Chapter 43: You Are Not Even Worthy to Make Me Move!

At that moment, the entire square fell into stunned silence.

Almost every guest who had come to witness the Jiang family's succession ceremony stared at Jiang Chen as though he had lost his mind.

They had seen arrogance before.

But to see someone labeled a "waste" openly defy the family elder at such a ceremony? That was a first.

On the Shenwu Continent, strength was everything. The weak had no right to speak, let alone claim leadership.

Even if Jiang Chen was the son of Jiang Wuya, once the strongest man in Cangshan City, it didn't change the reality:He was still a body‑tempering reject in their eyes.

And now, he dared challenge Jiang Qianhe for the position of Patriarch?

"This kid… where does he get this courage from?"

"Jiang Chen," Jiang Qianhe's tone dripped with scorn as he fixed his cold gaze on the youth below.

"So according to you, only you are qualified to inherit the Patriarch's seat?"

Jiang Chen didn't flinch under that oppressive stare.

"Isn't that obvious?"

"Good. Since Young Master Jiang wants to inherit the position of Patriarch," Jiang Qianhe said with a mocking laugh,

"I will give you a chance— to prove whether you are even qualified to claim it."

He turned to the crowd below.

"Jiang Xing, come forward!"

A youth of about sixteen or seventeen leapt gracefully onto the platform. His features were cold, his presence sharp.

"Jiang Chen," Jiang Qianhe said, gesturing toward the boy beside him,

"Strength decides everything.

You should recognize him— Jiang Xing, the brightest star of the Jiang family's younger generation.

If you can defeat him, claim the title of the Jiang family's strongest youth… I will acknowledge your qualification to contend for Patriarch."

Jiang Qianhe's aged eyes glinted with cruel amusement.

"So? Do you dare step onto this platform and fight him?"

The crowd erupted in whispers.

"Jiang Xing? Isn't he the one who joined the inner court of Lingyun Martial Academy half a year ago?"

"Yes! He's already at Qi Refining, Third Layer. This is slaughter, not a contest!"

"That Jiang family waste is walking into a death trap."

They shook their heads, some even pitying Jiang Chen.

On the platform, Jiang Qianhe's lips curled.

"Come, boy. Today, Jiang Xing will crush you completely. And with you broken, my road to Patriarch will be unobstructed."

Jiang Chen's gaze narrowed slightly as he regarded Jiang Xing.

"So… this old dog even dragged his lapdog back from Lingyun Academy."

"Jiang Chen," Jiang Xing's voice was cold and emotionless as he stepped forward.

"This is about the future of the Jiang family. If you truly want to claim the Patriarch's seat— face me."

Jiang Chen laughed, but there was no mirth in it— only disdain.

"Jiang Xing, you're just a puppy raised by that old dog Jiang Qianhe. And you dare bark at me?"

His words rang out like a whip, making even the onlookers shudder.

"You? You aren't even qualified to make me lift a hand."

Jiang Chen tilted his head slightly, then glanced behind him at Meng Qingxue.

"Qingxue, go. Get him off this stage."