Zhuge Xiyu looked back at Chen Zheng's departing figure, his cold, chiseled face deeply imprinted in her mind. With a profound sense of reluctance, she walked out of the villa, step by step.
The door gently closed behind them.
They knew that from this moment on, their lives would no longer intersect. Chen Zheng's world was a distant shore they could never reach in this lifetime.
Another long sigh cut through the air as they boarded their vehicle and departed.
Only after they were gone did Chen Zheng slowly stand up, the power in his palm beginning to surge. The next moment, a droplet of water condensed in his palm, ultimately solidifying into an ice pearl.
"Not bad," he murmured. "I've actually grasped the secret of guiding the water molecules in the air to form ice."
A bright light flickered in Chen Zheng's eyes as he gently touched the ice pearl in his hand. He then placed it into a cup of water, and as if driven by magic, the water immediately froze into an icicle.
"Indeed, using water yields the best results."
Soon, he had gained a deep understanding of this skill. In the presence of water, the ability was as natural as a fish in the sea. Without water, he had to act like a hunter, utilizing the sparse water vapor in the air. Although time-consuming, the process was not impossible.
However, the Water Coagulating into Ice skill was far more versatile than that; he could change the shape of the ice at will, like a magician playing with water. If combined with his King of Soldiers' Hidden Weapons Technique, the power of this ice could rival conventional firearms.
Though with his current strength, conventional firearms were virtually useless against him, it was still a powerful tool to have.
He didn't continue practicing, instead leaning back on the sofa to browse his phone. Just then, the phone's vibration shattered the tranquil atmosphere like a frantic symphony.
The name Li Yitong twinkled on the screen like a bright star in the darkness.
Chen Zheng pressed the answer button.
"Chen Zheng, you've really blown up, especially on TikTok! Your popularity is through the roof!" Li Yitong's voice was filled with surprise and admiration.
"Oh? Should I consider becoming an internet celebrity then?" Chen Zheng's laughter echoed over the phone.
"Haha, do you think becoming an internet celebrity is as simple as picking up free money? The wealth they make probably isn't even one-tenth of what you have now. Would you even be interested?" Li Yitong retorted, her voice full of jest.
Chen Zheng chuckled but gave no reply. If he'd had this kind of popularity before, he might have jumped at the chance to become a content creator. But now, he didn't care much for that kind of money.
"Alright, let's drop it. There's something serious I need to discuss with you," Li Yitong said, her tone shifting.
"What is it?" Chen Zheng furrowed his brow, sensing something was wrong from her tone.
"Will you accompany me to a banquet in Magic Capital tomorrow?" she asked.
"What banquet warrants our attendance?" Chen Zheng inquired curiously.
"It's hosted by the Wing Chun family. They invited me!" An expectant glow shone in Li Yitong's eyes.
"Is this something I can't refuse?" Chen Zheng felt a trace of bewilderment.
"Ah..." Li Yitong sighed softly. "You should just listen..."
The Ye Family of the Wing Chun lineage had deep roots in Foshan and enjoyed unparalleled respect in the martial arts world. Their family's glory stemmed from the presence of two Grandmasters.
The man of the hour who had just arrived in Magic Capital, Ye Cangtian, had already stepped into the Grandmaster Realm at the young age of thirty. At his age, achieving the status of Grandmaster was undoubtedly a sign of extraordinary talent.
Among the rugged mountains of Foshan, the name Ye Cangtian was like an anthem. He was the dazzling pearl of the Wing Chun lineage, a peerless prodigy in the martial arts world. He had crossed mountains and seas to reach the bustling metropolis of Magic Capital. His arrival was like a spring breeze caressing a lake, sending ripples through the city's major families.
He sent his people out across the city, distributing invitations to prominent figures from all walks of life for a grand banquet. All families with ties to the martial arts world received his sincere invitation.
"What's he planning?" Chen Zheng's eyes twinkled with curiosity. "Does he intend to start a revolution in the martial arts world of Magic Capital?"
"He has no such intention," Li Yitong shook her head. "The Wing Chun lineage is a reclusive one." Her voice became as delicate as morning dew. "Actually, he came here for me."
Chen Zheng was stunned for a moment, then laughed. "I didn't realize you were so popular. First, you had a suitor from a prestigious family, and now this Ye Cangtian shows up—a Grandmaster, no less!"
On the other end of the line, Li Yitong's eyes shimmered with anticipation and nervousness, as if she were awaiting a critical decision.
"Chen Zheng, I'm not kidding. So, will you go with me?" Her voice was a little sharp, tinged with seriousness.
However, the tense atmosphere didn't last long, melting away as swiftly as winter snow in the sunlight.
"Of course, I'll go with you," Chen Zheng's voice replied, full of warmth and resolve.
After hanging up, Li Yitong gently touched her flushed cheeks, her heart filled with sweetness and anticipation. She didn't know why, upon learning of Ye Cangtian's impending arrival, her first thought had been of Chen Zheng, hoping he would accompany her. Now that he had agreed, her heart overflowed with a feeling of bliss.
Have I... have I fallen for him? she quietly asked herself, the image of Chen Zheng growing ever clearer in her mind.
「The next morning.」
Li Yitong arrived as promised, her eyes sparkling with irrepressible joy at the thought of reuniting with the hero of her heart. The two quickly made their way to the airport and boarded their flight.
After the plane landed, Chen Zheng was once again met with a grand reception. At the airport exit, a line of black Mercedes business vans was arranged like an army. Nearly fifty people from the Li and Liu Families stood there quietly, forming two impressive lines. When Chen Zheng emerged, they all bowed in unison, as if responding to the call of a bugle.
Feeling helpless, Chen Zheng quickly got into a car. The others followed suit, and the convoy slowly drove out of the airport. Onlookers buzzed with discussion, astonished by the VIP's identity. They wondered what kind of charm he possessed to have the top executives from two elite groups come to welcome him personally.
After a twenty-minute drive, the convoy finally arrived at the Ning residence.
"Grandmaster Chen, please!" Li Cangyun opened the car door like a gentleman, his face full of respect.
"Family Head Li, you really don't need to make such a big fuss over these things," Chen Zheng said with a wry smile as he got out of the car. "It just makes me uncomfortable."
"Everything shall be as Grandmaster Chen wishes!"
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