Just as everyone was praising Gojo's strength—marveling at how effortlessly he had defeated Lü Ci—
In the arena, Lü Ci sat on the ground, gasping for breath.
His eyes were vacant as he stared blankly at his own hand, while his other hand kept rubbing the spot on his forehead where Gojo had flicked him.
"I… was defeated…"
"By a single flick from that guy?"
"This… this is utter humiliation!"
The thought swelled in his mind like an inflating balloon, quickly filling every corner of his consciousness.
"So this is one of the Lü family's twin pillars? What a joke~"
"Haha! Losing to a single flick from Daoist Su—I've never seen anything like it!"
"If the 'small pillar' is like this, maybe the 'big pillar' is just as overrated."
In an instant, mocking voices pierced his ears like steel needles.
Even the laughter—whether teasing or good-natured—became unbearably harsh, as if it were ridiculing both him and his brother.
"You bastard!"
Lü Ci suddenly raised his head, his eyes locking onto Gojo.
His temper had always been explosive. Being defeated so casually—by a mere flick—filled him with shame and humiliation. Coupled with the jeering around him—
The anger within him surged like a volcanic eruption.
His qi roared through his meridians like a race car at full speed.
Pale blue energy flared along his arms like blazing fire.
"Daoist Su! Please receive this move!"
Lü Ci roared, glaring at Gojo.
"You unfilial brat!"
"Get over here right now!"
Seeing this, the head of the Lü family shot to his feet, fury blazing in his eyes.
Losing was one thing—but refusing to accept defeat?
Wasn't that saying the Lü family couldn't afford to lose?
This disgraceful behavior was like throwing their family's reputation to the ground and trampling it underfoot.
And worse—it was happening at the Lu family's banquet, disrespecting both Old Master Lu and the Celestial Master!
"Ci!"
Lü Ren called out urgently, trying to pull his brother back.
He had never expected Lü Ci to act so recklessly.
Hearing his brother's voice, Lü Ci instinctively turned his head.
The moment his gaze met Lü Ren's dark eyes—
The raging fire in his chest subsided.
Only then did he realize how foolish his actions had been.
But he had already challenged Gojo again.
If he backed down now, wouldn't he become an even bigger joke?
Just as he hesitated—
Gojo's calm voice rang out.
"Perhaps Young Master Lü has gained some new insight from the previous exchange."
He extended a hand.
"Please, go ahead."
"Daoist Su, be careful!"
Lü Ci thrust both hands forward, pouring all his qi into Ruyi Force.
The invisible force surged like a storm, flooding into Gojo's body.
"It hit!"
For a brief moment, joy flickered across Lü Ci's face—
But before it could fully form—
A flash of golden light burst from Gojo's body.
The Ruyi Force was instantly dispersed, dissolving into nothing.
"…Still not enough?"
Lü Ci froze.
Even his strongest attack had achieved nothing.
This time, however, he finally came to his senses.
He bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Daoist Su, for your guidance."
"You're welcome."
Gojo returned the salute, then turned to look toward Zhang Jingqing.
His task was complete—what came next would depend on his master's instructions.
"Hahaha! Excellent! Both of you!"
"Especially you, nephew Su—when I was your age, I wasn't nearly this capable!"
Old Master Lu burst into laughter, addressing both Gojo and Lü Ci.
With his words, the tense atmosphere quickly lightened once more.
"Indeed, indeed! Celestial Master, your disciple is truly remarkable!"
"Be honest, Celestial Master—how many disciples like this do you have in your sect?"
The other elders joined in with their praise.
"Celestial Master, my son was in the wrong. After this, I will personally apologize."
The Lü family head spoke solemnly.
"They're young—naturally competitive and unwilling to concede."
Zhang Jingqing laughed, brushing the matter aside.
"When I was young, I was the same—always eager to prove myself."
To him, Lü Ci's behavior was trivial—barely worth mentioning.
"Just you wait till we get home!"
The Lü family head glared at Lü Ci as he returned.
"I… please punish me, Father."
Lü Ci lowered his head.
"Hmph!"
With a snort, the Lü family head turned away.
The Wang family head looked around and called out loudly:
"Anyone else want to spar with Nephew Su?"
But after witnessing Gojo's effortless victory—
No one stepped forward.
At that moment, Zhang Jingqing broke the silence.
"Haha, Gojo has already had his moment. Let him step down."
Suddenly, Old Master Lu spoke up:
"Didn't Jin'er not go yet? Why not have him exchange a few moves with Nephew Su?"
"…Perhaps that's unnecessary."
Zhang Jingqing stared at him in disbelief.
Hadn't he just seen Gojo's strength?
Why was he still pushing for this match?
Did he really want to see Lu Jin get beaten?
What kind of grand-uncle acts like this?!
"Celestial Master?"
Zuo Ruotong, who had been silent, finally spoke.
"Are you worried about the techniques of our Trinity School—or about our character?"
With both Lu Jin's elder and master speaking up, Zhang Jingqing had no choice.
"Gojo, continue."
"Yes!"
Gojo cupped his fists and remained in the arena.
"Lu Jin!"
Zuo Ruotong called out.
"Disciple here!"
Dressed in red, Lu Jin stepped forward from the crowd.
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