CHAPTER 223: CHAPTER 223: SWORD TRIAL

"Brother Ji!"

"Fairy Qu!"

Upon seeing the arrival of Ji Chen and his wife, all those present, including Gu Hao and others, stood up to greet them.

Even the likes of Dragon Heir and Demon Heir, old adversaries from the past, stood up, showing due respect.

Nowadays, Ji Chen was no longer the same; at twenty, he had reached Body Sanctification, becoming one of the contemporaneous Saints, a young King famed across the Daoxuan Star Realm.

Among all the present, although many hailed from extraordinary backgrounds as Saint Heirs, Crown Princes, Divine Ladies, or Young Masters of the Di Race, few indeed could be compared to Ji Chen.

"Everyone, please be seated, no need for such formalities." Ji Chen smiled and clasped his hands together, feeling somewhat flattered.

Quickly, he led Qu Luoning to an empty seat, and the couple poured wine, together toasting everyone present.

"Due to unavoidable matters, we are late today, and Luoning and I will drink a cup as a self-punishment."

Ji Chen said laughingly, then raised his head and emptied his cup.

Qu Luoning, with her white hair yet youthful countenance, exuded a special beauty, stunning and remarkable, surpassing many beauties of the time, holding her own amid the likes of Kunlun Saintess and Saintess Qing Ling present.

"Junior Sister has improved her cultivation significantly again, I toast to you." Kunlun Saintess said with a smile, raising her cup towards Qu Luoning.

Once a Profound Lady of Kunlun, she shared a sisterly bond with her. Years ago, Qu Luoning had severed her cultivation due to emotional turmoil, but fortunately, she persevered and now, through her second cultivation, reached the Returning Ruins Realm, not much weaker than before.

"Are you Ji Chen?"

Amid the conversation between the two women, suddenly Lin Ruyue dressed in a red robe behind Ning Bufan spoke up.

Her beautiful eyes bore down on Ji Chen, harboring a fierce fighting spirit, resembling a peerless treasure sword that exerted an invisible sword momentum towards Ji Chen.

"And who are you?"

Ji Chen paused, sensing hostility but not murderous intent from her.

Moreover, this woman was like a sword, with an extraordinary aura, not to be underestimated, indicating she had substantial accomplishments in Sword Dao.

"I am the Sword Attendant beside the Young Master, Lin Ruyue." she introduced herself.

Nearby Ji Chen, Gu Hao also explained, "The gentleman beside her is Ning Bufan, the top disciple of the Absolute Peak Sect on Celestial Anomaly Star."

"Banished Immortal Ning Bufan?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Chen squinted slightly, having heard much of Ning Bufan’s name recently.

It was said that despite his humble origins, he had defied fate with extraordinary fortune, akin to a banished immortal descending to the world, now having mastered two Emperor Scriptures, far surpassing the contemporary younger generation in strength.

"Brother Ji, pleasure to meet you."

Ning Bufan looked over, clasping his hands towards Ji Chen, "Long have I heard of Brother Ji’s illustrious name, and seeing you today, you are indeed unparalleled."

"Brother Ning is hailed as the Banished Immortal of this generation, a true peak King among Daoxuan’s younger generation, it’s an honor to acquaint myself with someone like you." Ji Chen raised his cup in toast towards him.

Ning Bufan returned the gesture, both lifting their cups and drinking heartily, then smiling at each other.

"It’s said the Hongmeng Body is invincible in the same realm, I’ve long wanted to experience it, and now that we meet by chance, is Gentleman Ji willing to try one strike with me?" Beside him, the exquisitely dressed in red Lin Ruyue spoke again, her eyes charged with even more intense battle spirit than before.

"Ruyue, don’t be rude." Ning Bufan frowned slightly.

"No worries."

Ji Chen smiled, "Since Miss Lin wishes to try swords with me, I am happy to oblige."

Banished Immortal Ning Bufan, hailed as the foremost of Daoxuan’s younger generation, no one knew the extent of his current level.

His reputation shook the world, and naturally, his red-clothed Sword Attendant renown spread far, acclaimed as the most outstanding Sword Dao genius among the younger generation, which Ji Chen had often heard of.

"It’s just a sword trial, not a deathmatch, it’s enough to stop at first contact." Ji Chen said with a light smile.

As his voice fell, soon, the two arrived at a clearing behind the bamboo grove, standing ten steps apart, facing each other.

Lin Ruyue’s red robe swirled without wind, exuding a sharp aura all over, as if enveloped within an invisible field.

Many were astounded, feeling the terrifying sword momentum, which clearly exceeded their expectations.

It was said that Ning Bufan’s red-clothed Sword Attendant had extraordinary strength; previously, many thought it exaggerated, but now, upon sensing the aura emanating from the other, few dared to underestimate her.

Even some Saint Heirs, at this moment, couldn’t help but frown, subtly feeling a dangerous aura from Lin Ruyue.

"Hiss!"

Contrasted with the general astonishment, Ji Chen appeared much calmer now, smiled lightly, and with a finger traced a mark in space behind him, speaking with a smile, "Today, I will stand here and not step beyond this line. If I retreat half a step, then I consider it my loss, how about that?"

At these words, the crowd was utterly surprised.

Clearly, the self-assurance displayed by Ji Chen came unexpectedly to them.

No matter what, Lin Ruyue was known as a remarkable Sword Dao talent, esteemed enough to rival the contemporary Saintesses.

Among the younger generation, few dared claim they could take her sword head-on.

Ji Chen might be capable, but to remain bound by a line, considering retreating half a step as losing, seemed overly confident to the onlookers.

Even Dragon Heir, Divine Body Jiang Yan, and others, though they may withstand Lin Ruyue’s sword, definitely wouldn’t assert they wouldn’t retreat half a step.

"You’re quite confident."

Lin Ruyue narrowed her eyes, focusing her gaze on Ji Chen, "Throughout the world, you’re the first to speak such words before me, Gentleman Ji, today, I want to see if you can truly stand firm and withstand my full-force sword."

Evidently, Ji Chen’s words somewhat displeased her, as this undoubtedly was a slight against her.

This was something Lin Ruyue had never felt since her rise to fame.

"Buzz..."

As her words fell, the fierce aura around her surged again.

The invisible sword momentum instantly blanketed the scene, stifling many’s breaths.

From the intensity of this momentum, Lin Ruyue before them had likely at least reached the First Layer of the Void Realm!

The space shivered with unrest, even without striking, the intimidating level of that sword momentum was evident, causing many present to feel a subtle tremor in their spirits.

"No wonder she’s hailed as a renowned Sword Dao prodigy of Daoxuan; such sword momentum, even among some elder Sword Dao experts, I have never sensed before." Someone couldn’t help but remark.