Wenli and Dantai Yinyi chatted amiably with Tian Chen, their smiles genuine and unrestrained. Their conversation was light, yet those around them sensed the warmth and natural ease of their interaction. There was no tension, no pretense. The atmosphere was fluid, as if they had known Tian Chen for a long time, despite their recent meeting. Wenli's gaze held pure interest, while Dantai Yinyi nodded several times, responding with a sincere, subtle smile. However, beside them, Dantai Ma'er didn't smile. Her gaze was fixed on Tian Chen, sharp yet calm. It seemed to pierce the outer layers of the young man's being, seeking something hidden deeper within. There was an unspoken judgment, yet it was palpable in her expression. Dantai Ma'er stood a little stiffer, maintaining distance not only physically, but also perceptually and in attitude. "Junior, are you Tian Chen?" Dantai Ma'er asked. Her voice was flat, but her tone implied this was no mere polite inquiry. There was no friendly gree

Dantai Ma'er's gaze sharpened like a newly honed blade. Qin Ho furrowed his brows, not from fear, but as his calculations began. Duanmu didn't alter his expression, but his previously calm left hand clenched tightly beneath his robe sleeve, suggesting his mind was prepared for the worst. "That palace is not merely a trial ground. It is a battlefield," the Patriarch stated coldly, showing no mercy. "Each time one of the Seven Legacy Palaces appears, bloody conflicts between major sects erupt. Sacred disciples, even young elders, will jostle, fight, kill, and seize. Not for praise, not for honor, but because whoever emerges with a portion of the legacy will ascend to a place unattainable through ordinary cultivation." The illusory palace image slowly changed. Faint figures began to appear—shadows of fierce clashes, battles erupting without warning, and bodies falling silently. Some carried recognizable sect banners; others were mere silhouettes without identity. But all were drenched

Duanmu, unlike Jun Xinfang and Qin Ho, looked at Tian Chen and addressed him. "Junior Tian Chen, cease your cultivation! Sit beside me. I have exceptionally fine wine!" Duanmu produced a flask, then took a swig. "Elder, take this." He even tossed a flask of wine to Elder Saobai. "Elder, you must try this. It's Thousand Nights wine, acquired with great difficulty." "Thousand Nights wine?" Elder Saobai immediately uncorked the flask, then sniffed it. "It truly is Thousand Nights wine. Where did you obtain it?" "Elder, that's irrelevant; the important thing is that we drink now. If this isn't enough, I still have twenty more flasks." "Haha, boy. I won't pass up your offer." Elder Saobai laughed heartily and sat beside Duanmu. "Tian Chen, join us, and you women, stop trailing the young man!" Tian Chen, unwilling to offend Duanmu, joined them. However, unlike Jun Xinfang and Qin Ho, their expressions darkened when Duanmu invited Tian Chen but not them. "Duanmu, he's my younger brot

Tian Chen looked at Jun Xinfang. His gaze was slightly sharp. "Sacred Disciple… that status is indeed noble. However, if a Sacred Disciple only knows how to perform as a buffoon, it's far more ridiculous." His words jolted the air. Tian Chen's voice wasn't raised, but its sharpness pierced through layers of pride. Several disciples from other ships who had been talking gradually turned, realizing that the clash of status wasn't merely a formality here. The atmosphere suddenly tightened, as if the wind above the ships momentarily ceased blowing, simply to listen. "What did you say?" Jun Xinfang roared, his eyebrows raised high, his voice exploding into the momentary silence that enveloped the area around the ship. The tone held suppressed anger, as if he wanted to ensure every disciple from Golden Mountain Sect heard him. But Tian Chen paid no further attention. He ignored the provocation completely, as if he didn't consider Jun Xinfang to be more than dust carried on the wind. The

"Core disciple, you were too ruthless! This was a spar, not a fight to the death!" Tian Chen shook his head. "If I couldn't dodge, I would have been the one cut to pieces. I was only defending myself; he continuously attacked. Yet, when I made a single attack, the Elder blames me! This is truly ridiculous. The Elder should have reprimanded him; why was such a weak disciple made a Sacred Disciple?" His voice wasn't loud, but each word carried a weight that struck the silence like a hammer on stone. Several disciples who had initially supported Moyun fell silent, lowering their heads, unable to deny the truth of what Tian Chen had just said. Tian Chen wouldn't give face to anyone with ill intentions towards him. He wasn't naive, nor did he pretend to be polite when he disliked someone. His attitude from the beginning had been clear. His silence didn't mean weakness, and his calmness wasn't a sign of submission. He wasn't the type to bow his head to spare the feelings of someone who