Eternal Immortal Clan: It All Started When I Married My Junior Sister!

191: He probed the enemy’s strength, and then repelled him with a single move!Seeing this, Xu Sen, who had been hovering in the air, showed a satisfied smile on his face.

He said to the two Void Refining Elders behind him, ”It seems this Chen Xu is a smart man; he didn’t make us waste our breath.”

”Let’s go. Since the host has opened the door, we as guests cannot lose our manners.”

The three transformed into streaks of light, instantly passing through the grand formation and landing on the square of the City Lord’s Manor’s main hall.

Xu Sen did not barge directly into the hall; instead, he stood in the center of the square and slightly released a hint of his Aura.

This Aura was controlled extremely well, neither harming the surrounding low-level Cultivators...

...nor failing to let those inside the hall feel his presence.

”Xu Sen of the Central Province’s Ascending Immortal Gate has come specifically to visit City Lord Chen.”

Xu Sen’s voice was warm and mellow, like an Elder visiting a friend.

Not a hint of hostility could be heard.

The doors of the main hall slowly opened.

Chen Xu walked out alone, without bringing any Guards behind him.

He hadn’t even called out Tyrant Blade or Lan Shuyao.

The two men looked at each other from a distance of dozens of yards.

This was their first meeting, but the clash of their gazes was more perilous than facing each other with blades and swords.

Xu Sen was sizing up Chen Xu.

Young, far too young.

That kind of vigorous vitality could not be faked.

Furthermore, although the Aura on this person was only at the Body Integration Early Stage (Chen Xu was hiding his true cultivation)...

...it was exceptionally condensed, like a piece of divine iron tempered a thousand times.

There was no sense of superficiality at all.

”Is this the freak who achieved Body Integration in thirty years?”

Xu Sen was secretly astonished, but on the surface, he maintained that calm and breezy smile.

Meanwhile, Chen Xu was also observing Xu Sen.

This old fox was indeed much more difficult to deal with than the likes of Gu Qingfeng.

Too many calculations were hidden in his eyes.

This kind of person was often more dangerous than an enemy who directly shouted for blood.

”So it is Elder Xu.”

Chen Xu cupped his hands, a fake smile on his face. ”Zhenyuan City is a remote backwater; I didn’t expect it to attract such a great figure from the Central Province. Please forgive me for failing to welcome you properly.”

”City Lord Chen is too polite.”

Xu Sen returned the gesture and said with a smile, ”This old man’s visit is somewhat abrupt. I simply heard that Zhenyuan City has a new master and specifically came to ask for a cup of celebratory wine. I wonder if City Lord Chen welcomes me?”

”There is certainly celebratory wine.”

Chen Xu stepped aside and made an inviting gesture. ”As long as Elder Xu doesn’t mind my coarse wine, please come inside.”

The two looked at each other and smiled, as if they were old friends of many years.

But whether it was the two Elders following behind Xu Sen or the members of the Chen Family hiding in the shadows...

...all could feel the scent of gunpowder permeating the air... Inside the main hall, they took their seats as host and guest.

Xu Sen picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and praised, ”Good tea. I didn’t expect City Lord Chen to not only have startling cultivation but also excellent taste.”

”If Elder Xu likes it, take a couple of pounds when you leave,” Chen Xu said indifferently.

”Then this old man won’t be polite.”

Xu Sen set down his teacup, his gaze suddenly becoming somewhat sharp. ”However, this old man came this time not only to ask for tea but also to discuss a big business deal with City Lord Chen.”

”Oh?” Chen Xu leaned back against his chair, wearing a half-smile. ”I’m all ears.”

”The situation in the Northern Region is currently turbulent, and Tianyu Holy Land is too busy looking after itself.”

Xu Sen’s fingers lightly tapped the table. ”Although City Lord Chen is a young hero who has taken Zhenyuan City, your Foundation is shallow after all. As the saying goes, the tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind.”

”Although Gu Qingfeng hasn’t made a move yet, with his temperament, he will strike back sooner or order. When that time comes, I’m afraid the Chen Family will be left standing alone without support.”

”And so?”

Chen Xu didn’t take the bait, only asking in return.

”And so...”

Xu Sen leaned forward slightly, revealing his true intentions. ”If City Lord Chen is willing, Zhenyuan City can be placed under the name of my Ascending Immortal Gate, becoming a subsidiary branch of our Sect in the Northern Region.”

”As long as you hang this banner, I guarantee that Tianyu Holy Land will never dare to touch a single hair on your heads.”

”Furthermore, the resources of the Central Province will also be tilted toward you.”

”City Lord Chen would still be the master of this city; you’re just changing your backer. Why not do it?”

These words were spoken grandiosely and were extremely seductive.

But after hearing them, Chen Xu only gave a light chuckle.

”Elder Xu, you certainly have a clever plan.”

”What? Does City Lord Chen feel the conditions I’ve offered aren’t good enough?”

Xu Sen’s eyes narrowed slightly, and that warm temperament vanished instantly.

In its place was an invisible sense of pressure.

”The conditions are decent.”

Chen Xu looked directly into Xu Sen’s eyes, not backing down at all. ”But I also have a sentence I’d like to give to Elder Xu.”

”My, Chen Xu’s, knees are a bit stiff; they don’t bend easily.”

”Since this Zhenyuan City is now named Chen, it will only ever be named Chen. No matter whose banner it is, it won’t be planted on my city walls.”

The atmosphere in the hall instantly dropped to the freezing point.

A burst of killing intent suddenly erupted from the two Elders behind Xu Sen, locking onto Chen Xu.

”City Lord Chen.”

The smile on Xu Sen’s face completely disappeared. ”It’s a good thing for young people to have pride, but if you can’t see the situation clearly, that’s called stupidity. Do you really think that with your strength alone, you can block the general trend of the world?”

”Whether I can block it or not, won’t we know if we try?”

Chen Xu picked up his teacup and lightly blew on the floating leaves, his tone so calm it made one’s heart palpitate.

”Since Elder Xu has come, why don’t we have a gamble?”

”Let’s see who exactly has the final say in this Zhenyuan City.”

The air in the hall seemed to be sucked dry by this single sentence.

Xu Sen looked at the young man before him, who was countless years younger than himself, and the smile on his face gradually withdrew.

Finally, it turned into a meaningful chuckle.

He had lived for ten thousand years and seen countless brilliant Geniuses.

Some were arrogant, some were enduring, and some were ignorant of the heights of the heavens.

But someone like Chen Xu, who clearly only had a Body Integration Early Stage cultivation...

...yet dared to face a Body Integration Late Stage powerhouse...

...and bluntly state he wanted to ’have a gamble’—this was the first time he had seen it.

”Good, very good.”

Xu Sen clapped and laughed. The laughter echoed in the empty hall, yet no hint of joy or anger could be heard. ”Since City Lord Chen has this elegant interest, if I were to refuse, it would make my Ascending Immortal Gate look petty.”

He slowly stood up, and his original appearance as a gentle-as-jade schoolteacher vanished instantly.

In its place was a majestic Aura as deep as the abyss and as vast as the sea.

”Although City Lord Chen’s Zhenyuan City is good, it has just changed hands; the Earth Qi is unstable, and the people’s hearts are fluctuating.”

As Xu Sen spoke, he seemingly casually raised his right hand, palm upward, fingers slightly curved. ”Since we are gambling, then I shall show off my meager skills and stabilize this newly acquired Foundation for City Lord Chen, how about it?”

Before his voice had even faded, a brilliant green light suddenly erupted from his palm.

That light was not as simple as a release of spiritual power; it contained some extremely profound power of the Law.

Accompanied by a low hum...

...a square Seal, only the size of a palm, emerged out of thin air.

This Seal was entirely a primitive bronze color, carved with countless patterns.

Every pattern seemed to be breathing...

...swallowing the surrounding Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi.

”This Seal is named the ’Mountains and Rivers Seal’; it is the Lifebound Treasure I have refined for a thousand years.”

Xu Sen held the great Seal, his tone flat, but his eyes revealed an absolute confidence. ”If City Lord Chen can take one strike from this Seal without retreating, then this gamble shall be considered my loss.”

Hearing this, the two Void Refining Elders standing behind him had a sudden change in expression and subconsciously retreated several steps, their eyes filled with awe and terror.

They knew the power of this Mountains and Rivers Seal too well; it was a true Immortal Artifact Embryo.

Once activated, it would be like a divine mountain pressing down.

Forget a Body Integration Early Stage; even a Cultivator at the same Body Integration Late Stage would not dare to take it head-on.

Chen Xu remained seated in his chair, still holding that teacup in his hand.

He seemed completely unaware of the impending danger.

”Since it is Elder Xu’s kind intention, then I shall accept it with gratitude.”

Chen Xu set down the teacup with a light clink. ”Please.”

The moment the word ”Please” left his mouth, Xu Sen’s gaze suddenly sharpened.

”Go!”

He gave a light shout and flipped his wrist; the Mountains and Rivers Seal in his palm instantly flew out.

Initially, the Seal was only palm-sized, but the moment it flew out, it grew with the wind.

In a single breath, it had turned the size of a millstone.

Two breaths later, it was as large as a house.

By the third breath, the Seal crashed directly through the hall’s ceiling, transforming into a small mountain that blotted out the sun.

It hovered directly above Chen Xu’s head!

*Crack—*

Even though the Seal had not yet truly fallen, just the trace of residual might it emitted...

...already caused the hard diamond ground beneath his feet to crack inch by inch.

The beams and pillars in the hall groaned, as if they would completely collapse in the next moment.

This was no mere contest; this was clearly intended to smash Chen Xu along with this hall...

...directly into the depths of the earth!

This was the method of a Body Integration Late Stage powerhouse; every move could trigger the general trend of heaven and earth.

Xu Sen stood with his hands behind his back, his robes fluttering loudly, looking coldly at the tiny figure below.

He was waiting—waiting for Chen Xu to show an expression of panic, waiting for Chen Xu to bring out a Magic Treasure to defend himself miserably.

Or... to directly kneel and beg for mercy.

However, he was disappointed.

Under that mountain-like heavy pressure, not even a single strand of Chen Xu’s hair was out of place.

He slowly raised his head, looking at the massive Seal pressing down, his gaze terrifyingly calm.

”Is this the power of the Body Integration Late Stage?”

Chen Xu murmured to himself, ”It is actually a bit lighter than I imagined.”

The voice was not loud, yet it clearly drilled into Xu Sen’s ears.

Xu Sen’s brow twitched, and a nameless fire rose in his heart. ”Arrogant!”

He slammed his finger downward.

Rumble—!!!

The bronze Seal roared, and its descent speed instantly increased tenfold.

The bottom of the Seal even rubbed against the air to produce dazzling sparks.

Carrying a force that could destroy heaven and earth, it smashed down toward Chen Xu’s head!

At this moment, all the Cultivators in Zhenyuan City looked up in terror, watching the horrifying scene above the City Lord’s Manor.

Many were even so intimidated by that pressure that they collapsed directly to the ground.

Shivering.

Just as the Seal was less than a dozen meters from Chen Xu’s head...

Chen Xu finally moved.

He didn’t bring out any earth-shattering Magic Treasure, nor did he perform any complex hand Seals.

He simply raised his right hand very casually.

Fingers spread, palm toward the sky.

”Collect.”

Only one word.

But the moment this word was uttered, a layer of strange ripples suddenly rose from Chen Xu’s palm.

That ripple was not spiritual power, but rather a pure, extreme form of spatial rules.

Immediately following that, an inconceivable scene unfolded.

Within the tiny space of that palm...

It was as if a door to another world had been violently pushed open.

Chaos currents surged, and the sun, moon, and stars rotated within.

The originally unstoppable and massive Mountains and Rivers Seal, the moment it touched this layer of ripples, actually seemed to crash into a bottomless quagmire.

There was no earth-shattering sound of collision, nor any violent explosion of energy.

That towering, mountain-like great Seal, under the watchful eyes of everyone...

Actually began to shrink rapidly!

It was as if it were being swallowed by an invisible, giant mouth, or falling into a spatial vortex.

The terrifying power that was originally enough to crush mountains, in front of that small palm...

Actually appeared so utterly powerless.

The sneer on Xu Sen’s face instantly froze.

His pupils contracted violently, and his eyes almost bulged out of his head.

”This... what Divine Ability is this?!”

He could clearly feel that the connection between himself and his Lifebound Treasure, the Mountains and Rivers Seal, was being forcibly severed by a domineering power.

No matter how he pushed his Divine Sense, the Mountains and Rivers Seal was like a stone dropped into the ocean, yielding no response.

”Buzz—”

After one final light tremor...

The sky-blotting bronze Seal completely vanished.

Although a large hole had been torn through the dome of the hall, revealing the blue sky and white clouds outside...

The interior of the hall was deathly silent.

Chen Xu still maintained his posture of holding up the heavens with one hand.

And within his palm, that originally overbearing Mountains and Rivers Seal was now obediently floating there, spinning in circles... time seemed to freeze at this moment.

The two Void Refining Elders behind Xu Sen opened their mouths wide enough to fit an egg, staring at the scene before them like wooden chickens.

Their brains had stopped thinking, completely unable to comprehend what had just happened.

That was the Mountains and Rivers Seal!

It was one of the ten great Sect-guarding Magic Treasures of the Ascending Immortal Gate.

It was the Lifebound Immortal Artifact that Elder Xu Sen had tempered for a thousand years!

Just like that... it was gone?

Taken by that young man with a casual grab?

Even those famous old monsters at the Body Integration Peak in the Central Province...

Couldn’t possibly have done it with such nonchalance, right?

Xu Sen’s expression became extremely colorful in this instant.

First was shock, then came disbelief.

Immediately followed by a deep sense of wariness, or even... fear.

When an expert makes a move, one immediately knows their worth.

In that moment just now, he hadn’t felt Chen Xu use any massive amount of Spiritual Qi to resist it.

It was a method that completely transcended his understanding—Laws.

Pure Spatial Laws!

”Universe in the Palm...”

Xu Sen stared fixedly at Chen Xu’s palm, his throat feeling dry. ”This is an ancient Great Divine Ability that was lost long ago... How could you possibly know it?”

As a powerhouse from the Central Province, his knowledge was far beyond what these bumpkins from the Northern Region could compare to.

He had once seen fragments of information regarding this Divine Ability in the ancient records of his Sect.

Rumor had it that when cultivated to the extreme, one could hold three thousand worlds in their palm and grasp the sun, moon, and stars.

But those were just legends!

In this current era where the Great Dao is fragmented, how could anyone master such a Heaven-Defying technique?

And a Junior who was only at the Body Integration Early Stage at that?

Chen Xu was unaware of the turbulent waves in Xu Sen’s heart.

He was currently looking at the small Seal in his hand with great interest.

Within his palm world, this Mountains and Rivers Seal was wrapped in layer upon layer of countless spatial Laws.

It was like an insect sealed in amber.

No matter how much it vibrated and struggled, it couldn’t break free in the slightest.

”The workmanship is decent, and the Materials are top-tier.”

Chen Xu toyed with the Seal in his hand. ”Regrettably, the refining technique was a bit crude, and the spirit within is too weak. Such good Materials have been wasted.”

If these words were spoken at any other time...

Xu Sen would have absolutely slapped him to death.

That was the greatest insult to an Artifact Refining Great Master and a Body Integration powerhouse.

But at this moment, Xu Sen couldn’t even utter a single word of rebuttal.

Because his Lifebound Treasure was still being held in the other’s hand!

Furthermore, he could feel that Chen Xu wasn’t boasting.

In that moment just now, his Mountains and Rivers Seal, in front of the other party...

Was indeed as fragile as a joke.

”City Lord Chen... Chen has impressive methods.”

Xu Sen took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the panic in his heart, and squeezed out a stiff smile once more. ”I didn’t expect City Lord Chen to not only have profound cultivation but also to have reached the Peak in his attainments in the spatial path. This old man... is impressed.”

This expression of being impressed, though tinged with bitterness, was also sincere.

When one’s skills are inferior, one has no choice but to be convinced.

”Elder Xu is too polite.”

Chen Xu smiled, not taking the opportunity to cause trouble.

He knew very well that although he could suppress Xu Sen now, if he really wanted to kill this Body Integration Late Stage powerhouse, he would have to pay a significant price.

Moreover, the Ascending Immortal Gate was, after all, a titan of the Central Province. If they truly had a complete falling out...

It would not be beneficial for the newly established Chen Family.

The goal of establishing authority had been achieved; next, it was time to provide a way out.

”Since this Seal is Elder Xu’s beloved item, a gentleman does not take what others cherish.”

Chen Xu’s wrist gave a gentle flick.

The imprisoned Mountains and Rivers Seal instantly turned into a streak of green light and flew back to stand before Xu Sen.

Xu Sen subconsciously reached out to catch it.

The moment it touched his hand, his expression changed slightly.

The originally highly spiritual Mountains and Rivers Seal was now dim and lusterless, as if its essence and spirit had been drained dry.

Although it wasn’t damaged, if he wanted it to return to its Peak state...

It would likely require at least eight to ten years of nurturing.

This was a warning.

It was also a display of deterrence.

Chen Xu was telling him: If I wanted to destroy this Magic Treasure, it would be as easy as turning over my hand.

The last bit of luck and arrogance in Xu Sen’s heart completely vanished at this moment.

He looked at Chen Xu, who had sat back in his chair and was calmly picking up his teacup.

His gaze finally changed.

He was no longer looking at a somewhat talented Junior, but at an equal who could sit on the same level as him.

Or even a same-tier expert who was more dangerous than himself.

”Many thanks to City Lord Chen for showing mercy.”

Xu Sen solemnly cupped his hands in greeting. This time, his waist bent much deeper than before.

”Sit.”

Chen Xu pointed to the chair beside him, as if that thrilling confrontation had never happened. ”The tea is about to get cold.”

Xu Sen didn’t act pretentious and sat down as told.

But this time, he sat very upright.

As for the two Elders behind him, they didn’t even dare to breathe loudly, wishing they could shrink themselves into a corner.

Although the dome of the hall had a large hole in it...

This did not affect the conversation that followed.

In fact, because the sunlight shone directly down, it made this originally somewhat gloomy hall a bit brighter.

”Are we going to continue talking about the big business Elder Xu mentioned just now?”

Chen Xu took a sip of tea and asked with a half-smile.

Xu Sen gave a bitter smile and shook his head. ”City Lord Chen’s Divine Might is peerless. With you presiding over this Zhenyuan City, why would there be any need to hang any flags? This old man was being reckless; I’ve made a fool of myself before City Lord Chen.”

He was a smart man.

The previous proposal was built on the Foundation that the Chen Family was weak...

And needed to seek protection.

But now, Chen Xu had shown strength sufficient to resist a Body Integration Late Stage expert, and his methods were even strange and unpredictable.

How could such a person be willing to be someone else’s dog?

To mention that condition again would be asking for humiliation.

”However...”

Xu Sen changed the subject, his eyes flickering. ”Although the business can’t be done, we can still be friends.”

”City Lord Chen has just taken control of Zhenyuan City; in the future, you will inevitably have to deal with the Central Province.”

”Although my Ascending Immortal Gate is humble, we still have some face in the Central Province.”

”If City Lord Chen needs any resources, or wants to sell anything, you can come to this old man.”

”Whether it’s information or channels, my Ascending Immortal Gate can provide a fair price.”

This was settling for the next best thing—seeking cooperation.

Since he couldn’t subdue him, he would try his best to win him over.

At the very least, he couldn’t let such a powerhouse lean toward other forces.

Chen Xu nodded. ”That, we can talk about.”

Although he didn’t lack Spirit Stones now, there were some scarce resources only available in the Central Province.

He indeed needed a stable channel.

”In that case, it seems we’ll be able to enjoy this wine to our hearts’ content.”

Chen Xu clapped his hands.

”Someone, prepare a banquet.”

...This banquet was eaten in a rather peculiar manner.

Inside the side hall of the City Lord’s Manor, rare delicacies were brought out in a steady stream.

The spiritual wine was the famous ’Drunken Immortal Brew,’ each pot worth a fortune.

The dancers were also carefully selected from the best music house in the city.

Their figures were graceful, and their dances were moving.

Judging only by the scene, this was absolutely a high-standard banquet where both host and guests enjoyed themselves.

But if one looked closely, they would find that the atmosphere was subtly stiff.

Xu Sen sat in the primary guest seat, his face wearing that signature gentle smile, his words seamless as they exchanged cups.

But his gaze was always somewhat wandering, and from time to time, he would glance at Chen Xu’s fair and slender right hand.

As if some ferocious beast were hidden there.

And the two Void Refining Elders he had brought along were even more ill at ease, as if they were chewing on wax.

The table full of delicacies from the mountains and seas had no taste in their mouths at all.

Their nerves were taut, fearing that the seemingly harmless City Lord Chen would suddenly flip his face again in the next second.

And hit them with another ’Universe in the Palm.’

As for the guests on Chen Xu’s side...

Although Chen Daoxuan had a smile on his face and responded appropriately, his hand was always holding a transmission Jade Slip.

Ready to activate the city’s defense array at any time.

Tyrant Blade was even more obvious; that great blade of his stood right by the table. While gnawing on a Spirit Beast leg, he glared fiercely at the guests opposite him with his bell-like eyes.

His posture didn’t look like he was accompanying them for drinks, but rather like he was ready to flip the table and hack someone at any moment.

”City Lord Chen, this Zhenyuan City is located at a strategic point. Now that it belongs to the Chen Family, I wonder what your plans are for the future?”

After several rounds of drinks, Xu Sen asked seemingly casually.

This was testing the waters.

He wanted to know if this Chen Xu only wanted to guard this small patch of land and be a local tyrant...

Or if he had even greater ambitions.