"Three moves to defeat Lü Ren?"
"Senior Brother Zhiwei, you think that highly of me?"
Gojo was momentarily stunned by Zhang Zhiwei's words.
He had never expected such confidence from him.
Winning against Lü Ren—the so-called pillar of the Lü Family—in three moves?
If word of that spread, it would surely be met with ridicule across the Inhuman world.
After all, Lü Ren's reputation was well established. He had been active in the jianghu for years, and people had a clear understanding of his strength.
But Gojo?
He had spent most of his life on Longhu Mountain, only coming down recently.
Without the name of Tianshi Mansion backing him, who would even know him?
Even Zhang Zhiwei himself wasn't widely known yet.
"Heh, others might not understand your strength, Junior Brother—but I do."
Zhang Zhiwei grinned.
"We've been together this entire past month. I know exactly what you're capable of."
"…Senior Brother, the way you say that sounds a bit strange."
Gojo instinctively took a step back, widening the distance between them.
"Hm?"
Zhang Zhiwei paused, then quickly realized what Gojo meant.
"You brat!"
"I'm speaking seriously, and that's where your mind goes?"
"And I'm not exaggerating!"
He gave Gojo's shoulder a firm pat.
"With your current strength, you're already among the top of this generation. Don't underestimate yourself."
"Don't underestimate myself…"
Gojo fell silent.
For most of his life, his talent hadn't been particularly outstanding.
That lack of confidence had lingered for a long time.
Even after entering the Soul Space and gaining enhanced talent—
Even after integrating memories and abilities—
He still felt he wasn't strong enough.
That he still needed to train harder.
"So, Senior Brother…"
Gojo turned his head.
"Where do you think my strength stands in the jianghu right now?"
"Honestly? I don't know."
Zhang Zhiwei shrugged.
"I just came down the mountain too."
"Haha, fair enough."
Gojo laughed, then went to greet Lu Jin before returning to the Lu estate with Zhang Zhiwei.
After informing their master, the two settled in for the night.
—
The next day—
It was finally the official day of Old Master Lu's birthday banquet.
According to local customs, the feast would be held at night.
So during the day, Gojo and Zhang Zhiwei continued exploring the estate.
As for Zhang Jingqing—
He spent the day reminiscing with Old Master Lu, chatting about old times and their respective disciples.
—
By evening, guests began taking their seats.
This gathering was meant to be lively and relaxed, so seating arrangements weren't strict.
Elders sat with elders.
The younger generation naturally gathered together.
Just as Gojo and Zhang Zhiwei were about to find seats—
Lu Jin hurried over.
"Senior Brothers Zhang, Su—I've finally found you!"
"Young Master Lu, what's the matter?"
Gojo asked with a polite cupped-fist gesture.
"Come sit at our table. I'll introduce you to my other friends."
Lu Jin invited them directly.
The two exchanged a glance, then nodded.
"In that case, thank you, Young Master Lu."
—
Under Lu Jin's lead, they soon arrived at a large table.
Several people were already seated.
First were the Lü brothers.
Next was Wang Ai.
Beside him sat a Daoist.
As for the rest, Gojo didn't recognize them.
"Senior Brothers Zhang, Su—these are the Lü Family's Twin Pillars and Wang Ai. You met them last night."
Lu Jin began introducing them.
"As for this Daoist—he's also my childhood friend, Zheng Zibu of the Maoshan Shangqing Sect."
As introductions were made, everyone greeted one another.
"Lu Jin, aren't you going to introduce these two Daoist brothers?"
Zheng Zibu asked curiously.
"These two are disciples of Tianshi Mansion—Senior Brother Zhang Zhiwei and Senior Brother Gojo!"
The moment Lu Jin finished—
All eyes turned toward them.
More precisely—
Toward Zhang Zhiwei.
Longhu Mountain.
Tianshi Mansion.
And the surname Zhang.
These three together—
Were enough to shock anyone familiar with the sect.
Tianshi Mansion was one of the most powerful forces in the Inhuman world.
Zhang Jingqing himself was a legendary figure—
Even considered one of the two strongest, alongside the Great Ying Immortal, Zuo Ruotong.
And the surname "Zhang"—
Within Longhu Mountain—
Carried three meanings.
First, an ordinary surname.
Second, direct bloodline of the Celestial Master—descendants of Zhang Daoling, founder of the Zhengyi Sect.
Historically, the position of Celestial Master was almost always inherited by this lineage.
Third—
An "honorary surname."
Meaning an outsider granted the name "Zhang" due to exceptional talent—
So exceptional that the sect was willing to entrust the Celestial Master position to them.
Like Zhang Huaiyi in the future.
Originally not surnamed Zhang, he was granted the name by Zhang Jingqing after proving himself worthy.
—
So now—
With Zhang Zhiwei's name revealed—
Everyone at the table couldn't help but wonder:
Which "Zhang" was he?
"Why is everyone staring at me? Eat."
Zhang Zhiwei casually sat down, picked up his chopsticks, and started eating as if nothing had happened.
"…Everyone, don't just sit there—eat!"
Lu Jin quickly recovered and urged everyone to start.
"Yes, yes—let's eat."
The others followed, and soon the table grew lively again with conversation.
—
Leaning closer, Gojo quietly asked,
"Senior Brother… aren't you going to explain?"
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