Apotheosis Begins with Tai Chi

"As is tradition, any willing members of the younger generation from each family may come forth to spar. Let’s keep it friendly and stop before anyone gets hurt. For those who perform well, I have prizes. For the rest of us, it’s all in good fun."

As soon as Wang Peng finished speaking, many of the young newcomers were immediately eager to test their skills.

However, most of them were held back by the elders at their sides.

This sparring session was supposedly for entertainment, but in reality, it was a chance for the newly prominent juniors of each family to make a name for themselves.

Those with strength could win the prize and gain prestige. Their factions would also gain face, giving them more confidence when operating in the Inner City in the future.

But if one lacked the strength, this attempt to shine would only make them look like a fool, and that was far more serious than simple embarrassment...

For this very reason, the elders of each family chose to observe for now.

If they went up too early and ran into an unexpectedly strong opponent, there wouldn’t even be a chance for regret.

Of course, if one’s own junior was the "iron plate," then there was nothing to worry about.

"Everyone seems to be holding back! In that case, my Jiuan Hunting Manor will send someone out first!"

After scanning the crowd, Wang Peng raised a hand and pointed into the distance.

"Wang Chuang! Twenty years old, he just condensed his Fourth Pillar of Blood Qi a month ago. He is my own nephew, and many of you old friends have watched him grow up! Let him be the first to warm things up!"

Wang Chuang was already prepared. He immediately stood and walked to the open space that had been cleared behind the main table. After saluting the crowd with a clasped fist, he stood firm with his chest puffed out.

"According to the rules, any junior from any family, twenty-one years old or younger, may come up and spar."

Wang Peng paused, his voice clearly rising in pitch.

"Today’s prize is a jar of Golden Ring Treasure Snake Medicinal Wine! It has been cellared for nearly twenty years and is at the peak of its medicinal potency. It has the effects of improving one’s Root Bone, aiding cultivation, and strengthening Blood Qi! It will be awarded to the junior with the most outstanding performance today!"

As soon as he said this, several of the youths who had been observing could no longer sit still.

Jiuan Hunting Manor’s use of the Golden Ring Treasure Snake in its medicines was a unique specialty of Zhao City. A twenty-year-cellared Golden Ring Treasure Snake Medicinal Wine was something that was nearly impossible to obtain, even for a fortune.

Let alone the young people, even the elders beside them couldn’t help but be tempted.

Song Che’s gaze flickered slightly as he shot a look at the handsome young man by his side.

Gu Lan’an whispered instructions to a young man at his side whom he had long sponsored.

Wu Ziyu’s expression was grim. She had originally planned to bring Xiao Yi... Young geniuses weren’t easy to find, and she had no one available at the moment. The subtle glances from around the banquet that brushed past her face made her extremely uncomfortable.

The young men at Cao Zhao and Ji Hongshan’s table were either over the age limit or of a status that prevented them from personally participating, so they all appeared quite calm, simply waiting for the show to begin.

Cao Zhao greeted a few people at his table, then got up and walked over. He met up with Chen Cheng and Wang Hengyu for a moment before pulling Chen Cheng aside.

"Junior Brother, I’ve been staying in the Upper Courtyard recently. It’s rare to see you, so I took the chance to pass on a few messages."

Cao Zhao said.

"First, Senior Sister Zhuang Zhen has entered the Upper Courtyard. She asked me to arrange a time with you so she can thank you in person... Knowing her, she’ll definitely have a grand gift prepared for you!"

"That’s not necessary..."

Chen Cheng furrowed his brow slightly.

"Honestly, I didn’t really provide any substantial help to Senior Sister Zhuang. I’d feel bad accepting anything..."

"You can tell her that yourself. I’m just the messenger."

Cao Zhao smiled, then added.

"There’s something else. Master Ye wants me to test the proficiency of your Bright Force at the end of the month. If your progress is satisfactory, he’ll reward you with an extra five doses of Blood Nourishing and Essence Building Soup... Given our relationship, we can skip the test. I’ll just give them to you when I get back."

"I appreciate it, Senior Brother. When you go back, please thank Master Ye on my behalf."

Chen Cheng nodded slightly and asked.

"How are Master Ye’s injuries?"

"Much better."

Cao Zhao said.

"If all goes well, Master Ye will personally be there to preside over the competition against the Cloud Platform Middle Courtyard at the end of the year, so I won’t have to worry about it..."

"As for you, though, if you can, it would be best for you to fight in one match. It would be a way to lighten Master Ye’s burden. Of course, the final decision is yours."

Chen Cheng nodded but didn’t say anything more.

’There were still over forty days until the end of the year. He couldn’t even be sure of his own strength by then, so naturally, he couldn’t give a definite answer.’

"One last thing."

Cao Zhao composed himself and said with a serious expression.

"There are two young masters from the Inner City at my table who are quite interested in you. After the banquet ends, don’t rush off. I’ll introduce you."

"Many thanks, Senior Brother Cao!"

Chen Cheng clasped his fist in thanks.

Cao Zhao waved his hand and returned to his original seat.

At the same time, a young man in dark purple martial arts attire strode forward. After saluting the crowd, his gaze slowly fell upon Wang Chuang.

"You Hu of the Ganshan Gang. Twenty-one years old, Four Pillars of Blood Qi. I ask for your guidance!"

"Please!"

Wang Chuang made a small welcoming gesture with one hand and settled into his stance.

The young man immediately advanced to attack, his movements extremely fast as he threw a punch straight for Wang Chuang’s chest.

Wang Chuang neither dodged nor evaded. He only took a half-step to the side, blocking horizontally with his right arm. As he parried the incoming fist, his left palm had already pressed against his opponent’s torso.

THUD!

With a soft, muffled thud, the young man was sent flying backward and crashed heavily to the ground.

Wang Chuang withdrew his palm and gave a clasped-fist salute.

The young man clutched his stomach, struggled to his feet, gave a quick salute, and hastily retreated.

The field fell silent for a moment before erupting into waves of admiration.

Holding his wine cup and listening to the praise from the honored guests at the main table, the smile on Wang Peng’s face grew wider.

"Brother Wang is truly impressive..."

Chen Cheng praised him at the opportune moment, all while stuffing his face with large chunks of meat.

"Of course!"

Wang Hengyu said with a proud grin, as if sharing in the glory.

"’Chuang’ has an excellent Root Bone and natural brute strength; he’s been prime material for martial arts since he was a child... He was just stuck at the Dark Force threshold for two and a half years. Now that he’s finally broken through, his future is boundless!"

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