Four people gathered, and Ye Tian felt relieved after asking Duan Liu, who also found nothing unusual.
"Things aren't as complicated as they seem..." Ye Tian thought to himself, then let everyone take a rest since they had been traveling for several days and it was quite exhausting.
The next morning, everyone was refreshed and headed to the local power to help Cold Moon complete the mission.
This was an ordinary family, with overall strength comparable to the Cold Family. In the past, they would have been considered a formidable force, but now, any one of the four could easily dominate.
Upon arriving at the front gate, the guards stopped them and inquired about their identity and purpose.
Ye Tian didn't waste words; he swiftly knocked out the guard with a few precise strikes, leaving the other three stunned.
"What are you doing? Are we just barging in?" Duan Liu asked in confusion.
"Yeah, we're here to complete a mission, not to break into someone's home," Cold Moon added curiously. If it was going to be like this, did they even need Ye Tian?
In response to their questions, Ye Tian simply smiled and said, "This is the best approach."
Once inside the Garden, someone had already reported to the family head about the intruders. A group was waiting in the Martial Arena, preparing to confront the unexpected guests.
Of course, among them was a rogue who believed that this incident could effectively undermine the authority of the family head.
The family's surname was Lu, and the head of the family was Lu Gu. The rogue was Lu Gu's third brother, named Lu Jun.
Ye Tian and his companions arrived at the Martial Arena and stood face to face with members of the Lu Family.
"Big Brother, it's your time to shine since our family's Garden has been invaded by outsiders," Lu Jun said with a sinister smile at his brother Lu Gu, secretly wishing for him to be defeated so he wouldn't have to exert himself.
“Third Brother, they are definitely not ordinary people. It seems that the Lu Family is in trouble today.” Lu Gu stared seriously at Ye Tian. From the few moves Ye Tian had just made, Lu Gu already understood that he was absolutely no match for this young man. He just couldn't figure out why they were targeting the Lu Family. Could it be that Third Brother had invited them to stir up trouble?
“Master of the Lu Family, we meet again.” Cold Moon stepped forward and cupped her hands. She had come several times to persuade Lu Gu, but he had never believed her.
“Heroine, we have no grievances in the past and no enmity recently. Why do you always force us?” Lu Gu said helplessly, as he had witnessed Cold Moon's strength.
“Elder Brother, what are you talking about? Our esteemed Lu Family is the number one presence in the Square Area for miles around. Now that someone has come to our doorstep, you still speak so calmly? Your actions are disappointing to the family members.” Lu Jun fanned the flames but completely failed to realize that disaster was imminent.
“Yes, if the family head behaves like this, who can trust you to continue managing the family?”
“Perhaps it would be better to step down and let someone more capable take over. In my opinion, your nephew Lu Jun is stronger than you, has a broader mind, and is more decisive and resourceful.”
“We old-timers consider protecting the Lu Family our lifelong responsibility. At critical moments, it is necessary to eliminate incompetent individuals for the sake of the family's revival and then reestablish capable members.”
A group of seemingly senior elders from the Lu Family spoke one after another, clearly having been won over by Lu Jun.
“Alright, enough of this.”
At this moment, Ye Tian finally spoke. He didn't need to listen any longer; from their previous conversation, he understood the general situation.
“You all claim that protecting the Lu Family is a lifelong responsibility. Well, I am here to sweep away the Lu Family. I wonder who will come out to face me.” Ye Tian looked around at the elders with a contemptuous expression.
“This…” The elders all retreated from Ye Tian's gaze, unable to speak. They were merely Four-Stage Martial Artists at best; their status as elders was simply due to their long lives filled with cowardice.
“When there are issues in the family, of course, the family head should set an example. Are we supposed to go out and die?” an old man with drooping white eyebrows shamelessly said.
Upon hearing this, Duan Liu could no longer hold back and shouted loudly, “How can you say that? As an elder of the family, when faced with problems, you push them onto others? With an attitude like yours, what right do you have to be an elder?”
"This brother, please refrain from speaking harshly. Our Lu Family's matters are not for you to comment on," Lu Jun said as he snapped open his folding fan. He was a Four-Stage Martial Artist and did not regard Duan Liu at all.
Of course, he was merely a pure Martial Sovereign and had never encountered any unconventional methods, so he could not sense the violent aura of the Crimson Flame Ape emanating from Duan Liu.
"Enough of the nonsense," Ye Tian waved his hand and looked up, asking, "Who will come to challenge me?"
"I'll fight you!" A voice called out as one person stepped forward from the crowd. Everyone focused their attention on him; he was a promising young member of the Lu Family.
Ye Tian sneered and activated the Yuqi Tayan Jue. Before the young man could even land, Ye Tian had already kicked him back, sending him flying.
"…"
The people present had yet to react when they heard the young man let out a cry, landing several dozen feet away.
Lu Jun's expression darkened immediately. This young man was one he had nurtured personally and would play an important role in the future. If Ye Tian crippled him with a single kick, it would be disastrous.
"Big Brother, someone is bullying us, and you're still unmoved?" Lu Jun began to stir trouble again.
Lu Gu felt utterly helpless and could only sigh quietly. He knew he was no match for Ye Tian; this battle would likely lead to his demise.
"Third Brother, there's no need to go through such trouble. Let Lu Mingyu carry out whatever scheme he has," Lu Gu shook his head with a mournful expression. He believed that Ye Tian and his companions were brought by Third Brother Lu Jun to deal with him, and that Lu Mingyu—the young man who had just been kicked away—was merely a pawn in a scheme to force him into action.
This statement left Lu Jun momentarily stunned; he did not know where Ye Tian had come from or how these few people had suddenly appeared.
"I am Lu Gu, the head of the Lu Family. I would like to spar with you, young hero," Lu Gu said as he approached Ye Tian and cupped his hands in greeting.
"Lu Family has unfathomable strength, and I dare not confront them." Ye Tian bowed and clasped his hands, his demeanor extremely humble and respectful.
This scene left everyone momentarily stunned. Cold Moon, Yun'er, and Duan Liu looked at Ye Tian in confusion, while the members of the Lu Family turned their puzzled gazes toward Lu Jun, all thinking to themselves what was going on.
"Why are you acting this way, young hero? Do you need to publicly humiliate me, Lu Gu, to feel satisfied?" Lu Gu raised an eyebrow and asked. He wasn't without temper; he just preferred not to act unless absolutely necessary, a typical nice guy.
"I speak sincerely; I have heard much about the esteemed leader of the Lu Family. I truly do not dare to engage with you." Ye Tian spoke earnestly, sounding truthful.
Lu Gu became even more confused. What was going on? It seemed that these young individuals were not here to make things difficult for him as Third Brother had suggested.
"Brother, why are you wasting time talking to him? Hurry up and take action!" Lu Jun was becoming impatient because Ye Tian had just knocked out that junior with a single kick.
"Wait, you are Lu Jun, right?" Ye Tian pointed at Lu Jun and spoke in a highly contemptuous tone.
"What about it?" Lu Jun was not one to hold back; seeing Ye Tian's expression made him want to strike immediately.
Someone behind him pulled him back, and Lu Jun realized that if he acted rashly, his plans against Lu Gu would be ruined.
"I came here specifically to spar with you. I heard you are the strongest Martial Practitioner in this Square Area, aren't you?" Ye Tian raised an eyebrow and asked.
"I wouldn't say that; I'm just a Four-Stage Martial Artist," Lu Jun replied proudly. In the entire thousand miles of the Square Area, aside from him, the highest level was only a Sixth-Stage Martial Artist. The gap was immense, especially since he was only thirty years old, with a bright future ahead.
However, if he knew that Ye Tian had already reached the level of a Ninth-Dan Martial Artist at just eighteen years old, his expression would likely turn pale instantly.
"Four-Stage Martial Artist, truly impressive. I enjoy sparring with strong opponents," Ye Tian smiled and continued, "To be honest, we are disciples of the Cloud Sea Sect. We are here today on behalf of our sect to support justice for your Lu Family."
Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback. No wonder he was so arrogant and barged in; it turned out he was a high-ranking disciple of the Cloud Sea Sect.
"How do you plan to host this?" Lu Jun raised an eyebrow and asked. The so-called strong dragon does not suppress the local snake; he was not afraid of Ye Tian's identity.
Of course, he did not know that Ye Tian was a holder of the Cloud Token and a direct disciple; otherwise, he would have shown respect even to a cockroach, let alone a strong dragon.
"Naturally, I will help you select virtuous and capable individuals. The position of the family head is of great importance; how can it be entrusted to someone without virtue or ability?" Ye Tian said, staring intently into Lu Jun's eyes.
"Are you saying this for my benefit?" Lu Jun snapped his folding fan shut and said, "But the current family head is my elder brother; you should be looking for him."
"What’s the point in looking for him? I can see that you are the strongest in the Lu Family," Ye Tian smiled. "Besides, didn't you say it yourself? A Four-Stage Martial Artist is just that."
"Very well, I will give you a lesson today and let you understand that the Lu Family is not a place anyone can just enter!" Lu Jun's eyes gleamed with cold light. He had been provoked by Ye Tian and was itching to act. If he could teach a lesson to a disciple of the Cloud Sea Sect in front of everyone today, even if he did not want the position of family head, he would be pushed into it.
"Good. If you win, I will use the name of Cloud Sea Sect to support your ascension. Moreover, not just in this Square Area; I will help you deal with those forces in Lin Town as your vanguard," Ye Tian immediately made a promise, but this promise was merely a means to further entice Lu Jun.
Upon hearing this, Lu Jun was indeed stirred. The several forces in Lin Town had always been a thorn in his side because those people were close to Lu Gu. If he were to take the position of family head, they would likely cause trouble, which was one reason he had never directly usurped the position.
Now, this kid had actually said such words; it couldn't be better.
Based on the aura he had previously emitted, he was merely a Four-Stage Martial Artist. Although his kick that sent Lu Mingyu flying seemed sharp, it actually had many flaws. Lu Jun did not believe that his martial arts skills could surpass his own.
"Haha, shall we begin then?" Lu Jun was very excited, completely unaware that Ye Tian had been hiding his true abilities all along to lure him in.
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