chapter 30: A Lesson in Power

"Young Master Xiao, be lenient wherever possible!"

The old man's expression was grim as he threatened, "After all, we have the support of the Ouyang family!"

Ouyang Shaoyu added in a deep voice, "My brother-in-law is the young master of the Wang family from Fengyang Regional City. Forcing me to kneel is the same as humiliating him!"

Slap!

Ouyang Shaoyu's already swollen face was struck again.

"Did I give you permission to speak?"

Xiao Chen's voice was indifferent, yet filled with an undeniable authority.

Without hesitation, he kicked out, sending Ouyang Shaoyu flying through the air! The scene left the crowd in stunned silence.

How could this so-called country bumpkin be more arrogant than even the noble dandies?

"Xiao Chen, are you really going to cross the Ouyang family? Aren't you afraid that the Wang family will punish you?"

The old man glared at him and demanded in a deep voice.

"The Ouyang family? The Wang family from Fengyang Regional City?"

Xiao Chen stepped forward, towering over the elder. His voice was filled with mocking disdain.

"They may be powerful, but are they here right now?"

"You seem to have overlooked something important—your life is in my hands!"

As he spoke, his aura surged like rolling thunder, shaking the very air. The pressure of his energy sent chills down everyone's spines.

"Either kneel down and apologize, or die!"

"Ouyang Shaoyu, make your choice. Will you kneel?"

Plop!

A dull sound echoed through the courtyard, hammering into everyone's hearts.

Ouyang Shaoyu clenched his teeth, his head bowed, and knelt on the ground.

"I'll kneel. I'll apologize!"

He didn't dare resist—because he knew that Xiao Chen would truly kill him.

"I'm sorry."

The old man's face twisted with humiliation, but he too slowly dropped to his knees and apologized.

Xiao Chen didn't even spare them a glance. Without another word, he strode towards the Martial Arts Hall.

Behind him, Ouyang Shaoyu stared at his retreating figure with venom in his eyes.

"How dare you make me kneel! I'll make you wish you were dead!"

Martial Arts Hall

The hall was vast, filled with racks of weapons, and at the center stood a massive fighting ring. Rows of seats surrounded the stage.

As soon as Xiao Chen and his group entered, several people stood up to greet them.

"Master Zhao, it has been a long time!"

"Zhao Menghu, you look as impressive as ever!"

"Zhao Qian, your strength has improved again—not bad!"

These individuals belonged to the Seven Greatest Households or other influential families in Tianyang Prefecture. Only those with true power could attend this ceremony.

They all belonged to the Zhao family's faction and treated them with great respect.

Zhao Menghu raised his hand, signaling for silence, and spoke in a loud voice:

"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce someone important!"

But even before he could continue, all eyes had already turned to Xiao Chen.

He looked no older than sixteen or seventeen, yet he walked ahead of Zhao Qian and Zhao Menghu—and even more shockingly, both heads of the Zhao family treated him with deep respect.

"Someone important? Master Zhao, are you referring to him?"

A man in a gray robe scoffed slightly.

His name was He Guang, and his He family ranked fifth among the Seven Greatest Households in the last meeting.

Zhao Menghu's face darkened.

"Mr. He, Young Master Xiao is here to preside over today's matters. I advise you to watch your words!"

He Guang glanced at Xiao Chen and smirked.

"He's here to take charge? He's just a child! Master Zhao, you must be joking."

"If the Zhao family truly needs a strong leader, I know many Xuanwu Realm masters who can help. There's no need to bring in some random boy as a last-minute attempt to look competent."

Xiao Chen was not angered. He simply responded calmly:

"Are you upset that I'm in charge of the Zhao family's affairs?"

He Guang sneered. "That depends—do you even have the ability to handle this situation? Not just anyone can lead a powerful faction."

"How dare you!"

Zhao Qian slammed his hand on the table and barked coldly, "He Guang, if you dare to disrespect Young Master Xiao again, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

He Guang's face changed slightly.

"Wait—you actually called him Young Master Xiao?"

His expression grew serious.

What kind of person could command such respect from the second most powerful figure in Tianyang Prefecture?

"Master Zhao, please don't be angry. Why don't you introduce him to us properly? Which family does this young master belong to?"

Just then, Ouyang Hongyu entered the hall, walking side by side with a powerful-looking man. Three other middle-aged men followed closely behind them.

Their combined auras immediately sent a wave of tension through the hall.

"Xuanwu Realm experts!"

"Five Xuanwu Realm masters?!"

"Is this the Ouyang family's trump card?"

Many onlookers gasped in fear.

The Zhao family had ruled Tianyang Prefecture for centuries—but had their reign finally come to an end?

Zhao Qian and Zhao Menghu frowned, their expressions darkening.

"Isn't that Master Zhao?"

Ouyang Hongyu laughed as he walked towards his seat, his voice dripping with arrogance.

Zhao Qian nodded, but his gaze lingered on the man beside Ouyang Hongyu.

He must be from the Wang family… and his strength is terrifying!

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out.

"Hey, Xiao Chen, why are you here, you country bumpkin?"

Yang Shaoan stepped forward from behind Ouyang Hongyu, his expression one of disbelief.

He had assumed Xiao Chen was dead—yet not only was he alive, but he was here with the Zhao family?

"Huh? Shaoan, what's the matter?" Ouyang Hongyu asked casually.

"Patriarch, I ran into this country bumpkin before."

He quickly recounted his past grievances with Xiao Chen.

Ouyang Hongyu barely spared Xiao Chen a glance—he didn't see the point in paying attention to such a "nobody."

But Yang Shaoan's expression turned cunning as he smirked and said,

"Oh, I see. So, you've thrown yourself at the Zhao family, huh?"

"At the end of the day, you're just a lapdog."

His voice was full of mockery.

"You were so arrogant before, but now you're nothing more than a servant of a declining family. What a pity!"

"Unfortunately, you chose the wrong master. After today, the Zhao family will no longer be Tianyang Prefecture's strongest clan."

Yang Shaoan puffed out his chest proudly.

"You should've served my family instead! The Yang family is going to pledge allegiance to the Ouyang family. The Zhao family is finished!"

Xiao Chen ignored him and turned to Zhao Qian with a faint smile.

"Zhao Qian, your dogs not only betrayed you, but now they dare to bark at their former master."

Hearing this, Zhao Qian's face turned dark.

"You're right, Young Master Xiao. I've made a joke of myself."

Xiao Chen shook his head indifferently.

"I don't want to hear this dog barking anymore."

His voice turned cold.

"Kill him."

Yang Shaoan froze. "Wait—you want to kill me?"

He turned to Ouyang Hongyu in desperation.

"Patriarch, I serve you now! The Zhao family wouldn't dare kill me!"

But before he could finish his plea—

Slash!

Zhao Menghu's blade flashed.

Yang Shaoan's body was split in half before he could even react.

His wide, disbelieving eyes stared blankly as his lifeless body hit the ground.

Even in death, he still hadn't figured out—

How did Xiao Chen command the Zhao family? How had he become their master?

Based on what?!

Plop!

Yang Shaoan collapsed, his eyes open filled with eternal regret.

[AN]

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