"Well, Younger Brother Tang, I won’t hide it from you. I’ve come today to bring your Tang Family some good news," Zhu Yan said with a wide grin.
"Oh? And what might that be?" Tang Haotian asked, puzzled.
Although he and Zhu Yan lived in the same city and were constantly running into each other, their relationship wasn’t particularly deep. If there was good news to be had, Zhu Yan certainly wouldn’t think of the Tang Family first. This was why Tang Haotian was so confused by Zhu Yan’s announcement—he even felt a faint sense of worry.
"The Chief Examiner for Fengyue City this time is from our West Mansion Inner Mansion. You should be aware of this, Younger Brother Tang," Zhu Yan said, not answering directly but posing a question instead.
"I am aware of that. It’s been the case for years. But what does that have to do with my Tang Family?" Tang Haotian still didn’t understand.
Seeing Tang Haotian’s expression, Zhu Yan chuckled and said in a mildly chiding tone, "Younger Brother Tang, after all this talk, are you going to make me stand here the whole time? Won’t you invite me to sit?"
"Oh, of course, please sit, Master Zhu. Look at me, I was in such a rush asking questions that I forgot my basic hospitality. I hope Master Zhu won’t take offense," Tang Haotian said hurriedly.
After they both sat down, Zhu Yan said to Tang Haotian, "Rest assured, I won’t hold it against you. Who knows, I might even need to rely on your Tang Family in the future."
Seeing Tang Haotian was still completely in the dark, Zhu Yan stopped beating around the bush. "This year’s Chief Examiner is named Wang Zongyao," he added. "He’s from the Wang Family of the West Mansion Inner Mansion and wields immense power. This time, someone from your Tang Family has earned his favor, and he sent me to extend an invitation."
"Ah?"
Tang Haotian was stunned. He then asked, "May I ask who from our Tang Family has earned Lord Wang’s favor?"
"Who else could it be from your Tang Family but the Third Young Master, Tang Piaomiao? Senior Brother Wang told me to come and invite a young talent from the Tang Family. Your family has produced two such people: one is Tang Mingtian, and the other is Tang Piaomiao. I know Tang Mingtian’s talent is excellent, but he’s already an adult. So, besides Piaomiao, who else could it be?" Zhu Yan said with a confident smile. Inwardly, he was patting himself on the back for his brilliant deduction.
"Ah." Tang Haotian’s eyes widened as he began to understand what was happening.
’But,’ he thought to himself, ’could Master Zhu have made a mistake?’
’It’s true that the Tang Family had only produced two notable geniuses in the past. But now, there’s another one—Tang Yi!’
’Yi’er isn’t an adult yet either, so he also counts as a young talent.’
’Could it be that Wang Zongyao actually wants to see Yi’er?’
’But how would Yi’er have any connection to that Wang Zongyao?’
’Or is the person Wang Zongyao wants to see really Tang Piaomiao?’
’In any case, this is a good thing.’
Thinking this, Tang Haotian decided not to point out the potential misunderstanding. He didn’t mention that Tang Yi could also be considered a young talent. Instead, he asked, "Master Zhu, does Lord Wang wish to see Piaomiao right now?"
"Indeed. Your Tang Family is truly fortunate to have gained the appreciation of the West Mansion Inner Mansion’s Wang Family. A meteoric rise is just around the corner for you," Zhu Yan said with envy.
"That must be thanks to Master Zhu putting in a good word for us with Lord Wang. Otherwise, how could such a wonderful thing happen to us?" Tang Haotian laid on the flattery, which greatly pleased Zhu Yan. ’Tang Haotian really knows how to play the game,’ Zhu Yan thought to himself.
Just then, Tang Haotian summoned a disciple and ordered, "Go, go and bring Third Young Master Tang Piaomiao here."
Just as the disciple was about to leave, Tang Haotian stopped him. After a moment’s thought, he added, "Bring Tang Yi over as well."
The disciple acknowledged with a "Yes, sir," and quickly departed.
From the side, a confused Zhu Yan asked, "Younger Brother Tang, this Tang Yi... if I recall correctly, he’s your son, isn’t he? I heard he was born unable to culti—"
As he spoke, Zhu Yan glanced at Tang Haotian. Seeing that the Clan Leader’s expression remained unchanged, showing no sign of displeasure, he relaxed and continued, "You only needed to summon Tang Piaomiao. Why call for Tang Yi as well?"
"Master Zhu, due to his issue with talent, my son was a bit withdrawn in his youth and hasn’t had much chance to see the world. Since we’re going to see Lord Wang, and Piaomiao is also young, I thought they could go together. This way, not only can Tang Yi get some experience, but Piaomiao will also be less nervous with someone familiar by his side. What do you think?"
"I see... Very well, then. I’ll take Tang Yi with us. But let me be clear: you must tell Tang Yi to watch himself. If anything goes wrong, I won’t be able to save him," Zhu Yan said after some thought.
Zhu Yan didn’t feel it was right to refuse Tang Haotian’s request. After all, what father doesn’t want a better life for his son?
He was a father himself, so of course he understood Tang Haotian’s intentions.
To be honest, Zhu Yan rather pitied Tang Haotian. He was the leader of a clan, yet his son was a waste who couldn’t cultivate. On the Saint Martial Continent, this was practically a death sentence. It was impossible to predict what the future held for him. He figured Tang Haotian was trying to find another path to survival for Tang Yi.
"Rest assured, my Yi’er has a very stable character," Tang Haotian said, full of confidence in his son.
"That’s good," Zhu Yan nodded.
As they spoke, Tang Yi and Tang Piaomiao arrived at the main hall. The disciple had found them practicing martial arts together, so they came at the same time.
"Tang Yi greets Father."
"Piaomiao greets the Clan Leader."
Tang Yi and Tang Piaomiao said in unison.
"Good, good." Tang Haotian nodded, then gestured toward Zhu Yan. "This is the Mansion Master of our Fengyue City, Zhu Yan. Quickly, greet Master Zhu."
"Greetings, Master Zhu."
Tang Yi and Tang Piaomiao said in unison.
"Mm, Piaomiao is certainly a fine-looking talent." Zhu Yan’s gaze first fell upon Tang Piaomiao. Although young and with a face that still held a trace of childishness, he exuded the confidence of an expert. Furthermore, his strength had already reached the level of a Nine-star Martial Master. At such a young age, to possess this kind of temperament and power, his future achievements would be limitless.
This left Zhu Yan very satisfied and further confirmed his suspicions. ’Even I find him impressive,’ he thought. ’He must be the young talent Wang Zongyao wants to see. I can’t be wrong.’
After evaluating Tang Piaomiao, Zhu Yan finally turned his gaze to Tang Yi, who was standing to the side.
"Huh?"
Seeing Tang Yi, Zhu Yan suddenly let out a gasp of surprise.
Tang Yi’s appearance was reasonably handsome, but not to the level of an exceptional beauty. In a crowd, you might not even be able to pick him out. His frame was also a bit thin, perhaps from years of not practicing martial arts.
But... despite this appearance, his entire being exuded a murderous aura.
When Zhu Yan, a warrior at the Battle Spirit Level, sensed this murderous aura, he couldn’t help but tremble slightly as a trace of fear crept into his heart.
Moreover, being unable to cultivate was a devastating blow for anyone. His eyes should have been lifeless, and he should have been utterly lacking in confidence.
Yet the Tang Yi standing before him had sharp, spirited eyes and was brimming with confidence. He stood as straight as a pine tree, giving off an impression of strength and resolution. There was even something deep and abyssal about him, a truly terrifying feeling.
This person...
’Is this really the Big Waste, Tang Yi, who can’t cultivate?’

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