Half a day later, the Wu family's private spaceship successfully docked with the Zelda.

As soon as the cabin door opened, Wu Ziyan couldn't wait any longer and rushed out—

"Dad! Mom! Brother!"

Like a bird returning to its nest, she dove straight into her family's embrace.

Her mother held her tightly, fingertips trembling slightly, her voice choked with emotion, "It's good you're back... it's good you're back..."

The beautiful woman's eyes were red, tears silently falling, yet she still gently patted her daughter's back, as if confirming her real presence.

At this moment, everyone's gaze instinctively turned to the two men standing behind Wu Ziyan—

Patriarch Wu Shouwen of the Wu family was imposing, standing as steadily as a mountain, his face determined, bushy eyebrows like blades, his sharp tiger-like eyes, and a short beard on his chin adding to his rugged and heroic aura.

Though dressed in luxurious clothing, it couldn't hide the formidable and brave spirit honed through countless battles, like an ununsheathed commanding blade, restrained yet still intimidating.

Standing beside him, the eldest son Wu Jianming was a stark contrast. He was tall and slender, dressed in a simple long robe, with handsome features and a scholarly aura between his eyebrows, his entire being like a clear breeze and bright moon, calm and composed, only the deep eyes akin to Wu Shouwen's occasionally flashed with sharpness, hinting that he wasn't as gentle as he appeared.

Wu Shouwen strode forward, a hearty smile on his rugged face, "Young heroes, it was thanks to you protecting my daughter this time, and I, Wu, extend my gratitude!"

He clasped his hands in salute, his voice loud as a bell, making the cabin walls faintly echo.

Zhuge Yu was the first to return the gesture: "Uncle Wu, you're too kind. This time, we all worked together to overcome the strong enemy, and Ziyan's Starfire Magic also posed a great threat to the enemy."

"Hahaha! Good! As expected of a Zhuge family lad! Ziyan tells me your Eight Trigrams Array is amazingly powerful, truly inheriting Marquis Wu's teachings." Wu Shouwen laughed, patting Zhuge Yu's shoulder. The latter staggered but maintained an elegant smile.

Wu Shouwen glanced around, having familiarized himself with the names of the geniuses present beforehand, with one unfamiliar face standing out.

This person must be the one they call Black Crow, the greatest hero in this crisis.

Wu Shouwen strode over to Qin Tian, a rare gentleness in his tiger-like eyes, "Young Black Crow."

He extended his calloused hand, his voice low yet powerful, "Ziyan has told me, if it weren't for your pivotal intervention, these kids might have..."

At this point, this iron-blooded patriarch's voice briefly halted, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down before he continued, "This kindness, the Wu family will remember it."

His hand lingered in the air, the knuckles bearing scars that were signs of years of war engagements.

At this moment, this hand accustomed to wielding weapons was waiting for Qin Tian's response in an unprecedented serious manner.

Everyone present held their breath, aware of the weight of the words "remember this kindness" coming from the star region overlord Wu Shouwen.

Wu Ziyan widened her eyes; the last time her father had expressed gratitude so solemnly was ten years ago.

Feeling the sincerity in Wu Shouwen's words, Qin Tian stepped forward and without hesitation grasped the calloused hand.

"Crack—"

The faint sound of bones grinding was exceptionally clear in the silent cabin.

The overwhelming force from Wu Shouwen's grip was like hydraulic pliers, instantly draining the color from Qin Tian's hand.

Veins popped at his temple, yet he maintained his composure, increasing his grip force, even smiling calmly:

"The Wu family's way of expressing gratitude is... quite enthusiastic and powerful!"

Their arm muscles simultaneously tensed, the lines visible beneath the fabric revealing the intensity of this silent competition.

The surrounding geniuses involuntarily stepped back half a step, as if invisible sparks were flying in the air.

Wu Ziyan sighed, rubbing her forehead, knowing her father's temperament too well—this was clearly him venting on her behalf.

But watching these two men compete before everyone, she only felt her cheeks flush with heat.

"Dad!" She couldn't help but stomp her foot, "Can't you... mind the occasion a bit?"

The last half of her sentence was almost squeezed through her teeth.

This childish testing was simply lowering the Wu family's status, wasn't it?

Wu Jianming timely cleared his throat, a jade fan snapping open with a "swoosh," perfectly covering the intertwined hands: "Everyone, since you've come a long way, why don't we head to the lounge for some refreshments?"

His gentle voice was like a clear spring, instantly dissolving the tense atmosphere.

Only then did Wu Shouwen laugh heartily, letting go, a clear white handprint left on his hand, yet his eyes flashed with admiration as he patted Qin Tian's slightly reddened right hand, "Nice job, kid! You have to drink with me later!"

Qin Tian cupped his fist, "I would be honored to oblige."

In the lounge

Wu Shouwen first exchanged a few words with everyone, then said:

"Everyone, the Dongfang Clan is already aware of your situation. Their idea is for everyone to return to Azure Wood Star and complete the final arena battle. Of course, due to their negligence, which caused you grievances, the rewards this time will be much more generous than before."

Upon hearing this, the gathered geniuses exchanged glances.

To be honest, having gone through such a life-and-death crisis initially left them with resentment towards the Dongfang Clan and a strong aversion to the talent competition.

However, if the rewards were indeed more generous... well, that changed things.

"What do you all think?"

Yue Shenghe looked at those around him, lingering his gaze on Fu Ning a few seconds longer. He didn't care about the others; he only wanted to best Fu Ning.

He wanted to see if he, the second on the genius list, was truly inferior to the first.

"I want to participate."

Wu Ziyan was the first to speak, "I didn't gain anything from this participation. If we skip the arena battle, missing out on rewards, wouldn't that be letting the Dongfang Clan off too easily?"

"Exactly, we must make the Dongfang Clan pay dearly this time."

"Thinking of it this way makes sense, I agree."

"I agree too."

Everyone voiced their agreement, even the usually aloof and silent Fu Ning expressed willingness to continue the competition.

Rewards are one thing

But battling other geniuses is what a Sword Cultivator truly anticipates.

When everyone nodded in agreement, their gazes naturally settled on one person.

"What are you looking at me for?"

Qin Tian shrugged, "The arena battle is the stage for you geniuses, and I'm just a small C-level examiner. Of course, if the Dongfang Clan agrees to me bringing the Symbiotic Spirit Plant into the fray, I wouldn't refuse."

Everyone chuckled, with that Symbiotic Spirit Plant in tow, why bother battling? They might as well surrender.

"Qin Tian, the Dongfang Clan specifically mentioned they've prepared a generous gift for you." Wu Shouwen said with a smile.

Oh?

Qin Tian's eyes lit up, an intense look of anticipation appearing on his face.

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