The Ten Thousand Ways to Hug the Female Protagonist’s Thigh - Chapter 22.1

Amidst the tense undercurrents in Nanyang City, the family competitions of the various clans finally began with great anticipation.

This year’s Wen family competition involved all cultivators above the Qi Refinement stage. The top one hundred would be responsible for heading to the border to stand against the approaching beast tide.

Compared to the relaxed atmosphere of previous years, this competition was far more solemn.

The latest official announcement assigned the Wen family the most challenging-to-defend fourth fortress.

This outcome was not surprising.

As a rising power over the past century, the Wen family had some connections within the government, primarily individuals with vested interests in the family’s success and who held high positions.

However, this time, they made no attempt to overturn the decision from the imperial family.

On the contrary, some officials and nobility had already distanced themselves from the Wen family.

Perhaps sensing the tension between the major families, many of the Wen family’s businesses and industries had been affected.

Several rival factions had even begun to deliberately cause disruptions!

Fortunately, the Wen family’s reputation was still intact. Many of its disciples had a history of good deeds. While no smaller families dared to openly support the Wen family, few were willing to take advantage of their hardships.

Responding to the competitive challenges posed by their rivals, the Wen family acted decisively. Before the situation could worsen, they shut down all their businesses and shops, rallying the entire clan to focus on overcoming the crisis.

At the same time, the Wen family’s internal competition was in full swing.

The number of Foundation Establishment cultivators was limited, and the twenty spots were decided within half a day.

For Qi Refinement cultivators, the competition was more open. Each disciple could choose their opponent and register with the overseeing elders. Under the elders’ supervision, the two disciples would face off on the dueling platform.

Unlike previous competitions, which were more ceremonial, this one was intense. The elders would only intervene if the situation escalated beyond a controlled match.

Thanks to Wen Xuening’s daily sparring and Elder Wen’s guidance, Wen Shu managed to secure a spot in the top one hundred Qi Refinement disciples, albeit with some difficulty.

Now, the one hundred Qi Refinement disciples and twenty Foundation Establishment disciples stood obediently in the family square.

None of the disciples expressed dissatisfaction at being chosen to participate in the beast tide defense. Despite the challenges, they were all eager and ready for the task.

Elder Wen, accompanied by the clan elders and leader, slowly approached the top of the square. The disciples below were surprised but remained respectful and silent.

Elder Wen had taught everyone present at some point. Even the late-stage Foundation Establishment disciples held him in high regard.