“Hmph, he is Bai Family's number one Genius, Bai He. How can you compare to him?” the small-eyed Martial Warrior coldly snorted.
“What?” Zhang Hao was instantly enraged.
Bai He also cast his gaze upon Zhang Hao, gave him a contemptuous middle finger, and said, “How can Trash compare to a Genius like me? It's simply a joke.”
After saying that, Bai He gave an arrogant smile, turned, and walked into Huangjiang Restaurant.
Zhang Hao originally intended to keep a low profile and observe, but sometimes, being low-key isn't something you can achieve just by wanting to. A wave of anger emanated from his body. He said indifferently, “So, you're not planning to let us pass?”
“If you don't have an invitation, please leave!” the small-eyed youth said dismissively.
The small-eyed youth had naturally heard of Zhang Hao, the Zhang Family's number one good-for-nothing. He also knew that the real purpose of inviting Zhang Hao to this Martial Arts Assembly was to thoroughly suppress him. Therefore, he dared to be so reckless at this moment. Although there were rumors from the recent Zhang Family competition that Zhang Hao had taken first place, no one took it seriously. The Zhang Family had been gradually declining in recent years. If not for their accumulated foundation over so many years, they would have long since dropped out of the ranking of the three great families.
“Scram!”
Zhang Hao's body vanished from his original spot.
“Slap! Slap!”
Two slaps landed on the faces of the two Martial Warriors. The two Martial Warriors didn't even know what was happening, but they saw a figure flash before their eyes, and then they were sent flying as if riding on clouds.
“Trash, you dare to hit us?”
The two Martial Warriors were instantly enraged, got up, and pounced towards Zhang Hao.
“Seeking trouble!”
Zhang Hao coldly snorted, and two palms struck out like lightning, hitting the faces of the two Martial Warriors heavily.
The two had no power to resist at all, cried out in pain, and were sent flying back again. Their faces were swollen from the beating, and they lay on the ground, spitting up blood in large mouthfuls.
“Be insolent again, and you will die!” A cold glint flashed in Zhang Hao's eyes.
At this moment, the two Martial Warriors were immediately as silent as cicadas in winter. Feeling the extremely terrifying Killing Intent emanating from Zhang Hao, the two instantly knew that this youth was apparently not someone they could easily insult. Therefore, they didn't even dare to breathe heavily, and watched as Zhang Hao and Ning Xue went upstairs.
By the time Zhang Hao and Ning Xue went upstairs, the nineteenth floor of Huangjiang Restaurant was already full of people. Dozens of gazes fell upon the two of them. Some were curious, some contemptuous, disdainful, and even resentful.
Zhang Hao didn't mind. This time, he had originally intended to properly spar with the geniuses of Watt Country. But after his strength increased greatly, this idea faded considerably. This time, he just didn't want people to think he received an invitation but dared not attend, thus weakening the Zhang Family's reputation.
“Zhang Hao, come... sit here!”
A youth of sixteen or seventeen, wearing blue tight-fitting clothes, smiled at Zhang Hao.
Zhang Hao glanced at the youth, recognizing him as Du Tao. His relationship with Zhang Hao, or rather, his former self, was quite good. They would visit each other during holidays and festivals, and he was one of the few friends his former self had.
Zhang Hao felt several sharp gazes fall upon him, including that of Bai He, whom he had just encountered downstairs at Huangjiang Restaurant. He didn't mind and led Ning Xue to the empty seat beside Du Tao.
“Haha, Brother Zhang Hao, I heard you took first place in the Zhang Family competition this time. It truly is a case of needing to see a scholar with new eyes after three days!” Du Tao glanced at Ning Xue beside him intentionally or unintentionally and smiled slightly.
Zhang Hao waved his hand and said indifferently, “It was just luck!”
“Brother Hao is too modest. It is said that you even killed Zhang Kuanglong. How can that be described as mere luck?” Du Tao laughed heartily.
Zhang Hao looked at Du Tao and smiled, “Since you can participate in this Martial Arts Assembly, I presume you have also made great progress recently. Otherwise, how would you have received an invitation?”
“Hehe, then you are mistaken. The one who is truly here to participate in the Martial Arts Assembly is not me, but my brother. I am just following along to broaden my horizons,” Du Tao said with a smile.
Zhang Hao followed Du Tao's gaze and looked at a youth beside him. That youth looked about eighteen or nineteen years old. His eyes were closed. Seemingly sensing Zhang Hao's gaze, he opened his eyes, gave him a sharp glance, and then closed them again.
“Du Hai!”
Zhang Hao glanced at the youth thoughtfully, and information about him surfaced in his mind.
Although the Du Family is not as prominent as the Royal Family and the three great families, they are a leading Family in the second tier. Their strength should not be underestimated. And Du Hai is the Du Family's number one Genius. His spear technique is unrivaled among his peers in the Du Family. It is said that many of the older generation in the Du Family have also been defeated by his spear. The Du Family's Supreme Elder even personally appointed him as the Du Family's Young Master, to be the future Family Head of the Du Family. This shows how strong Du Hai's strength is.
“Du Tao, quite a few people are participating in the Martial Arts Assembly today!” Zhang Hao said casually.
“Hehe, of course. In previous years, the Martial Arts Assembly was purely about martial arts. But this year's Martial Arts Assembly is different,” Du Tao smiled mysteriously.
“Oh, how is it different?” Zhang Hao immediately became interested.
“Because the host this year is the Royal Family's Crown Prince Murong Fei, the top three in this Martial Arts Assembly will receive generous rewards!” Du Tao said.
“Mysterious rewards!” Zhang Hao became even more interested.
Du Tao saw Zhang Hao's curiosity about the rewards and smiled, “There are three rewards for the top three. The third place receives a Qi Enhancement Pill, which unconditionally raises a Martial Master's level by one! The second place receives a Low Grade Earth-tier martial technique book.”
Zhang Hao was secretly surprised. The Royal Family had truly gone all out for this Martial Arts Assembly. They even brought out an Earth-tier martial technique. One must know that the strongest martial techniques in the three great families are only Low Grade Earth-tier. It seems the Royal Family's foundation far exceeds ordinary people's imagination.
Zhang Hao continued to ask, “What about the first place?”
Du Tao said, “The first place receives a Bone-Breaking Life-Continuing Pill. Legend has it that this Bone-Breaking Life-Continuing Pill can bring the dead back to life and regenerate flesh on bare bones. No matter how severe the injury, it can restore one to their original state. Even the Royal Family doesn't have more than ten Bone-Breaking Life-Continuing Pills. It is beyond imagination that the Royal Family would take this out as a reward this time.”
Zhang Hao was secretly shocked, but quickly understood the reason behind it. He smiled slightly and said, “If I am not mistaken, the Royal Family is determined to secure the top three spots this time.”
Du Tao was stunned for a moment, then thought carefully and suddenly realized, “You are still clever, Zhang Hao. Thinking about it carefully, it really is possible. Anyway, if they obtain the top three, these rewards are still their own.”
Zhang Hao changed his mind at this moment. Originally, he had planned not to make a move in this Martial Arts Assembly. But that Bone-Breaking Life-Continuing Pill made his heart race. If he obtained the Bone-Breaking Life-Continuing Pill, Zhang Jianfeng could be saved. Perhaps, with the Bone-Breaking Life-Continuing Pill, Zhang Jianfeng's injury could be completely healed.
“You Zhang Family Trash, I didn't expect you to actually come to participate in the Martial Arts Assembly. It seems the standard of this Martial Arts Assembly is getting lower and lower; any Tom, Dick, or Harry can participate.” A beautiful young woman with heavy makeup stood in front of Zhang Hao at some point and said mockingly.