Chapter 55: Chapter 55: Do You Know Each Other?
"It’s the Eldest Princess of the Chu Kingdom!"
"She’s here too!"
The appearance of Qu Luoning immediately drew the attention of many present.
Obviously, as a princess of a royal family, Qu Luoning was quite famous in the Profound Domain.
Moreover, her beauty was unparalleled, and her demeanor was extraordinary. In private, she was often mentioned alongside Liu Qingcheng as one of the two peerless beauties of the Profound Domain.
After all, Qu Luoning also possessed three Spirit Veins, a talent that was rare among the younger generation across the entire Profound Domain.
But because her cultivation was slightly lower, having only recently broken through to the First Layer of the Spirit Transformation Realm, Qu Luoning was not able to become one of the top ten outstanding youths of the Profound Domain.
Many said that her slow cultivation progress was due to her dividing her focus with the Alchemy Dao.
Otherwise, with the potential of three Spirit Veins, if she concentrated solely on martial arts, Qu Luoning would have already reached the Third Layer or higher of the Spirit Transformation Realm, enough to become one of the top ten outstanding youths.
And indeed, throughout history, dual cultivation practitioners who pursued both pills and martial arts often progressed more slowly in martial arts cultivation compared to ordinary people due to their divided focus.
Of course, Ji Chen was an exception.
After all, the Supreme Scripture, an ancient scripture, was somewhat special, as if it existed specifically for people like him.
"I am Zhong Ziming, the Young Master of the Zhong Family from Zhao Kingdom. May I have the honor of inviting the Eldest Princess for a stroll tonight?"
"I..."
Instantly, many people gathered around Qu Luoning, with some descendants of prestigious families inviting her without hesitation, wishing to accompany such a peerless beauty for a walk in the Forest Park.
However, facing such a situation, Qu Luoning seemed to be well-accustomed to handling it. She smiled and politely declined each invitation.
"Uh..."
Finally, managing to squeeze out from the crowd and just about to leave, she paused because not far ahead, Qu Luoning saw a familiar figure, none other than Ji Chen.
She was slightly surprised, but quickly composed herself and approached, "I didn’t expect to see you, Ji Chen."
Seeing her actively approach him, Ji Chen couldn’t help but smile wryly.
Apparently, he didn’t want to attract too much attention.
But now, standing with Qu Luoning, keeping a low profile was nearly impossible.
"Who is he?"
As expected, such a scene immediately sparked discussions among the surrounding crowd.
Many cast curious glances at Ji Chen.
"To receive a personal greeting from the Eldest Princess, could he be a prince from one of the kingdoms of the Profound Domain, or a young master from a prominent family?" Someone speculated, believing that Ji Chen’s identity must be significant.
"This... is the Young Sect Leader of Lingyun Sect you were discussing earlier."
Qu Luoning smiled, revealing Ji Chen’s identity to the public, "However, Ji Chen is not the playboy you mentioned. Now, he has already become a Second Grade Alchemist of the Alchemy Master Alliance."
"He’s Ji Chen?"
"The playboy once engaged to the Qingcheng Fairy?"
"Second Grade Alchemist? Really?"
Qu Luoning’s words shocked everyone present.
Clearly, Ji Chen’s identity had already surprised them. They didn’t expect him to also be a Second Grade Alchemist.
How could this be?
Wasn’t Ji Chen just a playboy?
With such an identity as a Second Grade Alchemist of the Alchemy Master Alliance...
How could he possibly be a playboy?
"Despite having transformed so much, you still tolerate being labeled as a playboy and don’t refute it?" She looked at him, seemingly feeling indignant for Ji Chen.
"Let them say what they want; after all, I indeed used to be a playboy." Ji Chen smiled, shrugging his shoulders.
At this point, he didn’t blame Qu Luoning for anything.
However, now that his identity was exposed, and given the former engagement between him and Qu Luoning, Ji Chen became the center of attention. He didn’t want to draw too much notice, so he thought he should leave this Forest Park soon.
"Luoning sister?"
And at this moment, an even more troublesome situation for Ji Chen unfolded.
Evidently, the commotion here attracted the attention of some in the courtyard. From outside the crowd came a woman of exceptional demeanor.
She immediately spotted Qu Luoning and approached with a smile.
"Qingcheng sister, long time no see." Qu Luoning nodded, responding with a gentle smile.
"Ji Chen?"
But just as the woman was about to chat with Qu Luoning, she noticed another person standing next to Qu Luoning, causing her to frown slightly.
The woman was none other than Liu Qingcheng, the senior disciple of the Purple Cloud Sect!
"You know him?"
Liu Qingcheng was truly surprised to encounter him here.
She shifted her gaze from Ji Chen to Qu Luoning, curiously inquiring.
Qu Luoning nodded slightly, "After all, Lingyun Sect is a sect within my Chu Kingdom’s borders."
In fact, she was also surprised because, from the discussions earlier, Qu Luoning learned about the former engagement between Ji Chen and Liu Qingcheng.
"You know each other?" Ji Chen was also taken aback, prompting him to ask.
He clearly didn’t expect Liu Qingcheng and Qu Luoning to know each other.
Qu Luoning chuckled softly, "A few years ago, I accompanied my father to Purple Cloud Sect several times, hence I got to know Qingcheng sister."
Hearing this, Ji Chen finally understood.
Moreover, judging by their demeanor, they seemed to share more than just a simple acquaintance, with their relationship appearing amicable.
"Are you also participating in the Emperor Ye’s Ancient Ruins expedition?"
Liu Qingcheng inquired, eyeing Ji Chen with skepticism.
The Holy City is currently abuzz with activity, and his presence here undoubtedly pertains to the Emperor Ye’s Ancient Ruins.
But in Liu Qingcheng’s perception, Ji Chen was merely a playboy Young Sect Leader. How could someone like him dare to join the Ye Emperor’s Ruins expedition, which was nearly suicidal?
After all, the ruins were fraught with perils. Even a genius like her faced considerable dangers within.
Moreover, when she went to break off the engagement, his cultivation was only at the Qi Refining Realm, wasn’t it?
Such strength is barely worth mentioning.
But how could Liu Qingcheng know that Ji Chen was now a completely different person?
Not only did he possess the status of a Second Grade Alchemist, but also his cultivation had skyrocketed in the past few months, reaching the Seventh Layer of the Vein Condensation Realm. Coupled with his Nine Spirit Veins and mastery of various Profound Tier Martial Techniques,
it’s no exaggeration to say that even an expert of the First or Second Layer of the Spirit Transformation Realm would struggle to contend with him now.
"If you can come, so can I," Ji Chen stated calmly.
Upon hearing this, Liu Qingcheng couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh, "This is the Holy City, the largest stage in the Profound Domain, not a place for a playboy like you, Ji Chen. Stay in the Chu Kingdom and play your role as the playboy Young Sect Leader; it’s the best outcome for you. Don’t try to reach a world far beyond your grasp."
"Because here, everyone you encounter cannot be offended by your Lingyun Sect."