Dong Yue?

No doubt about it, a member of the Dong Clan!

He actually seems rather polite.

Xu Yang smiled in surprise and said, "Her name is Dong Yue, from the Changling branch!"

"Dong Yue, Changling branch?"

Dong Yue raised his eyebrows slightly. The Changling branch he naturally knew, but this name he’d never heard before!

At this moment, Xu Yang spoke again.

"I was entrusted by a friend to escort her to the main clan in the capital."

"Because she possesses the Innate Thunderfire Dominating Body, her parents were secretly murdered by the clan, and she suffered cruel torture before she finally escaped."

"What?"

Dong Yue’s eyes widened into round balls: "Innate Thunderfire Dominating Body..."

He suddenly couldn’t go on; such a little girl, parents murdered, tormented horribly... the purpose of coming to the main house was more than clear!

Xu Yang teased, "I heard the Dong Clan’s main family in the capital has a pretty good reputation. That’s not just talk, right?"

Dong Yue’s pupils contracted slightly.

Then, his expression became solemn. He gave a respectful bow and said, "Thank you so much for escorting her here. On behalf of the Dong Clan, I’m truly grateful!"

"If you’re not busy, why not stay with the Dong Clan for a few days and experience it for yourself!"

"If you ever need anything, the Dong Clan will never refuse!"

With that, Dong Yue met Xu Yang’s gaze with utter frankness.

Xu Yang gave Dong Yue a long look, and recalled Lin Mo’s version of the Dong Clan. He’d pretty much made up his mind!

Judging from his bearing, the rumors about the Dong Clan didn’t seem untrue!

Of course, in every pot of soup there’s always a few rat turds, and that’s something no place can avoid.

No need to generalize!

"No need."

Xu Yang waved his hand with a slight motion and strode away.

"May I ask your name?"

"Nameless!"

"Nameless..." Dong Yue gave a bitter smile, then quickly hurried into the residence.

Innate Thunderfire Dominating Body, that’s extraordinary!

He could already foresee the storm Dong Yue’s arrival would stir up in the Dong Clan.

...

The Ten Thousand Hammers Association sat in a vast garden on the northern outskirts of the capital.

The area was tranquil and refined, dense with trees; due to the Association, it had become a famous gathering spot for geniuses in the capital.

Lords and scions alike gathered here to spar, discuss the Dao, and more.

No guards stood at the gate; it was perfectly peaceful.

As Xu Yang paused to survey the area, a brocaded youth approached behind him, observing Xu Yang’s behavior thoughtfully.

"First time here, brother?"

Xu Yang glanced sideways and gave a slight nod. "That’s right!"

"Hahaha, then you’ve come at a lucky time. There’s a gathering today—not a big crowd, but all first-rate geniuses from the capital."

"Oh?"

Xu Yang raised his eyebrows slightly. The youth before him was only Yang Realm Perfection, young but to him, a bit on the weak side.

The youth seemed to catch on to Xu Yang’s thoughts; he grinned, "To be honest, I’m just here for the spectacle."

"Name’s Wei Wu. If you don’t mind, shall we head in together?"

"Sure!"

Wei Wu strode off first, silently murmuring in his heart, Where’d this guy come from? Seems pretty strong, but has zero manners?

Didn’t even introduce himself!

Xu Yang wasn’t ignorant of etiquette; if he used his real name, there’d be quite a stir.

Though this was his first time in the capital, rumors of his name surely preceded him!

Following Wei Wu into the garden, he moved along a path of smooth bluestone slabs, passing through a series of rockeries, covered corridors, and courtyards, until the view suddenly opened up. In the distance a clearing held several dozen gathered people.

"See that stone wall over there? Mr. Tang’s Secret Technique is carved on it. Ever since it was set up, a few people have swung their hammers ten thousand times, but none have truly comprehended the secret art!"

Wei Wu sighed deeply.

Xu Yang was a bit surprised; despite it being a True Sovereign’s Secret Technique, given how many dragons lurked in the capital, for not a single person to crack it was startling.

"Today’s gathering was initiated by Qin Yuan—the one surrounded by all those admirers."

"He’s something else: in terms of strength and potential, he’s ranked second among the capital’s youth, with an illustrious family; his father is Mr. Qin, second only to the Prince!"

Xu Yang looked from afar. With his current strength, even at a distance, he could probe others.

"Late Stage of Myriad Phenomena Realm!"

Xu Yang’s eyes narrowed in astonishment, and from his senses, his foundations were solid.

Even if he wasn’t on par with Huangfu Qing, there wasn’t much difference.

"How have I never heard of him before?" Xu Yang looked at Wei Wu suspiciously!

Wei Wu smiled, "Geniuses in the capital tend to stay low-key, rarely making a name for themselves beyond the city. They keep their fame local."

"Also, even the Marquis Wu of Wuhou Hall rarely comes to the capital."

Hearing this, Xu Yang had a strange expression. That was true!

He’d been dealing with Wuhou Hall for ages, but never once heard them mention any capital geniuses.

"Why’s that?" Xu Yang’s curiosity grew deeper.

Logically, if you’re from the capital, you shouldn’t hide away!

Wei Wu lowered his voice, "Years back, there was a genius in the capital—made a huge name for himself, got a bit cocky, then angered the Emperor for some reason, and his whole family was executed. He was a titled Lord!"

"Ever since, every capital genius has kept their nose clean."

Xu Yang’s eyes flickered. Enraged the Emperor?

To have so thoroughly provoked the monarch—it couldn’t have been simple!

But the details were best left alone!

"So what’s this gathering Qin Yuan organized about?" Xu Yang asked offhand.

"He just made a breakthrough, wants to stretch his muscles a bit!"

Wei Wu curled his lip, "Honestly, just showing off. But really, he mainly wants to spar with the capital’s top genius."

"That guy’s kept him under for ages, and now with the breakthrough, he can’t wait."

"If you ask me, even after the breakthrough, I doubt he’s a match for that person!"

"If the number one shows up today, it’ll be a good show!"

"Who’s this top genius?"

"From the Dong Clan, works within the palace!"

"The Dong Clan?"

Xu Yang was visibly shocked.

The Dong Clan is that formidable?

The top genius, able to suppress this Qin Yuan—if nothing goes wrong, another future True Sovereign!

With two True Sovereigns in command, the Dong Clan is a whole different league.

"Come on, let’s go check it out!" Wei Wu said.

Xu Yang nodded slightly and followed over.

The dozens gathered wore broad smiles as they chatted with Qin Yuan, their words mostly congratulations, and their attitude toward him was clearly respectful!

A few others gathered in small groups, joking around.

Xu Yang and Wei Wu came near, but were mostly ignored.

Wei Wu pulled Xu Yang aside quietly, like two nobodies watching from the sidelines.

"Bet the show’ll start soon," Wei Wu murmured.

"How’s that?" Xu Yang asked, intrigued.

"See those two? They’re archenemies; even just talking together, their faces have soured." Wei Wu chuckled, pointing.

Sure enough, the two young men wore cold, hostile looks. The tension was palpable!

Just a few breaths later, two surges of Myriad Phenomena Realm aura erupted, and the scene turned instantly explosive!

The crowd all burst into laughter.

"Those two jokers never quit, wherever they go!"

"Hahaha, perfect—Qin Yuan’s breakthrough today, let those two warm things up!" 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"I’ll take the second round. Liu Yun, don’t you run off!"

"Hmph, like I’d be afraid!"

...

With that, the two youths shouted fiercely in unison and started duking it out.

The crowd cleared back to watch the show.

Qin Yuan kept a calm face, but kept glancing at the entrance as if waiting for someone. The delay made him look a bit sour!

Xu Yang watched briefly, then shook his head.

Battles at Early Stage of Myriad Phenomena Realm no longer impressed him!

Their strength was close; victory would hinge on a single moment!

After some tens of breaths—

One of them revealed an opening, which the other instantly seized, attacking ferociously.

"Hahaha, walked right into my trap!"

Boom!

A huge crash erupted, violent waves scattering.

Turns out the one who seemed to slip up did it intentionally, luring the opponent in before defeating them.

The crowd erupted in a stir at the scene!

Qin Yuan suddenly said, "Please enjoy yourselves for now, everyone. I’m going to try comprehending the secret technique on the stone wall. If she arrives, let me know immediately!"

He turned and walked toward the stone wall.

"Mr. Qin, take your time. Maybe you’ll gain some insight this time!"

"Dong Xiuling is really too arrogant, still hasn’t shown up!"

"She almost never comes out, like a dragon that shows its tail but not its head. Wonder if she’ll come today?"

...

Xu Yang watched Qin Yuan step up to the wall to study the secret art. His gaze scanned lines upon lines of chaotic, hammer-shaped spiritual runes carved into the wall, his eyes narrowing sharply!