on such profound matters.

Furthermore, it's probable that only the individual standing before him possessed the ability to broadcast such secrets across the globe.

"Master, what is it like in the realms above?" Luu Chen’s gaze was filled with yearning.

Li Chen observed Luu Chen, "I understand that all of you aspire to ascend, to uncover the nature of that world."

"I can inform you that the Heaven Realm is indeed immense, far exceeding your wildest imagination," Li Chen stated, "However, it is also fraught with complexity and ruthlessness. It is more brutal than our own world..." He let out a soft sigh, "Existing might not pose a significant challenge, but existing without succumbing to mediocrity certainly does."

"Master, after your departure, certain seasoned experts followed your ascension path. I am curious about their current circumstances..." Luu Chen inquired with eagerness.

"I am aware of it." Li Chen nodded, "I have encountered them; they are likely faring well."

At this juncture, Li Chen appeared to be in a state of indecision.

"Sufficient." Li Chen nodded, cutting off Luu Chen's impending questions, "That concludes our discussion for today. I am merely traveling. I haven't determined how long I shall remain, perhaps for an extended period, or perhaps I will depart shortly. Therefore, regarding my presence, I implore you not to reveal it. My wish is for no one else to know."

"Yes, Master," Luu Chen quickly affirmed, "But what about Liang Qi..."

"Disregard Liang Qi; I surmise he has also deduced it was me," Li Chen offered a smile, "Do not mention this matter to anyone else, not even Zi Zhao."

"Moreover, I am eager to witness the expression that old fox will don when I unexpectedly manifest before him once more."