Mainland Martial Arts

Chapter 202 Chen Shanchang

The scene shifts to the Chen family's magnificent mansion, a silent fortress housing countless stories and secrets. The building is tall and majestic, its red walls and green tiles gleaming in the sunlight, highlighting the Chen family's prominent position in Jinyan City.

Today, the entire Chen family was filled with an atmosphere of tension and anticipation. The reason was simple: the family's pillar of support—Chen Xin'er's grandfather, Chen Shanchang—was about to emerge from a lengthy period of seclusion.

Chen Xin'er's father, Chen Hongtao, arrived early at the retreat chamber, accompanied by two highly respected elders. Chen Hongtao's face was resolute, his eyes revealing both respect and concern for his father. He wore a dark blue robe, cinched with a golden belt, appearing solemn and majestic. The two elders, with white hair and penetrating eyes, had witnessed the rise and fall of the Chen family and silently prayed for Chen Shanchang's safe exit.

The door to the secret room was tightly closed, like a mysterious barrier separating the outside world from the inner world. The air around them seemed frozen, so quiet that one could only hear their own heartbeats. Sunlight filtered through the leaves in the courtyard, creating patches of light, but it couldn't dispel the tense atmosphere.

Suddenly, a slight tremor erupted from the chamber, as if a powerful force were awakening. Chen Hongtao and the two elders trembled slightly, their eyes fixed on the chamber's door with increasing anxiety. With a low rumble, the door slowly opened. A powerful aura washed over them, causing Chen Hongtao and the two elders to involuntarily step back.

Chen Shanchang slowly emerged from the secret room. His figure was tall and straight, like an unshakable mountain. His face looked much younger, perhaps only in his forties or fifties, but his long beard and slightly worn clothes betrayed the long years of seclusion he had endured. His eyes were deep and bright, as if he could see through everything in the world. His hair, neatly tied back, though slightly gray, exuded an air of majesty.

Chen Hongtao and the two elders hurried forward, clasped their fists together and shouted, "Congratulations, father, for your successful advancement." Their voices were filled with joy and reverence.

Chen Shanchang nodded slightly, but a trace of regret crossed his face. He sighed and said, "What a pity! I've only reached the level of a Half-Step Grandmaster and can never break through to Grandmaster." His voice was deep and powerful, as if expressing his unwillingness.

Chen Hongtao quickly said, "Father is getting closer and closer to becoming a Grandmaster, and a breakthrough is only a matter of time." His eyes were full of confidence, hoping to give his father some comfort.

After hearing this, Chen Shanchang also laughed out loud, and then said, "Hongtao, you are still good at talking." His laughter echoed in the courtyard, as if breaking the tense atmosphere.

Then Chen Shanchang asked, "Why is Xin'er not here? Where did she go?" There was a hint of concern in his eyes.

Everyone hesitated and remained silent. They knew that Chen Shanchang loved Chen Xin'er very much, and now that Chen Xin'er was not at home, they didn't know how to respond.

Chen Shanchang, observing everyone's reactions, understood what was happening. He frowned slightly, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. He was silent for a moment, then said, "Hmph, I knew it. This girl must have gone out to have some fun again." His tone held a hint of blame, but more of it was worry.

Chen Hongtao said cautiously, "Father, Xin'er...she might have gone out for something important."

Chen Shanchang glared at Chen Hongtao and said, "What could be more important than staying at home? You elders don't even know how to discipline her properly."

The two elders lowered their heads quickly, not daring to speak. They knew that Chen Shanchang was furious, and it was best not to offend him at this moment.

At this time, Chen Shanchang noticed that Chen Xiner must not be at home, so he didn't say anything, but shook his sleeves and walked out. His actions revealed a hint of helplessness and disappointment.

Chen Shanchang was speechless about his three sons. In his opinion, none of them were reliable. They always made him worry, but they could not share more responsibilities for the family.

As Chen Shanchang walked, he sighed inwardly. He recalled his ambitions in his youth, when he had led the Chen family to glory. But now he had to worry about these useless sons and granddaughters.

Then Chen Shanchang came to the living room of the Chen family, sat down, and asked the servants to serve the food, because Chen Shanchang had not eaten for several years.

The living room was spacious, bright, and richly decorated. Exquisite calligraphy and paintings hung on the walls, and the floor was covered with thick carpets. Chen Shanchang sat in the main seat, quietly waiting for his meal to arrive.

The servants were busy shuttling around, and soon, delicious dishes were placed in front of Chen Shanchang. These dishes were delicious in color, aroma, and taste, and they made people's appetites increase greatly. However, Chen Shanchang did not pick up his chopsticks immediately, as he was still thinking about Chen Xiner.

He didn't know where Chen Xin'er had gone, or whether she was safe. In this dangerous world, he was worried that something might happen to Chen Xin'er. He decided to send someone to look for Chen Xin'er after dinner.

Chen Shanchang waited for a long time before the servants finally brought the dishes. The dishes were delicious, emitting an alluring aroma. However, Chen Shanchang had no desire to savor the food. His only concern was the safety of his granddaughter, Chen Xiner.

Chen Shanchang picked up his chopsticks and slowly savored the dishes. His movements were graceful and deliberate, as if he were savoring the ups and downs of life. Each dish brought back memories of the past, and those good times seemed to be right before his eyes.

While Chen Shanchang was eating, the living room was completely silent. The servants stood quietly by, not daring to make a sound. They knew that Chen Shanchang was in a bad mood and did not dare to disturb him.

Halfway through his meal, Chen Shanchang put down his chopsticks and sat there quietly. His eyes revealed a hint of contemplation, as if he was thinking about the future of his family. He knew that the Chen family was now facing many challenges, and he had to find Chen Xiner as soon as possible and bring her back to the family.

At this time, the atmosphere in the Chen family was unusually solemn. Chen Shanchang's three sons, Chen Hongtao, Chen Hongyun, and Chen Hongyu, stood before Chen Shanchang with their heads lowered, looking bewildered like children who had made a mistake.

Chen Shanchang looked at them, his eyes filled with helplessness and disappointment. He frowned slightly, sighed softly, and then said, "Alright, you guys are all grown up, can you please stop acting like children?" His voice was not harsh, but it carried an unquestionable majesty.