Overwhelmed with regret, Su Hen turned his gaze toward his two daughters, only to find Su Rou and Su Mei beaming with joy, smiling so happily it was clear they had both long since fallen for Chu Feng.
At that moment, Su Hen truly wanted to go over and tell his daughters that Chu Feng was a rare talent, that he had feelings for them, and that he had even spoken of wanting to marry them. They should spend more time with Chu Feng, and if he was still willing to marry them and become the Su Family's son-in-law, then the Su Family could surely rise to even greater heights — far beyond simply being the rulers of Vermilion Bird City.
But Su Hen could only think about it, because the moment he recalled how, just a few months ago, when Chu Feng's clan had been destroyed, when Chu Feng needed help the most, he had told his two daughters to stay away from Chu Feng and never associate with him again — even he felt too ashamed.
Back then, he thought Chu Feng was dangerous and wanted to avoid being dragged down, so he told his daughters to keep their distance. Now that he realized Chu Feng had a bright future, he wanted his daughters to get close to him for the sake of the Su Family's development. Even he had to admit this was a rather shameless thing to do.
Of course, the reason he didn't speak up wasn't entirely due to embarrassment. He suddenly recalled that gray-robed gentleman who had destroyed the Shangguan Family — recalled the letter the gray-robed gentleman had left for him, recalled the gray-robed gentleman's ruthless methods. He had no choice but to abandon the idea of having his daughters marry Chu Feng.
Meanwhile, under the watchful eyes of countless spectators, after the important figures from the Spirit World Guild had been invited to take their seats on the VIP viewing stands, only Chu Feng remained on the massive Combat Platform at the center of the arena.
"Swoosh!"
Suddenly, Chu Feng pulled off his white Spirit World robe, revealing the attire of an Azure Dragon Sect Core Disciple underneath. At this moment, Chu Feng looked exceptionally imposing, standing in the arena without a shred of fear, calm and composed under the gaze of thousands. His eyes burned like torches as he swept his gaze across the crowd and declared in a loud voice:
"Exactly one year ago, I, Chu Feng, first stepped into the Core Area of the Azure Dragon Sect and became a Core Disciple. That was a day I felt proud and honored, because I had proven myself — proven that I was worthy of being an Azure Dragon Sect Core Disciple."
"But also on that very day, I was oppressed by a certain disciple. He ran rampant, relying on his status as the sect's number one disciple and his cultivation at the first level of Xuan Martial, trampling on the dignity of us new disciples and forcing us to dissolve our alliance."
"Facing his oppression, many chose to submit. But I, Chu Feng, refused to bow down. Forming alliances was an activity permitted by the sect — the Sect Master didn't interfere, the Elders didn't interfere, so what right did a mere disciple have to dictate?"
"But my defiance only invited his retaliation. Disregarding the sect's laws and the bonds between fellow disciples, he attacked me in front of numerous disciples."
"He was twenty years old, already at the Xuan Martial realm, and he attacked me — I was only fifteen, at the Spirit Martial realm. He forced me to my knees, made me beg for mercy, trampled on my dignity, and even tried to take my life."
"If Elder Li of the sect hadn't intervened to save me, I, Chu Feng, would have died at his hands — killed by this disciple who had no regard for the sect's laws."
"But even after he committed such a heinous act in public, no one thought he was wrong. Instead, they looked at me with contempt, believing that a lowly new disciple who had offended the number one disciple deserved to die, deserved to be punished, and deserved to be humiliated."
"But I, Chu Feng, refuse to accept that. If he weren't older than me, if he hadn't been cultivating longer than me, my cultivation might not be weaker than his, and my strength might not be inferior. So why should I be humiliated, be cut down, and have everyone look down on me before I've even had a chance to grow?"
"So, under the mocking gaze of everyone, I issued a challenge to that so-called number one disciple. I demanded he face me again in one year. When that time came, I would wash away the shame and show him that given enough time, I would absolutely not be his inferior."
"As for him — not only did he accept, but he also boasted shamelessly, saying that if I could withstand even three of his moves a year from now, he would kill himself on the spot."
"Today, the one-year deadline has arrived. It is time to fulfill the promise of that battle. I, Chu Feng, am standing right here. So where are you, so-called number one disciple???"
Chu Feng's voice rang out with clarity, each word striking like thunder. He laid out the full story behind today's battle, and in doing so, successfully directed every eye toward Gong Luyun.
Upon learning the truth, many admired Chu Feng's courage. Standing up to tyranny without bowing his head, setting a duel to reclaim his honor — that was not something just anyone dared to do.
At the same time, many people's opinion of Gong Luyun dropped significantly. Although this was a world where the strong ruled, blatantly disregarding rules and casually trying to kill a fellow disciple was still enough to earn anyone's contempt.
"Hmph, Chu Feng, you truly have no shame!!!"
At that moment, an angry shout erupted from one of the VIP sections. Then a figure shot outward like a falling star and crashed down onto the Combat Platform, landing right in front of Chu Feng. It was none other than Gong Luyun.
"Chu Feng, I, Gong Luyun, am not like you — all talk and no action. Today I'm simply here to honor the agreement from a year ago and take care of what should have been dealt with then."
"But if you're afraid, you can get on your knees and beg for mercy right now. For the sake of our honored guests, I might just spare your life." Gong Luyun was tall and upright, with a coldly handsome face — he truly had the bearing of a number one disciple, enough to make many women's hearts flutter.
"Gong Luyun, enough talk. Make your move. Three moves — let's see how I, Chu Feng, handle them." Chu Feng smiled faintly and raised his middle finger at Gong Luyun.
"If you're in such a hurry to die, then today I'll grant your wish."
"Haah!"
Gong Luyun roared, and a wave of invisible Xuan Force erupted from his body like a volcanic explosion. He threw a punch straight at Chu Feng, and the Xuan Force pouring from his body coalesced into an invisible giant fist, carrying a terrifying aura as it hurtled toward Chu Feng.
"Remarkable technique! Such overwhelming Xuan Force! Has Gong Luyun really reached the fourth level of Xuan Martial?"
"Too powerful! It seems the rumors about Gong Luyun defeating the number one disciple of the Listening Wind Sect are true. Reaching the fourth level of Xuan Martial at such a young age — imagine what he'll be like in the future!"
Gong Luyun's punch laid bare his cultivation at the fourth level of Xuan Martial, leaving many experts in awe. But even more eyes turned to Chu Feng. They were all wondering — could that slender, almost frail-looking Chu Feng really withstand this blow?
ps: Part 2 is out! Honeybee is sleepy and heading to bed to rest up so I can write my heart out tomorrow. Before I go, let me say it again to everyone — as long as the upvotes for Chapter 243 surpass 1,500 before 5 PM today, Honeybee will update up to Chapter 8 by 10 PM tonight.
Also, if today's update hits eight chapters and each of those chapters breaks 1,000 upvotes before midnight, then tomorrow Honeybee will keep the momentum going with five more chapters. Upvote and let's go — I believe in you guys! Let's blow the roof off!!!