Chapter 7401
Unpredictable Threat
Zhou Keying gently bit her lower lip, and after a few breaths of silence, she raised her head, her eyes filled with a clear look of worry, her voice trembling slightly: "Xiao Chen, thank you for being with me last night... I have never regretted those times."
“However,” she changed the subject, her tone growing increasingly worried, “I hope you won’t interfere in the Lü family’s affairs. This time… not only has the Lü family returned, but that reclusive master from Zhongnan Mountain has also come to the west!”
The strongest warriors of Zhongnan Mountain!
These five words exploded in the air like a thunderclap.
A sharp glint flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes, and he understood immediately. No wonder the Lü family dared to be so fearless and make a comeback at this critical juncture; it turned out they were relying on this person from Zhongnan!
This person is very likely of the same kind as him, or even a top martial artist who came from an ancient place like the Zhongnan Sacred Land, and perhaps fell into the mortal world by some chance.
But so what?
Xiao Chen reached out and grasped Zhou Keying's slightly cool hand without hesitation. The warmth of his palm seeped through her skin, carrying a reassuring strength. His words were clear and forceful, his tone resolute and unwavering:
"Since we are friends, then no one in this world has the right to harm you in the slightest."
"The day the Lü family returns will be the day of their... annihilation!"
His gaze met Zhou Keying's slightly uneasy eyes. In his deep eyes was unquestionable confidence and an aura of dominance that could cut through any obstacle.
Do you believe me?
Zhou Keying stared at him blankly, at those eyes that seemed to encompass all storms, at the unwavering certainty and resolve within them.
A few seconds later, she took a deep breath, as if she had unloaded all the burdens in her heart, and nodded heavily, her voice slightly choked, yet incredibly firm:
"I believe!"
"Okay." Xiao Chen released his hand, stood up, his posture as straight as a pine tree. "For the next two days, you stay in the villa and don't go out. Leave the rest to me."
"Mm," Zhou Keying responded softly, without any objection. She knew that at this moment, as a friend, all she could do was to trust her without reservation.
Xiao Chen, having traveled from the ancient city all the way to the western region, had already created too many incredible miracles. This time, she firmly believed that he could turn the tide once again.
Xiao Chen turned around and quickly went upstairs, heading straight to the terrace.
He took out his phone and dialed the first number... to the Yin Ancestor.
"24-hour covert protection of the villa." Xiao Chen's voice was as cold as ice, carrying an undeniable authority. "Anyone attempting to approach or intrude without permission will be killed without mercy!"
"Yes, sir!" came the cold, unwavering reply from the other end of the communication, his tone filled with absolute obedience.
After hanging up, he dialed a second number; the contact person was Di Tianyan.
"The Lü family is returning." Xiao Chen cut to the chase, his tone steady. "What is the current fighting strength of the Dark Palace?"
On the other end of the communication line, Di Tianyan's voice carried a chilling aura, resounding and powerful, revealing an unwavering loyalty: "Rest assured, Your Majesty! Wherever the Dark Blade points, that is the battlefield of the Dark Palace! Wherever the sword points, we swear to follow to the death!"
"Very good." Xiao Chen nodded in satisfaction and hung up the phone.
He closed his eyes, his mind sank into the depths of his immortal abode, landing on the Soul Tower.
The second soul tablet shone even brighter than yesterday, and the cracks on its surface seemed to have widened slightly. Faint energy fluctuations emanated from it, but it was still just a hair's breadth away from truly activating. Xiao Chen slowly opened his eyes, a faint light flashing in his palm, and the pure white Reverse Scale Sword, its blade engraved with ancient runes, appeared in his hand.
He looked up at the southeastern horizon, where the Western Region International Airport was located.
The icy killing intent in his eyes was so intense it seemed to solidify, and the chilling aura made the surrounding air feel as if it had frozen.
"A 'venerable one' from Zhongnan Mountain?" he muttered to himself, a cold and disdainful smile curving his lips.
"I hope... you won't disappoint me too much."
……
Western Region, Provincial Capital International Airport.
The morning mist had not yet completely dissipated, and the cold wind on the tarmac, carrying the chill of metal, blew against everyone on the observation deck.
A silver-gray private jet is slowly landing, its fuselage gleaming with a cold metallic sheen. Its streamlined design exudes luxury and majesty as it glides steadily toward its designated parking spot.
This is the Lu family's vehicle. After many days, it finally carries the long-awaited vehicle of the entire western region back to its homeland.
At this moment, the viewing platform outside the airport's VIP lounge was already under tight security, yet it was still packed with people who had come after hearing the news.
Those gathered here were by no means ordinary travelers or star-struck fans. Some were dressed in crisply starched training clothes, their aura restrained and profound, with subtle internal energy flowing from their fingertips; others were dressed in suits and ties, their presence dignified and composed, their every move exuding the authority of someone long accustomed to a position of power.
Whether they are the heads of established martial arts families, the leaders of emerging forces, or high-ranking officials of official martial arts organizations, each of them, taken individually, is a figure who can shake a certain field in the western region.
Almost all the prominent forces in the martial arts world of the western region were present, with not a single one missing.
Without exception, they all received definite news in advance... The Lü family has returned today!
More importantly, the Lü family did not return alone, but brought with them the legendary "venerable one" who was said to be living in seclusion in the Zhongnan Mountains!
The existence that could mobilize the entire Lü family to travel all the way to Zhongnan Mountain and pay an unimaginable price to persuade is so significant that it can overwhelm all the current powerhouses in the Western Region!
Everyone knew the unspoken agreement:
The arrival of this venerable one will surely shatter the suffocating delicate balance that has formed in the Western Region since the emergence of "Devil" Xiao Chen, and will also cleave the "shadow of the butcher's knife" hanging over the heads of all forces!
In the past few days, the martial arts community in the western region has been in a state of extreme panic. The slaughter of the entire Ao family, the overnight change of ownership of the Qingyang Sword Sect, the tragic death of an elder of the New Martial Arts Association... the lessons learned by Xiao Chen are etched into everyone's mind like a brand.
No one knows whether their own family or their own power will be the next target of this evil spirit.
If this continues, wouldn't Xiao Chen completely control the western martial arts world and become an absolute "emperor"?
Just when everyone was struggling in despair and waiting, the news of the Lü family's return with the Zhongnan Mountain as their backer was like a thunderbolt, splitting the dark clouds... This is a new choice for all the restless, and the only hope to change the situation!
How could these worldly-wise shrewd people let go of this golden opportunity to take sides and seize the initiative?
On the platform, the air seemed to solidify, so solemn that one could hear each other's breathing. Countless gazes, like searchlights, were fixed on the cabin door of the silver-gray private jet, not daring to even blink.
A storm is brewing, and the wind is already blowing through the building.
The landscape of the western region is about to change. (End of Chapter)