My Ares Son-in-Law

Over the years, the Zhou family had tried countless times to establish a relationship with the Qingyang Sword Sect, only to be politely turned away each time. Who would have thought that Zhou Keying's birthday banquet could actually get this powerful figure to come?
Zhou Fenfang hurriedly stepped forward, her face beaming with a fawning smile: "Mr. Lin, your presence is a delightful surprise!"

Lin Zhenghao nodded slightly: "It's only natural that I, Lin, would attend Miss Zhou's birthday banquet."

These words, though not spoken in loud voices, caused the scions of the powerful families who had been watching the commotion to gasp in unison. When had the Qingyang Sword Sect, always so aloof and detached, ever been so courteous to a business family?
Zhou Fenfang was overjoyed and quickly winked at her daughter, "Keying, hurry up and thank Mr. Lin."

Zhou Keying was about to speak when Lin Zhenghao waved his hand and laughed, "No need to be so polite, we're all family."

own people?
These three words left everyone present even more confused. The Zhou family and the Qingyang Sword Sect had never had any dealings before, so when did they become "one of their own"?

Lin Zhenghao gave Lü Kuang a meaningful look, then turned to Zhou Keying and said gently, "Miss Zhou, I've heard the scenery in the provincial capital is particularly beautiful at this time of year. I think you might want to stay here a little longer. What do you say, Zhou Fenfang?"

Zhou Fenfang could only nod: "Mr. Lin is right..."

Having been ignored for so long, Lü Kuang finally couldn't hold back any longer and said in a deep voice, "Lin Zhenghao, what do you mean by this? You should know that Zhou Keying will eventually become a member of the Lü family!"

Lin Zhenghao sneered, "Don't speak too confidently. Who can predict the future?"

Lu Kuang immediately understood that Lin Zhenghao was targeting him, and laughed angrily, "Lin Zhenghao, your Qingyang Sword Sect is no longer the number one sect in the Western Region! Now that you've offended the Lu family, you'd better think carefully about the consequences!"

"The Lü family?" A mocking smile appeared on Lin Zhenghao's lips. At this moment, the honor or disgrace of any aristocratic family no longer mattered to him. The only person he submitted to was the young man who had displayed astonishing strength on the life-or-death stage—Xiao Chen.

After thoroughly investigating the relationship between Zhou Keying and Xiao Chen, he had already made up his mind to protect her. As for the feud between the Lü family and the Qingyang Sword Sect, that was a matter for later.

"Lu Kuang, the Lu family is indeed powerful, but you're nothing more than a lackey. I, Lin Zhenghao, can represent the Qingyang Sword Sect, but what about you? Can you represent the Lu family?"

"You—!" Lu Kuang trembled with rage, his inner energy surging, but Lin Zhenghao easily neutralized it with a wave of his hand.

"Hmph! We'll see!" Lü Kuang angrily flung his sleeves and headed towards the rest area.

Zhou Fenfang was at a loss. These two influential figures in the martial arts world would actually clash in public over her daughter? However, upon weighing the options, Lin Zhenghao clearly carried more weight.

She quickly smiled apologetically at Lin Zhenghao, "Mr. Lin, we will definitely pay you a visit another day. Please put in a good word for us with the Qingyang Sword Sect Master."

Lin Zhenghao nodded, then turned to Zhou Keying with a hint of respect: "I will naturally give Miss Zhou face. The banquet is about to begin, isn't it? I came in a hurry this time and only prepared a small gift; I hope Miss Zhou won't find it offensive."

"Mr. Lin, you're too kind..." Zhou Keying grew increasingly puzzled. Why was Lin Zhenghao, given his status, so respectful to her? Even with a hint of caution.

Zhou Fenfang was equally perplexed. In the past, people were only polite to Zhou Keying out of respect for the Zhou family, but today it was completely the opposite. Could it be…?

Suddenly remembering something, she tentatively asked, "I heard that Mr. Lin came to the provincial capital this time for the life-or-death battle between Situ Xiong and Xiao Chen. I wonder how Xiao Chen is doing now?"

These words caused Zhou Keying's expression to change drastically. What life-or-death arena? What final battle? Has something happened to Xiao Chen?
No wonder he promised to come early, but he's been nowhere to be seen!
Seeing that Lin Zhenghao did not answer, Zhou Fenfang continued, "That Xiao Chen is also overestimating himself, daring to accept a challenge from a strongman like Situ Xiong. It's like a mantis trying to stop a chariot!"

Zhou Keying's delicate body trembled slightly, a sense of foreboding washing over her. Her eyes reddened, and she looked anxiously at Lin Zhenghao: "Mr. Lin, is Xiao Chen... still alive?"

Before the words were finished, a tall and imposing figure appeared at the entrance of the banquet hall.

The young man, dressed in a well-tailored dark suit, stood tall and straight, with distinct features, exuding an extraordinary aura. It was Xiao Chen.

Although he really disliked wearing suits, it was Zhou Keying's birthday after all, and as the boss, he had to dress well to avoid losing face.

He smiled slightly, his gaze tender as he looked at Zhou Keying: "You cursed me like that at my birthday party, did you really want something to happen to me?"

Zhou Keying covered her lips; her heart nearly stopped the moment she saw Xiao Chen. This guy always makes her so worried!

Zhou Fenfang's face was grim. This kid actually came back alive from the life-or-death arena? As far as she knew, Xiao Chen had to face more than just Situ Xiong!

Just as she was about to step forward to drive Xiao Chen away, she saw Lin Zhenghao's expression turn serious, his aura suddenly erupt, and he strode towards Xiao Chen!

The guests present were all astonished and suspicious. Could it be that Xiao Chen deserted at the last minute and stood Lin Zhenghao up? Otherwise, how could he have survived the life-or-death arena?

According to the rules of the martial arts world, if someone accepts a challenge but withdraws midway, Lin Zhenghao, as a witness, has the right to kill them on the spot!

Looks like Xiao Chen is in for some bad luck!
Amidst the pitying gazes of the crowd, Lin Zhenghao strode up to Xiao Chen, suddenly knelt on one knee with a loud thud, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and spoke in a loud and respectful voice:
"Lin Zhenghao of the Qingyang Sword Sect pays respects to Mr. Xiao!"

This scene left all the guests speechless!
The banquet hall fell into a deathly silence.

The guests seemed to be frozen in place, their breaths even stopping.

What is Lin Zhenghao's identity?
Not to mention that he ranks among the top 700 on the Dragon Kingdom's Heavenly Ranking, the Qingyang Sword Sect of the Western Region standing behind him alone is enough to make all the noble families present look up to him!
Such a powerful figure, whom even the Zhou family had to go to great lengths to curry favor with, was now bowing respectfully to a young man in his early twenties!
Zhou Fenfang's beautiful eyes widened, and she subconsciously covered her mouth, afraid that she would scream in surprise.

impossible!
How could this wild boy from the remote mountains, with no background whatsoever, possibly be connected to Lin Zhenghao?

Even more unbelievable, Lin Zhenghao actually knelt down on one knee!
That's the highest level of etiquette in the martial arts world!

Moreover, he addressed him respectfully as "Mr. Xiao"!
What merits or abilities does Xiao Chen possess?
Has Lin Zhenghao gone mad?

If the Qingyang Sword Sect were to find out that he had performed such a grand gesture of respect to an unknown junior in public, they would likely be enraged!

Within the provincial capital, Lin Zhenghao's every move represented the will of the entire Qingyang Sword Sect.

His kneeling was tantamount to declaring the entire Qingyang Sword Sect's submission to Xiao Chen!

Zhou Fenfang's delicate body trembled slightly, her back already soaked with cold sweat.

In order to curry favor with the Qingyang Sword Sect, she had carefully investigated every core member of the sect.

She knew Lin Zhenghao all too well.

This person has always been clear about right and wrong, and is known for his aloofness and never bows down to anyone.

But how can this scene be explained? (End of Chapter)