C48 Huang Ruoshan(1)

The turn of events was somewhat unexpected for Woo Zhengyang. His original intention was to shatter Lau Ruyue's confidence. From what he knew of Lau Ruyue, he was unlikely to accept a challenge or admit defeat. Unexpectedly, Huang Ruoshan was so straightforward, disregarding any camaraderie, that he left Lau Ruyue in an awkward position.

Although it was for the reputation of the Iron Cloud Sect, it was clear that Huang Ruoshan was someone who didn't tolerate nonsense. His unwavering dedication to martial arts was undoubtedly a key factor in his achievements.

"Is there anyone else who wants to step up?"

With Lau Ruyue conceding, Woo Zhengyang was ready to give Huang Ruoshan some credit and not press further. However, he intended to keep his promise. If any other members of the Lau family wanted to challenge him, Woo Zhengyang wouldn't hold back.

Scanning the crowd, Woo Zhengyang's gaze landed on a young man around twenty. Aside from the Lau family members who were away, this young man was the most skilled of his generation, a Seven-star Martial Disciple.

The young man had been ready to step forward earlier, but Lau Ruyue had beaten him to it. Now, as he met Woo Zhengyang's eyes, he hesitated. He couldn't gauge Woo Zhengyang's true strength, and rushing in only to end up humiliated was not something he wanted.

He didn't step up, and none of the younger generation in the Lau family dared to make a move either. For a moment, the entire Lau family seemed to be overshadowed by Woo Zhengyang, who managed to hold them off with just one hand.

"Even though you're a new disciple, I can tell you're no ordinary person. I love sparring with talented individuals. How about a match?" Huang Ruoshan's offer broke the awkward silence, sparking everyone's interest again.

Huang Ruoshan, the prodigy from the Iron Cloud Sect, was challenging Woo Zhengyang, clearly to regain some honor for his sect. Although both were outer disciples from different sects, Woo Zhengyang's prowess was evident. Still, Huang Ruoshan's challenge seemed a bit beneath him, and Woo Zhengyang could easily refuse without issue.

"Alright!" Woo Zhengyang accepted. He was out to gain experience, and it was clear that Huang Ruoshan had a strong martial spirit, making him a worthy opponent.

"I've already overstayed my welcome here. This isn't the right time or place. Let's meet tomorrow at noon in the arena at Bright Sun City!" Huang Ruoshan said, clasping his hands in respect before taking his leave.

With the situation as it was, the banquet lost its purpose, and the guests quickly dispersed.

Lau Qingfeng, the head of the Lau family, had hoped today would be the day his son gained fame and brought honor to the Lau mansion. Instead, it turned into a farce. The carefully prepared food and drinks never even made it to the table before everyone left.

Lau Qingfeng, usually the authoritative head of the family, was now seething with anger, his eyes filled with menace as he watched Woo Zhengyang walk away. Yet, he couldn't act impulsively. In the past, he could have discreetly eliminated Woo Zhengyang without a second thought, considering him insignificant. But now, Zhengyang was an outer disciple of the Profound Heaven Sect, showcasing remarkable talent. If anything were to happen to him at the Lau family’s hands, the family would soon face obliteration. Internal conflicts among the sect's disciples were one thing, but outsiders harming a disciple was a direct challenge to the Profound Heaven Sect.

Lau Qinghan brought Woo Zhengyang and Uncle Fu back to his own courtyard, eager to learn about Zhengyang's experiences. Despite Qinghan's kindness, Zhengyang couldn't reveal his biggest secrets. Uncle Fu was someone who would lay down his life for him, but Qinghan might not. So, Zhengyang simplified his story, which was still enough to leave Qinghan astonished.

When Qinghan learned that Zhengyang had accepted a task from the city lord's office upon his return, he couldn't help but smile. Qinghan's amused expression left Zhengyang puzzled, and after some probing, Zhengyang could only smile wryly himself.

In Bright Sun City, the city lord's office had a unique way of announcing certain tasks, which held a deeper meaning within the four major sects. Essentially, it was a matchmaking endeavor.

In the country, from royalty to local leaders, and even smaller families like the Lau family, there was a strong preference for disciples from the four major sects. Having them join a family was seen as a significant boost to the family's status.

Therefore, when these families had eligible young women of good character and appearance, they would issue a symbolic three-star task to the four major sects, including the woman's name. The hope was that a disciple from one of the sects would come forward, leading to a potential marriage match.

If successful, the family would fully support the woman's husband, helping him advance within the sect. The condition was that if he reached the age limit for joining the inner sect, he would return to marry the woman and remain with the family.