The Strongest Dandy in the City Chapter 2231 - 2220: Challenge

Zhao Jinpeng burst out laughing heartily at once, "Little brother, leaving the princess of our Lion King Lineage in your hands fills us with total reassurance! The feast stands ready, and soon enough, we must share several fine drinks together."

Within this isolated small world dwelled thousands of Nine Nether Ice Lions, yet the Lion King Lineage numbered only a few hundred. Naturally, their talent far outshone that of regular Nine Nether Ice Lions, none of whom boasted even a single Divine King Realm powerhouse.

Nearly all had assembled here to greet Ye Chenfeng, with many covertly watching him from afar. Undeniably, excitement stirred in their hearts, for Ye Chenfeng's displays proved utterly shocking. Members of the Lion King Lineage yearned for the princess to wed a mighty figure, and Ye Chenfeng appeared the perfect match. They fully endorsed him as the princess’s partner.

Still, among the common Nine Nether Ice Lions, numerous eyes gleamed with malice, skillfully concealed. Clearly, these clansmen opposed Bai Xiaorou's union with Ye Chenfeng, yet his overwhelming talent left them without rebuttal, forcing them to choke down their bitterness.

Zhao Feiyu, Zhao Chengming, Zhao Huaqing, and fellow youths blended into the throng; Zhao Feiyu struggled to mask his unnatural expression despite his efforts.

While Zhao Wenyu and the rest began guiding Ye Chenfeng toward the arranged banquet,

a powerful aura surged forward swiftly, compelling the crowd to split open a passageway. Bai Xiaorou appeared, clad in a white silk gown, radiating detached elegance. An unreachable vibe emanated from her, deterring unrelated young males from meeting her gaze directly—this was pure presence!

But upon reaching Ye Chenfeng, Bai Xiaorou hastened her pace and flung herself into his embrace, clinging firmly. Gone was her icy demeanor; with wide, fluttering eyes full of complaint, she murmured, "Brother Ye, you’ve finally come for Xiaorou! I’ve missed you terribly."

Ye Chenfeng lightly booped Bai Xiaorou’s nose, while his other hand gently stroked her back. He sensed the demonic energy inside her had vanished entirely, easing his worries completely. Grinning, he replied, "Xiaorou, see, I’m here for you now. As I promised, if you wish to remain at my side, I won’t hold you back."

A delighted smile bloomed on Bai Xiaorou’s face, akin to a child unwrapping a treasured present. Nodding eagerly, she affirmed, "Mm, Xiaorou never wants to part from Brother Ye ever again."

Bai Xiaorou’s deep attachment to Ye Chenfeng stirred envy in her father Zhao Wenyu, though thoughts of Ye Chenfeng’s staggering prowess quickly quelled it. He declared, "Xiaorou, if reverting to your birth name displeases you, then keep being Bai Xiaorou from here on out!"

Zhao Wenyu had pressed hard for Bai Xiaorou to resume her original name, only for her to reject it outright.

Hearing Zhao Wenyu yield, Bai Xiaorou spared him not a glance, fixating instead on Ye Chenfeng. "Brother Ye named me Xiaorou, and I’ll bear it forever," she stated.

Zhao Wenyu’s eyelid spasmed, nearly coughing up blood, yet he knew it arose from Bai Xiaorou’s upbringing away from the ancestral grounds.

The assembled Nine Nether Ice Lions harbored diverse reactions to this display, but the Lion King Lineage embraced Ye Chenfeng without reservation.

Meanwhile, Zhao Feiyu scowled deeply at the sight of Bai Xiaorou nestled in Ye Chenfeng’s arms, veins throbbing visibly on his forehead.

Under Zhao Wenyu and others’ lead, the group proceeded to an enormous grand hall.

Tables and chairs filled the hall, laden with Nine Nether Ice Lion specialties, all infused with icy essence.

Zhao Wenyu, Zhao Shenghong, and Zhao Jinpeng ushered Ye Chenfeng to the head table, where Bai Xiaorou settled naturally by his side.

Zhao Shenghong lifted his cup first, proclaiming, "From today, this brother joins us Nine Nether Ice Lions. Let’s raise a toast in his honor."

Zhao Wenyu and Zhao Jinpeng joined in raising their glasses, prompting everyone else to fill and hoist theirs.

Ye Chenfeng couldn’t decline the sincerity from Zhao Shenghong and company, so he lifted his own glass too.

This opening toast ignited the banquet proper. Every delicacy shone with rarity, its ingredients scarce even across the Tian Xuan Realm.

Over wine and cuisine, Zhao Wenyu, Zhao Shenghong, and Zhao Jinpeng chatted openly with Ye Chenfeng, welcoming him like family.

At the youths’ tables, Zhao Feiyu watched the ancestors and Clan Leader embrace Ye Chenfeng fully; his knuckles whitened around his cup, shattering his composed mask as pretense crumbled.

Zhao Chengming and Zhao Huaqing had long despised Zhao Feiyu’s two-faced nature, outwardly polite yet inwardly scheming.

Blunt and bold, Zhao Chengming toasted Zhao Feiyu directly: "Zhao Feiyu, our brother-in-law’s impressive, eh? Best part is Xiaorou adores him. Recall what we achieved by thirty— we wouldn’t measure up even with our toes!"

"Zhao Feiyu, you with me? Better to speak plainly. This guy seems genuine; once the Clan Leader departs, I’ll definitely befriend him."

Zhao Chengming spared no punches against Zhao Feiyu, whose manipulative falseness repelled him. He recognized Zhao Feiyu’s covert designs on the future Nine Nether Ice Lion Clan Leader seat!

Zhao Feiyu’s grip made his hands quiver faintly; fortunately, the sturdy cup endured, or it would have cracked.

"Feiyu, ignore me. Times are tough. Only wedding the princess offers a shot at Clan Leader. We ordinary Nine Nether Ice Lions can’t endure Lion King Lineage rule eternally. One final path remains: curb this brat’s rising fame first."

"Gifted as he is, he’s merely second level Heavenly God Realm Peak, while you hold third level. Beat him to disrupt the balance, and hope persists for you."

"Feiyu, proposing a friendly spar during guest welcome fits tradition—no one can object, unless the kid cowers, which suits us fine."

Recognizing the mental transmission from an ordinary lineage elder, Zhao Feiyu steadied himself, then advanced with cup in hand. After sharing a toast with Ye Chenfeng, he sincerely proposed, "Friend, your prowess astounds me. Might I request a sparring bout? Honor me with your guidance."

"Among Nine Nether Ice Lions, we traditionally greet honored guests with spars, so don’t hold back in teaching me."

Zhao Feiyu spoke truly; in bygone days, such matches welcomed visitors among Nine Nether Ice Lions, though the custom had faded.

Having drunk Zhao Feiyu’s toast, Ye Chenfeng caught his words and curved his lips in a subtle smile. He pierced Zhao Feiyu’s facade effortlessly.

...(To be continued. If this story captivates you, swing by qidian.com for recommendation and monthly votes. Your backing drives me forward. Mobile readers, visit m.qidian.com).