Carry-On Hero Card Kill

Under the Zheng family's flag, dancing in the wind, there were two tall stone beds placed in the center, and beneath these beds were eighteen chairs arranged in a geese wing formation.

At this moment, two people were sitting on the stone beds in the center. The man on the left had a lean face and a beard in three flowing strands, giving the impression of an ethereal existence.

However, that man's eyes contained an intimidating presence that needed no anger to assert itself. And to those who observed closely, the focus would be drawn to his hands.

The fair hands, which looked as delicate as a young girl's, had a faint blue sheen under the sunlight, casting an eerie feeling.

Sitting on the right was a tall and elderly figure with an imposing aura of a hawk-like predator.

Currently, the chairs arranged in the shape of geese wings were mostly occupied. These individuals were generally over forty, their eyes sparkling with sharpness and their bodies exuding an aura of killing intent.

If Zheng Ming were here, he would recognize the Third Elder whom he knew well, now sitting below the tall elder with a cold glint in his thin eyes.

"Family Head, I have just checked the list of our family's youth entering the Jade Blood Pool, and it really makes one's heart swell with joy!"

A man in purple robes said with a smile, rising to his feet and cupping his hands towards the lean man: "This time, there are thirteen spots for entering the Jade Blood Pool, including one at the peak of Eleventh Grade, three in the mid-level of Eleven Ranks, four at the early stage eleventh rank, and four in the middle of the Twelfth Rank..."

"Compared to the last time the Jade Blood Pool was opened, the strength of these juniors has increased by more than ten percent. Surely, the heavens bless our Zheng family."

As soon as the man finished speaking, an older woman stood up and said, "Third Brother is right, this is indeed a great joy for our Zheng family."

"But what I truly admire is the decision made by the Family Head and the Great Elder: determining the order of entry into the Jade Blood Pool by ability, allowing the strong to become even stronger."

"I believe, with this opening of the Jade Blood Pool, we will surely cultivate another Thousand-mile Colt for our Zheng family!"

Her words garnered agreement from many. The Half-Old Woman continued, "Since it's a martial contest for ranking, we must not allow any trickery. Once the order is decided, no one is permitted to change it."

"Furthermore, those who can enter the Jade Blood Pool are the hopeful sons of our Zheng family. We must absolutely not allow any instance of backing out of a fight."

"Our Zheng family does not need cowards!"

No sooner had the woman finished speaking than a stout man stood up and declared loudly, "Yu Niang is right, our Zheng family has no place for cowards. Anyone who backs down without fighting will not only have his qualification to enter the Jade Blood Pool cancelled but will also be expelled from the Zheng family."

"Indeed, our Zheng family does not need cowards!"

"Those who retreat without fighting are gutless rats, bringing shame upon our Zheng family. Such people should be expelled from the family."

Voices resounded through the air, one after another, commanding and moving.

The lean man's expression remained unchanged, but his fair hands, at this moment, gripped the stone bed tightly.

Deep indentations began to appear on the hard green stone.

The man's gaze involuntarily fell on the face of a short, plump elder seated below him.

The elder's face, which was almost always smiling, was now tightly furrowed. He sighed quietly after casting a glance at the imposing elder to the right of the stone bed.

Both he and everyone present understood what the Half-Old Woman's suggestion implied – she intended to cut off someone's retreat path, with the support of the crowd behind her.

"Father, we can't let them continue like this, otherwise..." Zheng Ba, standing behind the elder, said angrily.

The short, plump elder looked at Zheng Ba and shook his head firmly. It was clear to any discerning person that these individuals were merely looking for a righteous cause to take away what others had fought for and to seal off their exit path with seemingly just reasoning.

Such despicable and shameless acts were truly damaging. But what could be done if one understood their intentions? Without more people on one's side, without a stronger fist, one could only endure.

"Forget it!" said the elder with a shake of his head. "We can't contend, and there's no use insisting. I believe Gongxuan will make the most correct choice."

The nod from the short, plump elder made Zheng Zhongwang, the lean and Zheng Family Patriarch, feel increasingly disheartened, but as the Family Head, he could not hesitate on this matter.

"The proposals from everyone are excellent. Our Zheng family's Jade Blood Pool is prepared for those outstanding and brave descendants, and in the martial ranking contest, the fearful will have their qualifications cancelled, and be expelled from the family!"

Zheng Zhongwang spoke with vigor and emphasis, full of boldness, but those familiar with him could see anger in his eyes.

Yet this anger was of no consequence to the Great Elder, who sat on the stone bed with an eyes filled with provocation.

"The Family Head's decision is wise. I wholeheartedly agree," he said.

As soon as the Great Elder spoke, Zheng Jinbin, who stood behind him, clenched his fist gently.

His grandfather had just sealed the last escape route for that boy, and now it was time for him to shatter the boy's bones.

He was well aware that the first set of matches would be between him and that guy named Zheng Ming.

Beating his own brother and causing his family to lose face in front of their kin—this time, he would make him repay all his debts!

More than a dozen steeds galloped from the distance, with Zheng Gongxuan and a young man in green at the forefront.

Although the young man could not be called handsome, his vigorous figure was fully displayed as he spurred the horse and cracked the whip.

If he came with Zheng Gongxuan, then this kid must be the unlucky one who was going to take action with Zheng Jinbin.

Having his limbs broken by Zheng Jinbin, not only would he be unable to enter the Jade Blood Pool but he'd also become a cripple!

When Zheng Gongxuan dismounted, Yu Niang and others revealed mocking smiles on their faces.

"Gongxuan pays respect to the Family Head," Zheng Gongxuan said with a fist-clasp towards Zheng Zhongwang, speaking respectfully.

Although he was filled with rage at Zheng Zhongwang for not keeping his word, as a member of the Zheng Family, he still had to show the due respect to Zheng Zhongwang.

After all, he was the Patriarch of the Zheng Family.

"Gongxuan, there's no need for such formalities." As Zheng Zhongwang spoke, he glanced at Zheng Ming and noticed that the young man merely gave him a faint look and didn't offer any greeting.

Instantly, a rather unpleasant feeling about this young man rose in his mind.

He was only upset that Zheng Ming was disrespectful towards him, yet he hadn't considered that under the bounty he had issued, Zheng Gongxuan had fought desperately and bloodily, ultimately securing his son's place to enter the Jade Blood Pool.

Yet this prize, which came at the risk of death, was now being made a mockery of by himself, the Patriarch, violating his word without a hint of justice.

How could such a man inspire respect in Zheng Ming's heart?

"Gongxuan, your son is indeed impressive," praised Zheng Zhongwang before swiftly changing the subject, "Just now, the Town Chiefs suggested to me that if our Zheng Family wishes to prosper indefinitely, not only do we need martial contests to decide rankings and make the strong stronger!"

"We also need a courageous and battle-ready heart, a heart willing to fight. Only a man willing to battle even the most formidable opponent deserves to be a son of the Zheng Family."

"Regarding this view, I find it very appropriate. After discussions with the Elders, we've decided that any Zheng Family member who gains an entry spot to the Jade Blood Pool will absolutely not be allowed to show any signs of retreat during the ranking battles."

"Otherwise, such cowardly weaklings will have their spots revoked and be expelled from the Zheng Family!"

Zheng Gongxuan's body trembled heavily as he looked up at Zheng Zhongwang, his eyes filled with fury!

After seeing Zheng Jingren, his heart swelled with unwillingness.

But he had decided to endure, to let Zheng Ming be the last to enter the Jade Blood Pool. Although the effect would be minimal, there would still be some.

Yet, the words Zheng Zhongwang told him were pushing Zheng Ming toward a path that led to death.

Not only could he not use the Jade Blood Pool for body cultivation, but he might also very well lose his life! And once he chose to give up, Zheng Ming's life in the Zheng Family was as good as finished.

His reputation ruined, he would also be cast out of the clan.

However, Zheng Gongxuan knew clearly what Zheng Jinbin's cultivation level was: the peak of the Mid-level of Eleven Ranks, just one step away from entering Rank 10.

With the strength of the Ferocious Tiger Fist reaching the Micro, Zheng Jinbin possessed a power not inferior to that of a Tenth Grade Martial Artist. Even though Zheng Ming had defeated Zheng Hu, Zheng Gongxuan didn't believe that Zheng Ming, who had won through trickery, would be a match for Zheng Jinbin.

Looking around, he saw that most of the gazes directed at him were cold.

And the look from the Great Elder was even more mocking, a mockery that said he didn't know when to advance or retreat.

"Zheng Gongxuan, this is the family's decision. Do you have objections?" the first to speak, a purple-robed man, said angrily to Zheng Gongxuan.

Following the words of the purple-robed man, seven or eight voices almost simultaneously shouted at Zheng Gongxuan: "How bold, Zheng Gongxuan! You dare defy the clan's rules?"

"Hehe, Zheng Gongxuan, don't put our entire clan's future at risk for your own selfish desires!" chuckled Half-Old Woman Yu Niang, her words dripping with righteousness, but only she knew the true thoughts behind them.

Zheng Gongxuan's heart bled, and he wished he could smash these hypocrites who distorted the truth, beating them into dust and crushing their mouths.

But he couldn't, all he could do right now was clench his fists tightly and endure!

It wasn't that he lacked the passion, but rather, he had a family behind him that needed his care.

"As for the clan rules, Gongxuan naturally abides by them!" Zheng Gongxuan grit his teeth and got out the words before glancing at Zheng Ming and saying gravely, "My child is of average talent, willing..."

"Father, we should be humble when necessary, but when it's time to act, why bother being humble?" Standing to the side and having been silent up until now, Zheng Ming finally spoke up.

He gestured around him and said indifferently, "I disagree with the martial ranking bouts. Wasting time competing slowly against a bunch of trash is pointless. I'll take this first spot to enter the Jade Blood Pool. Whoever disagrees, feel free to step up!"

"I'll beat you until you're convinced!"

At Zheng Ming's words, silence fell around them, many gazes filled with amazement. They thought that the young man might have gone mad.

"I heard there's someone named Zheng Jinbin with a rather decent cultivation level. Come on, let's see if you can take even one punch from me!" As Zheng Ming spoke, he contemptuously beckoned to Zheng Jinbin!