Reward

The ritual offerings were concluded.

Wei Yan presented Su Yuan with his rewards: two small jade vials and a document on gold leaf.

Su Yuan bowed low to accept them.

Wei Yan reached out and patted him on the shoulder.

A surge of powerful force penetrated his body, and Su Yuan was instantly rendered unable to move.

"Good lad, to think you have already reached the Third Blood realm and even cultivated techniques from other houses; you certainly know how to hide your strength," Wei Yan laughed.

Su Yuan dared not use the Cloud-Covering Art to mask his aura at this moment, for the man before him was a Vein Splitting martial artist.

Fortunately, thanks to Shadow Concealment, he quietly diverted the blood energy of the Golden Horse-Head Technique, which had been gathered in his head, down into his legs.

He left the rest of his aura unmasked.

"City Lord, your eyes are discerning. This humble one usually consumes many Blood Origin Pills, which is how I piled my way to this realm. I only hid my clumsiness to make a stunning impression at this Wolf God Ritual and serve Great Liang," Su Yuan replied respectfully.

"Good. Knowing how to hide one's edge is a virtue. Regardless of the process, you are the champion of this year's event. It is the first time I have seen someone with low-grade bones take the top spot; the times are truly progressing... Go and enjoy the glory you have earned," Wei Yan said with a sigh of admiration.

The songstresses returned to the stage.

Exotic dancers with graceful figures filed in, their gauze robes fluttering and the bells on their bare ankles chiming.

The lead dancer smiled and took Su Yuan's hand, leading him into the dance formation.

Every gaze was focused on Su Yuan.

No one had expected a dark horse with low-grade bones to emerge and pull off such a counter-attack to seize the championship.

Yet, the crux of the matter lay here: he had drugged himself to this point and his potential was nearly exhausted—was he still worth recruiting?

Chai Yuanyuan looked toward Su Yuan and suddenly said, "Brother, cousin, why not let me marry Su Yuan?"

Chai Feng's expression darkened.

Even though Su Yuan had taken the top spot, he still found it hard to acknowledge him in his heart. "Sister, Su Tieniu came in second and is no less capable than him. Su Yuan's victory was merely a stroke of luck; he just happened to pick up a few more heads..."

Chai Yuanyuan simply gave up on decorum. "Then I'll take both of them, is that alright? They're brothers, anyway."

Chai Feng: "..."

Chai Nian's gaze swept back and forth between the Su brothers, lost in thought, ignoring the argument between his cousin and sister.

At this moment, the top ten were all on stage, meeting the young masters and ladies of various families.

The most sought-after individual was Huang Tong, who had ranked fourth.

As the only woman among them, and possessing a heroic and spirited air, she drew the attention of several young masters.

Yet, she remained only by the side of the Rong sisters, showing no interest in socializing.

Other winners were also approached by people looking to strike up a conversation.

Only the champion, Su Yuan, found himself in the quietest spot.

He was happy for the peace, though he glanced toward Gao Mian from time to time.

But with a Shan family elder seemingly nearby, she did not call out to him.

"Why not invite Su Yuan over to sit? He looks quite lonely," Rong Yuzhi suggested.

"That is fine. Even if his potential is limited, the title of champion is still his; there is no harm in making his acquaintance," Rong Yulian nodded.

"I think it's a good idea. This person is quite interesting," Huang Tong agreed.

And so, Su Yuan was invited to stand before the three women.

Rong Yulian's appearance was merely average, but there was a heroic spirit between her brows, and she was tall with a straight posture.

Rong Yuzhi was petite and exquisite, her eyes carrying a natural charm that was unlike the typical women of the Liang People.

When Su Yuan learned she was not a martial artist and was only fourteen—not yet having begun formal training—he could not help but retract his earlier assessment.

Huang Tong possessed a different kind of beauty; she wore her hair in neat braids, had wheat-colored skin, and eyes as bright as stars.

Rong Yuzhi asked curiously, "How exactly did you kill Du Hengfeng? He was already at the Third Blood realm and had practiced the Golden Horse-Head Technique."

"Once one enters the mountains and forests, humans become prey as well. One only needs to make good use of the terrain..." Su Yuan recounted the prepared story, describing the pursuit of Du Hengfeng as a perilous and gripping tale.

Rong Yuzhi gasped repeatedly as she listened, clapping her hands. "I finally understand why you were able to take the championship."

Su Yuan's knowledge and eloquence were impressive, and he conversed happily with the three women.

"Indeed, Su Yuan's victory is well-deserved; he is truly a pride of our Chai Academy," Chai Yuanyuan chimed in with a smile, having approached at some point.

She was pretty and well-proportioned, and as she spoke, she picked up a piece of fruit to feed to Su Yuan.

Su Yuan hurriedly declined, opting to take it himself.

Chai Feng watched from the side, grinding his teeth, feeling as though his sister was being ruined.

Other men could not help but cast glances as well, seeing four women of distinct styles surrounding Su Yuan.

Even if his bones were poor, the title of "champion" was certainly useful at this moment.

Su Yuan stole a glance at Gao Mian, only to see that her expression remained indifferent.

Beside them, Shan Xiongqing was distracted, burying his head in his wine.

Rong Yuzhi keenly caught this glance and offered a charming smile: "Su Yuan, what is your relationship with Sister Gao?"

As soon as this question was asked, the surrounding gazes all converged.

"The Madam has shown me great kindness and is my sworn sister. During my martial arts training, I have relied heavily on her guidance and support..."

"So you are siblings after all." Rong Yuzhi's face showed disappointment as she pressed further, "Then why does Brother Shan target you at every turn?"

"It is likely a misunderstanding. I originally intended to serve the Shan Family, but I was later sold to the Chai Family," Su Yuan explained.

"Oh, Young Master Shan's judgment is truly lacking, letting a champion slip away for nothing," Rong Yuzhi said with a hint of mockery.

With her leading the way, others began to tease Shan Xiongqing as well.

The Shan Family had suffered heavy losses this time, and with their walls crumbling, everyone was happy to kick them while they were down to share in the spoils.

Not only had the Wolf God Festival failed, but most of the Martial Academy's martial artists had died, the city's horse farm had been destroyed, and even a Vein Splitting elder had fallen in battle.

Shan Xiongqing could finally hold back no longer; he slammed the table and rose violently, disregarding the sacrificial setting: "Shut your mouths! What use is a champion who climbed to the top by popping pills? Winning by picking up scraps is an insult to the Wolf God! With your foundation, if you can break through to Savage Strength, I will yield this position of Young Master to you!"

"Xiongqing, you've had too much to drink," Gao Mian said, trying to pull him back down.

"Get lost! You cheap woman, stop pretending to be virtuous! And you, Chai Nian, you hypocrite, and Rong Yulian, you gossiping shrew—you're all plotting against me behind my back, every damn one of you..." Shan Xiongqing shoved her away, his eyes splitting with rage as he began to attack everyone present.

The noisy banquet fell into sudden, deathly silence.

Wei Yan glanced coldly at Shan Lie: "Keep your junior's mouth in check."

Shan Lie rose from his seat, walked to Shan Xiongqing, and slapped him across the face, knocking him unconscious instantly. He then bowed to those around him: "The Shan Family has failed to discipline him properly. Xiongqing is spouting nonsense; I hope you all will not take it to heart."

Having said this, he swept a cold glance at Su Yuan and led the Shan Family members away.

Only then did Chai Nian speak leisurely: "What does a low-grade bone structure matter? With long-term consumption of Blood Bone Pills to cleanse the marrow and refine the veins, it is not impossible to transform into a high-grade one. I have always thought highly of the Su brothers. Tie Niu has innate talent and progresses with courage, and although Su Yuan's bone structure is inferior, he can rise against the current—it perfectly matches my expectations!"

"Indeed, the Chai Family will never look down on Su Yuan because of his bone structure. On the contrary, we will cultivate him with all our might, providing him with Blood Bone Pills. In time, his bone structure will improve, and you shall all witness a miracle!" Chai Hong also declared loudly.

Su Yuan: ...

So, I'm being used as a test subject...

He had to admire Chai Nian's thick skin; the phrase "always thought highly of" rolled off his tongue with such ease.

Rong Yuzhi reached out to stroke the back of Su Yuan's hand, teasing: "Su Yuan, if you truly attain a high-grade bone structure, or perhaps become a Savage Strength martial artist, I might consider taking you as a son-in-law."

Su Yuan quickly pulled his hand back.

Fourteen years old—too young to touch.

Chai Yuanyuan, meanwhile, hooked her arm through his and said crisply: "Su Yuan is a person of the Chai Family!"

These Great Liang women were truly open-minded, direct, and straightforward.

Tie Niu watched from the side, only grinning foolishly.

Brother Yuan had taken the top spot, and he was happier than anyone.

Unexpectedly, Rong Yulian beckoned him over.

"Su Yuan is my sworn brother. I have my own plans regarding his marriage. Everyone, I fear this is not quite appropriate." Gao Mian walked in front of the group and gently pulled Su Yuan away.

Seeing the fun being taken away, Rong Yuzhi hummed softly: "Old woman."

She turned to tease Tie Niu with Yulian instead.

Su Yuan felt Gao Mian's fingertips stiffen slightly and suddenly grew curious: How old is Sister Mian?

Gao Mian brought him back to his seat and took out a jade bottle to hand to him: "Take this, to celebrate your victory."

Su Yuan took it, and it was yet another Break Strength Pill.

It turned out that even if Su Yuan hadn't ranked at the top, Gao Mian had already prepared this grand gift for him.

This pill was worth five hundred taels; even for the Madam of the Shan Estate, producing such a sum all at once was no easy feat.

Excluding his martial arts expenses, Su Yuan had only saved a hundred taels of silver over these past few months.

"Sister Mian, thank you." A warmth spread through Su Yuan's heart.

Gao Mian chuckled softly and filled his wine cup: "Come, let's drink."

She poured cup after cup, constantly refilling Su Yuan's glass.

Su Yuan decided to let go and drained every cup.

The wine was spicy and scorching to the throat at first, followed by a mellow fragrance that bloomed under his tongue, yet a lingering, inescapable bitterness hid in the aftertaste.

But the potency was unexpectedly overbearing; it gradually warmed his limbs and bones, making them feel faintly heavy.

Fortunately, he had his trait to guard his mind; though the drunkenness was thick, his consciousness remained clear.

The night deepened.

According to custom, everyone had to wait until the night of the sacrifice had passed before they could return.

Gao Mian looked at Su Yuan, who had slumped over the table in a drunken stupor. The corners of her lips curved upward. Ignoring the others, she pulled him over, scooped him up horizontally, and walked toward her tent.

Su Yuan's cheek sank into a patch of warmth and fragrance; the touch was soft and delicate, carrying that familiar, faint, cold scent.

Exhaustion surged over him like a tide, causing his taut body to slacken involuntarily.

He mumbled vaguely, "Sister Mian, I'm truly sleepy. I'm going to sleep."

For these past few months, he had not let his guard down for a single day, and the consecutive days of hunting had drained his spirit and strength.

At this moment, he refused to think about the future; he only wanted to have a good sleep.

In just a few moments, the sound of steady snoring began to drift softly through the air.

He had actually fallen asleep.

This caught Gao Mian off guard, leaving her with nowhere to vent her energy.

Looking at his brows and eyes, which still carried traces of fatigue even in deep slumber, her heart softened, and she stroked his hair as if coaxing a child: "Good boy, sleep now."