Chapter 7: A Provocation at the Gathering, Handled with Ease

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A staff member respectfully explained, “This is the invitation to tonight’s gathering of the gifted. Only those with a certain level of strength and potential are allowed to attend.” Mao Yu raised an eyebrow, a playful smile curling at the corner of his lips. “Oh? That sounds interesting.” He turned to Mao Ling. “Little one, want to see the splendor of the gifted city?” Mao Ling nodded excitedly. “Yes! I want to go!”

Night fell, and the city lights began to glow.

Mao Yu led Mao Ling to the venue—a luxurious villa located in the city center.

Inside, the villa was brightly lit, filled with the scent of fine perfumes and elegant attire. Many gifted individuals were gathered—some conversing quietly, others savoring their drinks alone. The atmosphere was lively yet tinged with mystery.

Mao Yu’s arrival immediately caught the attention of several people. The glances cast his way ranged from curiosity and scrutiny to subtle hostility, making him feel an invisible pressure.

“Brother, there are so many people…” Mao Ling clutched Mao Yu’s sleeve nervously.

Mao Yu gently patted her hand to reassure her. “Don’t be afraid, I’m here.” He scanned the room, feeling both excited and a little anxious. After all, this was his first time attending such a high-profile gathering, and he didn’t know what kind of people or events he might encounter.

At that moment, a tall, extravagantly dressed man approached—it was Zhang Hong. He strode forward with heavy steps, each one seemingly pressing down on the hearts of those around him. His splendid attire shimmered with dazzling light as he moved. Standing before Mao Yu like a proud peacock, his eyes were full of disdain. Mao Yu, however, stood quietly like an ancient pine, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips—a silent mockery directed at Zhang Hong. The tension between them was like an impending storm about to collide, causing the crowd to instinctively step back, clearing a space that seemed reserved solely for their confrontation.

Zhang Hong arrogantly sized Mao Yu up, sneering sarcastically, “Hey, isn’t this the hotshot Mao Young Master? What are you doing here trying to polish your image?” Mao Yu inwardly scoffed; this guy was clearly looking for trouble.

Without changing expression, Mao Yu replied coolly, “Zhang Young Master, you jest. I’m just here to take a look, unlike some who only know how to show off every day.”

Zhang Hong’s face darkened, and a crowd began to gather, the atmosphere suddenly growing tense.

“Kid, don’t think that just because you’ve done some favors for the Gifted Bureau, you can look down on everyone!” Zhang Hong’s voice carried a threat. “There are people you can’t afford to provoke!” He deliberately raised his voice, hoping to embarrass Mao Yu in front of everyone.

Whispers around them grew louder, many eager to see Mao Yu humiliated.

A slight, mysterious smile curved Mao Yu’s lips…

“Zhang Young Master, are you trying to—”

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“Zhang Young Master, are you advising me on how to act?” Mao Yu said calmly, feigning innocence as he touched his ear.

He paused, then his tone turned teasing. “What’s this, Zhang Young Master is jealous because I’m better than you?” A few low chuckles rose from the crowd, making Zhang Hong’s face even uglier.

“Better? You? Don’t make me laugh,” Zhang Hong snorted coldly. “Do you even know who I am? I am—”

“Stop!” Mao Yu interrupted. “I know. You’re the eldest young master of the Zhang family, with a prestigious background, exceptional talent, and so on.” He mimicked a broadcaster’s tone, exaggerating for effect, “I know all that, no need to repeat it; my ears are getting calluses.”

Zhang Hong’s face turned an angry shade of iron blue. Just as he was about to explode, Mao Yu cut in first.

“But compared to the silver spoon you were born with, Zhang Young Master, I prefer clawing my way up with my own effort. For example, there was a conman who tried to swindle me, and I saw through his tricks at a glance, then turned him over to the police. Also, the Gifted Bureau initially looked down on me, thinking I was useless, but then I…” Mao Yu deliberately paused, drawing out the suspense.

“What happened next?” someone couldn’t help but ask.

Mao Yu smiled lightly, his tone casual. “Now they treat me with great respect and have even invited me to join the Special Operations Unit.” As he spoke, Mao Yu raised his hand slightly, fingertips glowing with a ghostly blue light. The light slithered like lively little snakes, rapidly wrapping around his arm, causing his muscles to bulge with tremendous power. Clenching his fist, the blue light formed a mysterious rune on it. When he threw a punch, the surrounding air seemed to tear apart with a sharp whistle, astonishing everyone with the strange and powerful gift.

Zhang Hong’s expression changed drastically.

He hadn’t expected Mao Yu to be so formidable—not only exposing the conman but also gaining the Bureau’s recognition.

The crowd’s gaze shifted from curiosity to admiration.

“You…” Zhang Hong, humiliated and furious, lost control of his temper and suddenly swung a fist at Mao Yu. “Kid, how dare you mock me!”

Mao Yu had anticipated this. With a graceful sidestep, he dodged effortlessly like a breeze, Zhang’s fist only grazing his sleeve.

Mao Yu quickly activated a temporary ability granted by his system, instantly boosting his speed and strength. In a flash, he counterattacked, landing a punch on Zhang Hong’s abdomen. Zhang’s eyes widened, his arrogant expression still lingering but unable to react before the blow struck. His body flew backward like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily to the ground and kicking up dust.

Mao Yu gave him no chance to recover, raining down punches and kicks like raindrops. Zhang Hong was left defenseless, eventually collapsing in a pitiful heap, clutching his stomach in pain.

Mao Yu stood there, clapping his hands with an air of ease and satisfaction.

The onlookers were stunned by his strength, their eyes filled with admiration.

“Zhang Young Master, next time you want to cause trouble for me, you’d better weigh your own strength first,” Mao Yu said coolly, then turned and walked away, leaving Zhang Hong struggling alone on the ground.

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Among the crowd, a figure quietly observed everything, a faint trace of appreciation flickering in her eyes…

“Interesting…” Feng Yao whispered softly. Standing at the edge of the crowd, her cold and beautiful face bore a barely noticeable smile. Mao Yu’s performance far exceeded her expectations. This seemingly carefree fellow possessed such formidable power and intelligence.

While admiring Mao Yu, she also pondered what impact his appearance might have on the balance of power within the gifted world—or whether she had her own reasons for paying such close attention to him.

Mao Ling jumped excitedly nearby. Though a bit nervous during Mao Yu’s confrontation with Zhang Hong, she bravely spoke up for her brother: “Brother is the best! You bad guy, don’t bully him!” Her innocent and radiant smile was like a ray of winter sunlight, warming Mao Yu’s heart.

After the gathering ended, some gifted individuals approached Mao Yu to chat. They admired his strength and expressed interest in cooperation.

Mao Yu responded to each eagerly. His network quietly expanded, and his status in the gifted world steadily rose.

He felt an unprecedented sense of pride, his blood boiling with passion. He yearned to grow stronger and stand at the pinnacle of the gifted city.

However, the joy of victory was short-lived.

Watching Zhang Hong being helped away, his eyes filled with hatred, Mao Yu’s heart grew uneasy.

He knew this clash was only the beginning; many more challenges and troubles awaited him.

Frowning, the lively atmosphere of the gathering seemed to freeze in an instant, an invisible pressure weighing on his heart.

Just then, the system’s voice suddenly rang in Mao Yu’s mind: “Ding! High-energy reaction detected nearby…”

Mao Yu’s eyes sharpened.

He whispered to Mao Ling and Feng Yao, “Let’s go.” With that, he headed toward the source of the energy reaction, disappearing into the night…