C18 Before the Competition

Han Yu's voice was heavy with foreboding: "That incident from over a decade ago has already exacted a toll on my fourth son. To this day, he hasn't shared a reunion meal with me. And now, my grandson is facing humiliation at the hands of servants!"

"Is my grandson worth less than these insolent servants who deceive their betters?"

Seeing the Fourth Elder's expression, Han Yu realized he might have been misled.

Having held his silence for so many years, Han Yu could no longer contain his frustration and confronted the Elder.

The Elders wore expressions of discomfort and remained mute.

The Fourth Elder pressed on, "Family Head, could there be some misunderstanding here?"

"Hmph, misunderstanding or not, a simple investigation will reveal the truth. Gu Wan may present himself as the epitome of loyalty and deference before you, but behind your back, he's been skimming resources from our family members."

"Otherwise, with Gu Wan's subpar talent and late start, how could he have accessed a legitimate Internal Strength Technique in his thirties and advanced to the Middle Period of Mortal Rank?"

The Fourth Elder sensed something was off.

But backing down now would be a blow to his pride. Caught in an awkward position, he was somewhat resentful towards Gu Wan and resolved to verify the truth of Han Yu's claims later.

The Great Elder cleared his throat, interjecting, "Fourth Elder, Family Head, I'd like to weigh in on the matter of Gu Wan."

Han Yu responded promptly, "Please, Great Elder, speak your mind."

The Great Elder began, "If what the Family Head claims is accurate, and Gu Wan is at fault, we must acknowledge his decade of service to our Han family. To disregard his loyalty would be disheartening."

"Yet Han Feng has done no wrong, so I propose we consider the contributions of both individuals."

"Gu Wan's ten years of service have earned him significant connections within our Han family servants, which are not to be underestimated. Should Gu Wan cause further trouble, it could tarnish our family's reputation."

"Our Han family is currently in a growth phase. Any damage to our reputation could lead to a talent drain to rival families, jeopardizing our standing in Renzhong City's three major clans."

"Although recruiting strong allies is crucial to bolster the family's foundation during these early stages, it's ultimately the dedication and growth of our own family members that will ensure our prosperity."

"As long as Han Feng demonstrates sufficient value, we Elders will handle Gu Wan."

The Fourth Elder furrowed his brow. "How do we determine Han Feng's worth?"

Han Yu's face contorted uncomfortably. Measuring this situation in terms of value seemed to degrade the very notion of family ties.

Yet, at this moment, Han Yu couldn't object. The Han family was not a place where he could speak his mind freely.

The Great Elder spoke calmly, "Han Feng simply needs to pass the test and become one of the Ten Trainees."

The other elders exchanged uneasy glances. They were all aware that to become one of the Ten Trainees, one would typically need to advance to the Middle Period of Mortal Rank within the Main Bloodline. Han Feng had only recently developed his Internal Strength—this seemed excessively strict.

The Great Elder went on, "After all, Han Feng's father has inflicted substantial losses on our Han family. To make us overlook these losses, Han Feng must possess exceptional value. We have no shortage of ordinary talents in our family."

"I agree!"

"I agree!"

"Agreed!"

With no other option, Han Yu reluctantly concurred.

Once the elders had departed, Han Yu wore a rueful smile. These same elders, before they assumed their current roles, were once his sworn brothers, with whom he had founded the Han family.

But now, even though the Han family was thriving, the camaraderie of old seemed irretrievably lost.

While there was still a consensus on the family's interests, each harbored their own agendas, ceaselessly maneuvering for the benefit of their progeny.

Han Yu was aware that on the matter of Gu Wan, the majority of the elders sided with him. It wasn't that they were oblivious to Gu Wan's faults, but rather they preferred not to have their children and grandchildren dilute the already limited resources.

With fewer claimants, their own descendants would enjoy a greater share of the resources.

At the training grounds, a steady stream of people had gathered in anticipation of the competition.

Upon arriving, Han Feng's eyes betrayed his surprise.

Just half a month earlier, those who had reached the Middle Period of Mortal Rank by opening a Main Bloodline barely numbered ten. Now, before everyone had even arrived, the count had surpassed that.

"It seems that in the past half month, many have been diligently striving. Several who were at the Peak of the Early Period of Mortal Rank have now advanced to the Middle Period."

"Yet, these individuals are only in the early stages of developing their Main Bloodline and haven't fully stabilized. They pose no real threat."

"Huh? Han Gu has made a breakthrough as well!"

Han Feng remembered Han Lin's two flunkies quite well.

Upon seeing Han Feng, Han Gu couldn't help but flash a smug grin.

Initially, Han Gu was filled with panic as he watched Han Feng's cultivation foundation climb steadily. But now that he had advanced to the Middle Period of Mortal Rank, that fear had greatly subsided. In Han Gu's mind, there was no way Han Feng, despite his talent, could reach the Middle Period of Mortal Rank in just half a month.

As the competition neared, Han Lin and a few others, who were almost certain to secure their spots as Ten Trainees, arrived.

Han Lin carried no sharp aura about him, indicating he had solidified his Internal Strength after opening four Main Bloodlines. He might have even made considerable progress.

Aside from Han Lin, Han Feng's attention was drawn to two others—Han Rong and Han Zheng. These grandsons of the Elder were just a notch below Han Lin in the hierarchy of the young generation a month ago.

"One with four Main Bloodlines, two with two, sixteen with one, and myself—twenty in total."

"The competition is fierce," Han Feng mused.

As Instructor Lin approached, the crowd fell silent in anticipation.

Surveying the scene, Han Feng silently affirmed his earlier choice: "Using the five Lower-class Lower-grade Spirit Stones to enhance my cultivation foundation would have likely solidified my Internal Strength even further, possibly advancing me to two Main Bloodlines."

"However, with the upcoming ten days of training, I'll scarcely have time to elevate the Nine Flames And Strange Fire Art, making it impossible to refine those three Spirit Stones."

"I might gain access to the Level 2 Pill, but I can only consume it, not fully harness its potency."

"My Internal Strength will surely grow over the next few days, but the pace won't hold a candle to my previous rate of advancement."

"I stand apart from the rest. They've toiled away at their cultivation, spending years and years taking pills. Even if they don't fully absorb them, their progress is still quicker than it used to be."

"But not me. I'm different!"

"I've decided to focus on advancing my Nine Flames And Strange Fire Art. Sure, I haven't reached the second Main Bloodline yet, but there's still plenty of origin fluid left. Plus, I can refine the Lower-class Lower-grade Spirit Stone I've recently acquired. During my training, all I need to do is take the origin fluid."