Chapter 72: Beating the Dog

The sudden commotion within the hall immediately drew the attention of many. In truth, as the young master of the Chu family, Chu Yichen’s every move had long been watched in secret by numerous eyes. Thus, when he stepped forward to invite Yan Wanrou, many witnessed it and sighed inwardly, feeling pity for the delicate girl—such misfortune to be targeted by this infamous playboy.

Given the Chu family’s power, how could the disciples of these minor clans possibly resist? Everyone assumed the girl was doomed, yet, against all expectations, she flatly refused him, leaving many momentarily stunned. Then, seeing Chu Yichen’s face darken instantly, the crowd sensed that tonight’s events would not be so simple.

As anticipated, Chu Yichen acted with brute force. Yet the outcome defied their expectations: as his hand reached out, a fair, jade-like palm appeared out of nowhere and firmly grasped his arm. Many failed to react in time, and then came a chorus of astonished voices.

“Who is that youth? Daring to spoil Chu Yichen’s mood?”

“And he called him a dog?”

“He truly doesn’t know his place!”

“He’s finished!”

“Heroic deeds to save a maiden are admirable, but one must have the strength to match!”

“Indeed, the Northern Chu family is the most formidable force present at tonight’s banquet.”

“With Chu Yichen’s temperament, the mere act of interfering would be enough to ensure this youth is carried out tonight.”

The gathered prodigies sighed and looked at Wang Ran with sympathy. Nearby, Zhu Tianyun and Qin Yu were equally shocked. In the blink of an eye, their companion had crossed paths with the Chu family’s notorious young master.

“Brother Wang…” Qin Yu stepped forward, but Zhu Tianyun quickly pulled him back, shaking his head repeatedly to warn him not to be rash.

Their families could not compare to the Chu family; this was evident from their reaction upon entering when the guards announced Chu Yichen’s identity. The Chu family was simply too powerful. To offend them for the sake of someone they barely knew—it was hardly worth it. Anyone with sense could see that.

Thus, though they shared ideals with Wang Ran, they could only sigh with regret at this moment.

Qin Yu’s expression was complex; after a moment’s silence, he retreated.

No one noticed their response, as all eyes were fixed on Wang Ran, whose hand firmly gripped Chu Yichen’s outstretched arm.

Yan Wanrou, delighted at Wang Ran’s appearance, gave Chu Yichen a triumphant snort before hiding behind Wang Ran.

Chu Yichen’s face was now shrouded in gloom as he stared coldly at the man who had ruined his plans. “Who are you? How dare you meddle in the affairs of the Chu family?”

“I am your father,” Wang Ran replied with a cheerful smile, utterly dismissing him.

---

“What?” Chu Yichen erupted in fury. When had he, the dignified heir of the Chu family, ever suffered such humiliation? Instantly, spiritual energy surged as he broke free from Wang Ran’s grasp.

His close companions, other arrogant young men, circled Wang Ran, their expressions hostile. With their support, Chu Yichen’s presence grew more imposing.

He sneered, “Boy, though the Chu family may not be the greatest clan in Yun Prefecture, we are no rabble to be trifled with. Our ancestor stands at the threshold of the Nascent Soul realm and could break through at any moment. Offend the Chu family, and you’ll find every step in Yun Prefecture fraught with peril—unless you have the backing of a great sect. Now, do you still wish to interfere?”

Cold threats filled his words.

But to Wang Ran, these so-called threats were laughable.

He, Wang Ran, a ten-star Foundation Establishment cultivator, had drawn the attention of this world, conversed with the old monsters of the Nine Provinces, and cowed Bei Minglie into submission. What was Chu Yichen but a pampered wastrel?

“If your ancestor were here in person, I might have some concerns. But you—a mere scion, ignorant and idle—if I killed you, what of it? Besides, vermin like you are nothing but a waste of air.”

Wang Ran smiled with disdain.

“Exactly! Big bad guy, wasting air, deserves to die!” his little junior sister behind him clenched her fists and shouted fiercely.

Chu Yichen, enraged beyond measure, laughed coldly. “Very well. To think someone would risk offending the Chu family for a woman—you’re dead!”

“Foolish,” Wang Ran shook his head, his gaze sharp. “Not only you, but the entire Chu family combined is not worth even a single strand of my junior sister’s hair.”

“You are too arrogant, boy!”

“Chu, let me teach this ignorant brat a lesson!”

As Wang Ran finished speaking, several of Chu Yichen’s hangers-on stepped forward, eager to prove their loyalty.

The onlookers shook their heads.

“He’s completely offended the Chu family now.”

“A clan standing at the verge of the Nascent Soul realm is not to be trifled with.”

“Unless he has some powerful backing!”

“To think tonight’s banquet of prodigies would see such drama!”

“Heh, let’s enjoy the show.”

Even Zhu Tianyun and Qin Yu were deeply disappointed, never expecting Wang Ran would confront the Chu family head-on. Such a course seemed far too reckless.

Not far away, Bei Minglie—the original instigator—hid among the crowd, a smile on his face.

He knew Wang Ran would never let Chu Yichen behave unchecked, and Chu Yichen, brainless as ever, would surely be enraged. Perfect—as Chu was offended, let’s see how arrogant Wang Ran remains!

Bei Minglie was using another’s hand to do his dirty work.

He fancied himself clever, but overlooked the fact that the blade he borrowed was utterly dull—a useless weapon!

“Chu, let me handle him!”

One of the arrogant disciples stepped forward. Chu Yichen nodded, “Very well, but remember, this is City Lord Wu’s territory. Don’t kill him.”

---

The disciple grinned viciously and charged at Wang Ran.

Wang Ran glanced at him with utter indifference, losing all interest. A mere fourth-layer Foundation Establishment cultivator, with sparse spiritual energy—likely a five-star Foundation Establishment at best, admitted to the banquet on connections. Such a person could be crushed with a wave of his hand.

With an expressionless flick of his robe, a surge of spiritual energy swept forth. The disciple’s face changed drastically; he felt the overwhelming pressure, his blood roiling within, and stumbled, falling face-first to the ground.

The hall fell silent; every eye widened in shock.

A fourth-layer Foundation Establishment, unable to withstand a single sleeve!

Chu Yichen’s pupils contracted; just as he was about to speak, a shadow fell before him. Suddenly, a huge fist filled his vision, smashing into his face.

Blood sprayed from Chu Yichen’s lips as he bent double, staring at Wang Ran in disbelief.

Though a wastrel, he was still a six-star prodigy. With the family’s resources, he had reached the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment. How could he not withstand a single punch from this youth?

Chu Yichen was furious; shame and rage clouded his mind, robbing him of reason.

“Ahhh, I’ll kill you!”

In a flash of light, Chu Yichen produced a long halberd, radiating powerful energy—a high-grade spiritual weapon.

The crowd’s faces changed; even Zhu Tianyun and Qin Yu snapped out of their shock, fear written across their faces.

“That’s the Chu family’s ancestral weapon, the sixth-grade Dragon-Slaying Halberd! Chu Yichen is out for blood!”

Everyone had this thought.

Wang Ran glanced at the halberd, his eyes lighting up. “A fine treasure, wasted in your hands. Come here!”

With that, the halberd slipped from Chu Yichen’s grasp, flying into Wang Ran’s hand.

“No!!” Chu Yichen’s face twisted with rage, his eyes blazing.

“Enough noise.”

Wang Ran snorted coldly, his expression darkening as an indescribable aura burst forth.

Everyone felt their breathing grow heavy; the arrogant disciples bore the brunt, pressed flat to the ground as if Mount Tai weighed upon them, their limbs driven deep into the floor, unable even to lift their heads.

“You dare touch me—you’re dead! My sister is here, as is Steward Huang, a Golden Core master. He won’t let you off!”

Chu Yichen, hair disheveled, roared in fury, sprawled on the ground.

At his words, the crowd’s faces changed dramatically.