C46 The Family Trials Had Begun

"Family Head, esteemed Elders, I share in your concerns, but Han Feng must not be pulled from the Family Trials," Instructor Lin declared emphatically.

The Fourth Elder frowned at his outburst. "Lin Yue, you are merely an instructor. What gives you the right to raise your voice in this council?"

Lin Yue bowed his head in contrition. "My apologies. I ask for the Fourth Elder's forgiveness." Chastened by the Fourth Elder's rebuke, Lin Yue quickly regained his composure. This was the venue for the Han family's most crucial deliberations—a sacred space that demanded respect and decorum.

Han Yu interjected with a soothing tone, "Fourth Brother, let's not lose our tempers. Instructor Lin is Feng's mentor, and likely knows him better than any of us. There must be a reason behind Lin Yue's insistence."

With Han Yu's intervention, the Fourth Elder chose to overlook Lin Yue's breach of protocol.

The Fourth Elder harbored some resentment towards Han Feng over the Gu Wan incident, but recognizing Han Feng's worth, he was keen to mend their relationship, aligning himself closely with the Great Elder's perspective.

The notion of resorting to underhanded tactics to eliminate Han Feng during the Family Trials would only arise from a mind deranged or from a feud beyond reconciliation.

Naturally, if there were significant benefits at stake, the Fourth Elder might consider such measures. However, the Han family's history was relatively brief, and their entangled interests had not yet reached the complexity of a millennia-old lineage.

The discord between them was minor, almost negligible. Thus, the Fourth Elder was not so foolish as to contemplate disposing of Han Feng.

...

Han Yu addressed Lin Yue, "Instructor Lin, please explain your stance. Be aware that should any misfortune befall Han Feng during the Family Trials, the loss to our family could rival, if not surpass, the calamity we faced over a decade ago."

Instructor Lin carefully chose his words before responding, "Family Head, respected Elders, I understand your desire to safeguard Han Feng. Yet, I know his character intimately. It is precisely his courage in the face of adversity that has propelled Han Feng to such heights in so brief a span."

Before he mastered Internal Strength, Han Feng was already the most diligent person on the training grounds. When he acquired this power, far from easing up, he doubled down on his efforts.

While training in the Jade Peak Mountain Range, Han Feng sought out formidable Devil Beasts to challenge himself. He faced numerous trials, and there was a close call where he nearly lost an arm to one of these beasts.

It's common knowledge that Han Feng mastered the Claw Condensation Technique with remarkable speed. Yet, without the wealth of combat experience he'd gained, reaching the Perfection Stage would not have come so easily.

Han Feng had great faith in the upcoming Family Trials. Being denied participation by the family would undoubtedly cast a long shadow over his spirit.

And now, the most crucial point.

Family Head, Elders, we're aware that the Chang family conceals some formidable power. The exact level of Chang Wenhua's Internal Strength remains a mystery to our spies, who've suffered heavy losses trying to uncover it.

The Chang family's secrecy suggests that Chang Wenhua's cultivation foundation is far from ordinary. Han Feng's current prowess significantly boosts the Han family's odds of victory. Without him, our chances would be halved.

Should the Chang family secure first place, their prestige will soar to unprecedented heights in Renzhong City, potentially attracting countless talents to their ranks.

Indeed, Han Feng's cultivation has progressed at an astonishing rate. But the true extent of the Chang family's hidden strength remains unknown. Han Feng alone may not be enough to stand against them.

Our only option now is to elevate our family's prestige and draw in strong, skilled individuals to bolster our power. This is how we'll hold our own against the Chang family.

After Instructor Lin's speech, the room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

Instructor Mu's gaze towards Instructor Lin was filled with admiration. Such insight was rare, even among those ranked four or five in Human Rank.

Han Yu had considered keeping Han Feng out of sight, but he abandoned that thought. With a heavy sigh, he acknowledged the truth. "Indeed, how can one see the rainbow without enduring the storm? If we were to hide Han Feng away, to protect him too perfectly, he might not reach the heights that others will."

"Let's leave the past behind. Han Feng and the other ten will still participate in the Family Trials."

Seeing Han Feng's own grandfather stand firm, the other elders had no choice but to let it be.

...

The following day, Han Yu, accompanied by instructors like Han Yongxing and family leaders such as Han Tianxing, Han Tianli, Han Tianmu, Han Tiancheng, and the ten Family Trials participants including Han Lin, set out for the Jade Peak Mountain Range.

En route, they encountered the prominent Hong Family.

"Family Head Han, our Hong family placed third in the last Family Trials. This time, we're determined to redeem ourselves," the Hong Family Head declared with a hearty laugh.

In the previous Family Trials, the Han family saw only three of their members return, one of whom secured second place—Han Tianxing's son, Han Mo, also Han Yu's eldest grandson.

Han Feng, in contrast, was Han Yu's great-grandson.

With a knowing chuckle and a stroke of his beard, Han Yu replied, "Well, that remains to be seen."

His smile carried layers of meaning.

It's worth noting that Han Mo had only unlocked six main bloodlines during the last trials.

This time could be different.

The Hong Family Head's expression flickered. As a leader among Renzhong City's three major families, he was well-acquainted with his peers. Knowing Han Yu's confidence, he realized there must be solid grounds for such assurance.

He was also aware of the Han family's rising star, Han Rou.

Regrettably, the Han family's tight-lipped security meant the specifics of Han Rou's cultivation level were unknown to him.

The Hong Family Head quickly regained his composure and said, "Han, to be frank, I was specifically waiting for you en route."

Han Yu feigned surprise. "Old Hong, since when are we on such terms?"

The Hong Family Head sighed in resignation. "You crafty old fox."

"Han, I have to ask. After losing so many talents in the last Family Trials, haven't you harbored any suspicions?"

"Moreover, in recent years, numerous promising youths from Renzhong City's families have encountered untimely accidents."

A chill passed over Han Yu's features, though inwardly he mused, "True to the Hong family's reputation. It seems you've also noticed something amiss with the Chang family."

Renzhong City was founded less than a century ago, with the Chang and Hong families being the earliest settlers. The Han family arrived later and has been playing catch-up ever since.

In terms of their foundational strength, both the Chang and Hong families have a slight edge over the Han family.

Without Han Lin and Han Feng, the Han family might still be in the dark.

Han Yu's voice was grave as he addressed the other, "Elder Hong, what are you getting at? Speak plainly."

The Hong Family Head realized that Han Yu must have caught wind of the Chang family's affairs, which took him aback. Given the Han family's resources, they shouldn't have had access to such information.

However, the current threat was the Chang family. The Hong Family Head had no time to worry about the Han family's knowledge, especially since the Han family hadn't resorted to any underhanded tactics.

With decisive clarity, the Hong Family Head declared, "It appears you're aware as well, Elder Han. Indeed, my investigations confirm that the Chang family is implicated in all of this!"