Heaven defying villain: despair broke chosen ones

Chapter 108  Gathering Of Young Talents

As time dragged on, an unsettling rumor began to sweep through the Heavenly Lotus City. Whispers of multiple disappearances over just four days captured the attention of many cultivators.

Strangely, those who vanished left no evidence behind—no letters, no signs of struggle, not even a hint of where they might have gone.

It was as though they had been erased from existence itself.

Under normal circumstances, the Primordial Lotus Sect, the ruling authority of the city and its surrounding territories, would have taken action and investigated the incidents.

Yet, despite the growing unease and the mounting complaints from the companions of those who had disappeared, the sect chose to remain silent.

Their response was dismissive—they claimed they could not take responsibility for these events.

This caused outrage and confusion among the cultivators.

How could a sect allow such a danger to roam unchecked in their territory?

However, as opinions divided, some began to understand.

The recent discovery of a secret realm had drawn an overwhelming influx of outsiders—adventurers, cultivators, and opportunists—hoping to claim the treasures hidden within.

With the city suddenly filled with strangers, it was no small task for the sect to maintain control over its territory.

Within a luxurious pavilion, Xiao Chen sat comfortably with a slight smile on his lips. Before him lay a series of reports prepared by Wu Tei.

Having arrived in the Peach Blossom Realm yesterday, Xiao Chen had immediately ordered Wu Tei to gather information, focusing especially on the recent events unfolding after the emergence of the secret realm.

As Xiao Chen read through the reports, his smile widened with amusement.

The rumors of disappearances, the unusual behavior of the Primordial Lotus Sect, and the chaotic influx of people all painted a picture, like exactly how things happened in the plot.

"If nothing had changed, Lin Tao should have arrived in the city a few days ago and would meet the principal of the Three Thousand Dao Academy tomorrow," Xiao Chen mused, placing the final file on the table. His gaze shifted to Wu Tei, who stood silently on the side.

"You can leave," Xiao Chen said dismissively as he rose from his chair. Turning toward the balcony, he walked slowly, the cool breeze brushing past his face as he gazed at the lively city beneath the evening sky.

Xiao Chen's brows furrowed slightly as he glanced back. "Why are you still standing there like a statue?" he asked, his tone mildly impatient.

Wu Tei had a hesitant smile, clearly nervous. He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly before finally speaking. "Young master, the Primordial Lotus Sect has arranged a gathering for young talents, and they've sent an invitation."

Wu Tei regretted speaking and his forehead was covered in sweat. He didn't know the exact extent of Xiao Chen's strength, but he was certain that his master's strength was far beyond his own.

Telling Xiao Chen to attend the gathering felt absurd, similar to asking an adult to sit through a child's lesson. The funny thing was that If Wu tei knew Xiao Chen had already reached the Dao Comprehension Realm, he would have fainted on the spot.

"Oh, a gathering for young talents…" Xiao Chen's lips curled into a smile as he heard his words.

He knew full well that the event wasn't truly organized by the Primordial Lotus Sect. Instead, it was made by the principal of the Three Thousand Dao Academy to assess potential recruits and identify hidden prodigies among the young cultivators.

"When is it?" Xiao Chen asked, though he already knew the answer—it was set for two days later, the day after Lin Tao's meeting with the principal.

Wu Tei was momentarily stunned as he expected him to decline. He replied quickly after collecting himself, "Ah, it's two days later, young master."

"Send word that I will attend," Xiao Chen said with a faint smile, his back still turned as he observed the bustling streets filled with cultivators.

With that, Wu Tei bowed respectfully and left to make the arrangements, leaving Xiao Chen alone in the room.

Moments later, a ripple of energy flickered in the air as a red-haired figure emerged from the jade pendant hanging around Xiao Chen's neck.

Ji Rongmei gracefully stepped out, her eyes bright and lively. She waved her hand to activate a formation before leaping into Xiao Chen's arms with a delighted smile. "Xiao Chen!"

Xiao Chen caught her effortlessly, his expression softening as he embraced her. With a smile tugging at his lips, Xiao Chen activated his "Villain's Eye" to observe her status.

The redhead had been cooped up inside the jade pendant ever since they departed the Azure Jade Continent, and his curiosity got the better of him.

He wanted to see what she had been up to during those days of seclusion.

[Name: Ji Rongmei

Status: General of the Immortal Ye family and Sole Survivor of the Immortal Ji clan in the upper realm

Current Cultivation: Half Step Celestial Metamorphosis Realm

Former cultivation: [Above Transcend Tribulation Realm]

Physique: Inferno Lotus Sacred Heritage (Extreme rank) (????)

Destiny value: 8300(In rise)]

"What the? You're just one step away from reaching the Celestial Metamorphosis Realm?" Xiao Chen exclaimed, his eyes widening as he glanced at her cultivation level.

His stunned expression softened into a dumbfounded smile as he looked down at Ji Rongmei.

"Haha, why are you so shocked?" Rongmei asked, tilting her head up to meet his gaze, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "And it seems you've reached the Dao Comprehension Realm as well."

"Well, it's nothing." Xiao Chen rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his curiosity clearly piqued. "I'm just wondering what got you so motivated to speed run realms like this."

"That's…" Rongmei's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as she stammered, unable to meet his gaze.

The memory of Fu Ting's threats flashed through her mind. How could she possibly say that it was due to Fu ting's threats?

Seeing her flustered reaction, Xiao Chen chuckled softly, leaning against the balcony wall. "If you don't want to tell me, it's fine," he said with a teasing tone.

Then, gesturing to her with a casual wave, he added, "Come here."

Rongmei hesitated for a moment before stepping closer, her embarrassment fading slightly. She climbed up to sit beside him, the two of them now sat on the edge of the balcony overlooking the bustling city below.

The warm evening breeze swept past them, carrying the faint sounds of the cultivators and merchants who filled the streets. Xiao Chen cast a sidelong glance at Rongmei.

Her stunning face was softly illuminated by the vibrant, colorful lights of the city, making her appear even more breathtaking.

Xiao Chen's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, his eyes filled with warmth and an emotion he rarely let surface. Without thinking, he leaned forward, his voice a gentle murmur as he spoke, "You are beautiful, Mei."

Before Ji Rongmei could respond, Xiao Chen closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a tender kiss.

Rongmei's eyes widened briefly in surprise, but she quickly melted into the kiss, her earlier shyness replaced by a quiet happiness.

The cool evening breeze brushed against them, but neither seemed to notice, lost in their own little world above the vibrant city.