Zhangsun Fengye had imagined various scenarios of meeting Chen Qingyuan, but he never expected it to be like this.
Turned away at the door by Chen Qingyuan.
"This guy, truly one of a kind."
After holding back for a while, Zhangsun Fengye wasn't angry; instead, his interest in Chen Qingyuan grew even stronger.
If it were anyone else, who would dare to treat him this way?
"Young Master Chen, I come with no ill intentions, I simply wish to make your acquaintance," Zhangsun Fengye called out loudly.
Inside the house, Chen Qingyuan sat in a chair, his expression helpless as he muttered to himself, "Meeting Zhangsun Fengye so early is not a good thing."
Recognized by countless in the Northern Wilderness as the foremost among the Ten Heroes, Zhangsun Fengye was definitely not as refined as he appeared on the surface.
Wary!
Chen Qingyuan didn't want to have too much interaction with Zhangsun Fengye, at least not now.
His own strength was too weak; he had to be cautious in everything.
"If Young Master Chen finds it inconvenient to meet today, I will visit again when I go to Dao Yi Academy."
After a long silence with no response, Zhangsun Fengye spoke again.
Hearing this, Chen Qingyuan had no choice but to open the door: "Please come in, Young Master Changsun!"
With Zhangsun Fengye's strength and status, he could represent the Mysterious Sacred Ground. If he truly wished to visit, Dao Yi Academy, despite its transcendent status, couldn't ignore it.
Sooner or later, Chen Qingyuan couldn't avoid meeting him.
"Thank you."
The corners of Zhangsun Fengye's mouth lifted slightly as he stepped inside.
Then, the two sat in the hall, facing each other.
Freshly brewed fragrant tea was placed on the table, a wisp of tea smoke rising from the pot, bringing a faint aroma to the air.
"Seeing is believing, Young Master Chen is indeed extraordinarily handsome, a rare talent in this world."
Zhangsun Fengye kept sizing up Chen Qingyuan, as if he wanted to peel him open for a closer look, a smile on his face as he offered a compliment.
"No need for such pleasantries, what do you want?"
Chen Qingyuan remained vigilant, speaking in a deep tone.
"When the new list of the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness was announced, Young Master Chen was included with a cultivation level of the Heavenly Spirit Realm, setting a precedent. Later, you became a disciple of Dao Yi Academy, which surprised and impressed me greatly. I seek nothing more than acquaintance, no other intentions."
Surviving a hundred years in the Sky Abyss and emerging alive was already a miracle. Yet, Chen Qingyuan's subsequent performance was even more outstanding, reaching the ears of Zhangsun Fengye in the distant Human Spirit Star Domain.
"It was all unexpected."
If possible, Chen Qingyuan didn't want to be so high-profile. But the more he wished to keep a low profile, the less he managed to do so, as if an invisible hand was pushing him to the pinnacle of the great waves.
"It's not an accident, but Young Master Chen's strength."
Zhangsun Fengye opened his folding fan and gently fanned himself, smiling lightly.
"I don't have much strength."
Chen Qingyuan modestly replied.
"You're too humble, Young Master Chen." Zhangsun Fengye trusted his own judgment, not likely to misread someone. That kind of soul-deep vibration, looking across the entire Northern Wilderness, only Chen Qingyuan among his peers could achieve it.
Even among the other Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness, in Zhangsun Fengye's eyes, they were merely slightly stronger Heaven's Prides, nothing remarkable.
Only Chen Qingyuan was special, enigmatic, shrouded in a thick fog, impossible to see clearly.
"Now that we're acquainted, if there's nothing else, please leave! As far as I know, Young Master Changsun should be cultivating a relationship with Miss Song, not spending time with me."
Chen Qingyuan issued an eviction order.
Interacting with Zhangsun Fengye put a lot of pressure on Chen Qingyuan.
Despite Zhangsun Fengye's refined and easygoing appearance, his ruthless and merciless methods, and unfathomable strength, couldn't be concealed.
Just one look in the eyes, and Chen Qingyuan knew Zhangsun Fengye would be a formidable enemy in the Northern Wilderness.
Someone like Zhangsun Fengye, even in the Imperial Province, stood at the pinnacle, not to be underestimated.
"Last time I drank a pot of your wine, this time it's my turn to treat."
Having finally met Chen Qingyuan, Zhangsun Fengye didn't want to leave so soon. Ignoring Chen Qingyuan's unwelcoming attitude, he took out two pots of fine wine and placed them on the table.
Hearing this, Chen Qingyuan's heart sank slightly.
These words had a deeper meaning, implying that Zhangsun Fengye had seen through Chen Qingyuan's disguise last time. To think, Chen Qingyuan had used the Jade Bracelet to conceal his aura!
Countless top figures couldn't see through it, yet Zhangsun Fengye had discerned it at a glance.
How did he do it?
Chen Qingyuan's gaze sharpened, ready for any sudden developments.
Fortunately, this was the Song Family's territory, and Zhangsun Fengye likely wouldn't make a move. Otherwise, Chen Qingyuan figured he'd have a headache.
"Please, help yourself."
Zhangsun Fengye opened the two pots of wine.
"No, thank you. I prefer tea," Chen Qingyuan declined, wary of the wine.
He didn't need to worry about the wine gifted by the Song Family's Clan Leader, as someone of that stature wouldn't need to stoop to underhanded tactics to deal with Chen Qingyuan—a simple slap would suffice, straightforward and brutal.
But Chen Qingyuan didn't know Zhangsun Fengye well enough to let his guard down.
Afterward, Chen Qingyuan poured himself a cup of tea and took a small sip.
"Alright." Zhangsun Fengye saw Chen Qingyuan's concerns but didn't feel awkward, laughing and saying, "Next time we meet, I'll bring some fine tea for Young Master Chen."
In fact, Zhangsun Fengye's spatial storage contained plenty of tea leaves.
He knew that being newly acquainted with Chen Qingyuan, he wouldn't have earned his trust yet. Offering tea would surely be rejected, no need to make the situation more awkward.
And so, the two fell into silence, scrutinizing each other, each lost in thought.
After half an hour, Zhangsun Fengye finished his wine and slowly stood up: "The wine is finished, I shall take my leave."
"Take care, no need to see you out."
Chen Qingyuan nodded, his expression cool.
Once Zhangsun Fengye had left, Chen Qingyuan's tense nerves relaxed slightly.
"Truly a dangerously formidable character!"
Chen Qingyuan's gaze became very solemn as he murmured.
During their interaction, Chen Qingyuan sensed a hint of danger from Zhangsun Fengye.
It's worth noting that even though Zhangsun Fengye was concealing his aura, he still made Chen Qingyuan feel uneasy. If Zhangsun Fengye were to reveal his true nature, it would undoubtedly be terrifying.
"An interesting fellow."
After this encounter, Zhangsun Fengye wasn't displeased by Chen Qingyuan's cold demeanor; on the contrary, he was quite satisfied, looking forward to their next meeting.
During their first meeting, Zhangsun Fengye hadn't recognized Chen Qingyuan's true identity, only sensing something unusual. It was only after this meeting that Zhangsun Fengye made his guess.
Even so, it demonstrated just how exceptional Zhangsun Fengye was.
Meanwhile, the wine party hosted by the Song Family and the Mysterious Sacred Ground came to an end. Someone suggested that the young people from both sides should spar to liven up the atmosphere and promote growth.
"Agreed."
The leaders of both powers considered it and nodded in agreement.
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas