The Supreme Martial King Shocking All Realms Chapter 3307 - 3302: Fu Xuanbing and Hu Kui_1

Indeed, residing beyond these walls brings nothing but hardships, with perpetual struggles for shelter and ceaseless clashes alongside scorn from fellow cultivators. How rare it is to discover a serene and effortless haven like this one?

Yang Chen's face stayed impassive upon catching Mo Wenfeng's remark, showing no hint of astonishment. He responded coolly, "No need, I refuse even a trace of Jiyu Essence. Brother Mo, feel free to settle in."

Mo Wenfeng's features lit up with joy at those words, while his companions beamed with excitement, believing they'd stumbled upon incredible luck.

Yet Yang Chen followed up promptly, "Very well, Brother Mo, come with me into the residence."

Mo Wenfeng's delight turned to puzzlement as he queried, "And what of the rest...?"

"The rest? Were there more folks around? I hadn't seen any. Brother Mo, after you." Yang Chen replied evenly.

Mo Wenfeng grasped the implication right away, understanding that Yang Chen had no plans to include Lu Tao and his bunch in this windfall; his invitation extended solely to Mo Wenfeng alone.

Though Yang Chen's statement cut deep and showed little regard, none in Lu Tao's circle dared utter a protest. As they watched him stride away, their minds overflowed with profound sorrow.

In particular, Lu Tao twisted in bitter self-reproach. Had they shown Yang Chen even a shred of kindness earlier, could this outcome have been avoided?

Maybe they too could have risen swiftly like Mo Wenfeng, claiming a spot in Dragon Pattern Mountain and escaping the shame of hidden exile.

But all they managed was to gaze powerlessly as Mo Wenfeng stepped through the entrance, left stranded on the threshold.

The remaining cultivators harbored sharp pangs of regret as well. In their frustration, they turned their ire toward Lu Tao. After all, few had outright shunned Yang Chen, but Lu Tao had been the most hostile.

They had dismissed the novice Yang Chen as insignificant. Little did they foresee he'd prove to be such a formidable prodigy.

"This mess is on you." The cultivators jabbed accusations at Lu Tao, quietly resolving to cut ties with him.

Having botched their chance to win Yang Chen's favor, they had no desire to antagonize him over Lu Tao's missteps.

...

Meanwhile, Mo Wenfeng trailed Yang Chen into the Dragon Pattern Mountain dwelling, his mind swirling in a dreamlike haze of awe and unease.

"Brother Yang Chen, it weighs on me to occupy this splendid cave mansion without contributing a dime." Mo Wenfeng admitted with unease.

With hands clasped behind him, Yang Chen assured, "Brother Mo, put your mind at ease. Back when I first stepped into the Ancient Divine Realm, your aid spared me unknown perils. I'll always cherish that memory."

Mo Wenfeng inwardly thanked his stars upon hearing that. He hadn't imagined a simple offhand gesture from before could yield such immense reward.

For it had been merely idle chatter between them. Even without his input, a clever soul like Yang Chen would surely have navigated smoothly. Still, Yang Chen's appreciation granted Mo Wenfeng this prized opportunity, one countless others craved and bid fortunes for.

"From now on, Brother Mo, make this your home, and in my absences, I trust you'll watch over the cave mansion for me." Yang Chen suggested.

"Certainly, no issue at all." Mo Wenfeng agreed eagerly, deeming the arrangement ideal for mere guardianship duties. He embraced it fully.

Yang Chen nodded in approval at the response.

Having shared a few quick pointers with Mo Wenfeng, Yang Chen dove into cultivation, as Mo Wenfeng slowly steadied his nerves.

More than ten days of dedicated practice later, Yang Chen rose, intent on venturing to the Earth Spirit Hall to seek out Fairy Linglong.

This period of isolation had primed him for action.

Yang Chen chatted briefly with Mo Wenfeng before departing Dragon Pattern Mountain.

Shortly after exiting the dwelling, Yang Chen crossed paths with some known figures—Hu Kui and his crew, the same ones who'd approached him recently.

Spotting Yang Chen, Hu Kui and his mates offered shallow bows and feigned warmth, greeting casually, "Daoist Friend Yang Chen, off to what destination this time?"

"Heading to the Earth Spirit Hall. And where might Brother Hu Kui and your companions be bound?" Yang Chen inquired.

"Off to handle a mission." Hu Kui answered with a faint grin.

While they conversed, a gruff shout echoed from the distance, "Hu Kui, who's that you're chatting with?"

"Oh? Daoist Friend Fu." Hu Kui and the rest paled a bit, recognizing this Daoist Friend Fu as someone of notable rank.

A sturdy figure then approached. Yang Chen's gaze sharpened, identifying the man as Fu Xuanbing, a prior acquaintance from before the Ancient Divine Realm.

The grudge between him and Fu Xuanbing lingered unsettled. Back then, slaying Fan Tian and claiming his horn had enraged Fu Xuanbing, sparking threats and a lasting rift.

Destiny now reunited them. Fu Xuanbing locked eyes on Yang Chen the instant he appeared.

"You again." Fu Xuanbing's face darkened with fury, "Daring to linger in Dragon Pattern Mountain?"

"What bars me from Dragon Pattern Mountain?" Yang Chen shot back offhandedly.

Fu Xuanbing scoffed, "Hmph, I can't fathom your presence here in Dragon Pattern Mountain, but watch your step. Trouble might hobble you before long."

Fu Xuanbing's warning hung heavy, though he kept it veiled rather than overt.

"I'll throw those words right back at you, Daoist Friend Fu." Yang Chen stated.

Hu Kui and his group, picking up on the tension, probed, "Daoist Friend Fu, acquainted with Brother Yang Chen?"

"Acquainted? Indeed I am. This brat swiped a key item vital to my quest, costing me tens of thousands of Jiyu Essence. So, do you lot recognize this Yang character?" Fu Xuanbing demanded.

At that revelation, Hu Kui shook his head vigorously, "Nope, total strangers. We've no connection to this Yang fellow."

Hu Kui's crew flipped their stance in a flash—from cozying up to Yang Chen one second, to total denial the next upon learning of his beef with Fu Xuanbing.

What a laugh—could Yang Chen outrank Fu Xuanbing in influence?

As a Level 6 Merit holder, Fu Xuanbing eyed a potential ascent to Level 7, which would send him to the Lingxu Ancient State—a boon beyond measure for early allies.

Yang Chen observed their shift with a mere shoulder shrug, unperturbed. He'd never viewed Hu Kui's bunch as true allies anyway.

Seeing Hu Kui and the others play it smart, Fu Xuanbing relaxed and declared, "Fine, ignorance is best. Time's up—if you're set, let's scout ahead and gear up for the journey."

"Of course. We're counting on you for this outing, Daoist Friend Fu." Hu Kui and his pals fawned with grins, their pact with Fu Xuanbing a mystery to outsiders.