Demon Slaying, Gaining 60 Years of Cultivation From the Start

Gu Chen's eyes narrowed, and had he not known that Luo Feng wasn't playing him, Gu Chen would have been tempted to strike him there and then.

Seeing this, Luo Feng hurriedly said, "Although there is no evidence now, we can gather it. We still have seven days, which should be enough time."

Gu Chen's face was expressionless. He stretched out his palm and said, "Give me my money back, then you can get lost."

Luo Feng's face showed embarrassment as he said, "Brother Gu, this... you're being a bit unreasonable. You can't pin the teahouse damage on me. There's a clear distinction between debts and their patrons. You should be seeking out the people from the Sunset Sword Sect."

Gu Chen gave him a glance and said, "But it all started because of you."

At those words, Luo Feng was suddenly at a loss for words.

Then, Gu Chen said, "Why didn't you consider informing the authorities and having them arrest Zheng Jinan?"

Upon hearing the word "authorities," a sneer appeared on Luo Feng's face. He said, "The local magistrate is in Zheng Jinan's pocket. Over the years, he has received no small amount of favors from Zheng Jinan, inside and out. The magistrate won't lift a finger against Zheng Jinan who is his major financier."

Sighing, Luo Feng continued, "It's not that I don't trust the authorities, it's just that ever since the Emperor went into seclusion twenty-three years ago, the world was peaceful during the reign of the current sovereign, and the officials of Da Xia were dedicated to their duties. The Jianghu of the nine provinces was extremely stable, and no one dared to cause trouble.

But now, with the Emperor in seclusion for twenty-three years and not attending to court affairs, the world has begun to show signs of chaos."

"Moreover, with demons appearing more frequently, their numbers are showing signs of becoming uncontrollable. If this continues, it won't be long before the world falls into complete disarray."

At these words, Gu Chen, too, fell silent. This time he did not contradict Luo Feng. As a member of the Jing Tian Department and though not holding a court position, he could also genuinely feel that the world had indeed changed from before.

The current Emperor of Da Xia was illustrious in both civil and military exploits and unparalleled in the world. Even in the declining years of the previous Emperor, compounded by the scourge of demons, the world had shown tendencies towards chaos. Yet after the current sovereign ascended the throne, he ruled with an iron fist—first straightening out the court and purging many corrupt officials.

Then he personally led campaigns, riding into the Jianghu, and subjugated various martial factions, thus restoring order to a nearly chaotic realm and bringing a new era of prosperity and strength to Da Xia.

However, twenty-three years ago, the current sovereign announced his intention to enter a life-endangering seclusion to break through the celestial barrier and advance to the Divine Realm, a level that countless had failed to reach over many years.

As soon as this announcement was made, the court was in an uproar. Naturally, many nobles opposed the idea. After all, the Emperor was in his prime and there seemed no need for this risky endeavor. However, for reasons unknown, the Emperor was resolute and insisted on his decision, leaving the Crown Prince to manage the court affairs with the assistance of his brother, King Huai.

This seclusion had now lasted for twenty-three long years. Over these years, the Emperor had never appeared, and there was no news of his whereabouts. Gradually, unsavory rumors began to surface.

The Emperor's retreat had a profound impact. As time passed, below the seemingly tranquil surface of the Nine Provinces, the situation was becoming more and more complex and the undercurrents more turbulent.

Not to mention others, even the martial factions of the Jianghu no longer held the same fear of Da Xia as they had during the Emperor's rule, including their treatment of the Jing Tian Department.

Fortunately, during his reign, the Emperor had brought prosperity and unprecedented national strength to Da Xia, and the Jing Tian Department was full of high-level experts, so for the moment, it could still deter any challenges. However, as time passed, it was uncertain how long this could last.

"By the way."

Luo Feng suddenly remembered something. His expression turned serious as he said to Gu Chen, "Brother Gu, you had a conflict with the Sunset Sword Sect before. You need to be very careful lately. Zheng Jinan's heir, Zheng Yan, is sure to return for his father's celebration.

Considering how harshly you dealt with Chen Song and the others from the Sect, and given their notorious protectiveness, coupled with Huaiyang City being Zheng Yan's territory, he definitely won't let you off."

In fact, the reason why the disciples of the Sunset Sword Sect came to Huaiyang City was precisely to celebrate Zheng Jinan's birthday.

Gu Chen asked, "How strong is this Zheng Yan?"

Luo Feng's face turned serious as he answered, "Although the Sunset Sword Sect is overbearing and protective, their strength truly cannot be underestimated. Especially in recent years, they have become even more powerful. Zheng Yan, as a core disciple of the Sunset Sword Sect, has strength enough to rank within their top disciples. He is even listed twelfth on the Star Ranking.

Although he is still in the Meridian Opening Realm, it is said that he has already opened forty meridians within his body."

"You must guard against this man, Brother Gu. At this stage, even if I encountered Zheng Yan, I would be utterly defeated in a confrontation, with no choice left but to flee."

Hearing this, Gu Chen's expression shifted slightly. The dossier that the Jing Tian Department had given him hadn't detailed Zheng Yan's prowess to such an extent; he hadn't expected Zheng Jinan's sole heir to possess such strength, ranking as the twelfth on the Star Ranking.

The Star Ranking was a list published by an organization in the Jianghu known as Diancang Pavilion, which recorded the top one hundred young talents of the world. To be listed there, even at the hundredth position, meant one possessed extraordinary talent.

You see, there are countless martial practitioners in the world, and emerging as one of the top hundred is an extremely difficult feat. Every young martial artist regards being listed in the Star Ranking as an honor and fame across the land.

Being twelfth on the Star Ranking was enough to attest to Zheng Yan's strength and potential. Even within the Sunset Sword Sect, there were barely any of his peers stronger than him.

Moreover, opening forty meridians in the Meridian Opening Realm indicated Zheng Yan's power. Even some masters in the Outer Qi Realm would not be considered his match.

After hearing Luo Feng's account, Gu Chen felt that he indeed needed to be more vigilant and not take things lightly, lest he suffer an unexpected setback.

"Luo Feng, you're really here."

A clear voice rang out. Hearing this, Luo Feng's face changed immediately, and he looked toward the staircase leading to the second floor of the teahouse, where a young man in red robes with a sword at his waist was steadily ascending.

Gu Chen also frowned, sensing a locking aura. He knew that any reckless action from him would lead to a devastating blow.

Without a doubt, this young man was the core disciple of the Sunset Sword Sect, the son of Zheng Jinan, and the individual ranked twelfth on the Star Ranking - Zheng Yan.

Zheng Yan was handsome, with a remarkable presence, and his tall and powerful physique was accentuated by the characteristic red robes of the Sunset Sword Sect, displaying his charisma for all to see, making him stand out in any crowd.

"Zheng Yan!" Luo Feng's expression darkened as he said, "How did you find out I was here?"

Zheng Yan smiled slightly upon hearing this. Dignified and handsome, he looked at Luo Feng and said, "You have our Sunset Sword Sect's special tracking powder on you. Even if you ran to the ends of the earth, you wouldn't escape the pursuit of my Sunset Sword Sect."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "However, your lightness skill is truly exceptional. It made me put in quite the effort and took some time to find you."

Then, his gaze shifted toward Gu Chen, "You must be Luo Feng's accomplice, the one who injured my fellow disciples a few days ago. Fortunately, you are here today, saving me the trouble of looking for you."