Chapter 175 - Settling Scores

Watermoon City, a Grade-2 city in Qingyang County, boasted a substantial population exceeding a hundred million. Its land area was three times that of Xuanyang City.

In the southwest region of this expansive city, the prestigious Lin Clan's grand mansion stood like a castle, showcasing the clan's formidable foundation.

The Lin Clan's Council Hall, spacious and adorned with opulence, currently housed several figures.

“It’s already been half a month, but Third Brother’s group still hasn’t returned. Could something have happened to them?” An elder with an aquiline nose, Lin Ying, the Second Elder in the Lin Clan, voiced his concern in a hushed tone.

“What could possibly happen to them? Third Brother’s a third-level Yuanfu realm expert, even stronger than you or I. That Chen Clan doesn’t even have a single Yuanfu realm expert. What trouble could they possibly stir up?” said Lin Yao, the Grand Elder, who stood beside him.

Lin Ying said, “It’s better to be safe than sorry. That mysterious person told us that Chen Fan from Xuanyang City’s Chen Clan killed Lin Ba, but can any of you say with confidence he didn’t have some ulterior motive?”

Interrupting the conversation, Lin Hong, the Lin Clan's Patriarch, said, “Enough. Xuanyang City is merely ten thousand miles away from Watermoon City. A Golden Horned Horse can cover that distance in two days. It's been half a month, so it’s strange that Lin Zong hasn't returned yet.”

Lin Hong paused momentarily, looked at Lin Ying and the others, and continued, “How about this? We’ll send some people to Xuanyang City and check out the situation.”

“Sure.”

“I agree.”

Lin Yao and Lin Ying both nodded in agreement.

Outside Watermoon City:

“Patriarch, Young Master, Watermoon City is just ahead.”

Chen Fan and the others had spent two days traveling and finally arrived at Watermoon City.

Upon seeing the city wall, towering over a hundred feet and seemingly endless in width, Chen Fan and his group were awestruck. The city seemed like an immense beast sprawled across the land.

Standing at ten meters tall and thirty meters wide, the city gates buzzed with activity as people streamed in and out.

Compared to Watermoon City, Xuanyang City was like a countryside town.

“As expected of a Grade-2 city. It's far more grand and impressive than Xuanyang City.” Behind Chen Fan and Chen Zhengqing were Chen Yunchong and Chen Hualong, brothers in their early twenties with commendable martial talents. [1]

With the clan’s strong support, their cultivation had improved by leaps and bounds during this recent period, reaching the eighth level. They were almost as good as the Grand Elder, Chen Tianshi.

Given their talents, becoming Qi Grandmasters wouldn’t be difficult for them.

“Patriarch, Young Master, our Chen Clan will surely soar to the skies in one go after eliminating the Lin Clan.” Chen Yunchong sounded slightly excited.

Chen Zhengqing said, “Alright, let’s go. Enter the city!”

Their majestic entrance into Watermoon City attracted attention and whispers from the locals.

“Who are they?”

“They don’t look familiar. They must not be from Watermoon City. Perhaps they belong to a clan from another city, likely here to discuss business?”

“Discuss business? It doesn’t look like it! I felt a cold, murderous qi when they passed by me earlier.”

“Murderous qi? You must be mistaken! These people are indeed pretty strong. I couldn’t tell the strengths of those two at the front; they’re probably Yuanfu realm experts. But the others... Their cultivation level is only at the eighth level at the most. They don’t have a single Qi Grandmaster, so who can they kill in Watermoon City?” said a Qi Grandmaster with a chuckle.

“There are so many experts here!”

“Heavens, we just entered, but I’ve already spotted five Qi Grandmasters!”

“Seventh- and eighth-level experts are as common as cabbage here.”

“......”

Upon entering the city, all, except for Chen Fan and Chen Zhengqing, were dumbfounded by the spectacle before them, mouths agape.

In Xuanyang City, a Qi Grandmaster could establish a martial clan, and one could rarely see them out on the street.

𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

While Qi Grandmasters weren't as abundant as river-crossing carp here, they were a common sight, blending in with the crowd like ordinary individuals.

Aside from Qi Grandmasters, seventh- and eighth-level experts were truly all over the place. In Xuanyang City, these martial artists stood as top-tier experts, exuding arrogance in their every step if Qi Grandmasters weren't present.

In Watermoon City, though, they were indistinguishable from the average populace.

Chen Fan smiled and said, “Brother Yunchong, Brother Hualong, this is normal. It’d be strange if we can’t even see a Qi Grandmaster around in a Grade-2 city. Your perspective will broaden even more when you visit a Grade-1 city or a county city.”

Chen Fan was also like Chen Yunchong and Chen Hualong when he visited Qingyang County City for the first time.

“That’s true. This is our first time going on a long trip and in a Grade-2 city. The furthest we’ve been to are the Grade-3 cities around Xuanyang City, which aren’t much different.” Chen Yunlong scratched his head and laughed.

Chen Hualong said, “Now that our Chen Clan has gained power, try not to act uncultured in public. It's embarrassing."

“Weren’t you acting the same earlier?” Chen Yunlong rolled his eyes.

Chen Fan stopped a passerby and asked, “Uncle, may I ask where the Lin Clan is?”

The passerby scrutinized Chen Fan and the others before narrowing his eyes. “What are you going to the Lin Clan for?”

“To settle scores!” Chen Fan smiled, revealing two rows of snow-white teeth. However, the passerby felt an icy chill, as if facing a formidable adversary.

“I-it’s... to the southwest," he stammered before hastily walking away as if Chen Fan were a cannibalistic devil on the prowl.

Unfazed, Chen Fan looked southwest, his smile widening, but the chilling intent in his gaze intensified.

......

“Stop right there. The Lin Clan is a restricted area. Outsiders must leave immediately!" commanded the guard stationed at the Lin Clan's mansion gates. His voice was stern, and a cold gleam flickered in his eyes as he stopped Chen Fan’s group.

As a prestigious Watermoon City clan, the Lin Clan's private troop network surpassed the Chen Clan's capabilities. Take this guard captain of the mansion, for example—he was at the eighth level of the Qigong realm.

In the Chen Clan, he could have been an elder. However, unlike the core experts, he found himself assigned as a mere mansion guard.

“Move aside. We’re here to settle scores with the Lin Clan!” declared Chen Fan, his tone icy. Simultaneously, he unleashed his Yuanfu realm aura, compelling the guard captain to retreat as though struck.

“Yuanfu realm expert!” the guard exclaimed, his eyes betraying a hint of fear. Despite his intimidation, he steeled himself. “I’d have to trouble you to please wait here first. I’ll go in and send the message.”

"No need; we can handle it ourselves," Chen Fan dismissed, waving his hand and leading the group into the Lin Clan mansion.

“Enemy attack!” the guard captain bellowed upon witnessing Chen Fan and the others attempting to enter forcefully.

1. They were briefly mentioned in chapter 160. Both are captains of the Chen Clan’s army. ?