Chapter 36: The Aftermath of the Grand Tournament, New Horizons and Opportunities Arise

The camera flashes flickered frantically, pouring down like a torrential rainstorm. Microphones were thrust toward Mao Yu like cannons and spears.

"Young Master Mao, how did you manage to turn the tide at the very last moment?" "Young Master Mao, what are your thoughts on Referee Wang’s ruling?" "Young Master Mao, how does it feel to be the champion? What are your future plans?"

A tide of questions surged forward, and Mao Yu felt as if he were about to be submerged. The surrounding crowd was a sea of people, and the cacophony made him feel dizzy. The joy of victory was diluted by this sudden "carnival," and a strange sense of oppression hung over him. He only wanted to escape this place and find a quiet corner to catch his breath.

"Brother! Brother! I’m here!" Mao Ling’s clear voice burst through the crowd like a small bomb, carving out a path. She pulled Feng Yao along, struggling to squeeze through to Mao Yu’s side, and they stood on his left and right like two protective chicks. Although Feng Yao remained silent, the cold aura radiating from her caused those nearby to instinctively step back, carving out a small space for Mao Yu to breathe.

However, the matter did not end there. One wave subsided, only for another to rise. The seeds of jealousy took root and sprouted in the shadows; some ability users who had lost the match, along with those who simply disliked Mao Yu, began spreading rumors behind his back, claiming he had cheated and used underhanded methods to win the championship.

"Hmph, this Mao Yu was a nobody before; how could he suddenly be so strong? There’s definitely something fishy going on!"

"Exactly! I heard his relationship with the referee is unusual—maybe it was rigged from the start!"

These rumors spread like a virus. Even the bystanders, ignorant of the truth, began to point fingers and whisper.

"This kid looks decent enough, but who knew he was a fraud?"

"Sigh, the youth of today—they’ll do anything for fame!"

Hearing these whispers, Mao Yu’s face darkened. He clenched his fists until his knuckles cracked, a fire of rage burning in his chest. He wanted to find the mastermind and drag these rumor-mongers out to teach them a lesson.

Just then, a man in a suit pushed through the crowd, walked up to Mao Yu, and presented a gold-stamped business card: "Young Master Mao, congratulations on your victory! We are the 'Tian Shu' organization, and we would like to invite you to join us..."

Mao Yu did not rush to defend himself; a glimmer of determination flashed in his eyes. He took the gold-stamped card, and a cold smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Hmph, rumors stop with the wise. I will let my strength do the talking!"

"Young Master Mao, this is our public ability showcase. I trust you will be able to display your skills here and prove your strength," the man in the suit continued, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Mao Yu nodded, having already made his decision. He chose to accept the invitation, intending to use the public exhibition to show his true power and silence the gossipers. When this decision was announced, the jealous crowd was taken aback. They had expected Mao Yu to fall into a cycle of passive defense; they had not anticipated such a decisive counterattack.

"Brother, are you really going to participate in that event?" A hint of worry flashed in Mao Ling’s eyes, though it was overshadowed by her trust in him.

"Don’t worry, Xiao Ling. With you cheering for me, I’ll definitely succeed," Mao Yu said, patting her head with a gentle smile.

During the preparations, Feng Yao and Mao Ling stayed by his side. Feng Yao quietly prepared his attire, her eyes filled with tenderness. Observing her meticulous actions, Mao Yu felt deeply touched. He realized that this girl, usually so aloof, truly cared for him deep down. Meanwhile, Mao Ling kept him entertained with various jokes, and Mao Yu’s mood lightened; feeling their care, the anger in his heart dissipated significantly.

"Brother, you look absolutely stunning in this outfit!" Mao Ling exclaimed excitedly, her eyes sparkling.

Feng Yao nodded slightly, a faint smile on her lips. "Mao Yu, you will win."

A warm current surged through Mao Yu’s heart. He took a deep breath, his eyes filled with resolve. Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside. Several aggressive-looking ability users appeared at the entrance, their gazes filled with provocation and hostility.

Mao Yu’s eyes narrowed, and a cold smirk played on his lips. "The show is finally about to begin." These uninvited guests held their noses high, acting as if they owned the place.

The red-haired man in the lead spoke with a sneer, "Oh, isn't this our big champion, Young Master Mao? I hear you’re very impressive; I’ve come today specifically to learn a few moves."

"Learn? I think you’ve come to cause trouble," Mao Ling retorted without hesitation.

The red-haired man’s face sank. "Little brat, this is no place for you to speak! Mao Yu, do you dare to accept our challenge?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Mao Yu retorted coldly, his eyes full of confidence.

The ability showcase officially began, and the red-haired group launched their attack first. Fireballs, ice shards, and wind blades—all sorts of abilities rained down on Mao Yu simultaneously. These guys had clearly coordinated beforehand, unleashing their ultimate moves immediately to end the fight quickly and humiliate him.

The audience held their breath, watching the situation on stage intently. Though these challengers were not as strong as Mao Yu, their coordination was tight and their attacks fierce, catching Mao Yu off guard for a moment.

"Young Master Mao, go for it!" Mao Ling waved her small fists and cheered loudly.

"Mao Yu, watch out!" Feng Yao couldn't help but warn him.

Mao Yu’s lips curled slightly, a flash of cunning in his eyes. He dodged the attacks nimbly while observing the flaws in his opponents' defense, like an agile leopard waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

"Is that it? I thought you were actually powerful, but you're nothing," Mao Yu mocked, successfully infuriating his opponents.

The red-haired man and his group, consumed by embarrassment and rage, attacked even more frantically—and recklessly. Seizing the opportunity, Mao Yu unleashed his powerful abilities. Dazzling light instantly engulfed the arena, and the powerful energy fluctuations caused the very air to tremble. Before the challengers could react, they were sent flying by the overwhelming force, crashing heavily to the ground and groaning in pain.

"Is that all? Weaklings!" Mao Yu curled his lip in disdain, then turned and walked toward the spectator stands with effortless grace.

Those jealous individuals who had been waiting to see Mao Yu make a fool of himself now wilted like frost-bitten eggplants, slinking away from the scene one by one. Mao Yu was once again the center of attention, with applause and cheers surging like a tide.

After the event, Mao Yu returned to the lounge and found a mysterious letter on the table. He tore open the envelope to find a single message: "A great opportunity, and a great danger."

Mao Yu frowned, filled with doubt. He turned to look out the window, his gaze deep and resolute. "Interesting..." He grabbed his coat and pushed the door open.

"Wait for me, Brother!" Mao Ling’s clear voice echoed from behind.