C8 Today Thetega Family Would Definitely be Annihilated!

A shout suddenly pierced the air, instantly drawing the gaze of everyone in the room.

Janette gave Wood an icy stare. "You're lucky, for the moment. I'll deal with you later."

She turned on her heel and strode away, her silhouette receding into the crowd.

As the audience watched, an elderly man with snowy white hair stepped out from the inner hall, a retinue of people in tow.

Before long, the Stark and Ortega families had all arrived, with guests taking their seats in anticipation.

Craig, today's celebrated figure, stood out with his handsome features and imposing height. Backed by the prestigious Ortega name, he captivated many of the young women in attendance, who looked on with shining eyes.

The Stark family's young lady made her entrance, her tall, graceful figure and beautiful face drawing nods of approval.

"Simply wonderful," the Ortega family members murmured, visibly impressed by the poise of their soon-to-be relative. The surrounding guests were quick to offer their felicitations.

"The Ortega family's young master is truly a paragon," one guest exclaimed. "He and the Stark family's young lady are a perfect match—a sight to behold!"

"Who among our distinguished guests would like to step forward with a word of congratulations?" Randall's voice rang out with authority.

In Sky City, the privilege of giving a congratulatory speech at a wedding banquet was a coveted honor, one that came with a handsome reward from the host family.

With the Ortega family's reputation for generosity, several guests were eager to volunteer.

As Randall finished speaking, a voice cut through the buzz of anticipation.

"I will."

Wood stepped up, his declaration drawing attention.

Randall beamed. "Thank you, my friend. I'm grateful for your willingness to speak."

"Save your gratitude," Wood countered, his tone taking a serious turn. "Before I say anything congratulatory, I have a question for you."

Randall's welcoming smile wavered. He wanted to scold this brazen man, but with so many eyes upon him, he held back. His voice stiff with restraint, he replied, "My friend, please hold any questions for later. Today is a day of great celebration for the Ortega family, and I ask that you honor this joyful occasion."

"No need. If this issue doesn't satisfy me, then there's no reason for the Ortega family to continue existing," Wood declared with finality.

What?

His words echoed through the hall, sending shockwaves across the room.

In the VIP section, Larkin was about to speak up, but a stern look from Wood silenced him. He quickly sat back down, mopping the cold sweat from his brow, thinking, "That was close—I nearly ruined the Commander's plans."

Bang!

The Ortega family members were livid. Janette shouted, "The nerve! To come into our home and cause such chaos!"

Randall's voice was laden with anger. "What gives you the right to disrupt our celebration? This is beyond the pale!"

The guests were dumbstruck, none had anticipated such a turn of events.

"Randall, tell me, was your family involved with the incident in Northgard five years ago?"

Boom!

The question struck Randall like a bolt from the blue.

"Who are you?" he demanded, his face ashen.

Janette was beside herself with rage. "Someone deal with this madman! Let him learn the consequences of wreaking havoc in the Ortega household!"

The doors flew open as two muscular security guards barreled in.

"Take him down!" Janette commanded.

The guards lunged forward.

In the blink of an eye, Wood stood his ground while the guards were sent hurtling through the air, spitting blood and crashing into furniture.

"The Ortega family sure has a grand sense of justice," Wood remarked coldly. "To think that a simple disagreement warrants death. Does the empire's law mean nothing here in Vriayledo?"

Janette scoffed, "You clearly don't understand. In Vriayledo, our word is the law."

"Very well, then," Wood growled, his rage palpable.

From the VIP seats, Larkin was drenched in sweat, realizing, "The Ortega family has sealed their fate."

No one crosses the God of Soldier and escapes unscathed.

But Janette was not deterred. "What are you waiting for? He can't take on all of us. Get him!"

At her command, several more guards armed to the teeth charged at Wood. But he was unstoppable, like a tiger amidst sheep, and the security detail crumbled before him.

Ah! Ah!

A horrifying scream echoed through the hall as a phalanx of armed security guards charged at Wood, only to be cut down within a minute. The grand hall of the Ortega family was now a gruesome tableau of bodies, bones piercing skin, blood flowing freely, the stench of iron thick in the air.

A collective gasp filled the room.

The Ortegas were a mix of shock and terror.

Thud!

The Ortega family patriarch's face was a storm cloud of dread as his dragon-headed cane hit the floor with a resounding boom.

"Enough," he intoned, the fear in his voice unmistakable. "Cease this now, and we can act as if it never occurred."

Janette's eyes were wide with disbelief. "Grandfather, we can't simply let him walk away! Our family's honor is at stake!"

"Silence," the elder Ortega commanded sharply.

Wood's gaze swept over the Ortegas, his voice a cold sneer. "I warned you—the end of the Ortega family is upon us."

Hiss!

The guests shrank back, the sound of their collective intake of breath reverberating in the hall as they scrambled to hide, desperate to avoid the fallout.

"Very well," the patriarch's voice was a blade of frost. "Don't blame me for what comes next. Summon Master Wu."

Relief flickered across the faces of the Ortegas as a formidable middle-aged man strode into the hall. His piercing gaze surveyed the room before landing on Wood.

"Master Wu, we are grateful for your assistance," the patriarch said, nodding his respect.

Janette's confusion was palpable. "Grandfather, who is this Master Wu?"

"Master Wu, real name Wu Zhiguo, is a titan among men," the patriarch explained, a spark of hope in his eyes. "Two decades ago, he was unbeatable across the land, famously defeating the boxing champion of Frunsey with a mere three punches. He's a one-man army."

Whispers of awe spread like wildfire. "So it's Wu, the boxing champion! No wonder he looked so familiar—he's a living legend!"

"It's really him."

"After nearly ten years out of the spotlight, the legendary Wu has reemerged within the Ortega family," the guests murmured among themselves, a mixture of admiration and disbelief coloring their tones.

Wu Zhiguo, basking in the respect shown to him, turned his attention to Wood, ready to engage.

"Young man, your skills are impressive. With your natural talent and the right mentor, you could reach new heights. It pains me to see a martial arts prodigy's potential go to waste."

He crossed his arms behind his back. "Kneel and bow thrice, and I shall grant you safe passage from here."

Wood scoffed at the offer.

"A boxing champion? I've laid low more 'champions' than I care to count. What are you to me?"

Enraged, Wu Zhiguo charged. "Impudent!"

He struck with the force of a boulder, his fist cutting through the air, the shockwave rippling outwards.

"Disrespectful youth, your end is nigh!"

As Wu Zhiguo uttered the word 'end,' Wood sprang into action.

*Boom!*

Their fists collided with a thunderous impact, sending shockwaves through the hall.

In the next moment, to the shock of all onlookers, Wu Zhiguo was hurtling backward, a geyser of blood erupting from his mouth, his arm grotesquely twisted, his body deformed beyond recognition.

"Impossible!" Wu Zhiguo gasped, his eyes bulging in shock as he coughed up more blood.

Wood's gaze was icy as he turned to face the Ortega family.

"Now, it's your turn."