The snow was still falling. With a cigarette in one hand and the other tucked into his coat pocket, Chen Yang strolled through the wind and snow.

For some reason, thoughts about his origins lingered in his mind, impossible to shake.

"Eh, Chen Yang?"

A sudden shout jolted Chen Yang back to reality.

"Yufei, what are you doing here?" Chen Yang looked up to see Zhou Yufei approaching and asked with slight surprise.

"I should be asking you," Zhou Yufei said, holding an umbrella, her face flushed from the cold. "I came looking for that bastard Qian Kun. He's still up to his old tricks, convincing my clients to stop doing business with me."

"That damn scumbag is making me furious!" Zhou Yufei huffed, pouting as she tilted the umbrella toward Chen Yang.

Hmm? Then, she noticed the people lying all over the floor inside the restaurant.

What… what happened here?

"Miss Zhou has arrived?" Yang Hu greeted her with a smile as he walked over from the riverbank.

Zhou Yufei was astonished. "You… what have you been up to?"

"Me? I went to feed the fish," Yang Hu said, tossing his gloves into a nearby trash can and waving his hand dismissively.

Zhou Yufei was speechless.

"You don't need to look for him anymore. He won't ever bother you again," Chen Yang said, taking the umbrella from Zhou Yufei's hand. "If you're not busy, shall we go home together?"

Zhou Yufei knew exactly what must have happened, and a warm current suddenly flowed through her heart.

This man… was he actually showing concern for me?

Subconsciously, Zhou Yufei giggled, the sound escaping her lips.

Chen Yang rolled his eyes, exasperated. What is this woman giggling about?

"Home, let's go home," she said, her face flushing an even deeper red as she hastily covered her mouth and nodded vigorously.

「The next day.」

With nothing better to do, Chen Yang and Yang Hu went fishing at Lingjin River. They rented a small boat and anchored it in the middle of the river.

A fishing rod, a boat, a pot of wine.

Fishing alone in the snowy river.

「Meanwhile.」

At the Fan Family estate on Qiyun Road, a young man with a handsome, upright posture was practicing a set of martial arts in the courtyard. His movements were as fluid as flowing water, exuding an imposing aura.

HUFF!

He took a deep breath, tilting his head back slightly and smiling as he stared at the gloomy sky. He appeared to be twenty-two or twenty-three, but as he stood with his hands clasped behind his back, he carried himself with a magnificent, imposing air that belied his youth.

In the vast courtyard, occasional silhouettes darted by but dared not make a sound to disturb him.

A short while later, a middle-aged man in a teal robe called out from the stairs, "Zhenkun, it's cold outside. Come on in."

He was Fan Zhenkun, the most outstanding member of the Fan Family's younger generation. Barring any surprises, the position of Family Head would undoubtedly be his in the years to come.

Fan Zhenkun's brazen challenge the day before and his extravagant act of lifting a bronze bull in the street were naturally aimed at drawing the attention of Lord Yang, hoping this powerful figure would also bestow upon him a rank of cultivation. If his wish were granted and he gained the backing of a great patron like Lord Yang, his family's status on Qiyun Road would rise accordingly. This would not only earn them esteem from others but also make a good impression on Old King Qin. Consequently, the Fan Family would gain a significant advantage and a head start over the other families in the matter of a marriage alliance with the Qin Royal Family.

Fan Zhenkun brushed the snow from his clothes and walked into the main hall.

"You were standing out there for so long. What were you thinking about?" the middle-aged man, Fan Zhenkun's father, Fan Haijun, asked curiously.

"I was wondering if Lord Yang is still on Qiyun Road."

As soon as these words were said, everyone in the hall shared a knowing smile.

It's only been one night; how could he have left already? This kid is just too impatient.

Fan Haijun smiled and patted Fan Zhenkun on the shoulder. "Don't worry too much! That young Taoist from Lingxiao Observatory just had a stroke of dumb luck, happening to cross paths with Lord Yang."

Though he said this, the envy and jealousy in his voice were unmistakable. The path of a Fist Master was arduous; each advancement was as difficult as ascending to the heavens.

Qin Hao did nothing, yet he was granted a full rank of cultivation, saving him years of struggle. Who wouldn't be envious?

"And my Zhenkun, whether in strength or talent, is certainly not his inferior." Speaking of this, Fan Haijun lifted his chin slightly, his face full of pride.

"And this Lord Yang… for such a top-tier master, when he bestows an opportunity, couldn't he at least open his eyes and take a proper look? If I could meet him, I'd have to ask him: by what right did that young Taoist receive such a fortuitous chance?"

His words dripped with sour envy. The implication was clear: across all of Qiyun Road, besides his son, Fan Zhenkun, no one else was worthy of an opportunity from Lord Yang. This time, not only had Qin Hao gotten ridiculously lucky, but Lord Yang had also acted rashly and without proper consideration.

"Exactly!" Fan Zhenkun nodded vigorously in agreement. "With my talent and the commotion I've caused, as long as Lord Yang is still on Qiyun Road, he is bound to notice me. Grant me this opportunity, and I will be the new wave that surpasses the old. When you grow old, I will take your place at the top of the Dragon Brilliance List. In the future, whenever people mention Lord Yang, they will immediately think of me, Fan Zhenkun! I will overlook the world from the highest peak, bringing glory to his name."

Fan Zhenkun clenched his fists, his gaze drifting into the distance, brimming with confidence. Hurry up and appear. I'm waiting for you!

"Lord Yang is no fool," Fan Haijun said, moved by his son's imposing display. "He naturally knows that by enlightening a young man like you, it's like siding with a Hidden Dragon. When you soar to the Nine Heavens, it will be his good fortune too."

This is how a young man should be, filled with soaring ambition!

"Your future achievements will surely surpass his."

Fan Zhenkun smiled without a word. The others in the room also nodded along.

The Fan Family is truly fortunate to have such a talented young heir.

"Quick, look at the news! That young Taoist pup from Lingxiao Observatory has accepted the challenge!" one of them exclaimed excitedly, holding up a smartphone.

Qin Hao's response was a single word—

FIGHT!!

After brewing all night, Qin Hao's response made the whole of Qiyun Road erupt. Countless people rushed toward Lingxiao Observatory. No one wanted to miss this duel between the finest combatants of the younger generation.

"Excellent!" Fan Zhenkun declared proudly. After I defeat him in front of countless people, Lord Yang, what reason will you have to deny me my opportunity?

"Quick, get ready! We head to Lingxiao Observatory immediately," Fan Haijun began to organize at once.

Floating in the middle of the Lingjin River, Chen Yang and Yang Hu had naturally received the news as well.

Yang Hu shook his head and chuckled. "Does this idiot really think that running around with a bronze bull over his head makes him stand out? With a temperament like that, this is as far as his achievements will go."

"Then again," Yang Hu added, a corner of his mouth twitching, "this idiot really is one of a kind. I mean, who else would do something so ridiculous? It's hilarious."

Chen Yang lifted his rod, pulling a small, three-finger-wide crucian carp from the water. He unhooked it and dropped it into the fish basket.

Clearly, he had no interest in the commotion consuming Qiyun Road.

...

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