Chapter 432 - 224: Coming Out of Seclusion! Mid-stage Profound Mastery

Chapter 432: Chapter 224: Coming Out of Seclusion! Mid-stage Profound Mastery

...

Led by Nie Xiangjun, Chen Sheng stepped into the Nie Family’s Grand Conference Hall.

He looked up and saw two men seated side-by-side at the head of the hall.

The man on the left was about fifty, with a solemn face and a calm gaze, exuding the natural authority of one long accustomed to a high position.

On the right was an old man with a white beard and hair. His complexion was ruddy, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes as they opened and closed, giving him an imposing air without any need for anger.

Their identities were self-evident.

Chen Sheng took a few steps forward, bowed respectfully, and said with a humble attitude,

"Greetings, Clan Leader and Great Elder. I am Chen Sheng."

"No need for such formalities. Sit."

Nie Tiankun smiled faintly and gestured for him to take a seat. His gaze lingered on Chen Sheng for a moment, and as he sensed the faint aura of the Thunder Sound Realm emanating from him, the satisfaction in his eyes deepened.

To have reached the mid-stage of Profound Mastery at such a young age, with a solid foundation and vigorous vital energy—his potential was astonishing.

If he were to receive the full support and cultivation of the Nie Family, he had a great hope of forming a Golden Core in the future, and might even glimpse higher realms.

The Nie Family was naturally extremely satisfied with such a fine prospective son-in-law.

Beside him, however, Nie Baichuan’s expression remained grim as his eyes swept over Chen Sheng.

He too could see that this young man was extraordinary.

But the thought of his two precious granddaughters fighting over this man, causing such a stir within the clan, left him with a lingering, inexplicable frustration that was hard to shake.

Chen Sheng did as he was told and sat in a seat below them, his expression calm, waiting for them to continue.

"I had intended to summon you the day after you arrived at the Nie Family estate,"

Nie Tiankun began, his tone gentle.

"Unexpectedly, you had a sudden insight in your cultivation and went directly into seclusion in the rear mountains. It seems I had to wait a little longer than planned."

"It was my oversight," Chen Sheng said, giving a slight bow.

"No matter. Matters of cultivation should always come first."

Nie Tiankun waved his hand dismissively, then changed the subject, chatting with Chen Sheng about his various deeds in Ning’an Prefecture, his words filled with praise.

As for the considerable help the Nie Family had given him before, he didn’t mention it at all.

Some favors are best kept in mind, not spoken aloud.

Mentioning it to his face would seem condescending, and Nie Tiankun was well-versed in how to deal with proud and ambitious young talents from Humble Families.

"By the way, some time ago, Chu Zhengnan summoned you. What was that about?" Nie Tiankun asked, as if casually.

Chen Sheng mulled it over for a moment before giving a brief summary of his conversation with Chu Zhengnan.

This was not something he could hide from the Nie Family, nor was there any need to. For many of his subsequent actions, he would still need to rely on the great tree that was the Nie Family.

"Regarding the Martial Examination, just do your best. An outstanding performance will naturally benefit your future, but there’s no need to force it."

Nie Tiankun nodded slightly, his gaze then sharpening.

"As for the second matter... Chu Zhengnan’s intentions... I trust you understand them?"

"The chaos of the Taiping Dao has plagued half the province. It’s only logical that the court is furious and striking back." ℴ

Chen Sheng chose his words carefully.

"Commander Chu has tasked me with this, presumably... with the consideration of leveraging the Nie Family’s power."

"If you knew you were being used for your connections, why did you agree?"

Nie Baichuan, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke, his voice low.

"I agreed for two reasons."

Chen Sheng’s expression turned serious as he replied, neither servile nor overbearing,

"First, this is advantageous for the Nie Family. The chaotic situation in Yunzhou has not yet settled. Since the court is determined to restore order, certain clan powers will inevitably be involved. If the Nie Family intervenes at the right moment, it can profit from the situation and solidify its foundation.

Second, for me personally, this is also an opportunity. It is in times of chaos that one can most easily achieve great things. Merits, positions of power, or tangible benefits—all can be obtained through this."

"Young man, you’ve got quite the nerve."

Nie Baichuan snorted softly.

"Let this old man offer you a piece of advice: don’t be too arrogant."

Chen Sheng glanced at the clearly displeased Great Elder and swallowed the retort that nearly escaped his lips: ’If you’re not arrogant, can you still be called young?’

The man surpassed him in cultivation, status, and age, and was currently troubled by the matter of the Nie Lingshan sisters. Antagonizing him now would be far from wise.

Nie Tiankun leaned forward slightly, his gaze as sharp as a torch.

"You’ve only spoken of the benefits, but not the risks."

"Benefits and risks always coexist. I believe this matter is worth a try,"

Chen Sheng said frankly.

"Of course, if the Nie Family believes the risk is too great and does not wish to get involved, I will go and refuse Commander Chu later. It’s just that, coming from me, my words may not carry enough weight. If Clan Leader Nie were to do it..."

Hearing this, Nie Tiankun studied Chen Sheng carefully for a moment, then suddenly broke into a smile.

"Forget it. Since you’ve already agreed, to refuse now would only make the Nie Family appear cowardly. It’s just that you are young, after all. Remember to act with caution and not be too aggressive.

This Chu Zhengnan... may not be as reliable as you think."

"I understand,"

Chen Sheng said solemnly.

"The Nie Family is my truest and most solid support."

Nie Baichuan glanced at Nie Tiankun and sent a private message via voice transmission:

"The boy’s not stupid."

"If he were stupid, he wouldn’t have made it this far."

Nie Tiankun nodded slightly in agreement.

Then, his smile faded and he said seriously,

"The main reason I asked you here today is still to discuss the matter of the marriage alliance. Lingxi and Lingshan—I presume you have met them both. So, tell us, who would you prefer to marry?"

Beside them, Nie Baichuan’s gaze also sharpened instantly, locking onto Chen Sheng’s face.

Chen Sheng’s mind raced, but his face showed just the right amount of hesitation. He cupped his hands and said,

"Miss Lingxi and Miss Lingshan are both extraordinary women of great grace and talent. In terms of both temperament and appearance, they are the finest of choices. I... truly find it difficult to choose.

Whichever one it may be, I have no objection. I will abide by the Nie Family’s arrangement."

As soon as he said this, both Nie Baichuan and Nie Tiankun frowned simultaneously.

Nie Tiankun coughed lightly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Since I am asking you to choose, then choose one. As long as it is your choice, the Nie Family will honor it."

"I... really am fine with either."