CHAPTER 1239: CHAPTER 1211: A TOAST TO BROTHERS!

The ones who came to find Li Chen were none other than Bai Feihu and Zi Zhao.

Li Chen found it somewhat strange that both of them came to see him at the same time. He asked Catherine to attend to other matters first, and then met with the two.

"Is there something you need?"

Seeing the two approach, their faces hesitant, Li Chen couldn’t help but ask.

"It’s like this." Since Zi Zhao had a relatively closer relationship with Li Chen, he spoke first: "We heard you plan to have the people from the Palace of the Nether King participate in the Martial Arts Conference on their own."

"That’s right." Li Chen nodded: "That’s indeed what I’ve said publicly. But you should also know, we have many enemies, so even if we organize to participate ourselves, it needs to be a bit secretive."

The two suddenly understood.

"I see," Bai Feihu, understanding Li Chen’s thoughts, then asked:

"Actually, there’s another reason we came here, which is that we heard you’re not planning to participate in the Martial Arts Conference? Li Chen, you should know, if you don’t participate, then others may..."

Hearing this, Li Chen nodded, then shook his head: "Actually, I don’t really care about what others think, it’s just that personally, I’m not interested in this Martial Arts Conference. Moreover, if I don’t show up, it can also relieve quite a bit of pressure for others."

Listening to Li Chen’s words, Zi Zhao’s expression became serious. He understood Li Chen’s reasoning.

Li Chen’s background was indeed too special. As a member of the Li family, it certainly made everything Li Chen did more legitimate. After all, the martial artist world still values one’s ancestry. However, being a member of the Li family also brought Li Chen many obstacles.

After all, the Li family was once too conspicuous, and as they knew, the enemies of the Li family were indeed frighteningly strong.

If Li Chen didn’t appear, it would indeed reduce some trouble for those participating from the Palace of the Nether King and its allies.

Bai Feihu seemed like he had something more to say but hesitated and ultimately didn’t say anything further. He shook his head and left with Zi Zhao.

Watching the two leave, Li Chen felt a bit puzzled.

He didn’t understand why everyone regarded this Martial Arts Conference so highly. To him, this so-called conference seemed just like an ordinary martial competition with some rewards—what’s there to take so seriously?

But Li Chen wasn’t foolish. Bai Feihu was, after all, an elder of the Xuezai Sect and an old Earth-level expert who had gone through countless incidents. If even he was concerned about this Martial Arts Conference and came over with Zi Zhao to ask him, there must be something he didn’t know.

Li Chen suddenly felt that he should find someone to inquire about the specific details of this Martial Arts Conference.

He picked up a glass of wine from the table beside him, took a sip, and then looked at his fellow brothers from the Palace of the Nether King not far away.

"Boss," at this moment, Ye Tu came to Li Chen’s side and asked, "Today is not just a celebration; shouldn’t you say a few words at this time?"

Li Chen nodded.

The venue of the entire banquet also had a podium set up. Li Chen, without putting down the glass, walked towards the podium with his wine in hand.

Standing on the podium, overlooking the crowd below, Li Chen finally realized that, at some point, the Palace of the Nether King he led had grown to such a state.

Below, a densely packed crowd stood, consisting of Nether Army warriors, allied martial artists, and even some leaders of forces newly joined to the alliance with the Palace of the Nether King.

He didn’t know when he had reached such a height.

And below, many noticed Li Chen standing high above. Seeing his gaze, many instinctively quieted down, as if awaiting Li Chen’s speech. Everything seemed quite orderly and natural.

"Everyone here today can be called either my friends or my brothers," Li Chen said softly, scanning the crowd below.

No equipment was used. For martial artists, using True Qi to amplify their voices was the simplest task; they didn’t need equipment for that.

Especially for those with more traditional views, this way of speaking might reflect strength even more.

Li Chen’s voice spread throughout the entire venue.

"I’m no great figure, although everyone likes to talk about the Li family and such. But I’m afraid that now, the Li family seems to be left with only me as the sole surviving member." Li Chen said, shrugging his shoulders.

Many in attendance instinctively smiled kindly upon hearing Li Chen’s words.

Li Chen’s self-deprecation came at the right moment, instantly alleviating the previously heavy atmosphere.

"The purpose of today’s gathering, you all must have some understanding, is to celebrate—celebrate the New Year, celebrate the victory of the last battle, well, celebrate whatever is worth celebrating," Li Chen chuckled lightly: "Here, I wish everyone a straight path on their journey of cultivation."

"And there’s one more thing."

Just when everyone thought Li Chen was about to wrap up his words, his tone suddenly changed.

At this moment, Li Chen’s expression also became serious.

"Today, we can stand here and have a reputation among martial artists, not solely because of my power. It’s because of all of you and your concerted efforts. Without that, in the last battle, the Palace of the Nether King would have ceased to exist."

"Here today, I, Li Chen, express my gratitude to all of you."

"However, I think we should be even more grateful to those brothers who sacrificed their lives for our common goal. They are the ones we should thank the most!"

Li Chen slightly raised his head, looking up at the sky.

"As martial artists, we don’t believe in Heavenly Fate, nor do we worship Ghosts and Gods. But, as a person, I always feel that we should have things worth holding firm to and believing in."

"Thinking about it, it can only be the relatives and brothers who still stand by our side. But now, some of them have already left us. I don’t know if there’s such a thing as reincarnation in this world, but I know that even if they’re not here anymore, they are still the ones we should be most grateful for."

"To those in heaven, or who have already entered reincarnation, brothers, thank you!"

Li Chen raised his hand, and a glass of wine was thus poured out into the sky.

With a blow of True Qi, the wine dispersed into the air, disappearing to an unknown place.

Simultaneously, everyone below also poured out the wine from their glasses towards the sky.

This was their tribute, their gratitude and respect to those brothers who had passed away.

Zu Gu squatted silently in a corner of the venue, pouring the wine in his hand onto the ground.

"William, and brothers! Safe travels on your journey!"