No matter what, Young Master Lei had to brag first, so as not to lose face for himself or the Fang family.
"Oh? Then show us, let us see what impressive birthday gift you, the top prodigy of the Lei Feng Realm, can come up with.
Surely, it can't be worse than the gifts from us outsiders."
Liu Qingying sneered at Wan Lei, already having planned how to mock him when Wan Lei couldn't produce a gift or his gift was inferior to his own.
Meanwhile, Wan Lei sneered inwardly, "Just one item from me would be enough to shock you lot for years."
But at the same time, Young Master Lei was also troubled. What should he give as a gift? He had plenty of precious items, but none were suitable.
The Thunder God's Hammer? It was refined from a planet. He wouldn't even consider it; it was his life-bound magic treasure, he'd never give it away.
The Thunder Armor? It was personally refined by the Thunder Emperor. He couldn't give it away; it was for his survival.
The Fate Controlling Chart? Giving away a treasure of world rules, was he tired of living? He still needed it for himself.
To give a formation? It was too embarrassing, besides, the Heavenly Formation Pavilion had already presented one.
So what should he give? It was so vexing…
Young Master Lei's thoughts raced, but outwardly, he maintained the composed demeanor of a master.
"Who is this?"
Old Madam quietly asked Old Fang.
To be honest, Old Madam really didn't know who Wan Lei was. She was old, and now in her twilight years of cultivation and enjoying peace, she basically didn't manage outside affairs.
And whenever Wan Lei was mentioned, it was always about him getting into trouble or going missing.
Old Madam was a Nascent Soul cultivator with a lifespan of two thousand years. Now two thousand years old, although she was still alive, it was thanks to rare heavenly treasures that extended her life. Therefore, the Fang family hadn't told Old Madam about Wan Lei and Fang Xiaoyu, lest she get too upset if she ever received news of Wan Lei's death.
After all, Xiaoyu was Old Madam's most beloved granddaughter.
But at this moment, she couldn't remain ignorant. Old Fang could only brace himself and tell his mother that Wan Lei was Xiaoyu's fiancé.
"You scoundrel, Xiaoyu has a fiancé and you didn't tell me? Are you trying to anger me to death? When was the engagement decided? How is that young man? Quick, let me see!"
If not for the guests from all major powers of the Lei Feng Realm being present, Old Madam would have slapped her son.
Her most beloved granddaughter had a fiancé, and she didn't even know. Could she tolerate this?
"It's not that, Mother. That brat is too much of a scoundrel. I was afraid he would anger you."
"I think you are the scoundrel. Whoever Xiaoyu chooses as her fiancé, no matter how bad, can't be worse than you!"
Well, he was being praised while being put down.
Old Fang felt extremely frustrated.
Old Madam rose and looked at Wan Lei, becoming more pleased with every glance.
"This young man, judging by his appearance alone, is quite good. I just don't know about his character and abilities. Whose child is he?"
"He's from the Wan family."
"...The Thunder Emperor Wan family?"
"Yes."
"So be it. As a descendant of the Thunder Emperor, his background is considered decent."
Old Madam sighed. The Thunder Emperor family... they had an old feud.
"You scoundrel, your son-in-law is being bullied by outsiders, and you don't even go and help him speak up? You're just watching outsiders bully your own kin?!"
"It's fine. This brat is always so arrogant. It's good to temper his spirit this way."
Seeing Wan Lei hesitate, Liu Qingying immediately sneered.
"Wan Lei, if you can't produce a birthday gift, just say so directly. Will everyone laugh at you?
After all, your Wan family is just a small, insignificant family. It's normal that you can't come up with a gift, hahahaha."
Wan Lei's expression instantly turned grim. The dignified Thunder Emperor family, even in its current fallen state, couldn't endure being called a small, insignificant family to its face.
Not only him, but even others had displeased expressions. After all, the Thunder Emperor was the joint ruler of the Lei Feng Realm and the honor in the hearts of everyone in the Lei Feng Realm. No one would be happy to be mocked like this.
At this moment, after a moment of silence, having endured the humiliation of being ridiculed, Wan Lei finally thought of a suitable gift. Moreover, there was no better gift than this.
However, just as Wan Lei was about to present the gift, Old Madam, seated at the main seat, suddenly spoke.
"The Wan family is the Thunder Emperor family. The Thunder Emperor's eradication of the Evil Moon Sect was a great kindness to the entire Lei Feng Realm. Regardless of whether their family is prosperous or not, and regardless of your petty machinations, they are the undisputed foremost family of the Lei Feng Realm. How did they become a small, insignificant family in the mouths of your Liu family!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Qingying's brows furrowed, and he was about to retort. However, Old Madam gave him no chance to speak.
"That's one point. Second, Wan Lei is my Fang family's son-in-law and also the host here. When guests arrive at the host's home, the host naturally needs to be hospitable. But shouldn't guests also respect the host?
Your aggressive behavior, wanting to trample Wan Lei's dignity underfoot, means you don't put my Fang family in your eyes?
The Thunder Emperor cannot be insulted, the Fang family cannot be disgraced, and my Fang family's son-in-law is not someone you can easily trample upon.
Guards, return the Liu family's birthday gift to them and escort them out!"
Old Madam's words were sonorous and powerful. Those around who supported the Fang family applauded, while Liu Qingying's face was ashen, his dignity completely shattered.
Wan Lei was deeply moved. Old Madam was indeed on his side, speaking up for him at a critical moment. This was truly a family!
At this moment, Wan Lei felt a strong sense of belonging to the Fang family.
But…
But…
I had spent so much time building up to this, waiting for the moment to present the gift and slap their faces, to maximize the show of bravado. Your words, Old Madam, have left me with no way to follow through.
"Is this the hospitality of the Fang family? Liu has witnessed it today. I can leave, but I still want to see what gift this Wan Lei can present!
Isn't the Thunder Emperor family a great family? Then produce a birthday gift that can convince all of us!"
Liu Qingying was unwilling to give up and insisted on crushing Wan Lei.
"My grandson-in-law, no matter what gift he presents, even if it's just a spirit stone, it is filial piety. What business is it of outsiders like you!"
Old Madam's protective stance was evident.
Wan Lei could wait no longer. If he waited any longer, the show would be ruined.
"Grandmother, please don't say that. It's my fault. It's also my fault for not presenting the gift immediately, wanting to put on airs, which led to so many misunderstandings.
Since Elder Liu so earnestly wishes to see my gift, I shall no longer hold back."
Saying this, Wan Lei patted his storage bag, and a wooden ruler appeared in his hand.
The moment the wooden ruler appeared, a boundless vitality surged forth, instantly enveloping the entire hall. Everyone who felt this aura felt refreshed and comfortable throughout their bodies.
The people around held their breath, their eyes filled with greed or envy, staring intently at the wooden ruler in Wan Lei's hand.