Chapter 329 - Challenging Chengban

"Oh?"

Chengban's sudden profession of love instantly drew the attention of everyone present.

No matter what, Chengban was still a core disciple of the Divine Storm Sect.

This meant that his status in the sect was not low by any measure. In fact, he was even expected to be groomed into an elder of the sect in the future.

Those who were slightly more sentimental in nature gasped in astonishment, surprised that Chengban was actually such a straightforward person when it came to the matters of the heart.

Of course, these were only people who did not understand Chengban well enough.

Those in the know shook their heads helplessly, well aware that Chengban was probably playing around as always.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I am not interested," Nanlan Qianxue replied with a polite smile.

"You are not interested?" Chengban's expression changed as though he was hurt by that remark. "Can Lady Qianxue at least give me a reason why?"

"That's right, Lady Qianxue," a guy with a scar across his forehead chimed in as he stood up from the seat beside Chengban. "Senior Apprentice Chengban only wants to get to know you better. It is not as though he is asking for your hand in marriage. Even if there is no chemistry between you, you can still be friends. No matter what, Senior Apprentice Chengban is still a core disciple of the Divine Storm Sect. To put it bluntly, it can even be considered your honour to have caught his eye. That is… unless Lady Qianxue doesn't think much of the Divine Storm Sect?"

Nanlan Qianxue furrowed her brows.

This was not the first time that she had seen this guy. He was one of the two lackeys who were with Chengban when they crossed paths back at the Redstone Restaurant.

The way he put it across, it really seemed as though Nanlan Qianxue was taking the Divine Storm Sect lightly by not wanting to even associate herself with one of their core disciples.

If she simply left things be, they might just end up offending the gigantic influence that was the Divine Storm Sect.

In order to prevent any misunderstandings, she would have to come up with a proper reason.

But what could she possibly say to get out of this tricky situation?

She couldn't possibly be frank and say that she declined because she thinks Chengban is disgusting, could she?

While Nanlan Qianxue was still hesitating over what to say, a solemn voice came from the front of the main hall.

"Chengban, this is your First Senior's big day, so why don't you temporarily hold in your emotions?" Elder Donghe suggested. "You can approach Lady Qianxue again when this is over."

He was none other than the elder who had trusted Bocheng with the task of bringing Lu Tianzi and Nanlan Qianxue back from Bog Town.

Elder Donghe had noted the slight frowns that had appeared on the faces of the upper echelons of the sect, and thus decided to intervene in the matter before it was too late.

Chengban looked over and shrugged, "I don't quite agree with Elder Donghe's words. I am merely taking this opportunity to ask Lady Qianxue a simple question. I don't see how this needs to be held off until after the banquet."

He obviously understood Elder Donghe's intentions, but how could he stop here?

After all, it was exactly his intention to let the upper echelons of the sect witness this!

As a nameless martial artist who came from some unknown corner of the world, how would Nanlan Qianxue dare to risk offending the mighty Divine Storm Sect?

No matter how he thought of it, this was the easiest way to pressure Nanlan Qianxue into coming to him.

Once Nanlan Qianxue entered his residence, he would be free to turn her into his plaything, and no one else would be able to interfere!

Hearing his response, Elder Donghe could only shake his head with a sigh.

This Chengban was really growing more and more arrogant by the day. Now he no longer even cared about the words of his elders.

At the same time, it was not as though Chengban was doing anything explicitly wrong right now. So Elder Donghe did not exactly have any justification to force him to stop either.

Seeing that even the one who tried to help her had given up, Nanlan Qianxue clenched her fists in irritation.

"The truth is, I already have someone whom I like," Nanlan Qianxue replied with a firm voice.

"That doesn't matter as long as you have not gotten together yet," Chengban answered immediately, almost as though he was prepared for that response. "We will just be getting to know each other. If you are not fond of me even after getting to know me, then I will gladly accept it. I am perfectly satisfied to just be friends."

"I'm sorry, but I don't think there is a need for that either," Nanlan Qianxue clasped her fists towards Chengban. "If there's nothing else, I will be leaving first."

Right after Nanlan Qianxue finished her words, she immediately turned to leave.

However, such an action immediately sparked off a bad memory in Chengban's head. It was the memory of how he failed to have his way two days ago at the Redstone Restaurant, allowing his prey to slip away from his grasps.

That day, Nanlan Qianxue had turned to leave before he was done talking to her as well.

And now, this same prey wanted to escape once more?

Over his dead body!

"Hold it!" Chengban yelled in rage. "This person you like, is he the person who is with you?"

Nanlan Qianxue threw him a cold glance, "I don't think I am obliged to answer that, am I?"

By now, Nanlan Qianxue's patience was already running thin, and it was apparent from the change in her tone.

Chengban sneered in response. "Earlier, your companion said that the two of you are not a couple. Yet you continue to follow him around wherever he goes, acting as though the two of you are an item. Now that I know you like him, I see… so this is what it is… You were unable to capture his heart, so you decided to settle for being a slave to his physical needs? Since that is the case, I'm glad you declined my invitation. Even if you paid me for it, I would rather not have a dirty woman like you step into my residence either!"

"What?!" Nanlan Qianxue blurted out in disbelief.

How could Chengban's tone change this drastically all of a sudden?

At this moment, she really wanted to step forward and beat this guy up to her heart's content!

However, not only was the other party much stronger than her, they were also in the other party's territory right now.

Nanlan Qianxue had no choice but to hold in her temper, forcing herself to calm down.

Yet despite Nanlan Qianxue's act of self-control, the atmosphere in the main hall had turned heavy in an instant.

On this joyous occasion that the Divine Storm Sect had prepared with such meticulous care, Chengban actually dared to speak of such low and degrading words?

There was only one thought running through everyone's mind right now.

This Chengban is crazy!

Everyone's gazes naturally gravitated towards a man seated at the foremost table.

He was a man who looked to be in his mid-thirties, with a charming face that sported a short goatee. His long black hair was let down freely to his shoulder, and his well-built body was tightly fitted into a set of grey combat robe.

This was none other than the leader of the Divine Storm Sect – the Tempest Overlord.

For Chengban to act with such disregard for the sect's effort, surely the Tempest Overlord would not stand by and watch?

But contrary to everyone's expectations, the Tempest Overlord remained unmoved.

He remained in his seat, continuing to enjoy the delicious food as though he was oblivious to what was happening around him right now.

On the other hand, it was First Disciple Dongquan Juewei who slowly stood up from his seat.

"You must be tired, Chengban. Perhaps it would be better for you to retire for the day?" Dongquan Juewei spoke with a gentle smile, but his words seemed to be laced with an invisible threat.

Faced with the Dongquan Juewei's threat, Chengban nervously swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

Chengban might not have much respect for the elders, but his attitude towards Dongquan Juewei was completely different.

After all, the First Disciple Dongquan Juewei was expected to become the next sect leader!

"I understand, Senior Apprentice," Chengban replied before casting a side glance at Nanlan Qianxue. "I only feel indignant that I actually took a liking to a s.l.u.t like that. Now that I know better, I will stop here and remain quiet for the rest of the banquet."

Dongquan Juewei nodded in satisfaction. "That is for the best."

He understood that by not acting, his master was probably testing his ability to control the situation.

It was good that Chengban was able to read the situation well. Otherwise, it would not be a pretty sight if he had to resort to force to make Chengban understand.

However, before Dongquan Juewei could sit back down, another voice sounded out clearly across silent main hall.

"I don't think you get it. You are the one who do not deserve her," Lu Tianzi finally spoke up.

Originally, he had simply watched from the side since he was reluctant to offend the other party for the same reason as Nanlan Qianxue. He had thought that things would end quickly after an exchange of words.

However, the progression of events was truly too ridiculous for him to take it lying down.

Not only did no one stop Chengban, even the First Disciple seemed to have tacitly agreed with Chengban.

As if that was not enough, this was a setting where countless guests from numerous influences were present.

If they simply left things as they were, wouldn't it be equivalent to admitting that Nanlan Qianxue truly was a toy for himself?

If they did that, just how would Nanlan Qianxue ever be able to hold her head up high as they continue to explore the central regions in the future?

As for offending the Divine Storm Sect, Lu Tianzi no longer cared about that.

By allowing Chengban to insult Nanlan Qianxue repeatedly, the Divine Storm Sect obviously cared not for their existences, so why should they be concerned about the Divine Storm Sect?

With so many guests present, surely the Divine Storm Sect would not risk sullying their own reputation and bully them with numbers!

"What did you say?" Chengban furrowed his brows.

"Looks like even your intelligence level is bad so let me spell it out clearly for you," Lu Tianzi stepped forward. "I'm saying that the only reason why Qianxue is not interested in you is because you are not good enough for her!"

A deafening silence fell upon the main hall.

Chengban was stunned speechless for a moment, unable to comprehend the scene before him.

Even Dongquan Juewei and the various seniors present were caught by surprise as they turned their attention towards Lu Tianzi.

No one had ever expected the main character's seemingly insignificant male companion to have such a sudden outburst towards Chengban.

Now, how would the arrogant Chengban react?

"Hahahaha!" Chengban burst into laughter. "You are saying that I am not good enough for her? Me, a core disciple of the Divine Storm Sect? Not good enough for this s.l.u.t? Can I please know who is good enough for her then? You? Hahaha!"

"At least I will be a much better choice than you," Lu Tianzi replied.

"You?! Hahahaha!" Chengban's laughter only grew louder. "And in what way do you think you are a better choice than me? Come, I will let you choose anything you want. If you are able to beat me in anything at all, I will accept that your words are right!"

"Not just that, but I want you to slap yourself three times for those dirty words that you just said!" Lu Tianzi added.

"Hmm?" Chengban's laughter died down in an instant, narrowing his eyes towards Lu Tianzi. "Fine by me. But if I win, don't blame me for teaching you a lesson for your arrogance!"

"Chengban," Dongquan Juewei called out in reminder.

"Senior Apprentice, as you can see, it is this country bumpkin who is overestimating himself right now by declaring that he is better than a core disciple of the sect." Chengban shrugged. "If I don't respond in kind, the guests here might even start to think that the Divine Storm Sect is a pushover!"

Hearing Chengban's words, Dongquan Juewei could only sigh inwardly.

"Settle it quickly then," Dongquan Juewei said before sitting back down.

Chengban was right.

There were far too many guests present right now.

If Chengban were to back off at this juncture, it might really damage the reputation of the sect.

Since things had already progressed to this stage, he had no choice but to let Chengban end things cleanly.

"I certainly will. He is just a nameless Second Cycle Origin Core realm martial artist after all," Chengban grinned before turning his attention back to Lu Tianzi. "Now, have you decided what you want to compete in?"

"It looks like you are really confident of your cultivation level," Lu Tianzi clenched his fists in rage. "In that case, why don't we just fight it out? I will prove to you that the cultivation level that you are so proud of is actually of no significance whatsoever!"