C89 Showing Her Ability

Lin Qingshan offered a serene smile. "Rest assured, Family Head Sun. As I've mentioned, my brother is fully capable of defending himself. He's certainly not inferior to anyone at the mid-stage of the Human Rank."

"Should any issues arise, my brother and I will shoulder the consequences. The Sun family will not be implicated."

The Sun Family Head offered an embarrassed smile in response.

He was indeed concerned that if Han Feng encountered trouble, Lin Qingshan's wrath might fall upon the Sun family. This could mean losing Lin Qingshan's favor and, worse, alienating a potential powerhouse.

Moreover, keeping Han Feng safe was crucial to ensure that Lin Qingshan wouldn't abruptly renege on their agreement.

The fallout from an Eleven-star Human Rank expert changing course unexpectedly could be catastrophic.

With a note of contrition, the Sun Family Head replied, "If that's your stance, we will honor your wishes."

By the following day, all three families had completed their preparations and assembled outside Renwu City.

The Zhou Family Head, a Twelve-star Human Rank expert, was accompanied by two Eleven-star Human Rank experts, six Ten-star, and over twenty Martial Cultivators ranging from Nine-star to Seven-star Human Rank.

Dozens more were of the Six-star Human Rank or lower.

These lower-ranked Martial Cultivators were split into two factions.

The smaller group carried themselves with an air of arrogance, while the larger group's calm demeanor was tinged with a sense of world-weariness.

Clearly, the smaller contingent represented the family's direct lineage, while the larger consisted of side-branch members and the Family Head's external guards.

Despite understanding their likely fate, these individuals harbored no regrets, comforted by the family's generous treatment of their kin.

The Wu and Sun families' contingents were comparable to that of the Zhou family.

The notable distinction was the inclusion of Lin Qingshan and Han Feng within the Sun family ranks.

One was an Eleven-star Human Rank, standing at the pinnacle among the Martial Cultivators, while the other, a mere Two-star Human Rank, was at the very bottom. They represented the extremes of the spectrum.

The Sun Family Head turned to address the assembly, "Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for us to depart."

Just then, a defiant voice rang out, "Uncle Sun, we're here to slay the Star Flame Beast, not to sightsee. Why bring along someone who's merely at the Two-star Human Rank?"

A haughty youth clad in golden robes from the Zhou family voiced his displeasure loudly.

The Zhou Family Head's face darkened as he shot a fierce glare at the young man, "That blasted Zhou Po, I've said time and again not to cross Lin Qingshan. What is he up to now..."

But then, he noticed Zhou Po's scornful glance shift from Han Feng to a heated stare at Lin Qingshan.

It didn't take long for the Zhou Family Head to catch on to Zhou Po's intentions—he was smitten with Miss Lin.

Lin Qingshan and Han Feng claimed to be siblings, yet their surnames differed, a detail that didn't escape notice. Their intimate rapport further fueled speculation about the true nature of their relationship.

Zhou Po's interest in Lin Qingshan meant he would inevitably antagonize Han Feng.

Otherwise, he would have made an effort to befriend Han Feng by now.

A sense of elation filled the Zhou Family Head. "Though Zhou Po is only a Five-star at the Human Rank and just eighteen, his potential is undeniable. If he catches Miss Lin's eye, couldn't that bring her into our fold?"

With this in mind, the Zhou Family Head held back his scolding.

Meanwhile, the Wu Family Head chuckled internally, "Old Zhou is so out of touch. Miss Lin, barely past twenty, has already reached the Eleven-star Human Rank. In comparison, Zhou Po is nothing but a waste; it's like comparing the heavens to the earth."

"The disparity is so vast, Miss Lin would have to be blind to take a liking to Zhou Po."

"Brother Han and Miss Lin may have an ambiguous relationship, but Brother Han, not even fourteen, is already at the peak of the Two-star Human Rank. As he approaches fifteen, his strength is set to surge. By eighteen, he's likely to advance to the seven or eight stars of the late Human Rank."

"By the time he's Miss Lin's age, he could well match or even surpass her. Those two are clearly the better match."

With arms folded across his chest, the Wu Family Head watched the unfolding drama within the Zhou family with an amused grin, as if enjoying a spectacle.

At that moment, the Sun family head wore an extremely displeased expression. Regardless of Han Feng's weaker cultivation, he was still their guest. The Zhou family had no place to meddle.

Before the Sun family head could speak up, Lin Qingshan let out a cold snort, "Better keep those eyes to yourself. If you look at me with that revolting gaze again, I'll gouge them out!"

Zhou Po's face contorted with embarrassment.

Family Head Zhou spoke sternly, "Miss Lin, I would advise you to watch your language!"

Lin Qingshan merely scoffed in response.

Lin Qingshan had come to see Han Feng as her own brother, harboring feelings for him that were complex and hard to define. She wouldn't stand for anyone speaking ill of him.

If not for her concern about the Zhou family and their head, she would have lashed out with her Thunder Whip already.

The tension between the two parties thickened palpably.

It was then that Han Feng stepped forward and asked, "Excuse me, sir, what level have you achieved?"

Zhou Po replied arrogantly, "Human Rank Five-Star!"

While saying this, Zhou Po gave Han Feng a disdainful side glance. "You're not even in my league."

Han Feng let out a derisive laugh. "Judging by your appearance, you're at least three or four years my senior, and yet you're only slightly above me in rank. It's quite audacious of you to look down on me."

"Don't think I'm unaware of your intentions. You've set your sights on my sister. But take a good look at yourself. With your looks, you're hardly a match for her."

Han Feng's retort drew laughter from many onlookers.

Even members of the Zhou family's collateral branches couldn't suppress their mirth, much to their own satisfaction, as they too held grievances against Zhou Po.

"You..." Zhou Po, pointing at Han Feng, was too furious to find his words.

Then, a glint of malice flashed in Zhou Po's eyes. "If you can withstand three moves from me, I'll let you join us and offer you an apology. Do you accept the challenge?"

Upon hearing this, the Sun family head was ready to intervene, knowing all too well that the gap between a Five-Star and a Two-Star Human Rank was vast, like the difference between sky and earth.

One was at the mid-stage of the Human Rank, and the other was merely at the early stage.

Yet Han Feng quickly responded, "I agree!"

The Sun Family Head slammed his thigh in frustration. "Brother Han, you're being too rash. What are we going to do?"

At his side, Sun Binn murmured, "Father, haven't you noticed? Miss Lin's expression hasn't changed in the slightest. Maybe Han Feng has an ace in the hole."

The Sun Family Head let out a wry smile. "Even if he does, there's a three-star gap between them. We can only hope you're right."

"If Brother Han runs into trouble now, Miss Lin certainly won't take it lying down. Our alliance would crumble, and then how would we defeat the Star Flame Beast and seize the Flame Vermilion Fruit and the Fiery Vermilion Fruit?"

"Alright, I'll give you the first move. Go ahead," Zhou Po stepped forward from the crowd, his laugh menacing.

"Hold on," Han Feng interjected suddenly.

Zhou Po huffed, "What is it? Getting cold feet?"

Han Feng's smile was calm. "Not at all. I just think your previous wager was too insignificant. Let's raise the stakes. If I lose, I'll pay you five hundred upper-grade lower-quality Spirit Stones. But if I win, you owe me the same. Do you accept the challenge?"