Chapter 25: Zhao Zhen’s Tactics

Meanwhile, on Zhao Zhen's side.

Upon hearing Zhao Zhen's remark, "Who do you think you are?", the fury in Lv Ci's eyes flared instantly. He was naturally a defiant and unruly person, and coupled with the existing blood feud between his family and Zhao Zhen, he was set off like a powder keg.

"I am your grandfather!"

With that, Lv Ci struck out suddenly, aiming a piercing blow at Zhao Zhen's chest. An invisible surge of *qi* followed in the wake of his palm.

The Lv family's "Ruyi Jin" (Wishful Force) is a top-tier technique that balances hardness and softness, concealing lethal intent. It allows the user to manipulate "force" to penetrate objects or space, striking an opponent's internal organs from any angle, making it nearly impossible to defend against. Its force is as flexible as a slithering snake, capable of adhering to mediums—like the ground or weapons—to conduct strikes from multiple directions. Combined with Lv Ci's ruthless style, most people in combat would truly find themselves "injured upon contact and dead if drawn too close."

Two years ago, during his first visit to the Lv family, Zhao Zhen had suffered at the hands of this Ruyi Jin. Although he was aware of its capabilities, the bizarre and unpredictable attacking methods displayed by his opponent still made it difficult to guard against.

Yet, no matter how profound Lv Ci's Ruyi Jin might be, since Zhao Zhen had defeated him two years ago, he certainly had no reason to fear him now!

*Snap!*

Zhao Zhen batted Lv Ci's hand-pierce aside with one palm, simultaneously delivering a swift kick that landed squarely on Lv Ci's chest, forcing him back.

This sequence of movements appeared simple, yet it caused Zhang Zhiwei, who was watching from the sidelines, and Lv Ren, who was about to step in and stop his brother, to pause in slight surprise.

"I never expected him to possess such methods..."

Zhang Zhiwei narrowed his eyes, his gaze toward Zhao Zhen growing increasingly intrigued.

Meanwhile, Lv Ci, having been kicked back several meters, clutched his chest, his face filled with disbelief.

"What just happened? Where was my Ruyi Jin?"

When he attacked Zhao Zhen, he had clearly imbued his palm with the Ruyi Jin force. Under normal circumstances, let alone batting away his hand, even if Zhao Zhen had merely come close, his hand would have been twisted into a knot by the force. Yet, in reality, not only had his Ruyi Jin failed to strike, but Zhao Zhen had also pushed his hand aside without any resistance, as if the force had vanished into thin air.

"Tsk, this Zhao Zhen is still as strong as ever."
"He visited our Jiyun Society before; even my senior brother was no match for him."
"By the way, did you guys see that just now?"
"See what? Lv Ci went up to start trouble and got kicked away?"
"No, not that! You haven't fought Lv Ci before. That family-inherited Ruyi Jin of his is a real headache. But during that brief clash, it was a perfect opportunity—why didn't he use it? Don't you think something is off?"
"Now that you mention it, that's true. Could it be that he's so arrogant he didn't even bother using Ruyi Jin against Zhao Zhen?"
"How is that possible? Zhao Zhen defeated him two years ago at the Lv estate. Facing an opponent who has bested him before, how could he dare to be so careless?"

As the crowd murmured among themselves, a steady voice suddenly rang out.

"That brat wasn't being careless; his Ruyi Jin was neutralized by some method Zhao Zhen used."

At these words, everyone looked behind them to see the head of the Lv family walking slowly toward Zhao Zhen.

"Good heavens, is the Head of the Lv family going to take action himself?"
"Is that necessary? Even if Zhao Zhen is a disciple of the 'Golden Light Master,' I've had contact with him, and I find his character to be quite decent. He has never done anything heinous; surely it's not worth the head of the Lv family stepping in personally?"
"Sigh, he is a disciple of a Quansheng heretic, and the Lv family has a blood feud with that master. Even if the head of the family acts, no one can say much."

Up ahead, like the onlookers, Lv Ci's eyes were filled with disbelief.

"What exactly did you do?!!"

Facing Lv Ci's loud interrogation, Zhao Zhen only smiled slightly. "What did I do? Naturally, I kicked away the person who came to my doorstep to cause trouble."

"You..."

"Brother Lv, Brother Zhao is a guest I invited. For my sake, can we just let today's matter rest?"

Lv Ci looked up to see Lu Jin standing in his way with a gloomy expression.

"Lu Jin, you know full well that this Zhao Zhen is colluding with the Quansheng heretics. Why would you invite him to the banquet?"

Having been provoked to genuine anger and holding a lifelong dislike for Lu Jin, Lv Ci showed him no respect at all.

"It is my grandfather's birthday banquet; who I invite is my own business! Furthermore, Brother Zhao is not part of the Quansheng sect, so why shouldn't I invite him?!!"

Lv Ci ignored Lu Jin, his mind entirely occupied by how his Ruyi Jin had suddenly vanished. He was about to charge forward again when a hand was placed firmly on his shoulder.

"Second brother, let it go."

Lv Ci froze and turned to look at his elder brother, Lv Ren.

"Brother, I..."

"Today is Elder Lu's birthday banquet. It is inappropriate for you to start a fight here, and besides..."

As he spoke, Lv Ren cast a meaningful glance at Zhao Zhen and then cupped his hands in a salute toward him.

"Brother Zhao, Young Master Lu, my apologies. My brother has a hasty temperament. If he caused any offense just now, I hope you will be magnanimous."

Zhao Zhen took a deep look at this "Great Jade" of the Lv family. Compared to Lv Ci's defiant nature, Lv Ren was calm, his every gesture exuding stability. It was a pity; had he not died in the war of the future, perhaps with him around, Lv Ci would not have had to become a "mad dog" to desperately hold things together.

"It is no matter. If I caused any offense just now, I hope Brother Lv will forgive me."

"Easily said."

Lv Ren smiled slightly, turned, and patted Lv Ci on the shoulder again.

"Let's go, second brother. Let's go back and continue eating."
"Brother, are we just going to let him go like this?"
"The one who killed our uncle was his master, not him personally. If you truly wish to avenge our uncle, then go back and cultivate diligently. Every debt has a debtor—go directly to his master to seek revenge."
"Well said!"

Hearing this voice, both Lv Ci and Lv Ren turned their heads.

"Father, why are you...?"
"You brat, you only know how to cause trouble for me!"

The head of the Lv family first glared at Lv Ci with a look of exasperation, then turned to the surrounding crowd and cupped his hands helplessly.

"Everyone, my son is unruly and has disturbed the banquet. I hope you will all excuse him."
"The Head of the Lv family is too kind. It's just a scuffle between youngsters; what disturbance is there to speak of?"
"Indeed, they are young and full of vigor; it is only natural."

"Everyone."

Suddenly, Lu Xuan, seated at the head of the table, called out in a loud voice, drawing everyone's attention back to him.

"Today, for my uncle's birthday banquet, the Lu residence is filled with esteemed guests; it is truly a great honor for our family. Taking advantage of the fact that so many noble families are gathered here today, I have a proposal. After today's banquet, why don't we have the younger generation from each house take the stage tomorrow to demonstrate their skills for us?"