"So that’s Tang Mingtian? The number one genius of our Tang Family?"
"I heard he was in secluded cultivation at Qingxin Courtyard on the back mountain. Why is he out?"
"Tang Mingtian is going to duel Tang Yi, too? My god."
"Tang Mingtian is nothing like Tang Fangzhou. Tang Yi might have killed Tang Fangzhou, but there’s no way he can beat Tang Mingtian!"
"If I were Tang Yi, I’d never agree to this fight. It’s no different from suicide."
"He doesn’t have a choice. By killing Tang Fangzhou, he’s made an enemy of the Seventh Elder’s entire branch of the family. The Seventh Elder won’t let Tang Yi off the hook."
"But why is Tang Mingtian sticking up for Tang Fangzhou from the Seventh Elder’s branch?"
"Didn’t you see the beauty next to him? That’s Tang Fangzhou’s younger sister, Tang Fanghua!"
"Ooooh..."
"Brother Tang Yi, that’s Tang Mingtian, a genius from the Grand Elder’s branch of our Tang Family. He’s incredibly strong. Rumor has it he’s already broken through to the Battle Grandmaster level," Tang Lian whispered to Tang Yi after running up onto the arena platform.
"Tang Yi, you brat! What? Scared? If you’re scared, then obediently cripple your own Cultivation and get out of the Tang Family. This old man might just spare your life for now," the Seventh Elder threatened, completely ignoring Tang Haotian.
Even though Tang Haotian was the Clan Leader, the Seventh Elder was his senior by a generation. With his grandson Tang Fangzhou just having been killed, how could he possibly let the matter drop just because Tang Yi was the Clan Leader’s son?
"Yi’Er, if you don’t think you can win, don’t force it. Your father will back you up no matter what," Tang Haotian said earnestly to Tang Yi behind him, meeting the Seventh Elder’s gaze.
A warmth spread through Tang Yi’s heart. "Don’t worry, Father," he said. "I’m confident."
According to the information from his Celestial Eye Technique, Tang Mingtian had reached the level of a One-star Battle Grandmaster, while he himself was a Nine-star Battle Master. They were separated by an entire major realm, a power gap that was more than trivial. But with his Earth Tier Martial Technique and other various techniques, Tang Yi was confident he could defeat Tang Mingtian!
Tang Yi was even confident he could defeat the Seventh Elder!
However, to be completely certain of his victory, he needed to buy a few days’ time. With a powerful leveling tool like the system, why should he fight a life-or-death battle? Wouldn’t it be far more satisfying to level up, then come back and crush these so-called geniuses?
’Just a One-star Battle Grandmaster!’
Turning to Tang Mingtian, Tang Yi declared, "Tang Mingtian, since you wish to challenge me on Tang Fangzhou’s behalf, how could I refuse? Three days. In three days, I will fight you on the Martial Arts Arena. We’ll see who the true number one genius of the Tang Family is!"
"Good! I will await your presence in three days!" Seeing Tang Yi’s absolute confidence, Tang Mingtian felt a surge of excitement.
In his eyes, Tang Yi was undoubtedly a worthy opponent.
’The number one genius of the Tang Family? Very good,’ Tang Mingtian thought. ’In three days, I will grind you under my heel and show you the meaning of the word genius!’
"Sister Hua, let’s go," Tang Mingtian said. With that, he left the arena platform.
"Tang Yi, just you wait! You’ll pay for my brother’s life with your own!" Tang Fanghua threatened him viciously before following Tang Mingtian away.
"I’ll be waiting," Tang Yi said.
"Hmph!" With a cold snort, the Seventh Elder shot Tang Yi a furious glare, then turned to Tang Haotian. "I hope the Clan Leader will be as fair and impartial then as he was today."
"Rest assured," Tang Haotian said coolly. "This is Tang Yi’s own decision. As long as he steps onto the Martial Arts Arena and signs the life-and-death waiver, I won’t fly into a rage and go after a junior, whether he lives or dies... unlike *some* people."
"You! We’ll see about that!" The Seventh Elder glared at Tang Haotian, then with a flick of his embroidered robes, turned and vanished into the crowd.
Seeing that the show was over, the crowd began to disperse in small groups, all excitedly discussing the fight between Tang Yi and Tang Fangzhou, as well as the upcoming duel between Tang Yi and Tang Mingtian in three days.
In a moment, only three people were left on the arena platform: Tang Lian, Tang Haotian, and Tang Yi.
"Yi’Er, are you truly confident? Mingtian is the most talented genius our Tang Family has seen in the last century," Tang Haotian said, his voice laced with concern.
Though he had put on a calm front for everyone else, he knew Tang Mingtian’s talent was exceptional. He had also cultivated several of the Tang Family’s Profound Tier Martial Techniques and was incredibly formidable. Tang Haotian couldn’t help but worry for his son.
"Don’t worry, Father. I’m absolutely certain," Tang Yi said.
He thought to himself, ’I’ll head to the Wind Moon Forest to level up in a bit. After that, what’s a mere Tang Mingtian to me?’
"Good. Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease." Tang Haotian’s expression was one of admiration. He was extremely pleased with the Tang Yi before him—composed, mature, and self-assured. It was an excellent showing.
Also...
’That martial technique Tang Yi just used... what level was it exactly?’
Though he was curious, Tang Haotian didn’t voice his question. ’Every Martial Artist has their secrets, after all.’
"Keep up the good work. I’ll be going now."
Tang Haotian glanced at Tang Lian, patted Tang Yi’s shoulder, gave him a wink, and then turned to leave.
In the end, only Tang Lian and Tang Yi remained on the arena platform.
Both Tang Yi and Tang Lian understood the meaning behind Tang Haotian’s gesture.
"Lian’Er."
Tang Yi gave a small smile as he looked at Tang Lian.
"Mm?"
Tang Lian hummed in response, then lowered her head, not daring to meet Tang Yi’s gaze.
"Thank you," Tang Yi said earnestly.
If Tang Lian hadn’t warned him just now, Tang Fangzhou’s sneak attack might have cost him his life. This "thank you" was not a casual remark; it was a heartfelt expression of gratitude.
Tang Yi was also extremely fond of this girl, Tang Lian.
"Ah!"
Hearing Tang Yi’s words, Tang Lian paused for a moment before replying, "What is there to thank me for? My heart has long belonged to Brother Tang Yi. Anything I do for you is only natural."
"DING! Congratulations to Player Tang Yi for gaining 5 points of favorability with Tang Lian. Current favorability: 80. Tang Lian is now completely devoted to you."
"Silly girl." Tang Yi patted Tang Lian’s head. If he could, he would marry this lovely girl in a heartbeat. But unfortunately... he couldn’t. He wasn’t worthy.
At least, not yet.
It was said that Tang Lian came from an extraordinary background. In his current state, he was simply not good enough for her.
He had to become much stronger to be worthy of Tang Lian.
Only when he was strong would such difficulties cease to be an obstacle between them.
Besides, it wasn’t the right time for marriage. There were too many other things he needed to do.
’Tang Mingtian, Shangguan Siyu, the Purple Cloud Sect... Hmph!’
’When I rise to power, none of you will escape!’

Comments

Loading...