Chapter 9: Luo Chen’s defense is broken again

The scene shifted to the martial arena outside the banquet hall.

The space was wide and well-prepared, clearly arranged by Luo Chen in advance.

Guests took their seats, Luo family members and visitors separated in orderly rows.

At the center of the arena, Luo Chen stood with hands behind his back.

Soon, a tall young man stepped onto the stage, clasping his fists: “Since the Young Master is willing, I, Luo Yuanshan, will take the first challenge.”

His appearance sparked whispers among the Luo family members.

“Luo Yuanshan? He’s mid-Foundation Establishment and fights fiercely in real combat.”

“I heard he once suppressed three Li family heirs alone during training, his fists leaving them bedridden for half a month.”

“He’s straightforward. It makes sense he’d step up first.”

Luo Chen smiled faintly, gesturing “please.”

Luo Yuanshan wasted no words, planting his feet and leaping forward, his right fist smashing out with fierce force, its wind sharp, aimed at Luo Chen’s face.

Luo family members watched tensely, some swallowing hard.

No one underestimated this fist-trained clansman, nor did they think Luo Chen could easily block it.

But in the next moment, as Luo Yuanshan closed in, Luo Chen shifted slightly, his right palm striking with pinpoint precision at Luo Yuanshan’s shoulder.

The crowd saw Luo Yuanshan stagger, sliding back uncontrollably until he barely stopped at the stage’s edge.

Luo Chen didn’t press, retracting his hand and stepping back, bowing slightly: “My thanks.”

The arena fell silent.

Luo Yuanshan’s brows furrowed. After a moment, he took a deep breath and said lowly, “I lost.”

As he spoke, gasps rippled through the stands.

In less than three breaths, Luo Yuanshan, equal in realm to Luo Chen, was defeated—crushed instantly.

Everyone saw it clearly: Luo Chen’s strikes were precise, his control masterful, never harming the core yet leaving no room for counterattack.

Luo family members exchanged glances, their eyes tinged with awe.

On the stage, Luo Chen helped Luo Yuanshan up: “Brother Yuanshan, your fists carry great force. Had I not dodged in time, victory would’ve been tough.”

Luo Yuanshan returned the bow, stepping off the stage with a complex expression—not resentful, but convinced.

The Luo family elders nodded to each other, approval on their faces.

“Steady moves, no arrogance, no showboating.”

“He wins without shaming his kin. This boy’s temperament is solid.”

On the high platform, the three Patriarchs sat side by side.

Luo Changqing sipped his wine, his eyes full of joy: “My son’s making me proud.”

Li Yunzheng and Xiao Qiankun were quietly surprised.

Luo Chen’s skill surpassed rumors.

They’d thought Luo Changqing propped him up, but now, his Young Master seat seemed secure.

Xiao Qiankun smacked his lips, sighing: “Pity my boy’s not here, or he could’ve sparred with Luo Chen. A rare chance for exchange.”

Li Yunzheng stayed silent, his gaze deep, unreadable.

Luo Changqing smiled lightly: “No matter. The Qingyun Secret Realm opens in a few days. The young ones will meet then—plenty of chances to spar.”

In the arena, Luo Chen scanned the crowd, his voice calm: “Who else wishes to offer guidance?”

The guests hesitated, exchanging looks, when a voice rose from the Luo family seats.

“I, Luo Yan, wish to test the Young Master.”

Another Luo clansman, lean and cold-faced, stepped up.

His entrance stirred the crowd.

“Luo Yan’s fighting too? Wasn’t he always at odds with Luo Jiutian…”

“He’s not easy to deal with. Late Foundation Establishment, and he bows to no one.”

“He used to clash with Luo Jiutian. Now with a new Young Master, he’s probably aiming to make a name.”

On the stage, Luo Yan’s bow was perfunctory, his eyes lacking respect.

Luo Chen’s expression stayed even, nodding: “Please.”

As he spoke, Luo Yan moved swiftly, hands forming sword gestures, striking with lethal precision, aiming to end it fast.

Luo Chen didn’t dodge. As Luo Yan closed in, he raised his right palm, drew back his left, and sank into a stance, shifting tactics instantly.

His fingers redirected Luo Yan’s attack, then an elbow struck Luo Yan’s waist.

Luo Yan grunted, stumbling back but quickly stabilizing, attacking again.

The stage saw rapid exchanges, the two clashing multiple times in moments.

Luo Chen held the upper hand, his steps steady, moves measured, stunning the crowd.

Luo Yan fought fiercely but began to show flaws.

In another clash, Luo Chen sidestepped, pulling Luo Yan off balance.

A palm strike thundered, forcing Luo Yan to the stage’s edge, nearly falling.

Luo Chen stopped, saying softly: “My thanks.”

Luo Yan clenched his teeth, his face grim.

Scattered applause rose, some gazes complex.

He said nothing, took a deep breath, bowed, and left.

The stands buzzed with praise: “The Young Master’s incredible! First day back and he’s tamed a tough nut like Luo Yan!”

Others chimed in: “Exactly. The former Young Master struggled against Luo Yan. The gap’s clear…”

“It’s all about strength. Luo Jiutian should’ve stepped down long ago to not hold the clan back.”

The voices weren’t loud but carried across the arena.

Luo Chen heard, feeling a rush of satisfaction, his lips curling into a crooked grin.

He glanced at Luo Jiutian in the crowd, curious about the former Young Master’s expression.

Disappointment?

Anger?

Or forced calm?

But when his eyes landed on Luo Jiutian, his smile vanished.

Luo Jiutian sat leisurely at the edge of the stands.

On one side, Su Wan’er was affectionately rubbing his shoulders. On the other, Luo Yunlan was gently pouring tea.

What the hell?

He was fighting hard on the stage, yet his fiancée and sister were doting on that useless Luo Jiutian?

[Ding! Host has successfully destabilized Child of Destiny ‘Luo Chen,’ converting destiny points…]

[Current Earth return countdown: 297 years, 6 months.]

[Six months deducted. Remaining time: 297 years.]

Luo Jiutian heard the system’s prompt, looking up with a puzzled expression, meeting Luo Chen’s darkened gaze.

But Luo Chen quickly masked his emotions, his smile returning.

He spoke casually to Luo Jiutian: “Brother Jiutian, I’ve sparred with a few clan brothers tonight. Care to join me for a round?”

All eyes turned to Luo Jiutian.

The atmosphere grew tense.

Everyone knew Luo Chen was seizing the chance to trample Luo Jiutian and cement his authority.

Luo Yunlan’s eyes chilled, about to stand, but Luo Jiutian pressed her shoulder.

Su Wan’er opened her mouth, but Luo Jiutian hushed her with a gesture.

He stood slowly, brushing his robes: “Since the Young Master’s so eager, I’ll oblige.”

Before the words settled, Luo Jiutian stepped onto the stage under stunned gazes…