"How can it be? The head of the main family is coming here personally?!"
"I heard that the patriarch had been in seclusion for many years, and many suspected something might have happened to him... But he suddenly reappeared!"
"Before entering seclusion, he was already a peak expert of the Body Formation Realm. Now that he's back—did he break through to the Spirit Cleansing Realm?"
Every disciple of the Long family widened their eyes in awe, staring at Long Chen with deep admiration. Their excitement was so intense that their bodies trembled involuntarily.
As members of a branch family who always longed to return to the main lineage, they were naturally familiar with the name of each family head. The moment Long Chen revealed his identity, they immediately recognized him.
When the crowd's whispers reached Kai Kun's ears, a strange expression crossed his face, and he let out a quiet sigh of relief. For all the anticipation, he thought the visitor would be someone truly fearsome—but it turned out to be merely the head of the Long family.
Though he heard the man had been in seclusion for years and had likely advanced to the Innate Realm, it was just the first level of it. In Kai Kun's eyes, someone at that stage wasn't even worthy of being considered his opponent.
After exchanging a glance with his young master, No Qing, the latter felt reassured. Since Uncle Kun was confident, there was no longer any need for concern. With an arrogant smirk, No Qing turned toward Long Nian and sneered, "You're the one making all the noise? Long Nian, I barely even remember you, you piece of trash."
Facing No Qing's taunts, Long Nian didn't respond immediately. Instead, he turned to look at the patriarch behind him. Once he received a nod of approval, he stepped forward and replied coldly, "If I'm trash... then what does that make you?"
Veins bulged on No Qing's forehead. Rage overtook him. "You worthless—"
Before he could finish, a sharp crack echoed—Long Nian's fist flew straight at him! No Qing's pupils shrank; he hadn't expected such a sudden attack. Unable to block or dodge, the punch landed squarely on his face!
Boom—
With a dull thud, No Qing flew backward, his face bruised and bloodied. He crashed hard onto the ground. The stinging pain made him clench his teeth as humiliation burned inside him.
What made it worse was that Long Nian had struck him in front of everyone—including Nalan Yu'er. Furious and humiliated, No Qing sprang to his feet, his eyes filled with hatred. "I underestimated you. But not again!"
With a roar, he unleashed a low-level Xuan-class boxing technique and charged at Long Nian, determined to regain his pride in one blow.
But Long Nian stood calm. He didn't even unsheathe his sword. With minimal movement, he dodged No Qing's strike effortlessly.
No Qing's eyes widened as his attack missed. Before he could react, Long Nian drew his sword in a flash—slash! Blood spurted. No Qing's hand was severed, flying several meters before hitting the ground and stirring up dust.
Kai Kun's expression changed instantly. In a blur, he appeared beside No Qing, applying pressure to stem the bleeding.
Tantai Yu'er stood frozen. She knew No Qing had reached the second level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm and possessed many advanced techniques. He was among the strongest in the inner sect—yet this unknown young man cut off his hand like it was nothing. The disparity felt unreal—like a seasoned warrior falling to a mere boy.
Shock rippled through Long Yan as well. He couldn't believe that this unremarkable youth wielded such power. Was this the strength of a genius from the main family? Long Yan's eyes dimmed with regret.
If fate had been kinder and he had continued his cultivation, he might have rivaled this level himself...
Meanwhile, No Qing, pale and shaking, was helped up by Kai Kun. Blood and pain overwhelmed him, but none of it compared to the hatred burning in his eyes.
"No more games," No Qing hissed. He turned to Kai Kun and spat coldly, "Uncle Kun, I want him dead."
Kai Kun's eyes gleamed with killing intent. He stared at Long Nian as if already dead. "You have talent, but you've made the wrong enemies."
He stepped forward, adding darkly, "Since the young master has spoken, I'll send you to hell. And to keep you company on the way, I'll make sure the entire Long family follows."
Gasps erupted from the Long family members. His meaning was clear: a massacre.
Still, Long Nian didn't flinch. With the patriarch standing behind him, what did he have to fear?
Kai Kun paused, surprised by the boy's calm. "Even now, you're fearless? Impressive. Makes me regret what I have to do."
He raised his hand, ready to strike.
But just then, a voice rang out from the distance:
"Oh? I see now why villains die so easily... they talk too much. Do you like the sound of your own voice?"
Kai Kun's eyes narrowed. He turned to see Long Chen approaching.
A cruel smile spread across Kai Kun's face. "What nonsense are you? Hmph, no matter. I've changed my mind. I'll kill you first."
Long Chen met his gaze and said coldly, "Kill me? You're not even qualified."
The moment he finished, Long Chen vanished.
Whoosh!
A cold wind brushed Kai Kun's face. His skin tingled.
His instincts screamed: Too fast! Not good!