C2 King's Attitude

Lin Tianyun was taken aback. He hadn't anticipated his son's response, but it didn't particularly bother him.

"The clan has expressed significant objections toward us because of the Nine Revolutions Universe Pill. And now, with your fall from the cliff, I suspect it was someone from within the clan. That's why I've advised you to stay put lately."

Lin Tianyun felt a surge of anger. As the Patriarch, he was unable to protect his own son, and as a father, he was consumed with guilt.

"No worries. I'm not the same powerless Lin Feng I used to be. If anyone is looking for trouble, let them come. I'll make them regret it," Lin Feng said with a cold laugh.

As a former Immortal Emperor, he certainly didn't need to tolerate any affronts to his divine authority.

Lin Tianyun looked at his son with astonishment. In that moment, his son seemed somewhat unfamiliar, yet seeing Lin Feng's fighting spirit, he couldn't help but feel proud. In a world where power is paramount, his son's regal demeanor was exactly right.

After a brief conversation, the father and son left together. The following morning, Lin Feng joined the others for breakfast as usual. In the Lin household, only the elders had the privilege of dining in their own rooms, while the younger disciples ate together.

The moment Lin Feng entered the dining hall, a buzz of excitement filled the air.

"Brother Shan, you truly are a once-in-a-century genius of our Lin Family, breaking through yet again. You're now the undisputed top talent among your peers."

"To reach the Third Empyrean of the Qi Sea at just seventeen! Not just in our family, but across all of Windhaven, there are few who can claim such an achievement."

A cluster of young disciples gathered around one individual, their faces alight with envy. They were all Lin Family disciples, but with only modest gifts. Some were still at the First Empyrean of the Qi Sea, and they couldn't help but envy the young man who had already far surpassed them.

Lin Feng didn't need to turn around to know who they were praising; it was his cousin, Lin Shan. He found a quiet corner to sit down, intent on returning to his cultivation after his meal.

But just then, Lin Shan approached with his entourage in tow.

"Well, well, if it isn't Lin Feng, the Lin Family's very own disgrace. Still alive, I see? Tell me, what good are you besides squandering the family's resources? You might as well be dead."

Lin Shan was widely recognized as a prodigy within the Lin Family, exuding an air of superiority. However, he was deeply resentful when the Patriarch unfairly distributed the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Pill, favoring someone he deemed unworthy over more deserving candidates. This decision sparked hostility in Lin Shan, particularly towards Lin Feng.

Unfazed, Lin Feng continued to eat his meal, his composure unshaken. After all, could the mindset of a thousand-year Immortal Emperor be easily disturbed by mere children? Lin Shan's irritation grew at the sight of Lin Feng's indifference.

"You're nothing but trash. What gives you the right to ignore me?" Lin Shan snapped, his frustration boiling over. In a fit of anger, he reached out and knocked Lin Feng's plate to the ground, scattering the food.

Lin Feng paused, then turned to Lin Shan with a hint of amusement. The boy was a year his junior and, admittedly, possessed a decent amount of talent. But to think he could challenge Lin Feng was laughable. To Lin Feng, Lin Shan was nothing more than a jester performing before him.

"What are you staring at? If you've got a problem, then hit me. Do you dare to face me in a fair fight?" Lin Shan taunted, his arrogance palpable. He had come looking for trouble, eager to prove himself against Lin Feng and to show his father just how worthless his son was, that any resources given to him would be squandered.

"I'm afraid I might beat you to death," Lin Feng replied with a smirk. His current power level might not be high, but his combat skills as an Immortal Emperor remained intact. In a real fight, Lin Shan wouldn't stand a chance against him.

"Hahaha, did everyone hear that? This loser says he's afraid he'll beat me to death. I've never seen anyone talk about their fear of killing with such a straight face," Lin Shan scoffed, looking down on Lin Feng. In the Lin Family, he was nearly unbeatable, with even his older cousins hesitant to claim they could best him. How could he take seriously the words of someone who had been unable to cultivate since childhood?

"Lin Feng, you truly have no shame. Everyone knows you're the family's infamous failure. You can't even kill a chicken, yet you think you can defeat the Lin Family's genius?"

"Why the act? If your father wasn't the Patriarch, do you really think you'd be worthy to sit and dine with me?"

The Lin family disciples sneered and mocked, none taking Lin Feng's words seriously.

"Don't accuse me of bullying. If you're too scared to face me today, then kneel down like a dog and eat everything off the floor. Otherwise, you're not going anywhere."

Lin Shan's voice was laced with icy contempt. You wanted to show weakness? Well, I'll shame you and see how your father reacts when he finds out.

Lin Feng rose to his feet, a serene smile on his face.

"I had no intention of stooping to your level, but if you're looking for trouble, I'm happy to oblige. Anyone who wants to challenge me, come at me all at once."

Lin Shan's anger flared at Lin Feng's composed demeanor. Do you actually see yourself as some kind of formidable character? You're nothing but trash, yet you have the audacity to talk big.

"I'll finish you off, you fool!" Lin Shan bellowed.

"Stop! Lin Feng, if you're itching for a fight, I'll spar with you." At the brink of conflict, a sweet voice rang out authoritatively. All eyes turned to the speaker, hearts fluttering with excitement.

"Ruo Rou, why do you always defend this loser?" Lin Shan's spirit deflated. The speaker was Nangong Ruo Rou, not a blood relative of the Lin family but raised among them.

Since childhood, Nangong Ruo Rou was treated like a delicate doll. Now at the prime age of twenty-eight, her innocence and charm were captivating, making her the dream of many young disciples in the Lin family.

"Listen up, as long as I, Nangong Ruo Rou, am here, I won't allow anyone to bully my brother Lin Feng." Nangong Ruo Rou positioned herself protectively in front of Lin Feng. The Nangong and Lin families had long been close allies. Nangong Ruo Rou, having grown up in the shadow of Lin Feng, shared a deep bond with him.

As Nangong Ruo Xuan's aptitude for cultivation gradually became apparent, she was eventually taken in by the Nangong family. Fortunately, since their homes were close by, she frequently returned to visit her friends in the Lin family.

"Humph, you got lucky this time, kid. Let's go," Lin Shan said, glaring at Lin Feng with visible frustration. He was reluctant to antagonize Nangong Ruo Xuan, partly because he had feelings for her, and partly because he knew he might not be able to best her in a fight.

Others looked on at Lin Feng with envy, wondering how such an apparent nobody could attract the attention of the goddess they all admired.

"Brother Lin Feng, are you okay? I heard about your fall from the cliff and that you nearly died, so I came right away to check on you," Nangong Ruo Xuan said, her concern evident. When she first arrived at the Lin household, Lin Feng was the only one who truly made her feel at home, making him an exceptionally special person to her.

"I'm fine, there's no need to worry," Lin Feng reassured her with a smile. Other than his father, Lin Tianyun, Nangong Ruo Xuan was one of the few who genuinely cared for him, and he didn't want her to be overly concerned.

"That's good to hear. Actually, I'm here to bid you farewell. I've passed the Sunfire Order's test and have officially become one of their disciples," Nangong Ruo Xuan beamed with pride, reminiscent of a little girl who had just been praised.

It was understandable; the Sunfire Order was a renowned cultivation sect known far and wide, and only the elite of the younger generation could hope to join its ranks.

"Oh, really? I was actually considering visiting the Sunfire Order myself yesterday. The Lin family's standing is quite low, and staying here doesn't hold much meaning for me," Lin Feng admitted candidly.

Nangong Ruo Xuan, however, offered an awkward smile in response. Gaining entry to the Sunfire Order was no easy feat. The minimum requirement was to reach the Second Realm of Qi Sea before turning sixteen, which would only then offer a chance to become an Outer Sect disciple.

For someone like Lin Feng, who hadn't even reached the Qi Sea Realm, he wouldn't be given a second glance, let alone be considered for the role of a servant disciple.

"Then... keep at it, and we'll meet at the mountain gate when the time comes," Nangong Ruo Xuan said with a forced smile, holding back the truth to avoid wounding Lin Feng's pride.

After a brief exchange, Nangong Ruo Xuan accompanied Lin Feng to see Lin Tianyun of the Lin Family. She had been raised under Lin Tianyun's watchful eye, and he treated her as if she were his own daughter. It was customary for her to pay her respects whenever she returned to the Lin Family.

Before they could arrive at Lin Tianyun's courtyard, however, a dull tolling of a bell echoed through the air, signaling a gathering of the Lin Family members.

"We should head straight to the council hall; Father is likely already there," Lin Feng suggested. The ringing of the bell was a call to all members of the Lin Family, especially for the family patriarch, Lin Tianyun.

"Yes, that's fine. I'm curious about what urgent matter has prompted this sudden assembly," Nangong Ruo Xuan remarked, her curiosity piqued. Having grown up here, she was well-versed in the Lin Family's traditions. A summons by the bell was always for a matter of great importance.