Unrivaled Soldier in the City

With that thought, Fan Bingbing continued to chat with Lin Kuang. The two had not spoken in a long time, and now that they finally had the chance, they were eager to have a good conversation. Fan Bingbing even sent Lin Kuang a few photos. He smiled happily upon seeing them, while Yang Ruotong was utterly astonished. The woman on the phone was *the* Fan Bingbing, the famous actress, and she was Lin Kuang’s woman!

While they were chatting, things were far from peaceful for the Chen Family. They had just learned of Chen Zhongyu’s death, which was a significant blow, as he had been one of their top masters.

"Zhongyu is dead. This Lin Kuang is stronger than we imagined," Chen Lingzhen said coldly from the Family Head’s seat, a faint murderous intent flashing in his eyes.

At that moment, Chen Zhongmian shot to his feet, his expression grim. "Big Brother, I told you we shouldn’t have gone!" he yelled. "This is all Third Brother’s own fault! Why did you insist on killing Lin Kuang?" He had never raised his voice to Chen Lingzhen like this before, but he was furious.

Hearing this, Chen Lingzhen’s brow furrowed, a chilling killing intent gleaming in his eyes. "Zhongmian, sit down!" he commanded coldly.

But Chen Zhongmian stood his ground, stubbornly glaring back. In his view, Chen Lingzhen was completely in the wrong.

Just then, Chen Zhongxiang frowned and shot Chen Zhongmian a look, signaling for him to sit. Seeing the warning in his second brother’s eyes, Chen Zhongmian bit his lip and reluctantly sat down. He kept his defiant gaze fixed on Chen Lingzhen, his dissatisfaction clear.

Chen Lingzhen, in turn, gave Chen Zhongmian a displeased glare.

"Zhongmian, you don’t understand. There are things you do not know, but as the Family Head, I must do them.

"You must remember that everything I do, I do for the sake of the Chen Family!

"For the family, I would sacrifice anyone, including myself. Do you understand?!"

Chen Lingzhen’s tone was fierce, his piercing gaze sweeping over everyone present. Under his stare, no one dared to meet his eyes, and they lowered their heads one by one.

Only Chen Zhongmian kept his defiant gaze fixed on Chen Lingzhen, refusing to accept his reasoning. Interests are just interests, but a person must not forget their roots! One has to act with a clear conscience, hold on to one’s original intentions, and not let greed cloud the soul. It was clear to him that Chen Lingzhen had been completely blinded by ambition, and he found it deeply unsettling.

Chen Lingzhen glanced at Chen Zhongmian but said nothing more. He believed that sooner or later, his younger brother would understand his reasons.

Beside them, Chen Zhongxiang looked troubled. He also disapproved of Chen Lingzhen’s methods, but his brother’s words hinted that there was more to this than simply killing Lin Kuang.

"Zhongxiang," Chen Lingzhen said blandly, glancing at him. "Now that Third Brother is dead, you are the only one left who can deal with Lin Kuang. I want you to go and bring him back."

Hearing this, Chen Zhongxiang’s frown deepened. "Big Brother, unless you tell me the truth, I refuse!" he declared, looking his older brother directly in the eyes.

In the entire family, only Chen Zhongxiang dared to defy the Family Head. He had the strength to back it up, and his reputation for integrity made his actions persuasive.

At his words, Chen Lingzhen’s expression grew grimmer, his gaze locking onto his brother. "Second Brother, do you intend to disobey my orders as well?!" he asked fiercely.

"I wouldn’t dare disobey your commands, Big Brother," Chen Zhongxiang replied, standing his ground. "However, I need to know what you are planning. I need to understand your true intentions."

Chen Lingzhen’s face was grim as powerful True Qi surged within him, generating a formidable and terrifying aura. Most of the men in the room struggled to withstand the immense pressure. Chen Zhongmian, thanks to his own considerable strength, remained relatively composed. Yet Chen Zhongxiang, standing at the very center of this spiritual whirlwind, was completely unperturbed, as if he couldn’t feel the power radiating from his brother at all.

Seeing this, Chen Lingzhen’s expression stiffened for a moment before a smile broke across his face. "Second Brother, so you have also mastered the Combination of Hard and Soft. It seems the Chen Family has gained another supreme expert."

Hearing this, the others were visibly shaken. As practitioners of Tai Chi Chuan, they knew exactly what the Combination of Hard and Soft signified—it was a profound technique only attainable after one reached an incredibly high Realm.

"Yes, I have," Chen Zhongxiang confirmed, making no attempt to deny it.

Chen Lingzhen addressed the room. "The rest of you are dismissed. Go and rest. Zhongxiang, you stay."

"Yes, Family Head," the others replied. They all began to file out, though Chen Zhongmian hesitated, stubbornly wanting to stay. However, under the combined stare of Chen Lingzhen and Chen Zhongxiang, he finally left with an indignant flick of his sleeve.

Once they were alone, Chen Zhongxiang asked again, "Big Brother, tell me. What is this really all about?"

Chen Lingzhen nodded. He explained that Lin Kuang possessed the Nameless Sword. If combined with the Slash Path Sword, the two blades would reveal the location of an ancient treasure, one that contained the true Tai Chi Manual.

Chen Zhongxiang’s brow furrowed at this revelation. He had heard of the Nameless Sword, the Slash Path Sword, and even the treasure, but he had never heard anything about a true Tai Chi Manual.

"Big Brother, are you certain this is true?" Chen Zhongxiang asked, his frown deepening.

Chen Lingzhen nodded grimly. "I am positive. Because our Second Uncle, Chen Fengyuan, is still alive!"

"What?!" Chen Zhongxiang shot up from his seat in shock. "Second Uncle is alive?!" he exclaimed in disbelief.

Everyone knew the story: Chen Fengyuan had fought a demonic master of the evil path and died on the battlefield. His spirit tablet was in the Chen Family’s ancestral hall! Yet now, Chen Lingzhen was claiming he was alive. How could Chen Zhongxiang not be stunned?

"Yes. Come with me and see for yourself," Chen Lingzhen said, rising to his feet.

Chen Zhongxiang hurriedly followed him. Arriving at Chen Lingzhen’s private room, the Family Head revealed a secret passage hidden beneath his bed. As the two descended into it, Chen Zhongxiang was inwardly floored. He had lived in the Chen Family compound for decades and never knew such a place existed.

They traversed the long passage and climbed a set of stairs, emerging into what appeared to be a hidden residence. When Chen Zhongxiang entered the room and saw the old man on the wooden bed—white-haired but with a ruddy, healthy complexion—his eyes widened in utter shock.

"Second... Second Uncle, you’re really alive?" he asked, his voice trembling with disbelief.