“What do you mean?” Chu Feng asked.
“This sword—I want it,” Nangong Yifan declared.
“Not for sale.”
As Chu Feng spoke, he stowed the Blue Jade Mandarin Sword into his Qiankun Bag.
“You ungrateful wretch!”
Many of the All-Heaven Star Domain youths around Nangong Yifan stepped forward, their menacing expressions suggesting they might resort to force.
“Outrageous!”
But at that moment, a furious shout rang out.
It was Lord Shoujian.
His outburst shocked everyone, even instilling fear. Lord Shoujian was usually kind and gentle, and despite frequent squabbles among the youths, this was the first time they’d seen him angry.
And they realized that the normally benevolent Lord Shoujian was terrifying when enraged.
Even the brash All-Heaven Star Domain youths retracted their hostile expressions and obediently stepped back.
But one person was an exception: Nangong Yifan.
Though he didn’t display the same overt aggression as the others, his gaze was far from friendly, fixed coldly on Chu Feng.
“What I, Nangong Yifan, want, I’ve never failed to get,” he said, his words dripping with threat, warning Chu Feng that refusing his offer would lead to consequences.
“I’m curious to see how you’ll take something I don’t want to give,” Chu Feng replied.
“You’ll find out,” Nangong Yifan said, his gaze growing even colder.
“Who’re you threatening? Think I’m scared? Nangong Yifan, listen up—if you dare do anything to my brother Chu Feng, I, Kong Tianhui, will be the first to object!” Kong Tianhui stepped forward.
Nangong Yifan ignored him completely.
“It’s about time. If you’re ready, gather at the chess formation,” Lord Shoujian said, then soared into the air.
Seeing this, the youths leapt into the sky, following Lord Shoujian.
Traveling with him, Chu Feng and the others soon arrived at the so-called chess formation.
The formation consisted of three realms, each with mountains, rivers, blue skies, and white clouds, like independent worlds.
Though the land area wasn’t vast, the three realms were separated by a powerful barrier that sealed them all within.
Chu Feng knew this chess formation was likely the board for the Ancient Martial Chess.
“Are you ready?” Lord Shoujian asked the youths.
“Ready!” they replied in unison.
They had prepared for this day for a long time, ready to compete at any moment.
“All-Heaven, left formation. Ancestral Martial, right formation. Enter,” Lord Shoujian said, and two formation gates appeared.
Everyone knew these gates were the entrances to the Ancient Martial Chess, so they flew toward them without hesitation.
“Sister Xian Yun, save a spot for my brother Chu Feng!” Kong Tianhui called out, approaching Xian Yun.
The Ancient Martial Chess had limited slots, so for Chu Feng to join, someone from the Ancestral Martial Star Domain would need to give up their place.
“Xian Yun already arranged it. If we waited for you to speak up, it’d be too late,” Kong Ci said.
“Sister Xian Yun, really? You’ve secured a spot for my brother Chu Feng?” Kong Tianhui grew visibly excited.
“Young Master Chu Feng is a guest, and he’s so interested in the Ancient Martial Chess. He should have a chance to experience it,” Xian Yun said with a smile and a nod.
“Sister Xian Yun, you’re so considerate! I’m giving you a big hug!” Kong Tianhui spread his arms, moving to embrace her.
“Get lost, you shameless jerk! Stop trying to take advantage every chance you get!” Before he could get close, Kong Ci kicked him far away.
“You’re definitely not my real sister,” Kong Tianhui said, looking aggrieved.
“And you’re not my real brother,” Kong Ci shot back with an eye-roll, then turned to Chu Feng. “Chu Feng, since you’re joining, hurry up. And remember—don’t cause trouble. Just follow orders.”
But just as she finished, a commotion erupted from the All-Heaven Star Domain side.
Seeing this, Xian Yun, Kong Ci, Long Ning, Chu Feng, and the others looked over.
Something significant was happening on the All-Heaven side.
It was Nangong Yifan…
He was already at the formation gate, preparing to enter the Ancient Martial Chess board.
“What’s going on? Doesn’t Nangong Yifan always sit these out? Why’s he joining this time?”
The Ancestral Martial Star Domain grew uneasy.
Not just uneasy—many showed fear, even despair, in their eyes.
They had spent ages strategizing, confident they could compete with the All-Heaven Star Domain.
But with Nangong Yifan joining, their confidence evaporated. His strength was simply too overwhelming.
*Whoosh—*
As the crowd puzzled over this, Nangong Yifan turned, his gaze landing precisely on Chu Feng.
That look was cold, domineering, lofty, and provocative.
As if he were a god who had already seized control of Chu Feng’s fate.
With one glance, Nangong Yifan entered the formation gate.
“I get it. He’s joining because of Brother Chu Feng. He changed his mind to participate in this match!” Kong Tianhui said.
“No way. Nangong Yifan’s chess skills are extraordinary. Why would he join because of a rookie like Chu Feng?”
“They’re not even on the same level.”
People dismissed Kong Tianhui’s claim.
“Tianhui’s analysis isn’t entirely baseless,” Lord Shoujian’s voice suddenly rang out.
