C7 Why Don't You Eat Sh T?

The courtyard was alive with a tumultuous whirl of air, snowflakes scattering in every direction. This spectacle was the result of Hu Nao practicing his Sky-Splitting Palm technique. With a mere sweep of his hand, he conjured a massive sphere of ice and snow that hurtled through the air like a barrage of concealed weapons, traveling several meters before dissipating.

A tree, as thick as a bowl, bore the brunt of the attack, emitting a series of muffled hisses as a multitude of tiny holes peppered its trunk. The fact that mere snowflakes could pierce through such a stout tree was a testament to the immense power behind Hu Nao's gesture.

Now possessing the strength of One Dragon and One Elephant, each of Hu Nao's movements was imbued with a fierce and robust energy, making the display of his divine might all the more comprehensible.

With a mighty shout, "Hah!" Hu Nao channeled all his strength into a palm strike against a colossal boulder in the courtyard. Despite the stone's incredible hardness, it yielded to his touch like tofu, leaving behind a deep palm imprint with the intricacies of his palm lines as clear and deliberate as if etched by a master sculptor. Oddly enough, the boulder remained intact.

His martial prowess had evidently reached a harmonious balance of power and gentleness, achieving the pinnacle of refinement.

Gazing at the palm print he had left on the stone, Hu Nao was filled with an extraordinary sense of joy. "Indeed, the Nirvana Pill does more than facilitate rebirth; it also imparts the wisdom and martial essence of the Nirvana Realm master who crafted it. Had I trained in the Sky-Splitting Palm on my own, it would have taken months to attain such a balanced state. Yet, with the Nirvana Pill, enlightenment was instantaneous, and mastery immediate. Even future martial arts practices will be swiftly integrated and understood."

This was the true marvel of the Nirvana Pill: not only did it enhance one's physical constitution, but it also elevated one's martial arts aptitude. Any technique, once grasped, could be rapidly advanced.

The Nirvana Realm was a state of being far more enigmatic and profound than that of the Spirit Speak Realm. To assimilate the experiences of a Nirvana Realm expert was no small feat.

Subsequently, Hu Nao dedicated himself to the diligent study of martial arts, his techniques becoming increasingly adept, fluid, and refined with concentrated power.

He had only entered the Fifth Heaven of Body Tempering a few days ago, yet he was already at its peak. By cultivating the strength of One Dragon and One Elephant, he would achieve the power of Two Dragons and Two Elephants. This would allow him to ascend to the Sixth Heaven of Body Tempering. Continuing in this manner, once he possessed the strength of Six Dragons and Six Elephants, he could enter the Spirit Speak Realm.

Over the last couple of days, numerous experts had been returning to the Hu family. The Northlands boasted seven major cities and countless smaller ones. These experts either held sway over the smaller cities or managed businesses in other major cities, all under the Hu family's umbrella. Egluarsall served as the main branch, akin to the headquarters.

With Egluarsall on the brink of chaos, the Hu family's main branch faced difficulties, prompting the return of the other branches to lend their support.

As dusk fell, a long, deep roar of a tiger echoed between heaven and earth.

Over ten smilodons thundered up to the Hu family's gates, their hoofbeats booming like thunder, making heads buzz and ears tingle.

The leader of the pack was enormous, the size of four or five horses, with a pristine, snow-white coat and teeth as sharp as treasured swords, glinting coldly. A prominent "King" mark adorned its forehead, exuding an air of unmatched dominance and valor.

Astride the tiger was a middle-aged man with a broad, muscular build, bushy eyebrows, and large eyes. His presence was as imposing as a mountain, surpassing even the formidable smilodon beneath him in both dominance and bravery.

"Fourth Brother, welcome back. You've had a long journey; please, come inside," greeted Hu Shiqi, the butler, who had been anticipating his arrival. He saluted the middle-aged man from a distance.

The Hu family was extensive, with a large business and numerous descendants. Among the middle generation, the family head, Hu Bugui, was the fifth eldest. The middle-aged man was Hu Bubai, the fourth eldest, while the butler, Hu Shiqi, was the seventeenth. Though not blood brothers, their ranking within the family was determined by age and seniority.

"I'm not the one exerting myself. Old Seventeen, you're the one holding down the fort at the Ruling House, working with Hu Bugui to issue commands. You've got the tough job."

Hu Bubai's gaze was as piercing as a lightning strike. He looked down at Hu Shiqi with a lofty air, and without dismounting from his steed, he led the procession of tigers straight into the mansion. Atop each smilodon sat a warrior, each one exuding an aura of iron and blood.

Hu Shiqi was met with a cold shoulder, his face souring as his emotions churned. "It looks like Fourth Bro still hasn't gotten over past grievances. This could spell trouble..."

Over a decade ago, Hu Bubai had fiercely competed with Hu Bugui for the title of Patriarch. After his defeat, he left in anger to manage the Hu family's affairs in another city. As a result, his relationship with the Ruling House had been strained.

While Hu Shiqi was lost in thought, another contingent of experts arrived, braving the wind and snow on black lions, at the Hu family's gates.

The man leading them was the epitome of grace and sophistication, dressed in soft armor and exuding the presence of a warrior-scholar.

Hu Bufan, too, had once vied with Hu Bugui for leadership of the Hu family. He was the head of the Hu family in Blackmane, one of the seven cities in the Northlands.

Upon seeing Hu Shiqi, Hu Bufan's brow furrowed, and he spoke with displeasure, "Old Shiqi, please tell me the rumors are false. Hu Bugui is actually considering taking a maid as his adopted daughter? This is an affront to the Hu family's lineage!"

Hu Shiqi managed a strained smile. "Eighth brother, this is a serious matter. Let's discuss it back at the house."

"House? Where is my house here? My home is in Blackmane." Hu Bufan huffed dismissively and led his lions into the mansion.

Hu Shiqi felt his heart sink once more...

As the evening lamps were lit, the Hu family's experts convened in the grand meeting hall.

The hall was vast enough to hold several hundred people. Dozens of 'no' generation experts sat in chairs, with a host of young prodigies standing behind them. With the exception of the traveling elders, every notable member of the Hu family was present.

As the patriarch of the Hu family, Hu Bugui took his place at the head of the table in the meeting hall.

Nan Xi sat next to him, composed and poised as various experts appraised her.

Her exceptional poise and grace prompted nods of approval from the onlookers.

Even Hu Bufan, who was initially biased against her, couldn't contain his laughter upon seeing her, lavishing praise, "This young woman is impressive, truly impressive! Not only does she look the part, but her talent is even more remarkable! I can sense that she has reached the pinnacle of the Ninth Heaven in the Body Tempering Realm. With just the right opportunity, she could advance into the Spirit Speak Realm. At that point, our Hu family will gain yet another formidable expert!"

Hu Bugui responded with a slight smile, "If you're fond of her, Eighth Brother, that's wonderful. Currently, Egluarsall is on the brink of chaos, and our Hu family faces grave threats. Yet, in every crisis lies opportunity. If we brothers unite, we can transform peril into possibility, and even exploit the turmoil to secure advantages for our family."

His intention was clear without being explicit—he wished to set aside past grievances with Hu Bufan and collaborate for the good of the Hu family.

However, Hu Bufan's expression turned stern, and his tone shifted, "Hold off on the pleasantries. Let me finish speaking. The Hu family indeed needs unity and a common front right now, which I support. But I cannot agree to you continuing as our leader. I believe you lack the capability to guide us through the looming upheaval in Egluarsall."

His demeanor was refined, yet his audacity was unmistakable, as he proposed to strip Hu Bugui of his leadership in front of the assembled crowd.

The room's atmosphere shifted palpably.

For a brief moment, the expansive hall fell into a hushed silence so profound you could hear a pin drop.

"Ahahaha, Old Eighth, you've taken the words right out of my mouth! I didn't expect you to be so eager and beat me to it!" boomed Hu Bubai, a man of towering build and piercing gaze, as he stood up and scanned the experts. "I, too, believe Hu Bugui lacks the necessary strength. It's quite straightforward—consider his son, Hu Nao, who was injured in the womb due to Hu Bugui's negligence. Now at sixteen, Hu Nao's notorious debauchery is well-known, a direct result of Hu Bugui's failure in upbringing. How can someone who fails to protect and properly guide his own son continue as our patriarch?"

His appearance was rugged, yet his mind was incredibly sharp, and his words cut to the bone.

Upon hearing this, the crowd no longer held back, openly discussing the matter in front of Hu Bugui, the Hu family patriarch.

"Fourth Master makes a compelling point. His son was ruined by his own hands; the Hu family can't afford to make the same mistake!"

"Exactly, exactly. In times of peace, he could lead as patriarch, but with the changing tides in Egluarsall, he won't hold up!"

"We must secure our internal affairs before facing external threats. We need to elect a new patriarch today!"

The voices opposing Hu Bugui grew louder and louder.

"Why don't you all go eat shit?"

Suddenly, a languid voice rang out, causing everyone to pause and turn to see Hu Nao sauntering into the council hall, with the steward, Hu Shiqi, trailing behind him.

Hu Nao had initially decided against attending tonight's council. He was in his room, focused on meditation, eager to advance to the Sixth Heaven of Body Tempering to gain more power and contribute to his family's cause.

Just a quarter of an hour earlier, Hu Shiqi had sought out Hu Nao, expressing concern that the Hu family elders might leverage him as an excuse to challenge Hu Bugui. Hu Nao had thought Uncle Seventeen was being overly cautious, considering the pressing circumstances. He believed that unity in protecting the Hu family's wealth and status was paramount.

Yet, upon arrival, he was met with a unanimous outcry against his father.

Hu Nao's fury was uncontainable as he lashed out with a tirade, "Have you all been eating shit, or did a donkey kick your brains out? Are you really so petty as to squabble among yourselves at a time like this?"

The room was filled with influential members of the Hu family, those with real power. Among them were Hu Nao's seniors and young prodigies of exceptional talent. No one expected Hu Nao to be so audacious in such a setting.

They were unaware that Hu Nao was the type to curse the skies themselves, much less them.

"Little wretch, you, you..."

Everyone stood there, dumbfounded and too angry to even finish their sentences.

A long silence followed.

Hu Bubai was the first to snap out of it, his anger giving way to a mocking laugh. "Well, everyone's seen it now. This is the 'fine' son our Ruling House has raised!"

At that moment, Hu Nao had made his way to his father, Hu Bugui's side. Witnessing his father's unflappable demeanor in the face of the crowd's accusations, he couldn't help but silently admire his father's composure.

But he himself couldn't stand it.

With a nonchalant shrug, Hu Nao shot Hu Bubai a defiant look. "Old fool, what are you rambling about? Cut the sarcasm. You think I'm not up to snuff? Bring out your son, let's see how he measures up against me!"

Hu Bubai's eyes widened in response.

I don't have a son.