Lord of the Court

While Hao Lin's face was stunned by Fan's words, he cried out in horror:

"What are you talking about, sir! You are a court master! If you participate in a youth tournament, it will ruin the court's reputation and prestige! It could even escalate into serious issues between the Morim Alliance and the Supreme Court! Please think about what you're doing, sir!"

Fan sighs, and answers in a voice that holds malice:

"I will not participate as the Master of the Court... I will participate as the son of a family. And don't worry, I'll only use a tenth of my strength."

Fan walks over to the bathroom door, then looks at Hao Lin:

"You're the one who's going to organize all this... I'm counting on you, Sixth Judge."

Hao Lin's face is grim, and he has a miserable look on his face from the new troubles that have just been thrust upon him.

On a warm morning in Green Sword City, family patriarch Sheng Namjong, Hao Lin, his mother, his sister Tin Tin, and Nuwa's daughter Sina sat around a table with the most exquisite food on it. The atmosphere was pleasant, full of energy and friendly conversation.

Hao Lin speaks to Sina:

"Ah, I remember, Sena... Will your family be participating in the tournament?"

Sena nods her head back and forth regretfully:

"Unfortunately not. My older brother was injured in a friendly fight with the Sword of the Sun's son from the Empire, and my younger sister is ineligible due to her age."

Hao Lin replies with a sly smile and a sly look:

"Oh, so the Nuwa family needs a representative from outside the family..."

Sina answers, confused by Hao Lin's tone:

"Yes, actually... My father is thinking of choosing-"

He quickly interrupts her:

"Lucky for the great Noa family! My friend here will be happy to represent you, and I assure you he's a real monster, hahaha."

He said it with tears of pride in his eyes, as if he had escaped from a deadly predicament.

Sena responds with a sheepish, hesitant smile:

"I need to tell my parents first..."

Tin Tin interjects:

"I think it's worth a try. As long as it's Hao Lin's friend, the greatest talent in the Central Plains, I'm sure he's not weak."

Senna hesitates for a moment, then says:

"Okay, okay... Provided I get to see his skills. I wish Mr. Hao Lin would duel Mr. Fan to see his level."

Hao Lin screams in panic:

"Hah! Sorry, but that's impossible! That bastard would crush me! I mean... My strength is too much for him! I think my dad would be a better opponent, he's more experienced and knows how to control his power."

Everyone is confused by what he just said, and Tin Tin tries to intervene:

"Uh... I think you overreacted a bit, brother, my father knows-"

Sheng Namjong, the master of the family, stands up and laughs:

"Hahaha, I think that would be fun. I haven't moved my body in a long time!"

Tin Tin is surprised by her father's statement, their mother remains silent, and Sina feels a slight pang of guilt. As for Van, he remained silent... as usual.

Xing stands in the square in front of them. He releases some of his great aura, the ground cracks around him, the air itself cracks, and he pulls out a bright white sword with glowing green cracks on it.

Van stands facing him. Senna speaks with concern:

"No need, Mr. Fan. The lord of the family is very powerful, and is considered a great one."

But Fan remains silent, and raises his hand in a simple fighting stance. Xing speaks:

"Show me the skills I hear so much about, young man."

Xing raises his sword, and a dark green aura surges around him, splitting the air and creating unbearable pressure. He exhales a green breath through his mouth, then takes off at lightning speed, shattering the ground beneath his feet and creating an enormous crater. The sword goes straight into Fan's face.

Xing's sword strikes Fan's face, sending his body into a far wall!

Hao Lin screams: "Fan!!!"

Xing thinks to himself:

(Hmmm... this is strange...)

Suddenly, Fan emerges from the smoke from the crashing wall, and everyone breathes a sigh of relief. Sina screams:

"Please, Mr. Fan! That's enough! Just standing up to that blow makes you more than qualified to represent my family!"

But Van doesn't hear her, his eyes are focused, his face is calm, until he says to himself with a sigh:

("Uh-huh... it seems like all the beating of the kids has made me a little lax...)

He dusts off his clothes, then notices a crack in his mask:

(Oh... His ability to crack the mask of the Eighth Court Master is impressive. Hmmm... I guess a third of my power is enough for an attractive scene... Right?)

Black and white lines, thin and powerful, begin to float around Fan. Only Xing and Hao Lin can see them.

The air around him cracks... as well as the ground.

Xing smiles as he thinks:

("Oh... it looks like he's getting a little serious now...)

Continued...