Pressure from the Elders

The Inner Courtyard meeting hall was already packed, with numerous Inner Courtyard disciples standing within. At the front, several Inner Courtyard elders were arranged on either side. In the central, slightly elevated position, stood a majestic young man.

He wore a cyan robe, exuding an extraordinary and noble air, with a handsome and distinguished countenance. This was the Chen family's second-in-line, Chen Feitian.

As for the number one person, it was the former Chen Feng!

When Chen Feng entered, the onlookers had mixed expressions, marked by amusement and disdain. Some even openly laughed.

"So, this scum has finally arrived."

"Haha, this parasite, after a year, the elders have finally made up their minds. What a waste of keeping this scum in the Chen family and spending the resources on him."

"Hehe, he won't have a good outcome today."

The crowd was in heated discussion, pointing fingers at Chen Feng with faces full of disdain. There was not a hint of treating Chen Feng as a family member. Listening to these mocking voices, Chen Feng remained silent, his fists clenched tightly, a sense of desolation in his heart.

This was the Chen family.

When his martial veins were damaged, his cultivation scattered, he had already seen the true face of this family – cold, indifferent, without a shred of decency or loyalty to speak of!

"Silence!"

Suddenly, a stern rebuke rang out. Seated in the central position, the elder of the Inner Courtyard sat with a pair of cold eyes, sharp as knives, piercing towards Chen Feng, extremely imposing.

"Chen Feng, do you know why I have summoned you?" The elder of the Inner Courtyard, taking the lead, spoke with a cold and compelling tone.

"I do not know, Elder, I hope you can enlighten me," Chen Feng straightened his posture, asking neither servile nor overbearing.

Upon hearing such a response, the people around instantly exploded.

"He actually dares to claim ignorance! This useless person should have been expelled from the Chen family long ago. The Chen family has raised him for sixteen years, and he doesn't even appreciate it. Heh, what an ungrateful wretch!"

"Exactly, if it were me, I would have already handed over the precious treasure to the family. This is what the Chen family deserves. Even if he's not of the Chen bloodline, he shouldn't be so ungrateful!"

The crowd discussed and criticized Chen Feng as if he had committed an unforgivable sin.

The priceless treasure!

Chen Feng clenched his teeth, his fists making a cracking sound. He wasn't a blood relative of the Chen family, but rather an abandoned infant taken in by an elder of the Outer Courtyard. His origins were mysterious, and he was raised to adulthood by that Outer Courtyard elder.

The so-called treasure was a congenital jade that was found with Chen Feng. It was said to possess immense energy and could assist martial practitioners in breaking through to the coveted Fate Palace realm.

Most importantly, this was related to Chen Feng's identity!

However, these people were actually plotting to seize it from him.

Chen Feng lowered his eyelids, filled with a murderous intent and hatred. He regretted not having enough power to resist. If he were still the genius Chen Feng of the past, how would these people dare to target him like this?

"Chen Feng, the Chen family has treated you generously. In the future, you will continue to live in the Outer Courtyard, but you have lost your cultivation. Therefore, the Inner Courtyard has decided to strip you of your position as the Outer Courtyard's young master. Do you have any objections?"

The Inner Courtyard's senior elder asked with a condescending look. He turned slightly and shared a knowing smile with Chen Feitian beside him. It was evident that their public pressure to make Chen Feng surrender the precious jade was for Chen Feitian's benefit.

Everyone watched Chen Feng with curiosity. Stripping his position as a young master and forcing him to give up the precious jade. How would this scum respond now?

Chen Feng's fists were clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He suddenly looked up and stared directly at the Inner Courtyard's senior elder. "I have no objections to giving up my position as the Outer Courtyard's young master. Even without the title, I can still compete to regain it. However, I cannot give up the precious jade."

"This is something that belongs to me. If I don't give it up willingly, you have no right to take it!" He had a determined look, standing inside the meeting hall, confronting all the elders.

"You!"

"Stubborn!"

"Chen Feng, don't overestimate yourself. With your current condition, do you think you can rightfully possess such a treasure? Hand it over willingly, or the Chen family will not tolerate you!" Several elders directly vented their anger, as if his refusal to comply was an affront to them.

Even Chen Feitian, who was by the side of the Inner Courtyard's senior elder, had a slightly changed expression. He couldn't believe that Chen Feng was this resolute.

Faced with the oppression of the elders, could this person's resolve really be as unyielding as iron?

"Hmph."

The elder's face was displeased. He snorted and said, "Chen Feng, you are nothing more than a waste now. Think about how the Chen family has treated you over the years. The precious jade in your hands is just a piece of scrap iron. But if you give it to the Chen family, it can help the Chen family rise. Do you think a little repayment can match the kindness we've shown you?"

He used a righteous tone to pressure Chen Feng.

"Hahaha!" At this moment, Chen Feng smiled bitterly. He glanced at the people and spoke coldly, "In the end, it's just because I suffered damage to my meridians and became useless. But what if I were still the unparalleled Chen Feng? Would you force me to surrender the precious jade in front of everyone?"

Pointing at the people around him, Chen Feng questioned them with a cold tone.

"Hmph, speaking eloquently doesn't change anything. You're already a waste. Can you really soar to new heights and become famous in Tianhuang City again?" An elder sneered with an expression full of disdain. He believed that Chen Feng's words were just an excuse to avoid handing over the precious jade.

"Alright, will you dare to bet with me? After three months, in the Outer Courtyard minor competition, I will regain my status. After a year, in the Outer Courtyard major competition, I will compete Chen Feitian. If I win, I hope all of you here will kowtow and apologize to me!" Chen Feng looked at the Inner Courtyard's senior elder and declared loudly.

"What if you lose?" the senior elder's voice sounded heavy.

"Then I willingly gives up the precious jade with no complaints!"

"What if you can't even succeed in the Outer Courtyard Competition?"

"Then I will still give up the precious jade voluntarily. Will all of you dare to make a bet with me?" Chen Feng's eyes sparkled with determination as he asked.

The people exchanged glances, and it was clear that they were discussing the matter.

"Very well."

In the end, both the Inner Courtyard's senior elder and Chen Feitian nodded simultaneously, with cold and stern expressions. "If you manage to stand out in the Outer Courtyard Competition, I will give you the opportunity to confront Feitian. But if you lose, you not only have to give up the precious jade, but you must also sever your own arms and leave Tianhuang City!"

The Inner Courtyard's senior elder waved his sleeve and, with everyone in tow, walked out of the meeting hall without sparing another glance at Chen Feng.

It was only three months. They could wait.

"Chen Feng, just three months, what can you achieve in such a short time? I assure you, you won't even pass the Outer Courtyard Competition. The precious jade is destined to be mine. There’s no way you can keep it to yourself." Chen Feitian walked over and sneered as he brushed past Chen Feng.

"You don't need to worry about it. I could make you bow your head respectfully like you used to do, and that won't change in the future. I have never considered you as an opponent!" Chen Feng replied coldly and walked away.

Upon hearing Chen Feng's response, Chen Feitian's face turned livid. He squinted his eyes, brimming with murderous intent. Chen Feng was doomed.