The Art of Chaotic Divinity-Chapter 1164: The Genius Jian Chen

"Ah?"

Murong Zining's expression froze, then morphed into one of utter speechlessness. What in the world is he talking about?

"You must have misunderstood, Young Master," Murong Zining said politely, shaking her head. "I am only making an exception for you because of your talent. It has nothing to do with any other reason."

"Uh..."

Jian Chen felt his face grow hot. After a brief, internal struggle, he convinced himself that Murong Zining must simply be shy and trying to maintain her reserve.

Then Murong Zining narrowed her eyes slightly, a trace of genuine admiration flickering across them. "Young Master Jian Chen passed through the Soul-Locking Bridge within a single breath. Such talent is truly extraordinary. Your spiritual consciousness must already be at the Emperor level. If I make an exception for you, my Grandpa City Lord would surely have no objections. I believe none of the other geniuses present would disagree either!"

"Passed the Soul-Locking Bridge in one breath?"

The words sent shockwaves through the hall. The Inner Sea geniuses turned wide-eyed toward Jian Chen in disbelief.

"Heavens, Young Master Jian Chen, since when did your spiritual consciousness become so terrifying?"

"One breath to pass the Soul-Locking Bridge? I took more than twenty!"

"No wonder you disappeared for over a month. So you were cultivating your spiritual consciousness!"

"Emperor level spiritual consciousness? No wonder Miss Murong holds you in such esteem. That's incredible!"

The crowd burst into murmurs of amazement, while Jian Chen's face turned so red it could drip blood. Since when did I ever pass the Soul-Locking Bridge in one breath?

But in front of everyone, he couldn't possibly say that Murong Zining had mistaken him for someone else. If he admitted that, all those admiring gazes would instantly turn into mockery.

In the corner, Tuoba Yan smiled faintly and whispered, "Ling Feng, it seems Murong Zining mistook Jian Chen for you! This is getting interesting!"

"It certainly is," Ling Feng replied with a soft laugh, his eyes narrowing. "That Jian Chen really has thick skin. Even now he can keep pretending!"

"So, should we expose him?"

Tuoba Yan's eyes gleamed with anticipation. She still remembered Jian Chen's arrogant attitude earlier and was more than happy to see him embarrassed.

"Let's wait a bit longer," Ling Feng said, raising an eyebrow. "I want to see how long he can keep up the act." He chuckled quietly. All I did was cross a bridge, and now the whole hall is in an uproar. How troublesome.

"Haha... Genius is ninety-nine percent effort and one percent talent," Jian Chen said stiffly, wiping at the sweat that had gathered in his palms. "I simply worked a little harder than others."

"Splendid words, Young Master Jian Chen. We should all take you as our example."

"No wonder Miss Murong holds you in such high regard. You're not only powerful but also humble. Truly a model for us all."

Jian Chen's lips twitched. The higher they praised him, the harder he would fall once the truth came out. He could not, under any circumstances, let anyone see through him.

When he glanced toward Ling Feng, however, he saw that faint, mocking smile playing on the man's lips. Jian Chen's throat went dry.

Could it be that the one who passed the Soul-Locking Bridge in a single breath was actually this guy?

His mind went blank. This is bad. I'm fucked!

Still, seeing that Ling Feng had no intention of exposing him, Jian Chen forced a shaky grin. "As long as everyone works as hard as I do, I'm sure you'll all achieve the same results someday."

"How humble, truly the bearing of a master."

Murong Zining smiled softly. "Later, I hope to speak with you in private, Young Master Jian Chen. With your talent, I am certain I can learn much from you."

"Hehe... you flatter me."

Cold sweat trickled down Jian Chen's forehead. This is going to end badly. If she insists on talking to me later, the truth will come out.

Just then, Ling Feng, who had been sitting silently in the corner all this time, finally rose from his seat. He gave Jian Chen a faint, knowing smile. Jian Chen's heart leapt to his throat, and he blurted out nervously, "Y-you, what do you think you're doing?"

"Why so nervous, Young Master Jian Chen?" Ling Feng asked casually. He didn't even glance his way as he turned to Murong Zining and gave a courteous fist-and-palm salute.

"Miss Murong, by coincidence I once obtained a sea map for the Sea of Miracles. May I ask if you know where, within the Sea of Miracles, that hidden treasure is located?"