Upon receiving the sound transmission, Wu Junyan's expression changed dramatically. He never expected to encounter Chen Qingyuan in the Star Domain of the Spirit Realm. What a surprise indeed!
After some contemplation, Wu Junyan arranged to meet with Chen Qingyuan at a specific location.
In a desolate valley, wild grass covered the ground, and in the shadowy corners, venomous snakes could be seen flicking their tongues.
Wu Junyan had only just arrived when he saw Chen Qingyuan, dressed in simple cloth, approaching.
Without a word, Wu Junyan struck out with his palm.
Fortunately, Chen Qingyuan was well-prepared and swiftly dodged to the side.
With a thunderous boom, a massive palm imprint appeared on the stone wall behind Chen Qingyuan.
"Old Wu, no need to be so hot-tempered!" Chen Qingyuan hurriedly exclaimed.
"You still have the nerve to meet me? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?" Wu Junyan's face was a mask of indifference, his body surrounded by dozens of invisible sword lights, exuding an imposing aura.
"If you really wanted to kill me, you wouldn't have been so gentle just now." Chen Qingyuan had a good grasp of Wu Junyan's temperament.
"Hmph!" Wu Junyan snorted coldly. "Since you're here, let's settle that unresolved challenge."
"Hold on, if we're going to fight, we should at least sit down and have a cup of tea first." Chen Qingyuan's eyes were sincere. "If I intended to break my promise, why would I come to you? You saw last time, it was against my will, I was forced."
"I despise those who break their promises the most." Wu Junyan could indeed understand Chen Qingyuan, but he still felt displeased, his face stern: "Chen Qingyuan, can I really trust you again?"
Chen Qingyuan's heart tightened slightly at Wu Junyan's serious demeanor.
Then, with a grave expression, Chen Qingyuan nodded slowly: "Yes."
Hearing this response and recalling the scene when Chen Qingyuan was taken away, Wu Junyan's anger slowly dissipated.
Following that, Wu Junyan waved his sleeve, and a table and chairs appeared before him.
On the table was a pot of fragrant tea and two cups.
"Sit down!"
In his life, Wu Junyan had no friends, except for a strange trust in Chen Qingyuan. When with Chen Qingyuan, he felt as if he could take off his mask and truly feel alive in this world.
"Old Wu, how did you get entangled with Miss Zhangsun from the Piao Miao Palace? What happened between you two?"
Chen Qingyuan took a seat and began to gossip.
"I don't want to tell you."
Wu Junyan was a bit petulant, giving a cold look.
Wu Junyan did not mention the incident of Chen Qingyuan being suddenly taken away years ago. He was a smart man; if Chen Qingyuan didn't bring it up himself, there must be some taboo, and asking would be pointless.
"I have something I want to ask you." After some idle chat, Chen Qingyuan brought up a serious matter: "Have you… learned the Dao Technique of the Mystic Azure Sect?"
"What makes you say that?"
Wu Junyan frowned.
"When you fought Miss Zhangsun, I felt a hint of the Mystic Azure Sect's Dao essence in your swordsmanship," Chen Qingyuan said solemnly.
"Oh?" A flicker of surprise crossed Wu Junyan's eyes. "Are you sure?"
"If you don't mind, could you condense a sword intent for me to observe closely?" Chen Qingyuan suggested.
"I do mind." Wu Junyan remained cold, still harboring a trace of resentment towards Chen Qingyuan.
"…" Chen Qingyuan was at a loss for words.
A few breaths later, Wu Junyan flicked his finger in front of him, and a sword intent appeared abruptly.
A man who says one thing but means another.
Chen Qingyuan observed the invisible sword intent carefully, his gaze growing more solemn.
After a lengthy consideration, Chen Qingyuan confirmed that the sword intent indeed contained a trace of the Mystic Azure Sect's Dao Technique.
Although Chen Qingyuan had known Wu Junyan for many years, they had never had a direct confrontation or seen each other's combat, so it was only now that he discovered such a peculiar thing.
How strange!
Why would Wu Junyan's swordsmanship be linked to the Mystic Azure Sect?
After much thought, Chen Qingyuan could not figure it out and asked with a serious expression: "Old Wu, your swordsmanship isn't from the Wu family, is it? Who did you learn from?"
"Cannot say," Wu Junyan murmured.
"It is rumored that when you were young, a crane descended to the Wu family's territory and took you away. Could it be…"
Suddenly, Chen Qingyuan thought of this and hesitated, the implication clear.
Wu Junyan did not refute but remained silent.
That meant all of Wu Junyan's skills were taught by an unknown entity, which might have intricate connections with the Mystic Azure Sect.
Chen Qingyuan thought of the many mysteries surrounding the Mystic Azure Sect and felt that he might get some answers from Wu Junyan.
Wu Junyan seemed lost in thought, pondering why his Dao Technique would be related to the Mystic Azure Sect. At the same time, he remembered the first time he met Chen Qingyuan.
Wu Junyan, who was always cold to others, felt an inexplicable warmth towards Chen Qingyuan, willing to sit down with him for drinks and tea, feeling quite relaxed.
"Old Wu, do you have any unspeakable secrets?" Chen Qingyuan broke the tense silence.
"I'm not strong enough, not qualified to speak of those childhood events."
Wu Junyan had always been scheming to become stronger, all to gain the recognition of one person. That person was his Master.
His Master had said that unless Wu Junyan reached the height of surpassing his peers and attained the Cultivation Level of Tribulation Crossing, he was not entitled to mention his Master's name or speak of those karmic experiences.
"Alright then!" Chen Qingyuan did not press further.
The topic had been broached, and the atmosphere between the two became somewhat delicate, both falling into silence.
After an unknown period, Chen Qingyuan stopped pondering these matters and took out two pots of fine wine, placing them on the table: "Forget those troubles, let's drink."
Wu Junyan didn't hold back, grabbing a pot of fine wine and drinking heartily.
After three rounds of drinks, Chen Qingyuan brought up the matter of the challenge: "Old Wu, I bear a great responsibility for the unfinished challenge of the past. Since we've met today, shall we conclude it?"
"Not in the mood now, let's talk about it next time we meet!"
Wu Junyan had just fought Zhangsun Qian and was not in the mood for battle. Moreover, he noticed that Chen Qingyuan's Cultivation Level had risen to the peak of the Golden Elixir stage and would soon catch up.
It was better to leave this challenge for the future.
"Think carefully, it's not me breaking the appointment, it's you who doesn't want to fight," Chen Qingyuan declared loudly.
"Mhm." Wu Junyan nodded slowly.
"Honestly, I think Miss Zhangsun is deeply devoted to you. Why not just accept her?" Chen Qingyuan teased, raising an eyebrow.
Without the need to fight and having eased the tension with Wu Junyan, Chen Qingyuan made his jest.
"Get lost!"
Wu Junyan gave Chen Qingyuan a frosty glare.
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas