The Wang clan of Cangyun was especially lively today, with lanterns and banners adorning the residence.
Nearly a hundred factions, big and small, had all gathered in Cangyun City to celebrate the patriarch's birthday.
At the ancestral home of the Wang family, Wang Chongyi—the clan's future successor—personally stood at the entrance, greeting every guest who arrived for the banquet as a sign of respect.
"The head of the Sima family from the Luohe noble house, Sima Yin, has arrived!"
With this loud announcement, the guests at the banquet all rose and turned their eyes toward the main gate.
A troop of black-armored soldiers escorted a dignified middle-aged man into the Wang family's estate.
Wang Chongyi clearly hadn't expected this big figure from the Sima family to come in person—after all, the man was a Marquis-level powerhouse, someone even stronger than their own patriarch.
Overwhelmed, he hurried forward. "Chongyi greets Lord Luoyue Marquis."
Sima Yin smiled. "No need for so many formalities, Chongyi. Today, I'm just an ordinary guest. Go and attend to your other guests."
Wang Chongyi said nervously, "You must be joking, Lord Marquis. Your presence brings honor to the Wang family. You are the most distinguished guest in our home today."
The other guests had no complaints upon hearing this. While the Sima family had a notorious reputation, their strength was unquestionable.
The Wang family was just a vassal of the Luohe noble house.
"Chongyi, please show the way."
Though Sima Yin was somewhat puzzled, he didn't ask further and simply searched the crowd for any sign of Xiao Chen and his companions.
If Xiao Chen and the others weren't here, it would mean the Wang family had already been abandoned by Wendao Academy's prodigies, and he would make his choice accordingly.
"Please, Lord Marquis."
Wang Chongyi dared not accept being called "brother." He was a little confused as to why Sima Yin was treating him so politely.
He knew that in the past, whenever he visited the Luohe noble house, he couldn't even get an audience with this man.
Wherever the two of them walked, the guests all made way and bowed.
The whole time, Sima Yin scanned the crowd, and soon in a corner, he spotted a few extraordinary young people—one was Xiao Chen, the other Cao Youqian.
Just as his gaze landed on Xiao Chen, he suddenly sensed a terrifying aura behind him. Even if he couldn't see the person's face, a thought flashed in his mind: Xiao Chen's protector was also here.
As expected of Wendao Academy—even their random protectors were stronger than he was.
Xiao Chen and the others, hearing of Sima Yin's arrival, didn't even spare a glance in that direction. They simply sat quietly at a table in the corner.
Aside from the Wendao Academy group, Wang Yufei was also sitting with them.
Wang Yufei had no other intentions. She knew that after today, she would have no chance to see her brother-in-law again.
As the group sipped tea and chatted, a jarring voice sounded from not far away.
"Well, isn't this Young Master Mo, who wanted to join Wendao Academy? Why didn't you let us know you were back so we could witness a bit of Wendao Academy's sacred learning?"
Everyone turned toward the voice.
A few richly dressed young nobles, leading a crowd, were walking over.
Wang Baole saw who it was and said coldly, "Wang Kaixuan, today is the patriarch's birthday banquet—I don't want any trouble. If you don't want a beating, you'd better get lost."
He was no longer the pushover he once was and had no intention of being polite to these people.
Wang Yufei also spoke up. "Cousin Kaixuan, you'd best leave now."
"Hmph!"
Wang Kaixuan snorted coldly. "Who do you think you are? A mere concubine's daughter dares to order me around?"
Wang Baole narrowed his eyes and stood up. Instantly, a True Fate Realm aura burst forth from him.
"I don't want to repeat myself."
"You—!"
Wang Kaixuan felt the pressure from Wang Baole's powerful aura and his expression changed, but for the sake of saving face, he wasn't about to yield to a mere son-in-law.
"Fine, very well. I'd like to see if you dare to touch me today! If you've got the guts, hit me right here—come on!"
As he spoke, he even leaned his face forward.
Smack!
Wang Baole slapped Wang Kaixuan hard across the face, leaving him dizzy and spinning in place.
"I've never seen such a ridiculous request in my life."
The Wang clan disciples behind Wang Kaixuan were shocked at the sight and began shouting angrily.
"How dare you!"
"Wang Baole, you're so bold—you actually dare defy your elders!"
"We have to throw this brat out today!"
Wang Baole only glanced coldly at everyone present, and a murderous aura radiated from him without restraint.
These Wang clan disciples might go out to train together from time to time, but they were always accompanied by their elders.
Compared to someone like Wang Baole, who had fought alone in the Yunmeng Swamp, they didn't amount to much at all.
In an instant, their momentum weakened noticeably.
Although they were in a corner, the commotion they caused drew quite a bit of attention.
Many people glanced in their direction—even Wang Chongyi noticed.
Wang Chongyi had been accompanying Sima Yin the whole time, and when he saw the latter's gaze fixed on a certain spot, he grew curious and looked over as well.
The moment he saw Wang Baole strike someone, his temper flared and he felt the urge to rush over and teach this brat a lesson.
"Lord Marquis, please forgive my family's juniors for their lack of manners."
Sima Yin nodded slightly. "It's not just that your clan's disciples lack manners—they don't have any sense at all. If this escalates, even your patriarch won't be able to contain it!"
He had seen reckless youths before, but never such a flock of people courting disaster as in the Wang clan.
If Xiao Chen hadn't remained silent from beginning to end, Sima Yin would have left already—he wouldn't even bother congratulating the Wang family's patriarch on his birthday.
Wang Chongyi still thought Sima Yin was upset with Wang Baole's behavior and immediately put on a flattering face.
"Lord Marquis, I'll have that son-in-law thrown out right away so he doesn't offend your eyes."
"Don't."
Sima Yin's back instantly went cold and he hurriedly stopped him. "This has nothing to do with me. How you treat your guests is your family's own business—don't drag me into it. I can't afford to take on that kind of karma."
Wang Chongyi was utterly confused. "Lord Marquis, what do you mean? I don't understand a single word."
Sima Yin sighed helplessly. "Chongyi, since I called you brother earlier, let me give you a word of advice: Don't treat a treasure as if it were grass, or you'll regret it."
???
The more Wang Chongyi heard, the more confused he became. He glanced toward Wang Baole and his group, then bowed. "Thank you for your guidance, Lord Marquis. I know what to do now."
"That's good. Go greet the other guests."
With that, Sima Yin slowly closed his eyes, unwilling to involve himself any further for fear of trouble.
Seeing this, Wang Chongyi also took his leave. Just as he was about to go teach Wang Baole a lesson, a loud, commanding voice rang out.
"The patriarch has arrived!"
This shout instantly drew everyone's attention. Covering his face, Wang Kaixuan said, "Wang Baole, just you wait—this isn't over!"
With that, he hurried off with his men, vowing in his heart to make Wang Baole pay later.
Wang Baole didn't spare him another glance and instead turned his attention to the elderly man slowly walking out from the rear hall…
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