Chapter 40

C40 – Go Fighting

At the Central Battle Platform in Clear Water Town, Qiao Kai, accompanied by the formidable members of the Qiao family, took their seats with a detached air. Flanking him were his eldest son, Qiao Junhan, and his youngest, Qiao Mingfan, who stood by respectfully.

​Once the Qiao family’s experts were seated, the Jiaang family, headed by Jiaang Zhengzu, arrived shortly after.

“Mr. Jiaang, it’s been too long. I trust you’ve been well,” Qiao Kai said, rising to greet Jiaang Zhengzu with a warm smile.

“Brother Qiao, I appreciate your concern,” Jiaang Zhengzu responded, offering a polite fist-and-palm salute, engaging in what appeared to be friendly small talk with Qiao Kai.

“Nonsense, our families are about to be united. It’s only natural for me to take an interest in your well-being,” Qiao Kai replied with a chuckle.

Jiaang Zhengzu, however, remained silent, his heart seething with rage. He understood all too well that Qiao Kai’s remarks were a veiled jibe at his son, Jiaang Lin, who was unlikely to best Qiao Junhan. Consequently, his adopted daughter, Jiaang Xue, would have to honor the betrothal agreement and join the Qiao family.

​Despite his inner turmoil, Jiaang Zhengzu maintained his composure, his face still adorned with a forced smile.

​”Mr. Jiaang, Xiaoyu, please, take your seats,” Qiao Kai said, dropping the pretense as he noticed Jiaang Zhengzu’s silence and gestured for them to sit.

​The Qiao family members occupied the left side of the platform, while the Jiaang family settled on the right. With the arrival of both families, leaders of the Martial Dao Forces from around Clear Water Town ascended the platform. They made a beeline for the Qiao family’s side, greeting Qiao Kai with enthusiasm before taking their seats behind the Qiao contingent.

​The Jiaang family, on the other hand, found themselves largely overlooked, receiving scant attention from the other attendees, with hardly anyone approaching Jiaang Zhengzu for pleasantries.

In Clear Water Town, the Qiao family’s influence was on the rise, bolstered by the emergence of a Martial Dao Talent like Qiao Junhan and the presence of a distinguished Pill Refining Master within their ranks.

In contrast, the Jiaang family lagged significantly behind. They were burdened with a member who had been considered useless, and despite some recent signs of competence, he still paled in comparison to Qiao Junhan. Moreover, the absence of a Pill Refining Master meant their foundations were nowhere near as robust as those of the Qiao family.

​As a result, when leaders from various forces arrived to observe the battle, they all flocked to greet Qiao Kai, blatantly disregarding the Jiaang family. Such was the harsh reality on the Divine Martial Continent: respect and flattery were reserved for those with strength and a solid foundation, while those lacking in power faced neglect.

“Protector Tian, it’s a surprise and an honor to have you here today,” Qiao Kai said during a lull in the pleasantries with other Martial Dao Force leaders.

His sharp eyes caught sight of a middle-aged man in a purple brocade robe, accompanied by several similarly attired men, ascending the platform. Qiao Kai immediately recognized them as the Seven Great Protectors of the Myriad Medicine Pavilion, individuals of considerable strength and high standing in Clear Water Town, with a reputation and status to match.Rread latest chapters at novelhall.com

​The Myriad Medicine Pavilion’s roots in the town were nearly as deep as those of the Qiao family. The man at the forefront was Tian Yuan, the Great Protector of the Myriad Medicine Pavilion, a cultivator at the Qi Gathering Level Nine Peak Stage, and a peer to Qiao Kai in terms of power.

​Recognizing the importance of such a dignitary, Qiao Kai quickly led the Qiao family people forward to welcome Tian Yuan and the other Protectors as they approached the platform.

​”You flatter me, Patriarch Qiao,” Tian Yuan responded with a fist salute, the epitome of courtesy.

“Protector Tian, and esteemed guests, please, have a seat.”

Qiao Kai offered a welcoming smile and gestured for Tian Yuan and his companions to join him at the Qiao family’s area.

However, to his surprise, Tian Yuan turned and led the six protectors of the Myriad Medicine Pavilion straight to the Jiaang family’s side.

Not here yet?

Damn it! How dare Jiaang Lin, that good-for-nothing, be late to his own challenge?

And he expects me to wait for him?

“Mr. Jiaang, surely your son isn’t chickening out?”

On the high platform, Qiao Kai’s smile was strained, and he too was extremely irritated. He hadn’t anticipated that the guest of honor would dare to be late and make his son wait.

“My son is a man of his word, not one to break promises. If he has agreed to a duel today, then he will surely appear. Why would he be afraid to fight?”

Jiaang Zhengzu replied, his face devoid of emotion.

“Patriarch Jiaang, even if as you say, your son isn’t afraid to fight.

If he doesn’t show up today, am I expected to wait for him all day?”

Qiao Junhan spoke gravely from the Battle Platform.

At his words, Jiaang Zhengzu remained silent.

“I’ll give him the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. If he’s not here by then, we’ll consider it a forfeit, and your Jiaang family will have to fulfill your promise. How does that sound?”

After a pause, Qiao Junhan raised his voice again.

“Fine, I agree!”

After a moment’s thought, Jiaang Zhengzu answered.

Following his words, someone lit the incense to start the countdown.

“Jiaang Lin, that guy, he’s the main event today and he’s late?”

In the tavern, Shaang Duoge facepalmed, unable to hold back his tears, at a loss for words about his brother.

Meanwhile, at the Jiaang family residence.

Jiaang Lin was leisurely getting ready, washing up and dressing. Then, he strolled to the kitchen and grabbed a large plate of chicken legs.

Nonchalantly nibbling on the chicken legs, he made his way to the Central Battle Platform in the heart of Clear Water Town.

Looking at his relaxed demeanor, you wouldn’t think he was heading into a duel but rather off to enjoy the festivities!