C28 I Am Back!

Jiang Xiaofan stood on a rise overlooking Lintian City, the city's hustle and bustle prompting a wry smile from him. This place held his childhood memories and marked the onset of his misfortunes. Now, it was time to reclaim all that he had lost.

"Damn it, I'm back!"

...

In the northern district of Lintian City, the Lin family's estate was ablaze with lanterns and festivity, smiles gracing every face. Jiang Tianyang, the Jiang family's prodigious young master, had shattered his previous limits and ascended to the Spirit Martial Stage. Moreover, he was about to wed Jiang Nianrui from the family's Outer Sect—a double celebration that had the entire Jiang family rejoicing.

In her chamber, adorned with a phoenix coronet and draped in a red gown, Jiang Nianrui sat at the edge of her bed. Her makeup, meticulously applied, accentuated her innate grace and beauty. Clenching her fist, she harbored no regrets for her current plight; after all, she had saved Jiang Xiaofan. Though his fate remained uncertain, she held onto the belief that he would not only survive but thrive more vibrantly than ever. Yet, the chance to stand by her beloved brother, who cherished her deeply, had slipped away.

Tears threatened to spill from her eyes at the thought, but with a lift of her head and a determined blink, she reined them in. Her hand clutched the poisoned jade hairpin a little tighter. This was her final day; she was resolved to be strong.

The bedroom door swung open, and in came Jiang Luo, clad in a flowing gown. "Sister Rui, it's time," she announced.

Jiang Nianrui nodded and, accompanied by Jiang Luo, stepped out of the room.

...

The Jiang family's grand hall was teeming with guests. Nearly half of Lintian City's elite had convened there, including the patriarchs of the three major families—the Wu, Lu, and Yun. Each family was a pillar of power within the city, their leaders boasting the formidable prowess of the Celestial Martial Stage.

In addition to the various family representatives, several officials from the City Lord Mansion had also arrived to partake in the matrimonial festivities. As the morning mist lifted, the wedding ceremony commenced.

After a sequence of traditional customs, the moment had finally arrived for the wedding ceremony!

Jiang Nianrui and Jiang Tianyang, hand in hand with red silk ribbons, entered the main hall and positioned themselves before the Jiang family patriarch. Jiang Tianyang's face beamed with joy, and he occasionally cast sly, covetous glances at Jiang Nianrui.

He had long harbored desires for this woman, and the past month of seclusion had been torturous for him. Yet, the Jiang family's strict code of conduct restrained him; even as the young master, he could not act on impulse. Jiang Nianrui, a practitioner of the Original Martial Stage, was not like the commoner Jiang Xiaofan. If he were to harm her, the Elders Pavilion would surely hold him accountable.

Within the long sleeves of her bridal gown, Jiang Nianrui gripped a jade hairpin tightly. She would rather die than tarnish her honor. If tonight's wedding night came to a head, she was prepared for a fight to the bitter end.

The silence that followed the Jiang family patriarch's subtle cough was profound. His gaze swept over the crowd, his Earth Martial Stage presence causing some of the servants to cower.

"Today marks the joyous wedding of my son, and I am deeply honored by your presence," he declared.

Turning to the middle-aged man seated beside him, Jiang Hong bowed with a fist-in-palm salute. "The presence of the three esteemed Patriarchs graces us immensely. May I have the honor of you officiating my son's wedding?"

The three Patriarchs held the highest ranks in Lintian City, second only to the City Lord. With the City Lord absent, Jiang Hong was keen to lavish praise upon them.

Patriarch Lu had little interest in such festivities, and Patriarch Wu held the Jiang family in low regard. Only Patriarch Yun rose to his feet.

Yun Wei, the head of the Yun family, commanded the formidable strength of the Celestial Martial Second Grade, outranked only by the City Lord and Patriarch Wu in Lintian City.

The Yun family was known for fostering goodwill, and Yun Wei, the patriarch, was a paragon of virtue. Despite his muscular and intimidating appearance, he was, in truth, a man of great kindness.

Responding to Jiang Hong's earnest invitation, Yun Wei stood up, only to be promptly restrained by the First Elder at his side!

Jiang Tianyang's reputation in Lintian City was well-known, and Yun Wei was known for his straightforwardness, often lacking a comprehensive approach to matters. This was precisely why the First Elder was frequently by his side—to prevent Yun Wei from entangling himself with the Jiang family.

With none of the three family heads willing to give face, the atmosphere grew tense. Then, the Prefect of Lintian City rose, offering a smile to those gathered. "It seems our esteemed Patriarchs are indisposed today. Allow me to step in and preside over the wedding."

Jiang Hong exhaled deeply, sending a grateful glance toward the prefect. He had hoped that today's marriage would be an opportunity to forge closer ties with the three major families, but it turned out they were indifferent to his plans.

He then stepped forward, addressing the crowd with a smile, "Today, I stand witness as Jiang Nianrui and Jiang Tianyang unite in matrimony..."

"Cut the crap! You think you can just decide on your own? Who do you think you are?" A booming voice suddenly erupted, reverberating through the silent Jiang family hall like thunder.

Surprise etched on every face, all eyes turned to Jiang Xiaofan, who stood defiantly at the hall's entrance.

Whispers filled the room. Who was this brash, not yet of age youth daring to be so bold?

The Jiang family of Lintian City, even as a lesser clan, commanded a respect that few would dare challenge.

"Who does he think he is, showing such audacity?"

"Indeed, with all the family heads present, he has the nerve to stir up trouble!"

"Isn't that the Jiang family's good-for-nothing?"

"It looks like it's him! He's a goner for sure."

"With only the strength of a ninth-level Martial Disciple, hah! I thought he was formidable, but he's just a nobody!"

...

Jiang Nianrui stood frozen, her previously icy demeanor melted away, leaving her in tears.

He had returned!

He had come back to rescue her!

Despite the overwhelming joy in her heart, Jiang Nianrui sobbed, "Brother, why have you come back?"

Jiang Xiaofan advanced slowly, while those around him instinctively retreated a few steps, wary of the misfortune that seemed to cling to this man marked for death.

His gaze fell upon Jiang Nianrui, and a pang of sorrow struck his heart. Today, she was clad in a vibrant red traditional dress, her makeup applied with precision, her beauty ethereal, like that of a celestial being. Yet, her tears had marred her face, invoking a sense of compassion in all who saw her.

At this moment, Jiang Tianyang was seething with rage. He had finally won over Jiang Nianrui, and tonight was to be the culmination of his efforts. But Jiang Xiaofan's unexpected arrival had thrown everything into disarray, disrupting the wedding and tarnishing the Jiang family's honor.

Jiang Tianyang stepped forward, positioning himself between Jiang Nianrui and Jiang Xiaofan, and glared at Jiang Xiaofan with icy contempt. "You cur! You actually have the audacity to return! It seems you've grown weary of living!"

A sharp slap echoed through the hall, leaving everyone agape. They witnessed the unthinkable: the Jiang family's perennial outcast had just struck the face of the family's young lord!

Despite possessing the power of the first level of the Spirit Martial Stage, Jiang Tianyang had not anticipated Jiang Xiaofan's audacity to strike him, let alone a slap to his face!

"Jiang! Xia! Fan!" Jiang Tianyang's eyes blazed with fury, his anger now uncontainable, as a murderous intent surged within him.

A resonant "Buzz!" filled the air as the oppressive force of the Spirit Martial Stage bore down on Jiang Xiaofan.

Jiang Tianyang had once before snatched Jiang Nianrui away right in front of Jiang Xiaofan, and he was convinced he could do it again today.

"Big brother, be careful!" Jiang Nianrui's voice was laced with panic. She could sense that Jiang Xiaofan's martial prowess had been restored, elevating him to the Ninth Grade of Martial Disciple. Yet, against a Spirit Martial Stage adversary, he stood no chance.

What she didn't realize was that Jiang Xiaofan had employed the Concealment Spell to mask his true capabilities. Not even Jiang Lun, were he to confront him, would find any success.

"It's too late! Today, he dies!" The crushing, unseen pressure bore down relentlessly on Jiang Xiaofan. His expression hardened as he bent over, his body quivering uncontrollably under the strain.

The hall was packed with hundreds of onlookers, all eager to witness the spectacle. In a world where might makes right and martial prowess is paramount, if Jiang Xiaofan were to die, it would simply be chalked up to his inferior skills.

Yun Wei had nothing but disdain for this kind of strong-arm tactics. Yet, as an elder, it was not his place to intervene in the affairs of the younger members, especially when it involved internal matters of the Jiang family.

Jiang Nianrui made a move to step in, but Jiang Tianyang instantly exerted a surge of pressure, halting her in her tracks. The formidable aura of the Spirit Martial Stage was more than she could contend with.

Jiang Tianyang approached Jiang Xiaofan with a sneer. "I once spared your life, but today, you're seeking your own demise. Don't blame me for this! Die!"

In that moment, Jiang Tianyang's intent to kill was palpable. He drew a broadsword from his storage ring and brought it down towards Jiang Xiaofan's head!

But in a flash, Jiang Xiaofan's silhouette shimmered, and he swiftly retreated, narrowly evading the strike!

The broadsword cleaved into the ground, leaving a profound gash. Jiang Xiaofan's eyes lit up – a weapon of the Profound Level!

It looked like the jackal's meal had been served!

Unbeknownst to him, this Profound Level broadsword, known as the Hundred Drinking Blade, was one of the Jiang family's ancestral treasures. Yet in Jiang Xiaofan's view, it was merely pet food.

To Jiang Tianyang, a mere Ninth Grade Martial Disciple like Jiang Xiaofan was utterly insignificant.

Jiang Tianyang lifted the Hundred Drinking Blade once more, aiming for Jiang Xiaofan's skull with full force, his Martial Qi peaking.

The crowd anticipated the inevitable. Jiang Xiaofan's previous evasion seemed nothing more than a fluke, and this blow, powered by the true might of the Spirit Martial Stage, was not something that could be simply dodged.

As Jiang Tianyang's broadsword descended, nearly grazing Jiang Xiaofan's head, a sharp "Pa!" echoed through the hall. Jiang Tianyang's face was met with another of Jiang Xiaofan's palms.

This was no ordinary slap, but one infused with the Martial Qi of the Spirit Martial Stage!

Before Jiang Tianyang's attack could land, he was spun around by the force, ending up seated on the ground, one of his front teeth flying out of his mouth!

"Clang!"

The Hundred Drinking Saber was thrust into the earth. Jiang Xiaofan yanked it out and chuckled to himself, "Dinner time..."

In that instant, a surge of black Qi burst from Jiang Xiaofan's chest, pulverizing the saber into dust. The saber's spiritual energy was then fully absorbed into his body by the jackal.

The jackal clicked its teeth in dissatisfaction, "That's not enough. I barely got a taste. Bring me more!"

Jiang Xiaofan rolled his eyes in exasperation, "Ungrateful creature!"

He then strode over to Jiang Tianyang and delivered a kick to his face, knocking him out cold. Jiang Tianyang's limp body tumbled over ten meters before coming to a halt.

Witnessing this, Jiang Hong unleashed his imposing aura!

He had assumed Jiang Xiaofan, a mere Martial Disciple, would be easily handled by Jiang Tianyang. Yet, to his astonishment, Jiang Xiaofan dispatched Jiang Tianyang in just a few moves, suggesting his cultivation might well have reached the Spirit Martial Stage!

Just a month prior, he was considered worthless. Now, in a mere month, he had ascended to the Spirit Martial Stage. Jiang Hong was baffled by what Jiang Xiaofan could have possibly gone through!

But that was irrelevant now. He needed to put an end to this debacle immediately. Otherwise, the Jiang family's reputation would be utterly tarnished, and his son's life would hang in the balance.

All those below and at the Profound Martial Stage felt the crushing pressure emanating from Jiang Hong, yet Jiang Xiaofan remained utterly unfazed!

He continued his advance toward Jiang Tianyang, impervious to the pressure. Several Jiang family disciples rushed to intervene, but they were mere chaff at the Original Martial Stage, and Jiang Xiaofan floored them with a single slap each.

Every onlooker, including the patriarchs of the three great families, watched agape!

They had heard rumors of the Jiang family's 'useless' member. In a clan where nearly everyone possessed some level of cultivation, Jiang Xiaofan was the sole exception in Lintian City. Even as an obscure slave, his name had reached their ears.

Yet, they could never have imagined that Jiang Xiaofan would be capable of defeating Jiang Tianyang!

Even more astounding was his ability to withstand the formidable pressure exerted by Jiang Hong!

What they were unaware of was that the Collapse Mountain Giant Power had the ability to diminish the influence of the oppressive force on him. Yet, it must be acknowledged that the Earth Martial Stage's pressure was immensely formidable. Had it been even slightly more intense, he might have indeed been forced to his knees.

Jiang Xiaofan approached Jiang Tianyang, resting his foot atop Jiang Tianyang's head with a smirk, and declared, "Daddy's home!"