Urban Extraordinary Immortal Doctor
Chapter 1346: Scorn and Provocation

Chapter 1346: Chapter 1346: Scorn and Provocation

Ordinary martial artists in the True Martial Realm might not understand what "Yan Chongtian" and "Jade Bamboo Mountain" truly represent.

However, some Innate Experts present today were aware that Yan Chongtian was the pinnacle of individual cultivation martial artists in the past century—a figure revered and admired by countless loose cultivators.

As for Jade Bamboo Mountain, it ranked among the most powerful Innate Sects in the True Martial Realm, serving as a benchmark for many other sects striving to surpass it.

Yet, Yan Chongtian was known for his elusive movements, like a Divine Dragon appearing only in fleeting glimpses—a rarity few could track.

The location of Jade Bamboo Mountain itself was equally shrouded in secrecy, with very few able to uncover its whereabouts.

Thus, upon hearing the name of Yan Chongtian, a legendary powerhouse almost mythical in reputation, alongside Jade Bamboo Mountain, an overwhelmingly strong sect instilling awe and trepidation, the Innate Experts present all revealed expressions of shock.

Some Innate Experts even cast envious and jealous glances toward the woman in the pink dress, Zu Hanjiao.

They envied her for drawing the interest of both Yan Chongtian—this unparalleled loose cultivator—and Jade Bamboo Mountain, a top-tier sect, who had both willingly offered her protection.

They were jealous because Zu Hanjiao’s cultivation level was merely at the Cosmic Level Initial Stage—what virtue or ability did she possess to earn the favor of both Yan Chongtian and Jade Bamboo Mountain?

What these envious Innate Experts didn’t know was that, while neither Yan Chongtian nor the higher-ups from Jade Bamboo Mountain could discern Zu Hanjiao’s true cultivation, they had seen enough to recognize her as an Innate Spirit Root Martial Artist.

In this world, encountering an Innate Spirit Root Martial Artist was akin to finding treasure—it was exceedingly rare. Thus, any such cultivator instantly became sought after by powerful loose cultivators and major sects.

What drew Yan Chongtian to Zu Hanjiao wasn’t just her innate spiritual root; her alluring figure, extraordinary beauty, and captivating aura also played a role.

Yan Chongtian reasoned that, at a little over forty years of age himself, and Zu Hanjiao being just slightly past thirty, the two would make an ideal Martial Dao couple—cultivating together to mutual benefit. It seemed perfect to him.

Meanwhile, the high-ranking figure from Jade Bamboo Mountain only had eyes for Zu Hanjiao’s innate spiritual root.

With her exceptional talent paired with Jade Bamboo Mountain’s comprehensive training, her future Martial Dao achievements would be limitless, and she would undoubtedly rise to become a pillar of the sect.

"Hmph! Who says I, Yan Chongtian, am inferior to Li Chenzhou?"

With a snort of disdain, a burly man with a wild beard stepped forward from the crowd, his gaze sweeping over the gathered martial artists as he declared arrogantly, "These past years, I have been spreading the word, searching for Li Chenzhou to challenge him in battle and determine who is truly superior! Yet, that Li Chenzhou has turned into a cowardly turtle, refusing to show himself. Heh, I suspect he’s scared!"

The burly man wore a fitted black combat outfit, his square face framed by sharp features. His tiger-like eyes and broad mouth exuded an aura of inherent authority, intimidating those around him without any deliberate effort. The martial artist aura emanating from him pressed down on those nearby, giving them the sensation of facing an imposing mountain, leaving them under significant pressure.

The surrounding Innate Martial Artists listened to the man’s claim of being Yan Chongtian. Combined with the rumors they had heard over time about him, they determined that his words likely rang true—this was, without a doubt, Yan Chongtian.

Yan Chongtian possessed an Innate Golden Spirit Root and had reached the Innate Perfection Realm by the age of forty, securing his place among the pinnacle of True Martial Realm experts.

Back when Li Chenzhou’s name resounded across the True Martial Realm, Yan Chongtian had only just begun to emerge, and his radiance was completely overshadowed by Li Chenzhou.

However, over a decade ago, when Li Chenzhou became trapped in the underground Essence Stone vein within the Eternal Death Zone, Yan Chongtian stumbled upon a miraculous opportunity, propelling him to soar above the rest, reaching the peak of the martial world.

Although Yan Chongtian’s fame matched that of Li Chenzhou, the two had never crossed paths. Yet, in the eyes of some Innate Experts, Yan Chongtian still fell short when compared to Li Chenzhou—a notion that infuriated the proud Yan Chongtian.

Ever since ascending to the state of Innate Perfection Realm, Yan Chongtian had harbored a burning desire to surpass Li Chenzhou’s reputation, eagerly yearning to fight him and prove his worth.

Years of traveling across the True Martial Realm, spreading news of his intention to duel Li Chenzhou, had been in vain. Yan Chongtian hoped to draw him out, but he hadn’t anticipated that Li Chenzhou would remain trapped in the underground Essence Stone vein within the Eternal Death Zone, totally unaware of the challenge.

Fang Bai and Xia Chenyu exchanged amused glances with Li Chenzhou, unsure whether Li Chenzhou would be angered by Yan Chongtian’s insults, calling him a cowardly turtle.

After all, martial artists—especially those of Li Chenzhou’s caliber—were known for their unyielding pride and rebellious streak. They would never tolerate humiliation without responding.

Yan Chongtian’s direct criticism of Li Chenzhou, belittling him as a cowardly turtle, amounted to stark provocation and profound disrespect.

The pink-dressed woman wisely chose to remain silent at this moment. Her enchanting eyes briefly swept over Yan Chongtian, and the corners of her lips subtly tugged into a faint expression.

Paying close attention to Zu Hanjiao, Fang Bai sharply caught a trace of scorn and ridicule in her fleeting smile.

Fang Bai could reasonably guess that Zu Hanjiao’s contempt was aimed at Yan Chongtian—mocking him for overestimating himself, thinking he could protect her.

Even Fang Bai silently regarded Yan Chongtian with disdain, concluding that the burly man had overreached himself.

Through Fang Bai’s discerning eyes, he could tell that Yan Chongtian’s strength was slightly inferior to that of Li Chenzhou.

As for the pink-dressed woman, Zu Hanjiao, although her cultivation had fallen from the Foundation Establishment Realm, Fang Bai recognized that even if he joined forces with Li Chenzhou and Yan Chongtian—without resorting to trump cards like the Blood-Drinking Mad Blade or the Houyi Bow—they still might not stand a chance against her.

"Brother Fang, Chenyu, let’s go!"

Much to Fang Bai and Xia Chenyu’s surprise, Li Chenzhou, who they expected to be enraged, instead seemed unaffected, calmly uttering these words before striding forward with a composed demeanor, heading toward the direction of Yuezhi Inn.

"Brother Li’s self-restraint has truly improved a lot."

"Hmm. After enduring that life-and-death trial, Brother Li seems to have gained profound insight into many matters."

Fang Bai and Xia Chenyu exchanged smiles as they watched Li Chenzhou’s departing figure.

What Fang Bai referred to as the "life-and-death trial" was the harrowing experience Li Chenzhou endured while trapped in the underground Essence Stone vein of the Eternal Death Zone.

Had this situation occurred over a decade ago, facing Yan Chongtian’s provocation, Li Chenzhou would have long since lost his patience and retaliated with force to settle the score.

But after surviving the life-and-death trial, Li Chenzhou now viewed many things with greater detachment, determined to start afresh, choosing not to dwell on past grievances and vendettas.

So, when faced with Yan Chongtian’s provocations, Li Chenzhou opted to yield and retreat.

"Step back, and the sea and sky open wide."

This was a phrase Li Chenzhou once heard from Fang Bai, and he felt it brimmed with wisdom.

At times, Li Chenzhou reflected that, had he chosen to take a step back during his entanglement with the Ruoshui Palace Master, things might have taken a different turn, and the conflict needn’t have escalated to the point of physical confrontation.

"Hey! Wait for me!"

Seeing Fang Bai and Xia Chenyu following Li Chenzhou and leaving her behind, Zu Hanjiao showed a slight hint of frustration in her expression and quickly hurried after them.