"This is troublesome. Offending the Imperial Clan, I’m afraid that once we return, Li Tailong will spread the word and have their royal family members target us at the Tianjian Conference."

Ling Xue seemed somewhat worried.

"Do you think if we compromise and give in, they will show mercy?"

Ling Chen shook his head, finding Ling Xue’s thoughts too weak and naive.

Being kind invites bullying; appearing too weak will only make the opponent go further and take advantage.

At this moment, Ling Chen’s heart suddenly stirred, and he slightly raised his gaze, as if with a certain intuition, looking toward the distant pavilion’s top. Immediately, four figures with extraordinary presence appeared within his view, and the smile on his face slowly froze.

"It’s actually these four."

Beside him, Ling Xue exclaimed in surprise.

"Peerless Sword, Liu Mengru, Sima Xiaoyao, Murong Ziying... among the younger generation of the Nine Provinces Land, these are probably the four most outstanding individuals." Lan Xingling murmured.

These names struck a chord with Ling Chen. He had seen them on the Green History Wall; Peerless Sword and Liu Mengru ranked third and fourth, while Sima Xiaoyao and Murong Ziying took sixth and seventh, respectively.

However, at the same time, these four occupied the first and second positions on the Southern and Northern lines of the Hidden Dragon List. Thus, calling them the most outstanding figures in the Nine Provinces Land wouldn’t be wrong.

From these four exuded different strong auras, but without exception, they all possessed extremely powerful presences, like towering mountains within view.

Ling Chen’s eyes slightly narrowed, contemplating that to be among the top three, these individuals would be the opponents he must overcome.

The appearance of these four also caused a huge stir in the West Market, instantly becoming the focus of everyone’s discussion.

These four individuals were undoubtedly the main characters of this Tianjian Conference.

Wow!

Next, as a commotion seemed to spread, Ling Chen looked up to see two figures among the four suddenly descending, slowly landing before him amidst gathered gazes.

It was none other than Liu Mengru and Sima Xiaoyao.

"Nice to meet you, from the Divine Blade Family, Sima Xiaoyao."

Sima Xiaoyao wore a hearty smile, extending his hand to Ling Chen.

"From the Swordsaint Family, Ling Yu."

Ling Chen maintained composure, extending his right hand for a handshake.

Ling Chen had met Sima Xiaoyao once while at the True Dragon Pavilion. The man was indeed a gentleman, of noble character, which was quite rare.

With such a person, Ling Chen was glad to be acquainted.

"From the Liu Family, Liu Mengru."

Liu Mengru similarly extended her fair jade hand, a delicate smile hanging on her exquisite face.

"Pleasure to meet you."

Ling Chen’s face remained unchanged; even Liu Mengru did not know his identity now. So Ling Chen pretended not to recognize her, reaching out politely.

As their hands met, Ling Chen tried to withdraw but found Liu Mengru’s cool, smooth hand gripping his firmly. At the same time, an odd ripple penetrated Ling Chen’s palm, directly entering his meridians.

Startled, Ling Chen quickly withdrew his hand, taking several steps back to steady himself.

The trick Liu Mengru played earlier vanished without a trace upon entering his meridians and flesh, as if dispelled.

Ling Chen finally breathed a sigh of relief, only to find Liu Mengru smiling as she approached, her scent enveloping him. Her lips neared his ear, whispering in a fragrant breath, "Cousin, it’s really you."

"You..."

Ling Chen was shocked, realizing her trick was to test his bloodline.

Soon, Ling Chen comprehended that Liu Mengru was merely curious about his identity and would not expose him. He quickly retreated several steps, "Cough... men and women shouldn’t be too intimate, please mind yourself Miss Liu."

"Hehe, Young Master Ling really has a thin skin."

Liu Mengru laughed like a soft bell, yet her beautiful eyes gazed at Ling Chen deeply, apparently questioning his impersonation and infiltration into the Ling Family.

In response, Ling Chen merely shook his head slightly, indicating she shouldn’t ask more, as he had his plans.

Liu Mengru nodded, refraining from further inquiry.

Though their exchange was subtle, many noticed it, believing Ling Chen and Liu Mengru were exchanging glances in affection, rather than communication.

These two harbor secrets.

Seeing this, many felt envious. Liu Mengru was among the most outstanding female expert of the young generation, and her beauty was unparalleled. Many young men sought her favor, yet here she was, expressing goodwill towards Ling Chen—a blessing beyond compare, yet he insisted on keeping proper distance?

People questioned if Ling Chen was truly a man.

Sima Xiaoyao too was surprised, knowing Liu Mengru to be warm outside but cool inside, rarely showing closeness even to friends. That she’d show such affection toward Ling Yu today was truly unexpected.

Assuming Liu Mengru had fancied Ling Chen, Sima Xiaoyao invited, "Brother Ling Yu, we’re catching up here, would you care to join us for a drink upstairs?"

"You are old acquaintances catching up, I wouldn’t intrude as an outsider."

Ling Chen politely declined, aware he had recently offended the Imperial Clan, and Peerless Sword was among them, harboring no warm feelings toward him. He wouldn’t force unwanted company.

"A shame indeed."

Sima Xiaoyao didn’t press further, saluting Ling Chen before flying back to the pavilion.

"Goodbye, Young Master Ling."

Liu Mengru beamed dazzlingly at Ling Chen, leaping back to the pavilion once her performance concluded.

After the duo entered, the pavilion doors closed automatically, their figures vanishing from view.

"What’s going on with Liu Mengru? I’ve heard she’s not such a wild woman," Lan Xingling remarked, puzzled.

"Perhaps she truly fancies Ling Yu," Ling Xue looked at Ling Chen.

Knowing the truth, Ling Chen glanced around, changing the subject, "If the Elders hear of this, we’ll surely face reprimand. It’s time for us to return."

Likely, news had already reached the Grand General’s Mansion. Ling Lie had warned them against troublemaking. Yet, here they were, causing quite the stir.