Chapter 31: Uninvited Guest

“Still quite lively.”

But not long after the Chu Family members entered the Martial Arts Arena, a large crowd came marching in.

“They are the Xu Family of Lishu Town.”

“The Xu Family has always been at odds with the Chu Family; how dare they show up now?”

Many recognized the group's origin—they were the Chu Family's greatest rival, the Xu Family.

The Xu Family are the local tyrants; due to resource disputes they have often clashed with the Chu Family, and many believe a major battle between the two families is inevitable.

At this moment, seeing the Xu Family arrive with so many people, many thought they had come to cause trouble.

“Xu Qiang, today is the day of our Chu Family assembly—what are you doing here?” Seeing this, the eldest of the Chu Family's six sons, Chu Renyi, father of Chu Wei, led a group forward to meet them.

“Chu Renyi, why are you so nervous? I’m just here to join the fun.” Xu Qiang, the man called, gave Chu Renyi a contemptuous glance, as if he weren’t even worth noticing.

Xu Qiang is likewise the eldest son of the Xu Family, but unlike Chu Renyi, he has already been designated as the future head of the Xu Family and is a ninth-stage Spirit Martial expert.

Therefore, in his eyes, Chu Renyi is no match for him; within the Chu Family, only the current head, Chu Yuanba, is worthy of speaking to him face‑to‑face.

“Xu Qiang, our Chu Family assembly does not welcome your Xu Family.” At that moment, Chu Yuan also stepped forward.

“What, the Chu Family has no one left? Do you really think you can talk to us like this?” Xu Qiang’s expression changed; the aura of his ninth-stage Spirit Martial surged forth unreservedly, pressing toward Chu Renyi and the others.

At that moment Chu Renyi frowned slightly; being only an eighth-stage Spirit Martial practitioner, he could not withstand that pressure, but just as he was struggling, Chu Yuan stepped forward and said coldly, “Dealing with someone like you, I, Chu Yuan, am more than enough.”

As his words rang out, Chu Yuan’s body erupted with a powerful aura that not only neutralized Xu Qiang’s aura but also drove the Xu Family crowd back.

The change came too fast; before Xu Qiang could react, the people behind him were already shaken by Chu Yuan’s presence and kept retreating, while only Xu Qiang himself could hold his ground.

“Ninth‑stage Spirit Martial?” Xu Qiang stared in disbelief; he never imagined that Chu Yuan had also reached ninth‑stage Spirit Martial, and that his aura was at least equal to, if not stronger than, his own.

“Ninth‑stage Spirit Martial—the fifth son of the Chu Family, Chu Yuan, has actually attained ninth‑stage Spirit Martial.”

“Impressive—reaching ninth‑stage Spirit Martial at such a young age suggests that the position of Chu Family head belongs to none other than him.” Feeling Chu Yuan’s aura, the crowd inside and outside the Martial Arts Arena burst into exclamations.

Even Chu Yuanba, seated on the chief platform, changed expression slightly, a flash of delight appearing in his eyes.

“Fifth brother, when did you break through?” Chu Renyi asked excitedly.

“Older brother, I only just broke through not long ago.” Chu Yuan replied with a smile; he has always respected his elder brother.

“Good, good—breaking through is great; it looks like the Chu Family headship will be yours, kid.” Chu Renyi slapped Chu Yuan on the shoulder, feeling genuine joy for his brother’s advancement.

Although, as the eldest, he ought by rights to occupy the head’s seat, he does not care about that; he only wishes for the Chu Family to grow stronger.