"What is that?"

Ling Chen narrowed his eyes as he gazed into the distance at the group of people. Their number was considerable, and they were all dressed in black robes. Faintly, an ominous fluctuation emanated from their bodies, drawing much attention from others.

"They're from Sichuan Tangmen," Ling Xue said softly.

"Tang Sect, they've come too."

Ling Chen's pupils slightly contracted. He was certainly well-acquainted with Tang Sect's people. Back in Yi Zhou, due to the Sword Immortal Poetry, he was chased relentlessly by them, fleeing from Yi Zhou to Jingzhou. If the Human Emperor hadn't intervened and defeated Tang Sect's Third Elder, they probably wouldn't have given up so easily.

"Do you see the guy at the forefront? If I'm not mistaken, he should be the most outstanding among the younger generation of Tang Sect, Little Puppet King, Tang Haotian."

"Little Puppet King, Tang Haotian." Ling Chen followed the gaze, and behind two elderly men in black robes stood a straight-backed, indifferent-looking young man also clothed in black. The youth's complexion was of a grayish hue, and from his body emanated a faintly visible, fierce cold aura, evidently reaching the Eighth Layer of Sky Apex Realm.

"It's said that his puppet has reached a level of unity with his mind and has once killed a Half-Saint powerhouse."

Ling Chen's eyes flashed with surprise. To think that with just a puppet, Tang Haotian could kill a Half-Saint powerhouse—this makes battling him like fighting two enemies at once.

"Tang Haotian brother, that kid from the Ling family is staring at you."

At this moment, a young Tang Sect talent seemed to notice Ling Chen's scrutiny and joked teasingly.

Upon hearing this, the corner of Tang Haotian's mouth curved into a cold smile. His gray-penetrating eyes suddenly turned towards Ling Chen, casting an icy and indifferent gaze over. Faintly, it felt as if a chilling aura pierced through space and enveloped him.

Whoosh!

Ling Chen remained calm, his intangible Sword Intent spread wide, directly dispelling the chilling spine-chilling aura entirely.

"Huh?"

At the instant when the cold aura couldn't threaten Ling Chen, Tang Haotian's eyes finally flickered. This chilling aura was a unique Tang Sect technique; once entangled, it was quite troublesome. Yet, this unknown disciple of the Ling family could effortlessly break it.

"Interesting,"

Tang Haotian chuckled softly, then slowly withdrew his gaze. "Didn't expect that apart from Ling Yuxuan, there would be another such figure in the Ling family."

"This guy turns out to be a formidable hidden ace."

The young Tang Sect talent was also stunned. Among the younger generation, there weren't many who could casually neutralize Tang Haotian's technique in such a manner.

"Haotian, don't cause trouble."

The leading Tang Sect elder frowned slightly. Tang Haotian's behavior could easily spark conflicts; the Ling family wasn't a common power and couldn't be easily provoked.

"Understood."

Tang Haotian restrained his temper; he was well aware that the Ling family was a notch above Tang Sect in strength. After all, the Ling family had a millennia-old heritage and occupied the position of Grand Marshal in the Central Dynasty, holding significant power, ranking above the administrative post held by Tang Sect Leader.

The two Tang Sect elders exchanged glances with Ling Lie and others, saying nothing more before gesturing to lead the Tang Sect disciples and quickly approached another city gate.

The surrounding warriors watched as the two super families arrived outside Divine Capital City, rubbing their hands and eyes filled with anticipation. This grand event on the Nine Provinces Land was finally beginning; who knew which prodigy would capture the limelight this time?

As one of the Nine Great Families, the Ling family naturally enjoyed privileges upon entering Divine Capital; there was no need to queue. A group promptly entered the city.

Each of the Nine Great Families had its own mansion within Divine Capital, and the Ling family's mansion was located in the southern part of the city. After entering the city, Ling Chen's group headed towards their own mansion.

Being one of the Nine Great Families, the Grand General's Mansion was built with grandeur and splendor. Many powerhouses had been waiting outside the mansion for a long time, and upon seeing Ling Lie and Ling Zhen, they immediately greeted them.

Upon entering Ling Mansion, Ling Lie gathered everyone together, instructing, "There are three days left until the official opening of the Heavenly Sword Tournament. During these days, Divine Capital is a mix of people, and everyone will be around, so just stay in the family mansion. Don't run around and get into trouble."

"Understood!"

The Ling family disciples all bowed in agreement. With the Heavenly Sword Tournament imminent, their thoughts were solely on how to enhance their strength and showcase their talents in the tournament, with little interest in wandering about.

After several days of traveling, Ling Chen originally wanted to meditate, but halfway through the day, someone came looking for him. It wasn't anyone else but Lan Xingling, the woman who had helped him disguise and infiltrate the Ling family.

Lan Xingling came this time naturally for the Heavenly Sword Tournament. She had heard about Ling Chen's recent exploits and was surprised at his rapid progress. Now he had faintly become the second-best talent in the Ling family, next to Ling Yuxuan.

Lan Xingling's direct visit startled Ling Chen since not many knew his true identity, but Lan Xingling happened to be one of them.

"Why are you so nervous? Revealing your identity wouldn't benefit me in any way. I'm still counting on you to help me resolve the marriage issue with Ling Feng."

Lan Xingling glared at Ling Chen.

She came to Divine Capital this time, also to participate in the Heavenly Sword Tournament.

Every Saint Family has its quota, and the Lan family is no exception.

"Don't worry, I will take care of your matter,"

Ling Chen spread his hands helplessly. "But right now, the Heavenly Sword Tournament is the most urgent; after the tournament ends, I'll find a way to break this engagement."

Compared to getting the Saint's Soul Niche, breaking the engagement is only a minor issue.

"I trust you can handle it well."

Lan Xingling nodded, "However, my purpose in finding you this time isn't to rush you on any task."

After a moment of understanding, it turned out Lan Xingling was looking for him to go shopping together.

Ling Chen wasn't very interested initially, but given that she held leverage over him and that Divine Capital was vast, he figured it wouldn't hurt to go out and see.

But as soon as they stepped out, they ran into Ling Xue, who looked at Ling Chen in surprise, evidently shocked by how he had suddenly gotten involved with Miss Lan from the Lan family.

"Sister Ling Xue, you've misunderstood,"

Ling Chen hurriedly explained, "Miss Lan and I are just ordinary friends."

"Ordinary friends?"

Ling Xue clearly did not believe Ling Chen's explanation. If they were just ordinary friends, would a young lady of high status willingly come to Ling Mansion to find Ling Chen?

Unexpectedly, her clan brother, who seemed focused solely on the Sword Way, had such intentions and secretly accomplished this.