"Nine Celestial Needles? What's that?"
"Putting on a mysterious act. He thinks he can fool people just by making up a name that sounds like those other two techniques!"
"It looks like birds of a feather really do flock together. A woman who only knows how to keep the old man happy, with no real skills, found a man who's all talk!"
"What can she, Chu Yan, possibly say now? Let's see if she still has the nerve to set foot in the Chu Family home again. Marrying such a good-for-nothing... what a waste of her good looks!"
Hearing Zhou Fan's words, Chu Yifeng and the others started to jeer, dragging Chu Yan into their ridicule. In their eyes, even though Chu Yan was already married, the old man doted on her. When it came time to divide the family inheritance, he would surely give her a share. That meant less for them, something they couldn't allow. They had to seize this chance to take her down a peg!
"How ridiculous. One needle technique after another. I really thought you had some skill, but you just spout some nonsense about a worthless technique. Do you really think you can fool everyone?"
Chu Peiyu also wore a look of disdain, staring at Zhou Fan contemptuously. He didn't forget to suck up to Divine Doctor Ouyang. "Divine Doctor Ouyang, there's no need for you to stoop to this brat's level. He's probably just heard the names of the Ghost Gate Thirteen Needles and the Celestial Traveling Fifteen Needles somewhere and is trying to show off!"
Though Chu Yan was inwardly a little upset with Zhou Fan, 'He's being too boastful,' his role right now was her husband. Even if they had no feelings for each other, Chu Yan knew one thing for sure: you must always support your husband in public. No matter how unhappy she was, she had to wait until they were home behind closed doors. She gently tugged on Zhou Fan's sleeve again, signaling for him to leave with her.
But before Zhou Fan could react, Divine Doctor Ouyang, who had been sitting off to the side with an arrogant air just a moment ago, shot to his feet. With a WHOOSH, he shoved Chu Peiyu aside and strode up to Zhou Fan, his eyes shining as he stared, unblinking.
"You really know the Nine Celestial Needles? Are you sure? Where did you learn it from?"
Divine Doctor Ouyang was extremely agitated. He fired off three questions in one breath, his hands gripping Zhou Fan's shoulders. He was so excited, his entire body was trembling.
Of everyone present, no one understood better than him what the name 'Nine Celestial Needles' truly meant. And no one could possibly know what it signified for him at this point in his life.
Everyone was stunned by Divine Doctor Ouyang's reaction. 'What does this mean?'
'Could it be that the Nine Celestial Needles actually exist?'
"Let me borrow your silver needles, Divine Doctor Ouyang, and you'll find out if I can do it or not," Zhou Fan said with a faint smile, as if he had anticipated this reaction all along.
"Fine, take them. But remember this: if you dare to deceive me, I will not let you off lightly!" With a sweep of his arm, Divine Doctor Ouyang handed his personal set of silver needles to Zhou Fan. He then waved at Chu Peiyang and Chu Peiyu, motioning for them to get out of the way.
"Watch your husband put on a show!" Zhou Fan shot a look at the disgruntled members of the Chu Family before leaning close to Chu Yan's ear. He spoke with a mischievous grin and, while no one was looking, stole a quick kiss on her cheek before turning to walk toward Chu Tianxiang.
'That scoundrel, taking advantage of me again!'
Chu Yan flushed with anger and embarrassment, her beautiful eyes glistening as she seethed inwardly. And yet, for some reason, in that instant, she felt her heart skip a beat.
"Sis, why are you blushing?" Chu Wen sidled up to her, his expression curious and his eyes alight with a thirst for gossip.
"Get lost," Chu Yan snapped, glaring at Chu Wen. "After this is over, no matter the outcome, you are forbidden from fooling around anymore. If you do, I'll personally beat you senseless!" She knew her half-brother all too well; she was the only person he'd been afraid of since they were children.
'She herself didn't plan on having much to do with the Chu Family in the future, but it was different for Chu Wen. He was, after all, the eldest son and grandson, the one who could inherit control of the Chu Family.'
Chu Wen flinched and pursed his lips, quickly backing away. 'Nope, can't mess with her!'
"Grandpa, do you trust me?" Zhou Fan asked, holding a single silver needle and smiling at Chu Tianxiang.
"You're my granddaughter's husband. Why wouldn't I trust you?" Chu Tianxiang boomed with a hearty laugh. "Go on, do your best. These old bones don't have many days left anyway!" Having lived to his age, he had long made his peace with life and death. 'It's just that if I'm gone,' he thought, 'there doesn't seem to be anyone in the current Chu Family capable of taking over this vast enterprise.'
"Alright. Close your eyes and clear your mind."
Zhou Fan was impressed by Chu Tianxiang's attitude. After giving the instruction, he brought the silver needle up to his eyes. Under the lights, the needle glinted with a dazzling brilliance.
In an instant, everyone, including Divine Doctor Ouyang, held their breath and focused their gaze. All eyes were locked on Zhou Fan. They were waiting—waiting for a result that would bring them either satisfaction or disappointment.