Chapter 54: The Examiner from Western Mansion

As Ryan settled in, he inevitably brushed up against the girl beside him.

Their thighs touched, shoulders nearly pressed together.

She wore light gauze, her sleeves thin and hollowed, and the faint warmth of skin carried through the fabric. The sensation was unexpectedly vivid.

The girl’s cheeks flushed at once, a soft red blooming across her face. She lowered her gaze shyly, yet didn’t move away, allowing Ryan to remain close.

Once Ryan was seated, the middle-aged man smiled and spoke. “I saw the young brother’s talent and strength earlier, so I took the liberty of inviting you into the carriage for a short conversation. If this was abrupt, I hope you won’t mind.”

“It’s nothing,” Ryan replied calmly, shaking his head. From the other man’s bearing alone, it was clear he wasn’t an ordinary figure. Courtesies like this only made Ryan more relaxed.

The man nodded and continued warmly, “Let me introduce myself. My name is Wang Zongyao, an inner-court disciple of Western Mansion. I’ve come to Fengyue City as the chief examiner for this qualification test. If you don’t mind, you may call me Uncle Wang. This here is my daughter, Wang Bi’er, also a disciple of Western Mansion’s outer court.”

Wang Bi’er inclined her head slightly, her voice gentle. “Bi’er greets Young Master.”

“Inner court of Western Mansion? The examiner?” Ryan paused, genuinely surprised.

He had already guessed Wang Zongyao’s status was extraordinary, but he hadn’t expected him to be from Western Mansion’s inner court, let alone the chief examiner of the Fengyue City qualification test.

The coincidence was almost amusing.

He was rushing back precisely to attend this qualification exam, and after passing it, he would head to Western Mansion’s main headquarters for the entrance examination. Yet before even arriving, he had already met the examiner himself.

Fate really did have a sense of humor.

Ryan stood slightly straighter and said politely, “Greetings, Uncle Wang. My name is Li Wei, a member of the Li Clan of Fengyue City.”

“The Li Clan of Fengyue City?” Wang Zongyao froze for a brief moment.

This revelation shocked him even more than Ryan learning his identity.

From Ryan’s strength, Wang Zongyao had assumed he came from a powerful background, perhaps even a hidden clan. Only such families could nurture monsters like this at such a young age.

But Fengyue City’s Li Clan?

A small family on the edge of the Western Region?

Ryan’s strength was at least at the Exalt level, and his combat power earlier had clearly rivaled that of an Upper Exalt.

Since when could a minor family produce such a terrifying genius?

If this were truly the case, then Ryan was not just talented. He was an outright prodigy.

Sixteen… seventeen at most.

At that age, reaching the Exalt realm already surpassed countless so-called geniuses of Western Mansion.

Of course, Wang Zongyao also considered another possibility.

A fortuitous encounter… perhaps, an ancient expert’s inheritance?

But everyone had their own secrets. Wang Zongyao only allowed the surprise to flicker across his face before setting it aside.

Meanwhile, Wang Bi’er quietly observed Ryan from the side. Her gaze lingered on him, thoughtful and curious.

When she heard that Ryan came from only a small family, there was no disappointment in her expression. Instead, her interest deepened.

Geniuses were always fascinating.

After a moment, Wang Zongyao asked, “Then, Brother Li, this trip out of the city was for…?”

Ryan smiled, understanding the unspoken doubt. “Uncle Wang might find this hard to believe, but I went out to train and strengthen myself so I could take the Fengyue City Western Mansion qualification test. I never expected to meet the chief examiner himself on the way back.”

He chuckled softly. “Even now, I still feel it’s a little unreal. This kind of coincidence is rare.”

“Oh?” Wang Zongyao’s eyes lit up. “You’re taking the Fengyue City qualification test? That’s excellent news.”

To Western Mansion, discovering a young man with such terrifying potential was a blessing.

With Ryan’s strength, passing the qualification test was trivial. Even the entrance examination at Western Mansion’s headquarters would pose no real challenge.

Someone with combat power rivaling an Upper Exalt would breeze through it.

Perhaps, after entering Western Mansion, Ryan would rise straight into the inner court.

The more Wang Zongyao thought about it, the warmer his smile became.

“Yes, Uncle Wang,” Ryan nodded. “My father asked me to accompany the talented youths of the family to apply, so I came along as well.

“So you didn’t originally intend to apply?” Wang Zongyao teased lightly.

“At first, I worried Western Mansion might restrict my growth,” Ryan admitted. “Later, after my father explained things, I changed my mind.”

“That’s good,” Wang Zongyao nodded approvingly. “And the other outstanding disciples of your family, what level are they at?”

Ryan considered for a moment. “Most are at or above the Elite level. They’re decent.”

Hearing this, Wang Zongyao laughed heartily and patted his chest. “Then you’ve made the wisest choice. Since I’m the examiner, as long as your family’s disciples aren’t truly hopeless, I’ll make sure they pass.”

Ryan’s eyes lit up. He immediately stood slightly and said sincerely, “Thank you, Uncle Wang.”

Securing places for the family was a great boon. For the Li Clan, this alone was enough to be called a turning point.

Ryan and Wang Zongyao chatted all the way cheerfully. After learning that Ryan was heading straight back to Fengyue City, Wang Zongyao warmly invited him to board the veterinary carriage so they could return together.

Wang Zongyao held Ryan in high regard. This young man was powerful yet modest, polite without being servile, and carried himself with a calm steadiness far beyond his age. The more they talked, the more Wang Zongyao wanted to know about him.

Ryan did not refuse. He brought Xiao Hei along, boarded the veterinary carriage, and returned to Fengyue City together with them.

Along the way, both Wang Zongyao and Wang Bi’er were repeatedly surprised by Xiao Hei’s presence. After all, this little fellow had just chased down an Upper Exalt, yet now it looked no different from a soft, obedient pet.

Up close, its cuteness was almost deceptive.

Wang Bi’er’s eyes sparkled whenever she looked at Xiao Hei. She held it in her arms from time to time, gently stroking its fur, and would occasionally glance at Ryan with unconcealed envy.

It was obvious. Beautiful girls had little resistance to cute beasts.

Ryan chatted with Wang Zongyao all the way until they entered Fengyue City. Only then did the two part ways. Under Wang Bi’er’s reluctant gaze toward Xiao Hei, Ryan brought the little tiger back to the Li Clan.

Wang Zongyao had just arrived in the city and still had many matters to handle, so he did not follow Ryan to the Li residence.

Ryan’s return quickly spread through the Li Clan, yet no one came to disturb him immediately. He rested for the night, and early the next morning, he was summoned by Li Gengxin.

Once again, it was the main hall of the Li Clan.

All the elders were present, but this time there were several additional youthful figures seated below.

There were six of them in total. Four men and two women.

One of the young women had a mature, curvy figure. Her development was striking, and she looked noticeably older than Ryan.

The other girl appeared much younger, with a delicate face that still carried a childish air, looking no more than twelve or thirteen.

Among the four young men, one looked younger than Ryan but already had a sturdy build, standing tall with a faint air of pride. The remaining three seemed around eighteen years old, their features sharpened by age, and their physiques strong and solid.

Ryan found them all vaguely familiar, though their names did not immediately come to mind.

“Li Wei greets Father and all the elders.”

After entering the hall, Ryan bowed respectfully to Li Gengxin, then saluted the elders in turn. Finally, he gave a slight nod to the six young members present.

Even with his current strength that basically surpassed everyone in the clan, respect for elders could not be discarded. Blood ties were not something to be severed lightly. If not for the Seven Elder repeatedly forcing his hand, Ryan would never have chosen to kill him.

Blood was thicker than water. Without that bottom line, one was no different from a beast.

When the six youths saw Ryan salute them, excitement flickered across their faces.

They were all geniuses of the Li Clan, each one proud and confident. Among themselves, they might not acknowledge anyone else easily. But toward Ryan, they were completely convinced.

After all, this was the man who had crushed Li Mingtian with just two fingers.

“Wei’er, come, sit down.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep