The two little ones were also exhausted, though they seemed more spirited than Zhang Yang. The internal energy Zhang Yang had channeled into the branches had drained him significantly, compounded by the need to remain constantly alert against the two little ones’ attacks. This single hour of fighting was more taxing than a full day sparring with Long Feng usually was.

The bout ultimately ended without a clear victor, concluding in a draw.

Strictly speaking, however, Zhang Yang had lost; his energy expenditure was too great. In a fight to the death, the two little ones could simply wear him down, and since their speed surpassed his own, escape would be difficult.

“Wuying, when—when did you learn that move?”

Gasping for breath, Zhang Yang asked, a hint of surprise in his voice. Wuying was formidable, but the inability to assist in past battles had always been a drawback. Now that Wuying possessed the ability to project internal energy externally for offense, it was like suddenly gaining a massive asset by his side.

“Chirp chirp!”

Wuying squeaked excitedly. It was also a bit tired, but far less so than Zhang Yang. It had expelled quite a bit of internal energy today.

It was communicating to Zhang Yang that this was a skill it had learned recently. The reason it acquired this ability was because the Illusory Mouse had given it a seed, which finally allowed it to develop its own offensive capabilities.

Wuying’s internal energy power was at best equivalent to the mid-to-late stage of the Third Layer. However, because it could project its internal energy outwardly like a Fourth Layer master, its destructive power was comparable to theirs. Currently, Wuying was effectively half a Fourth Layer master.

Even so, Zhang Yang was extremely satisfied. With Lightning and Wuying working together, they now possessed the strength to challenge genuine Fourth Layer masters. Encountering Zhang Yun’an again, he certainly wouldn’t be as beleaguered as last time.

This unexpected discovery of Wuying’s offensive power kept Zhang Yang happy for several days. Since there was nothing pressing, he took a Vital Essence Pill and entered seclusion. As for the spirit medicines for the two little ones, Zhang Yang was never stingy; the stronger they became, the stronger he became.

This Vital Essence Pill did not lead to a breakthrough for Zhang Yang. The Spirit Ape itself only possessed the strength of the late Third Layer, and the effect of the pill on Zhang Yang at the late Third Layer was already diminishing. If he reached the Fourth Layer, these pills would be even less effective, and taking them then would only be a waste.

“Young Master Su looks quite refreshed; did something good happen?”

At the base of a towering office building, Zhang Yang teased Su Zhantao with a smile. Su Zhantao was wearing a red casual outfit today, and his face was constantly wreathed in smiles.

“Absolutely! My father finally agreed to let us be together. If possible, he even agreed to let us get engaged first!”

Su Zhantao’s smile widened even further as he proudly told Zhang Yang this news. He was referring to his relationship with Yang Ling. The two of them had finally achieved a successful outcome.

Su Shaoqiang had reservations about Yang Ling; she was older than Su Zhantao and was involved in commerce. Su Shaoqiang preferred a more traditional daughter-in-law. However, Su Zhantao was adamant that he would marry no one but Yang Ling, leaving Su Shaoqiang with no choice but to consent.

Su Shaoqiang’s eventual agreement was partly influenced by Yang Ling’s family background. While he was unsatisfied with Yang Ling as a person, he was extremely pleased with her family: both of Yang Ling’s parents were university professors and scholars—a true family steeped in academia. Her family status ultimately compensated for the other shortcomings, leading Su Shaoqiang to agree to their engagement.

“Congratulations! When is the engagement? Make sure it’s a grand affair!”

Long Cheng poked his head out from behind, with Wang Chen and Wu Zhiguo alongside him. All of them wore smiles, reflecting the celebratory mood.

Indeed, it was a joyous day. Li Ya’s investment company, in which Zhang Yang held shares, was finally having its official opening. This was the first business venture Zhang Yang had personally invested in. Although he wouldn’t be involved in the daily operations, as a shareholder, he had to attend the opening ceremony.

Zhang Yang no longer harbored any doubt about Li Ya’s capabilities. In the time before the official opening, Li Ya’s investment firm had already been operating and had earned a considerable amount. By the year-end dividends, Zhang Yang expected to receive several million in profit. A two-million investment yielding several million in dividends in just a few months, at the very beginning, made Zhang Yang extremely optimistic about the company.

“Sometime after the New Year. We’ll pick a date then and definitely throw a big party. You all can’t miss it!”

Su Zhantao grinned. Yang Ling wasn't present at that moment; she was chatting with Mi Xue nearby. Mi Xue had also become a boss now, giving the two women common ground to discuss. Watching Mi Xue smile happily, Zhang Yang felt a stirring in his heart.

Zhang Keqin had already met Mi Zhiguo. He and Mi Xue had been together for a good while now. A direct marriage might be too soon for them, but an engagement was certainly feasible. Getting engaged to Mi Xue would allow them to be truly together afterward. Mi Xue had never mentioned engagement, but Zhang Yang knew she deeply desired it. He had long since settled on her, and if possible, this matter could be handled first.

“Zhantao, when after the New Year is the engagement?” Zhang Yang asked casually, glancing at Mi Xue. He was already starting to contemplate his own engagement. In this life, he certainly wouldn't repeat the trajectory of his previous one; he needed a stable family.

“Before May Day. My dad wants us to marry within a year of the engagement, so there’s no need to rush the engagement itself,” Su Zhantao replied quietly. Marrying within a year of engagement meant Su Zhantao’s bachelor days were numbered.

“Another one heading for the grave. I don't know why you guys rush into marriage so early; wouldn't it be better to enjoy yourselves for a few more years?” Wang Chen pouted. His personal philosophy was firmly against marriage; if he married, he wouldn't be able to go around chasing girls as he did now.

“If you’re not getting married, don't drag others down. Do you think everyone is like you?” Long Cheng lightly smacked Wang Chen’s head, chastising him with a laugh.

“I didn’t say I’d never get married, just later!” Wang Chen covered his head in mock grievance, while Wu Zhiguo roared with laughter beside him. Wu Zhiguo had gotten engaged last year but hadn't tied the knot yet, though he couldn’t hold out much longer; marriage was likely within the next couple of years.

As the group chatted and laughed, Li Ya walked toward them, looking the busiest today. Since the others weren't familiar with everyone here, they couldn’t offer much help.

The stage had been set up, and many floral baskets sent as gifts were already arranged to the side. Li Ya had good connections in Changjing, so many people were expected to attend his company’s opening to offer congratulations.

“Boss Li, all wrapped up?” Wang Chen joked again as Li Ya approached.

“Wrapped up? How could I be done? Knowing how tiring an opening ceremony is, I almost didn't hold this event!” Li Ya shook his head vigorously. He had certainly been running ragged all day; his legs hadn't stopped moving since morning.

Li Ya had come over specifically to arrange the ribbon-cutting ceremony. All of them, being shareholders, were expected on stage for the cutting, and later, during the celebratory dinner, they would all have to make toasts. Li Ya specifically reminded Zhang Yang, knowing his impressive capacity for alcohol—it would be foolish not to utilize such a skill.

After speaking, Li Ya departed. Most of the guests had arrived by now.

The opening ceremony was about to begin. The host had just announced the start when two heavyweight representatives arrived one after the other… Zhao Min and Su Shaoqiang’s secretaries both appeared at the venue. Since both Zhang Yang and Su Zhantao held shares, their new company’s opening called for some support from their fathers. It would have been impossible for Zhang Keqin and Su Shaoqiang to attend simultaneously; no private enterprise opening in Changjing could have commanded both of their presences. The arrival of their secretaries was representative enough of their status.

Zhao Min’s presence was only slightly surprising to Zhang Yang, but seeing his father’s secretary, Su Zhantao became visibly emotional, his lips trembling a few times. This gesture signaled his father’s approval of this investment. Su Shaoqiang had rarely approved of anything Su Zhantao had done since childhood, so it was understandable he would be so affected.

Many people present who recognized them looked surprised, causing them to revise their assessment of this investment company’s strength. The happiest person was Li Ya; having both figures appear reflected the greatest honor on him, as he was the main protagonist of the day. Of course, Li Ya’s joy was tempered by awareness; he knew precisely why they had come.

Both men arrived, offered their congratulations, and then left without staying for the ribbon cutting. For them, making an appearance was a sufficient show of support. Having stated their position, there was no need to linger. Despite Li Ya’s polite requests to stay, they left the opening site, following the same route they arrived on.

Their arrival instantly galvanized the atmosphere, and the opening ceremony proceeded flawlessly. Afterward, all the guests toured Li Ya’s new company. Li Ya had purchased an entire floor of the office building; the whole floor belonged to their firm. Many employees were already working inside, and the guests simply toured briefly before departing, ensuring no disruption to their work. The company was still small, with fewer than twenty employees, but Li Ya was confident he could grow it to over a hundred, perhaps even more, truly establishing himself as a giant in the investment industry.

“Ring ring!”

Just as he arrived at the restaurant and before he could find his seat, Zhang Yang’s phone rang. His canvas bag had become something of a trademark; many people noticed it. His clothes were fine, well-fitted, and he was presentable, yet he carried a mismatched canvas bag, which somehow looked odd. However, Zhang Yang had grown accustomed to the bag; finding a replacement with adequate space and utility wouldn't be easy, so he hadn't swapped it out.

He pulled out his phone, looked at the number, and stepped aside to answer.

“Boss, bad news! Hu Xin was beaten up! Badly!” Gu Cheng’s frantic cry came through the phone. Many chaotic sounds echoed from the receiver.

Zhang Yang’s expression instantly darkened. Hu Xin and Gu Cheng had been extremely busy lately, and Zhang Yang had been focused on cultivation, so he hadn't seen them. To receive news like this now was terrible.

“Don’t panic. Tell me the address; I’m coming right now!” Zhang Yang asked quickly. He trusted that Hu Xin must be in a dire state if Gu Cheng was this frantic; saving even a little time could mean a lot for Hu Xin.

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