Surrounded by Flowers, or an Asura Field?

"The second match of the quarterfinals: Longcheng Martial University versus Huadu Martial University. Contestants from both sides, please take the stage." The Referee steadied his nerves and announced from the competition platform.

At this moment, Lin Hao had Fang Yao and Lin Yueyue on his left, Jiang Weiwei and Su Xiaorui on his right, and Lin Xiaorou cradled in his arms. Surrounded by beauties on all sides, he drew envious glances from the Shancheng Martial University team.

"As expected of my Great God Lin—five beauties sitting with him. I doubt there's been anyone like that in the Hundred Schools League's history."

"Now I finally get what it means to have arms full of women and flowers all around."

"Shh, keep it down. From my years of picking up girls, I can tell you Great God Lin isn't enjoying a harem right now—he's in an Asura Field. Don't you feel the temperature dropping around us?"

"Yeah, I can sense a chilling murderous aura hanging in the air."

On the arena, the martial university contestants fought fiercely, and the crowd's cheers rose and fell in waves. But Lin Hao had no interest in watching the match at all. His mind was full of two things: that he was the Jiang family's son-in-law, and that Fang Wei was Fang Yao's Dad. He stole a glance at Fang Yao on his left, then at Jiang Weiwei on his right. Seeing neither of them react, he let out a heavy sigh of relief.

Just then, a tiny hand holding a lollipop reached out in front of Lin Hao. "Big brother, have some candy. Sister Yao bought it for me." Lin Hao looked at Lin Xiaorou's cute little face and gave a bitter smile, then unwrapped the lollipop and popped it into his mouth. Sweet on the tongue, bitter in the heart—Lin Hao probably understood that feeling all too well.

On the Longcheng Martial University side of the arena, Lin Hao didn't see Duan Yue take the stage. Longcheng Martial University swept through Huadu Martial University with just two starting players.

The third quarterfinal match: Longying Martial University versus Jiangnan Martial University. Jiangnan Martial University pulled off another one-versus-five sweep in the quarterfinals, sending the audience's excitement to a fever pitch.

The fourth quarterfinal match: Shencheng Martial University versus Qingzhou Martial University. Both teams had ranked in the top five last season. Qingzhou Martial University's top prodigy, Ye Shuangshuang, took the stage and, with her masterful Water elemental ability, defeated Shencheng Martial University, another top-tier school, advancing to the semifinals. With that, the final four were set: Shancheng Martial University versus Longcheng Martial University, and Jiangnan Martial University versus Qingzhou Martial University.

Jiang Weiwei turned to Lin Hao and asked, "Longcheng Martial University was last year's Hundred Schools League champion. What's your plan?"

"Longcheng Martial University didn't even show half their strength just now. Their captain, Duan Yue, didn't even step on stage. To avoid a repeat of what happened today with Modu Martial University, I'll go solo tomorrow."

"Alright, then be careful. I'll take the team back first. You spend time with your family." Jiang Weiwei gave a faint smile.

Lin Hao paused for a moment. "How about we grab dinner together?"

Jiang Weiwei shook her head. "I still need to check on Wang Meng and the others. I'll pass."

Seeing this, Lin Hao didn't press further. He took Lin Xiaorou's little hand and left with Lin Yueyue and Fang Yao. Lin Xiaorou waved her tiny hand at Jiang Weiwei. "Goodbye, pretty sister." Jiang Weiwei smiled and waved back, but no one noticed the bitterness hidden in her heart.

That evening, Lin Hao and the others had dinner at a nearby restaurant. Lin Yueyue, sensing Lin Hao's mood, took Xiaorou and left first. Lin Hao and Fang Yao walked slowly by the lake outside the school. Neither spoke. Today's events had shaken both of them deeply, and Lin Hao didn't know how to start.

After a long silence, Lin Hao broke it. As a man, he had to give Fang Yao an explanation. Even if their relationship hadn't been made explicit, anyone with eyes could see Fang Yao liked Lin Hao—and Lin Hao felt the same. "Yaoyao, about today..."

"I know." Fang Yao didn't let him finish. From the look on Lin Hao's face today, she had already pieced together most of it. Lin Hao probably didn't even realize how important the Concentration Method was to the Jiang family. "I can tell Uncle Jiang really thinks highly of you, or he wouldn't have passed on such an important Martial Art. And didn't I keep my family situation from you too?" Fang Yao gave a faint smile.

"But..." Lin Hao wanted to say more, but Fang Yao suddenly took his big hand in hers. "You idiot, your performance today was already a huge surprise for me. You kept your promise. This is fine—did you see how my Dad treated you today? He treasures you like a treasure. Now I don't have to waste words dealing with him anymore."

Seeing that Fang Yao didn't want to talk about Jiang Weiwei, Lin Hao dropped the subject. They walked a bit more before parting ways.

Elsewhere, in Jiang Weiwei's room.

Jiang Weiwei was staring at Jiang Tianhai with a face full of grievance, while Su Xiaorui brewed tea for him on the side. Seeing his daughter's expression, like she wanted to bite him, Jiang Tianhai couldn't hold it in and spoke first: "Ahem, Weiwei, Dad did this for your own good, you know. If I hadn't stepped in, that old fox Fang Wei would have snatched Lin Hao away."

"But you can't use your daughter as a bargaining chip! How am I supposed to get along with Lin Hao now?"

Jiang Tianhai's eyes widened. "Get along however you normally do. What, is he going to rebel? If anything happens, Dad's got your back."

By then, Su Xiaorui had finished brewing the tea and placed it in front of Jiang Tianhai. "Exactly, Uncle Jiang is right. If you hadn't made a move, Lin Hao would have slipped away. You saw it today—if Uncle Jiang hadn't come, Uncle Fang would have taken Lin Hao under his wing. Then you'd have nowhere to cry."

"Ah, Xiaorui, you really understand me."

Watching Su Xiaorui and her Dad play off each other, Jiang Weiwei's head felt twice as big. And the worst part was that the other team members had seen it all too. What do I do? Asking for advice online, urgent.

Jiangnan Martial University conference room. Only the principal, Xing Tianhe, and a sweet girl in a white dress were present.

"Qingmeng, are you still not going to play in tomorrow's semifinal?"

"I'll see how it goes. Tomorrow's the last day of the competition anyway. I'll have to play in the finals no matter what. If that Ye Shuangshuang is really as strong as you say, I'll take the stage last and secure the win." The girl in the white dress was none other than Jiangnan Martial University's top prodigy, Liu Qingmeng.

"The strongest opponent in this tournament isn't Jiangnan Martial University. You weren't at the arena today, but a remarkable talent showed up on the field."

"Oh? If even you, Principal, say so, then this person must be incredibly strong. Could it be Longcheng Martial University's Duan Yue?" Liu Qingmeng asked curiously.

"No, it's a student from Shancheng Martial University. He's their captain, Lin Hao. Though he's only at Bronze High-rank, he beat Modu Martial University so badly they couldn't even fight back."

"Bronze High-rank beating Gold? Then I'll have to take a good look at this Lin Hao tomorrow." Liu Qingmeng's curiosity about Lin Hao grew even stronger.

After parting with Fang Yao, Lin Hao returned to his room. As soon as he walked in, he was met by Mo Zixuan's worshipful gaze. Mo Zixuan dashed over to Lin Hao and hugged his leg. "Bro Lin, you're too awesome. From now on, I, Mo Zixuan, am your number one underling. Anyone who tries to take that spot, I'll fight them to the death." Lin Hao's face darkened, and he kicked Mo Zixuan away. "Get lost. Today's been chaotic enough without you adding to it."

Mo Zixuan grinned slyly. "Bro Lin, you don't even know—just now, everyone was fighting to be your underling. I sent them all packing."

Lin Hao ignored the fool and asked casually, "How are Wang Meng and the others?"

"Don't worry, Bro Lin. Mengzi and the rest are pretty much recovered. Principal Jiang treated them personally."

Hearing Mo Zixuan's words, Lin Hao felt a bit more at ease.