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"I want to go too, can I come with you?"
Tian Jinzhong was in a dilemma.
"Junior brother, this... going down the mountain is no joke, there will be many people and eyes at the birthday banquet..."
"But I haven't met any of my fellow disciples from other sects yet!"
Seeing that things weren't going well with Tian Jinzhong, Zhang Yunyuan immediately changed his target and went to pester the old Celestial Master.
He held Zhang Jingqing's arm and gently swayed it, his voice soft and sweet.
"Master, please let me go with Senior Brother Tian to see what it's like!"
"I promise I'll behave and won't run away. I'll stay close to Senior Brother Tian and come right back after just one look!"
He made full use of his seven-year-old appearance, and after much coaxing and pleading, even the usually dignified old master was unable to resist.
Zhang Jingqing weighed the options carefully.
Although the Lü family acts forcefully, they are, after all, a prestigious and upright family. With the patriarch's birthday approaching, security would be impeccable, much safer than letting this kid run around on his own down the mountain.
Furthermore, broadening his horizons and allowing him to see the outstanding figures among his peers will benefit his future spiritual practice.
Thinking of this, he finally relented.
Zhang Jingqing nodded.
"Once you get there, you must follow your senior brother Tian's arrangements in everything and not act recklessly."
"Yes! Thank you, Master!"
Zhang Yunyuan was so happy he almost jumped for joy, and quickly bowed respectfully.
A few days later, Tian Jinzhong, along with Zhang Yunyuan and two other senior disciples, arrived at the Lü family compound.
As soon as you step into the Lü family's territory, a solemn and dignified atmosphere immediately hits you.
High walls and large courtyards, blue bricks and black tiles, servants come and go in a hurry, and there is no sound at all. Everywhere you look, there is a strict and almost oppressive family atmosphere.
Lu Shou, the head of the Lu family, personally greeted them in the main hall.
Although he is sixty years old, he is still upright and vigorous.
"Nephew Tian, you've come from afar, you must be tired from your journey."
Lu Shou nodded politely to Tian Jinzhong as a greeting.
But when that gaze shifted and landed on Zhang Yunyuan behind Tian Jinzhong, it carried a hint of the reserve and scrutiny unique to aristocratic families.
That look in his eyes seemed to be assessing the quality of a piece of goods.
Zhang Yunyuan's heart stirred slightly, but his face remained that of an innocent child, obediently bowing to Tian Jinzhong.
His gaze swept quickly over the members of the Lü family present.
The younger generation of the Lü family were all arrogant and sharp-tongued.
Among them, a young man of about twenty years old standing next to Lü Shou was particularly eye-catching.
He was tall and straight, with a cold and stern face. His eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, and just one glance from him could make people feel an oppressive pressure.
[Check-in point detected: Lü Family Compound, one of the four great families of extraordinary individuals]
A cold, mechanical voice echoed in my mind.
Zhang Yunyuan was overjoyed and, taking advantage of the brief exchange of pleasantries, silently recited the mantra in his mind.
[Ding! Check-in successful! Reward: Great Ruyi Jin (Beginner)]
[Ability Description: The oldest and purest original form of the Lü Family Ruyi Jin.]
This is the starting point of the path of power, containing infinite possibilities.
The Qi energy circulation path is simple and direct. Although it lacks the exquisite variations of later generations, its power is extremely pure and its intent extremely firm. It is the supreme method for tempering one's foundation and comprehending the origin of Qi.
An ancient, pure, and domineering method of cultivating internal energy and a profound understanding flooded into Zhang Yunyuan's mind and body like a sudden enlightenment.
He felt a slight tremor in his meridians, and the originally peaceful Qi within his body involuntarily began to circulate on its own according to an extremely profound path.
It was as if this technique had long been imprinted deep within his soul, and was only now suddenly awakening.
The birthday banquet began, and the guests and hosts took their seats.
After three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.
Lu Shou, seated at the head of the table, put down his wine glass, his gaze sweeping across the room before finally settling on Tian Jinzhong.
"Hehe, everyone."
He laughed loudly, his voice booming.
"Today is my birthday, and I am honored by your presence. The celebration is truly magnificent. Celestial Master, I have a suggestion, but I am not sure if I should make it."
"Please speak, Patriarch Lü." Zhang Jingqing nodded slightly.
Lu Shou turned his gaze to Tian Jinzhong, his smile unchanged.
"I have long heard that Master Tian Jinzhong, a disciple of the Celestial Master, has a solid foundation and has already mastered the Golden Light Mantra. It just so happens that my Lu family's junior, Lu Ci, has also gained some understanding of the family's Ruyi Jin."
He pointed to the aloof young man beside him.
"How about we let these two young talents have a friendly spar to add some fun to my birthday banquet?"
"It's also a good opportunity for the younger generation present to witness the authentic martial arts of Longhu Mountain."
These words, though seemingly polite, were actually full of a probing tone.
Zhang Yunyuan's eyes widened in shock: So this young man was none other than Lü Ci, the future head of the Lü family, one of the Ten Elders, and the one who shook the world of supernatural beings?!
As soon as Lü Shou finished speaking, all the guests' eyes were focused on Tian Jinzhong.
Tian Jinzhong felt immense pressure, but as he represented the face of Longhu Mountain, he had no reason to back down.
He stood up and, without waiting for the old Celestial Master to speak, bowed respectfully to Lü Shou.
"Since this is to celebrate the birthday of Elder Lü, Jinzhong should comply."
The two sides quickly stood in the open space in the center of the courtyard.
Zhang Yunyuan's gaze was fixed on the two people in the arena. With a thought, he quietly activated his newly acquired ability.
Two semi-transparent panels instantly appeared in his field of vision.
Name: Tian Jinzhong
[Supernatural Ability Level: Second-rate (Peak)]
[Techniques: Golden Light Mantra (Mastery), Yang Five Thunders (Mastery)]
[Note: Solid foundation, steady mastery of the Golden Light Mantra, diligent, and reasonably experienced.]
Name: Lü Ci
[Supernatural Ability Level: Second-rate (Peak)]
[Technique: Ruyi Jin (Perfected)]
[Note: Exceptionally talented, possesses a cunning and ruthless Ruyi Force technique, rich combat experience, and a strong personality.]
Both are top-tier second-rate fighters, truly neck and neck, making it difficult to determine who is better.
Tian Jinzhong assumed a fighting stance, his entire body radiating golden light, exuding a refined and solid aura.
Lu Ci did not reply, but merely snorted coldly, his figure flickered, and he took the initiative to attack.
His offensive was extremely fierce, without the slightest probing.
He formed his five fingers into claws, and the Qi in his arms twisted and changed in an extremely strange way, bypassing Tian Jinzhong's frontal defense and striking his vital ribs.
Tian Jinzhong dared not be careless. He stepped back to the side, and the protective shield formed by the Golden Light Mantra swirled around, narrowly blocking the attack.
Lu Ci's Ruyi Jin (a martial art technique) is highly versatile, sometimes like a whip, striking fiercely; sometimes like a cone, piercing and penetrating.
Every move was aimed directly at the weak points of Tian Jinzhong's Golden Light Mantra defense, and the style was extremely aggressive and ruthless.
Tian Jinzhong was completely on the defensive.
He pushed the Golden Light Mantra to its limit, firmly guarding the gate, like a reef that could withstand wind and rain.
Despite Lu Ci's relentless attacks, he was unable to break through Lu Ci's thick defenses in one fell swoop.
But it's clear to everyone that Tian Jinzhong, despite his deep foundation, is unable to mount an effective counterattack, and his defeat is only a matter of time.
After dozens of moves.
A cold glint flashed in Lü Ci's eyes as he seized the moment when Tian Jinzhong's old strength was exhausted and his new strength had not yet been generated.
He let out a low shout, and the Qi in his palm suddenly condensed into a spiral spike, which pierced through the golden light flowing in front of Tian Jinzhong at an unbelievable angle!
This move, known as the Ruyi Jin, was extremely cunning!
Tian Jinzhong's expression changed drastically, and in his haste, he could only cross his arms to barely block the fatal blow.
The immense force sent Tian Jinzhong reeling, his blood surging and his footing unsteady. He stumbled back seven or eight steps before finally regaining his footing.
Lu Ci withdrew his attack, stood with his hands behind his back, and showed no sign of triumph, as if he had only done a trivial matter.
He coldly uttered two words.
A suppressed murmur of admiration rippled through the room of guests.
"What a brilliant move, Ruyi Jin!"
"The Lü family has produced a remarkable figure in this generation..."
Tian Jinzhong took a deep breath, suppressed his surging blood and qi, and solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute to Lü Ci.
"Brother Lü, your skills are truly impressive. I am completely convinced."
Although he felt somewhat disappointed, he genuinely admired Lü Ci's strength.
Zhang Yunyuan saw all of this.
He looked at Lü Ci, who had a cold and stern expression, and sighed inwardly.
As expected of the ruthless and decisive "mad dog" Lü Ci who would later turn on even his own people, he was already so sharp and ruthless at such a young age.
He glanced again at Tian Jinzhong, whose face was somewhat pale, beside him.
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