Chapter 111: Does Your Face Hurt?

Not only him, but many members of the Yuan family, and even many outside the family, felt a surge of anger and emotional turmoil.

Ji Dengtu, hidden in the shadows, constantly scanning for attractive young women, mature ladies, and married women, couldn't help but glance at Zu An. Honestly, this kid really was asking for a beating.

He decided to keep his daughter away from this guy in the future, as Zu An's trouble-making nature could easily lead to collateral damage.

However, then he remembered the intriguing storybook Zu An had given him last time. He wondered if Zu An had more like it. Should he secretly help Zu An if Yuan Wendong was about to beat him to death, just for the sake of those books?

On the stage, Xue'er softly scoffed, "This guy is always so annoying."

Shi Kun, standing in front of her, nodded for once, agreeing wholeheartedly.

"A hooligan is just a hooligan, always uncouth," Sang Qian scoffed secretly.

Sang Hong, sitting in front of him, subtly transmitted a warning using his inner energy: "This young man won 7.5 million taels from the Silver Hook Casino and became a math teacher at the academy; he is no ordinary person. Don't be fooled by his appearance. How many times have I told you not to bother with the empty posturing of aristocratic families? You must look at the substance of things."

"Yes," Sang Qian replied, but inwardly, he remained unconvinced.

At that moment, Xie Yi also discreetly asked Xie Xiu, "Is that the person you mentioned?"

"Yes, that's Zu An," Xie Xiu replied.

His sister, Xie Daoyun, standing nearby, frowned slightly. "This person is vulgar and unbearable. I don't like him."

Xie Xiu was about to explain, but then he suddenly recalled the rumors about the "King of Soft Rice" at the academy, especially how Zu An had once inquired about his sister. He then decided it was probably best for his sister to stay away from him.

On the other side, Duke Yangquan, Wu Wei, chuckled in surprise. "It seems Duke Mingyue's choice of such a son-in-law means the Chu family is destined for decline and ruin."

Hearing her father disparage Zu An, Wu Qing felt greatly pleased. She thought, *Since we're not at school today, I'll enjoy watching you make a fool of yourself.*

On the stage, only Jiang Luofu knew his true capabilities. Watching the young man below, who remained composed despite the public criticism and strange looks, she fell into deep thought: *What reason could he have for choosing to conceal his talents like this? Is he planning to make a spectacular debut at today's grand competition?*

Sang Hong stood up and cleared his throat. "The grand family competition between the Chu and Yuan families is about to begin. I will now reiterate the rules. Both sides must confirm their combat order and submit it; no changes will be allowed mid-competition. The family with more victories will claim eighty percent of the weapon market share in all cities of Linchuan Commandery, while the losing family will receive the remaining twenty percent."

"During the matches, participants must stop short of causing serious injury, and intentionally taking a life is strictly forbidden. Any violation will result in disqualification. Is that clear to everyone?"

"Clear!"

The contestants from both families replied in unison.

Zu An, however, silently scoffed. While it was ostensibly forbidden to intentionally take a life, the word "intentionally" left a lot of room for interpretation. One could simply claim that swords and blades have no eyes, and they couldn't stop in time. As long as it wasn't too obvious, no one could truly know if it was deliberate.

"Now, finalize and submit your combat orders. The grand competition will officially begin after one stick of incense has burned!" After making the announcement, Sang Hong returned to his seat. Typically, the city lord alone was sufficient for past family competitions, but today, everyone knew that while it appeared to be a contest between the Chu and Yuan families, it was actually a struggle between the Chu and Wu families. Naturally, Sang Hong needed to be present to oversee it.

Both families had already decided their combat orders. Chu Chuyan submitted their list. At this moment, Hong Xingying, the first to go on stage for the Chu family, passed by Zu An.

On the surface, he looked solemn, as if preparing for battle, but in a voice only they could hear, he said, "Are you proud of your performance just now?"

"What?" Zu An was taken aback. Was this guy really going to cause trouble right before the competition?

Hong Xingying scoffed. "I don't know how your brain works, but did you really think cursing like a common street ruffian just now would win you applause? Didn't you notice everyone was mocking you? Not just you, but our entire Chu family!"

"Someone like you only brings disgrace to the Chu family. The Chu family's decision to take you as a son-in-law is already a laughingstock, and yet you continue to add to our shame."

Zu An immediately chuckled. "What, have you already forgotten how you were beaten black and blue last time?"

Hong Xingying glanced nervously at Pei Mianman in the distance, then scoffed. "Hiding behind a woman last time wasn't skill. Today, on the open arena, there's no faking it. Everyone will see what kind of trash you truly are!"

"Are you so sure I'll lose?" Zu An mused, wondering if he should bet something with him; it felt like a wasted opportunity otherwise.

Hong Xingying sneered. "You don't actually think you can win, do you? No way, no way, no way!"

"Your task today is to lose. Leave the winning to us. Only people like me can bring glory to the family. All the comfort you enjoy by hiding behind others is earned by the sweat and blood of people like us!"

Zu An was about to retort when the start of the first round was announced on stage.

Hong Xingying adjusted his collar, then walked onto the stage with his head held high and chest puffed out.

"Ah, that felt great! Absolutely amazing! I finally vented all my accumulated resentment today. That good-for-nothing couldn't even talk back after I verbally trashed him. Seeing his pathetic expression was incredibly satisfying!"

Hong Xingying felt a sense of exhilaration he had never experienced before. *Hmph, once I secure the first victory for the Chu family today, and that guy gets trounced by the Yuan family in front of everyone, Master and Madam will surely realize who is truly dependable.*

*Not only must I win today, but I must win spectacularly. This will allow me to regain my standing within the Chu family and also make a good impression on Principal Jiang. She'll see that I'm worthy of being from the Sky Class and recognize my talent. Perhaps she'll even give me special consideration at school later. Once I successfully secure an official position, I'll return and marry the Eldest Miss!*

"Who is this person opposite him? I haven't seen him before," Qin Wanru asked her husband, frowning slightly and leaning in discreetly.

Chu Zhongtian shook his head. "I don't know either. The Yuan family doesn't seem to have anyone like him. He must be from the Wu family, but do they have such a high-level expert?"

"Do you think Xingying can win?" Qin Wanru had a very good impression of Hong Xingying. He was handsome and very capable. Crucially, both he and his father had been consistently loyal to the Chu family over the years. When they were choosing a husband for their daughter, she had actually quite favored him, but her daughter had chosen Zu An instead.

The thought angered her, and she couldn't help but glare at Zu An below the stage.

Qin Wanru's anger value +111!

Zu An immediately felt depressed. He thought, *Hong Xingying was just cursing me, and I didn't even get a chance to retort. Why are you getting angry? Is your menopause starting early?*

Unaware of his wife's thoughts, Chu Zhongtian casually replied, "Xingying has good potential. His work for our family in previous years somewhat delayed his progress, but even so, he's reached the peak of the third rank. While not exceptionally strong, he's certainly not weak. The person opposite him appears to be of the same rank, so as long as Xingying is careful, there shouldn't be much of a problem."

Hearing her husband's words, Qin Wanru finally felt relieved.

On stage, Hong Xingying drew his long sword, performed a beautiful flourish, and said coldly, "Who goes there? My sword does not strike down nameless nobodies!"

"I didn't expect the Chu family to have someone like him, he's quite handsome~"

"In any case, much better than their son-in-law."

...

His pose combined with his good looks immediately caused a small stir among some women. However, Chu Zhongtian frowned slightly, thinking, *This child is too ostentatious.*

The person opposite him chuckled. "Chen Lei of the Yuan family."

After speaking, he fell silent. In terms of both appearance and demeanor, he was indeed far inferior to Hong Xingying. Most people's sympathies quickly shifted towards Hong Xingying.

Hong Xingying frowned. He hadn't heard that name before, and it wasn't among the key figures the Chu family had researched. It seemed his luck was good enough for an easy victory in this match.

*Alright, I'll use this Chen fellow as my stepping stone and shine brightly today. I won't just win, I'll win spectacularly, for all the important figures on stage to see!*

With that thought, his fighting spirit soared. "Pardon me!" he declared, and swung his sword, rushing towards his opponent.

Chu Zhongtian nodded subtly, having initially thought Hong Xingying was overly proud. To his surprise, his opening move was quite steady, combining offense and defense to establish an unassailable position.

Chen Lei, opposite him, let out a loud shout, drew his long saber, and charged forward. Their weapons clashed in a head-on collision, sending sparks flying.

Both men simultaneously recoiled five steps. Hong Xingying was startled. He hadn't expected this unknown person to possess such powerful primal energy.

"Again!" he shouted. He dared not be careless any longer, abandoning his initial showboating and adopting a more stable swordsmanship style.

The two quickly resumed their fierce combat, their weapons clashing incessantly. Even from below the stage, one could faintly feel the chilling aura emanating from their blades.

"I've never heard of either of these two before, yet they're both so strong. Do all major families possess such deep foundations?"

"That Hong Xingying seems to be from Mingyue Academy's Sky Class. As for this Chen Lei, I've genuinely never heard of him."

...

The two fought a well-matched battle, with Hong Xingying gaining the upper hand one moment and Chen Lei the next. Many spectators felt their blood boil, imagining how wonderful it would be to display such might on stage themselves.

Regardless of the type of competition, an evenly matched fight is always the most exciting; one-sided matches are far less engaging. No one had expected the very first match of the grand competition to be so intense, and many people couldn't help but stand up.

After another clash, the two separated again, both panting heavily as they regulated the turbulent primal energy within them.

Hong Xingying felt his tiger's mouth (the web between thumb and forefinger) was slightly split, but he didn't care at all. At this point, he couldn't afford to lose. He had to win this match—to show the Master and Madam, to show all the esteemed adults present, and to show that good-for-nothing Zu An!

*Huh, why did I think of that guy? How unlucky.*

"Intermediate Swordsmanship!" After entering the academy, Hong Xingying had desperately learned everything taught there. Intermediate Swordsmanship was a technique only taught in the academy's higher-level classes. Although its name sounded rather common, the sword art was remarkably powerful and had very few flaws, three times more effective than his previous sword techniques. So, in front of Principal Jiang, he decided to simply unleash this entire set of sword moves.

The sword blade hummed with a dragon's cry, and the sharp sword in his hand transformed into several illusory images, thrusting towards Chen Lei's vital points.

On stage, Jiang Luofu nodded slightly. This student's potential was quite good; he had only been at school for a short time, yet he had already mastered this sword technique to such a degree.

With a soft 'thud,' the sword pierced his opponent's shoulder, passing directly through his body.

He won!

Hong Xingying finally breathed a sigh of relief. Suddenly, he noticed a strange smile on his opponent's face. Startled, he quickly tried to withdraw his sword, but to his surprise, his opponent directly reached out with his left hand and gripped the blade, then swung his saber with his right.

Chaotic Cloak Saber Art!

Chen Lei's aura surged dramatically. A look of madness suddenly appeared between his brows, and the long saber in his hand, like a flood dragon emerging from the sea, roared as it slashed into his opponent.

Hong Xingying's primal energy armor instantly shattered into pieces before the furious saber aura. He screamed, spat blood, and fell from the arena like a broken sandbag.

Chu Zhongtian swiftly flew over to catch him, his fingers moving like a blur to seal Hong Xingying's acupoints to stop the bleeding, while also neutralizing the violent saber aura still raging within his body.

"Chen Lei of the Yuan family wins!" the city lord's official announced from the stage.

Hong Xingying was filled with shame and remorse. "Master, Madam, I... I..."

Just then, a teasing voice came from beside him: "Who was just bragging about bringing glory to the family, while others only bring shame? How long has it been, and you're already beaten down like a dead dog. Does your face hurt?"