Chapter 112: Ye Cheng Takes the Stage

“Boom!”

In full view of the crowd, Nangong Xue’s plump figure swung the massive hammer in a wide arc, creating a swirling vortex that slammed fiercely against Hai Chao’s howling twin blades.

But the contact lasted only a moment. The hammer and blades clashed, sparks flying wildly. The tremendous force of their blood energy cracked the bluestone ground, spiderweb-like fissures radiating outward.

Nangong Lin let out a muffled grunt as his stout body was sent flying backward. A bitter taste rose in his throat, and he couldn’t help but spit blood midair before crashing hard outside the arena.

Hai Chao staggered back dozens of steps, barely steadying himself at the edge of the bluestone combat stage. His face was pale; it was clear he was deeply affected by the blow.

“This Black Swirl Hammer technique is no joke. Coupled with that little fatty’s brute strength, it’s got some bite. But in the end, the power gap is undeniable. For a prestigious family like the Nangongs to have only one disciple at the peak of blood energy realm, relying on a blood energy grandmaster and some unknown external reinforcement to hold the line—it’s irony turning full circle,” Tiemu Qiu said, eyes narrowed with a hint of amusement, as though casually commenting.

His words were not meant to be subtle. He deliberately spoke loud enough for the Nangong family to hear, taunting them. Naturally, this ignited displeasure among the Nangong kin, with many young disciples cursing angrily.

“That old bastard is truly arrogant, just because he won a single match, he acts like the world revolves around him. I can’t stand that damn face of his,” a burly young man in blue scowled as he cursed.

Beside him, a calm-looking girl in purple gently tugged his sleeve, whispering, “Brother, keep your voice down.”

“Why should I be afraid? I’m just speaking the truth…”

…

“Nangong Steward Hao, see? I told you, just one word and your Nangong disciples can’t help but lose their temper. Seems like the younger generation of the Nangongs are not so sharp-minded after all,” Tiemu Qiu smirked, ignoring the angry disciples and instead mocking Nangong Hao directly.

The Nangong family was a major obstacle under his command in Yongle City. Such a rare opportunity to strike at them was not to be wasted. Moreover, the current Nangong family had no one to fear—Nangong Xiong, the family head, was grievously injured and unconscious, and the newly appointed governor of Nanyang Prefecture had mysteriously disappeared. He still had a trump card to play.

In the past, even with such misfortunes, he would not have dared to provoke the Nangong family so openly. But now, things were different…

“Hmph,” Nangong Hao snorted coldly, his expression darkening. Tiemu Qiu was truly detestable, and his tone was harsh. “You have no right to meddle in how our Nangong disciples conduct themselves. Furthermore—”

“Why bother being polite to someone like him?” Though Nangong Hao’s tone was unfriendly, he could not extinguish the fury burning in the heart of Xie Cang standing beside him.

“Tiemu old ghost, what do you mean by that? Are you mocking the Nangong family for having no capable disciples? Don’t think just because you’re old I won’t lash out at you!” Xie Cang’s temper was notoriously short. Hearing Tiemu Qiu’s words, his eyes widened fiercely and a surge of rage boiled within him. The two other stewards also wore grim expressions.

Seeing Xie Cang’s flushed face and hearing his harsh words, Tiemu Qiu did not flare up. Instead, a faint smile curled at the corners of his mouth, the quintessential smiling tiger.

“Isn’t it true? Your Nangong family has amassed strength for decades, yet only Nangong Xiong’s daughter has reached the peak blood energy realm. That fatty is merely at the grandmaster level, and the young man beside him is an external reinforcement you brought in. Don’t tell me he’s your son-in-law,” Tiemu Qiu sneered without restraint.

Just as Nangong Hao was about to retort, Ye Cheng, who was helping the blood-stained Nangong Lin to his feet, spoke up.

“Leader Tiemu, before you accuse others, think about your own Blood Killers gang. I’m not a member of the Nangong family, but I am Nangong Xue’s friend. Friends helping friends is nothing wrong, and you also brought in outside reinforcements.”

“Besides, although my brother Lin was defeated by your genius from the Hai family, he at least held out for half an incense stick’s time. What about your Lin Feng? If I’m not mistaken, he didn’t even land a single blow.”

Ye Cheng’s dark eyes met Tiemu Qiu’s venomous gaze. Each word was spoken clearly and calmly, neither humble nor arrogant.

Though the former was an Ancient Core realm powerhouse, whose deliberately oppressive aura weighed heavily on Ye Cheng, no matter how strong, it could not compare to the control exerted by Old Mu, who had been with Ye Cheng day and night. Though only in spirit form, Old Mu’s subtle techniques countered and neutralized the oppressive energy.

Seeing that his forceful aura had no effect on the black-clad youth, Tiemu Qiu was momentarily surprised, and his respect for the young man grew somewhat.

“Young man, sharp-tongued and clever. Not bad. But sometimes if you don’t know where to draw the line, it can easily land you in trouble,” Tiemu Qing sneered at Ye Cheng, his words laced with clear threat.

“No need to trouble yourself, senior,” Ye Cheng replied. He caught the underlying meaning but was unconcerned. He was no fool. His true origins were known only to the Nangong family’s upper echelons.

Even if the secret leaked and implicated his own family, he was confident in winning the contest. As long as he secured a spot in the ‘Chosen’ and demonstrated his strength, gaining recognition from some Nanyang experts, Tiemu Qiu would dare not act rashly against the Ye family. Moreover, if the Blood Killers gang made any move, the Nangong family would certainly not stand idly by.

“Tiemu Qiu, with your seniority, is it fitting to pick a quarrel with a young man?” Nangong Hao intervened.

“Of course,” Tiemu Qiu replied hypocritically. He whispered a few words into the ear of Tiemu Qing, the black-robed youth beside him, who nodded and then vaulted onto the bluestone stage.

His gaze swept through the crowd, finally settling on Ye Cheng.

Now only the last match between these two remained, which would determine the final seat among the ‘Chosen.’

The onlookers naturally focused their attention on Ye Cheng, also clad in black. Amid the sea of eyes, a faint smile curved Ye Cheng’s lips.

With a casual movement, he lightly landed on the bluestone combat platform.