He Yiming was far too young. It was rumored that in the coming years, he was highly likely to become the S-Class Exorcist from the Seventh District. His future was limitless.

Chen Fenglei greeted him with a smile, "Brother Yiming, it’s been a while."

He Yiming responded with a faint smile, "Brother Fenglei, you’ve finally decided to come back to Huaxia."

He Yiming’s gaze swept to Yan Chen, who was sitting in the corner. This guy actually came too? he thought, secretly surprised. Had Chen Fenglei invited him?

The Yan Family ranked first, the He Family second, and the Su Family third. Young members from these top three families of the Nine Gates of Huaxia had all arrived. Unexpectedly, the small Anli City had managed to invite such prominent people.

The people from Longhu Mountain were not happy. They considered themselves the most powerful sect within their circle. Although the Nine Gates of Huaxia were strong, they still couldn’t compare to Longhu Mountain.

However, the popularity of the Nine Gates of Huaxia was clearly higher than theirs.

Zhao Ziqing said with dissatisfaction, "The Nine Gates of Huaxia! HMPH!"

Yue Qinghong smiled gently. "Ziqing, you’re too impulsive. Don’t forget that we are in the secular world, where the influence of the Nine Gates of Huaxia is significant. However, those who truly understand don’t care about the Nine Gates of Huaxia at all, so don’t take it too seriously."

Zhao Ziqing nodded. "Senior Brother, do you think Chu Hao will come?"

Yue Qinghong shook his head. "If he comes, good. If he doesn’t, why should we concern ourselves with such a person?"

Zhao Ziqing also laughed. "That’s true."

As they chatted, the conversation eventually turned to Chu Hao, who had been prominently in the limelight recently.

"Do you think Chu Hao has returned?"

"He did make some harsh declarations, stating that anyone from Longhu Mountain or Mao Mountain who came to Anli City wouldn’t have an easy time."

"SHUSH! The Longhu Mountain disciples are over there; don’t be too loud."

Zhao Ziqing snorted coldly. "What’s Chu Hao anyway! If it weren’t for the sect’s regulations, would he still be holding the True Word Brush now?"

Many people were curious about this matter. The True Word Brush was important to Taoism; why no action had been taken regarding it was a point of much wonder.

Zhao Ziqing stated, "He’s nothing but a pawn."

The crowd was astonished. Surely there was an inside story—Chu Hao was just a pawn?

Chen Fenglei gradually came to understand who this Chu Hao they were talking about was. So this is the famous Chu Hao, he thought, his curiosity piqued.

Chen Fenglei lifted his wine glass with a smile. "Is this person very famous?"

Someone said, "He’s been quite famous recently. It’s said that the ghost he keeps is very powerful, and he’s also a master of Inner Strength."

A tall man sneered, "His martial arts Inner Strength is nothing more than rudimentary skill. When it comes to the progenitors of martial arts Inner Strength, it has to be the ancient lineage of Longhu Mountain."

The tall man was clearly trying to curry favor with Longhu Mountain.

The Longhu Mountain disciples nodded in agreement. They were proud that even though martial arts had waned in the secular world, Longhu Mountain still carried on the heritage of martial arts Inner Strength. Mao Mountain! It isn’t even considered the true origin of Inner Strength.

He Yiming said longingly, "Martial arts, such an ancient heritage. It’s a pity its glory didn’t last."

Martial arts had flourished most during the ancient Tang Dynasty, when martial arts masters were incredibly formidable, capable of founding their own sects.

Yan Chen couldn’t help but laugh. "Martial arts have declined? HEH HEH... I don’t think that’s the case."

He Yiming, being the only one present who knew Yan Chen, asked, "Young Master Yan, what do you mean by that?"

The crowd was surprised. This silver-haired young man had been there from the beginning, yet no one recognized him. And now, an AA-Class Exorcist was addressing him as Young Master Yan.

Yan Chen said indifferently, "People in the secular world only see the surface; the true martial arts heritage continues."

Yue Qinghong glanced at Yan Chen and nodded. "Indeed, the martial arts heritage is continuing. Longhu Mountain is one example, and there are other places too."

"Which places?"

Everyone was very curious.

"Deep within Kunlun."

A young man said half-jokingly, "What’s the use of talking about this! In this era, everyone uses firearms; the Earth can be blown up. Martial arts declined long ago."

"Idiot," Yan Chen sneered.

"You!" That young man also had a significant background; he was a member of the Corpse Chasing Lineage.

Someone beside him held him back, whispering, "Don’t provoke him. This guy might be from the Yan Family—Yan Chen."

Yan Chen!

Taking a deep breath, the young man hurriedly put on a smile. He hadn’t seen the silver-haired man before, but as soon as the name Yan Chen was mentioned, he immediately held his tongue. Without realizing it, a cold sweat broke out on his back.

「Meanwhile, Chu Hao was busy ’feeding’ in League of Legends with Li Yin at an internet cafe.」

Glancing at the time, he remembered the exchange meeting. He had to deal with some oblivious fools tonight. He said to Li Yin, "Let’s go. Brother Hao will take you to show off."

Li Yin was a bit excited. "Brother Hao, where are we going to show off?"

"Just follow me."

Driving a flashy sports car, they arrived at the building for the exchange meeting. It had to be said, the luxury of the car was dazzling.

A security guard hurried over, asking with a smile, "Do you two have an invitation?"

Chu Hao was there to show off today, so there was no need for pleasantries. He replied, "Do you think I, Chu Hao, need an invitation?"

"DING... The Host has successfully shown off, earning 600 Pretentiousness Points."

The security guard was startled. This is Chu Hao?

The guard quickly put on an apologetic smile. "Of course, Master Chu doesn’t need an invitation. Please, come inside."

After the two entered, the security guard was drenched in sweat. He grabbed his walkie-talkie, saying urgently, "Notify everyone, Chu Hao has arrived! I repeat, Chu Hao has arrived!"

"What? Chu Hao is really here?" a surprised voice came from the other end of the walkie-talkie.

The security guard nodded. "Yes, he’s already inside. Estimated five minutes until he reaches the venue."

Chu Hao, a high-profile figure in Anli City, had caused quite a stir recently.

Inside the venue, Cao Shanhe received a call informing him that Chu Hao had arrived. Somewhat panicked, he said to Yan Chen, "Young Master Yan, Chu Hao has arrived."

Yan Chen narrowed his eyes, glancing at Cao Shanhe, his voice cold. "You seem quite afraid of him."

Cao Shanhe swallowed hard. He didn’t dare admit his fear in front of Yan Chen, so he kept his mouth shut, but his heart couldn’t stop pounding. Chu Hao... He’s terrifying.

At the same time, the event was halfway through, and Chen Fenglei was about to showcase an exotic item brought from Europe and America.

Finally, some people at the venue got the news and exclaimed, "He’s here!" 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"Who’s here?"

"Chu Hao."

The whole room burst into a flurry of discussion, and many people’s expressions became quite fascinating.

Su Qingqi put down her phone, speaking softly, "It seems Chu Hao has arrived."

Su Muyue said with a smile, "You don’t need to tell me anymore."

Chu Hao hadn’t yet reached the venue, but the entire place was already buzzing with excitement. His arrival was clearly no small event. Undoubtedly, he was here to fulfill his promise.

Su Qingqi said in surprise, "His reputation really is something. He’s not even here yet, and there’s already so much talk about him."

At this moment, everyone—whether they were disciples from Longhu Mountain, Mao Mountain, the Nine Gates of Huaxia, or others—had their eyes fixed on the entrance to the venue.

It was as if a major figure was about to arrive.

Chen Fenglei was just about to showcase the product from Europe and America when the buzzing from the crowd below caused him to frown. "What are they talking about?"

"Young Master, they’re discussing a person, Chu Hao."

Has this person arrived? Chen Fenglei wondered. He’s certainly causing a big stir. He, too, found himself becoming very interested in Chu Hao.