C20 A Slap Turned into a Roasted Pig's Head.

"Go spew your nonsense elsewhere!" Zhou Dian bellowed, on the verge of throwing punches.

"Father, I've brought them!" Yang Buhui, eyeing the quarreling crowd inside the hall, approached with Lin Yuanjian and Zhang Wuji in tow, unhurried.

Lin Yuanjian surveyed the scene, noting six individuals. Among them, a refined man in his forties likely Yang Xiao, the Left Custodian of Light. The disheveled one spouting vulgarities was probably Zhou Dian. Accompanying them were a monk with a sack, a monk in white, a Taoist, and a scholar—presumably Master Budaibag, Peng Yingyu, Iron Crown Taoist Zhang Zhong, and the stoic Mr. Leng Qian. All five Scattered Cultivators of the Bright Cult were present.

"Hey, Yang Xiao, could these two lads be your bastards?" Zhou Dian jeered, shaking his head.

Yang Buhui's temper flared. "What, did you feast on rotten filth? Your mouth reeks!"

Zhou Dian hollered back, "Wow, Yang Xiao, your daughter sure lacks manners!"

Zhang Wuji, ever the peacemaker, stepped forward with a bow. "Zhang Wuji pays his respects to Uncle Yang and the esteemed heroes of the Bright Cult."

Iron Crown Taoist Zhang Zhong expressed his surprise, "Zhang Wuji? Are you the Eagle King's grandson?"

Zhou Dian's voice dripped with sarcasm, "Oh, Zhang Wuji, is it? The word is that your mother, Yin Susu, and Zhang Cui Shan of the Wudang Sect were a couple. You ought to be siding with the six major sects, so what brings you to Bright Peak?"

Zhou Dian's insinuation drew hostile looks from the other four Scattered Cultivators.

Yang Buhui was having none of it. "Mr. Wuji is here representing the Eagle King. Is that a problem? The six major sects drove his parents to their deaths. He's here to aid us against them. What's wrong with that?"

Zhou Dian, at a loss for words, could only mutter defensively, "Left Envoy Yang, I'd watch out if I were you, lest spies from the six sects infiltrate our ranks."

Yang Xiao dismissed him with a wave, his expression icy. "Spare me your concerns, Zhou Dian. I, Yang Xiao, am well aware of the situation."

"And who might this young fellow be? Did Zhang Cuishan have another son?" Zhou Dian scrutinized Lin Yuanjian.

Zhang Wuji's brow furrowed. "He is my master."

Zhou Dian burst into laughter. "Ridiculous! You pass up learning from Taoist Zhang or the White-browed Eagle King, your grandfather, to take on this greenhorn as your master? Hilarious! You're killing me!"

The others, Leng Qian, Peng Yingyu, and Zhang Zhong, chuckled too, though more subdued than Zhou Dian.

Lin Yuanjian stepped into the center of the hall, scanning the faces around him before addressing Zhou Dian with a calm challenge. "Seems you're not convinced. How about we spar? All five of you, come at me."

These guys wouldn't learn without a fight, and Lin Yuanjian was more than ready to oblige.

Yang Xiao couldn't stand by and watch. He quickly interjected, "Young man, don't be rash. How can you alone stand against the five Scattered Cultivators?" Regardless, Lin Yuanjian was Zhang Wuji's companion, and Yang Xiao was determined to keep him safe.

"Ah, the youth of today really lack steadiness. They can't seem to hold their temper after just a couple of criticisms, without ever considering their own capabilities," Yang Xiao mused internally.

Lin Yuanjian responded, "I appreciate your concern, Left Envoy Yang, but rest assured, once I, Lin Yuanjian, have spoken, I don't take my words back."

Zhang Wuji chimed in, "Uncle Yang, please don't worry. My master is more than capable of handling this."

"Damn, I haven't come across someone this audacious in a long time," Zhou Dian cursed, spitting vehemently as his nine-ringed broadsword clanged with his shaking grip. "You think you can take on the five of us? Beat me first, Zhou Dian, then we'll talk."

Unable to contain himself, He burst into laughter, "Zhou Dian, ease up, will you? Bullying a kid is a bad look, hahaha."

Zhang Zhong, Peng Yingyu, and Leng Qian watched with eager anticipation, clearly not taking Lin Yuanjian's challenge seriously.

To them, it was just a child, defiantly speaking out of turn to save face.

Lin Yuanjian remained silent, his expression serene. He simply gestured to Zhou Dian with a beckoning index finger.

Zhou Dian, unable to tolerate such a brazen challenge, let out a furious yell, lifting his nine-ringed broadsword and lunging at Lin Yuanjian in a powerful strike, fueled by his Genuine Qi. It was a blow that could easily cleave a person in two.

Unflinchingly, Lin Yuanjian reached out to catch the descending broadsword.

"This kid's lost his mind, trying to grab Zhou Dian's broadsword with his bare hands? Does he not care about his hand?" Zhang Zhong exclaimed in disbelief.

What happened next left everyone present in shock.

Lin Yuanjian's palm turned a fiery red, seizing the tip of Zhou Dian's broadsword, which began to smoke and melt before their eyes!

As Zhou Dian stood there dumbfounded, Lin Yuanjian's scorching palm slid up the blade, softening the once rigid steel into pliability, then into dripping molten iron that clattered to the floor. The iron rings from the spine of the broadsword tumbled down, creating a symphony of metallic pings and tings.

Snapping out of his shock, Zhou Dian let out a shriek, hastily discarding the broadsword and retreating in a panic.

All eyes were glued to the ground where the faintly glowing molten iron had pooled, leaving Zhou Dian's formidable broadsword reduced to a pathetic hilt.

The hall was filled with the sound of heavy breathing as everyone processed what they had just witnessed.

A single thought dominated their minds: My god, what kind of otherworldly skill is this? It's so monstrous it can melt iron!

If he slapped someone on the head with that hand, would they end up as a braised pig's head?

No, the chances of becoming a charred pig's head seemed higher.

Seeing his display had stunned the crowd, Lin Yuanjian's lips curled into a slight smirk, and he fanned the flames further, "Your ordinary iron broadsword is one thing, Zhou Dian, but even if Destroying Senior Nun brought her Heaven Leaning Sword before me, it would meet the same fate."

"What's your plan now?" Lin Yuanjian asked with a playful look, facing the five disconcerted individuals.

Zhang Zhong, Leng Qian, and Peng Yingyu exchanged glances, then simultaneously took a step back.

Given the situation, it seemed best to just let it be. We merely nudged Zhou Dian forward to test the waters, but seeing how formidable you are, we wouldn't dare cross you.

"Hahaha, my apologies, Young Master Lin. I, Zhou Dian, have been foolish and blind to your greatness. Please forgive my unintended offense," Zhou Dian said, clearly showing his submission.

"My deepest apologies, Young Master Lin. Your martial arts skills are extraordinary—a true young hero indeed," he added, lavishing praise.

Zhang Zhong, Leng Qian, and Peng Yingyu were also quick to recognize their mistake, expressing regret for their earlier disdain.

Indeed, only genuine strength can command respect. Lin Yuanjian's appreciation for this truth deepened even more.