C54 A True Expert(1)

"Overestimating yourself!" the black-robed man sneered, casually stepping over people as he made his way to the ring. Those in front scrambled to get out of his path, but in such a crowded space, escape was nearly impossible. Many were trampled, some even coughing up blood, their fate uncertain.

"Uncle, head of the family, Mayor, members of the Lee family, I, Lau Qinghan, implore you to protect Zhengyang just this once. I swear on my life to repay this debt," Lau Qinghan pleaded, turning to the three prominent families watching the scene unfold.

Though the black-robed man claimed he wanted to take on a disciple, his actions were suspicious. His disregard for human life was evident as he trampled over people without a second thought. If Lau Qinghan hadn't blocked the recent attack, Woo Zhengyang would have been severely injured, if not worse. Lau Qinghan knew his strength was spent, so he humbled himself to ask for help, hoping the three families would join forces.

"Qinghan, if this elder wants to take on a disciple, it's a blessing for Woo Zhengyang. Why would he need protection?" Lau Qingfeng replied, as if oblivious to the chaos and injured people around him.

With Lau Qingfeng's response, it was clear he had no intention of intervening. The other two families remained silent and showed no signs of stepping in either. Despite Woo Zhengyang's potential, no one was willing to risk offending a powerful figure at the Shape Gathering Stage.

"Uncle, there's no need to worry. I'll go with him," Woo Zhengyang said, not expecting any help from the three major families. He knew his own strength was no match for the black-robed man, whose power seemed insurmountable. So, Woo Zhengyang made his decision.

"Hmph... At least you know your limits! I'm taking him, and no one in this little town dares to stop me!" The black-robed man sneered as he landed on the platform. As he spoke, a blood-red vine shot out from his robe.

The vine glowed ominously, curling toward Woo Zhengyang, intending to bind him and take him away. Such a method of recruitment was certainly unusual.

Suddenly, a giant hand of vital spirit appeared out of nowhere, sweeping the vine aside with a gentle wave. The eerie red glow instantly dimmed.

The appearance of the vital spirit hand left everyone wide-eyed.

Another powerful figure had emerged, clearly more formidable than the black-robed man. The vital spirit hand had materialized out of thin air, a feat requiring at least mid-level mastery of the Shape Gathering Stage.

The sudden appearance of the black-robed man had already shaken Bright Sun City. Now, with an even stronger figure revealed, the townspeople realized they had underestimated the hidden talents among them.

But who was behind that Vital Spirit Giant Hand? And why would they help Woo Zhengyang?

Over at the three big families' side, everyone was wide-eyed, especially the Lau family. When they saw the black-robed figure appear, they were secretly pleased. They hadn't expected another Shape Gathering Stage expert to show up and assist Woo Zhengyang. This was definitely not good news for the Lau family.

"Who goes there?" the black-robed figure called out, retracting the vines.

The entire square fell silent, everyone waiting to see who this unexpected expert might be.

As the crowd scanned the area, a figure quietly stepped onto the platform from an inconspicuous corner below.

The person stood beside Woo Zhengyang and spoke, "I won't allow it. Who dares to take the young master?"

"Uncle Fu!" someone from the Lau family recognized him.

"This can't be..." Lau Qingfeng and others stood up, eyes wide with disbelief.

"Could the expert who intervened just now really be this old man dressed as a servant?"

"No way!" The crowd was utterly shocked.

Uncle Fu's appearance sent a wave of excitement through the square. After the Vital Spirit Giant Hand had appeared, many had conjured up images of what the expert might look like, but none imagined such a powerful figure would be an elderly servant.

"Uncle Fu, was that you?" Woo Zhengyang was equally stunned. He had grown up with Uncle Fu and thought he knew him well. Now he realized that a Shape Gathering Stage expert had been by his side all along, serving as a servant in the Lau mansion for so many years, even allowing people like Lau Yijin to bully him.

"Young master, it's me," Uncle Fu responded softly, then glanced at the man in the black robe.

"Interesting. I didn't expect such a skilled person in a small place like Bright Sun City. Since you're protecting this kid, I won't take him as my apprentice," the black-robed man said, suddenly leaping into the air to leave.

"You think you can come and go as you please? You're underestimating me!" Uncle Fu replied calmly, but his figure blurred and in an instant, he appeared behind the black-robed man, striking down with his hand.

"Old fool, don't think I'm afraid of you!" the black-robed man shouted in anger as Uncle Fu caught up. Blood-red vines shot out from his sleeves, weaving into a large crimson net aimed at Uncle Fu.

Without a word, Uncle Fu gestured, and a long sword swiftly flew from the crowd into his hand, which he used to slash through the net.