Son, Put Your Father To The Test (FF)

"You may leave."

Seeing the look in Liu Rushuang's eyes, Yang Qitian frowned slightly and spoke indifferently.

Liu Rushuang, feeling embarrassed after being coldly dismissed, could only force a smile and retreat.

"Yes, Your Highness. I will take my leave."

She bit her lip and walked away, her face flushed with humiliation.

Those nearby who witnessed this scene wisely pretended not to notice, not wanting to offend anyone. After all, offending the Crown Prince was unthinkable, and it was also known that Liu Rushuang was the granddaughter of a Supreme Elder of Fenglei Valley—someone else they wouldn't want to cross.

The debate continued.

Meanwhile, Shui Qingrou sat quietly, attentively absorbing everyone's insights like a sponge soaking up water. Ever since awakening her Nine Yin Fiend Body, her cultivation speed had accelerated significantly, and her comprehension had also greatly improved. Concepts she once struggled with had now become clear, and she quickly grasped new ideas.

At that moment, among the thousands of young talents present, nearly everyone had a higher cultivation level than her. The experiences and insights they shared were immensely valuable to her, so she listened intently.

No one knew that while she sat there quietly, she had secretly broken through two minor realms by drawing connections from what she heard.

Of course, she was still quite weak.

She had only reached the third level of the Pure Yang Realm.

"You must be Shui Qingrou, the new disciple of the Supreme Elder of the Seven Martial Sect, right?" A gentle yet sharp voice suddenly interrupted.

Shui Qingrou snapped back to reality and looked up to see a beautiful woman in a white dress smiling at her.

"Is... there something you need?"

Shui Qingrou felt a bit nervous.

She had seen this woman from a distance, conversing with some of the older, more influential figures, so she knew this woman wasn't someone to be taken lightly.

Mainly, Shui Qingrou hadn't yet adjusted her mindset. After years of living in humility, she still couldn't help but feel small and insignificant.

Moreover, despite being accepted as a disciple by the Supreme Elder, her strength was still weak compared to many other talented individuals, leaving her lacking in confidence.

"Oh, nothing much. I was just curious. Since you're the esteemed disciple of the Supreme Elder of the Seven Martial Sect, surely you must have some unique insights into martial arts. So why not share them with everyone?" Liu Rushuang's smile was laced with malice.

"I... I'm not capable of that. My cultivation is too weak, and I haven't gained much insight into martial arts."

Shui Qingrou quickly shook her head, her small hands fidgeting nervously.

"You're too modest. To be chosen by the Supreme Elder of the Seven Martial Sect, you must have real talent," Liu Rushuang said with a seemingly kind smile. "Although some people claim you were only accepted because you awakened a mysterious physique, I don't believe that. After all, it's not like you possess a pure maiden's physique, which could explain your quick rise."

Her words grew increasingly pointed, veiled insults hidden behind her sweet demeanor.

"So, you must have some remarkable qualities."

"And with your cultivation so low, only at the early stage of the Pure Yang Realm, those qualities must be in your understanding of martial arts, correct?"

"If that's the case, you should share your insights with everyone. Or do you perhaps look down on the talented individuals present, thinking they're not worthy?"

Liu Rushuang's words were sharp, each one a blow to Shui Qingrou, who was left stunned and confused.

Nearby, others overheard Liu Rushuang's words, and their ears perked up.

The atmosphere began to grow tense.

Silence started to spread, like in a classroom when a once noisy room suddenly quiets down, with everyone following suit, the stillness spreading outward from the center.

In that moment, the entire plaza fell silent.

Even those at the center of the debate paused, turning their attention to Shui Qingrou and Liu Rushuang.

At that moment, Liu Rushuang spoke again, "So, does that mean you really do look down on the talented individuals here and refuse to share your cultivation experiences?"

Wow!

Now everyone heard her loud and clear, and immediately, the sharp gazes of many young talents turned cold as they focused on Shui Qingrou.

Their deep-seated pride and insecurity had been provoked. The more proud someone was on the surface, the more likely they were insecure deep down!

At that moment, even the Crown Prince Yang Qitian glanced over.

Seeing this woman brazenly bullying the quiet and gentle Shui Qingrou, he frowned.

How utterly intolerable!

He began to rise, preparing to speak.

However, someone beat him to it.

"Shut your mouth!"

A voice rang out, harsh and unyielding. The crowd turned to see a tall young man in black walking over.

It was none other than Qin Zi.

He stepped in front of Shui Qingrou, staring coldly down at Liu Rushuang. "My junior sister hasn't said a word, yet you keep throwing accusations at her. Is this how Fenglei Valley treats its guests?"

"And who are you?"

Liu Rushuang's face turned cold.

"Qin Zi of the Seven Martial Sect!"

Qin Zi declared proudly.

"What? He's Qin Zi!"

"The top prodigy of the Seven Martial Sect, a true genius!"

"I heard he was able to escape unharmed after being surrounded by five Nirvana Realm experts when he was only in the Pure Yang Realm."

The crowd around them looked on with a newfound respect.

Though many called themselves geniuses, there was still a clear gap between them.

As the top prodigy of the Seven Martial Sect, one of the six major sects, Qin Zi's status was weighty beyond measure.

"Hmph, so you're the first disciple of the Seven Martial Sect. No wonder you're so arrogant. But... this isn't the Seven Martial Sect!"

Liu Rushuang's voice was filled with disdain.

"No matter where we are, reason should prevail," Qin Zi replied, his tone turning icy.

"Strength is reason," Liu Rushuang retorted with a mocking smile.

"Well then… I just so happen to carry that with me!" Qin Zi sneered, his right hand clenched into a fist, and he punched forward.

Whoosh!

A golden fist force surged forward like a fierce tiger descending from a mountain, unstoppable in its momentum, as if it would tear through anything in its path!

"Wind Thunder Palm!"

Liu Rushuang cried out, striking with her right hand. Wind and thunder entwined, forming a massive palm print that pushed forward.

Boom!

Amidst the explosion, Qin Zi's golden fist force shattered, and the Wind Thunder Palm cracked but continued forward.

"Break!"

Just then, Qin Zi's body shot forward like a dragon emerging from the sea, piercing through the Wind Thunder Palm. In the instant the palm shattered, he was already before Liu Rushuang, launching another punch.

"Whirlwind Shield!"

Liu Rushuang was taken aback, and a blue whirlwind surged around her. But under Qin Zi's punch, the whirlwind was instantly dispersed.

Bang!

With a muffled sound, Liu Rushuang was sent flying back over ten meters, landing unsteadily on the ground, her face pale.

In fact, blood had risen to her throat, but she forced it back down—everyone knew that as long as you didn't spit blood, you hadn't truly lost!

"Hmph, so this is the 'strength' you rely on to bully others?" Qin Zi sneered down at Liu Rushuang. "Remember, no matter where we are, no one has the right to boss around my junior sister!"

"Qin Zi…"

Behind him, Shui Qingrou looked at Qin Zi with tear-filled eyes, overwhelmed with gratitude and affection.

And this scene did not escape the notice of the Crown Prince, Yang Qitian. His hands clenched into fists, the joints cracking audibly…