HBWnovel Chapter 182 Arrival at Chen's House
Chapter 182 Arrival at Chen's House
The next few days passed in the cave, peaceful and long. Xu Tian remained immersed in his cultivation, while Lin Feng and Chen Xin'er stood guard beside him.
Outside the cave, sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting dappled shadows. Lin Feng and Chen Xin'er wandered through the forest, searching for food. Chen Xin'er's skirt swayed gently with her steps, a trace of fatigue and worry on her face.
While picking wild fruits, Lin Feng casually chatted with Chen Xin'er, trying to understand her worries indirectly. At first, Chen Xin'er always avoided the main issues or remained silent.
Until one evening, when the afterglow of the setting sun dyed the cave orange-red, Chen Xiner finally couldn't help herself and said, "Lin Feng, there are some things I've been hiding from you. My family situation is actually very complicated." There was a slight tremor in her voice, and her eyes were full of pain and helplessness.
Lin Feng put down the food in his hand, walked to Chen Xiner, sat down quietly, and said, "Xiner, go ahead and talk. I'm listening."
Chen Xiner took a deep breath and said slowly: "Our Chen family can become a big family in Jinyan City, all because of the support of Jiuhuang Pavilion. My grandfather Chen Shanchang, in order to break through to the Grandmaster realm, begged Jiuhuang Pavilion for help, and finally got his wish, which led to the current status of Chen family. When I was born, the Young Master of Jiuhuang Pavilion was also born on the same day. In order to repay his gratitude, my grandfather arranged a marriage with Jiuhuang Pavilion. Originally, he wanted to betroth me directly to the Young Master, but the Young Master didn't like me at all. But my grandfather felt that he had to repay his gratitude, and he even preferred to let me become the Young Master's concubine." When she said this, tears welled up in her eyes and her voice became choked.
Lin Feng listened, his heart burning with anger. He stood up suddenly and punched the stone wall next to him: "This is absolutely ridiculous! How can you sacrifice your happiness like this?"
Chen Xiner smiled bitterly and shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Grandpa was only thinking about repaying his kindness, but never considered my feelings. I firmly opposed this marriage, and ended up being locked up at home for a whole year."
Lin Feng slowly squatted down, gently held Chen Xiner's shoulders with both hands, and said with a firm and gentle look: "Xiner, don't worry, I'm here, I won't let you do anything you don't like."
Chen Xiner raised her head, eyes filled with emotion, and looked at Lin Feng affectionately. But she knew in her heart that changing all this would be difficult. A behemoth like the Nine Emperors Pavilion, once a decision was made, how could it be easily reversed? She whispered, "Lin Feng, the Nine Emperors Pavilion is a huge force. It's difficult for them to go back on their promises. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing for them."
Lin Feng raised his head slightly and smiled confidently: "Xin'er, don't worry. My strength is now comparable to that of a Grand Master. I am confident that I can go to the Nine Emperors Pavilion and explain this matter clearly."
Chen Xiner looked at Lin Feng's confident look, her heart filled with gratitude: "Lin Feng, thank you for helping me so much, but the difficulty of this is probably far beyond our imagination."
In reality, Chen Xin'er had always deeply loved Lin Feng, but she knew she was about to be forced to marry the Young Master of the Nine Emperors Pavilion. If she revealed her feelings now, it would only lead to greater pain in the future. Lin Feng also loved Chen Xin'er, but he was reserved and shy about expressing his feelings.
The two of them tacitly buried this feeling deep in their hearts. After a while, they started talking about other light topics, trying to forget those troubles temporarily.
The days passed quietly in peace, and Xu Tian's practice gradually produced remarkable results.
One morning, Xu Tian slowly opened his eyes, a gleam of light flashed in them, and he stood up excitedly: "Lin Feng, Xin'er, I feel that my cultivation has improved significantly!"
Lin Feng and Chen Xiner came over when they heard the sound, with relieved smiles on their faces.
Lin Feng patted Xu Tian on the shoulder: "Xu Tian, keep working hard, we are one step closer to our goal."
Xu Tian nodded vigorously: "Well, I will definitely not let you down!"
In the days that followed, they continued to prepare for their journey in the cave. Lin Feng patiently guided Xu Tian in his cultivation, while Chen Xiner attentively took care of their daily needs.
Once, when Chen Xiner was drawing water from the stream, she accidentally slipped and got her clothes wet.
Lin Feng hurried over, helped her up, and said with concern: "Xin'er, be careful, are you hurt?"
Chen Xiner blushed and said, "I'm fine, I was just a little careless."
Lin Feng took off his coat and put it on Chen Xiner: "Don't catch a cold."
A warm feeling surged in Chen Xiner's heart and a blush appeared on her face.
Finally, they decided to set out on the journey to Jinyan City.
After a long journey, Lin Feng, Xu Tian, and Chen Xiner finally arrived in this city that was both familiar and unfamiliar to them. They walked slowly along the wide streets, which were lined with shops and bustling with people.
Chen Xin'er's emotions were mixed, a mixture of anxiety about returning home and worry about the unknown. She lowered her head slightly, a flicker of unease in her eyes. Lin Feng, on the other hand, was calm and composed, his gaze resolute, his steps steady, as if no difficulty could stop him. Xu Tian followed behind them, curiously observing everything around him, his heart filled with curiosity about the city.
Finally, they arrived at the Chen family's gate. The vermilion door was tightly closed, and the words "Chen Mansion" on the plaque above the door were vigorous and powerful, exuding an air of majesty. Lin Feng stepped forward and gently knocked on the door.
A moment later, footsteps were heard from inside the door, and a servant of the Chen family opened it. Seeing Chen Xiner, he was startled at first, then a look of surprise appeared on his face: "The young lady is back! And she brought guests with her. Please come in!"
They were welcomed into the Chen family's home, through the courtyard, and into the living room. The living room was spacious and bright, elegantly decorated. Fine furniture was neatly arranged, and exquisite calligraphy and paintings hung on the walls, revealing the Chen family's taste and heritage.
After Lin Feng and the other two sat down, a servant hurried to report to Chen Hongtao, the head of the Chen family. The living room was filled with a tense and expectant atmosphere. Chen Xiner sat quietly, her hands tightly clasped together, her heart filled with unease. Lin Feng closed his eyes slightly, as if thinking about something. Xu Tian's expression was somewhat cold, and he kept glancing at Chen Xiner and then at Lin Feng, unsure of what would happen next.
After a while, Chen Hongtao hurried over. He was dressed in a dark blue robe, his hair was neatly combed, and his eyes were full of majesty. Seeing Lin Feng, he hurried forward to greet him.
"Nephew Lin, long time no see!" Chen Hongtao's voice was loud and there was a warm smile on his face.