Nangong Family, Council Hall.
"Could Ian Song really have been cultivated by the Zhao Family?" Nathan Nangong's voice was thick with unwillingness.
The Nangong Family may rule Tianhe State, but that's only within Tianhe. Compared to the Zhao Family—one of the Ten Great Families—the Nangongs fall far short. The Zhaos wouldn't even need to act personally; if they just showed a hint of displeasure, the other third-rate families in Tianhe, already resentful and eager to replace the Nangongs, would likely unite to attack them.
Felix Nangong said helplessly, "We can't keep going after Ian Song. If necessary, the three of us should go apologize in person!"
"Apologize in person? No way!" Nathan Nangong jumped up, furious.
"Third Brother, why are you so hotheaded lately!" Felix Nangong glared at Nathan in annoyance. "When you're under someone else's roof, sometimes you have to bow your head. Ian Song is with the Zhao Family—he could crush us three brothers with a single finger. What do we have to fight them with?"
"That's right, Third Brother. Take a step back and things open up. If Ian Song didn't have any backing, it'd be easy to take him out. But he's with the Zhao Family—no matter how deep the grudge, we have to swallow it. Unless you want to see the whole Nangong Family destroyed!" Ray Nangong added, trying to persuade him.
Nathan Nangong slammed his palm on the table, defeated. "Big Brother, Second Brother, I get it—I really do. But I just can't accept it!"
"Actually, there might still be a way to get revenge." Ray Nangong suddenly spoke up, sounding hesitant.
"Second Brother, what way? Tell me!" Nathan Nangong asked urgently.
Ray Nangong said darkly, "Let the Lee Family in on this. The Lees and Zhaos are mortal enemies—right now the Lee Family is riding high, while the Zhao Family is running out of heirs. When Harold Zhao, their genius, died years ago, I heard the Zhao patriarch fainted from rage.
If I'm right, the Zhaos are terrified of history repeating itself after Harold Zhao's death. That's why they're secretly grooming Ian Song. Only a Ten Great Families clan like the Zhao Family could raise a martial arts prodigy like him.
But don't forget, Edward Zhao is already seventy-five. With his cultivation, he could last another twenty years, and by then Ian Song will be fully grown. In other words, Ian Song is the Zhao Family's last hope.
If you were in the Lee Family, what would you do?"
"Of course I'd cut off the Zhao Family's hope!" Nathan Nangong blurted out.
Ray Nangong nodded. "Third Brother's right. The Lee Family would absolutely cut off the Zhao Family's hope. Once Edward Zhao passes, the Zhaos will fall from the top tier. But this borrowed-knife strategy, as clever as it is, comes with big risks.
Since Ian Song is the Zhao Family's carefully groomed heir, if he dies, the Zhaos will go mad. If they find out we leaked the news, they'll unleash their fury—and the Nangong Family won't be far from annihilation!"
"Not necessarily. I think I have a better idea," Felix Nangong said, narrowing his eyes.
Ray Nangong and Nathan Nangong both turned to look at him.
Felix Nangong picked up his teacup, took a sip, and finally said, "Kill with praise! Ian Song's reputation isn't big enough yet, so let's help hype him up. Right now, the Riverstone City Sub-Hall of the National Martial League is headed by Leon Lee of the Lee Family. If Leon hears about a genius like Ian Song, what do you think he'll do?
He'd definitely try to recruit Ian Song, but since Ian belongs to the Zhao Family, that's not going to happen."
At this, Felix Nangong fell silent, while the other two's eyes lit up—they clearly understood what their eldest brother was getting at.
The Third Elder, who had been standing quietly to the side, listened to the three brothers' discussion and couldn't help worrying about his real master. He thought to himself, I must find a chance to warn him.
Inside the dorm.
Ian Song opened the door and invited Frank Zhao and Charles Zhao in. Suddenly, he noticed Charles's arms, paused for a second, and quickly figured it out—this guy was putting on a pitiful act just for him.
"Ian, I came here especially to apologize. I hope you'll forgive me for Frank and Xiaoyu's sake!" As soon as he entered, Charles Zhao swallowed his pride and apologized in a low, humble voice.
As the saying goes, even a hero needs help. Right now, he's still weak, so attaching himself to the Zhao Family isn't a bad move. Smiling, Ian said, "Fourth Uncle Charles, you're too serious. I was at fault too! Here, I've learned some bone-setting techniques—let me fix your dislocated arms!"
Charles Zhao's face flushed—clearly, Ian Song had seen through his act. "Then I'll trouble you," he said.
"No problem!"
As they spoke, Ian Song reached out, grabbed Charles Zhao's arms, and with two crisp cracks, reset his dislocated shoulders.
The atmosphere grew much lighter after that.
After a few polite exchanges, Charles Zhao invited Ian Song: "Ian, the patriarch gave me strict orders—if I can't recruit you into the Zhao Family, I'll be expelled. Please, have mercy on your old Fourth Uncle and join us!"
If you'd known this would happen, why act that way before? Ian Song sneered inwardly, but said, "Fourth Uncle, how about I think it over for a while?"
"Don't, Ian! I was blind before, but you're generous—please, don't hold it against me!" Charles Zhao lowered himself even further.
Frank Zhao gave Ian Song a subtle nod from the side.
"Alright, I agree!" Ian Song nodded.
"Great! Ian, Fourth Uncle really can't thank you enough." Charles Zhao said happily, then added, "By the way, joining the Zhao Family requires a formal ceremony. When can you travel to Flame City?"
"How about tomorrow? It's a holiday anyway."
"Perfect! Ian, you're really straightforward. Once we're in Flame City, I'll accompany you the whole time—I'll make sure you have a great trip!"
"Then I'll thank you in advance, Fourth Uncle!"
"Hey, we're all family—no need to be so formal."
...
Once again, it was that little grove in the western suburbs.
After hearing Victor Nangong's report, Ian Song's face darkened. He hadn't expected the Nangong Family to be so devious. Luckily, he had planted a spy in their ranks—otherwise, he really might have fallen for their schemes.
No, tomorrow I have to go to the National Martial League first and get Leon Lee under control. With him covering for me in the Lee Family, I should be able to keep things hidden for a while.
Back in the dorm, Ian Song slumped onto the sofa and pulled up his system interface. His Fame Points had only increased by a little over 900,000 today—seems the hits on JoyMove.net are really slowing down.
The good news was, the next lottery didn't require a terrifying tens of millions of points—just 9.98 million.
Still, gathering 9.98 million Fame Points won't be easy. Who knows when those videos filmed by JoyMove.net will go live? But I can't rely on them alone—I'll have to come up with another way to earn Fame Points.