"Young Master, this is something from the Town Lord Mansion's treasury."

As Zhuang Chengjiang left, Lin Yuyan handed a space ring to Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen reached out to take it, used his soul force to take a look, and then casually returned it to Lin Yuyan: "You can claim ownership."

"This..."

Lin Yuyan was stunned for a moment, looking at Jiang Chen in astonishment.

"I don't need it."

Jiang Chen gently shook his head.

Lin Yuyan's eyes revealed a trace of surprise. She glanced deeply at Jiang Chen, pricked her finger to claim ownership, and placed the ring on her middle finger. Not knowing what she thought of, her face turned slightly red.

"Let's go! We are heading to Fenglin City!"

Jiang Chen called out, stood up, and walked out of the hall. Lin Yuyan hurriedly followed him.

On the way, Jiang Chen inquired about the recruitment situation at the Heavenly Sword Sect.

The Heavenly Sword Sect recruits new disciples every three years, and the recruitment day is at the beginning of next month, which is still more than ten days away from now.

The selection in the city needs to consider two aspects: age and aptitude, and the other is strength. After passing the first aspect, the Heavenly Sword Sect will choose a place in Fenglin City to set up an assessment venue. It will be guarded by senior disciples of the sect, and those who pass can enter the sect.

Since there was still time, Jiang Chen did not rush to travel. Rushing there wouldn't help either, as the chief examiner of the city wouldn't appear before the second phase of the strength selection.

On the way, Jiang Chen cultivated and asked Lin Yuyan some common questions.

Although Lin Yuyan was somewhat puzzled in her heart, she still answered each question.

Just like that, the two of them entered Fenglin City the day before the selection began.

"Young Master, the first aspect of the selection... is at the City Lord's Mansion!"

On the third floor of the Yue Lai Restaurant by the window, Lin Yuyan informed Jiang Chen of the news she had gathered, looking somewhat nervous.

After all, Jiang Chen had offended Liu Jianming, the young city lord.

"Oh."

Jiang Chen responded casually while drinking tea and looking out the window.

Hmm? What a coincidence?

Suddenly, Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow. On the street outside the window walked a group of six people, among whom were Liu Jianming and four others.

The group of six were all cultivators of the Divine Infant Realm, heading towards the Yue Lai Restaurant under the lead of Liu Jianming.

"Fellow brothers and sisters, this is the best restaurant in Fenglin City, Yue Lai Restaurant. The food here is delicious. Please don't be shy today and enjoy a big feast."

Liu Jianming led the group to the restaurant's entrance, chuckling as he invited them.

"Then Brother Liu, we're counting on your generosity!"

Song Zhijian replied with a smile.

"Shopkeeper!"

Liu Jianming walked into the restaurant, calling out loudly.

"Ah! Young City Lord, you've arrived. Your presence truly graces our humble establishment with splendor!"

A rotund man, smiling broadly, approached Liu Jianming, bowing and scraping.

"Prepare the best wine and dishes; I wish to treat my classmates from Heavenly Sword Sect to a meal."

Liu Jianming said proudly.

"People from the Heavenly Sword Sect!?"

"They are disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect!"

"Those who can enter the Heavenly Sword Sect are all extraordinarily talented people!"

"I really envy them!"

Liu Jianming's words captured the attention of everyone in the restaurant, and they all looked toward the group from the Heavenly Sword Sect.

The members of the Heavenly Sword Sect noticed they had become the focus of attention. Qiu Ying slightly furrowed her brow, while Song Zhijian and another disciple wore proud expressions, enjoying the attention. Li Lu and another remained indifferent.

"Ah! Yes! Yes!"

The restaurant's shopkeeper nodded hurriedly and led the group of Heavenly Sword Sect disciples to the third floor.

"Please be seated, everyone. The food and drink will be served shortly."

After taking the group to the third floor, the shopkeeper warmly welcomed the Heavenly Sword Sect members.

Liu Jianming casually glanced over the third floor.

The third floor had twelve tables, with only two occupied. One table was in the corner, with two young men seated there.

The young man facing the stairway had a stern expression, dressed in black, with a large, sheathed black sword on his back. As he sat, the sword's tip nearly touched the floor.

Sitting across from the black-clad youth was a young man dressed in a dark blue long robe. To his left was a longsword leaning against the table. Because his back faced the stairway, Liu Jianming couldn't see his face.

The second table was where Jiang Chen and Lin Yuyan sat, sitting by the bed, side-on to the stairway entrance.

When Liu Jianming saw Jiang Chen and Lin Yuyan, his expression changed dramatically, and a cold flash appeared in his eyes. He shouted: "It's you!"

The Heavenly Sword Sect members paused, glanced at Liu Jianming, and looked in the direction of his gaze.

"It's them."

Qiu Ying, Li Lu, and Song Zhijian all paused slightly.

Jiang Chen looked up at Liu Jianming and his group without expression and continued drinking his tea. Lin Yuyan, however, tensed up, her eyes showing a hint of panic.

"Brother Liu, do you know those two?"

A young man from the Heavenly Sword Sect had a look of amazement in his eyes, his gaze fixed on Lin Yuyan, and asked softly.

"Brother Tang, my injury was caused by that kid!"

Liu Jianming said in a deep voice.

"Oh?"

Tang Zhenglin seemed surprised, his eyes turned, and he stepped forward to Jiang Chen and Lin Yuyan's table, clasping his fists: "I am Tang Zhenglin of the Heavenly Sword Sect. May I ask the honorable names of you two?"

"Jiang Chen."

Jiang Chen looked at Brother Tang with a slight nod.

"I am Lin Yuyan. Greetings, Senior Tang."

Lin Yuyan stood up and greeted politely with a bow.

"Miss Lin, you are too polite. If you don't mind, just call me Brother Tang."

Tang Zhenglin said with a gentle smile, looking at Lin Yuyan.

The members of the Heavenly Sword Sect exchanged a look with Tang Zhenglin and then at Lin Yuyan, a knowing look in their eyes. Song Zhijian and Liu Jianming shared a glance and smirked, ready to watch the scene unfold with amusement.

Qiu Ying furrowed her brow once more.

Lin Yuyan hesitated a little and glanced at Jiang Chen.

"Sit."

Jiang Chen gestured to Lin Yuyan to sit down, and she returned to her seat.

Tang Zhenglin's expression changed slightly, and a cold gleam flashed in his eyes. He turned to Jiang Chen, saying calmly: "It is said that Young Master Jiang injured my junior; I want to know why."

As soon as Tang Zhenglin spoke, the other two young men dining also looked over at Jiang Chen, a curious look in their eyes.

"Mistakes warrant punishment."

Jiang Chen said calmly.

"Oh? Is that so, Brother Liu?"

Tang Zhenglin turned to Liu Jianming.

Liu Jianming's eyes flickered, and he said indignantly: "Of course not, Brother Tang. He tried to forcibly take something from my Fenglin City. When I stepped in to stop him, he despicably ambushed me, which is why I was severely injured. Otherwise, I could never have been wounded by this guy!"

"Is that so."

Tang Zhenglin's expression changed, turning to glare at Jiang Chen: "Young Master Jiang, you not only injured my Heavenly Sword Sect disciple but also twist the truth to tarnish my junior's name. Are you challenging the Heavenly Sword Sect by thinking we're devoid of people?"

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