Qian Mushi’s heart jumped when he saw the other man’s strike. He hadn’t expected Wang Nianshen to be so powerful.

But then he remembered the master his family had hired, and his heart eased. ’It doesn’t matter if it’s you, Wang Nianshen,’ he thought. ’Even if Su Yu joined you, it would still be useless!’

Just then, another carriage arrived. The curtain was lifted, and Jia Cheng, dressed in a long silk robe, slowly descended with the help of two maids.

"Elder Jia! You’re finally here!"

Like a drowning man clutching a life-saving straw, Yang Chongren rushed forward in a few steps to support him, his voice trembling. "The Qian Family has gone too far! I beg you, Elder, to seek justice for my Yang Family!"

Seeing this, Qian Mushi let a perfectly-timed flicker of surprise cross his face before putting on a smile and stepping forward. "Elder Jia, how could we trouble you with such a trivial matter?"

Jia Cheng walked into the center of the crowd and wasted no words. "Alright, I know what led to this situation. I am here on behalf of the Brocade Pavilion to see that justice is done."

"Regarding the business dispute between your Qian and Yang families, we will follow the rules of the martial world in Black Stone City!"

"An arena challenge!"

At these three words, the surrounding crowd fell silent.

"Both sides will wager fifty percent of their shares, including their supply quota from the Brocade Workshop and their storefront business shares! The winner takes all!"

"Fifty percent?!"

A gasp rippled through the crowd. This was a bet for their entire fortunes! Whoever lost would see their family’s business plummet. Within a few years, the winner would surely crush them out of existence!

"The Yang Family has no objection! We’ll do as Elder Jia says!" Yang Chongren agreed loudly without a moment’s hesitation. He had paid a heavy price for this opportunity, and with two great masters like Wang Nianshen and Su Yu on his side, when would be a better time to risk it all?

Qian Mushi, on the other hand, looked absolutely livid, as if he had just suffered a massive loss.

He protested anxiously, "Elder Jia, this... this isn’t according to the rules, is it? Manager Xu already promised to give the entire supply to my Qian Family..."

Jia Cheng’s face darkened with anger. "Since I have come, I naturally have the final say on the Brocade Workshop’s business. Manager Xu and I have discussed this in person!"

"What, do you have an objection?"

"No, no, no! I wouldn’t dare! In this business, who would dare to disrespect you?" Qian Mushi waved his hands repeatedly, finally cupping his fist reluctantly. "Fine! Since Elder Jia has spoken, my Qian Family... accepts!"

Seeing Qian Mushi’s frustrated expression, the last trace of doubt in Yang Chongren’s heart vanished.

"Since there are no objections, draw up the contract!"

"You have half an hour to prepare your fighters. In half an hour, the competition will be held right here at this intersection!"

"Half an hour? That’s too rushed! Elder Jia, could you grant us an extension..." Qian Mushi was still trying to stall, his face etched with anxiety.

"Hey! Patriarch Qian!" Yang Chongren wasn’t about to give him any breathing room, interrupting in a booming voice, "Elder Jia’s word is final! Half an hour means half an hour! Or is the Qian Family afraid?"

"You!" Qian Mushi pointed at Yang Chongren, his hand trembling with rage. Finally, he flung his sleeve back forcefully. "Fine! Half an hour it is! When you lose, Yang Chongren, don’t you dare regret it!"

...

His heart settled, Yang Chongren returned to his family, where Yang Ai, Yang Gang, and the others immediately gathered around him.

"Father, this arena challenge... are we confident we can win?" All of Yang Gang’s former arrogance was gone, replaced by pure worry.

Seeing the worried expressions on his children’s faces, Yang Chongren said calmly, "Don’t worry. Tributor Wang is very powerful and has already agreed to fight."

"As for Tributor Su, your eldest sister has sent word. They are on their way."

"That’s great! With Brother Su here, we definitely won’t lose this challenge!" Yang Ai’s face lit up with joy.

"Second Sister, is Su Yu really that amazing?" Yang Gang asked, a bit skeptical.

"Brother Su placed in the top five of the Martial Examination! Don’t tell me you weren’t even paying attention to it!" As she spoke, Yang Ai immediately grabbed her brother’s ear, fuming.

"Ow, ow, ow! Second Sister, let go!" Yang Gang grimaced. "I believe you! I believe you, alright?! As long as we win, I’ll even call him Dad!"

"Of course! Brother Su is the best!" Wiping away a tear, Yang Ai was once again full of energy. "Father, you’re brilliant! You forced the Qian Family into this challenge. If we win, we can even take over their business!"

Hearing this, Yang Chongren felt a flicker of anticipation, but his expression remained unchanged as he said cautiously, "The outcome of the challenge is not yet decided. It’s too early to be saying such things!"

His gaze shifted to the other side, and seeing the anxious look on Qian Mushi’s face, he completely suppressed the trace of worry in his heart.

’No matter what tricks the Qian Family has, in the end, this will be decided by martial strength!’

’Their two Tributors haven’t even reached the First Acupoint realm. They’re definitely no match for Tributor Su!’

’In such a short time, they won’t be able to hire outside help! And with the Qian Family’s finances, it’s almost impossible for them to afford a higher-level Martial Artist!’

"Tributor Su has arrived!"

The steward, Yang Quan, shouted, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.

A carriage in the distance came to a steady halt, and a tall, slender figure lifted the curtain and stepped out.

Today, Su Yu wore a neat set of black, practical clothes, a long saber hanging from his waist, his expression impassive.

Yang Chongren’s face instantly broke into the brightest of smiles. He strode forward briskly to greet him, his back slightly bent in a very deferential posture.

Su Yu found Yang Chongren’s overly respectful attitude a little strange, but his expression remained calm as he cupped his fist in return. "Uncle Yang, you’re too kind. This is simply my duty. What is the current situation?"

Yang Chongren’s expression turned solemn, and he said in a low voice, "The challenge begins in less than half an hour. The wager is fifty percent of both the Yang and Qian families’ business shares. This will decide the very future of the Yang Family! I implore you, Tributor Su... you must give it your all!"

Su Yu’s fingers gently stroked the hilt of his saber, his tone as calm as ever. "Rest assured, Uncle Yang. As long as it is within my ability, I will naturally do my best. But let me be clear: if the situation is hopeless, I will not throw my life away."

A hint of stiffness flashed across Yang Chongren’s face, but he immediately nodded. "What Tributor Su says is absolutely right. I understand, I understand."

"Brother Su!"

A figure in red darted over like a butterfly. Yang Ai kicked Yang Gang aside as he tried to get close, then tilted her small face up, her eyes full of joy. "That Qian Family is just too much! Brother Su, you have to teach them a good lesson for us!"

Yang Ai fluttered around him like a butterfly, happier than anyone at that moment, having just kicked away her brother who had also tried to come forward.

Looking at the girl’s energetic face, Su Yu’s hardened heart softened slightly. He gave a small nod. "Don’t worry."

"Younger Brother Su!"

At this, Wang Nianshen, who had been waiting at the side, also strode forward. This man, who had been so full of arrogance before, now appeared somewhat reserved in front of Su Yu.

"Brother Wang. Good to see you."

When Wang Nianshen saw Su Yu return the greeting, his face immediately lit up with joy.

When he had first heard the news that Su Yu had participated in the Martial Examination, killed Sun Shi, and placed in the top five, he had been completely dumbstruck.

That was Sun Shi, a man of astonishing talent who had mastered the first revolution of the Iron Armor Skill at such a young age. He was a legendary figure in the martial arts hall.

To think he had actually been killed by Su Yu!

His rate of improvement was simply too fast. Although Su Yu had defeated him before, his strength back then was nowhere near this powerful!

"Brother Su, you were truly a hidden dragon before. I was blind to your talent," Wang Nianshen said as he pulled him by the arm to a corner.

"Although I’m a member of the Iron Armor Martial Arts Hall, I must tell you, I’ve always been a minor figure on the fringes. I would never dare to interfere in the grudge between you and the Hall. Please, don’t misunderstand."

Su Yu patted his shoulder and said calmly, "Don’t worry, Brother Wang. I’m someone who is clear about who are my friends and who are my enemies."

Hearing Su Yu’s words, Wang Nianshen’s anxious heart finally settled.

’Su Yu really is a young prodigy, a true chosen one. It’s not just his potential; his magnanimity is also admirable in every way.’

’I can’t believe I’ve managed to befriend such a genius!’

Not far away, Yang Chongren was pulling his daughter, Yang Zhen, aside to question her. He was dismayed to hear that she hadn’t promised Su Yu any special conditions.

"Foolish!" Yang Chongren’s face darkened with anger. "On a matter this important, without the promise of some benefit, how can you be sure he’ll put his heart into it?"

’No, I must ensure Su Yu gives it his all!’

Recalling how the Qian Family had just backed him into a corner, a decisive thought flashed through his mind. He spoke softly, "Zhen’Er, what do you think of Su Yu as a person?"

"Brother Su is young and promising, his talent is exceptional, and he is excellent in all aspects," Yang Zhen said, blushing slightly, as if she already knew what her father was thinking.

"Zhen’Er, I will go talk to Su Yu right now. If he wins the arena challenge, you will marry him. How about it?"

"Ah, Father... but... I’ve seen how Second Sister feels about Brother Su..."

"Then you’ll both marry him!" 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Yang Chongren’s reply was firm and decisive.

Now that his son was unable to break through to become a Martial Artist, Yang Chongren’s way of thinking had changed. In this dog-eat-dog world, the Yang Family absolutely could not continue on its current path if it wanted to survive.

’We must find a powerful backer!’

’Su Yu is so young and promising; his future is limitless.’

’For my daughters to marry Su Yu now is no longer a loss for the Yang Family. In the future, we might even bask in his glory and soar to new heights along with him!’

’Furthermore, if my daughters give birth to sons in the future, I can discuss with Su Yu about having one of them adopted into the Yang family line. Then, the Yang Family will be completely bound to Su Yu, ensuring our continuation!’

Having thought this through, Yang Chongren no longer hesitated.

He straightened his clothes and quickly walked to Su Yu’s side. With a mysterious and solemn expression, he led Su Yu to a deserted corner.

"Nephew Su, may I have a word in private?"

Su Yu was a little confused. ’The arena challenge is about to start. What could Yang Chongren possibly want to talk about now?’

"Please speak, Uncle Yang."

Yang Chongren looked at the calm and composed young man before him. Taking a deep breath, he stopped beating around the bush. "Nephew Su, what do you think of my two daughters?"

Su Yu was slightly taken aback, but he answered truthfully, "Both young ladies are well-bred, exceptionally beautiful, and have their own distinct, admirable personalities. They are, of course, excellent."

Hearing this, the delight in Yang Chongren’s eyes intensified. He took a step forward, lowered his voice, and spoke with sincerity, "Nephew, I won’t play games with you. The Yang Family is in a precarious position right now, and I value your character and potential. If you can help the Yang Family win this life-or-death challenge and overcome this crisis..."

He paused, looking directly into Su Yu’s eyes. "I am willing to betroth both of my daughters to you! I wonder, Nephew... what are your thoughts?"