Chapter 189: Chapter 143: Humiliation, Part 2

Any previous disdain for a small place like South City vanished in an instant. They seared the lesson into their minds, never again daring to underestimate anyone.

Shame can forge courage.

This was something Noble Family Disciples often found easier to achieve.

“Gao, Qi, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future.”

Chu Lingguang said, cupping his fists.

“Everyone, I hope you’ll offer me your guidance in the days to come.”

Lin Longde also cupped his fists, turning to Chen Jin, Emperor Yue Xuan, Hu Yanlin, and the others.

“We’ve all trained together, so it’s not a stretch to call ourselves martial brothers. If you ever come to North City, you must visit me at the Yue Family estate. If there’s anything I can help with, I will certainly do my best.”

Emperor Yue Xuan said hurriedly.

To lose a duel and spend your days plotting revenge is the mark of a petty man. Emperor Yue Xuan wanted to defeat everyone present, yes, but more than that, he wanted to contend with all the heroes of the world. He dreamed of building a legacy and vying for supremacy alongside like-minded individuals, never of making enemies of all those around him.

A true Noble Family Disciple wouldn’t hold a grudge over something so minor, spending all their time looking for a chance at revenge.

A family like that would never last long.

Neither Yan Chengdu, Emperor Yue Xuan, nor even Chen Jin, Gao Yimu, Qi Shiwei, or Hu Yanlin were short-sighted people.

Chu Lingguang and Lin Longde had limitless potential, so the others only wanted to befriend them as soon as possible. They could improve their own cultivation and spar with them again in the future. If they won, great. If not, they would simply bide their time and build their strength, waiting for another chance to see who was superior.

“Hahaha! My Yan Family has been established in the lands of the Qiling Governor’s Mansion for centuries. In a way, you’ve all come to my turf, so you must allow me to be a proper host and entertain you all.”

Yan Chengdu said, clasping his hands toward the group and inviting them to be guests at his home.

“Excellent. Your older brother is world-renowned, and I have long admired him. I only caught a fleeting glimpse just now and didn’t have a chance to ask for his guidance. This would be a perfect opportunity.”

Chen Jin said earnestly.

“Mr. Li said your brother awakened the power of three Dragon Elephants at once. A hero of such caliber is far beyond our reach. To witness his magnificence would be an honor of three lifetimes.”

Emperor Yue Xuan chimed in.

Chu Lingguang nodded to himself. ’They respect me for being grateful and for my diligent training, and I, in turn, admire them for being so reasonable and broad-minded. They don’t judge a hero by a single victory or defeat. On the contrary, they know how to turn shame into courage. When it comes to worldly wisdom and navigating relationships, they handle it much better than I do.’

’There’s still so much I need to learn.’

He couldn’t help but sigh internally. ’Aside from the boost from my Favor Points and my connection to Guo Wei, I don’t really have anything that puts me on their level. In the future, as they pursue me, I must remain humble and redouble my efforts in training. I can’t just assume their privileged upbringings mean their dao hearts are unstable.’

“My brother will definitely be very happy to see you. Leave the matter of seeking his guidance to me.”

Yan Chengdu said magnanimously.

“Let’s all go with Chu to see Master Guo first. Eunuch Liu has already gone to find him. Even if we can’t do much to help, going together will be a show of support. It’s the least we can do to honor our month-long bond as fellow disciples. What do you all think?”

Lin Longde said suddenly.

“Good. I might not dare to directly confront and refuse Eunuch Liu, but I still have enough courage to stand with Chu.”

Chen Jin said.

“I’ve long heard that Master Guo’s Spear Technique is unparalleled. I’d also like to see how he taught disciples like Lord Yang and Chu.”

Seeing how fiercely Chu Lingguang and Yang Shaorong were protecting Guo Wei, Qi Shiwei knew inwardly that Master Guo must be an extraordinary person, and he had long been eager to see for himself.

Besides, how could they miss out on such a major spectacle unfolding before them?

“I thank you all. If there’s ever anything you need from me in the future, as long as I can help, I will not hesitate.”

Chu Lingguang said hurriedly, cupping his fists toward the group.

“You’re being too serious, Chu.”

The group said in unison.

The small boat then moved along the lake shore.

Unconsciously, Chu Lingguang realized that as his strength had increased—after becoming number one in South City and first in the academy—everyone was taking him more seriously. They were taking the initiative to befriend him, and Favors were being exchanged.

In the future, when serving as an official in the court, getting along with this group could not only earn him Favor Points but also bring other rewards. The path of the Martial Arts Examination truly could change his destiny.

Of course, Chu Lingguang silently committed to memory the support everyone had shown today. He would have to repay this favor in the future. Regardless of whether they were being sincere or just putting on an act, the fact that they were going with him to see Guo Wei would undoubtedly put some pressure on Eunuch Liu.

The boat docked.

Following the information Yang Shaorong had left him, Chu Lingguang led the group toward a small tavern.

Eunuch Liu was a man of high status and great power.

The small tavern was completely surrounded by his Guards.

When Chu Lingguang and the others arrived, they were stopped. Only after announcing their identities was the group allowed to enter.

「On the second floor of the tavern.」

The patrons had all been cleared out.

When Chu Lingguang and his group went up, they saw Yan Zhen, Yue Yuanshan, Feng Junyi, and Fan Zhibian were all present.

Guo Wei and Eunuch Liu were seated at a long table, about three meters apart.

Yang Shaorong, Wu Feihong, Li Murong, Wang Chao, and Hei Hu—all five of them—stood behind Guo Wei.

Upon seeing this, Chu Lingguang quickly walked over, and the six of them stood side by side.

Guo Wei said, “Eunuch Liu, Chu Lingguang and Yang Shaorong are young and insensible. They may have misspoken. Please forgive them.”

“Master Guo, there’s no need for pleasantries. I know I won’t be able to take Chu Lingguang with me today. I simply wanted to see what kind of man Master Guo is, to command such a loyal group of disciples.”

Eunuch Liu saw Yang Shaorong’s group standing guard behind Guo Wei. Even Hei Hu, the weakest among them, showed no fear in his presence.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep