"Rumble rumble...
As Long Chen and the others left Lingxiao Academy and headed toward the Gate of Nine Heavens, a thunderous roar echoed in the distance as a group of powerful figures soared through the air, just passing by Lingxiao Academy.
Leading them was a Saint King powerhouse, exuding a vast aura and a strong chaotic energy, clearly emerging from the Emperor's Heaven.
Guo Ran was extremely excited. Even though he didn't know him, he actually took the initiative to greet the Saint King expert:
"Hey, buddy, your skills are really impressive. You've recruited so many newcomers. If you go back now, won't you get promoted three ranks?"
Called 'buddy' by a young man, the Saint King's face darkened and he was about to curse. But when he saw Long Chen in the crowd, the insult reached his lips but was swallowed back.
Although he was a Saint King expert, he didn't dare act recklessly in front of Long Chen, because even with the combined efforts of sixteen Saint King experts from the Fate Hunting Clan, they still couldn't defeat Long Chen. This matter had long since spread.
That battle was a huge commotion; many people witnessed it firsthand from afar, and when the news spread, it immediately caused a huge uproar.
Although many still have some doubts about the news, Long Chen's hatred for the Fate Hunter Clan is clear. They definitely won't send experts to accompany Long Chen in acting and only boost his reputation.
So, even a Saint King-level expert felt a chill upon seeing Long Chen. When Guo Ran greeted him, he could only force a smile and say he was too kind, then immediately led his men to change their route.
Obviously, they didn't want to walk side by side with Long Chen. Surpassing him would cause displeasure, so they simply took a detour—a classic example of someone not to provoke and someone to avoid.
"Tch, I'm not stealing your talent, so why run so fast?" Seeing the old man run off with a wary look, Guo Ran said somewhat displeased.
"Judging by their numbers, there are probably over 700,000. This old man's strength is average; I bet his skills are all talk, and he managed to fool so many people." Long Chen watched the old man's back and curled his lips.
Those Saint King-level experts who risked their lives to escape from Emperor Heaven basically had one goal: to recruit more geniuses here and replenish their own forces with fresh blood.
"Oh, I see." Guo Ran looked as if he had suddenly understood.
"Understand what?" Bai Xiaole couldn't help but say.
"The reason that guy doesn't like me is because the boss overturned their plans. Otherwise, his team would have grown even stronger." Guo Ran said.
Everyone was stunned at first, then understood. Back then, countless young prodigies had come to Lingxiao Academy hoping to guide Long Chen in the way. Because joining those forces required signing a soul contract, and they were somewhat reluctant.
Long Chen told them to wait until they entered Emperor Heaven before reconsidering, which undoubtedly ruined countless people's livelihoods. Many factions had already been about to be conquered, but with a single sentence from Long Chen, everything was ruined. That's why the later incident of seeking answers came to their doors.
This matter nearly offended all those Emperor Tianlai people. No wonder the old man looked at Long Chen so strangely—he hated Long Chen to the point but didn't dare show it.
Long Chen and the others moved forward at a steady pace, maintaining their peak condition. Before setting out, Long Chen had warned them that unexpected incidents could happen along the way, so they couldn't afford to be careless.
Originally, Bai Zhantang should have reminded him about this, but seeing that Long Chen had already reminded him, he didn't need to bother any more trouble. In fact, he simply let Long Chen lead the team, happily enjoying the leisure.
The journey to the Nine Heavens Gate was extremely long, but Long Chen was in no hurry. He continued moving forward at a steady pace, even if overtaken by others, he remained calm and unhurried.
Along the way, they encountered countless teams, some numbering in the millions. The leader was a Saint King powerhouse who was arrogant and intimidating.
Clearly, this guy had already exceeded his mission, looking full of vigor and a demeanor, as if nothing but me. However, as their team flew past Long Chen, their aura was noticeably restrained, and even the Saint King expert even greeted Long Chen proactively.
At first, Long Chen didn't understand why this guy was so friendly to him. But later, he figured it out—it was because this guy acted early. Before that incident, he had already fooled enough people.
Meanwhile, some forces secretly set up schemes, playing psychological tactics, planning to close the net when the time is right, strike while the iron is hot, and capture all their targets in one fell swoop.
As a result, their plan was destroyed by Long Chen, and all their previous efforts were wasted. This guy suddenly became a standout.
Not only did he exceed the required targets, but the number of recruits was definitely among the top. So, of course, he had to thank Long Chen—without Long Chen, his performance wouldn't have stood out so much.
However, compared to those teams often numbering hundreds of thousands or millions, some factions were somewhat strapped for cash. Their forces numbered only a few hundred, and at the very least, only a dozen or so.
When Long Chen saw those dozen or so people, he was stunned, because judging by their aura, they were all powerful beings from Emperor Heaven. In other words, they risked their lives to come here but ended up with nothing.
"Bastard, what are you looking at?" Once you get into Emperor Heaven, you'll have to watch it all. The
dozen or so people, seeing the difference in their gazes, were all filled with righteous indignation. One woman even stepped forward and threatened Long Chen.
Long Chen curled his lips, too lazy to argue with a woman. He ignored her, but Bai Shishi stepped in.
"Smack!"
Bai Shishi struck down with a palm from midair, and a golden hand condensed in the void, fiercely striking the woman's face.
With a loud bang, the woman screamed miserably and was struck and sent flying. When she got up, there was a deep five-finger mark on half her face, and the corner of her mouth was cracked, blood streaming down.
"If you keep your mouth dirty, I'll pull your tongue out!" Bai Shishi looked at the woman and said coldly, "Bai Shishi definitely won't indulge her bad habits."
The woman was both shocked and furious. Knowing she was no match for Bai Shishi, she turned to look at the Saint King powerhouse beside her. But the Saint King warrior scowled with a dark face and said nothing, walking on as if he hadn't seen anything.
In the end, the woman took a slap but didn't dare make a sound, slinking away with the group.
"Fairy Shishi is mighty and domineering!" Long Chen gave Bai Shishi a thumbs-up.
"Hmph, you guy who gives out in the knees whenever he sees a woman, shut up." Bai Shishi said angrily.
Long Chen was speechless. When did my legs go weak just because I see a woman? That woman is just a three-star Destiny Holder—how could I bring myself to do it? What infuriated Long Chen the most was that Bai Zhantang was actually laughing heartily without restraint.
"Boss, look..." suddenly Bai Xiaole pointed to the group in the distance and said to Long Chen.
"How could it be them?"
When he saw that group, Long Chen couldn't help but frown.