C21 Hundred-year Genius Su Tianci!

Five years ago, he encountered a severe setback in his cultivation; foundational acupoints became blocked, causing his body to convulse and his acupoints to sting with pain every time he channeled his energy. Such agony was beyond what an ordinary person could withstand, and it severely hampered his cultivation progress.

Despite years of seeking medical expertise far and wide, nothing helped. But just moments ago, his chronic affliction was cured. Most crucially, one of the eight extraordinary meridians in his body was now flowing freely without any hindrance.

All thanks to Du Shaomu.

The young man had effortlessly remedied his hidden injuries and, more significantly, unblocked a meridian. His cultivation practice focused on water-based techniques, and this particular meridian was especially vital for such methods. With the meridian cleared, he was certain to advance a level within three days.

But the greatest benefit was the future of his cultivation, which would now yield double the results for half the effort. He was on the cusp of a monumental breakthrough—a stroke of incredible fortune!

"The Su Family, hahaha, they're truly blind!" Bai Yuanshan laughed heartily, his spirits lifted. A youth capable of effortlessly healing his condition and unblocking his meridians—such talents were usually attributed to the mythical Pill Masters.

How could such a prodigious young man be the 'waste' the rumors claimed him to be? With his abilities, he could have any woman he desired. Why would he ever seek the company of common courtesans at Yi Hong Lou? Clearly, there was more to the story, and the Su Family's deceit was undoubtedly at play.

And now, Du Shaomu was determined to eradicate the Su Family root and branch.

Outside the Du Family residence, Liu Tong and the other nine were utterly astonished. They had watched Bai Yuanshan emerge after a whole night's vigil, still exuding respect and profound gratitude. What on earth had happened? What had Du Shaomu done to elicit such deep appreciation from Bai Yuanshan, the head of the Bai Family?

"Isn't that the head of the Bai Family?!"

"Bai Yuanshan spent the entire night outside the Du Family's gates, and he's still so reverent!"

"Who in the world is inside the Du Family?"

On the streets outside the Du Family residence, now choked with an impenetrable crowd, many onlookers were taken aback as they witnessed Bai Yuanshan emerge from the compound, their astonishment growing by the minute.

"Rumble!"

"Drive..."

The earth shook and dust billowed as a squadron of riders thundered forward on their mounts.

"Aooo..."

A beastly roar, deafening and powerful, echoed throughout North Cloud City.

These were no ordinary steeds; they were the Su Family's signature Lion Horse Beasts, with heads resembling majestic lions and a speed that was incredibly swift and explosive.

At the forefront, an eighteen or nineteen-year-old youth sat astride the lead Lion Horse Beast. Clad in battle armor, he exuded an air of authority and grandeur, his eyes flashing like lightning. A cloak billowed behind him, signaling his vibrant spirit.

"Wow, it's Su Tianci from the Su Family!"

"Oh my God, it's Su Tianci. He's returned!"

The crowd erupted into a frenzy. Bold young women screamed, while young men looked on with a mix of awe and adoration.

Su Tianci, hailed as a once-in-a-century prodigy of the Su Family, lived up to his name, which meant "Heaven's Gift." At just fifteen, he had become a martial master, and by seventeen, he had reached the sixth stage of martial mastery. His talents were so remarkable that he was taken in as an outer sect disciple by the Heavenly Martial Sect, his brilliance shining over all of North Cloud City.

With Su Tianci's arrival, his entourage moved with a commanding presence, their sharp auras protected by two Su Family elders flanking them. The Su Family members who had gathered quickly made way for Su Tianci and the elders.

The Lion Horse Beasts roared like thunder, halting only a few meters from the Du Family's gates. The figures astride them radiated essence energy, pressing down upon the very air.

"Advance one more step, and you shall be shown no mercy!"

Liu Tong and his eight companions stood defiantly outside the Du Family home, their eyes flashing with lethal intent. Yet, upon scanning the area, they couldn't help but furrow their brows; the two elderly cultivators from the Du Family were formidable, both having achieved the rank of martial general.

"I'm aware you hail from the Lee Family of Fengling City," Su Tianci called out, his voice steady and commanding. "I would advise you to conduct yourselves with respect. As a disciple of the Heavenly Martial Sect, do you truly dare to challenge me?"

Su Tianci had been aware of Liu Tong and the others' presence all along, yet he had scarcely given them a second thought.

As a disciple of the Heavenly Martial Sect, he had no need to concern himself with these people.

His purpose today was clear: to deal with that waste, to restore the Su Family's honor, a family that tolerated no provocation!

"Du Shaomu, you worthless scum, you married into my Su Family, indulged in debauchery, and tarnished our name! You were cast out, bearing a grudge, and went so far as to grievously injure our steward, Su San, and kill members of the Su Family. Remembering that you were once a servant we dismissed, to avoid accusations of bullying, I challenge you to a duel on the Battlestage. Survive three of my moves without dying, and all will be forgiven. But if you cower and refuse, today I will decimate the Du Family!"

Astride his lion-horse beast, Su Tianci bellowed, his voice booming with Essence, echoing far and wide.

"Face me on the Battlestage, or cower like a turtle, and I will raze the Du Family to the ground!"

Voices from the Du Family rose and fell, their clamor reaching the heavens.

"What? Su Tianci is challenging Du Shaomu to a duel?"

"No way, Du Shaomu's just trash, right?"

"Just yesterday, Du Shaomu severely wounded Su San of the Su Family. That must be why Su Tianci wants to fight him!"

"Will Du Shaomu dare to accept the challenge?"

"Accept? Impossible. Du Shaomu's a broken man, and Su Tianci is a disciple of the Heavenly Martial Sect. Is he seeking a beating?"

"It looks like Du Shaomu will just hide away. He's no match for Su Tianci!"

The whole city buzzed with speculation and debate.

No one believed Du Shaomu would dare to accept Su Tianci's challenge. It was obvious that by accepting, Du Shaomu would be signing his own death warrant.

The people beside Liu Tong exchanged uneasy glances. Their job was to guard Du Shaomu.

But with Su Tianci being a disciple of the Heavenly Martial Sect, not even they, nor even the Marquis himself, would dare to interfere, would they?

Inside the Du Family's small courtyard, Du Shaomu was enjoying breakfast with his mother, Du Xiaohou, and their butler, Xiao Lan. A simple meal of congee and greens, yet the aroma filled the air.

"Young Master, it's Su Tianci! Su Tianci himself!"

A thunderous voice echoed through the Du household, as if it could shake the roof off its beams.

Du Xiaohou's face went pale upon hearing the name Su Tianci, a name that sent shockwaves through North Cloud City. Everyone knew of Su Tianci, who became a disciple of the Heavenly Martial Sect two years prior, causing a stir throughout the city.

"Su Tianci, Su Yuetong's cousin, huh? Playing this game... he's quite ruthless."

Du Shaomu sipped his congee, well aware of Su Tianci's reputation as a once-in-a-century prodigy of the Su Family and his initiation into the Heavenly Martial Sect two years ago.

"What do we do, Young Master?" Du Xiaohou asked, his face a mask of concern. A crowd was outside, challenging the Young Master to a duel.

"A fly is just a fly, but if you don't swat it away, it becomes a nuisance. Tell them to quiet down. I'll deal with him at the Battlestage after breakfast," Du Shaomu instructed Du Xiaohou, confident in his approach, knowing that even disciples of the Heavenly Martial Sect like Liu Tong would hesitate.

"Young Master, are you serious? You're actually going to face Su Tianci in combat?"

Du Xiaohou couldn't believe his ears. Su Tianci was a prodigy of the Su Family, a disciple of the Heavenly Martial Sect, unmatched among his peers. And his own Young Master was just an ordinary man, unable to cultivate—the gap between them was vast.

"Mu'er..."

Jiang Rou was filled with worry. Her son couldn't cultivate; how could he possibly stand against the Su Family's genius?

"Mother, please don't worry. I'll be alright. Trust me, I have a plan," Du Shaomu assured her, casting a stern glance at Du Xiaohou. "Now go, quickly!"

Du Xiaohou was quaking in his boots, yet the recent events had sparked a glimmer of confidence in his young master.

"Su Tianci, my young master says enough with your racket. He'll be over to the Battlestage to deal with you after he finishes his breakfast!"

Outside the Du Family's dilapidated courtyard, Du Xiaohou summoned all his courage and bellowed at Su Tianci before slamming the door shut, paying no further heed to what was outside.

Having given Bai Yuanshan a piece of his mind yesterday, Du Xiaohou seemed to be in far better spirits today.

Yet, the sight of the Du Family's door firmly closed left everyone from the Su Family agape, with onlookers equally taken aback.

Even Liu Tong and his companions were speechless. Was Du Shaomu truly gearing up for a showdown with Su Tianci? It seemed no different than begging for a beating.

A spasm of irritation flickered at the corner of Su Tianci's eye, his face otherwise alight with anticipation.

A prodigy of the Su Family and disciple of the Heavenly Martial Sect, he was incredulous that he'd been so blatantly disrespected by that worthless son of a servant. His fury was palpable.

He had just returned to the Su Family the previous night, not expecting to walk into such turmoil.

A servant's son, once married into the Su Family and then cast out, had the audacity to murder one of their own.

After two years of rigorous training at the Heavenly Martial Sect, his power had surged. He was ready to showcase his prowess.

But he hadn't anticipated this Du Family reject to be so audaciously dismissive, completely disregarding him.