Chapter 483 482: Then I’ll Satisfy You

"Master, this is Grandmaster Kline."

Zohyan smiled as he began the introductions. "Master Kline, allow me to present my mentor, and this young lady here is—"

Before he could finish, Xiao Ling'er abruptly cut him off.

"Uncle Zohyan, there's no need for introductions, don't you think? Classmate Fenric!"

Zohyan froze for a moment.

So that was why his mentor had brought his granddaughter along to such an important dinner tonight! He had been wondering about it all along. Now he understood—she and the young man already knew each other.

"Fenric, I didn't expect it to be you," Xiao Ling'er said, her eyes fixed on him. Within her clear gaze flickered both surprise and doubt. "I heard you're supposedly an Innate Grandmaster? I don't believe it. Can you prove it to me?"

Zohyan nearly choked.

The audacity!

For the granddaughter of his mentor to openly question a Grandmaster like this… it was practically a challenge. Even though his mentor himself was also an Innate Grandmaster, such rudeness was still unthinkable.

Cold sweat trickled down Zohyan's back. Yet he dared not scold her—Xiao Ling'er was his mentor's beloved granddaughter. He had no right.

Thankfully, the old man himself stepped in.

"Nonsense!" Elder Xiao barked, his voice sharp. "Ling'er, how could you be so rude? Apologize to Master Kline at once!"

Xiao Ling'er, though unwilling, still lowered her head obediently. "I'm sorry, Fenric. I was just too shocked. Please don't take offense. But… I truly can't imagine it. You, my classmate, sitting quietly in school with no sign of anything unusual—yet suddenly, you're an Innate Grandmaster?"

Her apology was sincere enough.

Fenric chuckled and waved it off. "It's fine. Back at school, I wasn't anyone remarkable. Your doubts are natural."

Of course, the original Fenric she knew wasn't ordinary at all.

Trained from childhood under his father, he had been cultivating his vitality since he was young. Among the students, he had always stood out as a seeded martial artist. In fact, he was even somewhat famous at school—especially after publicly declaring his pursuit of the so-called goddess, Xiao Ling'er.

Anyone who admired her had known Fenric as a rival in love.

"But as for proving myself…" Fenric added lightly, "I don't see the need."

The words carried an effortless arrogance.

"..!"

Xiao Ling'er's cheeks flushed slightly, her expression tight with dissatisfaction. She opened her mouth to retort, but Elder Xiao cut her off.

"Enough, Ling'er. Fenric may be your classmate, but tonight he is a guest of honor. Do not be rude."

"...Yes, Grandpa." Xiao Ling'er fell silent, though her eyes still lingered on Fenric.

"Fenric, please, have a seat," Elder Xiao said warmly.

Fenric nodded and sat down, the others following suit.

"I hear you're seeking a recommendation slot for the Martial Arts Conference?" Elder Xiao went straight to the point.

"Yes," Fenric confirmed.

"Since it is your request, I'm naturally willing," Elder Xiao said, stroking his beard. "But forgive an old man's curiosity. With your ability, making a name for yourself in the martial world should be effortless. Why, then, do you still choose to enter the conference?"

"For reputation," Fenric answered with a faint smile. "Becoming a Grandmaster quietly would only invite suspicion. I'd rather prove myself openly on the grand stage and win honor with dignity."

A reasonable answer.

Elder Xiao nodded in satisfaction. "Well said. You act with righteousness and carry yourself like the heroes of old. I also hear you aim for the championship?"

"Yes."

"That won't be easy." Elder Xiao sighed. "Each year, the conference gathers the most powerful talents. Hidden dragons, crouching tigers… some already well-known, others still in obscurity. Many seize the chance to make their names known. To seize the championship is no small feat."

"I'm aware," Fenric said calmly.

Elder Xiao studied him for a moment before suddenly asking, "Then… how about a little exchange?"

In martial circles, "exchanging hands" was the polite term for a spar. Yet even so, such words often carried the weight of a challenge.

Sensing the implication, Elder Xiao added, "Do not mistake me. I don't doubt you. I simply wish to gauge your strength with my own eyes—and see for myself the likelihood of your victory in the conference."

Fenric's lips curved into a slight smile.

So the old man still doubted him. Likely influenced by whatever Xiao Ling'er had told him about Fenric's school days. Otherwise, he would not have insisted on bringing her tonight.

"Very well," Fenric said lightly. "Please, grant me your instruction."

There was no hesitation, no trace of fear in his tone.

After all, he too was curious—just how strong were the Innate Martial Artists of this world?