C43 The Chu Family Competition Has Begun!

The Chu Family was abuzz with excitement.

Flags waved proudly above the expansive Training Hall, signaling the start of the much-anticipated annual Family Competition.

To the east, the Profound Warrior section was occupied. The easternmost seats held two to three hundred visiting Profound Warriors, allied with the Chu Family. Next in line were the Chu Family's own Profound Warriors, followed by this year's competing members—all of whom were under sixteen years of age.

Further on, relatives from the Chu Family Courtyard and non-Martial Cultivators gathered.

The competition had yet to commence, and the arena was alive with chatter.

The women engaged in lively gossip, discussing fashion, romance, and beauty. Their conversations were punctuated by bursts of laughter that resonated across the grounds.

The men conversed about national affairs and shared their experiences as Martial Cultivators.

Their talk naturally turned to the competition's younger contenders.

"Brother, who do you reckon will clinch the top three spots in this year's Family Competition?"

"It's tough to call, but word has it that Chu Xiaoxiang and Chu Tixiang have both reached the rank of Profound Warrior Eight-star. If that's true, their odds of making it into the top five have significantly increased."

"Indeed, those two lads have made remarkable progress, advancing three levels in just three months. It's quite astounding."

"That's definitely the work of Chu Yuexing, pouring resources into their advancement. But let me tell you, there's no real advantage to that. In the end, you can't cut corners in anything you do."

"And who else do you think might break into the top five?"

"Chu Yaoxiang, Chu Qinxiang, and Chu Yunxing are all turning sixteen this year. I've heard they've just made it to Profound Warrior Eight-star as well."

"The Great Elder's grandson, Chu Fengxiang, has a Grade 3 Talent. Already an Eight-star Profound Warrior at sixteen, he's a strong contender for first place."

"If only Chu Yangxiang hadn't gone off to Hyphosis Mountain, he might have given us another stunning performance."

Meanwhile, Chu Tianwen and his wife chose to stay at home, away from the spectacle of the martial arts field.

Rumors within the Chu Family grew more dire by the day.

"Chu Yangxiang has been devoured by the Red-furred Demonic Wolf at the Top of Xuanwu. Members of the Black Panther Profound Warrior Group witnessed it firsthand."

"He's merely a Profound Warrior Two-star with no wilderness survival skills. Yet he dared to venture to Hyphosis Mountain. He must have a death wish."

"Remember how cocky he was? Acting as if he were unbeatable. Well, now he's gone."

"Some have been living comfortably off their sons' success, but those days are numbered. A pauper is a pauper. Do you really think you can continue residing in the Chu Family Courtyard? Reflect on whether you're truly that fortunate."

Chu Tianwen and his wife were bombarded with ominous rumors daily. Imagine the turmoil in their hearts.

There's truth to the saying that a lie told often enough becomes the truth. As the rumors multiplied, they began to fear that their son had indeed met with disaster on Hyphosis Mountain. Why else had he not returned?

Chunhong and Xiaocheng were too scared to leave the house. As soon as they did, they were met with scorn:

"You sure knew how to pick 'em. You flocked to Chu Yangxiang, the 'genius,' and now that he's dead, your hard times are just beginning."

"Chunhong, just come to my room tonight. I'll stand up for you tomorrow if anyone tries to bully you."

"Xiaocheng, come here, kneel, and bow your head to me. Become my subordinate, and I'll have your back from now on. What do you say?"

Xiaocheng, defiant and bruised, was healing from his beating at home.

Chunhong stood behind Chu Tianwen and Hu Yewan, awaiting their commands.

Hu Yewan, her brow furrowed and face etched with sorrow, asked, "Do you think Chu Yangxiang will return?"

Chu Tianwen, deeply unsettled, reassured her, "Don't let your thoughts run wild. Fortune favors the righteous. He will be alright. He's bound to return."

The doors swung open.

They caught sight of Chu Yangxiang, clad in a green robe.

Hu Yewan rubbed her eyes, fearing she was mistaken. Had he grown slightly taller in just three months?

Chunhong's face was aglow with happiness, her eyes brimming with tears as she clutched her small fists and whispered, "The Young Master has finally returned."

Chu Yangxiang fell to his knees before his parents, exclaiming, "Father, Mother, I have returned."

Chu Tianwen let out a relieved breath.

"It's good to have you back."

Hu Yewan embraced him, tears streaming down her cheeks, yet she smiled, "You're finally back. I've been so worried. I'll be sure to offer thanks to all the deities with incense and offerings."

Xiaocheng's door creaked open, and he emerged, limping with a joyous expression, "Young Master, at last, you've returned."

Chu Tianwen, looking at Xiaocheng with concern, asked, "Who let you out?"

"I couldn't help myself; I was overjoyed to hear of your return," Xiaocheng replied, his face wet with tears yet smiling.

Chu Yangxiang observed Xiaocheng's wounds and offered a reassuring smile. "Father, Mother, please take a seat. I'll go to Xiaocheng's room and tend to his injuries."

Hu Yewan pulled out a silk handkerchief to dab the tears from her face, speaking softly, "Go ahead. Xiaocheng has endured much lately."

"Chunhong, bring some tea. Once I've had a drink, let's head to the kitchen and prepare a few dishes. Chu Yangxiang has returned safe and sound; we must celebrate properly."

Chunhong responded with a cheerful nod. With Chu Yangxiang's return, normalcy was restored.

Chu Yangxiang unwrapped Xiaocheng's bandages to reveal wounds that covered his body, hastily treated with the most basic medicines.

Clearly, Xiaocheng's injuries were the result of someone's vendetta.

As he adjusted the bandages, Xiaocheng shuddered, fresh blood seeping from his wounds.

Chu Yangxiang nodded in approval. "You have remarkable endurance."

He crushed two Blood Pills in a large porcelain bowl and retrieved a pre-mixed poultice. Blending them together, he carefully applied the mixture to Xiaocheng's wounds.

Xiaocheng felt a cool sensation on his wound, which significantly reduced his pain.

He carefully wrapped the wound with a fresh bandage.

Chu Yangxiang produced a Healing Pill and a Blood Lotus Pill and administered them to Xiaocheng.

Xiaocheng's eyes grew wide as he gazed at the Pills. Each was worth more than ten silver coins, meaning the Young Master had spent over fifty silver coins on him.

He could never hope to earn that much money in his lifetime.

"I can't accept such costly medicine; I have no way to repay you," Xiaocheng said, his eyes brimming with tears once more.

Chu Yangxiang offered a slight smile and gently patted Xiaocheng on his uninjured shoulder. "You were injured on my account; you're part of the Chu Family now."

Xiaocheng felt a surge of warmth in his heart and vowed to dedicate his life to serving the Chu Family faithfully.

Suddenly, a dull thud echoed as the door to Chu Yangxiang's home was kicked open.

Four servants, all in their twenties and thirties, stormed in with a menacing air.

"Chu Tianwen, the family has decreed that if Chu Yangxiang doesn't return within ninety days, you'll be forced to move out," they announced.

"Pack your belongings and leave at once."

"Even if Chu Yangxiang were here, he'd be powerless to change anything."

The other servants chimed in quickly.

"Chu Tianwen, you were always just a peripheral member."

"It's simply your destiny; you don't belong here."

"You were allowed in because your children were prodigies. Now that your prodigious son is gone, you must revert to your former status."

The ringleader fixed his gaze on Chunhong, his smile laced with malice. "Chunhong, if you come with me, I'll ensure no one ever harasses you."

"What do you say? My little beauty, will you accept my offer?"

His accomplice added, "Chunhong, this is an opportunity for you. Reject it, and you're sure to suffer."

At that moment, the door to Xiaocheng's room swung open.

A sardonic smile played on Chu Yangxiang's lips as he surveyed the four intruders. With a tone of cool disdain, he asked, "Oh, really?"