The Strongest Dandy in the City Chapter 2355 - 2344: Not Qualified

Upon entering this valley, a potent surge of Spiritual Energy immediately assailed them. This Spiritual Energy, along with the Sea of Consciousness within Cheng Yuanmu, Zhu Zhize, and the others, found themselves utterly restricted. The illumination within the valley was rather subdued, and the ground was carpeted with Spirit Grass of considerable age. The valley stretched out in a vast expanse, its end obscured from view. Walking alongside Cheng Yiyao, Ye Chenfeng surveyed the scene, contemplating the possibility of discovering the Hundred-Heart Grass within this locale. The primary objective for Cheng Yuanmu and Zhu Zhize in venturing here was to procure a gift of suitable value. This was particularly crucial for Cheng Yuanmu, as a Zhou family member who had shown interest in Cheng Yiyao possessed an ancestor who had reached the Half-step Divine Venerable realm, thereby elevating that individual's standing within the Zhou clan. Presenting an appropriate gift might significantly mitigate any potential issues. While the Spirit Grass scattered on the ground were not of nascent age, they were still deemed unsuitable for presentation as gifts. Under the guidance of the middle-aged men from the Zhu and Cheng families, who were at the Heavenly God Realm, they continued their journey deeper into the valley. The progression inwards revealed increasingly aged Spirit Grass, yet Cheng Yuanmu and Zhu Zhize grew progressively more apprehensive, gripped by a foreboding intuition. They had advanced so far that the valley's entrance was no longer discernible. Just as they prepared to press onward, "Boom! Boom! Boom!" Suddenly, sounds akin to thunder reverberated throughout the valley, echoing persistently. Cheng Yuanmu and Zhu Zhize's nerves immediately tensed, and their gazes shifted in unison to the middle-aged men from their respective families at the Heavenly God Realm. One of them promptly spoke. "Ancestors, such an event has never occurred before. I have explored this place on three separate occasions, and never has there been such an commotion." "Ancestors, indeed, this is exceedingly strange. I am unaware of the reason for such a transformation this time." Following the pronouncements of the two middle-aged men at the Heavenly God Realm, Cheng Yuanmu and Zhu Zhize both recognized the urgency of departing the area without delay. They intended to retreat, but as they attempted to do so, the very ground of the valley began to shake violently, and a series of black lights enveloped them. Instantly, as the dark luminescence consumed them, their forms vanished from their original positions. Concurrently, Ye Chenfeng also dematerialized from the spot. Ye Chenfeng experienced a sudden darkening of his vision. Upon regaining his sight, he found himself within a straight corridor. He surmised that this location must still be within the valley's confines, though the preceding black light had evidently transported him to some secret chamber or structure hidden within. Behind Ye Chenfeng, Zhu Zhize and Zhu Tianlei had also been brought to this place. Cheng Yuanmu and Cheng Yiyao, however, appeared to have been sent to a different location. While Ye Chenfeng was lost in thought, Zhu Zhize and Zhu Tianlei had already regained their composure. They meticulously examined the straight corridor. Upon noticing Ye Chenfeng standing before them, they found the situation increasingly peculiar. With no immediate means of exiting the valley, departure seemed impossible. Zhu Zhize and Zhu Tianlei turned their focused attention towards Ye Chenfeng. In this environment where Spiritual Energy could not be utilized, their reliance was solely on physical prowess, and a vanguard was necessary. In the event of life-threatening perils, having someone scout ahead would at least provide a buffer for preparation. Naturally, in their minds, Ye Chenfeng was the designated pathfinder. Emerging from his contemplation, Ye Chenfeng turned to face Zhu Zhize and Zhu Tianlei. He had refrained from acting against these two previously to avoid unnecessary entanglements. Now, in this setting, where reliance was on brute strength and the Green Flame remained dormant, dispatching both of them would be a simple matter. After exchanging a significant look with Zhu Zhize, Zhu Tianlei haughtily declared, "Kid, walk ahead obediently for us, and I might spare your life for the moment. Someone like you from the Central Continent, attempting to survive in the Ancient Realm, would do well to be compliant and subservient. Furthermore, you were insignificant to begin with, and here, strength reigns supreme. With your capabilities, you are nothing but a waste." Zhu Zhize remained silent beside him, never considering Ye Chenfeng a genuine threat, leaving the immediate matters to Zhu Tianlei. Ye Chenfeng's expression remained unchanged. With only the three of them present, and given Zhu Zhize and Zhu Tianlei's eagerness to meet their demise, why would Ye Chenfeng refuse their request? Observing Ye Chenfeng's continued, unmoving stance, Zhu Tianlei advanced closer with an assertive demeanor, "What? Do you intend to refuse?" A cold smile graced Ye Chenfeng's lips. "And what if I refuse? Do you believe you possess the standing to issue commands to me?"

Zhu Tianlei’s fury was stoked by Ye Chenfeng’s insolent defiance; there was no point in keeping someone who refused to assist in exploring the path.

Although he could not wield Spiritual Qi, Zhu Tianlei still possessed the power of a mid-to-late stage Earth God Realm fifth-layer cultivator. His physical prowess was similarly at this level, as a cultivator's ability and physical strength generally corresponded.

With a surge of aggression, Zhu Tianlei lunged towards Ye Chenfeng, unleashing a powerful right punch aimed directly at his chest.

This strike, devoid of Spiritual Qi, carried immense force; for an ordinary person, it would have been sufficient to completely shatter their chest cavity.

Beside them, Zhu Zhize remained impassive, utterly convinced that the disobedient Ye Chenfeng was a liability who deserved no mercy. He had full confidence in Zhu Tianlei’s ability to handle the situation.

As Zhu Tianlei's right fist hurtled towards Ye Chenfeng, the latter casually met the assault with his own right fist, not even utilizing his full physical might. The force generated was akin to a Peak Heavenly God Realm seventh-layer expert employing only their physical strength.

Physical strength is notoriously difficult to accurately gauge.

Witnessing Ye Chenfeng's counter-attack, Zhu Tianlei, unable to discern the true power behind the fist, scoffed dismissively. "You dare to resist? You believe your fist can stop me? Prepare to have your arm disintegrated into mist!"

"Bang!"

The two fists met with a resounding impact.

Indeed, an arm dissolved into a bloody mist.

However, it was Zhu Tianlei’s arm that exploded into a spray of blood in mid-air.

"Ah!"

A piercing, agonizing scream tore through the atmosphere. The sheer intensity of the pain left Zhu Tianlei unable to process his thoughts.

Yet, Ye Chenfeng showed no hesitation, following up with a swift kick directly to Zhu Tianlei’s chest.

Another explosive "Bang!" echoed.

Zhu Tianlei was sent hurtling backward, his entire chest obliterated into a bloody mist. His heart and all internal organs were reduced to mere droplets of blood.

After Zhu Tianlei’s demise, Ye Chenfeng simply shook his head and remarked, "I told you before, you are not qualified to give me orders; why did you fail to listen?"

... (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your votes with recommendations and monthly tickets; your support fuels my motivation. Mobile users, continue reading at m.qidian.com.)