“This Eastern Domain Competition saw exceptional performances from Cloud City’s Tang Yan and Lin Dongxue, bringing great honor to our city. Both secured top-five rankings and earned spots in the Azure Dragon Academy trials. Tang Yan’s achievement stands out—he claimed the championship title. Having such talents is truly Cloud City’s great fortune!”
…
“What!”
When family scouts relayed this news, the leaders of Cloud City’s major clans were stunned once more.
Soon, the entire city erupted.
Cloud City’s perennial last-place finish in the Eastern Domain Competition was no secret. This time, no one had held any hope—yet here was this bombshell!
In that moment, sharper minds pieced it together. No wonder the city lord’s mansion spared no expense to crush the Liu family!
Winning the competition signaled Tang Yan’s extraordinary future. Befriending him could be a savvy investment.
Some even realized the Liu family likely targeted only Tang Yan—daring to strike Lin Dongxue would’ve been madness. The mansion’s notice was just a pretext for legitimacy.
With this clarity, clan leaders sighed.
Cloud City’s factions had awaited the Tang family’s decline to pounce. Yet Tang Yan—this notorious wastrel—had upended all their plans.
If he grew unimpeded, the Tang family could stand unshaken in Cloud City for centuries.
*Boom!* A rank’s a mountain to cross. Under Tang Ling’s full-force strike, Liu Wuwei finally flew back from a single palm.
Seeing the Liu family’s direct line wiped out, Tang Ling’s years of pent-up frustration vanished.
“Master! Master!” Before he could catch his breath, Mo Bo’s excited voice cut through.
“What is it?” Tang Ling asked, eyeing Mo Bo’s fervor.
“The young master in the Eastern Domain Competition…” Mo Bo panted, winded from running and nerves.
“I already know,” Tang Ling waved impatiently.
*He knows?* Mo Bo’s eyes widened, then relaxed. Though the mansion’s notice was fresh, Tang Yan must’ve told him already.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
“Congratulations, Master!” Mo Bo cheered.
*Thwack!*
Tang Ling kicked without hesitation, glaring. “Neither made it—congratulate my foot!”
“No, that’s not it!” Mo Bo protested, flushed with excitement.
“Not what?” Tang Ling snorted. “They don’t need the Azure Dragon Academy to succeed. That place is overrated anyway!”
“Who said the young master didn’t make it? The mansion just announced—he won the championship! Eastern Domain’s number one!” Mo Bo shouted, red-faced.
Tang Ling froze, staring at Mo Bo. His breath grew heavy with thrill. “What did you say? Yan’er got in?”
“Yes—took first place! Eastern Domain’s top!” Mo Bo exclaimed.
“Where’d you see it?” Tang Ling demanded, voice trembling.
“The city lord’s notice board!”
“You handle the aftermath—I’m going to check!” Tang Ling barked, then bolted out like a whirlwind.
The crowd gawked at his urgency. Moments ago, he’d dismissed the Academy as “meh” when he thought Tang Yan failed. Now, learning of the win, he flipped instantly!
Amused yet awed, they marveled.
Eastern Domain’s best! Outshining countless talents—unbelievable.
“Hahaha, it’s real!” At the mansion’s gates, Tang Ling read the notice, threw back his head, and laughed.
“Master Tang, laughing at my doorstep in the dead of night—quite the mood,” a warm voice teased.
“Lord Lin, I couldn’t hold it in!” Tang Ling’s face reddened, bowing quickly. “Thanks for your help tonight!”
“No trouble—small effort. Since you’re here, come in,” Lin Xiao gestured.
Tang Ling didn’t demur, following Lin Xiao inside.
…
The next morning, Tang Yan emerged from meditation. Feeling his true energy surge stronger, his spirits lifted.
Stepping out, he spotted Tang Ling waiting, dew clinging to his hair—he’d been there a while.
“Grandfather, what’s…” Tang Yan hurried over.
Tang Ling’s smile vanished. Pointing at Tang Yan, he snapped, “You little brat, getting cocky, huh? Winning the Eastern Domain Competition and not telling me? Was I—the old geezer—the last in Cloud City to know?”
Tang Yan grinned, sidling up. “We were rushing to hit the Liu family—I forgot! I started to say, but you cut in, assuming I’d failed. I planned to tell you after they were gone, but you beat me to it!”
“Know my ass! Hiding things from me now, you punk!” Tang Ling unloaded, venting half a day’s worth of grumbles.
“Tell me everything—your strength now, and every detail of the competition,” he demanded, glaring.
Tang Yan highlighted the key moments. Tang Ling wouldn’t settle—probing every nuance.
His face shifted with each tale—beaming with pride at every victory, as if he’d won himself.
They talked till noon. Tang Ling exhaled, smiling. “Good work—aim for the Azure Dragon Academy! But don’t head to the Northern Spirit Realm until you’re Heavenly Stage!”
“Got it,” Tang Yan nodded. “Anything else, Grandfather?”
“Write often,” Tang Ling sighed suddenly.
Seeing his grandfather’s graying temples, Tang Yan’s eyes misted. Tang Ling’s usual tirades masked a deep, touching devotion.
“I will!” Tang Yan vowed solemnly.
“You’re leaving tomorrow, right? Pack up—take what you need,” Tang Ling waved.
“Alright!”
As Tang Yan left the study, Tang Ling sighed, sinking into thought.
“The Tang family doesn’t aim to dominate Cloud City, but we need self-defense. Even with a stockpile of pills, they’ll run dry someday—then it’s Miaodan Workshop!” After weighing it, he decided to license the High Spirit Pill recipe to them.
“What breeze blew Young Master Tang here?” At Miaodan Workshop, Wu Xuan—delivering pills to the front hall—lit up, smiling as she approached and invited Tang Yan inside.
“Long time no see, Miss Wu Xuan—you’re even more captivating,” Tang Yan teased, eyeing her striking figure.