Chapter 116: Why Does No One Believe It?

Everyone else was bewildered, unable to understand the meaning of the statement.

On the stage, Wu Di trembled. "What's happening? How does someone know my real name?" He was already middle-aged and not qualified to participate in such a family competition, which was why he wore a mask crafted by a runic master to impersonate a youth. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, if his identity were exposed, even the Prefect and Duke Yangquan, despite their willingness to show favoritism, wouldn't be able to protect him. Duke Mingyue's faction would certainly not let the matter rest. Furthermore, such an exposure would jeopardize the significant plans of both the Wu and Yuan families, leading to dire consequences for him upon his return. "Is there something wrong with my mask?" He instinctively reached for his face.

That moment of distraction caused his offensive to falter. On the other side, Chu Chuyan was already cloaked in a faint blue, icy veil. Her speed had suddenly multiplied several times, and her form became a blur, darting past his flaming greatsword to appear directly before him, her sword point at his throat.

"You've lost!" Chu Chuyan declared, her eyes remarkably clear.

Wu Di was utterly stunned. Even with his momentary lapse in concentration, Chu Chuyan's sword should not have been able to pierce his elemental shield and energy armor. Yet, his defenses had crumbled in an instant. What had just happened? Could her cultivation level be higher than fifth rank? But that seemed impossible.

A faint, unnatural flush colored Chu Chuyan's cheeks. To breach her opponent's defense so swiftly, she had employed a forbidden technique, leaving her with significant internal injuries. Involuntarily, she glanced down, spotting Zu An grinning at her. *If he hadn't suddenly yelled and distracted her opponent, she might have already...* she mused. Was his action intentional or just a coincidence?

An official from the City Lord's Manor stepped onto the platform and announced, "Match seven: Chu Chuyan wins!"

"I object!" Yuan Wendong, having received a look from Wu Wei and his father, immediately leaped up. Pointing at Zu An, he declared, "The Chu family's victory was unfair! They relied on Zu An, who was in the audience, to distract our competitor. This is blatant cheating!" The two families were naturally enraged. Wu Di was their strongest contestant, and he had risked exposing his identity specifically to defeat the Chu family's greatest pride and completely demoralize them. Yet, their plan had failed at the last hurdle, ruined by a mere brat.

On the main platform, the dignitaries subtly frowned. With many factors to consider, they did not immediately voice their opinions.

Zu An spoke up, "I don't understand. I just shouted 'Time to eat' because I was hungry. Does that really affect your family's contestant? If so, that sixth-rank master must be incredibly weak."

A chorus of boos erupted across the training grounds. Clearly, most people sided with the youthful and beautiful Chu Chuyan, finding the Yuan family's excuse far too tenuous.

Yuan Wendong grew agitated. "You weren't just shouting 'eat'; you were shouting 'Wu Di'..." He stopped abruptly, his heart sinking as he realized his slip of the tongue.

Zu An feigned surprise. "I said, 'Wu Di, your mom is calling you home for dinner,' not 'Di Wu.' Why did he react? Could it be that his real name isn't Di Wu, but Wu Di?"

"Nonsense!" Yuan Wendong exclaimed, both shocked and furious. He couldn't fathom how Zu An could possibly know Wu Di's true identity; it simply made no sense.

*Di Wu? Wu Di?* Chu Zhongtian silently repeated the two names, a thought striking him. He said coolly, "I've heard that the Wu family has a retainer named Wu Di, who is also a sixth-rank cultivator and practices fire-elemental techniques. I wonder if it's him."

Chu Chuyan, being exceptionally intelligent, immediately grasped the implication. She reached out to grab at Di Wu's face, intending to expose any mask. Just then, Wu Wei's figure flickered, and he appeared on the stage. Chu Chuyan felt a powerful force transmit through her blade, making her longsword almost impossible to hold. Fortunately, Chu Zhongtian had already moved behind her, neutralizing the force on her, and simultaneously exchanged a palm strike with Wu Wei. A violent surge of energy erupted, sending spectators near the arena sprawling.

Zu An looked up, his gaze fixed on the center of the arena. As the smoke and dust cleared, the ground of the stage, spanning dozens of meters, was fractured and cracked, appearing on the verge of collapse. He was inwardly aghast. He had heard that eighth-rank cultivators could tap into the power of heaven and earth. Was this the true might of an eighth-rank? He had made some strides in his own cultivation, feeling like a minor superhero in his past life and even a little smug about it, but compared to *this* power, the difference was monumental.

"You rotten brother-in-law, you deliberately took advantage of me again!" Chu Huanzhao pushed the man off her, glaring at him indignantly.

Zu An withdrew his gaze, looking utterly wronged. "I was only shielding you because I was afraid you'd get hurt. How was I taking advantage?"

Chu Huanzhao scoffed. "I've already reached third-rank. What are *you*? For a weakling like you to protect me? What else could that be but taking advantage?"

Zu An offered an awkward smile. In the heat of the moment, he hadn't thought much, subconsciously believing Chu Huanzhao was less capable than him, which was why he had shielded her. Explaining the true reason, however, was difficult.

Chu Huanzhao's face flushed. "Alright, alright, I know you were trying to save me. But don't be so impulsive next time. It should be me protecting you."

Seeing her no longer upset, Zu An chuckled. "I'd be honored! Oh, you've got dust on your chest. Let your brother-in-law brush it off for you."

"Get lost!" Chu Huanzhao snapped.

On the stage, Chu Zhongtian glowered at Wu Wei. "Wu, what is the meaning of this?"

"Since the victor has been decided, why must your Chu family be so aggressive?" Wu Wei said blandly, shielding Wu Di behind him. He thought to himself, *Yuan Wendong truly is brainless; a few words and he almost exposed Wu Di's identity.*

Just then, Sang Hong also appeared on the stage, positioning himself between the two. "Indeed, since the outcome is clear, why should you two damage your amicable relations? For two dukes to duel publicly on the stage is truly a discredit to the imperial court."

Chu Zhongtian's heart sank. Though the other's words seemed fair, they subtly favored the Wu family.

At that moment, City Lord Xie Yi spoke up. "Yuan Zhengchu, do you concede this round?"

Yuan Zhengchu was no fool. In the current situation, he wasn't going to quibble over the outcome of this match. He quickly nodded and said, "We concede this round." Although they were now trailing 3-4, they were confident they would win the next two matches, so there was no need to dwell on this particular outcome.

Xie Yi offered a slight smile. "Very good. Let's proceed with the next match. Principal Jiang, what are your thoughts?" As a member of Prince Qi's faction, he was pleased to see the imperial court steadily pressure the Chu family, hoping to corner them into a situation where they had no choice but to eventually join Prince Qi's ranks. *Hmph, there's no such thing as always remaining neutral.*

Jiang Luofu showed a hint of hesitation but ultimately nodded. "I have no objections." Given her standing, she was well aware of the intricate power dynamics at play. However, the academy traditionally abstained from such affairs, and strictly speaking, they were subordinate to the imperial court, giving them no reason to oppose Sang Hong.

Hearing her agreement, Wu Wei smiled. "Duke Mingyue, surely you wouldn't question the decision of these three judges?"

Chu Zhongtian's face cycled between ashen and flushed, and a sudden sense of helplessness washed over him, as if the entire world had turned against him. For the first time, he began to question his choices. Yet, remembering that neutrality was an ancestral tenet of the Chu family, and how they had endured for so many years by upholding it, he gritted his teeth and declared, "Very well, let the next match begin." Although losing the weapons market this time was a substantial setback, it wasn't entirely intolerable, as the Chu family's most lucrative business remained the salt trade. Furthermore, the weapons market possessed channels and connections built over many years, which the Yuan family wouldn't be able to absorb in just a year or two.

"Father, don't be too pessimistic. Xiao Zhao might not lose; even if she draws, we still have a chance," Chu Chuyan whispered, swallowing a mouthful of blood that had nearly risen to her throat. The Chu family was currently leading 4-3. If Chu Huanzhao won, that would be ideal. Even if she drew, the Chu family would still have an opportunity. If the overall score ended in a tie, they could simply choose another person for a decisive match, thus ensuring the Chu family's undefeated status. Of course, regarding Zu An's match, both Chu Chuyan and Chu Zhongtian tacitly assumed it was a loss.

"That's right!" Chu Zhongtian's spirits lifted. He quickly gathered everyone and approached Chu Huanzhao, giving her last-minute advice and instructions.

Chu Huanzhao listened, wide-eyed and bewildered. She hadn't anticipated that the fate of the Chu family would suddenly rest on her shoulders. "The opponent's cultivation is likely higher than mine, isn't it?" she asked nervously.

Chu Chuyan explained, "While their cultivation is slightly higher, there's no qualitative difference. If you effectively use the special abilities of the Whip of Wailing, you still have a strong chance."

Zu An, standing nearby, nodded subtly. He had personally experienced the terror of that whip; the sheer agony of a single strike left him disoriented for a long time.

Chu Huanzhao was still flustered. "But... what if I can't hit them? Sister, you know my skill level. I'm fine bullying Zu An usually, but stepping onto the arena is truly..." She somewhat regretted being too playful in her daily life and not practicing her cultivation seriously.

Zu An's eyes widened. *This is what they mean by getting caught in the crossfire while doing nothing!* he thought.

Qin Wanru said gravely, "Xiao Zhao, this battle concerns the Chu family's future. You *must* succeed!" Her voice unconsciously grew stern due to the gravity of the situation.

Chu Huanzhao nodded, her stubborn nature ignited. Biting her lip, she declared, "Alright, I'm going to win. I won't bring shame upon Father and Mother."

Seeing her resolute gaze, Zu An was startled. *Will this girl push herself to the brink to win once she's on stage? And since the Chu family's future is at stake, Chu Zhongtian and his wife won't let her concede until the very last moment. What if she accidentally sustains an irreversible injury?* Thinking this, he couldn't help but reassure her, "Xiao Zhao, don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you can't win, just concede. I'm still here for the match after yours."

"No one will think you're mute if you stay silent!" Qin Wanru snapped, furious. They had just managed to ignite their daughter's fighting spirit, and this man had the audacity to immediately contradict them.

Chu Zhongtian also frowned. "Xiao An, if Xiao Zhao wins, it's good for you too. Otherwise, if you face Yuan Wendong, your chances don't look good."

Zu An looked dejected. "But I think I *can* win."