C57 First Place

The crowd was on edge, with more than half of the tokens still unaccounted for, yet a significant number of the youths had already trickled back in.

Those who hadn't made it back were likely the stronger ones, with their families holding onto hope that they were merely delayed and would soon return.

However, for the weaker ones, hope was futile; their demise was all but certain.

Could it be that a select few had claimed the lion's share of the remaining tokens?

Just how formidable were these individuals?

Consider Han Rou, a Seven-main-bloodline Martial Cultivator, who had only managed to secure around a hundred tokens. That was typically the benchmark for first place, and some years, even that was a stretch.

The top contender usually boasted over two hundred tokens.

The Han family waited with bated breath, but Han Lin was seething. "Family Head, aside from Han Feng, I'm afraid the others have likely fallen to Chang Wenhua!"

"We ourselves narrowly escaped death."

At Han Lin's words, Han Yu and the others paled, about to inquire further when another uproar erupted from the crowd.

Chang Wenhua of the Chang family had returned.

Master Chang beamed with anticipation, "The rest of the tokens must be with Chang Wenhua."

Trusting in Chang Wenhua's Late Period of Mortal Rank cultivation, Master Chang's confidence was unwavering.

Yet, something was off. Chang Wenhua's approach was marked by a sullen expression and an icy chill that warned others to keep their distance. The crowd's noise dwindled under the weight of his cold presence.

"Wenhua, what's wrong?" Master Chang inquired, concern creasing his brow.

Without a word, Chang Wenhua tossed a large bag at Master Chang's feet.

A sense of foreboding gripped Master Chang; the bag's size suggested a count far short of the six or seven hundred he had envisioned.

Upon opening and counting the tokens, Master Chang found only 310—a stark contrast to his expectations, and his expression turned grim.

"How could this be? With Wenhua's internal strength, such a meager count is inconceivable," Master Chang silently fumed.

Before long, Master Chang's thoughts turned to Chang Wenhua's sullen expression, and he narrowed his eyes.

Han Lin let out a sly chuckle. "We owe a lot to Han Feng. First, he made Chang Wenhua lose over sixty tokens, then he injured him, making the fight for more tokens that much tougher. Without that, Chang Wenhua's tally might have soared past four hundred."

At that moment, Han Yu sought answers, and Han Rou provided them.

Han Yu's anger flared instantly. "Curse the Chang family."

He found himself at a loss for words, but Han Rou offered solace. "Family Head, there's no need for anger. After all, Chang Wenhua didn't come out ahead, and we have Brother Feng to thank for that."

Han Tianxing and his brothers exchanged glances, each breaking into a grin. Among the younger generation, Han Rou had been the least favorable toward Han Feng. Now that she had acknowledged him, things couldn't be better.

The Han family's discussion wasn't hushed, so the Chang and Hong families, along with the City Lord, overheard.

Instantly, gazes shifted toward Chang Wenhua, now tinged with oddity and scorn, especially from the Hong family.

Master Chang, however, was consumed with worry for Chang Wenhua's well-being, dreading that he might have sustained a serious injury.

Chang Wenhua, eyes brimming with killing intent, gave Han Lin a frosty look before assuring Master Chang through clenched teeth, "Rest assured, I'm unscathed."

Master Chang breathed a sigh of relief, but his brow furrowed shortly after.

If Han Feng were to claim the remaining tokens, the title of first place was up for grabs.

It was then that Chang Wenhua spoke with a chilling tone, "Family Head, Wenjun was slain by Han Feng!"

"Wenjun is dead?!" Master Chang's face contorted with shock. He spun around and barked, "Han Yu, your Han Feng has killed our Chang family's Wenjun. You owe us an explanation!"

"An explanation? It seems to me that the Chang family owes the Han family an explanation. Our noble son has fallen at the hands of your Chang Wenhua!" Han Yu shot back furiously.

Master Chang scoffed, "To even compare that trash to our Wenjun! His death is of no consequence!" His face was a mask of contempt.

The entire Han family was seething with rage.

Such audacity!

Such insolence!

Meanwhile, the Hong family stood to the side, eagerly watching the drama unfold.

Han Lin's eyes narrowed. "It's just as Han Feng predicted; the Hong family is using us as pawns."

In a sudden burst of insight, Han Lin called out to the Family Head, "Elder Hong, Chang Wenhua has claimed many lives. Hong Xingbao hasn't returned; he may well have fallen to Wenhua's hand."

At his words, the Hong family members were visibly startled, casting hostile glances at the Chang family and Chang Wenhua.

Chang Wenhua, for his part, had indeed dispatched a significant number in the Family Trials—over a hundred. He regarded those he killed as no more than insects, barely remembering any of them.

Consequently, Chang Wenhua couldn't be sure if Hong Xingbao was among his victims.

Regardless, Chang Wenhua saw no need to justify himself to the Hong family. To him, offering an explanation would be a sign of weakness.

To the Hong family, it appeared the Chang family was dismissive of the deaths of their elite.

The thought of the Chang family's dismissive reference to 'trash' sent the Hong family into a rage. Could it be that the Changs considered their elite as worthless?

Amused by the turmoil, Han Lin thought to himself, "Hong Xingbao, if you knew that even in death you're being used by me, I wonder if you'd be so incensed that you'd rise from your grave?"

The three major families faced off, the tension palpable. The smaller families remained silent, not daring to speak for fear of becoming collateral damage.

"I've already stated that fighting is not permitted here. Do the three families intend to defy this rule?" the City Lord's icy reprimand echoed.

Han Yu and the others snapped to attention, their hearts filled with trepidation.

Provoking the City Lord, who had the backing of considerable power, could spell disaster.

In response, the Family Heads of the three clans exchanged a cold snort and ceased their provocations.

And in that moment, Han Feng finally emerged from the exit.

As soon as Han Lin caught sight of Han Feng, he couldn't help but call out loudly.

Han Feng was just about to return the greeting when a chilling sensation overtook him, a gaze brimming with murderous intent zeroing in on him.

A heavy feeling settled in Han Feng's chest as he turned to face the source, only to find himself staring at the Chang family's Head.

"So, the Changs have caught wind of Chang Wenjun's demise at my hands. But what of it? With the City Lord present, they wouldn't dare act rashly."

Han Feng made his way to the Han family with deliberate steps.

"Greetings, Family Head!"

"Well done!" Han Yu responded, his laughter booming as he stroked his beard.

After exchanging pleasantries with his father, Han Tiancheng, and his three uncles, Han Feng presented the bag of Tokens to the City Lord.

The City Lord had them tallied, and to everyone's astonishment, Han Feng's count exceeded Chang Wenhua's by nearly a hundred.

Joy surged among Han Yu and the rest of the family.

The impressive tally left no room for doubt; the tokens belonged to Han Feng.

Chang Wenhua glowered at Han Feng, seething with rage. Had it not been for the sixty tokens he had contributed, the top spot would have been his.

The injustice was infuriating!

"Han Feng, this isn't over," Chang Wenhua vowed silently, his inner turmoil raging on.