A stunned silence fell over the crowd as Yan Zhihao lay motionless, his body sprawled out, completely defeated.
The once-proud Core Formation cultivator, who had exuded such confidence and arrogance, had been defeated by Feng Yun, a Mid-Level Foundation Establishment Stage.
Silence hung in the air for a few heartbeats as the reality of the situation began to sink in for the spectators.
Then, as if a dam had burst, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of noise. Cheers, gasps, and shouts of disbelief echoed throughout the arena.
"Feng Yun won! He really won!"
"This is unbelievable! Feng Yun defeated a Core Formation cultivator!"
"How can someone at the Foundation Establishment Stage be this powerful?"
"Damn! Feng Clan is going to rise."
"16 years old and he already defeated the Core Formation Stage. Feng Yun is definitely considered a genius by those first-rated Sect."
The members of the Feng Clan, who had been watching with bated breath, let out collective sighs of relief and pride.
Their second young master had just accomplished something extraordinary, something that would be talked about for years to come.
On the other side, the Yan Clan was in disarray. Their pride and joy, Yan Zhihao, had been utterly defeated in front of the entire city.
The humiliation was so much so that Yan Zhan's face turned ashen.
His hands trembled with barely suppressed rage, but there was nothing he could do. The match was over, and the outcome was undeniable.
Feng Chen's smug expression grew even more pronounced as he turned to Yan Zhan.
"Well, Yan Zhan, it seems that our Yun has won. Thirty thousand gold coins—don't forget to pay up."
Yan Zhan's face twisted in anger, but he knew he had no choice.
The bet had been made publicly, and backing out now would only bring further shame to the Yan Clan. Gritting his teeth, he managed a stiff nod.
"You'll get your gold coins, Feng Chen. But don't think this is over."
"Oh, I'm sure it's not," Feng Chen replied smoothly, "but for now, I'll enjoy this victory."
Meanwhile, Feng Yun sheathed his sword, his eyes briefly scanning the crowd.
He could see the shock and admiration in their gazes, but it didn't let affect him.
For 16 years, Feng Yun had been the target of scorn and ridicule, labeled as "Trash" because he couldn't cultivate like the others.
The whispers, the mocking laughter, the pitying glances—they had all cut deep, leaving scars that no one could see.
He had been the disappointment of the Feng Clan, the one everyone thought would never amount to anything.
But as he stood in the center of the arena, victorious, the very people who once looked down on him were now staring in shock and awe.
Yet, despite their newfound admiration, Feng Yun didn't feel the need to celebrate or be happy.
He had grown beyond the need for approval, no longer seeking validation from those who once treated him like trash.
"Feng Yun! Feng Yun!"
"Feng Yun! Feng Yun!"
The crowd erupted around him, their cheers and shouts filling the air, but Feng Yun remained calm.
He had learned long ago not to let the opinions of others control his emotions. He wasn't here to impress them or bask in their applause.
He was here because he had worked tirelessly, pushing through every setback, every insult, every moment of despair—not just for himself, but to repay the unwavering support of his brother.
As he glanced at Yan Zhihao, lying defeated on the ground, there was no gloating, no arrogance—just his usual calmness.
Feng Yun turned and walked away, his heart steady. He knew this was just the beginning. He still has to get stronger than Ling Meiyu.
"Hehe… Feng Head, your younger brother, is indeed a hidden dragon among men. Congratulations on winning the Annual Genius Competition!"
Wang Yifan complimented Feng Yun.
"Indeed, the Feng family has produced such a heavenly pride. It's truly enviable!"
"Feng Head, My daughter, Xiaoling, is of marriageable age and has been admired by everyone for her beauty and character. Perhaps we could discuss marriage with your brother."
"My niece, Ling'er, is also quite accomplished and would make a fine match for a rising star like Feng Yun." …
Several Clan leaders made their way towards Feng Chen as they began to praise Feng Yun with many suggesting marrying their descendant to Feng Yun.
Everyone can see that Feng Yun has very good potential and will definitely become a powerful person in the future.
Reaching the Mid-Level Foundation Establishment Stage at 16, it was talent comparable to those geniuses recruited by strong Sect.
Knowing that, how could they miss the opportunity to rope in Feng Yun?
Of course, Feng Chen couldn't agree to any of those requests, and he politely declined them.
( Humph! Want to marry Feng Yun after showing his talent? Do you all deserve it? )
How could he agree with all these people who previously scorn and disdain Feng Yun?
Moreover, how could he make Feng Yun engage after what happened previously with Ling Meiyu?
He thought it was better for Feng Yun to just marry the girl he likes instead of being a medium to connect to another family.
On the other hand, Zhao, Yan, and Liu Families had already exited the arena. There was no way that they could handle being there, listening to people praise the Feng Clan.
Yan Zhan, in particular, looked furious, his face a storm of frustration and barely contained rage.
As the three families gathered just outside the arena, away from prying eyes, Yan Zhan's gaze darted around to ensure no one was eavesdropping.
"Zhao Chenxi, Liu Yingjie," he began, his voice low and seething with anger, "I believe we all understand what just happened today. The Feng Clan... they've become a threat that we can't afford to ignore."
"If we leave them be, there might come another Feng Chen from Feng Clan."
Zhao Chenxi's eyes narrowed, and Liu Yingjie nodded, both understanding the implications of Yan Zhan's words.
Feng Chen was 18 when he entered the Annual Genius Competition and won while Feng Yun is just 16 with even greater potential.
They knew that if they let Feng Yun survive, he could very well advance to the Three Element Divine Realm in the future.
By then, they wouldn't be able to do anything to the Feng Clan and might even get swallowed by the Feng Clan.
"Agreed," Zhao Chenxi said, his tone equally measured.
"But we can't move against them directly. The Feng Clan still has Feng Chen."
"Indeed," Liu Yingjie added.
"Although their younger generation has shown great talent, they are still fledglings," Liu Yinjie remarked, his voice dripping with disdain.
"They may have potential, but they are far from becoming a threat to us. However, Feng Chen is a different story. We three together might not be able to take him down."
Liu Yinjie said. Although he was arrogant, he still knew the power that Feng Chen had. Not everyone can knock out Elder Zhou in one move like Feng Chen.
"Hehe… For that, I already have a plan!"
Yan Zhan said with confidence.
"What?"
Liu Yinjie and Zhao Chenxi asked, not able to contain their curiosity. If they could take down Feng Chen, then taking down Feng Clan is just a matter of time.
Yan Zhan's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with malevolent intent.
"Patience, my friends. You'll know later."