The Second Elder was speechless. As the head of the Enforcement Hall, he naturally knew that the Zhang Family indeed had such a Family rule.
"Zhang Hao, are you trying to renege?" The Second Elder gritted his teeth.
"Second Uncle, you're in charge of the Enforcement Hall. Are you telling me this Family rule has been abolished?" Zhang Hao looked completely innocent.
The Second Elder was practically fuming. He had sacrificed his cousin's son, killing him with his own hands. But he hadn't expected to be played by Zhang Hao. However, this Family rule was written into the Zhang Family law, so he couldn't deny it.
"Hmph, indeed, the younger generation is formidable. I hope you can still smile after tomorrow." The Second Elder finished speaking and strode away.
"Jianfeng, you're alright now." Zhang Hao helped Zhang Jianfeng up.
"Brother..." Zhang Xiaomin burst into tears of joy upon seeing her brother was safe.
"Zhang Hao, thank you so much. If not for you, I would have been doomed this time." Zhang Jianfeng looked at Zhang Hao and said gratefully.
Zhang Hao playfully punched Zhang Jianfeng's shoulder and said with a smile, "We're brothers, don't say things like that."
"Hahaha... That's right, we're brothers. From now on, you're my boss, and my life belongs to you, boss." Zhang Jianfeng suddenly knelt before Zhang Hao, his expression resolute.
"Jianfeng, there's no need for this." Zhang Hao was startled and quickly helped Zhang Jianfeng up.
Inside the Zhang Family's secret chamber, a young man was sitting cross-legged in meditation. Suddenly, a terrifying aura emanated from him. The surrounding air began to tremble.
The young man opened his eyes. His gaze, like stars, was incredibly deep, as if it could pierce through the void.
"Heh heh, I've finally reached the third level of Martial Master. Tomorrow is the Family competition, and when I become first, it will be the time the Emperor bestows the marriage. Zhang Hao, this Young Master is very curious to know how you'll feel when you see me snatch away the woman you love. In the past, I was defeated by you. Now, I will take everything you have. This is the price for offending me, Zhang Kuanglong..."
"Hehehe..."
A chilling laugh echoed from the secret chamber.
The next day
Zhang Hao looked at Zhang Jianfeng standing outside the martial arts field's entrance, seemingly knowing he was waiting for him.
"Jianfeng, you've broken through?" Zhang Hao asked in surprise, feeling the aura on Zhang Jianfeng that was clearly stronger than yesterday.
Zhang Jianfeng nodded and smiled, "Boss, after experiencing the near-death situation yesterday, my state of mind was tempered, and I felt my Realm loosen up yesterday."
"Good! Good! You should be at the first level of Martial Master now. You'll definitely have a spot in the Family's top ten." Zhang Hao said happily.
"Top ten?"
Zhang Jianfeng smiled without speaking. Actually, his goal this time was to aim for the top five.
At this moment, the entire Zhang Family was bustling with activity. The Family competition was one of the most important events for the Zhang Family each year. On this day, many distinguished guests would come to the martial arts field. Even the patriarchs of the other two major families in Watt Country, the Wang Family and the Li Family, would attend. This was their chance to understand the Zhang Family's strength.
"Guests from Tianba Academy have arrived!" the herald's voice boomed.
Inside the martial arts field, the eyes of the young Zhang Family Disciples held reverence.
Tianba Academy was one of the three major academies in the Azure Dragon Empire, and its strength was extremely formidable.
Becoming a student of Tianba Academy was something every young Martial Artist dreamed of. It was said that any random instructor from Tianba Academy could sweep through the three major families, showing how terrifying it was.
Zhang Hao's gaze also fell upon the guests from Tianba Academy. The aura of the leading Elder was very strong, even surpassing that of the patriarchs of the three major families. This made Zhang Hao's heart sink slightly. At this moment, he gained a new understanding of Tianba Academy's power.
"I heard that the one leading them this time is Gu Long, the Vice Dean of Tianba Academy's outer court," Zhang Jianfeng whispered to Zhang Hao with a solemn expression.
Zhang Hao frowned and said, "Why would people from Tianba Academy come here? I've never heard of any connection between Tianba Academy and our Zhang Family."
Zhang Jianfeng nodded and said, "It is said that Gu Long has accepted Zhang Kuanglong as his personal Disciple, and he is here specifically to cheer him on today. Zhang Hao, you need to be careful."