C165 I Told You Get Lost!(1)

The Hee family patriarch gazed into the void at the figure approaching him, his eyes filled with bewilderment and a vacant stare. When shock reaches a certain threshold, it gives way to confusion, and that was precisely the state he found himself in. He had pondered much and was well aware of the Chu family's might!

Indeed, the head of the Hee family and Chu Tianfeng were acquainted. But acquaintance was all it was; after all, in the circles that gathered in these private rooms, who wasn't familiar with whom? The patriarch had previously heard of the Chu family's formidable reputation. Though the details were murky, the bits he did know were enough to leave him astounded.

He conceded that the Chu family was the most enigmatic in all of Redmarsh. Of course, this wasn't to suggest that the Chu family harbored any dark conspiracies or intentions to harm humanity. Rather, it was their extreme discretion that was almost unnerving. To many, the Chu family didn't even qualify as a noble house. After all, what's a noble house if it doesn't flaunt its power? Being low-profile was often seen as a sign of insufficient strength.

But the Chu family possessed true power.

The other patriarchs, though aware and fearful of the Chu family's power, always believed it to be within certain bounds. However, now...

As they witnessed Patriarch Chu Tianfeng's slow approach, everyone was taken aback. The scene before them was shockingly powerful, far surpassing the limits of their imagination. The ability to walk through the void signified an extraordinary feat, a dream goal for all present!

Their greatest aspiration, beyond the prosperity of their own families, was to traverse the void just like that imposing figure!

"War—War God!"

The War God!

At the mention of these words, the room fell into an uncanny silence. They looked up at the figure standing not far from the Hee family patriarch, their bodies quivering with awe. Was this the true might of the Chu family?

So the power of the Chu family was indeed this fearsome—no, 'fearsome' was an understatement. These patriarchs now understood that among the elite families, the Chu family's strength was likely unrivaled.

Yes, it should be the case...

Because openly, even those ancient families with centuries of heritage didn't possess individuals of War God Level.

Of course, whether there were any War Gods lurking in the shadows was unknown and no one dared to confirm it.

Families typically kept their true capabilities secret.

And even if there were War Gods, they would likely be the most concealed of secrets, and these War Gods would almost certainly be of an advanced age.

It's well understood that if a family genuinely had a War God among them, they wouldn't keep such a figure hidden away. Rather, they would proudly showcase them.

After all, the presence of a War God could bestow benefits upon a family that are beyond imagination.

And now, the Chu family has unveiled one.

Patriarch Chu is of War God Level!

"Patriarch Hee, what are you implying?"

Chu Tianfeng wasn't overly aggressive. He realized that there was no need to be forceful anymore.

As long as the Hee family wasn't foolish, they would likely make the correct decision.

At this moment, Patriarch Hee finally came to his senses.

The statements made by Chu Tianfeng had already caused some resentment among the noble families.

Despite the competition among these leaders, they still needed to uphold their collective interests.

Moreover, they were all part of the aristocracy in Redmarsh, and there were other noble families beyond Redmarsh.

As members of the Redmarsh community, they should collaborate and support one another.

They couldn't afford to become the laughingstock of the Redmarsh aristocracy!

The most crucial point was the Hee family's relationship with three other families, forming an alliance.

This alliance, led by the Hee family, would be significantly affected if the three families encountered problems and the Hee family did nothing.

But now...

Should they intervene?

Patriarch Hee was inclined to step in, but what could he do?

Moreover, he was aware that if he continued to wade into this quagmire, he would no longer be fit to lead the Hee family.

Indeed, if the elders in the family learned of this situation, their first action would be to depose him and seek reconciliation with the Chu family.

There was no need to even consider it...

"War God Chu, the Hee family has no objections..."

The Hee family patriarch's voice was tinged with bitterness and helplessness.

His address for Chu Tianfeng had shifted from the familiar 'Old Chu' to the reverent 'War God Chu'.

Indeed, the title of War God was reserved for those who truly deserved it.

Who would cling to the mere title of Patriarch when they could be called War God?

Chu Tianfeng cast a glance at the Hee family patriarch. Although the man was visibly embarrassed, his predominant emotion was fear.

He was aware that once this issue was resolved, there would be bad blood between the Hee and Chu families.

In the past, the Hee family wouldn't have been concerned. Despite knowing the Chu family was more powerful, what of it?

After all, the Chu family had always been unassuming, and their relationship with the Hee family was distant at best, so a falling out wouldn't have mattered.

But now...

The head of the Chu family was the War God...

The implications were entirely different.

Despair was evident in the eyes of the patriarchs from the three great families as they witnessed the scene.

They didn't fault the Hee family patriarch; his earlier courage to stand up was commendable. But now...

They weren't just dealing with the Chu family, but a War God!

A War God!

Such was the stature of a War God!

Each person present was a Diamond Level Great General, some even of Genius Level, and all were formidable.

Yet, this was as far as they could go.

Advancing further to reach the War God Level was practically impossible.

The War God, as the name implies, was the deity of combat!

A divine presence in the eyes of mere mortals.

How could they possibly contend with a deity?

Silence enveloped the room, profound and unbroken.

At this moment, the patriarchs of the three great families had abandoned any hope of success in the Martial Examination. The rewards, though substantial, were now out of their reach.

Moreover, even the honor of being appointed a Marquis would be meaningless if their families were destroyed!

Previously, under the Chu family's modest reputation, the three patriarchs believed that within the confines of the law, the Chu family wouldn't dare cause trouble.

But now, the opponent was a War God!

And the law... it held no sway over deities.

...

Lee Zi was unaware of Chu Tianfeng's formidable power, nor did she realize that the Chu family was advocating on her behalf.

Thus, her mind began to wander in the face of uncertainty.

Lee Zi, much like Chu Yi, didn't place much importance on the external world. Her true concern lay with those close to her.

It was Chu Yi, it was her family!

This represented Lee Zi's final stand and her protection, as well as her ultimate boundary.

Yet at this moment, the threat posed by these three prodigies struck directly at Lee Zi's vulnerability.

She was preoccupied with the potential repercussions, the very consequences spoken of by the trio.

Indeed, Lee Zi was well aware of the significance of this martial examination. Nearly every family had put forth their resources, hoping their progeny would excel and secure the government's rewards.

They had invested immensely, some to the point of madness.

If she were to indeed eliminate these three geniuses, it would render all their efforts futile.

Would they seek retaliation?

Lee Zi was no fool; she was well aware that they would, and their vengeance would be fierce.

But Chu Yi would be safe, of that Lee Zi was certain. Even without the Chu family's support, Chu Yi's own prowess would deter any retribution from the three families.

But what about Chu Yi's family?

They were members of the Chu family!

And what about herself?

At that moment, Lee Zi felt utterly bewildered.

She knew she wasn't afraid for herself, but her family was a different story. Her parents couldn't withstand this—they were just ordinary people.

The three geniuses noticed Lee Zi's distraction and realized their verbal assault had taken effect.

Logically, they should have fled, recognizing that Lee Zi's capabilities far surpassed their expectations.

Even united, they wouldn't stand a chance against Lee Zi for long.

So, the sensible course of action would be to escape while she was still disoriented!

But inexplicably, the three seemed to have other ideas.