Chapter 78

"Shaofu, it was all Auntie's fault back then. You must forgive Auntie."

"Shaofu, quickly sit down. I have a few healing pills here that can help with the recovery of your mystical energy. Take them quickly."

In the Du family hall, those aunts and cousins who had made things difficult for Du Shaofu in the past now stood beside him with flushed faces, smiling awkwardly.

"You are all my elders. I have long forgotten what happened in the past."

As the saying goes, one does not hit a smiling face. Du Shaofu knew that these aunts and cousins were not bad people, but they were overly protective of their own children, just like how his uncles would protect him. Therefore, Du Shaofu was not so petty, especially since he had not suffered any loss.

"A bunch of bastards, all come here."

A loud voice echoed through the hall, and an elderly man led Du Hao to Du Shaofu's side. Behind Du Hao were Du Yan and others, who usually hung out with Du Hao, Du Yan, and Du Gui. However, there was no doubt that they had all been well-disciplined by Du Shaofu.

"Grand Elder."

When the elderly man appeared, everyone in the Du family immediately bowed. Du Guangyao, the Grand Elder of the Du family, held a very high position and was one of the clan elders, with a status not much lower than the clan leader.

"Grand Elder."

Du Shaofu recognized the Grand Elder, but in his childhood memories, the Grand Elder was not very talkative. Today, the Grand Elder was also present at the square.

"Shaofu, I have brought this group of rascals to apologize to you properly."

The Grand Elder looked at Du Shaofu with a gentle gaze, then turned to glare at Du Hao and the others, his temper flaring. "A bunch of bastards, you often bullied Shaofu in the past. If Shaofu hadn't always been tolerant of you, you would have broken many bones. This time, if it weren't for Shaofu, how could our Du family have won the championship? Could it be by relying on you, these good-for-nothing fellows? The Qin family, Bai family, Ye family, and An family, which one of them is not stronger than you?"

Du Hao, Du Gui, and Du Yan were scolded by the Grand Elder and dared not speak, keeping their heads low.

"Grand Elder, they are still children. Let it go."

Du Zhenwu, Du Zhixiong, and others came forward. Du Hao was the Grand Elder's own grandson, and now the Grand Elder had personally come to speak, which was significant.

"If we don't discipline this bunch of bastards, their future prospects will be ruined. How can they help our Du family grow and flourish?"

The Grand Elder did not give Du Zhenwu and Du Zhixiong much face, angrily pulling Du Hao's ear and dragging him to Du Shaofu's side. "Quickly apologize to your cousin Shaofu. In the future, let your cousin Shaofu guide you, these good-for-nothing fellows. Perhaps in the future, you can contribute a little to the growth of our Du family."

"Little Cousin Shaofu, it was our fault in the past..."

"Please forgive us, Little Cousin Shaofu."...

Du Hao, Du Gui, and Du Yan dared not disobey, all lowering their heads to admit their mistakes.

"I have forgotten those things. We are all Du family members, no need for such formalities."

Du Shaofu was not petty and nodded to Du Hao and the others, as they were all Du family members.

"That's the right attitude. In the future, be more honest."

The Grand Elder let Du Hao go, a smile appearing on his elderly face. He then said to Du Shaofu, "Shaofu, these good-for-nothing cousins of yours are not as good as you. You don't need to take them seriously. In the future, when you have time, guide them a bit. Don't let them disgrace the Du family."

"Grand Elder is not old, and his mind is clearer than anyone else's."

Du Zhenwu, Du Zhixiong, and others sighed inwardly, all secretly admiring the Grand Elder. Although it seemed that the Grand Elder was somewhat favoring or even flattering Du Shaofu, it was actually for the sake of Du Hao and the others, and of course, for the entire Du family.

"Grand Elder, you are too serious."

Du Shaofu nodded, understanding the Grand Elder's intentions and feeling a deep respect.

"Good boy, Tingxuan has a good son. It is a blessing for our Du family."

The Grand Elder nodded, his eyes shining with a sharp light, then left the hall surrounded by everyone.

At dusk, the sun slowly sank into the thin clouds, turning into a red ball. The red glow spread out, covering half the sky, gradually fading until the sky turned gray.

Du Shaofu returned to the courtyard. His alcoholic father was rarely at home, but today he was, still holding a wine bottle, lightly leaning on a rattan chair, gazing at the setting sun.

"Why aren't you using the wine bottle I bought for you?" Du Shaofu walked to his father's side, sitting down next to the rattan chair, also looking at the setting sun.

"Used for too long, I have feelings for it, can't bear to throw it away."

Du Tingxuan did not say another word, opened the stopper of the wine bottle, and took a big sip.

Du Shaofu continued to gaze at the setting sun. After a moment, he said softly, "Today's competition among the young generations of the five families, I won."

Du Tingxuan did not speak, and the two sat quietly, a scene of warmth.

"Have a drink."

After a moment of silence, Du Tingxuan handed the wine bottle to Du Shaofu.

Du Shaofu took the wine bottle and took a big drink. The fiery sensation passed through his throat, and he let out a burp, then returned the wine bottle to his alcoholic father.

"Shi City is too small." Du Tingxuan took the wine bottle and continued to lean on the rattan chair.

"If there's a chance, I will go out and see the world." Du Shaofu said.

"The outside world is too big." Du Tingxuan added.

Du Shaofu did not speak, and Du Tingxuan did not speak either. The two sat quietly for a long time.

Until the night completely enveloped the sky, Du Shaofu returned to his room.

The night fell, and Shi City was bustling and lively.

"I am not willing, not willing."

In the An family, An Long's eyes were dazed, his expression gloomy. The result of today was unacceptable to him.

"That Du Shaofu and Cao Qitai are both very strong. Their talents are terrifying, especially Du Shaofu, who is too abnormal."

An Qingsong sat upright, his face also quite gloomy. Then a cold smile appeared on his lips as he looked at An Long and said, "Long, focus on healing. A temporary defeat does not define a hero. We still have a chance, a big chance. Entering the Thunder Pool for cultivation is nothing. Obtaining the secret bone and essence blood left by that existence is what matters. If you can get it, you will be able to crush Du Shaofu and Cao Qitai. Even among the peers in the entire empire, you will have a place, and you can compete in the storm!"

"That's right, I still have a chance. Compared to the secret bone and essence blood left by that existence, the Thunder Pool is nothing. Let Du Shaofu try his luck first. If I can obtain the secret bone and essence blood of the Thunder Lion, I will turn the tables. In the future, who will be able to compete with me!" An Long's face showed a cold smile. A temporary defeat does not define a hero.

In the courtyard pavilion, the night was enchanting.

"Who would have thought that Du Shaofu would be so strong, it's unbelievable." Qin Zongqiong stood with his hands behind his back, his expression not very good.

"Father, what should we do now?" Qin Xiaolu's face was pale, lacking color.

Qin Zongqiong paced, then said, "Wait. The An family and Bai family are waiting. We will wait for them to make a move, wait for the Ye family to make a move, and also wait for the Cao family in Liuyun County to make a move. The Cao family will not give up so easily."

"Brothers and sisters, the book will go on sale tomorrow. As usual, there will be a big update tomorrow. Please support us all tomorrow, thank you."