Chapter 153: My Abilities Surpass Your Imagination

“This time, I vow to grant you eternal peace and happiness.” Jiang Yu’s face betrayed no hint of joy or sorrow; his tone was neither mournful nor gleeful. His gaze, fierce and unmatched, swept across the crowd below the stage.

Han Qingyu, hailed as the foremost goddess of Tianhe City, had countless suitors spanning a vast age range—from wealthy magnates in their fifties and sixties to impulsive teenagers barely out of childhood.

Thirteen years ago, a billionaire had lavishly spent eighty million yuan to rent the entire advertising screen of Tianhe’s hundred-story tower and set off fireworks for three consecutive nights, enrapturing the entire city with a public declaration of love.

There were others who vowed their devotion with thousand-day promises, writing tens of thousands of love letters through rain or shine for three years straight.

Money had been thrown about, sincerity displayed. Yet all had failed to win but a single smile from her, as if no one in the world could enter Han Qingyu’s eyes.

A brief silence fell beneath the stage before erupting into thunderous chatter. Everyone stared at Jiang Yu in stunned disbelief. How electrifying—it was the first time ever that someone had boldly professed love to Han Qingyu at the freshman welcome gala.

The host wore a face of astonishment. At Zhongzhou University, there was no shortage of students expressing admiration for Han Qingyu, but most imitated online trends—either crafting a uniquely creative love letter or rallying classmates to light heart-shaped candles beneath her dormitory window.

As long as it wasn’t excessive, the school usually turned a blind eye, understanding these were young hearts inexperienced in love.

But Jiang Yu’s domineering public declaration at the welcome event was unprecedented at Zhongzhou University.

“Damn,” Zhou Kai blurted, mouth agape, swearing under his breath.

He finally understood why Jiang Yu had dismissed Miao Yingxia’s overtures with disdain—his true target was the goddess of Tianhe.

Zhao Fei frowned. “Old Jiang’s acting rashly. Han Qingyu has so many suitors; declaring his feelings so openly before all the freshmen will surely bring trouble.”

His eyes warily glanced at Wei Jia, scion of the Wei family, one of Tianhe’s three great clans.

Tao Biyuan nodded solemnly. “Old Jiang, do you realize what you’re doing? This is Tianhe City, not some small town like Yuncheng.”

Nearby, Yan Xiaoxiao’s expression darkened. Hastily pulling out her phone, she muttered, “No, I have to tell my mom to notify President Xia. Jiang Yu’s in trouble. That idiot, relying on being the illegitimate son of President Xia, dares to act so recklessly?”

On stage, Han Qingyu’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink. Her eyes lowered demurely, fingers nervously twisting the edge of her skirt. Her gaze briefly flickered toward Jiang Yu’s perfect profile—hands clasped behind his back, standing calmly amidst the murmurs of countless freshmen.

Nothing seemed capable of disturbing his composure.

Yet beside him, Wei Jia’s face was dark with fury, his eyes flashing with a dangerous glint. Without doubt, Jiang Yu’s actions tonight had earned his enmity.

People in Tianhe only remembered that thirteen years ago a billionaire had publicly confessed his love for Han Qingyu, only to vanish from the world three days later, leaving behind a vast fortune with no heir.

In upper-class circles, it was common knowledge that Han Qingyu had been promised to Wei Jia.

This explained why the number of wealthy suitors vying for her dwindled; now, most who pursued her were reckless youths, but none could compare to Wei Jia.

“Hmph, that kid looks bold, but he has no idea who he’s offending tonight.”

“Exactly. Wei Jia guards Han Qingyu jealously—she’s like a dragon’s reverse scale to him. Anyone daring to touch her will be cast into the sea within three days.”

“Just a showy bookworm, clueless about the real world.”

Cold scoffs echoed here and there.

What did being the top scholar of a province matter? Against a giant like the Wei family, no background was sufficient.

Within half an hour, Jiang Yu’s public declaration at the welcome gala spread throughout Zhongzhou University, even reaching the ears of some affluent families in Tianhe.

Jiang Yu’s name became known to all.

He was reckless—too reckless. Youthful impetuosity was understandable, but had he not investigated who Han Qingyu truly was before confessing?

Even if she accepted, would the powerful Han family of Tianhe consent?

Some sharp minds pondered quietly. Everyone in Tianhe knew Han Qingyu’s story. Ask anyone, and they’d reveal a wealth of information.

Knowing all this, who would dare publicly declare love to Han Qingyu before thousands of freshmen without some backing?

No provincial top scholar was a fool.

That night, Han Qingyu made no reply, retreating shyly from the stage.

As Jiang Yu left the gala, Yan Xiaoxiao and others blocked his way.

“Jiang Yu, you’re in deep trouble. Come with me immediately.”

Amid the crowd’s mixed expressions, Yan Xiaoxiao grabbed Jiang Yu’s arm, anger evident in her voice.

“On only your second day at Zhongzhou, you’re causing problems. Don’t you know who Han Qingyu is?”

Miao Yingxia, Tao Biyuan, Zhou Kai, and Zhao Fei said nothing.

Tao Biyuan looked up, forcing a bitter smile. “Old Jiang, you’d better leave Zhongzhou soon. Forget about university. Han Qingyu’s identity is too complicated. Those who pursue her in Tianhe wield such power that even Zhongzhou trembles at their steps.”

Jiang Yu laughed. “It’s fine. If the Wei family comes for me, I’m ready.”

Not just Tianhe—if Xu Daozhi himself appeared, Jiang Yu would not flinch. If angered, he could storm their doorstep, eliminate the Wei clan, ascend to Foundation Establishment, master myriad divine techniques, and slaughter another terror of Tianhe without breaking a sweat.

He had already resolved that if matters escalated, he’d flee overseas, cultivate to Golden Core, then return to China. By then, unless facing a world-ending weapon, nothing could harm him.

Cultivators valued freedom and following their hearts, unbound by rules. He was strong; if he bullied you, and you were weaker, you’d have to endure it.

Lost in thought, Yan Xiaoxiao tugged Jiang Yu urgently. “Go now. My mother has booked a plane ticket for you. Leave while you still can.”

No matter what, Jiang Yu was still President Xia’s illegitimate son; she couldn’t abandon him.

Jiang Yu finally spoke. “Do you know who I am?”

Yan Xiaoxiao paused, then shook her head in disappointment. Of course she knew—how could she not know the illegitimate son of Xia Housheng?

Could Jiang Yu really believe that bearing Xia Housheng’s name would shield him from Wei Jia? Even if Xia Housheng himself appeared, the Wei family of Tianhe would show him respect.

“Jiang Yu, you’re just President Xia’s illegitimate son. You think that’s enough to intimidate Wei Jia?”

Yan Xiaoxiao could no longer hold back and revealed Jiang Yu’s identity.

“Which President Xia?” Zhou Kai asked.

Annoyed, Yan Xiaoxiao replied, “How many President Xia’s are there in Jiangbei?”

“Xia Housheng?” Zhou Kai’s expression grew serious.

Ten years ago, the Xia family, Tianbei’s wealthiest, rivaled the Ma clan. But after splitting into two branches, their status plummeted. Internal strife left the family on the brink of collapse.

In Jiangbei, the Xia family still held some weight.

But in Tianhe, even at their peak, they never ranked among the top five.

Tao Biyuan and Zhao Fei suddenly understood. No wonder Jiang Yu dared to confess to Han Qingyu at the welcome gala—his confidence stemmed from Xia Housheng’s name.

Zhao Fei approached, patting Jiang Yu’s shoulder. “Old Jiang, I admire your courage. But tonight, you’ve truly angered Wei Jia. If it were just some spoiled heir, I could call my brother to smooth things over.”

“You’ve offended the Wei family.”

Jiang Yu remained composed. “My abilities exceed your imagination. If Wei Jia knew who I really was, he wouldn’t seek revenge—he’d probably come knocking on my door to bow down.”

Yan Xiaoxiao’s eyes widened at his bold claim. Growing anxious, she pressed, “Jiang Yu, I’ll ask you one last time—are you leaving or not?”

Jiang Yu shook his head. “Thank Aunt Yan for her kindness, but I do as I please. The Wei family means nothing to me; I’m not afraid of them.”

Calling him a fool, Yan Xiaoxiao stomped away.

Jiang Yu had gone mad—and so had Xia Housheng. Just moments ago, when Aunt Yan told Xia Housheng about the incident, he remained calm, smiling lightly that it didn’t matter.

Zhou Kai took a deep breath. “Jiang Yu, you’d better stick with me for a while. If anything happens, I can watch your back.”

Miao Yingxia frowned thoughtfully, curious about Jiang Yu.

He seemed fearless, radiating supreme confidence and a commanding aura that looked down on the world.

“Who exactly is Jiang Yu?” she wondered aloud.