As the Dragon family elders and youngsters appeared, the onlookers felt a growing sense of unease. The reality of the pair was vastly different from their expectations.
The elder was not insane.
The younger, not only was he not crippled, but he also seemed to have become much stronger than before.
However, the vast majority of those present had witnessed the video circulating among the hidden aristocratic families, showing Long Xingyun being thoroughly crippled by a mysterious young man.
Could that video have been deliberately produced by the Long family to deceive the Jiang family?
As confusion rippled through the crowd, several prominent figures from the Martial World Affairs Bureau and the government took their seats in an orderly fashion.
The Dragon elders and their grandson, along with others, also settled to one side.
"Why hasn't Chief Jiang arrived yet?"
At this moment, Lu Shengming glanced at his watch, frowned, and asked.
Long Xiaotian chuckled, seizing the opportunity to stab at Jiang Feijiao. "Reporting to Director Lu, this Chief Jiang usually places great importance on ceremony when he goes out. Given his status, a slight delay is quite normal!"
"Hmph, isn't that too arrogant!" a government official said coldly.
"This is how it's always been!"
"Chief Jiang has been like this for twenty years!"
"Whenever we hidden aristocratic families hold meetings, he's supposed to arrive promptly at eight, but he always shows up at least at ten!"
"Exactly, it's as if he can't display his prestige without doing so!"
Suddenly, those from the hidden aristocratic families who harbored resentment towards Jiang Feijiao erupted, one after another, voicing their dissatisfaction with him.
Faced with such a scene, Long Xiaotian was naturally delighted.
Lu Shengming's face darkened. "A chief of a sub-branch like this should be replaced!"
Before the competition even began, the Martial World Affairs Bureau was already contemplating this.
"Old Long, you must do your best in the duel between your Dragon and Jiang families this time!"
Lu Shengming then cautioned Long Xiaotian, "This time, we at the Martial World Affairs Bureau have high hopes for you!"
"Thank you for your encouragement, Director Lu and the Martial World Affairs Bureau!"
Long Xiaotian immediately stood up, bowed respectfully with clasped fists to Lu Shengming and the entourage from the Martial World Affairs Bureau, and declared loudly.
The tide had certainly turned!
Those from the hidden aristocratic families could clearly see that even if the Dragon family didn't win against the Jiang family this time, Jiang Feijiao's position as chief of the sub-branch would likely be precarious under the intervention of the Martial World Affairs Bureau.
It wasn't entirely the Martial World Affairs Bureau's fault for intervening; it was simply that Jiang Feijiao, relying on his unmatched prowess in the northern region, was arrogant and imperious.
"Chief Jiang has arrived—"
Not far away, someone announced loudly.
Along the mountainous road encircling Tianchi Lake, a convoy of cars was heading towards the summit.
As the vehicles reached the top of Tianchi Lake, the doors opened, and a group of people emerged.
Jiang Feijiao walked at the front, with others swaggering in his wake. Flanking him closely were Jiu Jing Hao Zi and Jiang Xueyan.
To Jiang Feijiao's displeasure, the people from the hidden aristocratic families remained in their seats and did not swarm forward as usual to form a welcoming reception.
In the past, even with people from the Martial World Affairs Bureau present, they would have rushed forward to greet and pay their respects, fearing his status among the hidden aristocratic families.
What was wrong with these people today?
Jiang Feijiao's face immediately darkened.
"Chief Jiang, you're quite early today?"
At this moment, Lu Shengming said with a displeased expression.
Jiang Feijiao clearly sensed the tense atmosphere and twitched the corner of his mouth. "My apologies, Director Lu. There was a minor matter at home that caused a delay."
He then pulled Jiu Jing Hao Zi forward and said with a smile, "Director Lu, allow me to introduce this esteemed gentleman. He is a top master from the ancient martial arts world of Sakurajima, and also my future son-in-law, named Jiu Jing Hao Zi!"
Jiang Xueyan, standing beside him, heard her father's introduction and her expression immediately soured.
"Xingyun, did you hear that? This brat Jiang wants to marry his daughter, Xueyan, to that little Japanese devil!" Long Xiaotian whispered in his grandson's ear.
Long Xingyun's gaze had been lingering on Jiang Xueyan. Upon hearing his grandfather's words, he said with a mocking tone, "Grandpa, that's just Jiang Feijiao's wishful thinking!"
"Don't you see Jiang Xueyan's unhappy expression? She clearly disdains that Jiu Jing whatever little mouse!"
At this point, Jiang Feijiao, holding Jiu Jing Guizi, was expounding to Lu Shengming: "Director Lu, I must inform you that the Jiu Jing family not only holds a powerful position in the Sakurajima ancient martial arts world but also possesses formidable strength in the business sector, with their ventures spanning across the globe!"
"One could say that having such a powerful son-in-law is not only the pride of the northern hidden aristocratic families but also an honor for the Martial World Affairs Bureau!"
"Furthermore..."
"Chief Jiang, stop talking!"
Seeing Jiang Feijiao rambling on incessantly, Lu Shengming waved his hand impatiently and said, "I have no interest in this Jiu Jing Hao Zi. No matter how powerful his family is, I feel it has absolutely no connection to our Martial World Affairs Bureau!"
"What I am concerned about now is who will succeed the position of chief of the northern sub-branch of the hidden aristocratic families after today's battle!"
Lu Shengming was giving Jiang Feijiao absolutely no face.
Moreover, this invisible slap struck Jiang Feijiao's face with the sting of pain!
Jiang Feijiao's face turned black with anger, his chest heaving violently. He glared furiously at Long Xiaotian, who was seated nearby, and roared, "Hmph, Long Xiaotian, challenging me is simply overestimating yourself!"
"Today, I will completely erase your Dragon clan from Xuecheng in the north!"
"Hahaha..."
Long Xiaotian burst into laughter. "Jiang, fortunes change. Do you really think this northern region is your undisputed domain?"
"We'll settle this on the battlefield later!"
"Screee—"
"Woof woof!"
Suddenly, a clear hawk's cry and a dog's bark echoed from the sky.
At that moment, everyone present looked up at the sky, but saw nothing but blue sky and white clouds.
Long Xiaotian and his grandson, Long Xingyun, stood up as if injected with adrenaline.
Their eyes gleamed, they knelt on both legs, clasped their fists towards the sky, and simultaneously shouted, "Master above, your disciples are unworthy. In today's battle, your grandson and I will surely crush this tyrannical Jiang Feijiao, ensuring he never rises again!"
The actions of the grandfather and grandson stunned everyone present!
Master?
Where was their master?
"Hahaha..."
At this moment, it was Jiang Feijiao's turn to laugh heartily. "Do you all see? Long Xiaotian and his grandson are simply a pair of lunatics!"
"In fact, as soon as Long Xingyun had his cultivation crippled, Long Xiaotian went mad!"
"With such a pair of madmen, they think they can oppose me, Jiang Feijiao? They are simply seeking death!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Feijiao raised his right hand and struck out with a palm towards Long Xiaotian.
Boom!
Instantly, with a deafening roar, a deep pit appeared not far in front of Long Xiaotian. The dust kicked up by the blast engulfed the entire scene...