Hearing Tang Geng’s introduction, Ma Long’s expression was even more disdainful.
“Tch! As expected, birds of a feather flock together. You can tell from their arrogance.”
Upon hearing this, Tang Geng instead explained, “Brother Ma Long, you’ve got it wrong!”
“Wrong?”
Han Lang and Ma Long were both somewhat confused.
How could what they saw with their own eyes be false?
Tang Geng, seeing their confusion, continued to explain.
“Zhao Wu and Zhao Wei are different. Zhao Wei has no beliefs and conducts himself like a cunning merchant, always acting superior and looking down on others. But Zhao Wu is different! He has deep faith in his country and his countrymen. Furthermore, this faith far surpasses his family’s interests! In general, he is more considerate of the bigger picture and understands righteousness. He even shares some camaraderie with my Tang family, and with me personally!”
Hearing Tang Geng’s explanation, Han Lang and Ma Long’s initial impression of Zhao Wu softened slightly.
However, this did not mean they fully accepted Zhao Wu.
Han Lang immediately retorted.
“Even so, his arrogant demeanor is enough to be off-putting!”
Tang Geng smiled helplessly and said, “Heh, Brother Han Lang! I think this is understandable!”
Han Lang asked, “What do you mean?”
Tang Geng replied, “Zhao Wu has been quite talented since he was young. He’s three or four years younger than me, and now only in his early twenties. Yet, his cultivation has far surpassed mine, reaching the middle stage of Foundation Establishment. You know how scarce cultivation resources are in this era. Although both he and I come from prominent families, our cultivation resources are not exactly abundant!”
“Not to mention how many families and small sects at our level exist throughout Xia Country, and the disparities between them. Even above us, there are the Ten Great Sects and the Five Great Schools!”
“The difference in cultivation resources between each level is not small.”
“Therefore, even with his good upbringing, reaching this level at such an age is indeed a considerable feat for a genius!”
“Geniuses, some arrogance is understandable! Moreover, this is Star City, a significant part of the Zhao family’s territory! I think his behavior is quite comprehensible!”
After Tang Geng’s comprehensive explanation, Han Lang and Ma Long’s impression of Zhao Wu changed considerably.
“So, he can be considered a clear stream within the Zhao family?”
Tang Geng nodded, “Completely untouched by the mud! However, his temper isn’t the best, and he can be a bit capricious. At first contact, he might not seem great, but as you get to know him, you’ll find his intentions are quite pure! He’s just very determined!”
Hearing this, Ma Long burst into laughter, “Good, good! Determined is good! I like that kind of personality!”
As they were talking, someone from Zhao Wu’s group was whispering to him, pointing at Tang Geng.
He turned his head, saw Tang Geng and his group, and without hesitation, stood up. With a smile, he walked directly to Tang Geng and said respectfully.
“Brother Tang Geng, you’ve arrived too?”
Tang Geng quickly stood up, “Yes! I didn’t want to miss this opportunity! Heh heh…”
Zhao Wu was also very happy, “That’s great! In that case, when we enter the special forces, we’ll at least have a companion! Is this Sister Tang Qin?”
Tang Qin, hearing Zhao Wu mention her, was a little surprised, “I really didn’t expect it, Xiao Wu. You still remember an obscure person like me. My dad and I went to Music City over ten years ago, and I thought you’d have forgotten me long ago!”
Zhao Wu smiled and replied, “How could I forget! I vaguely remember when we secretly snuck out to play as children, it was Sister Tang Qin who protected me!”
“Haha… You actually remember such a small thing!”
Tang Geng chimed in, “Yes! I’d forgotten! You must have been scolded quite a bit when you went back that time, huh? Haha…”
Although the Zhao and Tang families were competitors to some extent, it was unlikely they would have grown up together.
However, over ten years ago, their competition was not as fierce as it is now. Thus, after getting acquainted, the few of them, being at their most mischievous age, often snuck out and played together.
But this would inevitably cause some dissatisfaction from their elders.
“Hah! Those things! Who cares! Heh heh…”
After the three of them chatted and laughed, Tang Geng naturally did not forget Han Lang and Ma Long and immediately introduced them to Zhao Wu.
“Let me introduce two friends to you, Xiao Wu. This is Brother Han Lang, and this is Brother Ma Long. Both of them are aspiring youths with strong ideals. If this interview goes smoothly, we’ll all be comrades from now on!”
Upon hearing the introduction, Han Lang immediately extended his hand in a friendly gesture.
However, Zhao Wu’s expression changed, and he did not respond.
“I know! The newly emerging rogue cultivators from Music City! No need to recognize such insignificant clowns from a small place!”
Han Lang heard this and sneered dismissively.
“It seems Young Master Zhao Wei holds a strong prejudice against us. Did my brothers and I offend you in any way upon our first meeting?”
“I…” Zhao Wu hesitated to speak.
He knew that the failure of the Zhao family’s Music City plan could only be attributed to their poor choice of personnel.
Wang Shan and Jin Chunfeng colluding with ability users were deserving of their deaths!
But the key issue was that Han Lang had a hand in all these events!
In his helplessness, he had no other recourse but to blame everything on Han Lang!
Therefore, he replied with an unfriendly tone.
“What does it matter if it’s our first meeting? Don’t you believe in ‘chemistry’? If you don’t like someone, what business do you have with them?”
Han Lang was even more astonished by this statement.
He wondered, what kind of excuse was this?
But since he was not welcomed, he certainly wouldn’t shamelessly beg.
Thus, he followed up with a contemptuous smile and replied, “Indeed! Actually, it’s not just Young Master Zhao Wu; my brothers and I find you quite unappealing. How can a pheasant associate with a phoenix?”
Han Lang’s remark infuriated Zhao Wu. Just as he was about to retort, his face flushed red, when a soldier in camouflage suddenly entered the doorway. Holding a stack of documents and a microphone, he called out expressionlessly.
“Qian Ruo, Liu Gui, Jiang Cheng, Zhao Wu, prepare to wait outside for your interviews!”
Although Zhao Wu was angry, he also knew the importance of the interview. Thus, he reluctantly pointed at Han Lang, cast a fierce glare, and followed the other three out the door.
Watching his retreating back, Ma Long spat in defiance and said.
“Pah! What a character! Putting on airs here! If it weren’t for the fact that it’s inconvenient to fight here, I’d really like to see what this brat with the yellow hair is capable of!”
Hearing Ma Long’s complaint, Tang Geng’s originally awkward expression even turned into a chuckle. He teased him repeatedly.
“Brother Ma Long! Honestly, combat between cultivators is quite different from ordinary people. Ordinary people can often defeat an opponent in one move, but the strength of cultivators is tangible! With your current level, trying to spar with him might indeed be quite challenging!”
How could Ma Long not understand the logic behind Tang Geng’s words? But since he had already boasted, how could he back down?
With no other recourse, he could only resign himself to fate and replied.
“If I can’t fight him, then the young master can! A brat as arrogant as this needs a good dose of worldly experience!”
Tang Geng was momentarily speechless and could only look at Han Lang and smile awkwardly.