"I chose a sword manual at that time, aiming to become a sword master in the game. I've reviewed it, and although it's not as advanced as our sect's techniques, some moves are quite impressive. I've started practicing them," Cheng Su Yan shared, displaying the sword manual. "Where did the game creators source so many secret martial arts techniques?"

Miao Miao reminisced, "That's nothing. Back at the Jiangnan base, there were almost a hundred martial arts courses. Nowadays, more and more people are creating their own."

"It's not the same. Many of those courses were subpar, but the game's secret techniques are all practical and usable."

Zhou You had just realized this point. He'd initially seen it as a mere intellectual game, but now knew its real worth. Those unaware of this would surely regret it once they found out.

Recalling Shao Qi's endeavors at the Jiangnan base, he wondered if the game was backed by national support, as both aimed to elevate the martial arts proficiency of the public.

"This makes the game even more interesting. I wish we could play more than just three hours each day."

Shao Qi, with two of the manuals, said to Zhou You, "These are suited for your younger brother. Whether or not you give them to him, is up to you."

Zhou You hadn't expected Shao Qi to remember Zhou Yi Chen. With a cold huff, he said, "You're quite considerate."

Sheepishly, Shao Qi replied, "After all, he might become family. It doesn't hurt to curry favor with a future brother-in-law."

"Who's the brother-in-law?" Zhou You raised an eyebrow. Recognizing a brother he didn't want didn't automatically grant him such a title.

Zhou Hua Jin tried multiple times to invite Zhou You for a meal at home, but was always declined. Eventually, he claimed he was secluding himself for martial practice and even stopped taking calls.

It wasn't until Wang Shengqian's birthday that Zhou Huajin finally met his eldest son at the hotel.

His involvement with Wang Mang was profound. Every year, many under Wang Mang were investigated for various reasons. Those with minor offenses often faced penalties, so they dared not cross the Chief Justice Wang Mang.

"Haha, it's truly an honor to have the Chief Justice here," Wang Mang laughed. "I've heard you're the biological father of my benefactor, Mr. Zhou You. What a twist of fate! Let’s drink to that later, and please put in a good word for me with young Master Zhou, asking him to guide my wayward son."

Despite Wang Mang's public prestige, his feelings are complex when it comes to his son. Just look at Chief Justice Zhou; first, his son was a renowned prodigy, and now he has another son who's quite the sensation. One might wonder if the Zhou family's ancestors are blessing them with such exceptional descendants.

Comparisons can truly be infuriating!

Wang Shengqian, now dressed in his formal attire, emerges with his bodyguards to greet guests. Though not skilled in martial arts, he walks with unparalleled confidence, as if looking down upon everyone.

Most paid him compliments out of respect for Wang Mang, but the praises often sounded repetitive, and young Master Wang was tired of hearing them.

Song Jin'an thought tonight would be the perfect opportunity to get close to the young Master Wang. He wasn't personally invited, but his captain was, so after much persuasion, he convinced his captain to bring him along.

"Many influential figures are here tonight, so stay out of trouble. If you upset any of them, I won’t be able to help," Zhang Dingshan cautioned. He originally didn't want to bring anyone along, but Song was quite tactful, and had once led the remnants of an exploration team to join Zhang, earning him special consideration.

"Understood, Captain. I’ll just find a corner and have some food. You go ahead," Song replied.

"Alright, if you get bored, leave early," Zhang Dingshan said, spotting Zhou You's arrival and hurrying to greet him.

Song Jin'an also saw Zhou You and Shao Qi, his face turning pale with fear. He quickly retreated to a corner to hide.

He hadn't expected these outsiders to be invited, and with Wang Mang personally welcoming them, they were clearly VIPs. If they recognized him, he could be killed on the spot, and no one would intervene.

He was genuinely terrified, especially after learning that Zhou You was Zhou Huajin’s son. Hoping to seek protection from young Master Wang, he wished to pass this danger unscathed.

Chapter 130: The Wang Family Banquet (Part 2)

Once everyone arrived, Wang Mang, alongside his son, addressed the crowd, "Thank you all for attending my son Shengqian's 20th birthday. This will be the last birthday celebration I’ll organize for him. Now that he's 20, he must learn to handle matters like an adult. Starting tomorrow, I’ve decided to let him take charge of the Qianji Hall branch in Yuzhou. I hope you'll all support him and provide guidance when he makes mistakes..."

After Wang Mang's emotional speech, the room fell silent. Soon, several senior members stepped forward, questioning, "Master Wang, why didn’t you consult us before making such a major decision? The young master still has much to learn. Handing over the branch to him immediately might be premature."

With a smile, Wang Mang asked, "And what would the elders suggest?"

"We propose that the young master starts from the basics. Once he’s familiar with our operations and can manage independently, then it won’t be too late to hand over the branch to him."

"That makes sense..." Wang Mang turned to his son, asking, "What do you think?"

The young master, visibly annoyed since the elders started talking, scoffed, "What nonsense! Why should someone of my status start from the basics? Isn't this just because you, Elder Yang, don't want to relinquish control over the Yuzhou branch? Stop making up ridiculous excuses."