Chapter 560: Acquaintance Huo Jifeng, the Unblinking Ling Xuan

Jiang Chen's indifferent disregard seemed like a provocation to that professional.

His face darkened, and he was about to lose his temper, but another companion beside him grabbed him tightly.

His companion, a stout Warrior, gently shook his head at him, signaling him to calm down, then pulled him away quickly from Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen paid no mind to their actions; after admiring the scenery before him, he set out on the climb again.

The professional who was pulled away, named Ling Xuan, was clearly displeased with his companion's removal and struggled to turn back to confront Jiang Chen.

"Li Gang, what are you doing? Why are you pulling me?" he asked angrily.

Li Gang, the stout Warrior, calmly shook his head, "Ling Xuan, I'm not pulling you, I'm saving you."

Ling Xuan obviously didn't believe, "Saving me? What are you joking about?"

Li Gang took a deep breath and looked at him seriously, "Think carefully yourself: that young man is so young yet can come here; do you think his strength is weak?"

"Even if he is not as strong as you now, how can anyone gauge his future potential?"

Ling Xuan's expression shifted slightly upon hearing that; he truly hadn't considered that point. He had just been angered by Jiang Chen's youth and words, without deeper thought.

Li Gang patted his shoulder, "Think it over well, and then catch up yourself." After speaking, he turned and continued climbing upward.

Soon, Li Gang spotted Jiang Chen's figure. He quickened his steps, caught up, and initiated conversation, "Brother, my companion's words earlier were a bit harsh; I hope you don't mind."

Jiang Chen glanced at him and gave a faint smile, "No problem." He truly hadn't taken the matter to heart.

Li Gang, seeing Jiang Chen's magnanimity, admired him silently, shifted the topic, and tried to draw closer, "Brother, are you also preparing to go to the Tianshan God Palace Dungeon?"

Jiang Chen gave a slight nod in response.

Li Gang, seeing this, continued his introduction, "We belong to the Mountain Sea Guild and have a regular Instance team. Though our Score isn't top‑tier, we can still run the Instance with a solo participant. If you need anything, you can find me. I'm Li Gang, Level 67 Warrior, Mountain Sea Guild Tianshan God Palace Strategy Group Third Squad Team Leader."

Jiang Chen smiled in reply, "Alright, thank you."

Li Gang left after a brief exchange with Jiang Chen. Jiang Chen observed Li Gang and found him quite clever, knowing how to stay neutral in complex interpersonal dealings and avoid making enemies.

From Li Gang's words, Jiang Chen could sense that the Mountain Sea Guild, while not a top force, is not without depth. They are not inactive, yet cannot be compared with a powerhouse like the Blue Leaf Guild.

Jiang Chen understood that Li Gang's offer to bring him into the run, though well‑meaning, was largely driven by profit. After all, an extra slot in an Instance means extra earnings, and Jiang Chen's participation, even as a "boss," could bring additional economic return to the team.

At the final thousand‑meter altitude, the wind and snow gradually faded, and especially in the last five hundred meters the storm ceased entirely, revealing a clear mountain path. Jiang Chen proceeded while admiring the scenery, as if within a beautiful painting. He no longer used his flight Skill, but walked firmly on the snow, feeling the fresh chill of the ice.

Jiang Chen's relaxed demeanor attracted the attention of those around him. He wore a short shirt, yet showed no fear in the cold wind, treating soul pressure as nothing, which added to his mystique. Some cast envious glances, while others looked on with jealousy and disdain.

Not far from the Instance Entrance, the Mountain Sea Guild's party also trudged onward. Li Gang and Ling Xuan had rejoined the party, but Ling Xuan remained dissatisfied with Jiang Chen's attitude. He saw Jiang Chen remain effortlessly relaxed under soul pressure, and his resentment grew.

At the front of the party stood a burly man, the Mountain Sea Guild Team Leader, whose sharp gaze swept over Jiang Chen as he whispered, "This person is not ordinary." Ling Xuan dismissed it, retorting, "Team Leader, you are overestimating him, aren't you?" The Team Leader said little, but his eyes grew more wary.

The burly man remained silent, merely continuing forward. His gaze hinted at recognition of Jiang Chen, though unspoken. He knew Ling Xuan's contempt for Jiang Chen would only entangle him in unnecessary trouble.

Ling Xuan persisted, "Team Leader, are we in the Mountain Sea Guild still afraid of him?"

The burly man shook his head again, "It's not fear, it's caution." He paused, then added, "Our guild does have some strength, but we must learn to stay low‑key before stronger foes."

Ling Xuan, though unwilling, dared not say more after seeing the Team Leader's stern expression. He knew the Team Leader was the most foresighted in the guild, and his decisions were usually correct.

In the few hundred meters before the Instance, the weather was bright and calm, a stark contrast to the earlier harsh conditions. No snow fell here, and the ground was clean and fresh, giving a sense of tranquility and peace. Soul pressure still existed, but here it served as a force to forge the soul.

For years, countless professionals have come to challenge this Instance; it has long become a gathering point for various forces. Major guilds and universities each have camps here, and even a sizable area is occupied by the military. The Tianshan God Palace Dungeon is not only a challenge site for professionals but also an important base for the military to train soldiers.

Jiang Chen headed straight to the Instance Entrance. He had previously sought Hong Jishi and borrowed several Advanced Cooldown Talismans. Now he possessed ten Advanced Cooldown Talismans, enough to run the Instance continuously five hundred times. Such preparation would allow him to boost his strength rapidly in a short period.

"Brother Jiang!" a hearty voice called, and Jiang Chen turned to see Huo Jifeng. This member of the Blue Leaf Guild had passed the trial and arrived here. His strength was impressive; being Level 60 and able to reach this point already demonstrated his capability.

Huo Jifeng jogged a few steps to Jiang Chen, "Brother Jiang, what brings you here as well?" his tone carried a hint of surprise.

Jiang Chen smiled, "I'm here to run the Instance."

Huo Jifeng laughed heartily, "What a coincidence, we're also heading to run the Instance; there's one slot left in our party, I'll add you." He cheerfully invited Jiang Chen to join their team, treating him as no outsider.

Then Huo Jifeng added, his tone full of sincerity, "Brother Jiang, don't misunderstand; I simply wish to invite you along, not intend to make you the boss. Your strength, I naturally trust."

Jiang Chen smiled in reply, "Thanks for the kindness, but I truly intend to Solo Run."

Ling Xuan's laugh rang again, sharp and grating, "Hahaha, what a joke, who do you think you are? Claiming to Solo Run the Tianshan God Palace Dungeon is sheer bragging without a draft!"

Jiang Chen calmly turned his head toward Ling Xuan, "It seems you have some misunderstanding about me."

Ling Xuan laughed even more brazenly, "Misunderstanding? I think you've misjudged your own strength! Young man, don't think that a few level-ups make you invincible; the Tianshan God Palace is not as simple as you imagine."

Huo Jifeng shouted again, "Ling Xuan, shut up!" His voice was cold and firm, full of unquestionable authority.

Ling Xuan shivered at the rebuke but still glared at Huo Jifeng, "Who are you? On what right do you command me?"

At that moment, Ling Xuan's Team Leader intervened again, grabbed his collar and dragged him backward, "You even dare to ignore Young Master Jifeng's words? Apologize at once!"

Ling Xuan was lifted by the Team Leader so high his feet left the ground; while struggling he reluctantly said, "Sorry, Young Master Jifeng, I was blind as a bat."

The Team Leader quickly apologized to Huo Jifeng, "Young Master Jifeng, my sincere apologies; I will properly discipline this fellow." After speaking, he dragged Ling Xuan away from the scene.

Jiang Chen paid no mind to the minor incident; he gave Ling Xuan a faint glance, then turned to Huo Jifeng, "Brother Huo, I truly intend to Solo Run."

Huo Jifeng, now somewhat solemnly respectful, said, "Brother Jiang, you really intend to Solo Run? This... this is an extremely difficult Instance."

Jiang Chen nodded, "Yes, I have my own plan."

Huo Jifeng took a deep breath, "I understand. If Brother Jiang ever needs anything, you can always find me."

Jiang Chen gave a slight smile, "Thank you."

At that moment, a familiar voice called, "Jiang Chen, you came too." The voice carried a hint of surprise and anticipation.