C250 Lau Qingfeng(1)

The inner and outer gates of the Profound Heaven Sect aren't limited to just the Martial Master Path. Otherwise, the elders and stewards would have to climb it every time, which would be quite inconvenient.

To be precise, the Martial Master Path is merely a trial path for martial disciples to become martial masters. The true gateway between the inner and outer gates is called the Profound Heaven Gate!

The Profound Heaven Gate stands at an impressive height of about 10,890 feet and a width of about 1,089 feet. Legend has it that this gate was forged by the founder of the Profound Heaven Sect using the power of a solitary peak, and it has been fortified with a powerful, enduring enchantment that protects it from the elements.

“Is this... the Profound Heaven Gate... Cousin, was the place we were just at... the inner gate?” Lau Ruyan asked, her face filled with disbelief as she gazed at the towering gate.

Woo Zhengyang was about to nod when Ruyan exclaimed again, “Cousin... are you now an inner disciple of the Profound Heaven Sect?”

Zhengyang nodded along with her question.

Ruyan then asked, “Cousin, have you reached the Martial Master Stage?”

Zhengyang could only nod once more.

Ruyan, not noticing Zhengyang's resigned expression, looked from the towering Profound Heaven Gate back to him and murmured, “This... this is so fast! Just a few months ago, you joined the Profound Heaven Sect, and now you're an inner disciple... If the Lau family knew about this, they'd surely regret their past actions even more.”

"Alright, let's go!"

Since Woo Zhengyang had decided to head to Bright Sun City, Lau Ruyan couldn't do much to stop him. After a quick breakfast and some light packing, they set off. Still, Lau Ruyan was worried.

In her view, apart from Uncle Fu, no one else could save the Lau family. Even if Woo Zhengyang returned, it might not have any real impact. Using Uncle Fu's name might not help either. Although Lau Ruyan trusted Woo Zhengyang wouldn't deceive her, what about everyone else? If Uncle Fu didn't show up this time, others would surely believe the rumors that he had died. Without an expert at the Shape Gathering Stage, their enemies would have no reservations about attacking the Lau family.

It wasn't until she realized Woo Zhengyang had reached the Martial Master Stage and become an inner disciple of the Profound Heaven Sect that Lau Ruyan's worries eased a bit, though she still felt uncertain. An inner disciple of the Profound Heaven Sect was indeed intimidating for a small place like Bright Sun City. However, Woo Zhengyang's situation was quite unique. As a Martial Master, his future seemed uncertain, especially since he had offended the Heavenly Martial Academy. A prodigy from there, Moh Lunhui, was determined to eliminate Woo Zhengyang.

Many believed Woo Zhengyang stood no chance against Moh Lunhui, who was incredibly powerful. The people of Bright Sun City, having witnessed the Lau family's overnight decline, understood Moh Lunhui's strength well. Even advanced Martial Masters couldn't withstand a single move from him, leaving Woo Zhengyang seemingly trapped in a dire situation.

A disciple destined to perish in the inner circle of the Profound Heaven Sect—how many would truly care?

A thousand words can't match the power of a single punch.

Woo Zhengyang had grown accustomed to the rule of strength prevailing these days. He didn't say much to Lau Ruyan, just continued traveling day and night.

A few days later, Woo Zhengyang and Lau Ruyan arrived in Bright Sun City. During this time, the city was abuzz with whispers and intrigue. As soon as they appeared, the news spread to many families.

The focus wasn't on Lau Ruyan or Woo Zhengyang, but on the expert at the Shape Gathering Stage, Uncle Fu. The core of the news was simple: Uncle Fu hadn't returned.

Returning to Bright Sun City and the Lau mansion, Woo Zhengyang's reception was worlds apart from his last visit. The family head, Lau Qingfeng, and his uncle, Lau Qinghan, along with others, waited outside the mansion upon receiving the news. When they saw Woo Zhengyang and Lau Ruyan, most wore broad, albeit somewhat insincere, smiles, except for a few like Lau Qinghan, who remained stoic.

These smiles, though somewhat hollow, were meant to convey their regret.

Even these insincere gestures, Woo Zhengyang knew, were largely due to Uncle Fu standing behind him.

"Zhengyang, welcome home. The day you showcased your prowess in the Bright Sun City arena, I, as your uncle, didn't get the chance to host a banquet in your honor before you left. It's truly a pity..." Lau Qingfeng approached with long strides, attempting to pat Woo Zhengyang on the shoulder in a friendly gesture, but Woo Zhengyang subtly avoided it.

Lau Qingfeng was taken aback when his attempts to curry favor with Woo Zhengyang fell flat. His smile froze awkwardly on his face, which was already strained and now looked even more uncomfortable. Woo Zhengyang, uninterested in Lau Qingfeng's display, walked right past him to stand before Lau Qinghan.

At that moment, Lau Qinghan appeared weary, his face shadowed with age and streaked with gray hair.

"Uncle," Woo Zhengyang murmured respectfully.

"Dad..." Lau Ruyan echoed timidly, peeking out from behind Woo Zhengyang.

Lau Qinghan sighed deeply, casting a disapproving glance at Lau Ruyan before addressing Woo Zhengyang. "These are troubled times in Bright Sun City. You shouldn't have come back."