C210 Unfathomable(1)

The seasoned servant, a Middle Rank Martial Master, was swiftly defeated by Woo Zhengyang. Everyone suddenly recalled what Woo Zhengyang had mentioned earlier—he had emerged from the mysterious cave in Sunset Canyon and had slain Quan Feichen there. Quan Feichen, also a Middle Rank Martial Master, was renowned as the only disciple from the nearby towns to break into the top ten of the Heavenly Martial Academy's inner circle. Initially, people were skeptical of Woo Zhengyang's claims, but he proved his words with actions.

Meanwhile, the Patriarch of the Liu family, realizing he had missed a golden opportunity, felt a chill in his heart. To prevent this opportunity from turning into a disaster, there was only one solution: eliminate this rising star before he could fully emerge. Otherwise, in just a few years, the Liu family would face ruin.

With this in mind, Patriarch Liu signaled to someone nearby and stepped toward Woo Zhengyang, speaking, "Kid, who exactly are you, and what is your purpose in disrupting my family?"

"I've already told you who I am. As for disrupting your family, do you know who the real instigator is?" Woo Zhengyang replied with a slight smile.

"Hmph! No matter the reason, today we will capture you. Anyone who dares to interfere will be considered an enemy of the Liu family. We will spare no effort to defend our family's honor!" As he spoke, Patriarch Liu gestured, and figures began to emerge from the shadows around them.

Eight martial artists of varying skill levels surrounded the entire banquet area.

"Hmph! Quite the move, Patriarch Liu. With so many people here, do you really think you can stop us?" Han Shanyuan questioned, seeing the situation unfold.

"I'm not trying to stop anyone. I just hope you all choose not to get involved in the Liu family's affairs. Otherwise, our patriarch certainly won't agree to it!"

Those who initially wanted to join Han Shanyuan in causing a stir quieted down after hearing Patriarch Liu's words. Although the Liu family’s patriarch was also at the Martial Master Stage, he had been at the peak for countless years. Given the chance, he might break through to the Shape Gathering Stage at any moment. It was because of his presence that the Liu family maintained its position among the four great families of Tianqi City.

If the Liu family patriarch's wrath were to descend, even the Han family, another of the four great families, would suffer significant losses. They had no close ties to Woo Zhengyang and weren't about to take such a reckless risk.

Han Shanyuan was furious but helpless. With only a middle-rank martial master as his companion, breaking out was nearly impossible. Besides, even if he managed to escape, what then? His father wouldn't necessarily go to war with the Liu family over Woo Zhengyang.

Even if his father had the courage, time was not on their side. With the entire Liu family mobilized, by the time they gathered enough people, Woo Zhengyang would have perished countless times over.

"Mr. Zhengyang, let's put past grievances behind us. Today, meeting you feels like reconnecting with an old friend. Your insights have been enlightening, though I find myself lacking the strength to fully repay your kindness. All I wish now is to share a drink with you, hoping you can overlook any previous misunderstandings and grant me this small favor!"

Han Shanyuan spoke as he approached Woo Zhengyang with two glasses of wine.

Seeing this, the head of the Liu family didn't intervene. He had already done enough; Woo Zhengyang was at his mercy, so a moment's delay didn't matter.

"Alright! I'll call you a friend!" Woo Zhengyang laughed heartily, taking a glass and downing it in one go.

He hadn't expected that Han Shanyuan, whom he once knocked off the stage, would stand up for him in the end. This changed his perspective on the young heirs of prominent families.

Han Shanyuan also raised his glass and drank. Then, he took out a sword and said, "This sword is a fine spiritual weapon, named Autumn Water Sword. I bought it as an engagement gift when I returned, but it turns out I won't need it. I offer it to you, Mr. Zhengyang, in gratitude for your guidance. May you wield it to carve out a bright future!"

A fine spiritual weapon!

For the small city of Tianqi, this was the pinnacle of treasures. Even the four major families had only a few such items, yet Han Shanyuan was giving it away freely.

In the past, such an event would have left everyone in awe. But tonight, it wasn't the Autumn Water Sword itself that captured everyone's attention; it was what Han Shanyuan said.

He had bought this sword for Yunyun, but despite his efforts, things didn't go as planned. At the last moment, Woo Zhengyang unexpectedly swooped in, knocking him out of the competition. Under these circumstances, the two should have been bitter enemies. Yet, they became confidants, with Han Shanyuan gifting the sword to Woo Zhengyang to use against the Liu family.

Everyone knew that Woo Zhengyang's chances of escaping were slim, and the sword would likely end up with the Liu family. Han Shanyuan was well aware of this outcome; his gift was merely a gesture of his stance. Woo Zhengyang hadn't anticipated this turn of events. After a moment's pause, he accepted the Autumn Water Sword, saying, "There's a saying: better to lose glory than to miss the spring. Shanyuan, you're a man of character, and I trust you'll witness the true spring! I'll accept this sword as a testament to your unwavering heart."

"Haha... what a line, better to lose glory than to miss the spring. I, Han Shanyuan, promise that if the day comes when spring doesn't disappoint and glory is mine, I'll reclaim this sword, no matter whose hands it's in, and we'll celebrate with a drink, Mr. Zhengyang!"