Li Yundong’s words momentarily stunned Ziyuan.

Ever since she first saw a shadow of her Master in this young man, she had subconsciously been chasing that image within him.

Now, however, it seemed he and her Master were worlds apart.

Her Master was humble, gentle, forbearing, and restrained, while this young man before her was spirited, impulsive, and fiercely antagonistic toward evil.

A wave of confusion washed over Ziyuan’s eyes.

Seeing her look, Li Yundong mistook it for reluctance to participate in the competition.

He said, "Ziyuan, I understand you might have difficulties.

If you don't want to compete, I won't force you..." Hearing this, Ziyuan snapped back to reality as if waking from a dream.

She laughed, "Who said I don't want to?" Li Yundong blinked in surprise, then erupted in delight. "You're willing?" Ziyuan smiled faintly, "Tea artistry isn't something you pick up in a few days.

Besides, it would be quite an awkward sight to see a grown man like you performing tea ceremony!" Li Yundong chuckled heartily, "If you're willing to step up, naturally I won't embarrass myself." Although Su Chan and Ruan Hongling often clashed, at this moment, they were united against a common foe.

Seeing Ziyuan agree to compete filled them with joy, and even the perpetually cold-faced Zhou Qin couldn't suppress a faint smile.

Several days passed this way until the inaugural China Tea Culture Art Challenge finally commenced in the plaza of the Dongwu City Workers' Cultural Palace.

When Li Yundong and his group arrived, they found the area festooned with colorful banners, teeming with a massive crowd.

Reporters wielding video and still cameras were everywhere, snapping away relentlessly at the provocatively dressed waitresses and the elegantly poised tea masters, undoubtedly murdering rolls of film in the process.

Li Yundong expressed surprise, "So many people showed up?" Su Chan, thriving on excitement, clapped her hands gleefully upon seeing the lively scene. "It's so vibrant! Yundong, what number are we scheduled for?" Li Yundong surveyed the surroundings.

He noted many corporate sponsors exhibiting, with beautiful hostesses holding signs displaying various teas and company banners.

They, entering as private individuals, were—like a scorpion's droppings—truly unique.

Li Yundong smiled, "I don't know.

I suppose there will be a random draw later?" Zhou Qin scanned the area and stated gravely, "Many famous teas are present.

Look over there—the West Lake Longjing, touted as one of China's Ten Great Teas, and the Dongting Bi Luo Chun, known as the 'Smell That Startles Even Ghosts.' Next to it is the Junshan Yinzhen, elegantly dubbed 'Gold-Inlaid Jade,' and beside the silver needles is the Yunnan Pu'er Tea, often praised as an 'Antique Tea You Can Drink'..." Zhou Qin pointed them out one by one, then suddenly her expression shifted, and she gasped softly, "Li Yundong, look!" Li Yundong followed her gaze and saw that Qing'er, the disciple of the arrogantly proud Zhong Qingsong, was also among the competitors.

However, despite being practitioners from the Huangshan Songgu Nunnery, they had chosen Wuyi Da Hong Pao instead of a Huangshan tea.

Li Yundong, knowing little about tea, asked in confusion, "What’s the big deal about that?" It was Su Chan who cheerfully explained, "That's an exquisite premium tea, even more expensive than Huangshan Maofeng! I heard my Master say that twenty grams of such top-grade Da Hong Pao can sell for over a hundred thousand yuan!" Li Yundong was horrified. "What? Does that mean taking a single sip costs a hundred thousand?" Ziyuan smiled faintly, "Tea culture has a long and deep history, featuring both high-end and low-end teas.

While anyone can afford the lower-grade teas, the premium varieties are the sole indulgence of the wealthy.

The remaining Da Hong Pao trees, only four in number, cling to the sheer cliffs of Jiulongke.

With such a limited yield, the price is naturally astronomical!" Li Yundong couldn't help but sigh dramatically, "Damn it, I, a cultivator, can barely support my own disciples, yet these bastards can drain a fortune on one cup of tea! What kind of world is this!" Su Chan tugged Li Yundong’s hand, grinning, "I believe you'll make a fortune someday.

If you do, this little lady will follow you to enjoy the finest things in life!" Li Yundong laughed, patting the little girl's forehead. "Alright, I'll take that as a good omen! But you need to eat a bit less; with your appetite, you could bankrupt a gold mine!" Su Chan immediately pouted, looking quite put out. "You're already lecturing me before we've even made any money! How mean! I swear I eat very little..." Her innocent and carefree demeanor brought gentle smiles from Ziyuan and Zhou Qin, and Li Yundong roared with laughter, ruffling her cheek.

Their group—one handsome, striking man accompanied by four stunningly beautiful women, each with a distinct aura—instantly drew considerable attention.

Many reporters and tourists rushed toward them, cameras flashing.

As Li Yundong and his party were chatting and laughing, they suddenly heard a surprised voice nearby shouting, "Beauty, I found you again!" They turned to see a young, handsome man shouting excitedly at Su Chan.

Li Yundong looked and recognized him—the rich second-generation heir who had aggressively pursued Su Chan at Qili Shantang until Li Yundong had tricked him.

Why was this guy here? Wait, there was a girl standing next to him, and she looked very familiar too! Su Chan frowned deeply, pulling on Li Yundong's sleeve. "Seeing this guy again is so annoying.

Why is he haunting us?" Li Yundong spared only a quick glance at Shen You before focusing on the girl next to him.

She had her back to him, curiously snapping photos with her DSLR.

When she turned her face, Li Yundong gasped in shock: Wasn't that the voluptuous, youthful-faced Shen Hui! Shen Hui turned and immediately spotted Li Yundong.

She, too, was startled. "Why is it you?" Shen You glanced at Shen Hui, stepped closer to her, and asked curiously, "Little sis, you know this guy?" Shen Hui snorted.

Seeing Shen You approach, she eyed him with distaste and subtly created distance.

She sneered, "Of course I know him; he's an old acquaintance.

Oh?" With that, she shot Li Yundong a malicious look, smiling without warmth.

Shen Hui quickly assessed the beauties beside Li Yundong and scoffed, "By the way, why aren't you staying in Tiannan City? Don't tell me you all came here to compete?" Li Yundong felt a pang of awkwardness recalling their last encounter.

He cleared his throat and replied, "What, is that not allowed?" Shen Hui let out a mocking laugh. "How would I dare forbid it? But if you really are here to compete, I'll give you an opportunity.

Right here, in front of everyone, if you can clean my shoes, I guarantee you first place.

If you refuse, I guarantee you'll fail miserably!" Li Yundong was naturally proud and could not tolerate such a spoiled young woman's arrogance.

His face darkened instantly, and he returned a cold laugh. "How about this: right here in front of everyone, you kneel down and kowtow to me three times, and I'll accept you as a disciple and spare your backside.

Otherwise, I’ll strip you bare and beat your bottom black and blue.

What do you say?" Shen Hui’s face immediately went pale, trembling with rage. "Li Yundong, don't be so arrogant!" Li Yundong sneered back, "It sounds like you're the one being arrogant!" Shen You’s eyes darted to the side, and he quietly asked Shen Hui, "Sis, did this guy offend you?" Shen Hui glared at him. "None of your business!" Shen You didn't mind.

For him, causing trouble for Li Yundong was the most welcome activity.

If he could thoroughly humiliate the guy, it would make it easier to steal his sweetheart! Shen You chuckled, putting on the air of a spoiled wastrel.

He lifted his chin and addressed Li Yundong, "Hey, I advise you all to pack up and leave.

Don't bother entering this competition." Ruan Hongling, who had been held back by Ziyuan until now, finally couldn't contain herself.

She jumped up and cursed loudly, "You two shameless things, what are you showing off for? So what if you have some influential father? Get out! Scram! Without your old man, what are you worth?" Su Chan surprisingly agreed, nodding vigorously and making a face at Shen You.

Shen You was momentarily startled, but seeing Ruan Hongling's furious expression, he found that her anger lent her a unique charm.

Especially since Su Chan, beside her, had just made a cute, playful face that made his heart itch.

With such stunning beauty before him, Shen You was momentarily mesmerized, unable to walk, transforming into a lovesick fool.

Shen Hui felt nauseous watching this display.

She shot Li Yundong a vicious look and was about to leave when she spotted a familiar figure approaching.

Her face lit up with joy, and she rushed over. "Dad!" Well, speak of the devil! Li Yundong and the others all turned their attention over.

They watched Shen Hui affectionately throw herself into the arms of an elderly man in his sixties.

This man was distinguished, dressed in a suit and leather shoes, slightly portly, but his eyes were sharp and bright.

Zhou Qin frowned, leaned toward Li Yundong, and whispered, "That's Shen Wancai, the head of the Wancai Group in Tiannan City.

He's a big shot there.

I wonder why he's in Dongwu City—maybe business?" As they were speculating, Shen You, Shen Hui, and several nearby bodyguards escorted Shen Wancai toward the stage.

Shen Wancai exchanged pleasantries with the host and Zheng Youming on the stage before proceeding directly to the center seat of the judges' panel.

Li Yundong sucked in a sharp breath. "No way? He’s a judge?" Zhou Qin frowned deeply. "No wonder Shen Hui was speaking so arrogantly; she knew Shen Wancai was a judge.

Given Shen Wancai's influence, his scores will directly sway the other judges.

The others probably wouldn't dare offend him." Su Chan looked worried. "Ah? Does that mean we’re doomed?" Ruan Hongling’s face flushed with anger. "What kind of world is this! A bunch of outwardly respectable men who are secretly engaged in vile and dirty dealings! Bah! I'm going to tell everyone!" Ziyuan quickly pulled her back, shouting, "Nonsense! Do you have proof? You're causing a scene before the competition has even begun!" Zhou Qin stated gravely, "What do we do now? Advance or retreat? Make a decision quickly!" Li Yundong hesitated for a moment.

He had never expected that entering a simple tea ceremony competition would involve such heavy resistance—facing dual layers of hidden rules from both the organizers and the judges before the start.

Even with his resolute will, Li Yundong felt a knot of worry in his stomach, furrowing his brow in thought.

But as he hesitated, his gaze swept across the stage and landed on Shen Hui, who was staring at him with a provocative look, seemingly conveying: Leave quickly before you embarrass yourself! Beside her, Shen You’s lecherous eyes were constantly sweeping over Su Chan.

This finally enraged Li Yundong.

His expression turned icy as deep water, and he declared firmly, "I once said that we cultivators should possess the spirit of knowingly heading toward the tiger's den.

If we retreat over such petty worldly matters, then what's the point of cultivating? We might as well go home and buy soy sauce!" To everyone present, I apologize for the late update; I was dining with my teacher who ranks highly among you all.

Bowing deeply in apology!