《The Remains of a Clan (English Version)》 Chapter 1 : The Awakening of the Emperor The void. An endless abyss, where neither time nor space existed. Everything could have remained this way for eternity. But something clung to the dying consciousness, refusing to disappear. Then, pain. At first diffuse, it suddenly spread like a thousand needles piercing his soul. A burning sensation coursed through his veins, forcing an instinctive reaction. ¡ª Hngh¡­ His eyelids twitched before suddenly opening. A dim, flickering light blinded him for a moment. He squinted, his gaze slowly adjusting to his surroundings. What he saw struck him immediately. A dirty, cracked wooden ceiling. Dull walls, gnawed by humidity. The stench of mold and stale air filled the space, assaulting his nostrils. He tried to inhale, but a wave of weakness immediately overwhelmed him. His muscles trembled under their own weight, unable to react properly. His body was¡­ cold. He could no longer feel the familiar strength that had once surged through his meridians like an infinite ocean of energy. ¡ª This body¡­? His fingers twitched, then clenched onto the rough, threadbare sheets. He attempted to sit up, but a brutal dizziness crushed him back onto the mattress. He slowly lowered his gaze and discovered thin, almost emaciated arms. His hands, once capable of bending the heavens and crushing continents, were now frail and trembling. A heavy silence settled. Then, a laugh. Deep. Icy. ¡ª So, even I have been reduced to this¡­ For a fleeting moment, his memories surged forth, a violent storm raging through his mind. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. He was Feng Lin, the invincible Celestial Emperor, the absolute master of heaven and earth. His name alone was enough to make the immortal realms tremble. His gaze could break geniuses, and his power dictated the fate of millions. But he had fallen. Betrayed by those he had elevated. Struck down by hands he had once protected. He remembered his final battle, the fury and despair of a man standing alone against the world. Then¡­ nothingness. Yet, he was alive. His gaze hardened. No, he was no longer the Celestial Emperor. He was¡­ someone else. Gradually, his memories merged with those of the body he now inhabited. This body belonged to a different Feng Lin. A weak young man, the last heir of a once-prestigious clan, now despised and forgotten. He should have possessed immense potential, but an unknown poison coursed through his veins, slowly eroding his life force and sealing his meridians. He understood immediately. ¡ª This poison¡­ someone wanted him dead. No¡­ wanted me dead. The former Feng Lin had died because of this. Betrayed. Poisoned. Abandoned. And now, he found himself in this miserable body, a pathetic remnant of a fallen clan. But this world was making an unforgivable mistake if it thought he would accept this humiliation. A cold smile stretched across his lips. ¡ª No matter who did this¡­ I will find them. His gaze gleamed with a cruel light. His current weakness was only a temporary shackle. He had already climbed to the peak once. He knew exactly what to do. This world thought he was buried. He would prove to them that an Emperor never dies. And this time¡­ Those who had betrayed him, those who had forgotten him, those who had scorned him¡­ All would pay. But first¡­ the Poison Purification. Feng Lin slowly clenched his fists. This body was weak. Too weak. But that was not the only reason for his pitiful state. The poison. He could feel it, crawling through his veins like a swarm of venomous serpents. Every breath was a struggle against an invisible weight, every heartbeat a silent agony. He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on the faintest trace of energy he still possessed. ¡ª Let¡¯s see¡­ His former cultivation had vanished, reduced to nothing. All that remained was¡­ a breath. A mere sliver, a remnant of the power he once wielded. Another might have collapsed into despair. He, however, smirked coldly. ¡ª That¡¯s enough. He did not need overwhelming power to survive. Just a single moment. His consciousness delved deep within his own body, probing every corner. And he found it: a tiny fragment of his former essence, buried deep within his collapsed dantian. With a trembling motion, he pressed his index and middle fingers against his dantian, igniting what little strength remained. A blue flame flared within him, minuscule but scorching. It seeped into his meridians, illuminating his body from within. ¡ª Come out. His voice was barely a whisper, but the command was absolute. The poison reacted instantly, writhing violently. Agony ripped through his body, but he did not stop. Then, with a sharp flicker, the blue flame vanished. Everything fell silent once more. He slowly opened his hand. A black pearl, no larger than a grain of rice, rested in his palm. He crushed it between his fingers. ¡ª I survived. This was only the beginning. Facing his new body. Feng Lin took a deep breath. His breathing was still uneven, but the heaviness in his limbs had significantly lessened. With slow, measured movements, he pushed aside the threadbare sheets and placed his feet on the ground. The cold touch of the aged wood made him realize just how frail this body was. He stood, but a wave of dizziness struck him. He staggered slightly but caught himself against a wobbly piece of furniture. A sneer twisted his lips. To be reduced to this¡­ was an insult. His gaze landed on a cracked mirror, hanging askew on the opposite wall. He approached it with slow steps, his breath still short. What he saw made him freeze for a moment. A young man stared back at him, his complexion pale, his features hollowed by illness. His black hair was unkempt, dull, and lifeless. His golden eyes were the only thing that broke the image of frailty. He ran his fingers over his own face, feeling the thinness beneath his skin. ¡ª Pitiful. Slowly, he straightened his back, his gaze hardening. ¡ª Let the heavens remember¡­ an Emperor has returned. Chapter 2 : A Sign Of Life Voici la traduction en anglais de ton texte : --- Silence hung like a leaden shroud. Only the wind whistled through the cracks in the fractured walls, gliding over the rotting beams like a whisper from the past. Feng Lin slowly opened his eyes. His vision was blurry, his body aching. Every muscle was numb, as if invisible chains had held him captive for years. But he was free. At last. His gaze slowly swept across the room. It was a bedroom¡­ but it looked more like a prison. Walls tarnished by time, a ceiling devoured by dampness, a single rickety table, and a bed with tattered sheets. Even the light filtering through the windows seemed exhausted, as if it hesitated to enter this place forgotten by all. Feng Lin forced himself to breathe deeply. Every breath was agony. ¡ª My body is too weak... A barely perceptible tremor ran through his fingers as he tried to move. His legs felt foreign, as if they refused to obey him. Fifteen years. Fifteen years without the slightest movement. A five-year-old child, poisoned, plunged into a coma before he even had the chance to understand what was happening to him. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. And today, he was no longer a child. His soul belonged to a Pre-Celestial Emperor who had once ruled the heavens... But this body... This wretched mortal body, stripped of strength, emptied of all spiritual essence... A shiver of irritation ran down his spine. In his past life, he could have obliterated a kingdom with a mere gesture. His very name was enough to make the stars tremble. And now? He was nothing more than a cripple, barely able to stand. Feng Lin clenched his fists. The humiliation was unbearable. But he refused to be crushed by this temporary weakness. He slowly placed his hand on his chest and closed his eyes, trying to awaken his memory. His clan. His past. His legacy. But what he found... Were only scattered fragments, shattered, scattered through the depths of his mind. Like an ancient painting, eroded by time. Blurred faces. Nameless voices. Places without shape. An unfathomable abyss. Feng Lin abruptly opened his eyes. ¡ª My soul is too unstable. He had not only lost his body. His very memory was damaged. The memories of his past life were still there, somewhere¡­ But his shattered soul prevented him from fully accessing them. And more than that¡­ He had no cultivation techniques. His knowledge was that of an Emperor. But it was useless in this mortal body. An Emperor never bothered to remember basic techniques. He had never needed them. ¡ª Even a dragon fallen from the sky must crawl before regaining its wings... A bitter smirk twisted his lips. He would have to rebuild everything. From the ground up. A feeling of frustration boiled within him, but he crushed it immediately. It didn¡¯t matter. He would climb the heavens once more. But for that¡­ he first needed to understand where he was and who controlled this place. A sound suddenly echoed through the house. Dong. A heavy, metallic vibration. Dong. Feng Lin turned slightly toward the door. A clock? The deep, weighty sound resonated through the walls, like an echo from the past. Dong. How much had changed in fifteen years? Had his clan fallen into obscurity? Was his name still spoken somewhere, or had it been erased from history? He slowly straightened up, ignoring the pain coursing through his muscles. Then¡­ he heard another sound. Footsteps. Slow. Then hesitant. Someone was approaching. Feng Lin forced himself to steady his breathing. He was too weak to fight, but his mind was ready to face anyone. The footsteps stopped in front of the door. The handle creaked softly. A short breath was heard. Then¡­ the door opened. A figure appeared. An old woman, bent with age. Her hunched back bore the weight of time, her simple, worn linen clothes showing she did not belong to the nobility. Her white hair was tied in a careless bun, and her wrinkled hands trembled slightly. When she lifted her eyes to him¡­ Her body froze. Feng Lin saw her face crumble. Her breath caught, her eyes widened, and an absolute disbelief reflected in them. Her fragile fingers lost all strength. The gourd she was holding slipped from her hands. It hit the ground with a dull thud, splashing water across the dusty floor. A chilling silence settled. The old woman opened her mouth¡­ but no sound came out. She seemed unable to breathe, frozen in mute terror. Her lips trembled. Feng Lin did not move. He simply watched the old woman as shock slowly twisted her features. In the silence, only the echo of the clock still resonated. Dong. Dong. Dong. His nightmare had only just begun. --- J¡¯ai veill¨¦ ¨¤ conserver l¡¯atmosph¨¨re et l¡¯intensit¨¦ du texte. Si tu veux des ajustements, n¡¯h¨¦site pas ! Chapter 3 : A Shock The heavy silence was interrupted by the sound of the gourd falling to the ground. The old woman froze, her face pale, as if she had seen a ghost. Her eyes, wrinkled by time, trembled with disbelief. Feng Lin, standing before her, observed the scene without emotion. He could see the deep wrinkles on her face, signs of years of toil and suffering. Unlike the others, she had never abandoned him, watching over him even when he was lost in unconsciousness. But at this moment, he had neither the strength nor the interest to dwell on that detail. He took a step forward. His body felt heavy, as if he were carrying invisible chains. His legs trembled under his own weight, and a dull pain climbed up his spine. Feng Lin clenched his teeth. ¡ª Pathetic... He had never felt such extreme weakness. Even an ordinary mortal would have more vigor than him at this moment. His Qi was almost nonexistent, and his muscles had been reduced to mere remnants of flesh. He attempted another step. This time, the pain was sharper. His bare feet against the cold ground made him feel like a stranger in his own body. The old woman wanted to step forward, but he raised his hand slightly, stopping her in her tracks. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡ª No need. His voice was low but firm. He did not want help. He did not want pity. The old servant, still in shock at seeing him standing, slowly regained her composure. She watched Feng Lin, her eyes filled with concern but also relief. ¡ª Feng Lin... you are really standing... Her voice trembled slightly as she approached cautiously, as if afraid to break this fragile moment. Feng Lin looked at her without emotion, his eyes fixed on the ground as if trying to understand the world around him. He felt the discomfort of a body that betrayed him with every movement. ¡ª Tell me, he said in a weary voice, how many years have I spent in this state? How many years have I been asleep? He pretended not to know. He was perfectly aware of how long he had been unconscious, but he chose to ask the question. Not out of curiosity, but to test the old woman, to observe her reactions. The old servant hesitated, her face further etched by the weight of years. She placed a trembling hand over her heart, searching for the words. ¡ª You... you have been in a coma for fifteen long years, Master. The poison... Her voice faded for a moment, as if she struggled to recall the memory. ¡ª We thought... you would never return. A heavy silence settled between them. Feng Lin observed the old servant with calculated coldness, his eyes shining with a hidden glint. He was not interested in the pain or regrets of those around him, but he had clearly noted the fear in her eyes. Feng Lin, still leaning against the wall, slowly straightened himself. His cold, piercing gaze fell upon the old servant. ¡ª And the clan? he asked in a calm, almost emotionless voice. What is its state today? The old servant lowered her eyes, her face marked by deep sadness. She knew the news she was about to deliver would bring no comfort. ¡ª The clan... She hesitated for a moment, as if gathering her courage. The clan is still in the same state. Nothing has changed. In fact, things have only gotten worse. She sighed, visibly burdened. ¡ª It has been over five hundred years now since the clan has been in decline. The wealth is gone, the reputation is tarnished. There is no external support left. Feng Lin clenched his fists, a smoldering anger burning in his gaze. This body, though sick and poisoned, had potential. Before his betrayal, before his fall, he had been a prodigy, an heir destined for greatness. He knew that this body, in its youth, could have reached great heights. The talent was there, beneath the surface, before the poison ravaged it. He should have been one of the best, one of the strongest. But instead... he had ended up in a miserable body, dragged through the mud, at the bottom of the social ladder. ¡ª I reincarnated just to fall this low? he murmured, his voice filled with rage. This body was supposed to be the start of a new ascent, not the end of an old one. How could I have fallen so far? He turned his gaze, growing colder, toward the old servant. She knew he was referring to his own body, to his degraded state. Yet, he expected no pity. Chapter 4 : A Strange Root Feng Lin closed his eyes for a brief moment before declaring in a cold voice: ¡ª Bring me some water. The old servant bowed respectfully and left the room without asking any questions. As soon as she was gone, Feng Lin sat cross-legged and took a deep breath. He needed to check the state of his spiritual root. In his past life, he would have used a high-level artifact for this kind of examination, but today, he didn¡¯t need one. With his experience and understanding of celestial laws, he could probe his own body at a level no mortal could ever hope to reach. He delved his mind into his damaged meridians, going even deeper until he reached the very essence of his cultivation: his spiritual root. What he saw froze him. It was half-destroyed. A surge of black fury overwhelmed him instantly. He, a former Celestial Emperor, reduced to this miserable state? He had never suffered such an affront, not even in the most brutal wars he had fought. But suddenly, something strange caught his attention. Despite the obvious damage, his spiritual root emitted a terrifying energy. ¡ª What is this¡­ If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. His eyes snapped open, filled with incomprehension. This root¡­ he had never seen it before. In all his past existence, in all the ancient texts he had studied, never had such a spiritual root been mentioned. Even mutilated, it radiated an unfathomable power. A chill ran down his spine. What did this mean? Feng Lin calmed himself and decided to inspect the rest of his body. If his spiritual root was this unusual, who knew what other anomalies he might discover? He directed his mind toward his meridians. Some were broken, others obstructed, yet instead of being entirely useless, they seemed to contain traces of a strange energy. Not only had it not completely dissipated after so many years, but it even seemed to be nourishing his spiritual channels in an unknown manner. He frowned. Such a thing was impossible. A poison or a curse would have left only ruin behind. Yet, though his meridians were severely damaged, they showed signs of adaptation. Then, he examined his bones. ¡ª Hm? His bones¡­ they had undergone a transformation. Contrary to what he expected from a weakened body that had been inactive for so many years, his skeletal structure was not only intact but seemed reinforced. Even more, it bore traces of a peculiar refinement, as if his body had absorbed an unknown force during his long slumber. He clenched his fist and felt slight resistance within his own flesh. ¡ª My body¡­ it¡¯s not as weak as it seems. This realization left him deep in thought. He didn¡¯t have the answers yet, but one thing was certain: he had not returned to life in an ordinary form. There was something special about this new existence, something he needed to understand before planning his next steps. Perhaps it had something to do with his new identity. After all, despite the limited information he had gleaned from his predecessor¡¯s memories, he knew that the Feng clan was special. But in what way? He frowned. The previous Feng Lin¡¯s memories were too fragmented on this subject. He knew nothing about the true origins of the clan or the reason for its downfall. The only thing he had was a certainty: this clan was not ordinary. If his transformations were linked to his heritage, then he needed to learn more. But for that, he first had to rebuild himself. He slowly reopened his eyes. The servant would soon return with the water. For now, he needed to hide his discoveries and play his role. There was no point in revealing his true nature too soon. He decided to leave the room to explore the surroundings. Why wait for her return? She would likely inform the rest of his family. Without further delay, he opened the door, and the sunlight blinded him for an instant, forcing him to squint. He found himself on the balcony of a high pavilion, the sunlight momentarily forcing him to narrow his eyes. Before him stretched a panoramic view of the clan¡ªa vast network of buildings that once testified to great prosperity but had now become nothing more than a collection of abandoned ruins. Collapsed roofs, cracked walls, and deserted courtyards stretched as far as the eye could see, each silently telling the story of an inexorable decline. Wild vegetation had taken over: vines climbed along the old stones, and grass sprouted between the cracks of the dilapidated structures, as if trying to erase the traces of a glorious past. Chapter 5 : A Glimmer of Hope The old servant walked through the silent corridors of the pavilion, her heart pounding wildly. Her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions: relief, worry, but also a certain apprehension. After fifteen long years, Feng Lin had awakened. It was a blessing, but also a source of concern. She knew her duty was to immediately inform the patriarch. The Feng Clan had seen better days, but now, it was merely a shadow of its former glory. She passed by cracked walls and empty halls that once echoed with the voices of disciples in training. Now, all that remained was silence and abandonment. Arriving at the wing reserved for the patriarch, she took a deep breath before knocking on the door. A deep, weary voice allowed her to enter. Inside, a middle-aged man with a stern gaze sat in a worn-out armchair. His face bore the marks of the clan¡¯s years of decline. ¡ª What do you want? he asked in a tired tone. ¡ª Master¡­ It¡¯s Feng Lin. He has awakened. The silence that followed was chilling. The patriarch slowly lifted his head, his eyes flickering with a complex light¡ªbetween hope and doubt. ¡ª Are you certain? ¡ª Yes, Patriarch. I saw him with my own eyes. The man remained silent for a moment before rising slowly. He fixed his gaze on the servant, searching for any trace of uncertainty. But she stood firm, convinced of what she had seen. ¡ª Very well¡­ then it is time to see for ourselves. Without delay, he headed for the exit, the servant following closely behind. The Feng Clan might be facing a turning point. The patriarch stared at the old servant with a piercing gaze before speaking in a grave tone: Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. ¡ª Go inform my wife. Tell her that Feng Lin has awakened. She will know what to do. The servant hesitated for a moment, as if she wanted to say something, but faced with the patriarch¡¯s stern expression, she quickly bowed. ¡ª Yes, Master. Without wasting time, she turned and left the room in a hurry, making her way to the matriarch¡¯s quarters. The patriarch, meanwhile, remained motionless for a few seconds, deep in thought. His only son, who had been in a coma for fifteen long years, had finally opened his eyes. But what kind of man had he become? Frowning slightly, he turned on his heels and walked toward Feng Lin¡¯s chamber. The old servant hurried through the long, dilapidated corridors of the main pavilion. Her footsteps echoed faintly on the stone floor, and her heart pounded. After so many years, Feng Lin had finally awakened¡­ but was that truly good news? She arrived before a large, carved wooden door, once majestic but now marked by time. Taking a deep breath, she gently pushed it open and entered. Inside, Matriarch Feng sat near a window, gazing outside with a pensive expression. Her face, once radiant with beauty, bore the marks of time and hardship. Her clothes, though clean and well-kept, no longer held the splendor of the past. When she heard the door open, she turned her head slowly, her stern gaze settling on the kneeling servant. ¡ª Why do you come in such a panic? she asked in a calm but authoritative voice. The servant lowered her head and responded in a trembling voice: ¡ª Madam¡­ the young master¡­ Feng Lin¡­ he¡­ he has awakened. Silence fell heavily upon the room. The matriarch remained still for a moment, her silk fan frozen in the air. Her gaze hardened. ¡ª Are you certain? ¡ª Yes, madam! He was conscious, he spoke to me, he¡­ he asked me for water¡­ The matriarch closed her fan with a sharp motion. She seemed lost in thought, as if trying to understand what this meant. ¡ª Fifteen years¡­ she murmured. Fifteen years he has been in that sleep. I thought¡­ She trailed off. Her piercing gaze fell upon the servant once more. ¡ª How did he seem? ¡ª Different, madam, the servant admitted hesitantly. His gaze¡­ it was¡­ cold. Not like before. And when he spoke to me¡­ it was strange. As if he¡­ ¡ª As if he was no longer the same, the matriarch finished in a low voice. The servant timidly nodded. ¡ª Madam¡­ do you think¡­ something happened to him? The matriarch did not respond immediately. She slowly stood and took a few steps around the room, her gaze lost in the void. ¡ª So many years have passed¡­ if he is truly awake, then we must see with our own eyes what he has become. She paused, then added in a firmer tone: ¡ª Prepare a proper outfit for me. If my son has truly returned to us, then it is time I meet him. The servant bowed deeply before leaving the room in haste, leaving the matriarch alone with her thoughts. An unreadable light passed through her gaze. ¡ª Feng Lin¡­ after all this time, what kind of man have you become? Yes, to her, it was natural that after so many years, Feng Lin had changed. He was no longer the five-year-old child she had once known. Even in unconsciousness, his mind must have evolved, adapted to this long period of stasis. But deep down, she could not shake off a certain unease. He had just woken up, and yet, he did not seem lost or disoriented as one would expect. His gaze¡­ It was far too calm. Chapter 6 : You have to start somewhere Feng Lin slowly left the balcony of the secondary pavilion where he stood. From there, he had a full view of the Feng residence¡ªa territory that was once majestic, now marked by decay. But he had neither the time nor the desire to linger on these ruins of the past. His objective was clear. His gaze settled on a massive building, slightly set apart from the other pavilions. Its dark stone walls, imposing columns, and sculpted roof betrayed its importance. It could only be a library. Without wasting a second, Feng Lin set off. His body, still weakened by the poison, slowed his movements, but he did not let it show. He walked with the same poise as a sovereign approaching his throne. Silence weighed over the Feng residence. The few remaining servants stood frozen, breathless. How was this possible? Their young master, who had been on the brink of death for years, was now walking before their very eyes. An old man with a gray beard gripped his broom nervously, while a young maid stepped back, as if she had just seen a ghost. No one dared to break the heavy silence. Feng Lin, however, ignored their astonishment. His cold gaze swept over the surroundings. His childhood memories were blurry, fragmented. He barely recognized the place. This body had been only five years old when the poison struck, and the Feng clan had already been in decline long before that. But one thing caught his attention: an enormous building, set apart, half-hidden behind cracked walls and overgrown vegetation. The library? This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. A smile appeared on his face. Finally. He stepped into the library. The ground floor was deserted, except for a broken wooden desk, probably once used to verify visitors'' identities and determine their access to different floors. He climbed the stairs to the first floor, where dust reigned supreme. Half of the books had been removed, many shelves were empty, and among the remaining works¡­ could they even be called remains? Only two were left. Feng Lin approached the two remaining books, their covers worn and dulled by time. He reached out for the first, feeling the rough texture of cracked leather under his fingers. Carefully opening it, he found its pages yellowed, some nearly illegible, but he could still make out diagrams and ancient writings. Skimming through the contents, he realized it was a basic manual on the fundamentals of cultivation. Though rudimentary, this manual could provide the necessary foundation for him to begin his training. He then turned to the second book. This one was thinner, with a torn cloth cover. Opening it, he discovered a collection of personal notes, likely written by a former member of the Feng clan. The notes detailed experiments, failures, and successes in various cultivation techniques. Though fragmented, these writings could offer valuable insights and shortcuts for his progress. Feng Lin took both books and sat down on the dusty floor of the library. He knew the road to regaining his power would be long and arduous, but with these resources¡ªmodest as they were¡ªhe had a starting point. Closing his eyes for a moment, he recalled the sensations of his former strength, then began reading, determined to rebuild his power, page by page. Among the two remaining books, Feng Lin picked up the first and examined it carefully. It contained only information on a basic cultivation technique, likely intended for outer disciples. Feng Lin assumed that at the peak of his clan, such a weak technique would not have been present in the library. It had probably been added when the clan was in decline, to quickly train new disciples. Despite the simplicity of the technique, Feng Lin decided to use it as a starting point. He sat cross-legged on the dusty library floor, closed his eyes, and began cultivating according to the manual''s instructions. He knew this method was rudimentary, but it would allow him to gradually rebuild his inner strength. He did not have time to search the other floors for a more advanced manual. His body was in too precarious a state for him to afford to wait. If he did not quickly strengthen his constitution, his fragile health would end him before he could even truly begin his cultivation journey. Chapter 7 : First Step Toward Cultivation Feng Lin sat cross-legged, his back straight and his mind focused. His body, weakened by years of inactivity, was a burden, but he didn¡¯t have the luxury of lamenting. He had to move forward. He took a deep breath and began circulating his energy. At the very first attempt, a sharp pain shot through his body. His meridians were fragile, barely able to withstand the flow of Qi he was trying to guide. But he didn¡¯t stop. "This is nothing compared to what I¡¯ve been through before." His body trembled under the strain. Even the slightest circulation of energy felt like a blade tearing through his muscles. Yet, he continued. He forced his Qi through his meridians, making them strengthen under the pressure. Minute after minute, hour after hour, he slowly refined his Qi. His body, initially frail and unstable, began to adapt. His muscles tensed, his breathing deepened, and a familiar warmth settled within him. Then, suddenly, he felt a shift. His Qi surged like a river breaking through a dam. First level of Body Refinement reached. It shouldn¡¯t have taken hours, but most of the breakthrough had been focused on his recovery. A shiver ran through his body. He knew it: this was far from enough. But it was a first step. A first step toward reclaiming his power. That¡¯s when he sensed a presence behind him. The Feng Patriarch stood there, motionless, watching him. The Patriarch observed Feng Lin for a long moment, standing at the threshold as if trying to imprint this image in his mind. His son, who had just awakened from a fifteen-year coma, had just succeeded in a cultivation breakthrough. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. He let out a sigh, then slowly stepped forward before calmly declaring: ¡ª Feng Lin, congratulations on your breakthrough. It has been a long time¡­ He paused, searching for his words, then added: ¡ª I see that you have grown during your long sleep. We need to talk about the clan¡¯s future. My lifespan is running out¡­ and now that you¡¯ve resumed cultivation the moment you woke up, it¡¯s possible that you are the one who will carry the clan¡¯s future. His gaze grew more serious as he continued: ¡ª But your sister is talented as well. She has already reached the fifth stage of Body Refinement at the age of nineteen. He let these words linger in the air, watching for Feng Lin¡¯s reaction. Feng Lin couldn¡¯t help but smirk inwardly. The fifth stage in nineteen years¡­ and that¡¯s considered talent? He knew that the Feng Clan was in decline, but hearing it directly from the Patriarch gave him a clearer picture of the situation. Feng Lin assumed that his father held the clan in higher regard than his own son; otherwise, why would he speak to him about succession so directly? The Patriarch studied Feng Lin for a moment before continuing in a softer tone: ¡ª During your breakthrough, your mother came. He paused, then added: ¡ª I told her not to disturb you and to arrange a dinner. At that time, we will gather as a family. His gaze settled on Feng Lin, trying to gauge his reaction. ¡ª Many things have changed in fifteen years, and it is time for you to be informed. Feng Lin gave a slight nod, masking his thoughts. A family dinner? This was a perfect opportunity to observe the state of the clan and learn more about its members. Even though he didn¡¯t care about the clan, Feng Lin knew he had to play his role for now. If he raised any suspicion, if he let on that he was no longer the same, he risked being seen as an anomaly. With his current strength, he was no match for those who might seek to eliminate him out of fear or ambition. He had to proceed cautiously, adapt to this new life while preparing for his rise to power. This dinner might be a waste of time, but it could provide valuable information about the Feng Clan¡¯s current situation. After all, an idea was already taking root in his mind: why not dominate the Feng Clan? By seizing power, he could accelerate his rise by monopolizing the clan¡¯s resources. Even in ruin, the Feng Clan remained an established structure with knowledge and a network he could exploit to his advantage. Moreover, he needed to learn more about his spiritual root. Was it a special lineage unique to the Feng Clan? Or something even rarer and more powerful? By controlling the clan, he could search its archives, question the elders, and gather all the necessary information. His gaze turned colder. He was no longer just a forgotten young master. He was Feng Lin, and sooner or later, this clan would bend to his will. The real obstacle was his sister. Even if her talent was mediocre compared to the true geniuses of the cultivation world, for a declining clan like the Feng Clan, she was seen as a more reliable option. After all, she had been training all these years and had reached the fifth stage of Body Refinement by the age of nineteen. Compared to her, he was just a forgotten heir, a former young master who had spent fifteen long years in a coma. Now that he had only just awakened and was at the first level of Body Refinement, it was easy to imagine that most of the clan viewed him as dead weight rather than a serious contender for future leadership. But Feng Lin had no intention of letting things go that way. His gaze turned icy. No matter how things appeared now, it wouldn¡¯t take long for him to overturn the situation. Chapter 8 : A Forgotten Heir As he followed his father into a dilapidated pavilion, Feng Lin entered a room with a dining table in the middle. He quickly scanned the space. It must have had another purpose before but had been repurposed to be used in a part of the building that was still in decent condition. Feng Lin sat at the table, calmly observing his "family." Around him, faces displayed various emotions: the patriarch wore a cold expression, the matriarch looked both relieved and cautious, and his sister¡­ ah, his sister. Her slightly arrogant gaze, her straight posture¡ªshe was clearly trying to prove she was the natural heir of the clan. Pathetic. They were so weak, so insignificant. But for now, he had to play along. ¡ª Feng Lin, I¡¯m glad you¡¯ve finally awakened, his father declared gravely. Your return is a blessing for the clan. ¡ª Hm? Really? Feng Lin replied with a smirk. And yet, the clan doesn¡¯t seem to have fared any better in my absence. A heavy silence fell briefly over the room. The matriarch tried to ease the tension: ¡ª Let¡¯s eat first. Feng Lin needs to regain his strength. The meal was served. Simple food, barely acceptable. Even a servant in a prestigious clan would eat better than this. He absentmindedly picked at his food while studying everyone¡¯s reactions. ¡ª Father, now that Feng Lin is awake, what about the future leadership of the clan? his sister asked, her voice sweet yet calculated. Feng Lin stifled a mocking laugh. ¡ª Oh? You¡¯re already eager to inherit? With your "impressive speed" in cultivation, I would¡¯ve thought you¡¯d prefer to wait a few more decades before bringing it up. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. She frowned, clearly irritated. ¡ª I¡¯ve reached the fifth stage of Body Refinement, she declared proudly. ¡ª Impressive, truly. Such talent might even intimidate a traveling merchant. The patriarch coughed slightly to put an end to the exchange. ¡ª It¡¯s true that the clan needs a strong leader. My own longevity is nearing its end. Feng Lin, now that you can cultivate, you must catch up. ¡ª Of course. But I¡¯m curious¡­ how does cultivation work exactly? I only have the knowledge of a five-year-old, after all. His father nodded, finding no flaw in his words, and began explaining the cultivation realms, starting with Body Refinement, followed by Meridian Opening, then Qi Condensation¡ªeach divided into nine stages. Feng Lin listened attentively, but inwardly, he sneered. Pathetic insects¡­ Do they really think these crumbs of knowledge are valuable? At the end of the meal, his father looked at him. ¡ª Feng Lin, now that you¡¯re back, show me what you¡¯re capable of. If you prove your worth, the clan might recognize you as its future leader. Feng Lin¡¯s smile was unreadable. ¡ª Oh, don¡¯t worry. Very soon, no one will have any doubts about my worth. The patriarch sighed slightly before speaking in a more serious tone: ¡ª Perhaps, but you were in a coma for a long time. Even I had given up hope for you¡­ And besides, your body likely has hidden injuries. Your breakthrough will be difficult. You¡¯ve just begun muscle refinement; now, focus on bone refinement. I¡¯ll give you a slightly more advanced manual. Feng Lin raised an eyebrow, a mocking smirk appearing on his lips. ¡ª Father, is this your way of telling me I should be grateful for finally receiving a decent cultivation manual? I¡¯m surprised you still consider me worthy of one. The patriarch¡¯s brows furrowed slightly at his son¡¯s arrogant response. ¡ª This is not the time for insolence, Feng Lin. You¡¯ve made a breakthrough today, but that doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯ll catch up so easily. Your sister is already at the fifth stage of Body Refinement and has been training for years. Feng Lin couldn¡¯t help but chuckle coldly, devoid of any joy. ¡ª The fifth stage in nineteen years¡­ Now that is truly impressive¡­ for a ruined clan. ¡ª Feng Lin! the matriarch scolded. ¡ª What? I¡¯m merely stating facts, Mother. The patriarch shook his head, choosing to ignore his son¡¯s provocation. ¡ª Regardless, we will discuss this later. For now, get some rest. We shall see if your newfound strength is merely a fleeting miracle or the beginning of true change. Feng Lin gave a slight smile. ¡ª Don¡¯t worry, Father. Soon, you¡¯ll see that I am much more than a "fleeting miracle." They tried to hide their true opinions behind kind words, but Feng Lin wasn¡¯t fooled. Fifteen years of absence had reduced him to a distant memory, a mere shadow in the history of the Feng Clan. And now that he had returned, they expected him to stay in his place¡ªas a weakling, a burden. Feng Lin suddenly stood up, his cold gaze sweeping over the table with disdain. ¡ª I won¡¯t eat this, he declared. Silence immediately fell over the room, but he paid no attention to it. He brushed off his sleeve absentmindedly, as if the mere thought of sharing this meal disgusted him, then turned on his heel. ¡ª I¡¯m going back to cultivate, he added mockingly. After all, my sister is apparently a genius. I must put in some effort. Without waiting for a response, he left the room, leaving behind a heavy, awkward atmosphere. Chapter 9 : Intruder In The Shadows Feng Lin left the dining hall without looking back. He cared nothing for the gazes upon him¡ªhalf-hidden pity and undisguised contempt. This meal had only confirmed one thing: he was no longer considered a member of the clan but a dead weight, a remnant of the past tolerated out of obligation. ¡ª Pathetic¡­ he murmured as he returned to his room. He had no intention of playing the role of the lost boy seeking to regain his family''s love. The soul of the former Feng Lin was dead, and with it, all innocence and naivety. He was no longer that five-year-old child but a former Celestial Emperor, betrayed and reincarnated in a miserable body. Why should he follow the rules of a declining clan? No, he had a better idea. He would subjugate the Feng clan and use it as a stepping stone to reclaim what he once was. And if, in the process, his so-called "relatives" could serve as cannon fodder, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate for a second. Sitting cross-legged on his bed, he immediately activated his cultivation. Energy slowly coursed through his muscles, awakening a dull pain in his weakened body. He gritted his teeth. This was only the beginning of a long process. ¡ª This miserable body¡­ he growled. I will break it and rebuild it. Minutes passed, then hours. He could already feel his muscles strengthening slightly, but it wasn¡¯t enough. Not yet. He had to forge this body until it was worthy of his soul once more. Sooner or later, they would all regret underestimating him. Feng Lin closed his eyes, plunging into a state of absolute concentration. He had to reach the second stage of body refinement: bone refinement. His body was still weak, fragile after fifteen years of unconsciousness. But that didn¡¯t bother him. He had no intention of staying in this miserable state for long. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. As he channeled his energy, he felt something strange. A subtle yet undeniable change. ¡ª Hm? He suddenly recalled what had happened when he had purged the poison from his body. At that moment, he had used the remnants of his soul from his past life to cleanse his system. But without realizing it, a tiny fraction of that energy had been absorbed by his spiritual root. And now, he could see the effects. His breakthrough speed was far faster than normal. His once-fragile body was adapting at a terrifying rate, absorbing energy with frightening efficiency. ¡ª Interesting¡­ An arrogant smile curled his lips. If this continued, he wouldn¡¯t just catch up¡ªhe would quickly surpass the pathetic cultivators of the Feng clan. But that wasn¡¯t enough. He needed to be self-sufficient. Rely on the Feng clan? Out of the question. He had to obtain his own resources, amass his own power. And for that¡­ he already had an idea. Feng Lin decided to head toward the alchemy hall he had spotted earlier. Though the Feng clan was in ruins, some vestiges of its former glory remained. The alchemy hall, for example, spanned several thousand meters. At its peak, the clan must have housed thousands of disciples and elders, all dedicated to pill refinement and experimentation. But today¡­ The place was most likely deserted, abandoned by those incompetents. Feng Lin had no intention of becoming an alchemist himself, but he knew one thing: other people''s ignorance was his greatest opportunity. ¡ª Who knows? Maybe some fool left behind an old furnace, a precious herb¡­ If he could get his hands on rare ingredients or an old manual, he would already have an advantage. With a slight smirk, he quickened his pace. At that moment, Feng Lin noticed that half the building was in ruins. Scars of battle and destruction spread across the collapsed walls. Deep cracks ran through the ground, and broken pillars lay scattered everywhere. It was obvious that a fierce battle had taken place here. ¡ª A former clan plundered to this extent¡­ Not surprising. Anyone would be interested in resources. His gaze swept over the wreckage. He could still see the charred remains of alchemy furnaces, shattered shelves, and a few broken jade fragments¡ªprobably ancient manuals reduced to dust. Everything had been looted. But Feng Lin showed no sign of disappointment. ¡ª It doesn¡¯t matter. Even if the raiders took everything, they might not have been smart enough to understand it all¡­ He advanced slowly, analyzing every corner, searching for an overlooked detail, a neglected treasure. At that moment, a murderous intent filled the air¡ªcold and oppressive. Feng Lin stopped dead in his tracks. His gaze hardened, and his instincts, sharpened by his past life, screamed at him to stay alert. The air grew heavy, as if a predator had just held its breath to stalk its prey. ¡ª Interesting¡­ Feng Lin murmured with a smirk. Someone was there. And they did not have good intentions. Chapter 10 : Sneak Attack Feng Lin, with his past experience, quickly grasped the situation. Without wasting a second, he ran toward a pile of debris and found a half-broken light sword. His cold gaze swept across the ruins around him. ¡ª Hmph, no wonder thieves are lurking around... The Feng clan has completely given up on defending itself, he murmured with disdain. As soon as he gripped the weapon, a metallic flash sliced through the air. A swift sword strike came down upon him. Without hesitation, he raised his damaged blade to parry the attack. The clash echoed in the night, sending sparks flying. Though his body was still weak compared to its true potential, it had already improved. He stood at the peak of the first stage of Body Refinement. His opponent took a slight step back, surprised by his resilience. Feng Lin, however, remained unfazed. After all, with tens of thousands of years of combat experience, how could he lose to a mere thief? At that moment, one of his eyes gleamed with a golden light, but almost immediately, a sharp pain pierced through him. Blood slowly trickled from his eye socket, forcing a muffled cry from his lips. Instinctively, Feng Lin brought a hand to his eye, but what he saw froze him. Around his opponent, faint strands of spiritual energy swayed, revealing a presence he shouldn¡¯t have been able to perceive. ¡ª Seeing... spiritual energy? He had never heard of such an ability. But this was neither the place nor the time to ponder this anomaly. He quickly assessed the situation: with that much energy surrounding him, his opponent must be at the early stage of the second level of Body Refinement. ¡ª A mere thief, but stronger than expected¡­ Feng Lin tightened his grip on his broken sword and immediately adopted a defensive stance. He didn¡¯t know what had just happened to him, but one thing was certain: if he let his guard down, he might never see the light of day again. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. In any case, one thing was clear¡ªslightly activating his spiritual root had awakened this golden eye. Feng Lin recalled the faces of his family. He had observed them closely, and though some tried to hide it, he had noticed the same golden glow in their eyes. ¡ª A bloodline ability? If that were the case, then his spiritual root must also be tied to this heritage. That would explain why he had never found any information about it until now. But now was not the time to get lost in thought. He had a fight to win, and his opponent wouldn¡¯t give him the time to contemplate his new discoveries. Feng Lin carefully observed his opponent¡¯s movements. When another attack aimed for his neck, he dodged with a slight tilt of his head, feeling the wind of the blade brush past his skin. But his opponent didn¡¯t stop there. In a quick follow-up, he threw a dagger at Feng Lin¡¯s leg, aiming to limit his movements. With his reflexes honed by past experience, Feng Lin swiftly pivoted to the side. The weapon grazed his pants before embedding itself into the ground with force. He gripped his damaged sword firmly. Though broken, it was still usable. The real problem wasn¡¯t the weapon but his own body, still in recovery. Despite his progress, he could tell that his current strength was limited. "I need to end this quickly." Judging his opponent, he analyzed every breath, every posture. This man wasn¡¯t a combat expert but seemed experienced in fights. A cold smile crossed Feng Lin¡¯s lips as he prepared to counterattack. Without giving his opponent a moment to react, Feng Lin lunged forward, his half-broken sword slicing through the air with deadly precision. The attacker, though experienced, was caught off guard by the sudden offensive. He tried to raise his weapon to block, but at the last moment, Feng Lin shifted angles, sweeping horizontally with his sword. A metallic clang echoed as his opponent barely managed to block, stepping back under the force of the impact. Seizing the opening, Feng Lin let go of his sword with one hand and struck his opponent¡¯s wrist with the hilt. The man grimaced, his weapon trembled, but he held firm and immediately countered with a quick thrust. Feng Lin leaned sideways, narrowly avoiding the blade as it brushed past his shoulder. He retaliated instantly, putting his entire body¡¯s force into the strike. His sword cut through the air in a deadly arc, forcing his opponent to leap backward. But Feng Lin gave him no respite. He pressed forward, chaining attack after attack. His style wasn¡¯t refined, but each strike was precise, calculated, and ruthless. Cornered, the attacker attempted a last-ditch move¡ªa low sweep aimed at knocking Feng Lin off balance. Anticipating the attack, Feng Lin slightly jumped to avoid it before violently bringing his sword down on his enemy¡¯s weapon arm. A cry rang out. His opponent dropped his weapon in pain, and Feng Lin seized the moment, kicking him back and piercing his heart, sending him crashing against a crumbling wall. Wiping the blood still dripping from his eye, Feng Lin coldly looked at his opponent, now groaning on the ground. ¡ª Too weak. He sheathed his makeshift weapon and took one last look at the battlefield. This fight had given him a better understanding of his body, but one thing was certain¡­ he was still far from his true strength. Chapter 11 : Alchemy Pavilion Feng Lin stood straight amidst the ruins, his breath slightly uneven after the battle. He wasn¡¯t injured, but fatigue weighed on his muscles¡ªa consequence of his still-fragile body. Yet, a cold excitement coursed through his mind. He could feel the subtle changes within him, the telltale signs of an impending breakthrough. He closed his eyes, focusing on the circulation of his energy. His body, once weakened by poison, was still far from its optimal state, but he had recovered enough to take another step forward. He sat cross-legged on the ground, ignoring the corpse beside him. With precise control, he guided his Qi through his meridians, reinforcing his weakened bones. The energy condensed, refined itself, and seeped deep into his skeleton like a river nourishing barren land. A dull pain slowly rose, then intensified, as if every bone in his body was being shattered and reforged in an instant. Feng Lin gritted his teeth, enduring the pain without flinching. It was a necessary step. Bone Refinement was just one stage of the cultivation path, but it marked a turning point. His bones, once as fragile as those of a sickly child, were strengthening¡ªbecoming denser, more resilient. Every cell in his body absorbed the energy of the surrounding world, accelerating the process. Then, suddenly, a sensation of lightness flooded his being. He reopened his eyes, a cold and piercing gleam in his gaze. He had just reached the second stage of Body Refinement: Bone Tempering. His body was still thin, but he could already feel the difference. His physical strength had increased, his movements were more fluid, and the exhaustion that had weighed on him moments ago had partially faded. A faint smile appeared on his face before vanishing just as quickly. This was just a small step. He was still far too weak to claim anything in this cruel world. Rising to his feet, he finally turned his attention to the corpse a few meters away. His opponent hadn¡¯t been a formidable expert, but he had been a cultivator nonetheless. And every cultivator possessed valuable resources. Feng Lin approached the lifeless body, his eyes quickly scanning the scene. He crouched and searched the man¡¯s pockets, his fingers probing for a spatial artifact, a valuable item¡ªanything that could aid him. But there was nothing. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Hmph. A pathetic thief, not even capable of owning a spatial ring?¡± he muttered, a hint of disappointment in his voice. His gaze fell on a small pouch tied to the corpse¡¯s belt. He unfastened it and opened it with a precise movement. Inside, a few medicinal herbs were carelessly stacked. Feng Lin examined them closely. They must have been stolen from somewhere¡ªperhaps an old abandoned garden or a poorly guarded residence. Their condition was poor: the leaves were wilted, the stems half-dried. Most had lost their medicinal properties, leaving behind mere shadows of what they once were. ¡°Tch. Even these are barely useful¡­¡± He recognized a few. Some would have been valuable in the past, but in their current state, they weren¡¯t worth much. Still, he didn¡¯t discard them immediately. Even low-quality herbs could have some use, whether to dull pain or temporarily stabilize an unstable condition. Feng Lin closed the pouch and slipped it into his sleeve. They weren¡¯t ideal, but he might find a use for them later. He stood up and cast one last glance at the corpse. With an indifferent gesture, he nudged it aside with his foot. This man had been nothing more than an insignificant obstacle on his path. Feng Lin resumed his walk through the massive, dilapidated alchemy hall. The place bore the marks of time and decline: collapsed shelves, cracked alchemy furnaces, and pill residues scattered across the dust-covered floor. He moved slowly, his gaze scrutinizing every corner, hoping to find something still usable. He pushed open a half-ajar door and stepped into a side room. The scent of withered plants lingered in the air¡ªa sign that this place had once held precious medicinal herbs. He approached an old wooden cabinet and opened it with a precise motion. Inside, several glass jars lay shattered, leaving behind only fragments of unusable powder. ¡°Hmph, everything is in ruins¡­¡± he murmured, closing the drawer. He continued his search, passing through another section of the hall. In a corner, he spotted an old alchemy furnace, covered in a thick layer of dust. As he approached, he noticed a faint metallic glimmer beneath a pile of ashes. Brushing the debris aside, he uncovered a small silver tong, once used to handle burning-hot pills. Though of limited use, he took it anyway¡ªbetter to leave nothing to chance. After several more minutes of searching, he realized that almost everything had been looted or rendered worthless by time. He straightened, his cold gaze sweeping the hall. It was time to leave. Feng Lin exited the alchemy hall without a backward glance. His footsteps echoed in the silent corridors as he made his way toward the Feng family¡¯s main residence. Even if this clan had fallen into disgrace, there had to be some forgotten treasures left behind¡ªhidden, overlooked, or simply misunderstood by generations too weak to grasp their true value. His thoughts were clear: recover anything that could accelerate his progression. Cultivation techniques, weapons, artifacts¡ªit didn¡¯t matter. If he could use it, he would take it. As he neared the residence, he wondered if those Feng family wastes had any idea what they had lost. Perhaps some ancient legacy still lay buried somewhere? A sealed chamber, a forgotten treasure, an ancient inscription? No matter what he found, he was ready to seize it. Chapter 12 : The True Face Meanwhile, in the vast hall of the Feng Clan¡¯s main manor, silence reigned after Feng Lin¡¯s abrupt departure. Around the table, Patriarch Feng Tian, his wife, and his daughter Feng Yue exchanged heavy glances. The atmosphere was tense, charged with an unspoken understanding. Feng Tian crossed his arms and let out a long sigh. ¡°That boy¡­ He has changed.¡± Feng Yue, who had just finished her meal, raised an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s obvious. He woke up after fifteen years in a coma and now acts as if he¡¯s a completely different person. His sudden arrogance, his disdain for food¡­ He wasn¡¯t like that before.¡± Feng Lin¡¯s mother slowly nodded, a shadow of sadness passing through her gaze. ¡°I wonder if his long sleep has affected his mind. Or maybe he¡¯s just trying to make up for all those lost years.¡± The patriarch shook his head. ¡°Whatever the reason, it¡¯s not necessarily a bad thing. A weak and docile child has no place in this world. If he wants to survive, he will have to forge his own strength.¡± Feng Yue set down her chopsticks and fixed her father with a steady gaze. ¡°But father, let¡¯s be realistic. No matter how hard he tries, he will never have my talent. I reached the fifth stage of Body Refinement at nineteen. He has barely stepped into the first stage. The gap is insurmountable.¡± A silence settled over the room. Feng Tian took a moment to think before replying. ¡°Precisely. Feng Lin has no future here. The Feng Clan is already in ruins, and he doesn¡¯t have the strength to help us rebuild it. If we push him to leave, perhaps he¡¯ll find a better place to live, far from this decrepit land.¡± His wife frowned. ¡°You want to expel him from the clan?¡± ¡°No,¡± Feng Tian replied in a calm tone. ¡°But if he realizes on his own that he¡¯s dead weight, then he¡¯ll have no choice but to leave. Letting him believe he has a place here would be a cruel illusion.¡± Feng Yue smirked. ¡°In that case, we should just keep looking down on him, right? If he has any sense left, he¡¯ll leave on his own.¡± If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Feng Lin¡¯s mother hesitated but eventually nodded. ¡°I suppose that¡¯s better than watching him fail here¡­¡± After a brief silence, Feng Yue abruptly changed the subject. ¡°Since we¡¯re talking about cultivation, father, I¡¯d like to discuss my progress.¡± Feng Tian nodded, finally turning a fond gaze toward his daughter. ¡°Of course. How do you feel about your breakthrough to the sixth stage?¡± Feng Yue wore a confident smile. ¡°I¡¯m progressing well, but I need purer resources. The pills we have are of inferior quality. If we want me to advance quickly, I¡¯ll need rarer herbs.¡± Feng Tian slowly nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll see what we can acquire. But don¡¯t be impatient. Rushing in cultivation leads to ruin.¡± Feng Yue acknowledged his words, but deep down, she was certain of one thing: no matter what her brother tried to achieve, he would never surpass her. She was the heir of the Feng Clan. He was nothing but a burden destined to fade away. Meanwhile, far from the manor, Feng Lin continued his battle, unaware of his own family¡¯s schemes. A brief silence had settled after the discussion about Feng Lin. But his sister, tapping lightly on the table with her fingertips, quickly spoke again in a thoughtful tone. ¡ª ¡°Father, there¡¯s something else we need to talk about. The attacks from those insignificant rats are becoming more frequent.¡± Her piercing gaze landed on her father, waiting for a reaction. Seated at the center of the table, he crossed his arms and let out a deep sigh. His expression was grave, a sign that he had already been thinking about the problem. ¡ª ¡°I know. Those miserable scavengers are taking advantage of our clan¡¯s weakness to steal our remaining resources. Although they¡¯re weak individually, their numbers are becoming a concern.¡± The mother, usually silent, placed her cup down with a weary sigh. Her delicate, elegant face showed the exhaustion built up over the years. ¡ª ¡°This was inevitable. Ever since the clan¡¯s fall, we no longer have the means to maintain a proper defense. Our experts have left, and those who remain aren¡¯t strong enough to inspire fear. At this rate, it won¡¯t just be thieves coming, but enemy factions looking to annex our territory.¡± Her tone was calm, but the weight of her words was heavy. Her daughter clenched her fists, visibly frustrated. ¡ª ¡°Father, how much longer are we going to tolerate this?! With every attack, we lose precious resources. I could easily wipe out these vermin, but I¡¯m alone. Why not invest in some mercenaries? We still have hidden funds, don¡¯t we?¡± The clan leader fixed her with a severe gaze. ¡ª ¡°And then what? Do you really think mercenaries will remain loyal? We no longer have the prestige we once did. The moment someone offers them a better price, they¡¯ll betray us. Moreover, we can¡¯t afford to attract attention by hiring outside forces. We¡¯re already walking on a tightrope.¡± His wife nodded in agreement. ¡ª ¡°He¡¯s right. We need to handle this situation smartly, not recklessly.¡± The young woman¡¯s dissatisfaction was evident, but she knew her parents were right. Yet, the idea of constantly being on the defensive was unbearable to her. Seeing his daughter¡¯s frustration, the clan leader softened his tone slightly. ¡ª ¡°However¡­ we can turn their own strategy against them. We know they attack in small groups. Instead of confronting them head-on, why not set traps and crush them before they become a bigger threat?¡± She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. ¡ª ¡°You mean¡­ hunt them down one by one?¡± A faint smile appeared on the clan leader¡¯s face. ¡ª ¡°Exactly. They think we are weak and disorganized. We must prove them wrong.¡± Chapter 13 : First Resources Feng Lin pushed open the doors of the hall with confidence, his cold gaze sweeping over the three members of his family seated around the table. His father, the patriarch, was upright and imposing, bearing the weight of the clan on his shoulders despite his relative weakness. His mother, the matriarch, wore a detached expression, though her piercing eyes betrayed a certain curiosity about his sudden intrusion. As for his sister, she remained silent, observing the scene without intervening. The atmosphere in the room was heavy, filled with an almost palpable tension. No one welcomed him, and he had expected that. After all, his awakening had been a shock, and his attitude¡ªso different from the Feng Lin of the past¡ªonly fueled their distrust. Stopping a few steps from the table, he spoke in a calm but firm voice: ¡ª "I will be leaving for a few days." His father furrowed his brows and crossed his arms over his chest. ¡ª "Leaving? And where exactly do you intend to go?" Feng Lin showed no hesitation. ¡ª "To the city. I need to buy some resources." A silence followed his words, quickly broken by his mother¡¯s mocking laughter. ¡ª "Buying resources? And with what money, exactly?" The young man met her gaze without blinking. ¡ª "There must be some funds left in the clan. I only ask for a small sum." The patriarch tapped his finger on the dark wooden table, considering his son''s request. ¡ª "Why this sudden urge to leave? You just woke up after fifteen years in a coma, and now you already want to leave the clan?" Feng Lin slightly shrugged. ¡ª "There is nothing for me here," he replied simply. "I¡¯m not going to waste my time waiting for fate to smile upon me." Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. His mother let out a light chuckle. ¡ª "At least he understands that he won¡¯t progress here. Maybe he¡¯s not as foolish as we thought." The patriarch remained silent for a moment, analyzing his son''s words. ¡ª "Very well. We have few resources, but I can give you a small sum to cover your basic needs. However, don¡¯t expect luxury." Feng Lin nodded. ¡ª "That¡¯s all I ask." His father stood up, pulled a pouch from his robe, and tossed it onto the table in front of him. ¡ª "Here. Make good use of it. But remember¡ªdon¡¯t come crawling back if you fail." Feng Lin took the pouch in a smooth motion and tucked it into his tunic. He had no intention of failing. Without another word, he turned and left the room, leaving behind the weight of a family that had never truly accepted him. Feng Lin walked out of the hall without looking back, his mind already focused on what lay ahead. He had secured a reasonable amount of money¡ªenough to make a few purchases in the city. His first objective was to acquire resources to improve his body and cultivation, but he also needed to familiarize himself with the outside world. Leaving the clan¡¯s domain alone wouldn¡¯t be optimal. He no longer knew the city or its current state, and wasting time wandering without guidance didn¡¯t interest him. He needed a guide. As he crossed the main courtyard of the Feng Clan, he noticed a young servant carrying sacks of rice. The boy was thin, his worn linen clothes clearly indicating that he lived in poor conditions. His face showed exhaustion, but his eyes remained sharp. Feng Lin stopped a few steps away from him. ¡ª "You." The servant flinched and quickly raised his head. ¡ª "Y-Young Master Feng?" ¡ª "Do you know the city well?" The boy hesitated for a moment before nodding. ¡ª "Y-Yes, Young Master. I¡¯ve been there several times to deliver goods¡­" ¡ª "Perfect. You will accompany me." The servant''s eyes widened. ¡ª "M-Me?" ¡ª "Yes. I need a guide, not a bodyguard. You know the roads, the merchants, and where to find what I¡¯m looking for. That makes you useful." The young man seemed uneasy. He glanced around, as if looking for an escape, but finally nodded. ¡ª "Of course, Young Master." Feng Lin showed no impatience, but he noted the servant¡¯s reaction¡ªfear. Not of him, but because in a ruined clan, everyone was on edge. ¡ª "What¡¯s your name?" ¡ª "Liang, Young Master." ¡ª "Good. Prepare yourself quickly¡ªwe¡¯re leaving immediately." Without another word, Feng Lin resumed walking, Liang following closely behind. His gaze was cold, determined. This trip to the city was only the first step. As Feng Lin and Liang advanced along the road leading to the city, the silence was quickly broken by Feng Lin¡¯s calm voice. ¡ª "Liang, tell me about the city¡¯s situation over the past ten years." The servant nodded before answering cautiously: ¡ª "The city has changed a lot, Young Master. In the past, under the Feng Clan¡¯s influence, it was a prosperous center where our name commanded respect and stability. But after our clan¡¯s fall five hundred years ago, other forces took control. Today, several factions rule the city." Feng Lin narrowed his eyes slightly. He had no memory of these factions. In his past life, he had barely cared about such minor groups. ¡ª "What are these forces?" he asked in a neutral tone. Liang took a moment to gather his thoughts before listing them: ¡ª "The most influential is undoubtedly the Zhao Clan. They control most of the commerce and hold the greatest wealth in the city. After them, there¡¯s the Yun Domain, which possesses a strong military force and often serves as mercenaries for other clans. Then, there¡¯s the Pavilion of a Thousand Lotus, which controls the market for alchemical resources and artifacts." Feng Lin nodded silently, taking note of every piece of information. ¡ª "And is there any faction that could be useful to the Feng Clan?" Liang hesitated. ¡ª "Not really¡­ The Feng Clan is seen as a relic of the past. No one wants to associate with us. Even the smaller factions prefer to avoid any alliance with a fallen clan." Feng Lin showed no reaction. He had expected this. ¡ª "Interesting¡­" he murmured, looking straight ahead. He didn¡¯t need an alliance. He only needed an opportunity. Chapter 14 ; The Value of Money Feng Lin pondered for a moment before asking Liang another question. ¡ª And what about the other factions in the city? What is their true strength? Liang hesitated for a moment before replying: ¡ª These factions are cautious. They hide their most powerful experts, making it difficult to estimate their true strength. Unlike them, the Zhao Clan made a mistake... Feng Lin raised an eyebrow. ¡ª What mistake? ¡ª A few years ago, their current patriarch was far too arrogant. He let slip sensitive information about the clan¡¯s true power. Because of that, everyone now knows that they are not as formidable as they claim. Feng Lin nodded, understanding the situation better. ¡ª So, the Zhao Clan is powerful, but everyone already knows their strengths and weaknesses¡­ while the other factions remain in the shadows. ¡ª Exactly, Liang confirmed. "And that makes things far more dangerous." Feng Lin took note of this information. A faction that exposed too much of its strength was always at risk of becoming the target of the most patient predators. Feng Lin slightly furrowed his brows before asking in a calm tone: ¡ª How many experts do these factions have? And what is their level of cultivation? Liang took a few moments to gather his thoughts before answering. ¡ª Unfortunately, most of these forces hide their true experts. ¡ª The Zhao Clan is currently the most influential in the city, but not necessarily the most powerful. Their current leader is only at the seventh stage of Body Refinement, which is relatively weak compared to the true elites of the city. However, they have three elders called "Venerables" who have reached the mid-stage of the Meridian Opening Realm, along with several other elders at the peak of Body Refinement. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Feng Lin silently nodded, absorbing this information. ¡ª And the other factions? he asked. Liang took a deep breath before continuing: ¡ª There are several secondary families and small clans, but they are insignificant compared to the two major forces: the Zhao Clan and the Yun Estate. However, there are also shadow organizations¡ªmercenaries, assassins, and traffickers who operate discreetly, taking advantage of the chaos and corruption plaguing the city. Feng Lin gave a slight smile. He had just returned to life, and he was already starting to piece together a clear picture. Feng Lin and Liang suddenly stopped as loud noises echoed through the city. Muffled screams, successive explosions¡­ A clear state of chaos had taken over a specific area. Liang¡¯s eyes widened in shock. He quickly turned to Feng Lin and said in a trembling voice: ¡ª That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s coming from the Zhao Clan¡¯s direction! Feng Lin raised an eyebrow. He hadn¡¯t even set foot in the city yet, and already one of its greatest forces was under attack? He narrowed his eyes and observed the horizon. Black smoke rose above the rooftops as silhouettes clashed in battle. Flashes of light signaled the use of martial techniques, and the sound of weapons clashing echoed in their direction. ¡ª Interesting¡­ Feng Lin murmured, his gaze glinting with an unreadable light. Beside him, Liang looked nervous. ¡ª Lord Feng Lin, perhaps we should avoid that area¡­ If the Zhao Clan is falling, it means their attackers are formidable. Feng Lin did not immediately respond. His mind was already racing. Who would dare attack the Zhao Clan? Was it a war between rival factions, a personal vendetta, or the rise of an unknown new force? Regardless, it did not change his plans. But perhaps he could take advantage of the situation¡­ After all, in a world ruled by cultivators, clans, and even entire empires crumbled every day. Individual strength reigned supreme, and a single cultivator powerful enough could determine the fate of thousands. Feng Lin had witnessed it in his past life. Once-glorious bloodlines reduced to nothing overnight, ancient sects annihilated by a lone expert who had reached an unfathomable level¡­ It was neither rare nor surprising. He watched the smoke rising in the distance, his gaze indifferent. The Zhao Clan, a pillar of this city, might be vanishing before his eyes. So what? Liang, on the other hand, looked worried. ¡ª Lord Feng Lin, such an event could disrupt the entire city¡­ Perhaps we should¡­ Feng Lin raised a hand to interrupt him. ¡ª No need to worry. Let¡¯s continue. His tone was calm, but his eyes gleamed with a cold light. A falling clan also meant opportunities opening up¡­ Feng Lin took his time before continuing. He opened his pouch, a gift from his father before his departure, and examined the number of coins he had. Inside, he mostly found copper coins, with only two or three silver ones. He frowned slightly. This money was enough to buy daily necessities but far too little to acquire proper cultivation resources. Noticing his expression, Liang took the initiative to explain: ¡ª Lord Feng Lin, in this empire, currency is divided into several levels. Copper coins are used by mortals for everyday purchases¡ªfood, clothing, and simple tools. Ten copper coins equal one silver coin, which can buy ordinary weapons or low-quality herbs. Gold coins are much more valuable¡ªone gold coin is worth a hundred silver coins. They are used in cultivator affairs, such as purchasing pills or rare materials. But the most valuable currency for a cultivator is spirit crystals. A fraction of a spirit crystal can be worth hundreds of gold coins, or even more, depending on its purity. Feng Lin nodded, taking in the information. With his meager sum, it would be difficult to buy anything useful for his cultivation. ¡ª With what you have, Liang continued, you might be able to buy basic items or information, but nothing more. If you want to acquire real resources, you will either need to find another source of money or participate in auctions, but those are usually dominated by major factions. Feng Lin silently closed his pouch. ¡ª I¡¯ll see when I get there. But before they could resume their journey, a sudden explosion echoed in the distance, shaking the ground slightly beneath their feet. The smoke thickened over the Zhao Clan¡¯s district. Liang¡¯s face paled slightly. ¡ª This is not a good sign¡­ Feng Lin, however, remained impassive. ¡ª It doesn¡¯t matter. Their fate doesn¡¯t concern me. Let¡¯s go. He tied his pouch back to his belt and resumed his march, his cold gaze fixed on the city ahead. Chapter 15 : A City in Tumult Feng Lin and Liang finally passed through the city''s great gates. As soon as they entered, a muffled tumult reached their ears¡ªdistant shouts and explosions. The air vibrated with the impact of cultivation techniques, and in the distance, columns of smoke rose into the sky. But contrary to what one might expect, the city was not in chaos. The main streets were deserted, but no one was truly panicking. Seasoned cultivators went about their business, barely troubled by the ongoing attack on the Zhao clan. Only mortals and the weakest chose to stay away from trouble. Feng Lin remained on guard. He knew that here, he was nothing more than an insect in the eyes of true powerhouses. Even as he stood tall and maintained a confident air, the slightest mistake could cost him dearly. He glanced at Liang, who walked slightly behind him, more tense than ever. ¡ª Young Master, Liang murmured, look around us¡­ The city is more tense than usual. Feng Lin swept his gaze over the surroundings. The buildings, though sturdy, bore the marks of past battles¡ªcracked walls, collapsed roofs, dark stains in certain alleys, silent witnesses to recent executions. From time to time, a curled-up body could be seen in the shadows, left behind after some settling of scores. As they approached a guard post, a man in worn armor lazily blocked their path. ¡ª Entry fee, one copper coin per head. Feng Lin raised an eyebrow but did not protest. This world operated solely on the exchange of power or money. He calmly handed over the two required coins, and the guards let them pass without a word. The shouts and explosions still echoed behind them, but no one seemed truly concerned. A group of merchants stood nearby, casually watching the smoke. ¡ª Hmph, the Zhao clan was too arrogant. It was time they faced the consequences of their actions, one of them said with a sneer. ¡ª Yes, but they won¡¯t fall so easily, another replied with a shrug. Feng Lin remained silent, observing the city stretching out before him¡ªa ruthless world where only the strong dictated their fate. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Feng Lin and Liang ventured deeper into the city, moving through streets heavy with tension. Though the inhabitants didn¡¯t appear particularly alarmed, a quiet vigilance hung in the air. Merchants continued selling their goods under worn-out awnings, passersby avoided dark alleys, and some cultivators stood at intersections, scanning the horizon warily. Feng Lin paused briefly to take in his surroundings. He noticed several establishments, including a large inn with a faded sign and an herbalist¡¯s shop emitting a faint medicinal scent. Further ahead, a forge sparked, a sign that an artisan was at work. ¡ª Liang, where is the main market? he asked. ¡ª It¡¯s a little further, Young Master, toward the city center. You can find anything there¡ªweapons, pills, cultivation resources¡­ But it¡¯s also closely watched by the influential factions. Feng Lin nodded silently. He had no intention of drawing unnecessary attention. His goal was simple: acquire resources without being noticed. As they walked, a commotion caught their attention. An arrogant-looking cultivator shoved an old man aside, knocking over his fruit stall. ¡ª Hmph, another weakling taking up too much space, the man sneered before walking away without a second glance. The old man lowered his head and began gathering his scattered fruit in silence. No one helped him. Feng Lin observed the scene without intervening. He understood more than ever the harsh reality of this world: here, strength dictated everything. ¡ª Young Master, should we hurry? Liang murmured. ¡ª No. Let¡¯s take our time and observe. Feng Lin wanted to learn more about this city before making a move. He knew he was just a small fish for now¡­ but that wouldn¡¯t last forever. Feng Lin continued advancing slowly through the city streets, scrutinizing every detail carefully. Unlike Liang, who seemed nervous and eager to finish this outing, he took his time analyzing his environment. The market stalls became more frequent around them, offering a variety of goods: crude weapons, dubious-quality medicinal potions, and a few precious materials for cultivation. The atmosphere was noisy, merchants and buyers negotiating fiercely, yet always under a latent tension. ¡ª Liang, where are the most valuable resources sold? ¡ª There are some specialized shops, Young Master, but they are owned by clans or merchants affiliated with the major factions. Those without strong connections aren¡¯t welcome there¡­ Feng Lin immediately understood the message. Entering those establishments without backing would be a waste of time¡ªor worse, dangerous. ¡ª Hmph, then where should we go? ¡ª There are traveling merchants who sometimes sell good things. But you have to be careful¡ªsome deal in counterfeits or stolen materials¡­ Feng Lin narrowed his eyes. Even if the best resources were out of his reach for now, he still needed to obtain some useful items for his journey. As they walked, a commotion drew their attention at the entrance of a large square. Shouts rang out as a group of cultivators armed with spears surrounded a bloodied man, pinning him to the ground. ¡ª Traitor! You thought you could steal from us and get away alive? The man on the ground spat blood and let out a bitter laugh. ¡ª It was just a little spirit ore¡­ are you really willing to kill for so little? ¡ª The value doesn¡¯t matter¡ªa thief deserves death! With a swift motion, one of the men thrust his spear down, piercing the wounded man''s body. Silence fell for a moment before the crowd dispersed, returning to their business as if nothing had happened. Liang lowered his head, clenching his fists. ¡ª That¡¯s how this city works, Young Master. A man¡¯s life is worth little here¡­ Feng Lin, however, remained impassive. He hadn¡¯t come to change the world¡ªonly to take advantage of it. ¡ª Let¡¯s go. We need to find something useful and leave this place before we attract attention. Chapter 16 : Reflection Feng Lin walked through the main street, his gaze cautiously scanning his surroundings. He didn¡¯t know the city well, but he understood that one wrong step could be fatal. His eyes stopped on an imposing building: the branch of the Thousand Lotus Pavilion. Two armored guards stood at the entrance, their upright and menacing posture discouraging passersby from approaching without a valid reason. He decided to test his Golden Eye on them. After all, if he wanted to understand his limits, he needed to experiment. ¡ª Let¡¯s see¡­ First, he simply tried to stare at the guards, focusing his gaze on them. He let his mind open to the fluctuations of their aura, attempting to perceive something. But nothing appeared. ¡ª Strange¡­ He narrowed his eyes slightly and tried to infuse a bit of his own Qi into his eyes. He felt a slight warmth spread through his skull, but still, no information came to him about the guards'' cultivation. Changing his approach, he completely relaxed his mind, no longer forcing his perception. He expected to see natural fluctuations appear before him, like a mist revealing the strength of cultivators. Still nothing. ¡ª Tch. It¡¯s not that simple. He frowned. Was it a matter of posture? He straightened up, changed his viewing angle, adjusted his breathing¡­ Nothing worked. ¡ª Ridiculous. I refuse to believe this eye is useless. His gaze shifted to the crowd, and he decided to try it on other people. He tested his eye on an old man with a stern look. This time, he saw something: a faint fluctuation of energy. He focused and discerned his cultivation. ¡ª Fifth stage of Body Refinement¡­ He continued testing it on a young, arrogant man passing nearby. ¡ª Fourth stage. Then on a stocky man with a shifty gaze. ¡ª Second stage. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. A slight smile appeared on his lips. He finally had a result. ¡ª So I can see cultivators within my realm¡­ but not those above? His gaze returned to the guards of the Thousand Lotus Pavilion. He still couldn¡¯t see their cultivation. Two possibilities: either they were above the Body Refinement Realm, or they were using an artifact to mask their strength. He turned to Liang and calmly asked: ¡ª Liang, what kind of cultivators does this pavilion employ? The servant bowed slightly before answering: ¡ª Young Master, I don¡¯t know their exact level, but since this is a weak branch, their guards shouldn¡¯t be too strong. However, their main pavilion is formidable, so they must still have some means of protection. Feng Lin nodded silently. He still had much to learn about this world, and his Golden Eye was clearly not yet mastered. But he would remember this. This was only the beginning. Feng Lin assumed that the Feng Clan had not risen to power through brute force, but rather through intelligence and strategic vision. After all, possessing an eye capable of seeing others'' cultivation was a formidable asset, especially in a world where strength reigned supreme. He pondered for a moment. If the Golden Eye allowed him to discern others'' levels, it could be an invaluable tool for recruiting talent. His once-prosperous clan had likely used this ability to identify hidden geniuses and attract them under their banner. Moreover, his own spiritual root granted him a faster cultivation speed than normal. If this was part of the Feng Clan''s traits, then they might have developed specific mantras or techniques to fully exploit these advantages. But then¡­ why had they disappeared? Feng Lin clenched his fists. If he wanted to rebuild his heritage, he needed to understand his clan¡¯s history and master every secret it had left behind. He cast a sideways glance at Liang, who was walking beside him cautiously. He was a servant, but he had grown up within the clan and must have known something. ¡ª Liang, you¡¯ve been with the clan for a long time, haven¡¯t you? ¡ª Yes, Young Master, Liang replied respectfully. I have served the Feng family for twelve years. ¡ª Hm¡­ Twelve years is a long time. You must have heard a lot. Tell me, what was the true strength of the Feng Clan? Liang hesitated for a moment before answering. ¡ª I¡­ I don¡¯t know all the details, Young Master. But it is said that the Feng Clan never stood out through brute strength. It was respected for its intelligence and unique abilities. Feng Lin narrowed his eyes. ¡ª Unique abilities? ¡ª Yes¡­ It is said that the Feng Clan had a special gift for identifying talent and accelerating their growth. This was what made it great in the past. Feng Lin remained silent. His suspicions were correct: the Feng Clan did not dominate through power, but through intellect. However, something felt off. If the Feng Clan possessed such a precious ability, why had it been reduced to mere remnants of the past? Why hadn¡¯t the major powers wiped it out completely to prevent future threats? ¡ª Liang, if the Feng Clan really had such a power, why wasn¡¯t it completely destroyed? he asked skeptically. Liang hesitated, lowering his head slightly. ¡ª I¡­ I don¡¯t know, Young Master. Maybe those who attacked thought it wasn¡¯t worth it after its fall. Or¡­ they never fully understood what the Feng Clan truly possessed. Feng Lin tapped his chin in thought. If the Feng Clan¡¯s secret remained vague in the world¡¯s eyes, then perhaps there was still something undiscovered. A hidden trump card that even his enemies had failed to uncover. He had to learn more. Liang thought for a moment, choosing his words carefully before replying. ¡ª Young Master¡­ Perhaps the Feng Clan, despite being famous in the empire, was ultimately just one among many for the true great powers. Certainly, it was feared and respected here, but beyond the borders, it was nothing compared to the true titans of this world. Feng Lin narrowed his eyes. He didn¡¯t like that answer, but it made sense. ¡ª Are you saying the past patriarchs never sought to rise beyond the empire? Liang nodded. ¡ª That¡¯s what I believe. Their abilities were unique, but they lacked the ambition to transcend their status. Instead of aiming for the heavens, they chose to remain in their comfort zone, avoiding the attention of the true monsters of this world. Feng Lin remained silent. A powerful clan without ambition¡­ That¡¯s why they had ultimately disappeared. Chapter 17 : Case at the Pavilion Feng Lin slowly pushed open the doors of the Thousand Lotus Pavilion, a soft sound echoing through the well-arranged room. The interior was carefully decorated, with shelves filled with neatly organized resources. Elegant racks held vials, boxes, and pills, while small lanterns illuminated every corner of the shop, creating a calm and prestigious atmosphere. Liang, following his young master with respect, glanced around curiously. Although he was familiar with this place, he knew that every item in this shop held its own value. They were far from being the only ones browsing the area. Other, older customers observed the shelves attentively, their hands on their hips or their eyes scrutinizing each product. Feng Lin stopped in front of a particular shelf, observing the pills and herbs displayed behind glass. Seeing his interest in the resources, Liang stepped forward and leaned slightly to explain. ¡ª Meridian Opening Pill, he said, pointing at a gleaming vial on the shelf. It is a high-grade mortal-level pill. This pill is used to help a cultivator increase their chances of breaking through the Meridian Opening stage. It¡¯s a crucial phase in cultivation, preparing both the body and mind for better Qi control. However, this pill is quite expensive due to its effectiveness and rarity. Many cultivators seeking to surpass this stage rely on it. Liang watched Feng Lin, waiting for a reaction, but the latter remained impassive, his gaze shifting to the other shelves. Seeing his master''s interest in resources, Liang continued: ¡ª And here is the Weak Youth Pill. It is of low rank, but it has its advantages in certain situations. It allows one to go without food or water for three whole days. That may seem odd, but in circumstances where a cultivator must fully concentrate on training or during long journeys, it can be an asset for saving time and energy. However, it is not particularly effective in the long run. Liang then turned to another shelf. ¡ª These are mainly low- to mid-quality resources for low-level cultivators, he said, pointing at another shelf. Nothing particularly useful for a high-level cultivator, but some of these pills and resources can be beneficial for a beginner or even for early training preparations. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Feng Lin briefly turned to Liang, a slight smirk forming on his lips. These products were far from worthy of his attention, but they were part of the larger plan he had in mind for his progression. Without another word, he turned away and continued his path through the shelves. Liang nodded and followed him in silence. Feng Lin continued scanning the shelves, his gaze carefully examining each item. He stopped in front of a shelf filled with rare herbs and dried plants. One, in particular, caught his attention. Its leaves were small, almost translucent green, and it seemed to vibrate with a subtle yet powerful energy. Liang, walking behind him, noticed his master''s sudden stop and approached. He cast a curious glance at the herb, which seemed to catch the light in a strange way, but he had no idea what it represented. ¡ª These herbs, Master Feng, are called Midnight Leaves, Liang explained hesitantly. It is said that they emit a pleasant fragrance in water and are often used in baths to relax muscles and soothe the mind. But beyond that, I do not know of any other applications. Feng Lin observed the Midnight Leaves in silence, his mind quickly analyzing their potential. So cheap for their utility¡­ he thought to himself. He knew very well that these herbs could be used in much more advanced alchemical concoctions, with effects far beyond a simple relaxing bath. But that, Liang did not need to know. Feng Lin then turned toward the counter, where the shopkeeper was waiting calmly. He had no intention of wasting time. He already knew what he wanted to buy. With a quick gesture, he pointed to the Midnight Leaves, along with a few other plants and roots he deemed interesting for a future concoction. Liang, standing in his master''s shadow, waited silently, not daring to ask too many questions. The shopkeeper approached, smiling in satisfaction. ¡ª These are Midnight Leaves, Sky Roots, and Moon Flowers. Midnight Leaves are commonly used in baths, releasing a pleasant fragrance and known for their soothing effect. Sky Roots are effective in medicinal baths, promoting Qi circulation and relaxing muscles. As for Moon Flowers, they are used in restorative potions. Feng Lin nodded without saying a word. He was well aware of the effects of these plants, but he let the shopkeeper continue. The shopkeeper, slightly more enthusiastic, added: ¡ª Midnight Leaves are popular in relaxing baths, Sky Roots for body refinement, and Moon Flowers for purifying and rebalancing energy. Feng Lin remained silent for a moment before calmly asking: ¡ª And how much for all of this? The shopkeeper promptly replied: ¡ª 2 silver pieces and 4 copper pieces. Feng Lin paid the amount without hesitation. Liang, silent, followed without fully understanding the true value of the herbs, but he did not ask questions. They continued their tour of the shop. The Thousand Lotus Pavilion, though only a branch, was well-known in the city. The shelves were filled with various medicinal herbs and alchemy tools. The shop''s atmosphere was pleasant, with lanterns casting a soft glow and a light scent of incense lingering in the air. ¡ª The main store is much larger, Liang said, glancing around. But here, the prices are more affordable. Feng Lin nodded, his eyes sweeping over the various items around him. Each object, though modest, could prove useful in his future experiments. Even if the shop was not as prestigious as the main branch, he knew he could find what he needed here. Chapter 18 : Venerable Fallen in Combat While Feng Lin was heading toward the city. The sun had just risen, casting a soft golden light over the Zhao clan. The morning seemed peaceful, too peaceful, with only the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds breaking the silence. In a small room at the back of the main residence, Zhou Han was hunched over a pile of documents, his full concentration absorbed in the task. Li Mei sat nearby, flipping through a scroll and noting information on another sheet. They had been assigned a bookkeeping task for the day, a job of little importance but necessary for the clan. The morning routine was nothing unusual, yet Zhou Han felt a strange sensation, a premonition he couldn¡¯t shake. "Zhou Han, you don¡¯t look well. You seem worried," said Li Mei without lifting her eyes from her work, her voice soft and calm. She always had that ability to read his emotions without him having to say anything. Zhou Han looked up, a slight smile on his lips. "It¡¯s nothing. Maybe just fatigue. It¡¯s rare for everything to be this quiet in the clan." Li Mei smiled, her eyes finally meeting his. "You know that¡¯s a good thing. It means everything is fine, right?" Zhou Han nodded, but his gaze drifted again, his mind troubled by an unease he couldn¡¯t explain. He had never had this kind of premonition before, but today, something felt profoundly wrong. Yet, he tried to ignore these thoughts, focusing on the task at hand. They worked in silence for several minutes. The sounds of the city outside seemed so distant, almost unreal. Then, a strange noise was heard, a faint crackling in the air, like a sudden gust of wind. But it lasted only a few seconds, and everything seemed to return to normal. Zhou Han was about to resume his work when the ground suddenly trembled beneath his feet. The walls of the room vibrated, a deep rumbling sound, like a distant but menacing growl, echoed through the building. Zhou Han jumped to his feet, his heart pounding. "Li Mei!" he shouted, but his voice was lost in the explosion that tore through the air. A violent shockwave shook the room, sending shards of wood and stone flying in all directions. Li Mei, who had still been sitting nearby, was thrown against the wall with unimaginable force. Zhou Han rushed toward her, but before he could even reach her body, another blast shook the ground and the entire building. He collapsed to his knees, his ears ringing, unable to believe what had just happened. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. "Li Mei! No!" he screamed, but there was no response. His eyes fell on her, lying motionless on the floor, her lifeless body crushed under the debris. A massive piece of the wall had fallen on her in the explosion, silencing her forever. Zhou Han felt his world collapse around him. The sounds of destruction and screams of agony echoed outside, but it all seemed like a distant echo, as if reality itself had become blurred. He crawled toward Li Mei¡¯s body, trembling, tears welling up in his eyes. "Why? Why now?" he murmured, a dull pain tearing through his chest. But there was no answer, only the chaos unfolding around him. He had no time to grieve, as another tremor shook the room, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps outside. Screams of panic mixed with the sounds of battle and explosions, and Zhou Han realized that this was no accident. The Zhao clan was under attack. There was no doubt. In the distance, amid the turmoil, armed figures emerged¡ªattackers disguised as soldiers from who knew where. The clan gates had been breached, and everything was falling apart. In this moment of total despair, Zhou Han closed his eyes for a moment, clinging to the one thought that still kept him going: he had to escape. He couldn¡¯t stay here, helpless, unable to protect those he loved. He stood up abruptly, his mind focused on survival, searching for a way out. But before leaving, he leaned over Li Mei one last time. "I couldn¡¯t save you," he murmured, a final farewell to the person who had mattered most to him. He let his tears fall, then turned toward the door, ready to flee for his life. The attack on the Zhao clan had begun. Zhou Han navigated through the smoking ruins of the Zhao clan. The sound of explosions still echoed in the air, the cries of pain and panic filling every corner of the domain. But it all felt distant to him, almost like a calm sea he no longer belonged to. After all, Li Mei was dead. Everything he had known until now had crumbled in an instant. The devastating attack left behind only ruins and blood. His gaze landed on a figure on the ground, half-crushed under debris. A body¡ªthe body of a venerable elder of the clan¡ªlay there, one of the most powerful cultivators the Zhao clan had possessed. Zhou Han had never been close to him, but he had observed his movements, and at this moment, none of that mattered anymore. What mattered was what this venerable elder left behind, something others might not have noticed or understood. He approached the corpse, his heart pounding. He had learned to be wary of everything, to seize opportunities when they arose. This venerable elder, in his final moments, still wore his spatial ring¡ªa precious artifact of immeasurable value. The clan''s venerable elders often possessed items of great worth, but their power was also their weakness. Zhou Han knew that, in this situation, the chance to find such an artifact was not something to be taken lightly. He knelt beside the lifeless body, glancing around to make sure he wasn¡¯t being watched. The battle raged on around him, but in this corner, time seemed frozen, as if even the universe itself held its breath. With extreme caution, he slid his fingers under the elder¡¯s arm, searching for the ring. The skin, still warm but already deteriorating, cracked slightly under the pressure. Finally, his finger brushed against a small, simple yet sturdy artifact. He carefully pulled it from the elder¡¯s finger and examined it for a moment. The ring gleamed faintly, hiding its true power behind its ordinary appearance. Zhou Han¡¯s heart raced. This ring was a symbol of wealth and power, a key that would allow him to escape this war and destruction. The resources inside could give him a chance to flee, to survive. He knew that within this ring lay everything he needed to leave this place, far from the Zhao clan¡¯s rules and oppressive hierarchy. Zhou Han stood up, gripping the ring tightly. There was no turning back. He had observed this elder for years, noting his weaknesses, his habits. Today, in death, that same elder was offering him freedom. "I am no longer a servant," Zhou Han thought as he looked around, his mind filled with cold, calculating thoughts. "The Zhao clan has given me everything it could. But today, I take what is rightfully mine." He slipped the spatial ring into his pocket and turned away, determined. He knew the chaos would destroy the clan. He had nothing left to lose. The time to flee had come. Chapter 19 : Pursued Zhou Han slipped through the narrow alleys, each step measured, his body tense like a bow ready to snap. Explosions echoed in the distance like thunderclaps, yet nothing seemed to disturb the city''s apparent calm. A few market stalls remained open, but most merchants had vanished into their homes, locking their doors behind them. The streets, usually bustling with life, were nearly deserted. Only a few onlookers dared to step outside, watching the distant chaos with the vain hope that it would not reach them. People were far too accustomed to violence. When the sounds of battle grew closer, they knew it was wiser to retreat, to hide. Attacks had become part of the scenery, a routine for those living in this city where war and chaos were the only constants. Zhou Han, however, did not feel like he belonged here. The Zhao Clan was nothing more than a bad memory, a chapter no one wanted to reread. He had stolen what he needed to escape, but he knew his flight wouldn¡¯t last forever. Clutching the spatial ring of the clan¡¯s venerable elder, he felt the weight of the powerful artifact¡ªan object that held an immense wealth of precious resources. "This could give me another chance. If I find a quiet place¡­ maybe, just maybe, I can rebuild everything." The explosions sounded closer now, but Zhou Han was already far from the clan¡¯s district. The city had grown used to such tremors, and those near the center hurried into their homes for safety. The few who remained outside did not linger, rushing toward secure shelters. The city felt both still and tense, a heavy silence hanging over the streets, interrupted only by the distant echoes of war. Zhou Han stopped for a moment behind a crumbling old building, panting, his mind racing toward the future. "I still have time¡­ I must escape. I refuse to die today." He knew the city would recover from the attack, as it always had, but for him, this was the end of an era. His survival now depended on his ability to escape the iron grip of his former allies¡ªand on the luck he could find with the stolen resources. The ring, with its hidden treasures, could be the key to a new life. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. He pressed on, scanning the deserted streets, weaving through dark alleyways and abandoned avenues. A strange silence loomed, an unsettling tension hanging in the air. He knew he wasn¡¯t safe yet. Finally, he stopped again, breathless, sweat beading on his forehead. He was putting more distance between himself and the Zhao Clan, uncertain if the alarm had been raised yet. The weight of the spatial ring was heavy in his palm, a burden he couldn¡¯t ignore. But he knew he couldn¡¯t afford to linger. He had to keep moving, keep hiding. His legs felt sluggish, his thoughts muddled. He hadn¡¯t yet grasped the full gravity of his actions. Stealing the ring was an opportunity, but also a danger that could lead to his downfall. Leaning against a wall, he tried to catch his breath. The deserted street around him gave him a false sense of security. He closed his eyes for a moment, daring to believe that everything would be fine¡ªthat he could simply vanish into the city and never be found. But then, a broken, furious cry shattered the silence behind him: ¡°Thief! Come back here!¡± The shout sent a jolt of fear through him. Zhou Han froze. This wasn¡¯t just any cry¡ªit carried a fury, a hatred that chilled him to the bone. He spun around, searching for the source, but the alley behind him was empty. He couldn¡¯t pinpoint the direction. The voice rang out again, closer this time. Zhou Han had no time to think. The sound of hurried footsteps reached his ears, and a menacing presence loomed behind him. He turned sharply, eyes darting around in panic, but still saw no one. He hadn¡¯t yet realized that he had been followed¡ªthat a Zhao Clan member had been tracking him ever since he had stolen the ring. Panic surged through him. He turned on his heels and ran. His legs trembled beneath him, but adrenaline kept him moving. He dashed through the twisting alleys, seeking refuge in the shadows. But with every turn, every frantic step, the presence behind him grew stronger. The idea that he was being hunted sent a fresh wave of terror through him. Zhou Han ran without stopping, his breath ragged and uneven. The city¡¯s noises still filled the air, but he knew¡ªdeep down¡ªthat each step took him farther from the Zhao Clan¡¯s grasp. His heart pounded, each beat echoing like a war drum in his chest. He hadn¡¯t expected to be pursued, but now, slowing down was not an option. The footsteps behind him were getting closer. The angry voices confirmed what he feared: he had been spotted. ¡°Thief!¡± The voice belonged to a Zhao Clan member. Zhou Han hadn¡¯t seen when he had been discovered, but there was no time to wonder. He had to run. He had to escape. His legs burned, but adrenaline kept him going. He plunged deeper into the city, hoping to lose his pursuers in the maze of alleys. Yet, at every corner, at every turn, the chase intensified. They weren¡¯t giving up. As he rounded a sharp bend, he spotted two figures standing ahead. Men. They walked calmly, seemingly indifferent to the chaos unfolding around them. In his panicked state, Zhou Han felt like a trapped animal. But maybe¡­ maybe they could help him. Maybe he could convince them to shelter him, to hide him. ¡°Help me! I¡¯m being chased! They want to kill me!¡± he cried, his voice shaking with desperation. He nearly threw himself in front of them, clinging to the hope that one of them might offer him protection. But deep down, a small voice whispered that he might still be abandoned here, alone in the street, with no one to save him. Chapter 20 : Little Game Feng Lin looked at him wordlessly, his eyes scanning every detail of the young man fleeing. Liang, behind him, seemed worried, but showed no sign of it. Zhou Han waited, trembling, his gaze fixed on Feng Lin. "Please..." he whispered, his breath short. "I... I can offer you money, please..." As he waited for a response, the sound of enemy footsteps drew nearer dangerously. The pressure on his shoulders was becoming unbearable. Feng Lin squinted slightly, allowing a heavy silence to settle. He could see the sweat beading on Zhou Han''s forehead, his body trembling under the tension. "Money?" Feng Lin repeated, his tone amused. "And what makes you think you really have any?" Zhou Han swallowed hard. "I... I stole something! A treasure... from the corpse of a venerable during the Zhao clan''s attack!" Liang, who had been silent until then, flinched and clenched his fists. "You looted the dead while your own clan was being slaughtered?" he spat, anger in his voice. After all, he had been taken in by the Feng clan. Seeing someone betray a clan, no matter which one, drove him mad. Zhou Han took a step back, terrified by the intensity of Liang''s gaze. "I saw an opportunity... I had no choice! But I''ll give it to you if you save me!" Feng Lin let out a sardonic smile. "A choice, huh?" He took a slow step towards Zhou Han, savoring the fear in his eyes. "If I were to save you, you would at least have to prove you¡¯re worth it..." Zhou Han opened his mouth, but no sound came out. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Feng Lin crossed his arms, a falsely thoughtful look on his face. "Let¡¯s have some fun." Zhou Han paled even more. "W-what do you mean?" Feng Lin leaned slightly toward him, his smile widening. "If you want your life, show me that you deserve it. Do something interesting. Otherwise..." He let his sentence hang, but the intention was clear. Zhou Han trembled all over. He understood at that moment that his survival depended entirely on Feng Lin''s whim... and the latter was already enjoying seeing him suffer. Feng Lin crossed his arms, his piercing gaze fixed on Zhou Han. "So a treasure from a venerable, huh? Show me." Zhou Han paled. "H-here? But..." He looked around in panic. The sound of the pursuers'' footsteps was getting dangerously close. He had no time to lose... but could he really trust Feng Lin? "Do you want my help, yes or no?" Feng Lin asked in an indifferent tone. "If you¡¯re still hesitating, I suppose what you''re carrying has no value." Zhou Han gritted his teeth. He knew he had no other choice. Trembling, he reached into his pocket and pulled out an orange spatial ring, finely decorated with the Zhao clan¡¯s symbols. Feng Lin grabbed it without ceremony and infused his qi into it, sending his mind inside. His gaze sharpened slightly. The ring contained far more loot than he expected. A large quantity of low-tier spiritual herbs of mortal level, some common, others a little rarer, but all of them useful for alchemy and medicine. A few medium-tier spiritual herbs, also mortal level. Valuable enough for cultivators of the Meridian Opening stage, they could be used in pills to improve qi circulation or strengthen the body. One high-tier spiritual herb (mortal level). It was carefully preserved in a jade box, a sign of its great value. Even a high-level alchemist would find such an ingredient hard to obtain. Several youth recovery pills and body-strengthening pills. Probably refined by a mid-level alchemist, they were of decent quality. A superior mortal-level dagger. Thin and well-balanced, it was marked with inscriptions slightly enhancing its penetration. A few jade fragments containing handwritten notes. Teachings and experiences from an alchemist or cultivator of the Zhao clan, potentially useful. A pouch filled with spiritual coins. Enough to finance some interesting purchases. Feng Lin analyzed the contents in an instant, his expression remaining impassive. It wasn¡¯t an invaluable treasure, but there was clearly enough here to make something of it. He twirled the ring between his fingers before looking up at Zhou Han, a mocking smile forming on his lips. "Hm. So, this is it." His tone was neutral, almost dismissive. Zhou Han swallowed, feeling a chill run down his spine. Feng Lin was playing with him... and he still didn¡¯t know whether he planned to help him or simply strip him clean. As Feng Lin toyed with the ring between his fingers, a noise suddenly sounded behind them. Heavy footsteps struck the ground, hurried but confident. Zhou Han jumped, his face growing even paler. He turned just in time to see a figure emerge from the shadows. A man with hardened features, dressed in the Zhao clan¡¯s colors, stopped dead at the corner of the alley. His dark gaze quickly scanned the scene before stopping on Zhou Han, then on Feng Lin and Liang. His eyes narrowed. "You have accomplices!" His voice rumbled with anger and suspicion. A surge of his aura immediately manifested, pressing heavily on the atmosphere. Zhou Han instinctively stepped back, searching for an escape, but he was cornered. Liang, on the other hand, discreetly clenched his fists, fear beading on his forehead. The surge of aura flooded the alley, exerting an overwhelming pressure on Feng Lin and the others. The enemy was in the early stage of the third step of the Body Refining stage. Feng Lin remained impassive, but internally, he quickly assessed the situation. When he had faced the thief in the Feng clan¡¯s alchemy hall, he was at the peak of the first stage, while his opponent was only at the early second stage. Thanks to his experience and combat power, he had been able to dominate him with relative ease. But now, he had just reached the second stage, and his opponent was already at the third. The gap between Body Refining stages was widening, making each level difference more significant. A direct confrontation would be dangerous. Feng Lin didn¡¯t yet have combat techniques suited to his current level, his old techniques being too complex for a mere mortal. He would have to find another way to gain the upper hand... Chapter 21 : Trap Between Flight and Fight Feng Lin felt a surge of adrenaline as the overwhelming pressure weighed down on him. The enemy was at the early stage of the third level of Body Refinement, a level above his own. A shiver of concern ran through him, but almost immediately, a subtle smile appeared on his face. That idiot had just revealed his own strength without even realizing it. Normally, perceiving an opponent¡¯s cultivation was extremely difficult without a specific artifact. In fact, one could only clearly see someone¡¯s level if they were weaker, even within the same realm. However, this man, out of arrogance, had released his aura and exposed his cultivation for all to see. Feng Lin quickly regained his composure. This valuable information allowed him to adjust his strategy. He couldn''t defeat this opponent head-on, but there were always other ways to turn the situation around¡­ Feng Lin analyzed the situation rapidly. His opponent was stronger than him, and even though he had experience and cunning on his side, a direct confrontation would be suicidal. He glanced at Liang, weighing the pros and cons. Even though the latter was only at the first stage of Body Refinement, he was still a cultivator. A cultivator who knew how to fight. After all, going into town alone to sell goods was risky. One had to be able to defend themselves against thieves or opportunists. Feng Lin made a decision. He stepped slightly closer to Liang and, in a low but firm voice, declared: ¡ª I need your help. Liang flinched slightly, but given the urgency of the situation, he nodded, though his gaze betrayed a hint of hesitation. Liang remained frozen for a moment before clenching his fists. His eyes darted between Feng Lin and the enemy, clearly hesitating. He knew he was weaker, but he also understood that he had no other choice. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Meanwhile, the man from the Zhao Clan stepped forward, his aura still as oppressive as before. ¡ª You really think you can fight me? he sneered, sweeping his gaze over the two young men. Feng Lin didn¡¯t respond immediately. His mind was working at full speed, analyzing the situation. A frontal battle would be suicide. However, an intelligent fight¡­ He turned slightly toward Liang and murmured: ¡ª We need to create an opening. I¡¯ll force him to defend, and you strike at the right moment. Liang swallowed hard but nodded. The enemy, irritated by their lack of reaction, suddenly advanced. ¡ª Too bad for you, you¡¯ll die together! Without hesitation, Feng Lin leaped to the side and grabbed a stone from the ground. He hurled it with force toward his opponent¡¯s face. The attack was simple but fast. The man from the Zhao Clan raised an eyebrow before swatting the stone away with the back of his hand. This was the moment. Taking advantage of the distraction, Liang lunged forward, striking with all his might. The enemy, though arrogant, was no fool. He had sensed Liang¡¯s movement and, with a smooth step, pivoted to intercept the attack. His arm shot out, stopping Liang¡¯s blow before sending him crashing to the ground with a well-placed strike. ¡ª Pathetic. Did you really think an insect like you could surprise me? he sneered. Liang grimaced, the air knocked out of him by the impact, but he wasn¡¯t out of the fight yet. Feng Lin, on the other hand, hadn¡¯t wasted a second. This was exactly what he wanted. Seizing the moment when the enemy was focused on Liang, Feng Lin dashed behind him, aiming directly at a vital point with all the strength he could muster. The Zhao Clan man reacted instantly. Without even turning around, he swung an elbow backward, sending Feng Lin flying. ¡ª Tch, you¡¯re really annoying. Feng Lin rolled several meters before getting back on his feet, a trickle of blood at the corner of his lips. He wasn¡¯t surprised¡ªan opponent at the early stage of the third level of Body Refinement wasn¡¯t someone he could defeat so easily. However, even though the fight seemed unbalanced, Feng Lin hadn¡¯t played all his cards yet. ¡ª I guess I¡¯ll have to use other methods¡­ he murmured to himself. His gaze swept over the environment around them. There might be a way to turn the situation around. Zhou Han watched the scene from a distance, his face tense with hesitation. Should he flee or stay? His instincts screamed at him to escape while the enemy was distracted, but one major problem prevented him: his spatial ring was still in Feng Lin¡¯s hands. Without those resources, he was doomed. His fingers trembled slightly as he watched Feng Lin and Liang struggle against the Zhao Clan fighter. Why wasn¡¯t that idiot running away? The answer suddenly dawned on him. If Feng Lin left now, the enemy would chase him after killing Zhou Han. Feng Lin wasn¡¯t staying out of altruism but pragmatism¡ªhe knew that as long as Zhou Han was alive, he served as the primary target. A shiver ran down Zhou Han¡¯s spine. This man was even colder than he had imagined¡­ Chapter 22 : Crushed By Force Feng Lin, wiping the blood from the corner of his lips, stepped back slightly, adjusting his stance. The direct confrontation had failed. His opponent, a cultivator at the early third stage of Body Refining, was simply too powerful. The enemy, a man with harsh features and a piercing gaze, did not lower his guard. His oppressive aura filled the empty alley. He glanced at Zhou Han, still frozen in fear a few meters away. "Give me the ring, and maybe I''ll spare your life." His voice was calm, confident, as if he were stating a simple formality. Feng Lin, panting, forced a bitter smile. "Are you sure he has it?" The enemy frowned. "Don''t play with me. I know he stole it." "Stolen, yes... but who says he still has it on him?" Feng Lin took a step aside, positioning himself slightly in front of Zhou Han as if to protect him. "You saw the state he was in when he got here. If it were him, why would he have run like a scared rabbit instead of defending himself?" The enemy hesitated for a moment, scanning Feng Lin and Zhou Han. A good fighter never underestimated an opponent, and Feng Lin didn¡¯t look like just a weak mortal. "Interesting," murmured the man. "If it¡¯s not him, then it¡¯s you." Feng Lin chuckled lightly. "You overestimate me. If I had it, I would have run off a long time ago. Yet, here I am, talking to you." The enemy remained silent, analyzing each word. He knew the tactics of weaklings trying to buy time, but he couldn¡¯t ignore a possibility: what if the ring had already passed hands? It was then that Feng Lin decided to play his trump card. He exchanged a quick glance with Liang, who immediately understood. Without a word, Liang moved discreetly to the side, pretending fear and hesitation. The enemy noticed the movement and shifted his stance slightly, ready to react. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Feng Lin took advantage of this brief distraction. He picked up a stone from the ground and threw it at the enemy. The man, reflexively, swatted it aside with a backhand. That was enough. With a leap, Liang propelled himself toward the enemy¡¯s side and attempted a quick strike at his flank. The man, responsive, turned just in time to block the attack, but Feng Lin was already on him. Using his speed, he targeted a vulnerable point ¨C the knee. The enemy grunted under the impact, briefly losing his balance. That was the opening Feng Lin had been waiting for. Without wasting a moment, he struck a palm toward the man¡¯s throat, a vicious blow aimed at choking him. The enemy, though experienced, couldn¡¯t completely dodge. He staggered back, gasping slightly, one hand on his throat. "Nice shot..." he growled, his voice hoarse. "But it¡¯s not enough to beat me." Feng Lin smirked. "I know." His gaze slid toward Zhou Han, who was watching the scene, frozen between fear and hope. The enemy wouldn¡¯t leave as long as he thought the ring was here. Feng Lin intended to use that to his advantage to turn the tide once and for all. Zhou Han furrowed his brows, confusion on his face. Feng Lin claimed not to have the ring, but then... where was it? He was certain he had seen him take it. A doubt crept into his mind. Feng Lin might not be fast enough to flee with it, or perhaps¡­ he was playing a more complex game. Zhou Han hesitated, watching the enemy whose gaze remained fixed on him. The pursuer wouldn¡¯t leave as long as he thought the ring was in his possession. Feng Lin, for his part, wore a slight smirk, as if enjoying the situation. The enemy didn¡¯t move, his eyes shifting from Feng Lin to Zhou Han. His instincts whispered that something was wrong. Feng Lin seemed too calm, despite the disadvantageous situation. "Stop your games, kid!" he snarled. "Give me the ring and maybe I¡¯ll let you live." Feng Lin smiled slightly. "If you think I have it, come and take it." He adopted a defensive posture, ready to dodge. The enemy didn¡¯t take the bait and advanced cautiously. He knew Feng Lin wasn¡¯t strong enough to face him head-on, but something about his demeanor unsettled him. Suddenly, Feng Lin stepped back, drawing the enemy into a narrower part of the alley. Liang, until then motionless, tensed. He had understood Feng Lin¡¯s plan. The enemy feigned an attack, but at the last moment, he faked and withdrew sharply, testing Feng Lin¡¯s reaction. He wasn¡¯t about to fall for a trap that easily. "You think I¡¯m an idiot?" His aura exploded suddenly, exerting an overwhelming pressure. He intended to finish this fight immediately. Feng Lin, still smiling, threw a quick glance at Zhou Han, who seemed on the verge of panicking. "In that case¡­ show me if you¡¯re capable of taking this ring by force!" Feng Lin called out. The enemy, exasperated, charged violently. Feng Lin tried to dodge by leaping to the side, but the opponent was far too fast. A punch charged with aura came down on him before he could reposition. The impact exploded through his guard, shredding his raised arms as if they were mere paper. A searing shock ran through his torso, sending him flying backward. He slammed violently into the cobblestone ground, rolling several meters before coming to a stop. A dull ache flooded his entire body. He tried to breathe, but a metallic taste filled his mouth. The enemy didn¡¯t give him a moment¡¯s respite. Taking advantage of his position, he leaped forward and slammed his foot down on Feng Lin¡¯s back, pinning him hard to the ground. "Where¡¯s the ring?!" Feng Lin gritted his teeth, feeling an overwhelming pressure crushing his spine. His fingers trembled from the pain, but he knew that giving up now meant death.