Chapter 20  : Chapter 020: Making a Big Noise

While Yang Zhen was “negotiating” with Duan Langcai in the small grove, crowds of people had already gathered near Ghost Trouble.

This grand Nether State assembly attracted sects from three neighboring countries of Nether Sun Country, and even some major sects from overseas were present. When familiar martial elites made their appearances, they were inevitably greeted with cries of astonishment. Many elites who had never been seen before were also present, each one was distinctly extraordinary and exceptional.

“Look! That’s Zhang Zongjin, the best swordsman of the Donglin Sect. It’s said that his swordsmanship has reached the apex and is unbeaten amongst his peers.”

“My goodness, I didn’t expect Zhang Zongjin to be here, this Nether State Assembly seems to be quite special. Zhang Zongjin must have come for that legend.”

“Wait, that legend is just a rumor after all. It may or may not be true. Look there at the man bathed in golden light. Could he be Fang Shenghe of Turtle Serpent Island?”

“What? Fang Shenghe is rumored to be the most gifted disciple among the younger generation of Turtle Serpent Island. He hasn’t left the island in five years. I didn’t expect him to be here.”

“One is Zhang Zongjin, the best swordsman in the world, and the other is the most gifted Fang Shenghe. It seems to be full of experts at this Nether State Assembly.”

“What’s the big deal, look towards the eastern hillside. The real remarkable person is there.”

“Such a beautifully poised lady. Although her appearance is unclear, just her aura and atmosphere alone have outshone all the women.”

“You know what, that’s Su Qingyu, the number one talent of the Dan Valley Lake. It is said that she has already reached the ninth level of the Foundation Establishment phase at a young age, and has cultivated an extremely strong martial skill. She is well-known in the seven kingdoms of Nether States.”

“There are also the leaders of the seven kingdoms over that side. So many elites have gathered at this Nether State Assembly, it’s a gathering of heroes. It seems that we have no opportunity.”

“Although it’s hard to admit, compared to them, us disciples from smaller sects are really nothing. We can only trail behind them.”

“That’s not necessarily the case, we also have people who can compete with them.”

“Who?” someone sneered mockingly and shook his head, continuing, “Don’t joke around. The cultivation methods and martial skills of small sects can’t be compared to theirs. Even if they do have talents, can they be on par with them?”

For a moment, everyone fell silent; then someone turned their gaze towards the small grove where Yang Zhen was.

“That’s not right! There’s also Yang Zhen. He rose to fame at the Nether State Assembly. He would surely match these elites.”

“Don’t be so confident. Yang Zhen, despite his cunning and shameless behavior, is only at the third level of Foundation Establishment. How could he compete with these elites?”

Almost everyone underestimated Yang Zhen. Some even seemed to take joy in his misfortune, saying, “Tall trees attract the strong wind. Although Yang Zhen has gained fame in the Nether State Assembly, it’s precisely because of this that he is likely to be targeted.”

“Yes, Yang Zhen’s best strategy now is to remain low-key; otherwise, the end will be severe.”

“Huh? Yang Zhen’s come out.”

Suddenly, everyone’s hearts skipped a beat and they turned to look at the grove.

Yang Zhen emerged with a satisfied grin on his face. Duan Langcai followed behind him, stumbling around. His face turned from pale to livid as he glared resentfully at Yang Zhen, and he wished he could bite Yang Zhen to death right there and then.

Seeing Duan Langcai’s miserable state, everyone took in a sharp breath and involuntarily took a step back.

“Can you not look at me like that…it’s really weird.”

Yang Zhen was taken aback. All he did was discuss a few matters, yet it frightened everyone into this state.

Feeling the strange atmosphere, Yang Zhen turned around to see Duan Langcai looking bitter and resentful, which immediately angered him. He booted Duan Langcai.

“Can’t you act a bit more normal? Someone might get the wrong idea. Then what about my unblemished reputation?”

Duan Langcai was already unstable from walking. He had no chance to avoid Yang Zhen’s kick, and he fell to the ground with a thud and screamed as if he could not sit down.

All Yang Zhen did was beat up Duan Langcai, then threatened him with a punishment of being tied to a tree and bitten by ants. Was that worth this much resentment?

After glaring away some onlookers who loved to watch the drama unfold, Yang Zhen approached Princess Changyang and curiously looked at the glamorous elites around him. He asked, “Who are they?”

Princess Changyang looked at Yang Zhen with an odd expression and counter questioned, “You don’t know these people?”

“Are they famous?” Yang Zhen snorted, “More famous than me?”

Stunned for a moment, Princess Changyang burst out in laughter, shaking her head while saying, “Not as famous as you, the name Yang Bapi is probably well known to everyone at this Nether State Assembly by now.”

Upon hearing this, Yang Zhen immediately displayed a satisfied and smug look. “So, should I know them?”

“Seems… like you shouldn’t?” Princess Changyang blinked.

Indeed, these elites had their pride. They were all dressed impeccably. If Yang Zhen was to stand beside them, their disparity would be obvious at a glance.

However, Yang Zhen seemed to not care about such things, he even carelessly sat down, showing no concern for appearances.

Princess Changyang looked at Yang Zhen, who resembled someone at home. Just as she was about to speak, a bold voice rang out.

“So, the princess is here. It has been half a year since our hurried goodbye, hasn’t it?”

Yang Zhen lifted his head and glanced in the direction of the voice. He saw a young man in fine clothes with a feather duster and a turban, minus the feather duster, and instead, he held a chilling dark-colored sword.

Princess Changyang had already recovered her royal demeanor. Hearing the voice, she gently nodded and said slowly, “So, it’s young master Zhang. After a six-month absence, your cultivation seems increasingly profound.”

Zhang Zongjin’s eyes lit up. With a refined expression on his face, he performed a courtly bow and said, “I was fortunate enough to be cultivated by the sect. However, my talents are no match for the princess’s. I presume daily chores distract the princess from cultivating.”

Yang Zhen glanced at Zhang Zongjin. His action of snatching the water jug and chugging it down in the presence of Princess Changyang’s entourage left them dumbstruck. They saw him as an outsider.

Hearing the sound of Yang Zhen chugging water exaggeratedly, Zhang Zongjin furrowed his brows. As he was about to say something, Princess Changyang spoke, “Compared to the title ‘best swordsman in the world’, I, the princess, am really nothing.”

Sputter!

Yang Zhen sprayed a mouthful of water. His eyes bulged as he stared at Zhang Zongjin.

One couldn’t blame Yang Zhen; he just couldn’t imagine that someone would have such a high-end name as ‘best swordsman in the world’ these days.

“Who is this person, behaving so disgracefully and rudely, completely lack manners,” Zhang Zongjin said and frowned, looking disgustedly at Yang Zhen.

Just as Princess Changyang was about to speak, Yang Zhen waved his hand and said, “Hello, ‘world’s number one jerk’. Our names are pretty similar, I’m called ‘world’s number one handsome’..”