Chapter 633 614: Master Wang Makes His Move

Wang Meng clapped a hand on each of their shoulders. "Gentlemen, the Bai Family is hosting today. If you have excess energy to burn, you can pick another day to brawl."

"Wang Meng, who the hell do you think you are, daring to meddle in my business!" Zhe Wulei was already seething, but the sight of Wang Meng made his anger blaze even hotter. At the mere thought of Jiang Biyao, his eyes turned red.

He let go of Wu Yuan, and his True Essence erupted violently. His fist turned into a palm as he blasted out a beam of light.

The Zhe Family's Phoenix Pluck Slash.

It shot straight for Wang Meng's vital points. Everyone was stunned. This was a lethal blow.

Zhe Wulei was one of Wang City's well-known masters, at least at the Seventh Layer of the Profound Wheel Realm.

Surprisingly, the first to move to save Wang Meng was Muhe Xiaoyu. But Wang Meng and Zhe Wulei were too close, and the enraged Zhe Wulei had struck with his full power.

BOOM...

The True Essence exploded, and the surrounding crowd hastily retreated. Yang Qi was furious, rushing over in what seemed like a single step.

Wang Meng was not only his friend but also an Artifact Refiner he respected—and possibly someone who could change the history of the Divine Artifact Pavilion. The pressure Han Chuxue was putting on the Artifact Refining Pavilion was immense. If they could get Wang Meng to join them permanently, along with Zhuo Meng, the situation would be vastly different. And now, someone had dared to attack him right in front of his eyes.

But to everyone's astonishment, the one who collapsed was Zhe Wulei.

Zhe Wulei himself hadn't expected it. He desperately tried to get up but found he had no strength. His opponent's single punch of True Essence had actually shattered his Protective Gang Qi.

The hall fell silent. Wang Meng wiped his hands and smiled faintly. "Everyone who comes to the Bai Family's home is a guest of the Bai Family. If you have a personal grudge, I'll be happy to entertain you at any time in a different venue. But if you cause trouble here, don't blame me for being merciless."

As he spoke, his gaze swept over Wu Yuan and Kun Yaoyang. The words were a blatant warning aimed directly at them.

'Arrogant? When it came to arrogance, this bunch of little brats still had a long way to go!'

Whether it was Wang Meng or Wang Rencai, his one constant trait was arrogance. When he truly decided to be arrogant, it was a lawless spectacle.

Wu Yuan was a hypocrite, and Kun Yaoyang was a true villain. With their objective achieved, both could plaster on a smile. "Brother Wang, how domineering. It's a good name change."

Kun Yaoyang's words were a thinly veiled jab, hinting at the fact that Wang Meng had been kicked out of his family.

"Zhe Wulei, you've really brought honor to the Zhe Family, haven't you? If you don't want to be here, then get out!"

Yang Qi had lost his temper, showing no courtesy to the Zhe Family whatsoever.

The crowd was stunned again. No one had expected Yang Qi to value Wang Meng so highly. The situation was becoming even more chaotic.

Zhe Wulei had been utterly humiliated. He caught his breath, struggled to his feet, and stormed out, gritting his teeth. Seeing this, Jiang Biyao quickly ran after him.

Wu Yuan and Kun Yaoyang, however, exchanged a smile. They hadn't expected this Wang Meng fellow to be so useful.

The commotion died down, and the lively atmosphere soon returned. Such incidents were common in aristocratic circles, but this time, the Zhe and Jiang Families had lost a great deal of face.

"Why did you help them? Wu Yuan and Kun Yaoyang were clearly using someone else to do their dirty work. Now you've offended the Zhe and Jiang Families, making things even harder for you and the Bai Family."

Muhe Xiaoyu sighed.

Wang Meng smiled faintly. "I was just dealing with the situation as it was. The Bai Family is hosting a banquet today. As guests, people should at least show basic respect for their hosts. I'll throw out anyone who causes trouble, no matter who they are."

More guests arrived at the door, and Yang Qi called him over, so Wang Meng naturally went. Master Wang's judgment had always been sound; in a situation like the one before, Luo Shan would have, at most, tried to mediate, but Yang Qi was different.

It was a matter of taking a stand.

Muhe Xiaoyu stared blankly at Wang Meng's departing figure. 'If a man like him is called a wastrel, then isn't everyone in the world a wastrel?'

Zhan Yingluo had been watching the entire farce, observing how Wang Meng handled it from start to finish.

'Was this the same Wang Rencai? It felt like a dream.'

'Propriety and restraint? He was supposed to know nothing about such things.' Yet Wang Meng's handling of the whole affair had been perfectly executed—calm and shrewd, like a seasoned veteran dealing with a children's squabble.

Although the enraged Zhe Wulei had been full of openings, the fact that Wang Meng could fell a Profound Wheel master with a single punch proved he was no weakling.

Zhan Yingluo could sense the aura of the Wang Family's Merak Fire Cloud Technique, and it was quite refined.

'A prodigal son's return? Or was his past debauchery just an act?'

The Wang Family... As the number one family in Haojing, Wang Rencai's position within it was actually rather peculiar. He was the second of three brothers, the unloved middle child. Rumor had it he was adopted, or perhaps an illegitimate son. All of this likely contributed to Wang Rencai's personality.

Zhe Wulei's attack had saved Zhan Yingluo a step. It confirmed Wang Meng's talent in Spirit Control and the progress of his Merak Fire Cloud Technique. All that remained was to observe his character.

「Outside the Bai Family's residence」

Jiang Biyao grabbed Zhe Wulei's arm. "Wulei, don't listen to their nonsense. There's really nothing between me and Wang Meng."

Zhe Wulei spun around, his eyes bloodshot, and slapped Jiang Biyao across the face.

"Get lost!"

Without another word, he climbed into his carriage and left, leaving Jiang Biyao clutching her face.

Wan'Er had been waiting outside for Jiang Biyao. Seeing her mistress get hit, she rushed over to support her. "Miss, are you alright..."

SLAP! SLAP!

Jiang Biyao slapped Wan'Er twice across the face, sending the maid staggering to the ground.

"You jinx! Just looking at you irritates me! From now on, you don't need to return to the Jiang Family. Get out of Wang City! If I see you again, I'll beat you every time!"

Wan'Er was completely stunned. She was homeless...

The people Yang Qi introduced were, naturally, Lone Fox Destiny Star and Mo Chengkong.

"Wang Rencai, long time no see!" Mo Chengkong stared daggers at Wang Meng, looking as if he could swallow him whole. He had been suppressing his anger, but the moment he saw Wang Meng, all his so-called restraint and composure vanished into thin air.

Master Wang was at a complete loss. It was one wave after another. First Zhan Yingluo, and now Mo Chengkong. 'Brother Rencai, you really were something else,' he thought. 'Did you make nothing but enemies? Didn't you leave me a single friend?'

Wang Meng wasn't afraid of all sorts of weirdos trying to stir up trouble, but there was a proper way to handle everything. He had his own principles, and unfortunately, everything they were doing right now fell within the bounds of those principles.

"Brother Mo, long time no see. Welcome, welcome."

"Haha, Chengkong, Younger Brother Wang goes by Wang Meng now. Let bygones be bygones."

Yang Qi was clearly speaking up for Wang Meng, using the name change as a way to mark a break from the past.

In front of Yang Qi and Lone Fox Destiny Star, Mo Chengkong didn't lash out. "Heh, Chairman Yang is right. Only what *can* be put in the past, *will* be."

The clear subtext was that debts that couldn't be forgotten would still have to be paid.

Mo Chengkong spotted Zhan Yingluo in the crowd, and his eyes lit up. He abandoned Wang Meng and went over to her.

Lone Fox Destiny Star patted Wang Meng's shoulder. "Young man, Brother Yang has been praising you nonstop to me. In all these years, this is the first time I've ever seen him praise someone so highly. Keep working hard. There's no obstacle a person can't overcome. As long as you've truly changed, everything will turn out fine."

Yang Qi had only said that Wang Meng was a prodigy, but he hadn't mentioned that he was at the level of a Master or even a Grandmaster. Even if he had, no one would have believed him; in fact, they'd have been even more skeptical. To be precise, Wang Meng was an anomaly. In some areas, he was worse than an apprentice, but in others, he was truly like a Grandmaster. Regardless, he was undeniably talented. All he needed was an opportunity.

Admittedly, Yang Qi was very influential in Wang City, but in Haojing, he was just another face in the crowd. That was why he hoped Lone Fox Destiny Star could give Wang Meng a helping hand.

"I appreciate your concern, Brother."

Wang Meng knew that for Lone Fox Destiny Star to show such an attitude, Yang Qi must have put in a great deal of effort. He and Yang Qi were only casual acquaintances. The fact that Yang Qi would do so much simply out of appreciation for talent solidified Wang Meng's own resolution.

'Some people have bad tempers and foul mouths, but that doesn't mean they have bad hearts. Others speak with honeyed words and extravagant praise, but they love to stab you in the back.'

Wang Meng had seen far too much of both types.

Wu Yuan and Kun Yaoyang remained at the banquet, still chatting and laughing. The two who had driven away Zhe Wulei and Jiang Biyao had instead become the center of attention, laughing and talking with people like Zhan Yingluo and Mo Chengkong.

These people clearly didn't give a damn about Wang Meng or the Bai Family, treating them more like servants.

Wang Meng stood off to the side by himself, and no one came to speak with him. Muhe Xiaoyu couldn't help; she was surrounded herself and could only cast occasional glances at Wang Meng. Zhan Yingluo was also observing him. Lady Zhan was being remarkably high-profile, accepting all offers to drink, downing one cup after another. A blush crept onto her fair skin, making her look absolutely delectable. The eyes of all the men around her were practically glued to her.

The charm of a beautiful woman was irresistible.

Yang Qi and Luo Shan didn't stay for long. After all, their age didn't quite suit such an occasion. Having shown enough respect by attending, they left.

The main event was about to begin.

No one expected that as soon as Yang Qi and the others left, the first to make a move wouldn't be Wu Yuan or Kun Yaoyang, but Mo Chengkong.

How many of the people here hadn't come to watch a good show?

Mo Chengkong stood before Wang Meng. "Rencai—oh, I should call you Wang Meng. It's true you have nothing to do with the Wang Family now. Why not change your surname too? That would make it a clean break. It's been a long time since we last saw each other in Haojing. I heard from Yingluo that you've turned over a new leaf and become a genius. As a friend, I really must congratulate you!"

Mo Chengkong's opening words were full of gunpowder, immediately drawing everyone's attention.

Those from Wang City might have had some reservations, but Mo Chengkong was from Haojing. He was a disciple of the Mo Family, which had an extraordinary relationship with the Meng Family. They didn't care about the Wang Family to begin with, let alone the current Wang Meng.

'What the hell does my name change have to do with you?' Wang Meng thought to himself.

"I wouldn't dare call myself a genius. These are just minor tricks, a tiny bit better than what some ignorant fools can manage."

Seeing that Wang Meng wasn't backing down, Mo Chengkong was actually amused. 'He's still the same old Wang Rencai, alright. No matter how he pretends, his true nature can't be changed. A piece of trash like him still dares to be so conceited.'

"I've long heard that the Wang Family's Merak Fire Cloud Technique is one of the ultimate arts of the Great Zhou. I never had the chance to face it in Haojing. Since there's no time like the present, how about you do me the honor of a little spar, Brother Wang?"

Wang Meng smiled faintly. "Today is a banquet. Let's find another time."

"Brother Wang, now that's not right of you. Look at the eager eyes of the crowd. Besides, we'll just be sparring. Don't worry, I'll stop before anyone gets hurt. I know my limits; I won't injure you. And what's a little scratch to a man, anyway?"

"That's right! I've long admired the famous Merak Fire Cloud Technique. It's an ultimate art of the Fire Five Elements, second only to the Yuan Family's. We who are cooped up in Wang City have never had the chance to witness it."

How could Kun Yaoyang miss an opportunity like this? (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)