They were distributed throughout the plaza, guarding the safety of the shrine according to their ranks.
"Buzz~~~"
Suddenly, the void rippled slightly.
Streams of light tore through the air, rapidly descending above the plaza.
"Halt, who goes there!"
Seeing the figures approach, the red-robed guards immediately shouted and blocked the path of the streams of light.
Whoosh!
Whoosh whoosh whoosh!
Accompanied by continuous whistling sounds, dozens more streams of light shot forward, hovering in the sky above the plaza.
"Can the Chu clan's sacrificial ceremony commence?"
"The sacrificial ceremony is a grand event for our Chu family spanning centuries, how can it be delayed?"
"Hurry and enter."
As the streams of light dispersed, figures were revealed within.
Almost all the core members of the Chu clan were present!
The two leading figures were both clad in black robes, exuding a chilling aura of killing intent, clearly not to be trifled with.
These two were the Chu clan's Sword Elders, brothers Chu Kuangdao and Chu Kuanghu.
Both Chu Kuangdao and Chu Kuanghu possessed cultivation levels of Yuan Gang seventh stage or higher!
Especially Chu Kuangdao, who had already reached Yuan Gang eighth stage and was only half a step away from the Yuan Dan realm!
Chu Chen's gaze swept across the crowd, and after identifying the figures in the plaza, his eyes narrowed.
"The Chu clan's martial artists number over three hundred."
Chu Chen murmured softly, a hint of surprise in his heart.
However, upon reflection, he felt it was understandable.
After all, the Chu clan was inherently a martial arts family with a deep foundation, and naturally had an abundance of martial artist experts within its ranks.
"Huh?"
"I seem to see some familiar figures..."
Suddenly, Chu Chen's eyes sharpened, and his brow furrowed as if he sensed something.
His memory was excellent, and with just a glance, he recognized many of his enemies who had once pursued him among these figures.
"Hmph! That scoundrel Chu Chen has indeed returned!"
"He lives up to being a genius of the Chu clan, but now, your death day should be here!"
"This kind of trash dares to return! He's practically courting death!"
In the Chu clan's plaza, those Chu clan members who held grudges against Chu Chen sneered and mocked him with schadenfreude, unreservedly.
"Hmph!"
Chu Chen snorted coldly, but deigned to ignore them, instead striding towards the end of the plaza.
He knew that Chu Tianyang and his father Chu Zhanshan had returned earlier, so he had arrived at the plaza in advance, waiting in the very center of the ancestral plaza for the clan elders to arrive.
"Haha, Chu Kuangdao, Chu Kuanghu!"
"Do you two have a place in today's family ancestral sacrifice?"
A burst of arrogant laughter echoed. Amidst the clamor, a young man dressed in opulent attire, riding a Fiery Steed, charged forward rapidly.
This young man was robust and powerfully built, with his hands behind his back, his demeanor arrogant, showing no regard for the Chu Kuangdao and Chu Kuanghu brothers.
"Chu Chen!"
"You traitor, you dare to return, aren't you afraid of death!"
Hearing the other's arrogant words, Chu Kuangdao was enraged and immediately swung the iron spear in his hand, pointing it at the man and shouting.
"Chu Kuangdao, don't try to scare me with your broken weapon. If it were Chu Feng, I might have some fear!"
Chu Chen sneered, his face filled with disdain. "Unfortunately, you are Chu Feng's uncle, and Chu Feng has long since become a cripple. What makes you think you can contend with me?"
"Since you wish to court death, I shall send you on your way!"
Chu Kuangdao was furious. With a sudden flick of his wrist, a jet-black iron spear, sharp as a javelin, shot out from his hand, transforming into a streak of light and piercing towards Chu Chen!
Bang!
Chu Chen raised his hand and threw a punch. The fist's aura exploded, shattering the iron spear into countless metal fragments!
"Hahahaha, Chu Kuangdao, I was prepared for your treachery long ago, so I have also prepared a gift for you. You should like it, right?"
Chu Chen grinned sinisterly.
Chu Kuangdao's face turned ashen, and he roared, "Chu Chen! Do not deceive me. If you truly have any schemes, then bring them forth quickly!"
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen chuckled coldly and took out an ancient jade pendant from his embrace.
"Hmm? This is... my Dragon Mark Seal! How do you have my seal!"
The moment Chu Kuangdao saw the jade pendant, his pupils constricted sharply.
"Heh heh, Chu Kuangdao, how did your item end up in my hands?" Chu Chen said with a playful smile.
He had indeed looted the Chu family patriarch's luggage, but he hadn't searched it. Instead, he had gone directly to Chu Kuangdao's treasure vault and casually stolen his seal.
"This is impossible!" Chu Kuangdao shook his head, refusing to believe it.
Chu Kuangdao's seal was his lifelong treasure, which he always kept on his person.
Who would dare to touch such an important item besides himself?
"Heh heh, don't believe me?"
Chu Chen sneered and took out another silver note, tossing it onto the ground.
Clatter!
"This is my silver note," Chu Chen said indifferently. "Chu Kuangdao, I recall you owe me ten thousand taels of silver, right? I am returning it to you now. Are you willing to accept it?"
"Chu Chen, you rebellious son! I absolutely forbid you from stepping into my Chu family. Get out!"
Chu Kuangdao roared, his voice like thunder, causing the eardrums of everyone in the plaza to ache.
Chu Chen, however, couldn't help but let out a scoff. "Who do you think you are? You tell me to leave, and I'll leave?"
Swish!
As he spoke, Chu Chen flicked his finger, and a spark instantly incinerated the silver note on the ground, its ashes drifting down.
"You...!"
Chu Kuangdao roared, his eyes bloodshot, staring at Chu Chen with maddened hatred!
However, at this very moment, a hunched-over, wrinkled-skinned, seemingly frail old man with white hair suddenly appeared outside the plaza.
"Lord Kuangfeng!"
"Lord Kuangfeng has arrived!"
Instantly, all eyes in the plaza were drawn to him. Everyone's expression became excited, and they all bowed respectfully towards the white-haired old man.
This was because the white-haired old man was the Chu clan's Supreme Elder – Chu Kuangfeng.
Although Chu Tianxiong was the patriarch of the Chu clan, Chu Kuangfeng was the foremost figure in the Chu clan.
His word carried even more weight than that of Patriarch Chu Tianxiong!
All the scions of the Chu clan had to bow to him and pledge allegiance!
Even the legitimate sons and illegitimate sons of the direct bloodline had to show respect to Chu Kuangfeng, lest they be expelled from the Chu clan and lose their inheritance rights.
Beside Chu Kuangfeng, a group of Chu clan elders surrounded him, escorting a carriage that slowly approached.
"Grandfather!"
"Father!"
Chu Kuangdao and Chu Kuanghu both knelt on the ground, calling out respectfully.
These two top experts of the Chu clan actually knelt before the white-haired old man simultaneously.
Chu Chen was filled with confusion and quickly looked up. Immediately, his eyes widened, revealing extreme shock!
He saw that within the luxurious carriage sat an old man in a white robe with white hair and a youthful complexion.
His eyes were piercing and full of spirit, and his entire being exuded an aura of majesty.