Chapter 327

Chapter 327

Bai Chen Xing watched as Mu Chen held Ye Shi's hand and Ling Chuan held Qu Kun's hand. Seeing himself walking alone with Bai Cheng Feng, he felt somewhat left out.

"Younger brother, Ling Chuan is your... father-in-law?" Bai Cheng Feng asked cautiously.

Bai Chen Xing nodded, saying, "Indeed he is."

Bai Cheng Feng's eyes widened in astonishment. Before, he had only admired Bai Chen Xing's cultivation and array skills. Now, he looked up to Bai Chen Xing from head to toe.

Such an extraordinary ability! His son is impressive, his son-in-law is impressive, even his father-in-law is incredibly formidable. But wouldn't having such a powerful father-in-law lead to complications?

Bai Cheng Feng thought to himself: Bai Chen Xing must have secretly formed an alliance with Ling Chuan. And here he thought their group was underpowered, but with Ling Chuan around, there's nothing to worry about.

Bai Cheng Feng watched as Ling Chuan held Qu Kun's hand with unabashed pleasure, completely ignoring Qu Kun's discomfort.

People say that members of the Ling family like to refine their bodies to be as tough as iron, impervious to blades. It seems the rumors are true.

Seeing Ling Chuan's cheerful demeanor despite Qu Kun's cold attitude revealed just how thick-skinned he was.

"I've managed to hold your hand again," Ling Chuan said with evident satisfaction.

Qu Kun glared coldly at Ling Chuan, saying impatiently, "Your hands are rough and calloused. Let go."

"I won't." Ling Chuan gripped tighter, lamenting, "Every time I missed you, I would refine artifacts, hence the callouses. Each callous on my hand is a testament to my love for you, Ah Kun."

Qu Kun was visibly infuriated, looking extremely displeased.

Ye Shi gazed at Ling Chuan adoringly, exclaiming, "Grandfather Ling is so romantic! Grandfather Qu is truly fortunate."

Qu Kun: "..." Hearing Ye Shi's words, Qu Kun felt like spitting blood. He didn't feel fortunate; he felt cursed!

"Given how much you miss me, you're still only an 8th-grade premium refining master. Disappointing," Qu Kun nitpicked.

Ling Chuan replied somewhat resentfully, "To craft a 9th-grade artifact, one must be entirely focused. I've been searching for you, and my unresolved feelings have hindered my progress. Now that you're with me, I'll soon become a 9th-grade refining master. Would you like me to craft a 9th-grade sword for you?"

Qu Kun stared at Ling Chuan, saying earnestly, "You better find someone else. Otherwise, you'll forever remain an 8th-grade refining master."

Ling Chuan gripped Qu Kun's hand even tighter, declaring with deep emotion, "Even if I'm destined to remain an 8th-grade refining master for life, I won't let go of your hand."

Bai Cheng Feng looked at Ling Chuan, completely taken aback. Before today, he only respected Ling Chuan's cultivation and refining skills. Now, he admired Ling Chuan from head to toe. In comparison, Bai Chen Xing seemed lackluster. Ling Chuan was a true hero!

Bai Cheng Feng glanced at Qu Kun, thinking, "Friend Qu, being pursued by this man, you're in quite a predicament!"

Ye Shi clenched his fists excitedly, saying, "With persistence, even the hardest stone will be chiseled away. Grandfather Qu will surely be moved by Grandfather Ling's feelings."

Mu Chen nodded silently, thinking: Of course, Grandfather Qu is already on the verge of being deeply moved by your Grandfather Ling.

Bai Chengfeng looked at Ling Chuan, who appeared foolish, and felt a surge of emotions.

Rumors claimed that Ling Chuan was aloof, indifferent, and difficult to approach.

It was said that Ling Chuan's training had hardened his heart, removing all his emotions and desires.

Gossip had it that Ling Chuan was proud and distant. Despite his divine skills in crafting, his character was perceived as cunning and malicious.

Bai Chengfeng observed Ling Chuan stubbornly holding Qu Kun's hand, indifferent to the glares. He thought: Rumors are often misleading!

"Ah Kun, your hands are so soft," Ling Chuan said with a wide smile.

Hearing Ling Chuan's words, Qu Kun felt the goosebumps could be enough to cook a pot of porridge.

"Just shut up. Every time you speak, I contemplate death," Qu Kun retorted.

Ling Chuan, looking dejected, said, "Do I repel you that much?"

Qu Kun: "..." Should he like someone who almost violated him? "Yes."

Ling Chuan wrapped his arms around Qu Kun's waist, remorsefully saying, "I must've been too rough last time, leaving a bad impression. I'll be careful next time."

Qu Kun drew his sword, pointing it at Ling Chuan, and darkly said, "Ling Chuan, don't push it."

Holding hands was one thing, but this damned guy kept hugging and embracing...

With a flick of Ling Chuan's fingers, the sword in Qu Kun's hand was now in Ling Chuan's grasp.

Qu Kun's face darkened, thinking, the difference in strength was like... a mortal's.

"Bai Chenxing, punch him for me," Qu Kun shouted at Bai Chenxing.

Bai Chenxing: "..." Not his problem.

Bai Chengfeng looked at Bai Chenxing and thought: Brother, having these two as fathers-in-law is really hard for you!

Ling Chuan glanced coldly at Bai Chengfeng, saying, "What are you staring at? Haven't you seen couples tease each other?"

Bai Chenxing: "..."

"Bai Chenxing, are you wooden? I told you to hit him," Qu Kun exclaimed in frustration.

Ling Chuan chuckled, "Ah Kun is just teasing with me. None of your business. Let's move on."

Bai Chenxing: "..." Teasing?

Qu Kun stamped his foot, "When I tell you to act, can't you understand?"

Ling Chuan glanced at Qu Kun, saying, "What are you looking at? Haven't you heard the saying: couples fight in bed and make up at the foot of it? Show some decency!"

Bai Chenxing: "..."

Bai Chengfeng observed Bai Chenxing, thinking: Brother, you really have it tough. When trouble starts, even the innocent get involved!

Mu Chen held his forehead, saying, "Gentlemen, we're ready to move. Let's hurry up."

Bai Chengfeng nodded, saying, "Yes, we should prioritize. Let's focus on the big picture!" Love and revenge can wait.

Qu Kun ground his teeth but didn't say anything more.

...

"We've arrived," Mu Chen said, looking at the main gate.

The map fragment in Bai Chenxing's hand emitted a golden glow. To open the palace door, one needed not only soul techniques to unlock it but also the map fragment as a key, with each piece corresponding to a door.

Mu Chen's soul power entered the lock, and a soul blade flew out, effortlessly unlocking it.

As the door opened, a group of mechanical beasts charged out.

Just as Ling Chuan was about to act, Mu Chen stopped him. Using his soul power, Mu Chen erased the soul markings on the beasts, immobilizing them.

"Kid, you've got skills," Ling Chuan said admiringly, arms crossed.

Mu Chen smiled humbly, "Thank you for the compliment, grandfather."

Hearing the title, a pleased expression appeared on Ling Chuan's face, "Good, you're much more sensible than that fool Bai Chenxing. Yanxing has good taste."

Mu Chen: "..."

Qu Kun looked at Mu Chen and scoffed, "Useless, always pandering to those in power."

Mu Chen: "..."

Bai Chenxing gazed at Mu Chen and asked, "Did you erase the soul marks of these mechanical puppet beasts?"

Mu Chen nodded, saying, "Yes, I did. These puppet beasts have the strength equivalent to martial masters. Breaking them would thwart their attacks, but it would be a waste."

"I've removed the soul marks on these puppet beasts. They can now be re-bound. Whether we gift them to our clan or sell them, both are good options," Mu Chen commented.

Ling Chuan nodded with a smile, "Well done, you know the importance of provision."

Mu Chen chuckled, "Thank you for the compliment, Grandfather."

Bai Chenxing gave Mu Chen a glance, huffing slightly. Mu Chen often acted indifferent towards her and loved teasing her for no reason. Yet, he acted so affectionately in front of Ling Chuan. She wondered what was on his mind.

Mu Chen stored the mechanical puppet beasts and entered the palace. Inside, he found several scattered seventh-grade scripture books and a few shattered pill bottles.

"This is just the outer hall. The items here are not of great value. The real treasures must be in the inner hall. Let's move on," Ling Chuan suggested.

Mu Chen nodded in agreement, and the group headed towards the inner hall. Before long, they encountered another large door.

"This door's locking mechanism looks similar to the one in the outer hall," observed Ling Chuan.

Focusing his soul energy into the lock, Mu Chen commented, "It's similar to the outer lock but slightly more complicated."

Ling Chuan squinted, "Considering the increasing complexity, perhaps you should fully master all the soul techniques before attempting to unlock it."

"Should we retreat for now?" Ye Shi inquired.

Mu Chen shook his head, "I'm afraid that's not an option."

Perplexed, Ye Shi asked, "Why not?"

Mu Chen explained, "The main door locked behind us when we entered. We might not be able to exit. Also, the map fragment showed cracks when I used it earlier. If I'm not mistaken, each fragment can only be used once."

Ye Shi: "..."

Bai Chenxing examined the door and said, "The lock on this door might be more complex than the main entrance, but this door is notably thinner."

"The main door was likely crafted from ninth-grade materials, making it virtually indestructible. However, breaking this one shouldn't be too hard for us," she added.

Mu Chen glanced at Bai Chenxing with narrowed eyes, "Are you suggesting we force our way through?"

Bai Chenxing nodded, "If necessary, we could consider it."

Mu Chen smiled, "No need. The Spirit Tower has already recorded the soul technique."

Raising an eyebrow, Ling Chuan remarked, "Impressive. No wonder everyone in our clan covets the Spirit Tower."