Invincibility Begins with Mastery of Fist Techniques

Chapter 267 260: A True Relative

The Zhou Family residence, dining hall.

Before an oval dining table, nearly a dozen members of the Nanjiang Zhou Clan were gathered for a small pre-dinner meeting.

Zhou Shiyou, already in his eighties, sat at the head of the table in casual attire. Although his skin looked aged and he was a bit thin, his eyes were bright and full of spirit, giving him a vigorous appearance.

Below Elder Zhou were the three Zhou brothers—Zhou Ruixuan, Zhou Rui Fu, and Zhou Ruming—along with their wives. Further down were some of the younger generation, all seated at the far end of the table.

Zhou Shiyou had always placed great importance on family education, raising his children strictly from a young age and cultivating proper family conduct. As a result, the three Zhou brothers had excellent reputations. For the past six months, with Gong Shouzhuo's help, the Zhou Family had successfully broken into the East Luoni market. Now, the family's power was steadily growing, and they were gradually becoming one of Nanjiang's notable corporations, showing the faint signs of a major clan.

Today's pre-dinner meeting was particularly animated.

"Dad, news just broke online. It's basically confirmed that Donghua's first Martial Arts University is going to be established, and Yuan Jue will be appointed as its president."

"The president of the first Martial Arts University... what an honor! Just think about the presidents of Donghua's first few universities—which one of them didn't go down in history? I never imagined that in just six short months, Yuan Jue would reach such heights. It's unbelievable. His current status and Energy in Donghua are probably beyond anything we can imagine."

Zhou Ruixuan said with a sigh.

"Honor and all that is secondary. The most terrifying thing is Yuan Jue's personal strength. Everyone should know by now that Yuan Jue is an S Class Martial Artist. According to the Martial Artist ranking system circulating online, a single S Class Martial Artist can go head-to-head with an entire army. How terrifying is that kind of Power? When Master Gong saw the rankings, he once said that he himself would, at best, be rated at the peak of C Level. We all know how capable Master Gong is; without him, our Zhou Family business couldn't have expanded so quickly. And there are three whole levels between C and S!"

Zhou Rui Fu spoke up, then turned his gaze toward the head of the table.

Hearing the two of them, Elder Zhou's expression remained unchanged, and he said nothing.

The three Zhou brothers at the table exchanged a glance. Then, the third brother, Zhou Ruming, spoke tentatively, "Dad, Master Gong mentioned that with the recent changes in the international situation, there have been major shifts in some... behind-the-scenes matters. Master Gong said his own abilities are limited. Under these changing circumstances, he might not be able to fully protect the Zhou Family's overseas business. He told us to keep a low profile and be careful for now."

"But our overseas operations are in an expansion phase right now. If we slow down for even a moment, the opportunity will be lost. Look, while Master Gong's abilities are limited, Yuan Jue's are certainly sufficient. Even if he doesn't personally intervene, with his current status and position in the Martial Arts Realm, a single word from him might be enough to keep the Zhou Family safe."

"The third brother has a point. Although Yuan Jue took the initiative to cut ties with us back then, it was to avoid dragging us into his troubles. That shows he still has the Zhou Family in his heart; the connection is still there. Now that he has achieved so much and is no longer in danger, it seems only reasonable for us to restore contact with him, doesn't it?"

Zhou Ruixuan chimed in, agreeing.

"What are you planning to do?"

Just then, Elder Zhou, who had been silent the whole time, spoke faintly.

Seeing their father finally speak, the three Zhou brothers thought he had agreed to their suggestion. A hint of joy appeared on their faces. Zhou Rui Fu continued, "Among the younger generation, Zhi Yao has the best relationship with Yuan Jue. We were planning to have her..."

As Zhou Rui Fu spoke, everyone couldn't help but turn their gazes toward Zhou Zhiyao, who was sitting at the end of the table. The young woman had her head down and was silent, her expression unreadable.

BANG!!

However, before Zhou Rui Fu could finish his sentence, the table suddenly shook. Everyone quickly turned back to look at Elder Zhou, who was seated at the head.

The old man's eyes were narrowed, his gaze sweeping across the room. The authority he had accumulated over many years made everyone present involuntarily lower their heads.

"Have you all let my words go in one ear and out the other?! I said that no one is to contact Yuan Jue! Back when he was insignificant, our Zhou Family didn't help him in the slightest. Now that he's a soaring dragon, you want to immediately cozy up to him? What's the difference between you and those pests that swarm in at the first scent of profit, bringing nothing but harm?! After all these years, is this the kind of people I've raised?!"

The old man roared, his beard trembling with rage.

"How shortsighted can you be, seeing only the benefits and not the danger? Yuan Jue's position is incredibly high now! From such a position, it's true that a single word from him could shelter our Zhou Family. But by the same token, that single word could also attract countless enemies to our doorstep! The Zhou Family is doing just fine as we are. A person must know contentment. Countless stories from history teach us one lesson: if you don't have the strength and foundation to match, don't covet that level of wealth and status! Have you forgotten everything I taught you?"

"Moreover, what Yuan Jue is doing right now is a monumental task that will be recorded in history—becoming the president of a Martial Arts University. Don't you realize the immense difficulties and pressure that come with it? He's doing well now, able to chase his own dreams, and I am very gratified by that. Since I can't offer him any help, the least I can do is not cause him any trouble. That is what a real family member should do! But you, lured by immediate profit, are about to break the very principles of conduct I taught you. Does this mean that for profit in the future, you would even harm me? Or harm anyone else sitting here today?!"

"Has the Zhou Family failed to provide you with food and clothing? Or can it no longer satisfy your ambitions?"

"You've disappointed me so, so much!"

The old man pointed at the three Zhou brothers, spittle flying as he cursed them out thoroughly. In the end, he became too agitated and couldn't catch his breath, breaking into a violent coughing fit. The nearby housekeeper was startled and rushed over to pat his back.

"Dad!" "Grandpa!"

The others at the table also rushed over, their faces fraught with panic.

After having his back gently patted and taking a sip of warm water, the old man finally recovered.

"Now, all of you listen to me carefully. Even if I die, you are not to take the initiative to contact Yuan Jue. Back then, he called me Great-Granduncle. This great-granduncle of his was useless and couldn't give him much help. He is doing great things now. The most I can do is try my best not to cause him any trouble. If any of you dare to disobey me and contact Yuan Jue in private, or act under his name, I will disown you the moment I find out! From that point on, you will no longer be a member of the Zhou Family!"

The old man shook off the hands supporting him and spoke in a deep, heavy voice.