Chapter 142: The Zhao Family

"Lead the way."

With these faint words, Li Changsheng began to walk toward the Zhao family estate. Zhao Wan'er followed closely behind him, while Yun Chen, pulling Yun Jue along, trailed after the pair.

"Welcome, Young Master Li!!!"

Zhao Hao’s voice rang out, filled with immense reverence. "Welcome, Young Master Li!!" The entire Zhao clan echoed in unison. A path leading directly to the main hall opened up before them. Li Changsheng, expression calm and detached, strolled past the crowd with an air of leisure. Zhao Wan'er remained indifferent to everything around her, while Yun Chen timidly observed the onlookers, his pace slowing as he tugged on Yun Jue's hand.

To his surprise, every person he made eye contact with immediately lowered their head, their expressions brimming with deference. Yun Chen was not foolish; he knew this respect was entirely due to his master. In the past, he could never have imagined receiving such treatment. Following by his master's side, basking in such glory—he vowed to cultivate diligently and serve his master with unwavering loyalty.

"Ding! Yun Chen’s sense of belonging has reached 20. Bonus reward: 60,000 Destiny Points."

Hmm? It works like that? Li Changsheng cast a meaningful glance at Yun Chen behind him, lost in thought. Noticing that the boy and his sister were struggling to keep up, he slowed his pace to allow them to follow at their own speed.

"Who is that person? Why does Lord Li treat him with such favor?" The surrounding crowd began to notice the unusual dynamic, their eyes filled with shock and envy.

"Master..." Sensing Li Changsheng slowing down and noticing the envious gazes of those around him, a warmth bloomed in Yun Chen’s heart. His master cared for him in every detail; no one had ever treated him like this before.

"Ding! Yun Chen’s sense of belonging has reached 40. Bonus reward: 60,000 Destiny Points."

Tsk... worth it, absolutely worth it! As the system's voice echoed in his mind, the look Li Changsheng cast toward Yun Chen grew gradually approving. This kid was quite likable. Perhaps that sense of belonging could be increased even further later on.

Before long, guided by Zhao Hao, the four arrived at a magnificent, opulent hall. Inside, a long stone table was laden with hundreds of rare delicacies—each unique, yet all sharing one quality: they were brimming with endless spiritual energy. The aroma was intoxicating, whetting everyone's appetite.

"Not bad." Li Changsheng mused, silently praising the spread. Zhao Hao might be a bit long-winded, but at least his preparations were not off-putting.

"Lord, please take the seat of honor!" Zhao Hao, sensing the subtle shift in Li Changsheng's expression, hurried over with delight. To earn even a shred of praise from Young Master Li was like ascending to immortality on the spot! Who else in the Qingling realm could claim such an honor? With this thought, Zhao Hao's gaze toward Li Changsheng grew increasingly fervent.

Tsk... Feeling the intensity of Zhao Hao’s stare, Li Changsheng felt a chill. He raised an eyebrow, a flicker of distaste crossing his face, and promptly kicked the man out of the hall before walking toward the head table.

"The Young Master’s power is divine!"
"I shall treasure the Young Master's care for little Zhao for ten thousand years!!!"

Within a breath, Zhao Hao scrambled back into the hall, his eyes burning with fervor and gratitude. Young Master Li only kicked him without causing injury—this meant he didn't truly find him repulsive! Though his expression was one of disdain, there was no killing intent. This was the greatest validation he could hope for!

Watching Zhao Hao act like a madman, Li Changsheng caught his breath, his mouth twitching in hesitation. Where did you get the idea that I validated you?

"Follow me to the seats," Li Changsheng said, feeling somewhat helpless. He commanded Zhao Wan'er and Yun Chen with a wave of his hand and headed for the head table. The high-ranking members of the Zhao clan who had followed Zhao Hao watched this with hesitation and confusion. *The Patriarch is being a bit too shameless, isn't he? This has never happened before...* The crowd pondered, their gazes toward Zhao Hao growing increasingly strange. Zhao Hao, meanwhile, looked at Yun Chen with complex emotions, feeling an inexplicable sorrow. *Why does this mere mortal deserve to be so close to Young Master Li?*

Amidst the commotion, everyone took their seats. Li Changsheng occupied the head of the table, with Zhao Wan'er and Yun Chen seated next. Zhao Hao ordered a bench to be brought over so Yun Jue could sit beside Yun Chen. The others in the hall took note of Yun Jue's condition. Since she was someone by Young Master Li's side, even if she were a cripple, they would spare no effort to fawn over her!

Receiving such treatment for the first time, Yun Chen was overcome with emotion once again. "Ding! Yun Chen’s sense of belonging has increased to 45. Bonus reward: Destiny Points."

Hearing the system's prompt, Li Changsheng smiled knowingly. Increasing that sense of belonging further would be difficult; he would have to find other ways.

"Let the feast begin." Seeing that the hall was full, Li Changsheng spoke calmly. He picked up his chopsticks and began to eat. The others followed suit without delay.

*Boom...*

Just then, a faint thrumming sound echoed. Looking closely, one could see a soft white light flickering around Yun Chen; his aura was climbing rapidly! After eating a single piece of spiritual meat, he had broken through to the first level of Qi Condensation!

*Hiss...*

The entire hall fell into a dead silence. No one had expected this mortal to break through at such a time! *Could it be that the young lord had already taught him a cultivation method?* Everyone had their own theories. Even Zhao Hao’s eyes flashed with wonder. This boy’s talent was likely no less than Zhao Wan'er’s!

Zhao Hao recalled how he had first recognized Zhao Wan'er’s talent and brought her into the clan, which eventually led to his connection with Li Changsheng. Over the years, under Li Changsheng’s influence, the Zhao family had surpassed the Wang family and was on the verge of becoming the number one clan in Xianling. Thinking of the past, Zhao Hao sighed, his gaze toward Yun Chen now filled with endless tenderness, like a gentle father figure harboring great expectations for a junior.

*Hiss...*

Noticing Zhao Hao’s gaze, Yun Chen felt a jolt and his breathing quickened. *Is this man... sick?* He had been so shameless in front of the master earlier, and now his gaze toward him was just as intense. Yun Chen shivered and dared not meet his eyes, hurriedly lowering his head to devour his food. *As long as Master is here, I have nothing to fear.* Although he had not known Li Changsheng for long, for some reason, having his master by his side gave him an inexplicable sense of peace.