Sun Dao'an thought that made sense. Although he still wasn't very clear on the situation in Wuhai, since Xu Yan had said the Lanhai Society was Wuhai's largest local conglomerate, it must be massive. As the heir to the Lanhai Society, Yan Hao wasn't short on money and was already a figure of the absolute upper class. He didn't need the prestige, so there was really no need for him to participate. To him, such an honor was trivial, even a waste of time.
HUUU!!
Yan Hao finished his standing meditation and let out a long breath. The scorching exhalation momentarily fogged the air, as if he were breathing out clouds and mist.
"That's all for today's demonstration. If anyone has questions about their recent cultivation, you may ask them now."
Yan Hao spoke with a placid expression, his voice like a great bronze bell, deep and resonant.
The monthly demonstration was hosted by one of the top ten senior brothers or sisters of the Lanhai Society. The first purpose was to display the host's formidable martial arts skills. The second was a Q&A session, to help the junior brothers and sisters with problems they encountered in their Fist Technique practice.
Now, however, the demonstration's purpose as a show of force had surpassed its educational value. After all, since the Martial Arts School had become more like a club, the audience consisted not only of core disciples but also many children of the rich and powerful. After watching the demonstration, these individuals would often become followers or partners of the Lanhai Society, helping it weave a vast network of connections in Wuhai.
A craving for pure force and power lies hidden within everyone's instincts.
However, since the one leading the demonstration this time was none other than Yan Hao, many core disciples of the Lanhai Society still seized the opportunity to ask him all sorts of questions.
Whether the questions were profound or simple, Yan Hao answered them all with a calm expression.
"First Senior Brother! How can we train to become as strong as you?"
Just then, someone posed this very question.
Hearing this question, everyone fell silent. It was the dream hidden in the heart of everyone present.
"I would love to tell you that as long as you cultivate diligently, you will one day reach my level. But obviously, that would be a lie."
"People always place great importance on effort, holding up paragons of 'success through hard work.' This is because if you don't give ordinary people some hope, the world will descend into madness."
"But the truth is, no matter what you do, talent is paramount. This is true for science, art, and business—and even more so for the Martial Dao."
"An ordinary person, through painstaking dedication—honing their skills for a decade—might become an expert. But reaching my realm is not something that can be achieved through effort alone."
Yan Hao's calm gaze swept over the crowd. The intense pressure emanating from his powerful physique made the many second-generation heirs—born with silver spoons and noses in the air—shudder and lower their heads.
"All things have their destiny. Just as a Buddha is born destined to bring salvation to all living beings, a tiger is born destined to rule the jungle."
"And I was born destined to become one of the strong."
"This is my destiny."
This answer, delivered in that steady, deep voice, resonated in Sun Dao'an's heart like a great bell, leaving him deeply unsettled for a long time.
...
...
Even after the demonstration ended and he had followed Xu Yan out of the club, Sun Dao'an remained somewhat dazed—a stark contrast to the boisterous youth who had first arrived.
Seeing her arrogant cousin looking as if he'd lost his soul, Xu Yan, who had only meant to open his eyes and teach him a small lesson, felt a pang of pity. She offered some comfort, "Don't be too hard on yourself. Not just anyone can compare to First Senior Brother Yan Hao. Compared to ordinary people, at least, you're already much stronger. Didn't you knock down a semi-pro boxer last time?"
"Semi-pro…"
Hearing Xu Yan's words, Sun Dao'an suddenly felt a flush of shame. After witnessing Yan Hao's monstrous power, the 'accomplishment' he used to boast about now seemed as trivial as child's play.
"Sis… can I come here to learn?"
Sun Dao'an was dejected for a moment, but then the light returned to his eyes.
'Even if I can't train to Yan Hao's almost inhuman level, at least I'll become much stronger than I am now.' At that moment, he felt as if he had found the true Martial Dao.
"Learn here? Weren't you just talking about exposing it as a fake?"
Seeing the light return to Sun Dao'an's face, Xu Yan broke into a teasing smile.
"Ahem, just kidding, just kidding," Sun Dao'an said, scratching his head in embarrassment.
"Not just anyone is qualified to study here. You need a recommendation. My dad has business connections with the Lanhai Society, so he could recommend you, but..."
Xu Yan stroked her chin, drawing out the final word.
"Sis, your arms must be sore from standing for so long, right? Here, let me give you a massage. From now on, whatever you need, your little bro will be at your beck and call, no questions asked!" Sun Dao'an said with a fawning expression as he circled behind Xu Yan and started kneading her shoulders.
"Now that's more like it."
Xu Yan nodded with a smile, then said after a moment's thought, "Oh, right. The day after tomorrow, the Lanhai Society is holding a 'Carrying the Furnace Ceremony' for First Senior Brother Yan Hao at Binjiang Celestial Sea. You should come with me."
"'Carrying the Furnace Ceremony'? What's that?"
Sun Dao'an asked curiously.
"Didn't I tell you before that First Senior Brother Yan Hao is going to succeed as the head of the Lanhai Society? This 'Carrying the Furnace Ceremony' is the succession ceremony. After it's held, First Senior Brother will officially become the one who 'carries the furnace' for the Lanhai Society. They're inviting all of Wuhai's high society to watch and bear witness. As for the specific details of the ceremony, I'm not too sure. It should be interesting. Want to come?"
Xu Yan asked.
"Of course!"
Sun Dao'an said with absolute certainty.
...
...
「Two mornings later, at Lanhai Square in Binjiang Celestial Sea.」
Due to the succession ceremony, the entire Lanhai Square was sealed off. Only those with an invitation could enter.
Outside the square, numerous high-end luxury cars were parked. Men emerged in well-fitting formal suits, while women wore gowns and exquisite makeup. It gave the daytime ceremony the feel of an evening ball.
A third-generation Brandy luxury sedan pulled into the parking lot, and Li Qingxuan stepped out from the back seat. She wore an exquisite white evening gown that perfectly accentuated her flawless figure. Her fair skin seemed almost translucent under the sunlight, giving it a jade-like quality.
From the car's other side, a man in simple casual wear, looking completely out of place, stepped out and stood beside Li Qingxuan.
"The Lanhai Society is really making quite a scene. Under the watchful eyes of so many, for the sake of the school's reputation and status—not to mention his own dignity and prestige—he'll have no choice but to fight you to the death."
Gazing at the grand scene unfolding in Lanhai Square, a playful smile touched the corners of Li Qingxuan's lips.