Chen Chang'an Goes Out on the Street

"Elder Supreme, are you heading out?"

"Mm."

"Should I arrange some escorts for you?"

"No need."

"But it’s safer with some."

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"Well... I’m just worried, you know..."

Seeing the hesitant expressions of the Nine Clouds Immortal Sect disciples, Chen Chang'an roughly understood their concerns.

Were they afraid he’d get beaten up outside and embarrass the sect? That the esteemed Elder Supreme of the Nine Clouds Immortal Sect would be humiliated in the Heavenly Pride City? That it’d tarnish their reputation?

Did they really underestimate him this much?

"All of you, scram."

Chen Chang'an’s expression darkened, startling the others into stepping back. After all, this was the Elder Supreme—his status alone commanded respect. Who dared to defy him?

Under the anxious gazes of the crowd, Chen Chang'an left the Nine Clouds Immortal Sect’s residence.

"Holy shit!"

"What kind of getup is that?"

"The Elder Supreme of the Nine Clouds Immortal Sect? So that’s him?"

"So it’s really him? And he’s only at the fifth level of the Golden Immortal realm?"

"Why is his way of traveling so... unique?"

"Maybe... he thinks it looks cool?"

"Can’t see it, but it’s definitely... eye-catching."

"Probably just a show-off."

"Makes sense!"

Chen Chang'an’s departure drew considerable attention. Over the past few days, rumors and discussions about him had spread throughout Heavenly Pride City.

Many were eager to see what made the Nine Clouds Immortal Sect’s Elder Supreme so extraordinary that he could hold such a high position at such a young age and with such modest cultivation.

"That’s Chen Chang'an. Listen up—if you get the chance, make sure to put him in his place."

"Right. That’s the Patriarch’s order. We’d better perform well. Earning the Patriarch’s favor would be a huge opportunity for us."

"But how do we do that? He’s still the Nine Clouds Immortal Sect’s Elder Supreme. Openly attacking him wouldn’t be appropriate, right?"

"Of course not openly. But since he’s here in Heavenly Pride City to compete for the Heavenly Pride Rankings, we’ve got our chance."

"If I’m not mistaken, he’s heading toward the testing hall now."

"We might not be able to fight him, but we can sure as hell make things difficult."

"Before the Patriarch arrives, let’s make sure Chen Chang'an leaves Heavenly Pride City with his tail between his legs."

"Agreed. Let’s do it."

"Follow him."

Chen Chang'an hadn’t expected that a simple trip to the testing hall would attract such a massive entourage.

At first, it was just those looking to cause trouble. But as he walked, more and more curious onlookers joined the procession, turning it into a spectacle.

Now, in the heart of Heavenly Pride City, Chen Chang'an strode ahead with a crowd trailing behind him, giving off the vibe of a big shot making his grand entrance.

"Bro, what the hell do they want?"

"Been following us for so long—maybe they’ve taken a liking to you?" Da Huang teased.

"Shut it!"

"Even if it’s the truth, you shouldn’t say it out loud."

"Have you considered their feelings?"

"Now they’re all embarrassed."

Ugh!

Chen Chang'an’s words triggered a collective gag from the crowd behind him. Damn it, have you no shame?

Who’d take a liking to you?

Who do you think you are?

Just because you’re a little handsome?

Just because you’re the Nine Clouds Immortal Sect’s Elder Supreme?

Just because...

As they thought about it, they realized Chen Chang'an didn’t seem to have any flaws—aside from his slightly lacking cultivation.

Still, that didn’t stop them from despising him, cursing him...

"Look, they’re so happy they’re vomiting."

"Da Huang, you’ve got to watch your words."

"Can’t go around spitting facts like that." Chen Chang'an chided sternly.

"Bro, I was wrong."

"I didn’t realize their love for you ran so deep."

"Nor did I expect them to be so... fragile."

"Ah, my mistake."

"I shouldn’t have made all these admirers suffer."

"Bro, I’m sorry." Da Huang said with exaggerated sincerity.

"To err is human, to repent is divine."

"You’re not hopeless yet."

"Yes, bro."

The back-and-forth between Chen Chang'an and Da Huang left everyone speechless.

They’d seen narcissists before—but never one this delusional.

And that damn dog! Listen to yourself—was that even human speech? Oh, wait... it wasn’t human to begin with.

Despite the crowd’s seething resentment, they still followed Chen Chang'an all the way to the testing hall.

As one of the Ten Great Heavenly Pride Cities, the testing hall in Flowing Cloud Domain was packed—overflowing, even.

Every aspiring talent in the domain who had any interest in the Heavenly Pride Rankings would come here to test themselves.

Even if they couldn’t compete for a spot on the rankings, just testing their strength, seeing how they measured up, and earning the right to challenge the Heavenly Pride Tower was worth it.

"Elder Supreme, you've arrived?"

"Are you here for the test as well?"

The disciples of the Nine Clouds Immortal Sect quickly stepped forward to greet Chen Chang'an with respectful bows as soon as they noticed his presence.

This also drew the attention of others in the testing hall, who couldn't help but cast curious glances his way.

"The Elder Supreme of the Nine Clouds Immortal Sect is participating in the Heavenly Pride Rankings?"

"Interesting, though his cultivation seems rather lacking, doesn’t it?"

"How did he even become an Elder Supreme?"

"You don’t know? Have you just arrived in Heavenly Pride City?"

"Yes, I arrived today. Why?"

"Then let me enlighten you."

Chen Chang'an hadn’t expected that no matter where he went, he’d end up becoming the center of discussion.

Now, the entire testing hall had abandoned their assessments, all buzzing with gossip about him.

It seemed everyone was eager to see how the Nine Clouds Immortal Sect’s Elder Supreme would fare in the test.

"Beginner zone, intermediate zone, and advanced zone?"

"The testing hall in the Flowing Clouds Domain actually has three divisions?"

Chen Chang'an noticed that the hall was split into three sections—beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The first two were crowded, while the advanced zone stood completely empty.

"Elder Supreme, the testing monuments are tiered."

"Most people take the test in the beginner zone. Those with some ability move to the intermediate zone."

"As for the advanced zone..."

"To be honest, it’s a bit of a waste. Hardly anyone bothers testing there—it’s unnecessary and just invites embarrassment," explained a disciple of the Nine Clouds Immortal Sect.

Embarrassment?

Well, if one lacked the strength but still insisted on testing in the advanced zone, they’d indeed become a laughingstock.

"What’s the limit of the intermediate testing monument?" Chen Chang'an asked.

"Oh, the beginner zone caps at the peak of the Celestial Immortal realm, while the intermediate goes up to the peak of the Immortal King realm."

"So the intermediate monument is more than enough. Those under thirty thousand years old who surpass the Immortal King realm are as rare as phoenix feathers."

"Oh?"

"Then what’s the limit of the advanced testing monument?"