The Art of Chaotic Divinity-Chapter 1163: A Different Kind of Regard

"May I ask for your name, young master?"

Murong Zining offered a graceful bow to Jian Chen, her tone soft and gentle.

The hall instantly fell silent. The geniuses of the Inner Sea stared in disbelief, and even Jian Chen himself was dumbstruck. It took him quite a while to recover from the shock before hurriedly returning the bow, his face flushed with excitement. He felt as if he were dreaming; Murong Zining was actually speaking to him!

"I... I am Jian Chen, eldest grandson of the Second Elder of Heaven's Illusion Island. Miss Murong, what guidance might you have for me?"

His fists clenched tightly as he spoke, his voice trembling with nervous excitement.

Murong Zining tilted her head slightly, the crescent curve of her eyes shimmering with a smile. "So you are Young Master Jian Chen. I've heard of you for quite some time, but meeting you in person is far more impressive than the rumors. Your abilities are truly astonishing. Since fate has brought us together, would you care to exchange insights with me later?"

Jian Chen nodded repeatedly like a pecking bird. "Y-yes, of course!"

"Young Master Jian Chen, please, sit beside me. I hope we'll have a chance to learn from one another."

She spoke with graceful courtesy, inviting Jian Chen to sit by her side.

The Inner Sea geniuses who had come with her were secretly fuming, while the other men present nearly turned green with envy. How had Jian Chen stumbled upon such fortune, to sit next to this celestial beauty?

What in the world was happening?

Why was Murong Zining treating Jian Chen with such favor? Truth be told, in terms of strength, Jian Chen was indeed a King-tier cultivator, but among these Inner Sea geniuses, he was only of average standing.

As for status, his background wasn't bad, but compared to the princess of Tianhuang City, how could a mere elder's grandson from Heaven's Illusion Island possibly catch her eye?

Murong Zining glanced at Jian Chen, a faint smile lingering on her lips. He's the mysterious expert who passed through the Soul-Locking Bridge in a single breath? With spiritual consciousness like his, he could become one of the most reliable companions when exploring the Sea of Miracles.

Jian Chen, of course, had no idea that she had mistaken him for someone else. When he saw her smile at him, his heart nearly melted.

Even though he had just been humiliated by Ling Feng, now that Miss Murong was showing him favor, it was all worth it.

Even ten more humiliations would be nothing in exchange for this moment!

"So many geniuses have gathered here today," Murong Zining said with a gentle smile. "I believe you have all heard about the Sea of Miracles. My visit here is to find a few trustworthy companions, those with both character and strength. Of course, the prerequisite is possessing a Tianlan Sea Token issued by grandpa City Lord."

"Of course!"

The gathered geniuses nodded eagerly, each trying to appear more courteous than the other. Though only ten Tianlan Sea Tokens existed, those who earned the recognition of Tianhuang City could still qualify to enter the Sea of Miracles. And this Murong Zining was none other than Tianhuang City's little princess.

Her gaze swept across the crowd and finally stopped on Ling Feng, sitting quietly in the corner. Her delicate brows creased slightly.

This man completely ignored her. He was nothing like the others who fawned over her at every opportunity.

Murong Zining, who had always been treated like the moon surrounded by stars, felt a rare twinge of displeasure.

This nobody dares to act so rudely?

The Inner Sea geniuses clearly shared her enthusiasm for the Sea of Miracles, and soon, discussion filled the hall.

"Miss Murong," one of them asked, "we've heard rumors spread by the Senior Venerable of the Desolate Sea, saying that Tianhuang City discovered an astonishing treasure within the Sea of Miracles. Could you tell us what kind of opportunity it might be?"

Jian Chen, basking in the attention from those envious gazes around him, grinned proudly as he asked the question.

Murong Zining looked at Jian Chen and said softly, "I know little about the details myself. But it's said that someone once obtained an item capable of helping one ascend to the rank of Human Emperor. This time, the treasure is believed to be even rarer, perhaps even a legendary celestial artifact!"

A collective gasp echoed through the hall. Celestial artifacts existed only in legends. Even sacred artifacts were rare enough that few here had seen one in their lifetimes!

Ling Feng smiled faintly as he lifted his cup. A celestial artifact? Is that really worth all this commotion?

"Miss Murong," another Inner Sea genius said, his tone slightly bitter, "those Tianlan Sea Tokens were long ago taken by the great powers. Some of us have the ability but didn't receive early notice. Without a token, we won't have a chance to enter the Sea of Miracles!"

Murong Zining nodded gracefully. "The Grandpa City Lord has already thought of that. Two months from now, Tianhuang City will host a competition and issue five additional Tianlan Sea Tokens. Any genius who believes in their own strength may come and try their luck. If you can outshine the rest, you'll earn a token and the right to seek fortune in the Sea of Miracles."

"Haha, such wonderful news! Miss Murong, in that case, I, Hai Dagui of the Giant Whale Gang, will be reserving one of those tokens in advance!"

"Bah! You? Dream on!"

Laughter erupted through the hall.

Jian Chen shook his head, his face darkening with disappointment. He knew that with his present abilities, a victory in the open contest was impossible.

Murong Zining noticed the change in his expression and smiled softly. "Young Master Jian Chen, you're different. With your talent, you don't need to fight for a token. I can ask Grandpa City Lord to make an exception and bring you along."

Jian Chen almost jumped from his seat, wondering if he had misheard her.

The surrounding geniuses stared wide-eyed.

Make an exception for Jian Chen?

Why him?

Everyone wondered if they were still awake.

A free pass without competition?

What did Jian Chen do to deserve this?

He was just a descendant of an Heaven's Illusion Island elder. Since when did someone like that have the power to move Tianhuang City's princess to lower herself like this?

Or had Murong Zining lost her mind and fallen for him?

If one spoke of looks, Jian Chen was at best average, nowhere near Ling Feng's level. As for talent? He was nothing more than a pampered heir.

She has to be blind!

The Inner Sea geniuses were overwhelmed with envy and resentment.

Even Jian Chen himself felt as if he were floating, the situation far too unreal.

Heavens above, earth below, have I really found such luck today? Has Miss Murong actually taken a liking to me? Ancestors, are you blessing me from above?

He gazed at Murong Zining, his lips trembling, his eyes filled with awe and adoration. "Miss Murong, I understand your kindness. Rest assured, Jian Chen will never fail your trust!"