In Southwest Yang Province, there are many cities, the strongest of which is none other than Tianyu Royal City.

If the Royal City counted as a first-tier city, then there were quite a few quasi-first-tier cities as well, such as Longyang City.

This “Longyang” doesn’t refer to the passion of Longyang—everyone, don’t overthink it.

Longyang City had numerous forces and experts as numerous as clouds.

It was said to be most likely to become the second Royal City in Southwest Yang Province.

Within the city were three great families: the Long Family, the Qi Family, and the Ren Family, as well as many small and medium-sized families.

And those small-scale families, no matter how small, would absolutely be behemoth-level existences if they came to Qingyang Commandery cities.

Long Ziyang came from Longyang City, from the Long Family.

Why would he join Tiegu Sect? Well, that’s a long story—do you believe I could write several chapters about it?

So, to put it in the simplest way: although Long Ziyang was a direct line descendant of the Long Family with decent aptitude, for some unknown reason, he always had difficulty comprehending the family’s martial arts.

As a member of the Long Family, unable to cultivate the Long Family’s martial arts.

This was no different from the trash protagonists in traditional novels, so naturally Long Ziyang was subjected to mockery from his clan members and indifference from the higher-ups.

“Ziyang, look, brother just learned Dragon Chant Palm. What do you think? Oh wait, I forgot—you can’t learn it at all.”

“Ziyang went to the Martial Techniques Pavilion again. Hasn’t he realized yet that he can’t cultivate the family’s martial arts?”

“I’m starting to suspect whether this kid is really from our Long Family’s direct line. Otherwise, how could he not even comprehend the most ordinary Long Family martial arts?”

Facing the mockery and gossip from his clan members, although Long Ziyang pretended not to hear, each time he returned to his room he would clench his fists tightly.

They have spirit roots, but mine are even higher than theirs!

Their cultivation isn’t fast, yet I can break through rapidly using the most common mental cultivation methods on the market!

Why can they cultivate Long Family martial techniques, but I can’t!

So unwilling, so unwilling!

“Family Head, if he cannot cultivate our Long Family martial techniques, his future achievements will inevitably be limited. Why not have Long Ziyang manage the family businesses instead?”

An elder had once said this.

When Long Ziyang learned of it, his fury reached the heavens.

Managing family businesses meant he could no longer cultivate the martial path, and it was equivalent to becoming a marginal figure in the Long Family!

“I don’t agree!”

He charged into the great hall and, in front of the Family Head and elders, loudly voiced his feelings.

Then… he was beaten with fifty strokes of the rod.

Clan members who were originally weaker than him began accessing more Long Family martial arts and would come show off each time, driving Long Ziyang nearly to a mental breakdown.

On the eve of being assigned to manage family businesses, he finally could bear it no longer. He secretly packed his belongings and resolutely left the Long Family where he had lived for over ten years.

“Long Family!”

Before leaving, Long Ziyang stood in the dark night, looking at the plaque bearing the two characters “Long Family,” his gaze resolute as he said, “I will return! I will show you that even without cultivating Long Family martial arts, I, Long Ziyang, can still become stronger!”

From this day forward!

The sea is wide enough for fish to leap, the sky high enough for birds to fly!

Then, just as he turned around, he was caught by family experts and brought back, beaten with another fifty strokes of the rod. Only when he went to manage the sect businesses did he find an opportunity to escape.

After leaving the family, Long Ziyang had no backing and lost all resource support.

To become stronger, he had to rely on himself!

At first, he planned to become a wandering cultivator, but by chance passed through Qingyang Commandery and heard about the spiritual energy-type martial techniques that Li Qingyang and Mo Shangfei had displayed when they fought.

Why was he looked down upon in the family and repeatedly bullied? Wasn’t it all because of martial techniques!

I can’t cultivate Long Family martial techniques, but I can cultivate other martial techniques. Then I’ll use the techniques I’ve learned to defeat clan members who cultivate Long Family martial techniques, and that will prove myself!

And so, Long Ziyang went to Tiegu Sect.

He became part of the second batch of disciples along with Li Shangtian, Ling Yuanxue, Yang Yuhua, and others.

At the time, Long Ziyang’s thinking was simple: learn “I Slash” and then secretly leave, transferring to other sects to learn martial techniques.

The result…

One misstep becomes an eternal regret; looking back, a hundred years have passed!

What does this phrase mean?

It means that setting one foot into Tiegu Sect was like falling into an abyss ten thousand zhang deep, never to climb out again.

By the time you look back on past events someday, you’ll already be a happy old geezer eating Liu Wanshi’s fried rice while saying “how fragrant!”

…

“Sect Master.”

Long Ziyang clenched his fists and said, “This is my story.”

Jun Changxiao fell silent. Xiao Ziji fell silent.

Lu Qianqian fell silent, Ye Xingchen fell silent, Su Xiaomo fell silent…

Wait!

Long Ziyang’s expression became spectacular as he looked at the group of senior brothers behind him, clutching his hair as he said, “Why are you all here! When did you all arrive!”

Also!

Why was Liu Wanshi wiping away tears? Was his story really that sad!

“Sect Master!”

Liu Wanshi said with reddened eyes, choking up, “Senior Brother Long’s background is too tragic!”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“…”

The corner of Long Ziyang’s mouth twitched, and ten thousand alpacas stampeded through his heart.

Senior Brother Su, when you nod, could you not smile!

Senior Brother Li, when you nod, could you stop picking your nose!

And Liu Wanshi!

You’re clutching a green onion in your hand—are you crying from the bottom of your heart, or are you crying because the spicy smell is making your eyes water!

“Pat.”

Just as Long Ziyang was frantically complaining to himself in frustration, Jun Changxiao walked down, patted his shoulder, and said seriously, “Disciples of the Iron Bones Clanging Sect can never be looked down upon. This seat permits you to return home and participate in the grand competition.”

“Thank you, Sect Master!”

Just as he was about to leave, Jun Changxiao stopped him, saying, “Since you snuck out, you’ll definitely be punished when you return.”

“…” Long Ziyang fell silent.

He was supposed to manage family businesses, but instead abandoned his post and left. If he returned to the Long Family, he would definitely be in trouble.

“Therefore.”

Jun Changxiao said, “This seat will accompany you.”

Looking at the Sect Master’s proud and upright bearing, his majestic and incomparable figure, Long Ziyang’s eyes immediately filled with deep admiration!

…

At the foot of the mountain.

Long Ziyang’s shoulders drooped as he rode on a Hurricane Wolf, traveling along gloomily.

The Sect Master personally accompanying him to Longyang City—why wasn’t he happy about that?

Because behind him were Lu Qianqian, Li Qingyang, Xiao Ziji, Ye Xingchen, Su Xiaomo, Tian Qi, and Li Fei, and even Liu Wanshi and Yao Mengying!

I’m returning to my family to participate in the grand competition, not to start a group brawl—why bring so many people!

“Ziyang.”

Jun Changxiao, riding the Hurricane Wolf King at the front, said, “Although you’re a Long Family direct descendant, you’re also a disciple of my Tiegu Sect. For this family grand competition, this seat hopes you can win first place and raise our sect’s prestige!”

Long Ziyang’s gaze became serious as he said, “This disciple will not disappoint the Sect Master!”

Although he had initially come to Tiegu Sect to learn martial techniques, after such a long time together, he had completely accepted this sect and accepted the Sect Master and fellow disciples.

Long Family!

I, Long Ziyang, am coming back—you’d better prepare to tremble in fear!

At that moment, his eyes flashed with intense battle intent, and his iron-strong backbone straightened even more!

“Junior Brother Long, are there any fun places in Longyang City?”

“Junior Brother Long, are there many beautiful women in Longyang City?”

“Junior Brother Long, does Longyang City have any special dishes or special wines?”

Long Ziyang, who had just cultivated an aura of towering heroism, was instantly sent plummeting back down by Su Xiaomo and the others’ questions.

His shoulders drooped, his head hung low in dejection, and he howled in his heart, “They’re not going to cheer me on—they’re just going to Longyang City to sightsee!”