"Let them perform? Brother Wang, what exactly do you mean?" Lu Xuan asked cautiously.
"With so many prestigious families gathered together for once…"
Hic!
Wang Ai's father let out a drunken burp mid-sentence.
"Why not have these youngsters put on a demonstration for us tomorrow? What do you think?"
Under everyone's gaze, he finally revealed his real intention.
"Brother Wang, this…"
Lu Xuan hesitated.
Putting aside how strong these juniors were—
Holding a sparring match at a birthday banquet just didn't sound appropriate.
What kind of family hosts fights during a longevity celebration?
"Come now! Everyone knows the Lu family produces outstanding talents!"
Seeing Lu Xuan's hesitation, Wang Ai's father waved his hand and praised him.
"Especially your son, Lu Jin—that boy is exceptional!"
"With everyone here, it's a perfect chance to make a name for him!"
"Right, Old Lü?"
Failing to persuade Lu Xuan directly, he turned to Lü Ci's father.
"That's right, Old Lu!"
Lü Ci's father nodded repeatedly.
"Let my two boys learn something too—let them see what their peers are capable of, so they don't go around thinking they're invincible all day!"
Clearly, he was just as eager to see what the younger generation could do.
Lu Xuan wavered. Though tempted, he still felt uneasy.
"Will this… affect our harmony?"
"Hahaha! These kids grew up together—how could something like this cause any rift?"
"Even if they get upset now, a drink tonight and they'll be brothers again! Weren't we the same back then?"
Wang Ai's father laughed loudly, patting Lu Xuan's arm.
"Sect Leader Zuo, what do you think?"
With no better option, Lu Xuan turned to Zuo Ruotong.
After all, Lu Jin was his disciple—his opinion mattered.
"I don't see a problem."
Zuo Ruotong spoke calmly.
"They're just children. Letting them play a little is fine."
To him, this was nothing more than a game.
"And you, Celestial Master?"
Lu Xuan turned to Zhang Jingqing.
"Hmm… sounds quite interesting…"
Zhang Jingqing showed clear interest.
Originally, he had brought Zhang Zhiwei down the mountain to temper his arrogance—
To show him that there were always stronger people out there.
But along the journey, whether bandits, thieves, or even members of All-Sex—
None had been strong enough.
Zhang Zhiwei hadn't even needed to make a move.
Even Gojo could handle everything with ease.
That left Zhang Jingqing somewhat dissatisfied.
Though he was quite pleased with Gojo's progress.
In fact, he had been wondering how to bring up this very idea without making it obvious—
And now Wang Ai's father had handed him the perfect opportunity.
Still, considering Zhang Zhiwei's monstrous talent, Zhang Jingqing turned toward Zuo Ruotong and Lu Xuan.
"Mr. Lu, Sect Leader Zuo… could we speak for a moment?"
The two were taken aback, unsure what he meant.
After exchanging a glance, they both nodded.
—
The three stepped out of the banquet and walked to a small grove not far from the Lu residence before stopping.
"To be honest…"
"I came here first to celebrate Old Master Lu's birthday."
"But secondly… I did have something in mind."
Zhang Jingqing took a breath.
"I just didn't know how to bring it up—until Mr. Wang did it for me."
"I brought two disciples out to gain experience."
"My original plan was to find someone of their generation capable of teaching one of them a proper lesson."
"Now that so many talented youths are gathered here…"
"I think this is a perfect opportunity."
He looked at the two of them.
"Celestial Master… what exactly are you getting at?" Lu Xuan asked, still puzzled.
Zhang Jingqing sighed.
"My disciple excels in every aspect of cultivation."
"But when it comes to certain protective techniques of our sect…"
"He's somewhat lacking?"
Zuo Ruotong raised an eyebrow and picked up the thread.
Zhang Jingqing paused, then shook his head.
"No."
"He's too strong."
Silence fell.
Lu Xuan and Zuo Ruotong exchanged looks.
So that was it—
He hadn't brought them here to discuss anything serious.
He was here to show off his disciple.
Zhang Jingqing continued,
"His path has been too smooth."
"I'm worried he'll grow arrogant."
"I've warned him many times—he listens, but his actions never change."
"So I want someone to properly temper him."
Lu Xuan frowned.
"But your Heavenly Master's Mansion has so many disciples. Why rely on outsiders?"
Zhang Jingqing sighed again.
"To put it plainly… he's already beaten most of his fellow disciples."
"I can't very well step in myself—that would only boost his ego."
"Haha! What a coincidence, Celestial Master!"
Zuo Ruotong suddenly laughed.
"My foolish disciple, Lu Jin, hasn't suffered a single setback either."
"I've long wanted to temper him as well."
"Of course… the final decision still lies with you, Family Head Lu."
Both he and Zhang Jingqing turned to Lu Xuan.
Under the gaze of the two strongest figures in the jianghu, Lu Xuan felt immense pressure.
Seeing that both had already agreed, he could only go along with it.
"I've also felt that Jin'er has grown somewhat arrogant these past two years."
"In that case…"
Zhang Jingqing looked at Zuo Ruotong.
"Shall we arrange for them to cross hands?"
"Let them fight."
Zuo Ruotong agreed immediately.
"The winner gains fame."
"The loser learns humility."
Zhang Jingqing added.
Lu Xuan sighed.
"Then… let them try."
After all, with both Zhang Jingqing and Zuo Ruotong in agreement, opposing them would be difficult.
Besides, knowing Old Master Lu's temperament—
If he heard of this, he would wholeheartedly support it.
—
The three returned to the banquet and explained the matter.
Everyone immediately approved.
And then someone suggested:
"If we're going to do this, let all the youngsters compete!"
"Let's rank them—no holding back!"
"Let's see who truly is the strongest of the younger generation!"
The idea quickly gained unanimous support.
And so—
On the day after Old Master Lu's birthday banquet—
A grand competition among the younger generation—
Began.
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on P@treon if you're interested:
patreon.com/c/GojoSP