Shen Yue never imagined that the three Silver-ranked men sent by the Divine Sacred Family would be targeted by Chen Linjian.
Chen Linjian would surely do everything in his power to lure and eliminate those three!
If Chen Linjian knew they were from the Divine Sacred Family, he might hold back, but after hearing Nie Li say they were probably from the Dark Guild, Chen Linjian would show no mercy.
Still too inexperienced to play games with me! Nie Li didn't need to make a move himself to deal with Shen Yue!
Ye Ziyun was a good girl who knew Nie Li was a treasure trove of knowledge, frequently asking him about runes and martial techniques, and Nie Li answered each question.
Their lighthearted conversation drew envious and jealous looks from the boys nearby.
Undeniably, the elegant and beautiful Ye Ziyun was the goddess in the hearts of these boys.
Due to her noble status, many boys didn't dare approach her and felt inferior when they faced her.
Moreover, Ye Ziyun's slightly aloof personality gave people a sense of distance.
Even though they admired Ye Ziyun, they lacked the courage to even greet her.
However, when Ye Ziyun chatted with Nie Li, it was casual and natural, and her graceful smile was heartwarming.
The boys couldn't help but sneak glances over their way.
Looking at the smiling Ye Ziyun, Nie Li couldn't help but think of the past life, when Ye Ziyun was even more captivating.
When would this little girl in front of him grow into that charming young woman?
Seeing Nie Li staring at her, Ye Ziyun's cheeks turned rosy.
She lowered her head, uncertain about her feelings.
She thought of Nie Li's bold confession in class before.
It had annoyed her then, but now she couldn't quite describe her feelings.
Whenever she was faced with Nie Li, she couldn't help feeling a bit shy when remembering that incident.
There seemed to be some unclear feelings between Nie Li and Xiao Ning'er, too.
While Nie Li and Ye Ziyun were chatting, they felt waves of soul force coming from the forest behind them – a fierce battle was occurring.
The three Silver-ranked strangers were being surrounded by Chen Linjian's group of five Silver-ranked warriors.
"Speak, who are you? What are you up to? If you don't tell us, don't blame me for being ruthless!" Chen Linjian shouted angrily, his eyes cold with fury.
Because they were under threat from demon beasts, the families in Glory City were very united.
They generally wouldn't kill others from different families, except those from the Dark Guild, known to be a group of murderers.
Confirming it was the Dark Guild, Chen Linjian would surely show no mercy.
The three Silver experts exchanged glances, reluctant to admit they were from the Divine Sacred Family.
If the truth spread, it would bring great trouble to the main family! The three Silver experts kept silent and tried to break out.
"Since you won't reveal your names, don't blame me for being unkind!" Chen Linjian, seeing their silence, assumed they were from the Dark Guild.
"Kill them!"
If it had been people from other families, Chen Linjian would have held back, but against the Dark Guild, he wouldn't.
Chen Linjian's men charged, and a fierce battle ensued.
Blades clashed, and after the intense fight, one of the Silver experts died while the other two escaped, albeit severely injured.
Upon hearing the news, Shen Yue nearly went mad with rage.
He had arranged for those Silver experts to deal with Nie Li, but Chen Linjian had intervened.
What Shen Yue didn't know was that Nie Li had provided Chen Linjian with the information, leading to their actions.
"It seems like I'll have to do it myself," Shen Yue brooded darkly.
He had brought along six people, at least three of whom were Bronze One-star and three Bronze Two-star.
Last time, they suffered at Nie Li's hands because they didn't know he was wearing a full set of Bronze Armor.
If they had targeted his head or vital areas from the start, there's no way Nie Li could have dodged!
Seeing Shen Yue's sinister expression, Nie Li knew he was plotting something again.
Moments later, Chen Linjian returned with his five Silver experts.
"Young Master Chen, who were those people?" asked one of Chen Linjian's friends.
"I suspect they were from the Dark Guild!" Chen Linjian replied.
"So they were from the Dark Guild. Serves them right!"
Hearing their discussion, Shen Yue's expression twitched.
Chen Linjian had mistaken his men for the Dark Guild and thus struck hard.
Otherwise, he might have just chased them away.
But he couldn't say anything, unable to admit they were sent by the Divine Sacred Family.
One subordinate was killed for nothing, and the other two vanished without a trace.
Shen Yue had to swallow his grievances silently.
This Nie Li was insufferable!
Knowing Chen Linjian valued Nie Li, Nie Li's status within the group began to rise, with even Chen Linjian's friends starting to chat with Nie Li.
"I'm Hu Yilianruo, a friend of Young Master Chen from the Huyan Family."
Hu Yilianruo smiled slightly, her eyes charmingly alluring.
This woman was truly captivating!
The Huyan Family, though not among the Three Peaks Families, was still quite prosperous among the noble families.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Nie Li," Nie Li looked at Hu Yilianruo calmly, without being swayed by her allure.
He had some impression of Hu Yilianruo, who was highly talented, already a Silver Three-star.
In a few years, she would become the acting head of the Huyan Family.
If anyone thought Hu Yilianruo was a delicate and gentle girl, they'd be gravely mistaken.
To become even an acting head of a family, one needed more than just beauty.
Hu Yilianruo was surprised that Nie Li was unmoved by her beauty.
At Nie Li's age, boys usually would blush and become flustered in front of her, but Nie Li was calm and composed.
Finding Nie Li interesting, Hu Yilianruo developed a soft spot for this young man.
"I'm a bit older than you, so you can call me Sister Lianruo," Hu Yilianruo said with a teasing smile.
"Call you sister..."
Nie Li hesitated, considering if Hu Yilianruo knew his real age, what her reaction would be.
"Why, can't you?" Hu Yilianruo laughed playfully.
Beside Nie Li, Ye Ziyun harbored no fondness for Hu Yilianruo.
Hearing her playful laugh, Ye Ziyun turned away, slightly impatient.
While Ye Ziyun wasn't as voluptuous as Hu Yilianruo, her elegant aura was unmatched.
In a few years, Ye Ziyun would become far more captivating.
Her presence had raised Nie Li's standards so high that even a beauty like Hu Yilianruo couldn't make him bat an eye.
Hu Yilianruo blinked, showing interest in Nie Li.
Nie Li, surrounded by the lively Ye Ziyun and the sensuous Hu Yilianruo, was starting to draw annoyance from some other men.
A man walked over, tall and slender, dressed in a flowing white robe, exuding the aura of a noble gentleman.
However, his skin was pale, and his footsteps were unsteady.
He was Chu Yuan, a child of a prestigious family.
His gaze lingered on Ye Ziyun, with a touch of greed.
Though still young, Ye Ziyun exhibited the potential to become a stunning beauty, one who could captivate nations.
Regretfully, he knew her noble status was beyond his reach!
In contrast, Hu Yilianruo's status more closely matched his.
Winning her over could elevate his position within the family.
Her alluring figure only fueled his desire.
"What are you all discussing? Mind if I join?" Chu Yuan said with a smile, casting a disdainful glance at Nie Li.
From what he'd heard, Nie Li belonged to a small family and hadn't even reached Bronze One-star.
Plus, Nie Li had offended the Divine Sacred Family.
Although they hadn't dealt with him yet, did Nie Li think he could remain unbothered? He underestimated the Divine Sacred Family!
"We're discussing runes," Hu Yilianruo said off-handedly, showing clear distaste and impatience.
She didn't like Chu Yuan, though his Chu Family held significant power in Glory City, so she maintained a facade of cordiality.
"I'm very skilled in runes. If Lianruo has questions, come to me. My expertise in runes surely exceeds that of a thirteen-year-old child!" Chu Yuan laughed boldly, his face arrogant.
Ye Ziyun internally scoffed.
No matter how proficient Chu Yuan was in runes, could he surpass her Aunt Xue? Even Aunt Xue had admitted that Nie Li was an extraordinary Rune Master!
How boastful, Hu Yilianruo sneered internally.
Her interest in Nie Li arose because he instantly recognized the source of the Flame Burst, which came from the Thunderfire Scripture.
Unless truly skilled in runes, who could know such? Most hadn't even heard of the Thunderfire Scripture, let alone read it.
This wasn't mere luck.
"I think not. Often, age doesn't dictate talent. Many transcend age boundaries, and such people are what we call geniuses."
Hu Yilianruo winked charmingly at Nie Li.
Hu Yilianruo considered Nie Li a genius? Chu Yuan sneered inwardly.
Acknowledging Ye Ziyun as a genius was fair—she'd reached Bronze One-star at a young age—but Nie Li, with a red soul realm and feeble soul force, being called a genius was absurd!
Even if he knew a bit about runes, so what? Glory City valued strength, and only the strong commanded respect!
(End of Chapter)