Obviously, the reason this group was laughing was because of Ian Song's comment about needing to discuss something with the Starfield Martial Sect Master.
After a moment, the young man in fine clothes put away his smile and looked at Ian Song with mockery. "Brother, what business do you have with the Starfield Martial Sect Master? Why not tell us so we can hear it too?"
Does it have anything to do with you?
Ian Song glanced at him coolly and replied without hurry. He hadn't intended to bother with this group, but since they insisted on pushing their luck, he wasn't about to play the meek underdog. Besides, if he were going to play that game, he'd pick a more worthy opponent. This crowd—these so-called noble sons—were only mid-stage Divine Sea at best, with one guy behind them at late Divine Sea.
To most people, Divine Sea cultivators were already considered experts, but in his eyes, they were just ordinary folks who happened to be a bit stronger than average.
"How dare you talk to me like that? Do you even know who I am?" The young man in fine clothes instantly darkened, his gaze turning cold.
This young man was Henry Zheng, the son of Pinefang City's lord.
Pinefang City was a territory under the Starfield Martial Sect, and Henry Zheng's father had once cultivated in Starfield.
Starfield Martial Sect has two ways of recruiting disciples.
One is a grand selection held every ten years; the other is through recommendations from local city lords.
This group of young men and women were outstanding martial artists chosen from Pinefang City's ranks. As long as they passed Starfield Martial Sect's assessment, they'd earn the right to train here.
Also, as city lord, there was a direct entry slot for Starfield, so Dawson Zheng simply gave it to his son Henry Zheng.
And what does who you are have to do with me?
Ian Song still replied in a calm, unhurried tone.
"Bastard! You must have a death wish!"
Henry Zheng was thoroughly enraged and was about to lunge forward, but the late Divine Sea stage youth behind him quickly held him back, reminding, "Young Lord, don't be impulsive. This is the Starfield Martial Sect!"
Hearing that, Henry Zheng calmed down, but he still couldn't swallow his anger.
The late Divine Sea youth lowered his voice, "Young Lord, you have a guaranteed spot as a Starfield disciple. Once you officially join the sect, dealing with him will be easy."
Henry Zheng thought it over and realized it made sense. He glared fiercely at Ian Song. "Kid, I, Henry Zheng, won't forget you. Once I become a disciple of Starfield Martial Sect, I'll deal with you slowly!"
Ian Song chuckled lightly.
Hearing that little chuckle, Henry Zheng felt an indescribable irritation and almost lost his temper again. But he knew this wasn't the place to cause trouble—if he lost his chance to join Starfield, it wouldn't be worth it.
Seeing Henry Zheng back off, the late Divine Sea youth let out a sigh of relief. He didn't care whether Henry dealt with Ian Song—he only worried that if a fight broke out, he'd get dragged into it.
Henry Zheng was the city lord's son—even if he didn't join Starfield, he'd still be set for life.
About a quarter of an hour later, Deacon Simon Sears returned, but this time he trailed half a step behind a middle-aged man, clearly indicating the newcomer's higher status.
Henry Zheng's eyes lit up when he saw the middle-aged man. He hurried forward and bowed deeply. "Uncle Jiang, your nephew Henry greets you."
The middle-aged man laughed as he helped Henry Zheng to his feet. "So it's Henry! I didn't expect you'd still recognize me after all these years!"
The man smiled and patted Henry Zheng's shoulder. "You've grown so much since we last met. How's your father these days?"
Henry Zheng glanced at Ian Song before replying, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle Jiang. My father is well, and he often mentions you to me."
"Brother Dawson is too thoughtful!"
A look of nostalgia flashed in the man's eyes, and his tone softened considerably.
Seeing Ian Song sitting there calmly, sipping his tea, the middle-aged man couldn't help but show a hint of surprise.
Henry Zheng was thrilled. This brat was way too arrogant—my Uncle Jiang is here, and he still dares to sit? His eyes gleamed as he barked at Ian Song, "How dare you! My Uncle Jiang is present, and you don't stand up? Are you looking down on him?"
Then he turned to the other young men and women: "My Uncle Jiang is an Outer Sect Elder of Starfield Martial Sect. Aren't you going to pay your respects?"
The group hurried forward to salute, looking extremely respectful, while Ian Song remained seated, steady as a mountain, not moving an inch.
Seeing this, Henry Zheng grew even more delighted. That brat was doomed for sure.
The middle-aged man was actually a petty person. He hadn't planned to bother with a young man like Ian Song, but after Henry Zheng pointed it out, he couldn't help but feel uncomfortable.
He still didn't say anything, but he made a mental note of it. If this kid didn't join Starfield, fine—but if he did, he'd have plenty of ways to make things difficult for him.
"Thank you, Elder Jiang!"
Everyone instinctively looked outside and saw an old man striding in, followed by Deacon Simon Sears.
"Elder Samuel Xia is here?"
The middle-aged man was startled, but mostly confused. Still, he hurried over and bowed. "Greetings, Elder Samuel Xia!"
They were both elders, but he was an Outer Sect Elder, while the other was an Inner Sect Elder—far superior in status and cultivation.
Elder Samuel Xia nodded symbolically and walked past the middle-aged man, then strode into the reception hall. His gaze swept the room and landed on Ian Song, and he bowed slightly. "You must be Young Master Chu, yes?"
Ian Song nodded. "That's me."
Elder Samuel Xia laughed heartily. "Haha! Young Master Chu, it's a great honor to have you visit our Starfield Martial Sect. The Sect Master was thrilled to hear the news and has already had a banquet prepared. Please, come with me!"
"Thank you for the trouble, Elder Samuel Xia."
"Deacon Sears, who... who exactly is this Young Master Chu?" The middle-aged man suddenly had a thought and asked Simon Sears.
"He's Evan Chu," Simon Sears replied.
"The one who defeated Emperor Abyss!" Simon Sears added.
The middle-aged man shuddered, cold sweat breaking out all over. Thank goodness—thank goodness—he hadn't tried to give Evan Chu a hard time just now. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable. Thinking of this, he shot Henry Zheng a less-than-friendly look.