Chapter 133: Universal Shock

"It is only because the geniuses of four nations gathered together that such a realm could be reached," Liu Feng said calmly. "For the average person, the level remains quite low."

"Exactly! Brother, you shouldn't forget that while there are many top-tier young experts among the four nations, only a handful have achieved such high realms," Zhao Heng added with a smile.

"Xiaofeng, you took first place in the Four-Nation Alliance Tournament. The rewards must have been substantial, right?" Zhao Linfei asked.

Liu Feng smiled slightly. "They were decent. I received ten million mid-grade spirit stones, two 'Nirvana Pills,' and a second-grade weapon of the Fusion realm."

Zhao Xu’s face lit up with a smile upon hearing this. "That is indeed a significant amount. Altogether, it’s nearly ten percent of the entire Zhao family's wealth."

"Excellent. Xiaofeng, you are a wealthy man now," Zhao Linfei laughed.

Zhao Jing also chimed in happily, "Xiaofeng, with these spirit stones, you can purchase more cultivation resources. Your strength will improve even faster."

Hearing this, Zhao Tu remarked, "Little sister, Xiaofeng is already arguably the strongest in the Zhao family. If he improves any further, he’ll likely be the strongest in Nanzhou City."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Zhao Jing replied with a light smile.

As they spoke, the kitchen staff had finished preparing the meal.

"Come, let us all raise our glasses to celebrate the great result Xiaofeng and the others achieved at the Four-Nation Alliance Tournament," Zhao Tu said.

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

"Everyone, drink up!"

The group chatted animatedly, thoroughly enjoying the meal. After they finished, the dishes were cleared away.

Liu Feng leaned toward Zhao Xu and whispered, "Grandfather, please dismiss the servants. I have something important to discuss with everyone."

Zhao Xu nodded and said, "You all may leave for now."

The servants and the collateral branch members of the Zhao family were dismissed, leaving only the direct members of the family behind.

"Alright, Xiaofeng, what is it you wanted to say?" Zhao Xu asked.

Liu Feng reached out, produced a small seal, and handed it to Zhao Xu. "Grandfather, do you recognize this?"

Zhao Xu took the seal and examined it closely for a moment, his expression turning to one of shock. "Could this be the administrative seal of a city?"

"Grandfather truly has a discerning eye," Liu Feng said calmly. "I hadn't even said what it was, and you already guessed."

Zhao Tu, Zhao Heng, and the others were left wide-eyed with astonishment upon learning that the small object was a city's administrative seal.

"Xiaofeng," Zhao Tu said with a trembling voice, "how did you come to possess this?"

"Yes, what is going on? Even though Bochao and I were by your side, we never saw when you obtained this," Zhao Jun added, looking at Liu Feng with confusion.

Liu Feng’s expression turned solemn. "The Emperor of our nation gave it to me personally, claiming it was a reward for the tournament. But I cannot help but feel there is more to it than that."

The others frowned, contemplating the Emperor's intentions.

After a moment, Liu Yuming spoke up. "My guess is that the Emperor observed your performance during the tournament and deduced that you have a bright future ahead, so he gave you this as an investment."

"Hmm! I agree with Yuming’s analysis. He values your future potential and is making a proactive investment," Zhao Xu said, nodding in agreement.

Zhao Tu chimed in, "That must be it. If you become a supreme expert in the future, you will certainly be of great help to the country. That is why the Emperor acted this way."

Everyone felt this explanation made perfect sense.

"Xiaofeng, how do you intend to handle this seal?" Zhao Xu asked. Everyone leaned in, eager to hear his thoughts.

Liu Feng smiled indifferently. "I have no interest in being a city lord. I will leave the decision of how to handle this to Father and you, Grandfather."

The group was slightly taken aback; they hadn't expected Liu Feng to be so disinterested in the position. Zhao Xu and Liu Yuming looked solemn as they realized the weight of the decision being placed upon them.

After a moment of thought, Zhao Xu said, "How about this: Yuming will take the position of City Lord. Linfei, you shall assist your brother-in-law."

"Father-in-law, that may not be appropriate," Liu Yuming replied quickly. "Second Brother or Little Brother would surely be more suitable for the position than I."

Zhao Xu smiled calmly. "Yuming, do not be modest. Your intellect and wisdom surpass both Heng and Linfei. You are the most fitting person for this role."

Just as Liu Yuming was about to protest further, Zhao Xu waved his hand. "Enough, that is settled. Does anyone have any objections?"

"I agree!"

"I support it!"

Zhao Heng, Zhao Linfei, Zhao Jun, and the others all supported the decision, knowing that the seal was something Liu Feng had earned through his own life-risking efforts. Furthermore, with Liu Yuming as City Lord, their family could expand rapidly; in a few years, the Zhao family's wealth would likely double.

"Good! Since everyone agrees, it shows my decision was sound," Zhao Xu said with a smile. He paused, then added, "Yuming, head to Cangyue City in a few days. I will send some of our trusted men to follow and assist you."

"Very well, I shall depart for Cangyue City in a few days," Liu Yuming nodded.

After chatting for a while longer, the group dispersed. Liu Feng accompanied his parents back to their quarters.

"Xiaofeng, your first-place finish has truly brought honor to our family," Zhao Jing said, looking at him with pride once they were seated.

Liu Yuming looked at his son with relief. "Xiaofeng, your performance this time truly exceeded my expectations."

Seeing the joy on his parents' faces, Liu Feng felt a deep sense of satisfaction. "Any achievement of mine is inseparable from the guidance you both gave me growing up."

"Haha! Xiaofeng certainly knows how to speak well!" Zhao Jing laughed.

"Our guidance was only a supporting factor. The real credit goes to your own hard work," Liu Yuming added.

After spending a little more time with his parents, Liu Feng retreated to his room to rest.

The next day, Liu Feng accompanied his parents on outings to the streets of Nanzhou City and local scenic spots, enjoying the natural landscapes. Five or six days passed in this manner.

On this day, Zhao Xu gathered everyone in the main hall. He turned to Liu Yuming and said, "Yuming, you shall depart for Cangyue City today. Once you arrive, be sure to maintain good relations with the prominent families of the city."