Chapter 11: There Is Always Someone Better

One guest after another, each more distinguished than the last.

Shi Qiucai, wearing a fawning smile, was stunned on the spot.

Aunt Li Yun’e stared wide-eyed, utterly dumbfounded.

Cousin Shi Guodong’s expression was one of disbelief, as if he had seen a ghost.

The rest, from Second Aunt’s family to Uncle’s household, all wore looks of shock, as if turned to stone.

Who was Feng Yunxing, after all?

The General Manager of Spring Garden, second only to the Chairman, and a high-ranking figure within the entire Fengrao Group.

Yet now, before Xiao Yang... he was displaying such deference?

If they didn’t know Xiao Yang so intimately, surely the crowd would suspect he was some scion of a powerful family or influential group, else how could Feng Yunxing bow so low before him?

But as Xiao Yang’s relatives, they knew him all too well.

His family was ordinary.

His only chance to change his fate—the martial exam—had ended in failure.

In the future, at best, he could rely on physical strength to become a security guard; how could someone like that earn Feng Yunxing’s respect?

He must have mistaken him for someone else!

Everyone thought the same, and once this explanation dawned on them, they reacted.

Shi Qiucai spoke up, “General Manager Feng? Feng, it’s me, Shi Qiucai! Xiao Yang is my nephew, just an ordinary fellow. Are you sure you haven’t mistaken him for someone else?”

Ordinary? Are you certain? Feng Yunxing gazed deeply at Shi Qiucai, then said, “A talent like Young Master Xiao, I would never mistake him for anyone, even from a hundred meters away.”

A talent among men?

Aunt, Second Aunt, Uncle and their families all glanced at Xiao Yang: How could they have missed that he was a talent among men?

Feng Yunxing knew well what Xiao Yang represented—even Chairman Feng Jianggong of Fengrao Group treated Xiao Yang like a revered figure.

Ignoring Shi Qiucai and the others, Feng Yunxing continued to address Xiao Yang, “Young Master Xiao, had I known today’s birthday banquet was connected to you, how could I dare accept payment? Your presence at Spring Garden is an honor for us. Today’s banquet, everything is on the house!”

Aunt, Second Aunt and the others were both shocked and delighted—shocked at Feng Yunxing’s courtesy toward Xiao Yang, delighted that the bill would be waived, saving them a tidy sum.

Waived?

No!

Xiao Yang had no intention of letting Aunt and Second Aunt’s families benefit from his reputation.

If there was to be an expense, all three families should pay their share. With Xiao Yang’s current income, what was a little money to him?

He spoke calmly, “Business must be conducted with principles. I’ve come to dine here; I should pay. I despise people using waivers or discounts as an excuse to cozy up to me.”

Feng Yunxing immediately understood Xiao Yang’s meaning. “Young Master Xiao is right to correct me. I overstepped. Today’s banquet will not be waived, nor discounted in the slightest!”

Aunt and Second Aunt instantly became anxious.

Especially Aunt—today’s banquet enjoyed a 20% discount, saving over thirty thousand. Her family only needed to pay a bit over twenty thousand.

If that could be waived as well, all the better. But now... thanks to Xiao Yang’s words, not only was the waiver gone, but the discount was revoked too. Aunt’s family would have to pay the full fifty-seven thousand seven hundred and sixty, no wonder she was upset.

Aunt called out, “Xiao Yang, are you stupid? Waiving the bill is a good thing! How could you behave like this?”

Xiao Yang said nothing, but Feng Yunxing spoke, “Young Master Xiao’s status is far above mine; I have no right to waive his bill. It was my own lack of discretion that led to such a reckless offer. The matter of waivers and discounts is not to be mentioned again.”

As he spoke, Feng Yunxing shot Shi Qiucai a cold glare, urging him to restrain his wife.

Shi Qiucai was scared half to death—if he angered Feng Yunxing, his son Shi Guodong’s prospects in Fengrao Group would be blocked, and Shi Qiucai himself, as a senior manager, might not last long. He quickly pulled Li Yun’e aside.

“Feng Yunxing wishes Madam a long and blessed life.”

Feng Yunxing offered his congratulations to the old lady, then withdrew.

At once, the entire Number One VIP Hall became lively.

Even those unfamiliar with Feng Yunxing now recognized him, and the relatives and guests looked at Xiao Yang with curiosity, wondering why such a figure would treat him with such respect.

Especially at Xiao Yang’s table, curiosity was at its peak. Everyone stared at him in astonishment, yet said nothing, making the atmosphere unusually quiet.

Aunt’s family, Second Aunt’s family, Uncle’s family—all were deeply shaken, unable to comprehend.

From Feng Yunxing’s behavior, it was clear that Xiao Yang possessed a noble status unknown to them, yet they could not fathom it.

The table remained silent for several seconds before Grandma Mu Huiying broke the silence, looking at Xiao Yang. “Good child, at last you’ve made something of yourself.”

She then cast a loving glance at Mother Li Yunfang. “You’ve finally endured to the end.”

As a martial artist, Xiao Yang could sense the sharp decline in the vitality within Grandma Mu Huiying’s eyes.

Her heart had always been tied to her youngest daughter, to Xiao Yang’s family. Now, seeing her daughter’s family prosper, she felt a sense of release.

At her age, plagued by illness and weak in energy, her life hung by a thread. It was her emotional bonds that kept her going.

Now, having set her heart at ease, she might not live much longer—the birthday celebration would soon be followed by funeral arrangements.

This was the end of life; the ailments stemmed from depleted vital energy. Even if the illness were cured, life could not be prolonged.

Mother Li Yunfang’s eyes reddened at Grandma’s words—her mother was the only one who truly cared for her, and the words struck deep.

Mother said, “Mom, you don’t need to worry about me anymore. From now on, our family will be fine, very fine.”

Aunt remarked sourly, “Yunfang, what fortune has Xiao Yang found? Even General Manager Feng treats him so respectfully?”

Mother glanced at Father; since someone had asked directly, there was no point in concealing it. Father nodded slightly.

Mother said, “Yangyang... was lucky enough to buy a mutated Firecloud Fruit. Now, he’s a first-grade martial artist.”

On hearing this, everyone had only one thought: Damn! What luck is this?

A mutated rare fruit—such a precious thing—and Xiao Yang managed to get one?

Learning Xiao Yang had become a martial artist, Aunt and Second Aunt’s faces turned sour.

Even the lowest-tier martial artist, just from state benefits, would receive a hundred thousand a month.

Not to mention, what status is a martial artist?

Even if a normal person had billions, in front of a martial artist, they would be inferior.

Now, they understood why Feng Yunxing was so deferential—because their statuses were simply not on the same level.

Aunt and Second Aunt had always liked to feel superior to Xiao Yang’s family, but now, with Xiao Yang rising above, the contrast was stark.

Their sons, compared to Xiao Yang, seemed utterly inferior; how could they accept it?

They felt a suffocating frustration in their chests, unable to vent, deeply vexed.

Especially recalling how they had just praised their sons, feeling smug—now, the memory was embarrassing, their faces flushed as if invisible slaps had landed on them.

Uncle and Second Uncle showed obvious signs of disappointment.

Previously, they enjoyed a sense of superiority before Xiao Yang’s family; now, they felt only pressure and anxiety.

From now on, they would spend their lives looking up to Xiao Yang, the martial artist.

As for Shi Guodong and Zhu Tengfei, the junior members, they frowned deeply, their displeasure written all over their faces.

Uncle’s family fared little better—aside from Grandma’s joy, the rest were stunned and shaken.

Grandpa Li Chenggong was stupefied, unable to utter a word.

Uncle and Aunt recalled their previous attitude toward Xiao Yang’s family, their expressions awkward and unpleasant.

Cousin Li Zhixi looked at Xiao Yang, incredulous. “Xiao Yang, how are you so lucky?”

Xiao Yang’s face was calm and pleasant, a gentle smile on his lips. “Yes, just luck, nothing more.”

The more lightly Xiao Yang spoke, the more uncomfortable everyone felt. Why? Why couldn’t such luck fall on me?

Seeing their reactions, Father wore a satisfied smile—after years of frustration, today he finally felt vindicated, thoroughly refreshed.

An ordinary man becoming a martial artist was a leap to greatness.

Soon, relatives began to offer flattering remarks.

“I always knew Xiao Yang was special as a child...!”

“I foresaw it—Xiao Yang would certainly achieve something...!”

“I remember the first time I met Xiao Yang, I knew he'd be destined for greatness...!”

And so on, their voices rising one after another.

Xiao Yang smiled inwardly. Ah, people!

Father listened with pride, knowing these were all after-the-fact boasts, but he couldn’t help enjoying it. He was thoroughly common, delighting in their envy.

By now, nearly all guests had arrived, and at every table, every eye glanced toward Xiao Yang, conversations invariably centering on him, their tone barely concealing envy.

“Xiao Yang, we never guessed—you’re so lucky, becoming a martial artist at such a young age.”

Aunt Li Yun’e forced a smile. “Becoming a martial artist is wonderful! As the saying goes, when one succeeds, even the chickens and dogs ascend. Now that you’ve become a martial artist, the whole family will benefit.”

Second Aunt Li Yunzhen chimed in, “Yes, yes, from now on, this big family relies on you, Xiao Yang. We’re all one family, right?”

Now they talked of family? Of one person’s ascent raising all? Where was their previous attitude?

Xiao Yang laughed silently, his expression serene and indifferent, leaving the talking to Mother.

Mother, having endured Aunt and Second Aunt’s scorn for years, spoke flawlessly, even turning their old words back on them.

Aunt and Second Aunt, finding themselves rebuffed, could only retreat in embarrassment, sourly thinking:

What of being a martial artist? Though glamorous, it’s dangerous—if beasts invade, who knows if he’ll survive? Our families are fine; we don’t need him.

“Chairman Feng Jianggong of Fengrao Group arrives, presenting a White Jade Longevity Buddha as a birthday gift.”

At that moment, a loud announcement sounded from outside the Number One VIP Hall.

Guests and relatives were visibly stirred—among Xiao Yang’s kin, Aunt’s family was the wealthiest, but they had never met a tycoon like Feng Jianggong, whose fortune ran into the billions.

Hearing of Feng Jianggong’s arrival, curiosity soared, eyes fixed on the entrance.

A middle-aged man in a suit, over fifty, strode in with the bearing of a dragon.

Behind him, a man in traditional attire, over forty, emanated a fierce aura uncommon among ordinary folk.

It was Feng Jianggong and Liu Manxiong.

Over the past days, Feng Jianggong had thoroughly investigated Xiao Yang’s background, discovering he had once worked as a security guard in Fengrao Group, then—suddenly—became a martial artist, his fortunes transformed.

Even without much effort, it was clear Xiao Yang had experienced a great stroke of luck, his future limitless.

Of course, what mattered most to Fengrao Group was that Xiao Yang had truly worked there as a security guard.

As Xiao Yang’s cultivation and status rose, his information and life path would surely be scrutinized, elevating Fengrao Group’s reputation.

Xiao Yang was like a living advertisement for Fengrao Group; the better he did, the greater their fame, the better their business.

Feng Jianggong, being shrewd, understood that maintaining a good relationship with Xiao Yang was critical.

If things went well, Fengrao Group would rise with him.

If not, and Xiao Yang grew to resent their ties, he could bring disaster upon them with a single gesture.

For the future of Fengrao Group, Feng Jianggong was keen to cultivate a positive relationship.

Learning that Xiao Yang’s grandmother’s eightieth birthday banquet was held at Spring Garden, Feng Jianggong prepared a gift and came personally, all for Xiao Yang’s sake, as a gesture of goodwill.

“Mr. Xiao.”

Feng Jianggong entered the VIP Hall, walked directly to Xiao Yang’s table, and bowed slightly to show his respect.

He then offered congratulations and a birthday blessing to the old lady.

“Brother Xiao!”

Liu Manxiong greeted Xiao Yang, then congratulated the old lady as well.

Shi Qiucai and Shi Guodong were dumbstruck.

Most only knew Feng Jianggong, not the man behind him, Liu Manxiong. But the Shi family knew—he was a true martial artist, a major figure within Fengrao Group.

He stayed with the Group out of gratitude, but in terms of status, he outranked even Feng Jianggong, for martial artists always held precedence over ordinary men.

That even Feng Jianggong and Liu Manxiong, such luminaries, treated Xiao Yang with such respect was simply not the treatment a newly minted martial artist should receive.

The Shi father and son could not fathom what Xiao Yang had done to deserve such deference.

Regardless, after the congratulations were offered, both men instinctively stood up.

They bowed to Feng Jianggong and Liu Manxiong. “Chairman, Brother Manxiong.”

Feng Jianggong glanced coolly at Shi Qiucai. There were many senior managers in Fengrao Group, and he knew them; as for Shi Guodong, his rank was too low to have entered Feng Jianggong’s notice.

Recently, Feng Jianggong had investigated Xiao Yang’s personal information and family connections, so he understood the relationship between Xiao Yang’s and Shi Qiucai’s families, but that didn’t mean he would treat the Shi family with warmth because of Xiao Yang.

Feng Jianggong said, “Manager Shi, to have a relative like Mr. Xiao—I envy you!”

Shi Qiucai could only smile awkwardly; though their families were closely related, the relationship was poor, and now he regretted his past behavior bitterly.

Why had he ever looked down on Xiao Yang’s family? Had he cultivated a good relationship, with Feng Jianggong’s attitude toward Xiao Yang, a single word from Xiao Yang could have seen him promoted within Fengrao Group.

Feng Jianggong merely made a polite remark, then turned to Xiao Yang. “Mr. Xiao, may I speak with you after the banquet? There’s something I’d like to discuss.”

Xiao Yang nodded. “Chairman Feng, Brother Liu, please sit wherever you like.”

“Thank you, thank you.”

Both men responded, taking seats like ordinary guests. Those at their table were overwhelmed, treating them with utmost respect.

Now, the guests’ view of Xiao Yang shifted again.

Feng Jianggong’s status far surpassed Feng Yunxing’s.

Feng Yunxing was merely Spring Garden’s General Manager, not even a chairman.

Spring Garden itself was only a small part of Fengrao Group’s massive assets—less than one-twentieth.

Feng Jianggong, as chairman, was a genuine billionaire, his status many levels above Feng Yunxing.

As for Liu Manxiong, there were whispers about his identity as a martial artist, which only heightened the awe.

A billionaire tycoon, a seasoned martial artist—both showing such deference to Xiao Yang, clearly placing themselves below him.

Even if Xiao Yang was newly promoted, this was not treatment a typical martial artist would receive.

Not all ordinary people understood the potential of martial artists.

They didn’t know what prospects lay ahead for an eighteen-year-old martial artist, nor did they realize... Xiao Yang was a gifted martial artist with powerful spiritual strength. For now, they could only guess, and were left astonished.

With the appearance of Feng Jianggong, Aunt Li Yun’e’s face grew darker.

Her husband and son were deferential to Feng Jianggong, yet Feng Jianggong was deferential to Xiao Yang—that was the difference.

The gap had always existed, but now, with Feng Jianggong as the reference point, Shi Qiucai and Shi Guodong could no longer hold their heads high before Xiao Yang.

Those who controlled their fate had to bow before Xiao Yang—the gulf between them and him was truly vast, worlds apart.

Aunt Li Yun’e, ever proud after marrying Shi Qiucai, believed herself superior within the family; now, she had been trampled to dust, her resentment mounting.

Yet she could not vent her frustration—it had to be suppressed, making her all the more uncomfortable.

Within the VIP Hall, the guests’ murmured astonishment reached a crescendo with the arrival of Feng Jianggong and Liu Manxiong.

“Yang Zhen, director of Yuezhou Tiance Martial Arts Academy, arrives to offer birthday greetings and presents the Longevity Painting!”

“Deputy Director Mao Shisan, Tiance Martial Arts Academy, arrives to offer birthday greetings...!”

“Martial Arts Instructor Jiang Mu, Tiance Martial Arts Academy, arrives to offer birthday greetings...!”

...

Just when everyone thought Feng Jianggong and Liu Manxiong were the most distinguished guests, a series of announcements rang out.

The previously lively VIP Hall fell abruptly silent.

Everyone stopped speaking at once, their faces displaying extreme shock.

If Feng Jianggong was someone ordinary people aspired to emulate, a billionaire and a great figure, then the director, deputy director, and instructors of Tiance Martial Arts Academy were figures revered by all martial artists in Yuezhou.

Especially Director Yang Zhen, who stood at the very pinnacle of Yuezhou—his slightest move would shake the city, and Feng Jianggong was not even worthy to touch his shoes.

So, when Yang Zhen, Mao Shisan, and Jiang Mu arrived, Feng Jianggong and Liu Manxiong were momentarily stunned, then immediately stood up in respect.

Seeing them rise, the other guests followed suit.

At that moment, it felt as if their minds might shut down.

Martial artists were both common and uncommon in this world.

Common, because though their proportion among the population was low, their absolute number was in the millions; videos of martial artists were easily found online and on TV.

Uncommon, because martial artists rarely interacted with ordinary people; in real life, it was hard to meet one.

Just as on Earth, officials of various ranks appear on TV every day, but are rarely encountered in person.

Now, to see several martial artists at once, especially high-ranking figures from Tiance Martial Arts Academy, was like meeting all the top officials of a city at once—an incredibly rare event for ordinary people.

Everyone was so stunned, they were bewildered.

Xiao Yang was surprised to hear Yang Zhen and the others had come; he had not expected them to attend his grandmother’s birthday banquet.

A normal person’s birthday banquet would never merit their presence; clearly... this was due to Xiao Yang.

Yet Director Yang Zhen himself, accompanied by two high-ranking martial artists, had come—such respect was overwhelming, beyond Xiao Yang’s expectations.

Without hesitation, Xiao Yang rose to greet them. “Director, Deputy Director Mao, Instructor Jiang.”

Yang Zhen let out a hearty laugh. “Xiao Yang, we’re riding your coattails, here for a drink—is that all right?”

Xiao Yang quickly replied, “It’s my honor. You are most welcome.”

Yang Zhen stepped up to Xiao Yang, patted his shoulder. “Your trip to Jiangnan Martial University is settled. Tomorrow, a special plane will arrive to pick you up.”