Chapter 86

Hearing Li Daoyuan speak so formally, Lin Zheng replied solemnly, "Uncle, please speak freely!"

"Alright, the matter is this: in the Seven Heroes' Contest, you will represent Wu Shuang City, and Ruo Shui will represent Ze Shui City. This means you two will surely meet on the battlefield. However, since Ruo Shui has already been betrothed to you, she will not represent Ze Shui City this time. I hope you can protect Ruo Shui well. The Seven Heroes' Contest is far more brutal than you can imagine. Countless talents and heroes may fall in this struggle, but it is also a great opportunity. I hope you can firmly grasp this chance. Many powerful entities are watching this contest closely. Whether you will make a stunning debut or fall here depends on this battle!"

"Even if I die, I won't let Ruo Shui get hurt! I, Lin Zheng, hereby promise all of you that I will protect Ruo Shui, and I will also win the top prize in this contest!" Lin Zheng spoke clearly, his not-so-loud voice instilling an inexplicable sense of trust.

"I believe you, but this wild continent is never as simple as it seems. Our noble families may appear to be in a glorious position, but we are just a speck in this vast land. When the true battle erupts, we won't even be considered cannon fodder! Only by holding your own fate in your hands can you truly control your life! Do you understand, Lin Zheng?"

"I understand, and my path is not just limited to the wild continent..." Lin Zheng's words trailed off, his tone filled with boundless arrogance, but his eyes betrayed a hint of inexplicable melancholy. His path was no longer confined to the wild continent, but to the distant Heavenly Realm, which was still out of reach for most people.

Li Daoyuan did not pay much attention to Lin Zheng's words, considering them just the youthful enthusiasm of a young man. Little did he know that when the truth suddenly came to light, everyone would realize that the shock and upheaval would be unprecedented!

"Also, Ruo Shui's marriage to you will certainly cause a significant stir in Ze Shui City. Ruo Shui left Ze Shui City years ago because of this marriage. I hope you can step up and take responsibility!"

"I've heard this from Ruo Shui. If a fight is necessary, then so be it! I will handle these matters!" Lin Zheng raised his wine glass and toasted the others, the word "fight" filled with boundless enthusiasm.

The banquet concluded in a pleasant atmosphere, and the guests gradually dispersed. Li Ruoshui accompanied Lady Li, and the mother and daughter would likely have a long talk that night. Lin Zheng and his group returned to their residence, knowing that Ze Shui City would not remain peaceful the next day!

That night, the major noble families of Ze Shui City all discussed the Li family, and the focus of their discussion was Lin Zheng, who had killed Zhao Lao San with a single strike. In one of the family compounds, a thunderous roar echoed!

"Good! Very good! Excellent! The Li family dares to treat our Feng family like this, so don't blame us for being ruthless! Yun Xing, Yun Tao, Yun Sheng, Yun Lei, you four go to the Li family tomorrow and find an opportunity to cripple Lin Zheng! Then have Yun Kong return quickly! The sky over Ze Shui is about to change!" In a secret room, a middle-aged man with a sinister look and a cruel expression clutched a jade slip, issuing a series of commands.

"Yes! We will follow the family head's orders!" The four young men responded and withdrew. The secret room fell silent again, with only the middle-aged man sitting there, lost in thought.

...

"What? Li Ruoshui has returned? Prepare a grand gift, and I will go with you to propose tomorrow!" A young man, playing with a jade pot, said excitedly upon hearing the report from his subordinate.

"But I heard that the Li family has already taken a son-in-law and has sent messages to the other noble families," the person on the ground said in a low voice, not daring to raise his head.

"Don't worry, he will be a dead man by tomorrow. Go and prepare the gift!"

"Yes, I will take my leave!" The person on the ground slowly backed out of the room.

...

"Brother, according to the words of the Li family head, you will likely be busy these next few days!" Lin Wen said with a smile.

"Anyone who comes to cause trouble will be killed. How can that be busy? We don't deal with the cleanup!" Lin Dao, who was polishing his long sword, suddenly chimed in.

"Ha! That's a good point. I like it, Brother Wolf! Cut them all down! In the world of martial arts, who can avoid a few cuts?" The rogue wolf, holding a bottle of wine, sat drinking contentedly.

"Yes, many things cannot be solved by running away. Before coming to Ze Shui, didn't we already anticipate such a situation? Don't worry! I have a plan!" Lin Zheng said.

"Yes, and Li Daoyuan's cultivation is not as simple as it seems. A family head wouldn't be so easily seen through. However, I haven't detected any ill will from him. Also, Lady Li, Shui Yingying, is not an ordinary woman. Their cultivation is quite strong!" Lin Wen added. After a night of inquiries, Lin Wen had indeed gathered a lot of useful information from the Li family.

"Don't worry, the Li family can be trusted. They are not the kind of people who are solely profit-driven. Lin Wen, when you have time, deliver the remaining gifts, but do it secretly and hand them to Li Daoyuan. If it leaks out, it will cause big trouble!"

It turned out that the gift list only included part of the gifts, while the truly valuable ones were not yet revealed. This was Li Ruoshui's idea, as some items were too shocking and required caution to avoid any spies within the Li family.

"Yes, I understand."

"Alright, everyone, get some rest. Tomorrow will likely be an unusual day. Get a good night's sleep!"

After everyone dispersed, Lin Zheng sat on the bed and began his usual cultivation. Streams of spiritual energy continuously washed over his body, and the golden veins in his body glowed with a strange light. The Three Lives Stone continued to rotate quietly within him, and everything proceeded in an orderly manner. Outside, the night was calm, and the stars shifted. The sun slowly emerged from the darkness, and Lin Zheng opened his eyes, feeling more refreshed than ever. Before he could get out of bed, a knock came from the door, followed by Li Ruoshui's clear voice.

"Lin Brother, it's time to get up, it's already very early!"

Lin Zheng jumped out of bed, stretched his body, and a series of cracking sounds followed. He walked to the door and opened it, and a small, fragrant figure immediately threw itself into his arms.

Lin Zheng picked up Li Ruoshui by the waist and laughed, "What? The sun has just peeked out, and you're already up? Go back to bed for a while!" Without waiting for a response, he carried Li Ruoshui to the bed, and the two of them started playing around.

"Alright, stop it, Lin Brother, I have something serious to tell you!" Li Ruoshui said seriously.

"Okay, go ahead!" Lin Zheng propped his head on his arm and lay on the bed, looking at Li Ruoshui.

"Many people will definitely come to the Li family today, Lin Brother. You need to be careful. But I believe they are no match for you. I just hope you can show some mercy when the time comes!" Li Ruoshui said, blinking her big eyes.

"Yes, I understand. But there will always be those who are self-important and annoying. I will know when to stop, and these noble families are not as simple as they seem."

"Alright, let's go have breakfast. Lin Qin and the others have already woken up and are waiting for you in the hall!" Li Ruoshui, without waiting for a response, pulled Lin Zheng out of bed, and after a quick wash, the two of them headed to the hall.

Mr. and Mrs. Li did not appear, and Li Ruoshui accompanied the group. They quickly finished breakfast, and then Li Ruoshui led them on a tour of the Li residence, introducing them to the place and sharing some information about Ze Shui City that she had gathered from her mother the previous night.

Just as everyone was chatting, a maid ran over and said, "Miss, the Feng family and the Dou family have come to visit, saying they want to see you and your fiancé, but, but..."

"But what?"

"But they have come to present their gifts!" The maid said in a low voice.

Lin Zheng and the others all composed their expressions, and Li Ruoshui's face showed a hint of anger. Without hesitation, the group strode toward the front hall. Before they reached it, they heard a loud voice, "Family Head Li, some people are like toads lusting after swans. It's best to crush them immediately to avoid unnecessary trouble."

"But some people don't even know how to write the word 'death.' Isn't that pitiful? Sir, what do you think?"

A clear voice echoed in the front hall, causing the speaker's face to change dramatically. He shouted, "Who is the fool who dares to interrupt here?"

Lin Zheng and the others ignored him and walked straight into the hall. The Li family fell silent as soon as they saw Lin Zheng and his group, watching to see how he would handle the situation.

"Hmph, is this considered a trivial matter? It can be handled with a wave of the hand, Star Young Master, what do you think?"

"Ha, yes, sometimes such matters are resolved with a fist. Some people just need a reminder to behave! What do you think, Qiu Young Master?"

The two of them seemed to be ignoring Lin Zheng, who smiled but said nothing, leading Li Ruoshui to Li Daoyuan and bowing, then sitting down. Lin Wen and the others also sat down next to Lin Zheng, drinking tea and completely ignoring the two groups.

"Lin Brother, those four brothers are from the Feng family: Feng Yun Xing, Feng Yun Tao, Feng Yun Sheng, and Feng Yun Lei. The other is Dou Xuan Qiu from the Dou family. Both families are major noble families in Ze Shui City, and their strength may even surpass the Li family. They have been eyeing the Li family's assets for a long time, hoping to swallow the Li family and become the top noble family in Ze Shui City, surpassing the Bai family. They have had this plan since Ruo Shui was a child, and it seems that even now, it cannot be avoided!" Li Ruoshui introduced the two noble families to Lin Zheng, her face showing a hint of anger.

"Sir, you seem unfamiliar. May I ask, what would you do if you encountered such a situation?" The Feng family member asked in a sarcastic tone.

"Ha, I have no experience in handling such matters. I usually use only one method: beat them until they submit! I wonder if you two like this method?" Lin Zheng smiled gently, his demeanor making him seem like a long-lost friend having a friendly chat. However, to the two groups, his words were far from pleasant.

Beat them until they submit? This Lin Zheng is quite arrogant! We'll see if his strength matches his arrogance!

PS: Second update! Continuing with the 10,000-word update! Enjoy and support with your votes! Leave a comment and a favorite, wouldn't that be great! Baa ha, I need red votes and favorites! If you have any suggestions or comments, feel free to leave them in the review section, and I will read them carefully!