Chapter 56: Provocation

Chen Chong’s words had already conveyed a clear meaning.

Everyone’s gaze in the room turned to Su Jingzhen.

“Daoist Chen invited Su Jingzhen, who is in the Qi-refining initial stage, and it’s clear that he has an ulterior motive.”

“Let’s see if this guy knows what’s good for him.”

“It’s said that Daoist Chen had discussed this matter with Su Jingzhen several times before, but he refused Daoist Chen’s kindness, relying on Zhang Xiu’s protection.”

“Now that Zhang Xiu has followed the main force of Huayang Sect to Clear Wind Mountain, it’s uncertain whether she can return.”

“Even if she can return, with Chen Jinshi’s presence, Zhang Xiu might not be able to help.”

“Anyone with a brain should know what choice to make.”

“…….”

Chen Chong hadn’t even finished speaking, and many people had already started discussing among themselves.

Most of them were mocking Su Jingzhen, with an attitude of watching a good show.

As for Su Jingzhen himself, he had long anticipated Chen Chong’s provocation.

At this moment, he didn’t care about the many gazes on him, and he calmly picked up his wine cup.

He swirled the wine in his cup, as if toasting to each and every one of them.

This demeanor made everyone present feel a sense of astonishment.

“This guy…”

Luo Yuebai, sitting opposite Feng Qingya, couldn’t help but curl his lip.

At this moment, he couldn’t help but think of the pill fragrance he had smelled that night.

He felt that Su Jingzhen was not simple at all.

While everyone was whispering among themselves, Chen Chong continued, “For the future of Cuiliu School, I’ve made many attempts.”

“Moreover, our teachers at Cuiliu School have already grasped a set of courses that can maximize the potential of our students.”

“I really don’t want the children of Linjiang City to miss out on this set of courses.”

“So, I intend to integrate all the schools in Linjiang City. What do you all think?”

He finally said it out loud.

But his words seemed to be asking everyone, when in fact, he was only asking Su Jingzhen.

In the entire Linjiang City, there are only two schools, right?

“Haha, this is a good thing, we naturally have no objections.”

“Daoist Chen’s wholeheartedness for the younger generation of Linjiang City is truly admirable, integrating the schools is a good thing.”

“……”

The Chen family had Chen Jinshi, and at this time, they naturally didn’t lack boot-lickers.

After all, this matter didn’t touch their interests.

Sacrificing a Su Jingzhen was nothing, anyway.

Among the chorus of agreement, Su Jingzhen still didn’t respond.

Chen Chong’s eyes narrowed slightly as he directly asked him, “Daoist Su, what do you think of my proposal?”

After saying so much, it finally came down to this crucial question.

Everyone couldn’t help but quiet down.

As Chen Chong spoke, his mouth still had a hint of a smile.

In his view, Su Jingzhen should know who was in control of the situation, and he should understand how to advance and retreat.

Everyone’s gaze once again converged on Su Jingzhen.

Luo Yuebai, sitting opposite Feng Qingya, also had a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

As for Chen Jinshi and Feng Qingya, they didn’t even glance over.

Chen Jinshi naturally knew that his uncle was borrowing his power, but he himself wasn’t interested in such matters.

In Feng Qingya’s eyes, the struggles between Qi-refining Stage cultivators were just small-time squabbles, not worth paying attention to.

At this time, Su Jingzhen had to respond.

He stood up, still swaying his wine cup in his hand.

His face seemed to reveal a thoughtful expression.

“I think that Daoist Chen’s words are very reasonable.”

As soon as he spoke, everyone present had already anticipated this response.

But there was still a hint of disappointment.

Su Jingzhen had surrendered, and in this grand gathering, Chen Chong probably wouldn’t do anything to Su Jingzhen.

The good show they wanted to see was gone.

Chen Chong’s smile grew even more intense.

Su Jingzhen’s response was within his expectations.

“Daoist Su is a man of great sense of justice. On behalf of the children of Linjiang City, I would like to express my gratitude to you.”

As Chen Chong spoke, he bowed deeply to Su Jingzhen.

This old guy was really good at putting on a show.

At this moment, this image was just like that of a selfless, benevolent old man.

The atmosphere in the room suddenly changed with this one bow.

Su Jingzhen felt a sense of admiration in his heart. Chen Chong’s gradual and deliberate words, his virtuous and upright demeanor, would have made him a leader even on Earth.

With Chen Chong’s attitude, in this atmosphere, if Su Jingzhen were to sing a different tune, he would have become a burden to Linjiang City.

But at this moment, he still had a puzzled expression on his face.

“Hmm? What does Daoist Chen mean by this?”

Su Jingzhen’s words seemed to be asking for clarification, but in reality, he was refusing Chen Chong’s bow.

When he said this, he slightly turned his body, not accepting Chen Chong’s bow.

Seeing Su Jingzhen’s still calm and gentle smile, the people were first stunned, and then their hearts were filled with excitement.

Good kid, did he really dare to refuse?

He truly didn’t disappoint.

Chen Chong’s smile suddenly froze on his face.

Then, he asked with a hint of doubt, “Does Daoist Su not want to merge Peach Blossom Alley’s Enlightenment School into Cuiliu Alley?”

“Hmm? Is Daoist Chen joking? When did I say I wanted to merge the schools?”

Su Jingzhen’s eyes still had a puzzled expression, as if he didn’t understand.

Chen Chong frowned again, “Didn’t Daoist Su agree with me earlier?”

As soon as he spoke, Su Jingzhen laughed.

“Yes, I indeed agreed with Daoist Chen’s words. But did I ever say I wanted to merge the schools?”

Wanting to play with words, Su Jingzhen, a two-worlds cultivator, could nitpick Chen Chong to death.

Originally, if Chen Chong didn’t provoke him, Su Jingzhen would have been happy to eat and leave.

But if Chen Chong wanted to play dirty, Su Jingzhen wouldn’t be afraid at all.

Chen Chong’s smile had completely disappeared from his face.

His face gradually darkened.

“Can I assume that Daoist Su is playing me? As a cultivator, I can be killed but not humiliated. I, Chen certainly, am wholeheartedly concerned about the future of Linjiang City’s younger generation, and that’s why I’m having a serious discussion with you about this matter.”

He didn’t expect to be treated like this, with such ridicule and humiliation.

“It seems that Daoist Su needs to give me a reasonable explanation today.”

As soon as he spoke, Su Jingzhen was stunned again.

In secret, he thought that if Chen Chong were to return to Earth, he would not only be a great leader but also a movie star.

He had just added another crime to his list.

Chen Chong’s words could be translated to: “You dare to look down on me? Then go die!”

He had realized that Chen Chong’s series of moves today were likely intended to kill him.

Just like last time when Lin Ping was sent to assassinate him, if not for his good luck, Su Jingzhen would have been dead for sure.

And today, regardless of whether he had agreed with Chen Chong’s views or not, whether he would directly choose to merge the schools.

Chen Chong would always be able to find a reasonable point to attack him.

This old guy, no wonder he was still only a late-stage Qi-refining cultivator at his age.

He must have spent all his time calculating and scheming.