Chapter 76: Defeated in Two Moves

Zhang Yu watched Liu Feng step onto the stage, momentarily stunned. He asked, "Who are you? You don't seem to have any connection to the Zhao family, do you?" The Zhao family members were equally baffled as they looked at Liu Feng; none of them had ever seen him before.

Liu Feng offered a calm smile and said, "I was hired as a bodyguard by the Zhao family today, so I can be considered one of them. Facing you doesn't break any rules."

Zhang Jiayang looked at Zhao Heng and asked, "Is he really your family's bodyguard? He's not an impostor, is he?"

"Yes, he was hired today as a bodyguard, so he can participate in this competition." Zhao Heng thought to himself, "This young man has an extraordinary presence; maybe he can win this match. That way, the Zhao family might recover some of our lost reputation."

A sharp gleam flashed in Liu Feng's eyes as he listened to Zhao Heng's words. He had predicted Zhao Heng would say this, for the Zhao family had no young expert capable of opposing Zhang Yu. So, when a powerful young man appeared, Zhao Heng would speak on his behalf to save face for the family.

"Very well, since you're with the Zhao family, let's begin." Zhang Yu wore a proud expression, clearly not taking Liu Feng, who looked only eighteen or nineteen, seriously at all.

Liu Feng replied with a calm expression, "You may make the first move. I never like to strike first when I fight."

"You arrogant brat," Zhang Yu snapped, his face flushed with anger.

He thrust both palms forward, sending a mighty surge of energy that condensed into two dazzling palms of light. The air whistled as his attack crashed toward Liu Feng.

Liu Feng clenched his fists, and a blinding golden light radiated outward, enveloping him as if he were a war god clad in golden armor. An aura of fearlessness and invincibility emanated from him, making it seem hopeless to resist.

He launched his fists in rapid succession, each blow imbued with ferocious force. Like two golden meteors, they tore through the air and collided with Zhang Yu's palms.

With a sharp "crack," Zhang Yu was forced to retreat swiftly, his palms trembling slightly.

"What a remarkable young man—he sent Zhang family's prodigy reeling with a single punch!"

"Incredible! Zhang Yu couldn't even withstand one move from him."

Zhao Heng, Zhao Tu, and the others stared at Liu Feng atop the stage, their eyes filled with disbelief.

Zhao Hong clenched his fists in excitement. The boy's victory on stage meant that Wang Yue would not be paired with Zhang Wenbin. This meant Zhao Hong still had a chance to be with Wang Yue for life.

Hearing the murmurs from below, Zhang Yu's face darkened. He had been called a prodigy since childhood—when had he ever been so humiliated?

Enraged, he shouted, "Damn you! You've made me furious, and only your blood can calm my rage!" With that, he summoned all his true energy, pouring it into his palms.

"Blood Ignition Strike!" Brilliant scarlet light burst from Zhang Yu's hands, surging like a crimson tidal wave, brimming with explosive, violent power as it crashed toward Liu Feng.

Liu Feng's fists trembled, dazzling golden light emanating from them. His fists blazed like twin suns, and their overwhelming force surged forth to meet the scarlet wave.

A thunderous boom resounded as the two forces collided. With a sharp crack, the crimson wave was shattered, and the relentless golden fists struck Zhang Yu's hands.

Zhang Yu was sent flying, blood spurting from his mouth before he crashed heavily to the ground.

Zhang Jiayang leapt onto the arena, quickly supporting Zhang Yu and feeding him an elixir. Placing his palm on Zhang Yu's back, he channeled energy to heal him.

After a quarter of an hour, Zhang Yu finally opened his eyes and stood, trembling. He shot Liu Feng a venomous glance before jumping off the stage.

Zhao Heng laughed heartily and called out, "Zhang Jiayang, take care on your way!"

Zhang Jiayang snorted coldly. "Today was only a draw—what's there to be proud of? As it stands, neither my son nor your son can be with Wang Yue for now. What happens in the future depends on the fate of the three. Let us leave." With that, he led the Zhang family away.

Seeing the outcome decided, Liu Feng also jumped off the stage, making as if to leave.

Zhao Hong hurried to block his way, expressing his gratitude. "Brother, I haven't even thanked you for your tremendous help. How can you just leave like this?"

Liu Feng replied serenely, "I acted only because I saw that you are a man of character, Zhao, not for any reward."

Zhao Hong insisted, "That won't do. What you've done means a great deal to me, and I must thank you properly."

At that moment, Wang Rui approached, his eyes gleaming as he looked at Liu Feng.

He suddenly said, "Young man, with skills like yours, you shouldn't waste them guarding a house. Why not come with me to the City Lord's Manor? I can offer you a position you'll find satisfactory."

Before Liu Feng could respond, Zhao Tu stepped forward with a polite smile. "City Lord, this young hero is an honored guest of the Zhao family. There's no need for you to trouble yourself with finding him a post."

Hearing their words, Liu Feng felt a bit puzzled. He couldn't understand why he had suddenly become so sought after, with the leaders of two great factions vying for him.

Zhao Heng, sensing the tension between his elder brother and the City Lord, hurried to mediate. "Let's not argue, gentlemen. Let's hear what our young friend has to say. Wherever he chooses to go, we'll respect his decision."

At this, Zhao Tu and Wang Rui both turned to Liu Feng.

After a moment's thought, Liu Feng replied, "City Lord, I apologize, but I choose to remain with the Zhao family. I appreciate your offer."

Wang Rui sighed. "Very well. Since you've chosen the Zhao family, I won't force you."

He turned to Zhao Heng and said, "After this disturbance from the Zhang family, I'm afraid the marriage between my niece and your son must be postponed for further discussion." He glanced at Wang Yue.

Wang Yue, quick-witted as ever, understood her uncle's meaning. Turning to Zhao Hong, she said, "Hong, I'm truly sorry. It's all my fault. Unable to choose between you and Zhang Wenbin, I've brought about this situation."

Zhao Hong sighed softly. "This is fate. After all, no one can control their own heart. I only hope you'll make your choice carefully in the future. Even if you choose Zhang Wenbin, I won't blame you."

Seeing Zhao Hong's melancholy eyes and slightly sorrowful face, Wang Yue was at a loss for words. In the end, she sighed lightly. "Take care, then. When we meet again, it will be the day I make my choice."

She then turned to Wang Rui and nodded.

Wang Rui said to Zhao Heng, "Since my niece has already bid farewell to your son, I'll take my leave as well." He cupped his hands to Zhao Tu and Zhao Heng, then left the Zhao residence with his niece.

At this point, Liu Feng approached and asked, "Master Zhao, may I ask what position you have in mind for me?"

Zhao Tu's eyes sparkled with consideration. "Since you've done the Zhao family such a great service today, you'll first serve as the chief instructor of the bodyguards—training the men on a daily basis."