In the corner, Shen Han's expression remained unchanged.
He had long grown tired of hearing such mocking words and no longer took them seriously.
In contrast, standing beside him, Shi Yuezhu had her eyebrows tightly knitted.
She couldn't understand why, as a descendant of the Shen Family, there was such blatant favoritism.
Treating someone like this, only a fool would sacrifice for the Shen Family.
"Let's arrange the duel between Ao'Er and Shen Han after the family's performance assessment.
We would also have to trouble Little Friend Qianmu a bit further."
Shen Qingshan politely said to Qianmu Fan.
Qianmu Fan, hearing these words, also bowed to Shen Qingshan, with all the elegance of a refined gentleman.
After Shen Ao stepped down, two more grandchildren of the Shen Family stepped forward to challenge.
Qianmu Fan's strength far surpassed that of the Phoenix Fool.
Walking into the arena was even more nerve-wracking.
But after facing Qianmu Fan, although both of them lost, they did not lose much face.
Qianmu Fan's words and actions were even more considerate than Phoenix Fool's.
He gave the Shen Family face in every aspect, but the more he did so, the more everyone could feel his tremendous strength.
As the family performance assessment progressed, only Shen Han had yet to make a move.
Noticing Shen Qingshan's gaze directed at him, Shen Han stood up, bowed to the Shen Family elders, and then stepped into the center of the arena.
As before, Shen Han's every move conformed to the rules of propriety.
In the center of the arena, Qianmu Fan remained as genteel as a refined gentleman, though his brows slightly furrowed as Shen Han approached.
"You must be the renowned Shen Han of Great Wei."
Qianmu Fan's tone was somewhat indifferent, as his friendship with Shen Ye naturally left him displeased with Shen Han.
"General Shen, before the performance assessment, as a junior, I have a few heartfelt words that might waste everyone's time."
Shen Qingshan smiled: "Little Friend Qianmu, as the examiner, you should naturally take the lead."
With Shen Qingshan's permission, Qianmu Fan flicked his fingers, opening a folding fan.
Every gesture carried an unparalleled air of nobility.
"Although we meet for the first time, I, Qianmu Fan, have long heard of your deeds and words.
When discussing chess with Shen Ye, he also mentioned some shameful things you have done."
Qianmu Fan, folding fan in hand, circled around Shen Han as he spoke.
"What I'm about to say might not be to your liking, but I, Qianmu Fan, still wish to advise you.
In life, one must know gratitude and loyalty.
The Shen Family has nurtured you for many years, expending countless efforts, and the elders have poured their heart and soul into raising you.
The debt of gratitude alone is greater than the sky.
If my Qianmu Family required me to sacrifice for them, I would brave any peril!"
Qianmu Fan's words almost moved even himself.
Many around from the Shen Family seemed somewhat inspired.
As if they too would unhesitatingly sacrifice for the Shen Family if needed.
"Shen Han, I am a few years your senior, and considering that you are Brother Shen Ye's cousin, I still wish to offer some advice.
Character should precede cultivation; with poor character, strength is hard to improve.
Even if you climb the eighty steps of the Thousand-Autumn Platform, it's all an illusion."
His lengthy speech was incessant.
Shen Han listened, feeling both speechless and helpless.
Turning to glance at Shi Yuezhu, Shi Yuezhu also looked toward Shen Han.
One shared glance, and both couldn't help but smile.
They unanimously felt Qianmu Fan was somewhat comical.
Seeing this, Qianmu Fan shook his head like an elder.
"Before coming, Brother Shen Ye said good advice was hard to heed, and I still held out hope.
But now it seems Shen Ye was absolutely right.
No matter what sage truths are shared, it's like playing the lute to a cow for you.
Only by making you suffer would you have a mind to repent.
If you can't bear it and want to avoid this suffering, you can kneel in the Shen Family's ancestral hall for seven days.
Sincerely repent to the ancestors of the Shen Family."
Everyone's gaze fell upon Shen Han.
Climbing the eighty steps of the Stepping into the Thousand Autumns.
With such achievements, Shen Han's strength must be at the Seventh Grade.
Aside from Shen Ye and Shen Ao, Shen Han's talent should rank third.
Truthfully, the Shen Family was eager to see Shen Han in action to witness his true strength.
But his opponent was Qianmu Fan.
The methods and strength of Qianmu Fan were already evident to all present.
Phoenix Fool fell into madness, and the displayed strength likely reached the Sixth Grade!
Yet with that strength, Qianmu Fan merely used a single chess piece to trap Phoenix Fool...
Such strength meant if Qianmu Fan was to make Shen Han suffer, it would surely happen.
Everyone watched Shen Han, to see if he dared continue the performance assessment.
In the center of the arena, Shen Han's expression remained serene.
The only slight difference was a hint of speechlessness in his serenity.
"Little Friend Qianmu, some people are born depraved, and you need not waste words persuading them; it will only waste your time. If anyone unjustly interferes with the assessment, I shall act myself."
Shen Qingshan's last words were meant for Shi Yuezhu.
While he could protect Shen Han's safety, hindering even minor hardships for Shen Han was something Shen Qingshan wouldn't agree to.
Allowing Qianmu Fan to teach Shen Han a lesson before letting him face Shen Ao was indeed more secure.
The cold wind blew, causing the withered branches of the parasol trees to sway.
In the bleak atmosphere, Qianmu Fan, holding a black chess piece, made his move.
"Black piece, two-space high approach."
The voice was soft, yet seemed to carry supreme authority.
Once again, a chessboard manifested, with grid edges seemingly scorching hot.
"Black piece, one-space low approach."
Another piece fell, and the blistering board began to contract.
Even attempting to leap away seemed impossible.
This chessboard was incredibly bizarre, able to move freely.
Seeing the board gradually closing in, Shen Han summoned a Sword Shadow.
"Divine Sword Breaks Earth Momentum."
With a soft voice, the Sword Shadow in his hand dismantled the board in an instant.
Indeed, it cleaved straight through it.
In all his years of practice, Qianmu Fan had never encountered someone who could slice through his summoned chessboard...
His heart was shocked, but his face remained calm.
Shen Han, holding the Sword Shadow, approached Qianmu Fan step by step.
Qianmu Fan's exterior was still composed.
Shen Han's performance far exceeded his expectations.
Yet, in Qianmu Fan's eyes, everything remained under control.
Holding several chess pieces, he flicked them simultaneously.
"Star-studded!"
The vast shadow of the chess pieces descended, larger than the Divine Mountain summoned by Shen Ao.
Onlookers couldn't help but exclaim; this seemed far beyond the standard of a young generation's assessment.
Many elders couldn't even boast such strength.
But despite using this move, it didn't deter Shen Han from advancing.
"Flying Sword Sky-Filling Momentum."
Without halting, the summoned Sword Shadow shredded all the chess piece shadows to fragments.
And Shen Han kept walking toward him.
There was no visible slowing down in his stride...
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