In the Lin family's discussion hall in Cangshan City, the atmosphere was tense. Lin Tianxiong, the head of the Lin family, and Li Gan, head of the Li family, sat facing each other, their expressions dark and foreboding.
"Brother Li Gan, the Jiang family's strength is soaring. If we do nothing, it won't be long before they dominate Cangshan City. We can't just sit back and wait for our doom," Lin Tianxiong broke the silence, his voice cold.
Li Gan frowned, deep in thought. "Do you have a plan, Brother Lin?"
"We must eliminate Jiang Chen!" Lin Tianxiong's eyes flashed with murderous intent. "He's too dangerous. As long as he's alive, the Lin and Li families will never see the light of day."
Li Gan hesitated. "Jiang Chen defeated Jiang Qianhe with a single punch and subdued the Blood Fiend Gang by himself. His strength might be on par with Jiang Wuya in his prime. Getting rid of him won't be easy."
Lin Tianxiong sneered. "Even if he's reached the ninth level of the Qi Protection Realm, if you and I join forces, we have a chance. Think about it—how could Jiang Chen grow so powerful so quickly? He must have a secret."
He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Aren't you curious?"
Li Gan's eyes flickered with greed. He knew Jiang Chen's background well. The boy had been a well-known "waste" in Cangshan City for years, stuck at the second level of the Body Tempering Realm. Yet, in a matter of months, he had become one of the most formidable figures in the city.
There had to be a secret. If they could uncover it, they might unlock a path to power beyond the Qi Protection Realm—perhaps even reaching the Foundation Opening or Pill Condensation Realm.
"Well, Brother Lin, since you're so determined, I'll join you in this endeavor," Li Gan finally agreed. "When do we strike?"
"Patience," Lin Tianxiong replied. "The Jiang family is well-protected. Apart from Jiang Chen, they have Meng Qingxue, a top genius from the Lingyun List, and the eighth-level Qi Protection master from the Blood Fiend Gang. Even if we attack together, it won't be easy."
A cruel smile played on his lips. "But Jiang Chen won't stay in the Jiang family compound forever. The day he leaves will be his last."
---
Meanwhile, at the Jiang family residence, Jiang Chen sat in his room, his eyes fixed on an oval-shaped object about a foot long, adorned with intricate flame patterns.
He had found the object in a storage ring given to him by Blood Fiend. As soon as he took it out, a familiar voice echoed in his mind:
[Ding! You've found a damaged Fire Beast egg. Triggering hundredfold comprehension!]
[Ding! You've comprehended the method to repair the Fire Beast egg!]
Jiang Chen's eyes widened slightly.
"An ancient beast egg?" he murmured.
Beside him, Meng Qingxue gasped, her usually calm demeanor shattered. "Is... is that really an ancient beast egg?"
Jiang Chen nodded. "Yes, it is."
Meng Qingxue's eyes sparkled with disbelief. "A Fire Beast... with a trace of the bloodline of the Fire Qilin!"
The Fire Qilin was a mythical creature from ancient times, renowned for its immense power. This Fire Beast upon reaching adulthood could reach the sixth rank—comparable to a human warrior at the peak of the Divine Sea Realm.
Such a creature was beyond rare. Even Meng Qingxue, who had seen many wonders, found it difficult to contain her astonishment.
"If we can hatch this egg," Jiang Chen said, his voice calm but resolute, "it will become a formidable ally for the Jiang family."
Meng Qingxue's heart raced. Jiang Chen's ability to refine pills and master martial arts was already extraordinary. Now, he had the chance to control a legendary Fire Beast.