Suddenly, Chu Yunhe seemed to recall something and asked Chu Chen.
"Seventh Princess?" Chu Chen's eyes lit up at the mention. He vaguely remembered meeting Ouyang Jing, but their interactions were limited to discussing martial arts, with no further exchanges.
"You should know this Seventh Princess. She invited you to the palace as a guest before, but you refused. I suspect she might visit our Chu manor, and then we'll have an opportunity to meet," Chu Yunhe said with a smile.
Chu Chen nodded, then inquired about Ouyang Jing's whereabouts and was relieved to learn she had already left the imperial city. He had no connection with Ouyang Jing now, nor did he wish for one, so he didn't want to meet her again. Moreover, he knew that Ouyang Jing's presence there was undoubtedly due to him, and she had come to probe for information about Chu Hao through him. This would be a significant trouble for Chu Chen.
"Chu Chen, you've accomplished a great deed this time. His Majesty also bestowed many rewards upon you," Chu Yunhe praised Chu Chen.
"Father, please keep these things. If you need them, feel free to take them," Chu Chen replied.
"Haha, I lack nothing at the moment. You, however, need these items for your cultivation. Hurry and put them away." Chu Yunhe waved his hand, pushing a pile of treasures towards Chu Chen, their sheer quantity astonishing.
"Then I shall take my leave," Chu Chen cupped his fists and turned to depart. As he stepped out of the room, he encountered Lin Xue.
"Chu Chen, congratulations. You won," Lin Xue said with a smile, her beautiful eyes filled with joy, as if she were proud of Chu Chen.
"Thank you, but I will not stop striving," Chu Chen smiled and walked past Lin Xue.
Watching Chu Chen's retreating figure, a complex emotion flickered in Lin Xue's beautiful eyes.
"Sister Lin Xue, what's wrong?" Lin Rou asked curiously.
"Nothing," Lin Xue shook her head and then said to Lin Rou, "You go and attend to your tasks."
"Oh, alright." Lin Rou nodded obediently and then walked away, leaving Lin Xue standing alone, a hint of confusion on her pretty face.
Time flew by, and half a month had passed since Chu Chen's return. During this period, the Chu family had regained its tranquility, but Chu Chen sensed an unsettling calm, a feeling of an impending storm.
And then, today, news that shook the imperial city spread: Prince Yuwen Tai had summoned experts from all sides to gather at the palace to discuss Chu Chen's affairs.
Within the imperial city, in a luxurious mansion, several men and women of varying ages were gathered.
"Chu Chen, do you know your crime!" Yuwen Tai's cold shout echoed, his face turning exceptionally frigid, radiating a terrifying killing intent.
Seeing Yuwen Tai's fury, everyone present changed their demeanor. In their impression, Yuwen Tai was always composed and at ease, capable of handling any difficult situation with grace. This was something they had never witnessed before.
"Your Highness, Chu Chen does not understand. I beg Your Highness to instruct me," Chu Chen knelt on one knee, cupping his fists in a show of respect. However, his heart was filled with disdain. He couldn't be bothered to pay attention; at this moment, Chu Chen was contemplating how to escape the palace.
"Hmph, you still dare to quibble? The maid by your side has confessed. She claims you ordered her to frame Yuwen Tai," Yuwen Tai berated, then suddenly flicked his sleeve. A gust of wind swept through, and a slip of paper instantly landed before Chu Chen.
Looking down, he saw that the paper indeed contained some writing.
"Chu Chen, Yuwen Tai's plan is to kill you. You should flee quickly. Otherwise, once you fall into his hands, you will surely die. I hope you can survive..."
The handwriting on the paper was Ouyang Jing's, and Chu Chen recognized it immediately. Seeing this, a bitter smile curved Chu Chen's lips. It seemed Ouyang Jing had truly forgotten him, even their past relationship. Otherwise, she wouldn't have written such a message.
"Chu Chen, do you admit your guilt?" Seeing Chu Chen's prolonged silence, Yuwen Tai shouted again. His face remained contorted, seemingly enraged, but in reality, his inner excitement was boiling. He had longed to eliminate Chu Chen but lacked a suitable reason. Now that he finally had leverage, how could he let Chu Chen off easily?
"Admit guilt? What crime have I committed?" Chu Chen asked with a cold smile.
"You still dare to quibble. Do you know Ouyang Jing?" Yuwen Tai continued to question.
"Why would I know Ouyang Jing? Although we share the same surname, we have never met, let alone be acquainted," Chu Chen shrugged.
"Chu Chen, I see you are stubborn. Since you refuse to admit it, I will have to search your soul to see if you are lying." Yuwen Tai declared, then unleashed a torrent of spiritual power towards Chu Chen.
"Buzz~~~" However, at that moment, a dazzling golden light erupted from Chu Chen's brow, followed by a powerful pressure that shattered Yuwen Tai's spiritual energy. Simultaneously, Chu Chen raised his hand and grasped the air. With a crisp crack, Yuwen Tai's palm was crushed into pieces, blood splattering.
"Ah~~~~~~" With his palm shattered, Yuwen Tai let out a pained cry. He hadn't expected Chu Chen to possess such strength. Not only him, but everyone around was stunned, including those who had accompanied Yuwen Tai. It was evident to all that Chu Chen was at the peak of the Martial Lord realm, second level, even more powerful than Yuwen Tai.
"This is impossible! This brat has only been gone for a short while? In just a few days, his progress has been so terrifying?" At this moment, Yuwen Tai's face was pale, his eyes filled with disbelief.
"Do you have any more evidence?" Chu Chen asked calmly.
"I..." Yuwen Tai opened his mouth but could not utter another word.
"If you have no evidence, then get out. Do not set foot in my Chu family again, or do not blame me for disregarding our kinship," Chu Chen said coldly.
"You..." Hearing this, Yuwen Tai became furious. But before he could make a move, Chu Chen's aura exploded again, even more domineering than before, pressing down on him like a tide. He trembled and retreated repeatedly.
"Chu Chen, you wait! I will surely make you wish you were dead." After uttering a harsh threat, Yuwen Tai led his men and hastily fled the scene. Once they were gone, Chu Chen let out a long sigh of relief, truly fearing that Yuwen Tai would not give up.