C20 Tong Zetian

Inside the Chu Family's council hall, Tong Min burst into hearty laughter. He raised his teacup, took a sip, and said with a smile, "Our purpose here is quite straightforward—we wish to challenge the Chu Family's younger members to a contest."

He gestured toward a young man, about thirteen or fourteen years old, and continued, "This is Tong Zetian of the Tong Family. If anyone under fifteen from the Chu Family can defeat him, the Tong Family will present a hundred Xuanwu Silver Coins, a hundred Yellow Rank Low Grade Profound Qi Pills, and five Yellow Rank Demonic Beast Internal Pills. Should the Chu Family lose, we will ask for nothing in return. Do you accept the challenge?"

Tong Min's arrogance was palpable; he was insinuating that Tong Zetian alone could best all the Chu Family's youths.

All eyes within the Chu Family turned to Tong Zetian. With his striking features and an air of haughtiness, he seemed to regard himself as superior, too aloof even to engage in conversation with others.

Adorned in a light-purple robe emblazoned with the white character 'Hong,' he bore the unmistakable mark of the Tong Family.

Chu Qingyong felt a surge of anxiety. For centuries, the Tong Family had been unrivaled in strength. Their arrogance was a testament to their formidable power.

Each generation of the Tong Family boasted a prodigy. While some attributed this to favorable Feng Shui, the true reason for the Tong Family's consistent fortune remained a mystery.

Rumors abounded that Tong Zetian possessed a Grade 5 Martial Dao Talent, marking him as one destined to reach the esteemed ranks of Profound Ancestor or Profound Sovereign. His Martial Dao Talent had reportedly awakened just a year prior, and in that short span, he had ascended to the level of a Profound Warrior Five-star. In martial contests, he was even known to defeat opponents of higher ranks.

It appeared that among the Chu Family's members under fifteen, none could hope to best him.

Tong Zetian stepped forward, exuding an aura that sent shivers down the spines of those present. It was as if his very presence could quell the spirits of others.

He gave a slight bow to Chu Qingyong, a gesture that bordered on disrespect. As the head of the Chu Family from The Fifth Marquis Mansion, Chu Qingyong was a contemporary of Tong Zetian's grandfather. Proper etiquette dictated that Tong Zetian should address Chu Qingyong with the reverence due to an elder, respectfully referring to him as 'Grandfather.'

Master Chu, if any member of the Chu Family under fifteen can withstand ten moves from me, you will be victorious. What do you say? Who is brave enough to take up the challenge?"

The crowd was momentarily taken aback, then filled with righteous anger. Tong Zetian was proving to be even more audacious than Tong Min.

Many Chu Family descendants clenched their fists, veins popping on their foreheads, their eyes blazing with ferocity.

Six or seven disciples of the Chu Family stepped forward, bowing to the family head, "Grandfather, allow me to test my skills against Tong Zetian."

Chu Qingyong pointed to Chu Tianxiang and said, "Tianxiang, it's your turn."

"Yes." Chu Tianxiang stepped forward, shedding his green long robe to reveal a short shirt underneath. He approached Tong Zetian, bowed respectfully, and announced, "I am ready."

The hall was spacious, perfectly accommodating a duel between two competitors.

All eyes were glued to the arena. Throughout the year, they had heard endless tales of Tong Zetian's prodigious talent. With his Grade Five Talent, it was rumored that a prominent figure from the Flame Cloud Sect had noticed him and accepted him as a disciple. If he could secure the Marquis title for the Tong Family, his master would take him to the Flame Cloud Sect for further cultivation.

The Nine States Empire was governed by the Pill Cauldron Sect, but the Flame Cloud Sect was not aggressively recruiting, leaving the Pill Cauldron Sect with no recourse.

Being an elder in the Flame Cloud Sect carried significant prestige. For Tong Zetian, becoming a disciple was a tremendous opportunity.

Today, they would witness just how exceptional Tong Zetian truly was.

Both competitors were ready. Tong Zetian moved swiftly, his clothing billowing with a sound reminiscent of a battle flag snapping in the mountain winds—imposing and formidable.

With a flick of his finger, he executed the Flying Immortal technique.

His finger streaked like a meteor, aimed directly at Chu Tianxiang.

The Chu Family watched, their faces betraying their shock. They had not anticipated that Tong Zetian had honed his martial skills to the level of Super Great Perfection.

Martial arts mastery was categorized into five realms: Xiaocheng, Perfection, Great Completion, Leakless, and Super Great Perfection.

Mastering martial arts to the point of Great Completion is indeed a remarkable achievement.

Take, for instance, the Chu Family's South Bear Fist.

The Chu Family patriarch and The Great Elder simultaneously inhaled sharply.

Tong Zetian, at the Perfection Stage, was certainly capable of challenging opponents beyond his level.

It was clear that Chu Tianxiang had been defeated.

Chu Tianxiang felt as though the finger was enveloping him from all sides. No direction offered escape from Tong Zetian's martial arts coverage. A chilling sensation spread through all thirteen of his major acupoints.

Chu Tianxiang launched an attack on Tong Zetian.

Their fists met in just two exchanges, revealing that Chu Tianxiang's strength was no match for Tong Zetian's.

Tong Zetian's speed was incredibly fast as he charged at Chu Tianxiang.

Chu Tianxiang exuded a wild and fierce aura, charging at Tong Zetian like a king among Demonic Beasts.

After three exchanges, Tong Zetian extended his left hand and pressed it onto Chu Tianxiang's right shoulder. Following a dull thud, Chu Tianxiang was struck down to the ground.

His right shoulder was fractured.

Chu Tianxiang, a Profound Warrior Five-star, had been defeated and injured.

Chu Xiaoxiang stepped forward, bowing to his grandfather, "Grandfather, allow me the honor of testing the Tong Family's esteemed techniques."

Chu Xiaoxiang, with a Grade 2 Talent, was slightly older than Chu Tianxiang and further advanced in his cultivation. He had become a leading figure among the Chu Family's younger generation.

Chu Qingyong knew that Chu Xiaoxiang was headed for defeat.

The Tong Family's intentions were crystal clear. They aimed to have Tong Zetian defeat all the top fighters in Xuanwu County, cultivating an unbeatable presence and mindset. This would significantly boost his Martial Dao Cultivation Level.

In two years' time, he would effortlessly secure a top-three spot in the Nine States Empire Competition.

The Chu Family was merely a stepping stone for them.

Tong Min burst into hearty laughter, "Tianze, make sure not to damage the good relations between our families."

Tong Zetian responded with a slight smile, "Grandfather, I've been holding back."

Chu Tianxiang, who was administering treatment, turned pale with anger upon hearing these words.