Compared to an old man like Ma Dong, who was in his seventies or eighties, the middle-aged man in his forties or fifties who resembled a smiling Maitreya was undoubtedly more conspicuous. Even many members of the Flying Leopard who stole glances at his back did so not with respect, but with awe and fear.

Yes, it was indeed fear. After all, a title like the "Smiling Demon" wasn't just for show. Since he was called a demon, he was certainly no laughing matter.

One of his most memorable achievements occurred twelve or thirteen years ago, when he single-handedly slaughtered an entire third-tier sect for severe violations of law and discipline.

At the time, he had only been in his thirties, a fact that astonished many.

After all, not just anyone could possess such a ruthless nature and decisive attitude. Moreover, this guy was not to be trifled with. Any person or faction he targeted was doomed to a terrible end.

Oh, right, he did have a real name… Wang Dashan, wasn't it?

It was a very plain, almost comical name, but today, no one was willing or daring enough to underestimate a man like him. He was truly difficult and a great deal of trouble.

"Old Ma, that person is about to arrive. Are you nervous?" As they waited in silence, the Maitreya-like Wang Dashan suddenly smiled, his gaze shifting to Ma Dong beside him with a deceptively simple and honest grin.

"Hmph! Nervous? What are you trying to say?" Ma Dong snorted, his expression souring.

If anyone else had asked such a thing, he might have flown into a rage. After all, there was the matter of his hand… But the one asking was Wang Dashan, a man whom even he deeply feared.

"Don't be so hostile, alright? I just wanted to chat. By the way, is that person truly at the level of an Innate Ancient Martial Artist?" The Smiling Demon, Wang Dashan, waved a dismissive hand, his eyes narrowing to slits.

Ma Dong shot him a cold look, his tone somewhat aloof. "If you doubt it, why don't you test him yourself later?"

"No way. I'm not stupid. Why would I go looking for trouble?" Hearing this, the Smiling Demon Wang Dashan shook his chubby, round face back and forth as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"And here I thought you were arrogant enough to look down on even a Strong Innate Ancient Martial Artist. So, even you, Wang Dashan, can feel fear," Ma Dong taunted, his grim, old face sinking.

"I'm not afraid. I just know my limits."

But then, the Smiling Demon Wang Dashan's tone suddenly shifted, becoming playful. "However, he's 'just' an Innate Ancient Martial Artist… and given my current state, I might not necessarily be afraid of him."

"What do you mean by that? Don't tell me…"

Ma Dong's face twitched violently. A disbelieving glint flashed in his murky eyes as he stammered, "You… you… you broke through?" For the longest time, this man had been at the same level as Ma Dong in his prime—Half-Step Innate. But now he was implying he had reached the next stage. Could… could it be? Has he really broken through to the Innate Ancient Martial Arts Realm?

At this thought, even with his age and experience, Ma Dong couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath, his eyes a mixture of complex emotions and shock.

First, it was the realization of his own fall from grace and how far the other man had surpassed him. Second, he knew very well that the martial arts internal power the other cultivated was extremely strange, making him exceptionally powerful among those of the same realm, with few who could match him. So, if he had truly managed to break through to that realm…

He couldn't stop a sudden shiver from running through his body, his eyelids twitching faintly.

"…Congratulations, Instructor Wang," he said after a long silence, his expression desolate. In my current condition, I'll probably never have a chance to reach that realm in this lifetime, will I?

The Smiling Demon Wang Dashan acted as if he hadn't heard. He simply maintained his simpleminded smile, his eyes narrowed as he said lightly, "I hear this year's Lingnan Mountain Martial Arts Conference won't be peaceful. Several remarkable individuals have already emerged from the younger generation."

"Truly outstanding people are never confined by the world's perception. You are one, and so is he. The new generation replaces the old. It's an inevitable and sometimes treacherous cycle, isn't it?" Ma Dong replied, his tone surprisingly calm.

He had already heard of the so-called remarkable youths Wang Dashan mentioned. In the past, he had often sighed with emotion at how some people were just built differently. It was as if they were born to be the center of attention, favored by the heavens, all as a matter of course.

That feeling had only deepened over time, especially after he personally met the young man in his twenties named Chen Fei. An Innate Ancient Martial Artist in his twenties… can you even believe it?

"You seem to be taking it well… Huh? It looks like they're here," the Smiling Demon Wang Dashan said with a surprised smile, suddenly looking up. In the distance, the roar of a plane's engine was breaking the silence.

About ten minutes later, a small, private military aircraft touched down. A young man in his twenties slowly emerged from the cabin and descended the boarding stairs.

"Salute!"

A spirited and powerful shout rang out. The assembled members of Flying Leopard, some in traditional garb and others in military uniforms, snapped to attention and rendered a crisp military salute to Chen Fei, shouting in unison, "Chief Instructor!" Even Ma Dong and the Maitreya-like Wang Dashan were no exception.

After the salute, Ma Dong composed himself and walked forward to greet the young man, saying with the utmost respect, "Chief Instructor, welcome. It must have been a hard journey."

"Not at all. You certainly gave me a start with this grand welcome," said Chen Fei. It was clear Young Master Chen hadn't quite processed the situation yet, and his expression was a little strange.

A moment later, however, his eyes were drawn to the chubby figure behind Ma Dong. A flicker of surprise crossed his jet-black, glass-like eyes. "And this is?" Didn't they say Flying Leopard had no one at that level? So how come…

"Hello, Chief Instructor. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Wang Dashan. Like Instructor Ma, I'm a deputy instructor at headquarters," the Maitreya-like Wang Dashan said, stepping forward. His smiling eyes locked onto Chen Fei, exuding an inexplicable pressure.

As he felt that strange pressure wash over him, a faint smile touched Chen Fei's lips. The smile slowly widened into a meaningful, cool arc as he said, "On such a hot day, to have someone of your… stature come to greet me personally, I feel truly unworthy."

"Chief Instructor…" Ma Dong's expression changed instinctively, his eyes filled with a mix of confusion and alarm.

He wasn't the only one. Even the Maitreya-like Wang Dashan was momentarily stunned. He then shook his head and offered an apologetic smile. "You praise me too highly, Chief Instructor. You are my senior and my leader, superior in both status and cultivation level. It is only right that I come to greet you. It was my fault. I got a little carried away. Please, don't take offense."

He had clearly realized how inappropriate his previous action had been.

To put it bluntly, it could be considered an offense—an offense against a Strong Innate Ancient Martial Artist. Had it been someone with a shorter temper, who knows what the consequences might have been. From this perspective, Chen Fei's temper was actually quite good.

"Offense? What offense? I was just joking. But Instructor Wang, it seems you've broken through? When did this happen?"

In truth, Chen Fei wasn't truly angry. He just needed to maintain the dignity of his position as Chief Instructor. Even if it's just a title, I still have to look the part, right?

So, upon hearing the apology, he brushed the matter aside without a second thought, his curiosity piqued instead. With his keen observation skills, he had seen at a glance that the man had already crossed the greatest threshold into the Innate Realm. He just needed to stabilize his foundation, and he would be a confirmed Innate.

If Chief Luo Yuanzhi finds out about this, he'll definitely be thrilled, right? A few months ago, Flying Leopard didn't have a single Innate Ancient Martial Artist. Now, counting himself, they had two.

This was undeniably a massive increase in strength and a cause for celebration.

"It actually just happened a few days ago. But perhaps because the breakthrough is so recent, my realm hasn't fully stabilized yet. So, I suppose I can't be considered a true Innate Ancient Martial Artist just yet," the Maitreya-like Wang Dashan replied with his simple smile, showing no trace of pride or complacency.

It was as if reaching the Innate Ancient Martial Arts Realm was a perfectly natural event in his eyes, nothing to be proud of.

"Is that so?" Chen Fei subconsciously stroked his chin. A playful grin then spread across his face. "Instructor Wang, how about a little sparring match?"

At his words, both Ma Dong and Wang Dashan were taken aback.

A moment later, a hint of delight appeared on Wang Dashan's chubby face. "Really?" He immediately understood Chen Fei wasn't trying to cause trouble for him but was actually helping him.

He had just broken through to the Innate level and had yet to fully familiarize himself with or master the true power of this stage. If someone could serve as a sparring partner right now, it would be the best possible thing for him. It would allow him to master his new power much faster and become a true Strong Innate Ancient Martial Artist sooner.

This was a temptation he simply couldn't resist. Cupping his fists, he said with a beaming smile, "Thank you, Chief Instructor. Please, enlighten me."

"Let's go to the training grounds," Instructor Ma Dong interjected. Though his expression was a bit complex, his voice was filled with enthusiasm. A sparring match between two Strong Innate Ancient Martial Artists was not a common sight.

A short while later, Chen Fei, the Maitreya-like Wang Dashan, and the others arrived at an open-air training ground deep within the Flying Leopard base. By now, many members of Flying Leopard had heard the news and rushed over, their faces alight with shock and anticipation.

For them, an Innate Ancient Martial Artist was a legendary existence. To see two of them about to exchange blows right before their eyes—how could they not be incredibly excited?

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