Chapter 248: Chapter 248: Chairman Chen, as Fierce as a Tiger
Chapter 248: Chairman Chen, as Fierce as a Tiger
After a few hours of travel, Chen Ye arrived in the capital that afternoon.
Before coming, he hadn't informed Chairman Chen of his visit, planning to give him a surprise. However, when he went to the association headquarters to look for him, Chairman Chen wasn't there. Instead, he met Ba Liming.
"Hello, Shibo!" (Shibo: a respectful term for a senior martial uncle in Chinese martial arts or cultivation contexts.)
In the spacious and brightly lit lounge, Chen Ye, who had been sipping tea, immediately stood up and greeted him politely when he saw Ba Liming appear.
It had been a while since they last met, and Chen Ye noticed that Ba Liming seemed to have changed significantly. Yet, he couldn't quite pinpoint what exactly had changed.
"Sit down. Let's talk," Ba Liming said as he gestured for Chen Ye to sit, then casually took a seat opposite him.
He scrutinized Chen Ye carefully, his expression growing puzzled.
Ba Liming vividly remembered his first meeting with Chen Ye when he could sense the powerful vitality within him. Even during the last celebration banquet, this vitality was palpable.
This time, however, he felt nothing.
Clearly, his cultivation had progressed since then, so his sensory abilities should have improved. Yet now, he couldn't perceive Chen Ye's aura at all.
It was truly odd.
The reason, however, was simple.
Chen Ye had grown far stronger, and the quality of his vitality had transcended mortal limits. Additionally, Chen Ye had learned to better control his power over time. Now, as long as he chose to conceal his presence, he appeared no different from an ordinary person—except for his weight, which couldn't be hidden.
"Chen Ye, it was thanks to your advice last time that I didn't continue down the wrong path," Ba Liming said. "If it weren't for your words, I might never have caught a glimpse of the divine mysteries in this lifetime. I owe you my gratitude! Tell me, what do you want?"
Chen Ye humbly replied, "Shibo, I just said a few casual words. I'm glad they were of help to you. Besides, you're my elder; there's no need to be so formal with me. I don't really need anything."
He wasn't exaggerating.
Although Chairman Chen's status wasn't as high as Ba Liming's, in terms of wealth, Ba Liming was far behind him.
Why?
Because Chairman Chen had a wife who was exceptionally good at making money.
Thus, Chen Ye truly lacked for nothing—at least materially.
Ba Liming knew this, so he could only sigh. "What a pity you're not pursuing the martial arts path. Otherwise, I'd take you as my disciple and teach you everything I know!"
Chen Ye had no doubt about Ba Liming's sincerity.
This senior figure embodied the essence of a true martial artist, never engaging in flattery or empty words. He said what he meant.
Afterward, the two chatted for a while longer.
When Ba Liming glanced at the time, he stood up and said, "It's the end of the workday. Let's go! I'll take you to see your father."
Chen Ye naturally followed.
Shortly after, the two shared a car ride to Ba Liming's dojo.
Standing at the entrance, Ba Liming smiled and said, "Your father has been secluded here recently, focusing on comprehending his breakthrough. It's been a few months since you two last saw each other, hasn't it? Don't be too shocked when you see him. He's undergone some major changes lately."
Hearing this, Chen Ye's curiosity was piqued.
Ba Liming's dojo was massive.
Beyond the front courtyard lay a large, serene garden with a traditional aesthetic—rock formations, flowing streams, and lush greenery. The tranquil environment exuded a sense of peace, making it an ideal place for retreat and martial cultivation.
Under Ba Liming's guidance, Chen Ye soon arrived at a spacious training hall.
Calling it a training hall was an understatement—it resembled an ancient martial arts arena.
The room had no modern equipment. Instead, it was filled with traditional martial training tools such as plum blossom poles, wooden dummies, and racks of weapons like swords, spears, and staffs.
At the center of the hall, a figure sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion.
As Chen Ye stepped into the training hall, the figure seemed to sense his presence and immediately opened his eyes.
At that moment!
Chen Ye felt as if he were staring into two glowing light bulbs.
"Chen Ye?" Chairman Chen immediately stood up upon seeing his son arrive.
Ba Liming was right—Chairman Chen had changed significantly.
Previously, he carried the weariness typical of a middle-aged man. Now, however, Chen Ye could only sense a vibrant vitality emanating from him. His father resembled a robust tiger in its prime, his eyes gleaming with a penetrating sharpness, his presence commanding and awe-inspiring.
Compared to Chang Ming, whom Chen Ye had encountered before, his father seemed even more imposing.
"Why aren't you at school attending classes? What brings you here so suddenly?" Chairman Chen asked.
Chen Ye smiled and replied, "Well, it's been months since we last met, and I missed you. So, I came to see you."
Although the words were a bit insincere, Chairman Chen couldn't help but smile.
For a father, the greatest joy is having filial children.
"It's time for dinner," Ba Liming interjected. "I've reserved a table at the restaurant next door. Junior Brother, after dinner, you can catch up with your son. Let me host my talented nephew first."
Ba Liming generously left the dojo to the father and son while he returned to his villa.
As the president of the Ability Users Association and one of the most powerful figures in the country, it was perfectly normal for him to own multiple properties, wasn't it?
In the Dojo
Once Ba Liming had left, Chairman Chen immediately questioned his son. "Didn't I tell you to come next month? Why are you here ahead of schedule? Is something up?"
"As expected, I can't hide anything from you, Dad!" Chen Ye said with a smile.
"Spit it out. What's the matter?"
Chen Ye raised his right hand and said, "Dad, take a look at this!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he activated his Armament Haki.
Buzz!
In an instant, Chen Ye's fist turned pitch black, gleaming like polished metal under the light.
"Huh?" Chairman Chen was stunned.
"This is… manipulating vitality? No, it's completely different from vitality manipulation…" Chairman Chen carefully observed, frowning. "What kind of ability is this? It makes your skin so hardened. The toughness has already surpassed some metals, hasn't it?"
"This is Armament Haki!" Chen Ye explained with a smile. "It's a special ability given to me by a senior in a secret realm."
Hearing this, Chairman Chen's expression darkened. "Was it from the time you went to Secret Realm No. 30 with Captain Qin?"
"Yes!" Chen Ye admitted openly.
Chairman Chen snorted coldly. "You'd better keep your distance from that Captain Qin. Don't go around chasing after every pretty face. I only recognize Tang Zichen as my daughter-in-law!"
Chen Ye was dumbfounded and quickly defended himself. "No… Dad, do I look like that kind of person?"
"Yes!" Chairman Chen replied decisively.
Chen Ye: "…"
Alright. He'd forgotten about his history.
"Dad, you've got it all wrong. I was just helping her out."
"You'd better be!" Chairman Chen stared at his son intently.
"Let's not talk about this anymore!" Chen Ye quickly changed the subject. "Dad, the reason I came early this time is that I want to teach you Armament Haki. If you can master it, your strength will definitely reach a whole new level."
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