Chapter 209: Banquet

Chapter 209: Banquet

Ling Qiming's emotions were complex. In his earlier years, even though he was stern and forceful, Wang Xuan still politely addressed him as "Uncle Ling," displaying humility and manners. Since their reunion on New Moon, Wang Xuan had started calling him "Old Ling" directly. Wang Xuan had politely explained that this was to put him at ease and advised him not to overthink it. At that moment, Ling Qiming was overwhelmed with mixed feelings, feeling an urge to punch him!

When he turned to look at Old Chen, his heart became even more unsettled. It was one thing for him to be called "Old Ling," but seeing Chen Yongjie, a man many thought was near death and had received numerous wreaths, now looking so youthful was shocking. He couldn't believe his eyes – had Old Chen reversed his aging? Now appearing to be in his thirties, Chen had transformed into a vibrant young man.

Old Chen's youthful appearance, coupled with his cheerful way of calling him "Old Ling," made Ling Qiming feel quite uneasy. The transcendence was indeed wonderful! What many financial tycoons sought after, longevity, seemed to be a path that Chen Yongjie was already on. Ling Qiming's emotions fluctuated, unable to settle.

He sighed softly and clinked glasses with Old Chen, saying, "Chen Yongjie, we had our fair share of interactions in Old World when we were younger. We had a good relationship. I never imagined that in a blink of an eye, two or three decades would pass, and you would reach this stage. Chen the Transcendent, the foremost figure of both New World and Old World, now stands in defiance of time."

Old Chen also sighed and replied, "In the blink of an eye, our generation has aged. As for being the first, I dare not claim that title. The pressure is immense, and no one can sing triumphantly throughout their life. Perhaps one day, myths will decay, and I will be nothing more than a higher wave stirred up in this era, always at risk of being crushed by a greater wave. Years later, when we look back, we'll both be but fallen leaves before time, with some leaves merely falling a bit later than others."

The conversation between the two men in their fifties carried a heavy tone. Wang Xuan felt it inappropriate to call him "Old Ling" anymore and silently toasted him before turning to leave.

"Old Ling, I have to tell you, you might have made a mistake," Old Chen said, gazing at Wang Xuan's retreating figure.

"Do you have something to say?" Ling Qiming asked, looking at Old Chen and then back at Wang Xuan's departing back.

Old Chen nodded and said, "Considering the time we spent together in our youth, digging up an ancient Pre-Qin tomb and appreciating and critiquing the most beautiful girls of that era, I thought I should remind you of something."

Ling Qiming's expression became somewhat distant as he recalled some wild escapades from his youth, shaking his head before looking back at Chen Yongjie.

Old Chen was serious as he spoke, "Wang Xuan... his future achievements will be extremely high. On the path of the old arts, he will go much farther than you or I can imagine. As an old friend, that's all I can say."

Ling Qiming's voice was low and somber, "Everyone says he is already a grandmaster, even stronger than you were at your age. In a few years, he might very well become Wang the Transcendent?"

"More than a few years, he will be far stronger than you can imagine!" Old Chen said gravely, his expression unusually solemn.The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.

Ling Qiming was startled, his pupils constricting. He was a smart man; otherwise, he wouldn't have been considered as a successor in their family's consortium.

"Old Ling, we have a good relationship, which is why I'm telling you this. If you find Wang Xuan disagreeable in the future, just ignore him, but don't take any action or try to block him. Otherwise, you will have to deal with me, Chen the Transcendent first!" Old Chen turned and walked away.

Ling Qiming drained his glass in a single gulp!

Then, he noticed something – wasn't that the girl from the Zhong family? She quietly approached Wang Xuan, handing him an ancient, yellowed book. Was she secretly giving him a scripture or secret manual?

Ling Qiming couldn't help but ponder. Zhong Yong was a fearsome individual, now practicing an unusual secret technique and developing a cicada-like shell. If he revives, he will likely be unbeatable! Was Zhong Yong's great-granddaughter giving Wang Xuan a scripture? Did Zhong Yong favor him in the Hidden Land? Had he given any instructions?

Wang Xuan explained everything in detail, carefully omitting some personal moments between him and Zhao Qinghan to avoid turning this handsome uncle into a second Old Ling, a 'protective daughter maniac.' After all, it was better to wait for Zhao Qinghan's return to discuss further.

From a distance, Ling Qiming observed Zhao Zejun engaging deeply in conversation with Wang Xuan, asking serious questions and nodding occasionally. He sighed softly, knowing from his nephew Zhou Yun about the close bond between Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan in the Hidden Land, their shared experiences of life and death, and their journey to the Earth Immortal City.

He glanced at his daughter Ling Wei, who turned away and slowly walked off, leaving only her retreating figure behind.

After a long talk, Zhao Zejun patted Wang Xuan's shoulder, thanking him, "Wang Xuan, thank you. If you ever need anything or face any trouble, feel free to contact me." He handed Wang Xuan a silver business card and then departed.

......

Three elderly men and five middle-aged individuals were conversing enthusiastically with Old Chen, congratulating him on ascending to the transcendent realm. The banquet was ostensibly in his honor, but they soon revealed another significant motive.

"Old Chen, as a transcendent being with formidable strength, aren't you tempted by the sacred dragon egg we mentioned? It contains a massive amount of life energy and could help you advance significantly!"

"And there's the magical spring water. Drinking it could turn you into a great sorcerer. It's a divine medicine!"

They discussed a planet currently being hunted by Western financiers, rumored to be enticing. With the Western financiers dispatching fleets and experts to obtain the sacred dragon egg and miraculous medicines for prolonged life, the news had stirred some of the Eastern elders and influential figures in various financial conglomerates, who were now planning to send their own expeditions.

Old Chen was indeed tempted by the idea of the dragon egg and magical spring water, both shrouded in mystery. He was eager to witness them firsthand but also wary of getting stranded there, unable to return.

"Old Wang, you are Old Wang?!" Zhou Cheng found Wang Xuan and asked him in a low voice with a serious look, "My sister said... are you really also Old Wang?"

"You still owe me a scripture, half a volume of the real scripture!" Wang Xuan felt there was no need to hide anymore. Since they had guessed his identity, it was better to admit it openly.

"F*ck!" Zhou Cheng was utterly astonished.

"Come, let me introduce you to a new friend. His name is Qin Cheng, quite a coincidence with your name." Wang Xuan found Qin Cheng, who was happily chatting with a beautiful woman.

"Little Wang, come here!" Old Chen called him over and shared the information about the sacred dragon egg and magical spring water.

The three elders and five middle-aged men, including Ling Qiming and Zhao Zejun, showed interest as Old Chen seemed to place great importance on Wang Xuan, even sharing such significant matters with him.

Old Chen spoke, "Gentlemen, Little Wang is much like how I was in my youth, passionate about studying ancient techniques. If your families have any unique scriptures, you might consider giving them to him for practice. I admire his perception, and I, Old Chen, promise a generous reward if he manages to achieve something notable with them."

Wang Xuan understood immediately. Old Chen, now confident in his transcendent status, was beginning to eye the libraries of various families. This was the first step in a broader strategy.