Chapter 20: Expelled from School

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River City.

Inside the Yi family’s grand residence.

In Yi Jifeng’s bedroom, the patriarch entered, prompting the private doctor to immediately bow respectfully to him.

“How is he?” the patriarch asked.

“It’s not serious, just some internal injuries. He’ll recover with rest,” the doctor replied.

The patriarch waved his hand, signaling the doctor to leave.

Once everyone had withdrawn, the patriarch glanced at Yi Jifeng, who hung his head in shame, unable to meet his father’s gaze.

“The Hou family’s patriarch just called me, demanding explanations from beginning to end. Look at the mess you two made!” the patriarch snorted.

Yi Jifeng forced a bitter smile, trying to defend himself, “Tianxing was humiliated in front of the Ye family’s people. If I, as his uncle, didn’t step up, where would our family’s dignity go? Since I brought Tianxing to propose, I had to do something.”

“Hmph!” The patriarch grunted. “And what was the outcome? Utter humiliation. You and Tianxing didn’t bring glory to our family—you disgraced us completely. Without the strength to back it up, you tried to force the issue. The young one was slapped, and even you, the elder, were put in your place. Useless!”

“How was I to know Hou Yaodong’s illness would suddenly recover?” Yi Jifeng said doubtfully. “Father, hadn’t you heard? Wasn’t it said that none of the continent’s powerful lords and experts could cure him? How did he recover?”

The patriarch was equally surprised by Hou Yaodong’s sudden recovery. He shook his head, “I’ve asked around. The continent’s elders couldn’t help. As for how he recovered, I doubt the Hou family will broadcast it. But Hou Yaodong’s advancement to Warrior Level Six has greatly elevated their status. You and Tianxing suffered a silent loss and will have to go apologize in person.”

The patriarch then cast a shrewd gaze at Chu Yun. “Who was the young man who defeated Tianxing?”

“His name is Chu Yun. A nobody—I’ve investigated, he has no background,” Yi Jifeng replied. “There’s no notable Chu family in Watchtower City. But father, I sensed Hou Yaodong was very respectful to this young man. His attitude was most unusual!”

“The Hou family is lucky, finding such a talent,” the patriarch sighed. “With someone like that, their power will only grow stronger and more stable in time.”

“Father, perhaps we should secretly sever their potential?” Yi Jifeng narrowed his eyes, a murderous glint flashing in them. “I’ve truly investigated the Chu family—no background whatsoever, pure grassroots. Eliminating Chu Yun alone wouldn’t cause any ripples.”

Among families, it was common to recruit talented independent cultivators. If one had no strong background, those who couldn’t win them over might eliminate them in secret.

With Chu Yun’s lack of connections, removing him quietly would cause no stir. As long as it was done cleanly, even if the Hou family suspected, without evidence, the city lord would never let the two major families go to war.

There was always competition between families—who wanted to be overshadowed forever?

If you never take action, you’re doomed to remain second-rate.

After listening to his son, the patriarch pondered for a moment. Then he stood and simply said to Yi Jifeng, “Keep it discreet. In recent years, the Martial Alliance has issued protective regulations for students of the continent’s martial academies. Do not let them find out we’re suppressing budding talent.”

Yi Jifeng nodded, “Rest assured, father.”

Watchtower City.

After renewing his mother’s hospital stay, Chu Yun arranged for a caring companion to keep her spirits up. Then he headed to the academy.

He had received a call from the administration.

Upon entering the office, the school leader didn’t even look up, placing a sheet of paper and a pen on the desk. “Sign your name, then go pack your things in the dorm. You’re expelled.”

Chu Yun frowned.

“May I know the reason?” he asked.

“The reason?” The leader finally looked up, sneering disdainfully. “You know perfectly well. You’re aware of your own abilities, aren’t you? Just a few days ago, you contradicted your martial arts instructor. He complained that you’re not interested in studying, your grades are poor, and after the academy’s comprehensive evaluation, we decided to revoke your qualifications. Sign and leave.”

Chu Yun stared at the expulsion letter, silent for a while. Then he spoke, “It’s not that I refuse to listen in class. I just think that instructor’s lessons are useless. He’s not qualified to teach me.”

With a shrug, he signed the paper and turned to leave.

Down the hall, Fan Zhiming seemed to be waiting for him, grinning as he asked, “Well? Tell me, how do you feel now?”

Chu Yun regarded him as nothing more than a clown. “Do you believe that I could walk into any third-rate academy and surpass this so-called top martial arts academy?”

“Very well,” Fan Zhiming replied. “Then don’t miss this year’s academy evaluations. Oh, but that’s assuming any other academy in River City will admit you.”

Chu Yun nodded, brushed past Fan Zhiming, and headed straight for the dormitory.

Behind Fan Zhiming, the instructor who had reprimanded Chu Yun that day stepped out. He’d taken Fan Zhiming’s money and made a big deal out of the incident. Chu Yun’s attitude had already made the academy leadership lose confidence in him; the instructor’s complaint was the final straw, and even the Ye family couldn’t protect him now.

For Chu Yun, it hardly mattered. Whether it was a top academy or any lesser institution, they were all rubbish.

If it weren’t for appearances and worrying that his mother might become despondent if he stopped attending school, Chu Yun would have disappeared and studied on his own.

Meanwhile, in River City, at the Hou family residence.

Among the younger generation, Hou Manman objected when she heard the family wanted her to attend River City’s foremost martial arts academy.

“The faculty at Watchtower City’s top academy isn’t even as good as ours here. Why should I go?” She crossed her arms, her fair, slender legs propped up, cheeks puffed as she spoke to her mother.

“You’re not getting any younger—it’s time to consider marriage. You don’t like anyone here, and you’ve said you don’t want to be a pawn in a family alliance. But I’ve found a young man who’s really good. You might like him. Why not go to Watchtower City and see?”

Hou Manman rolled her eyes. “Mom, how is this any different from a family alliance? Aren’t you just sending me to cozy up to a man? I won’t go. If you want to marry, you do it.”

“You silly girl, don’t talk nonsense,” her mother scolded. “This is your grandfather’s command. Trust me, this man is absolutely worthy of you. Go for a year. If you meet him and feel nothing, you can come back and I’ll never pressure you again. Consider it a change of scenery.”

Hou Manman pouted, “This is the last time?”

Her mother nodded, “The last time!”

“Steward, prepare the car,” Hou Manman called out before rising gracefully and leaving.

(The contract status has changed. Please send recommendations and all kinds of rewards to let me feel your passion and motivation. In a few days, I’ll start updating regularly with three chapters a day.)