"Then don't blame us for ignoring our common heritage!"
Seeing the tension reaching a breaking point, Lin Feng waved his hand, signaling everyone to look at him.
"Come on, everyone. As true masters and experts, it's one thing to fear others, but to gang up and bully a woman? That’s really pathetic!"
It was indeed pathetic, but no one was willing to engage in a verbal spat with him.
"With a state of mind like this, no wonder you were all scared witless. If you ask me, even if a Heavenly Emperor were reborn, you wouldn't stand a chance!"
A chatterbox with a sharp tongue, Lin Feng feared nothing.
Beside him, Shen Xuanyue secretly chanted a mental cultivation technique, while Lin Feng acted as if nothing were wrong.
"The Wishful Sacred Body is mysterious and unpredictable. I wonder how you'll look once I beat you into a dead dog?" A young man stared at Lin Feng. Lin Feng opened his mouth, his expression turning fierce.
"Being beaten into a dead dog is better than already being one. May I ask the name of this Demon King?"
"I am the Little Dragon King of Little Dragon Pool. You are courting death!"
"Oh, so that's who you are. Just a dead dog who bullies the weak. Come on, hit me!"
Lin Feng suddenly spoke like a madman, latching onto the Little Dragon King. Everyone was bewildered. The hatred in his eyes didn't seem fake; even Daoist Wuji, watching from the shadows, was deeply puzzled.
"Is dying that easy for you?" The Little Dragon King grinned viciously and prepared to strike, but a hum from the Great Dragon King beside him stopped him.
"Pah! What kind of 'Dragon King' are you? To me, you're just a crawling worm!"
For those of the Demon Race who have achieved enlightenment, nothing is more taboo than having their ignorant, lowly origins mocked. Yet, Lin Feng, truly courting death, insisted on bringing it up.
"I’m wondering, if a True Dragon were to appear, wouldn't your Little Dragon Pool have to be renamed Little Worm Pool?" Lin Feng nodded to himself, wearing a provocative expression that practically begged for a beating.
He then shifted his gaze to the others, waving his hand dismissively.
"You are all Human Race experts. How can you set aside your grudges and join hands with outsiders to suppress your own kin?"
"What place is this? This is the Huayue Sect of the Qingluan Continent. Every generation of sect masters here has died at the hands of the Demon Race, and countless human disciples have perished. Do you old fogies have no shame?"
"Traitors! In my eyes, you are even worse than that dead dog. If I were an expert like you, I would be ashamed to associate with you. No, even as a mere mortal, I am ashamed to be counted among you!"
Firing on all cylinders, Lin Feng was truly courting death! Now, he hoped someone would attack him—hit him, kill him!
People value their dignity, and trees value their bark; no one wanted to lower themselves to argue with him. His hooligan-like ranting actually intimidated the group of experts, leaving them frozen in place.
"Shen Xuanyue, choose: the Huayue Sect or your new husband!"
"Do you all intend to go back on your word?" Sharp sword intent began to emanate from the tip of Shen Xuanyue’s sword, and the flowers in the courtyard crystallized with frost.
"During the wedding ceremony, you protected him at every turn. It seems you have nothing to fear. Even if Daoist Wuji were here today, you must give us an explanation. If you insist on claiming we are here for private interests, we will not deny it."
"Shen Xuanyue, begin!"
Lin Feng couldn't possibly recall what had happened during the wedding, but he knew one thing: Shen Xuanyue was protecting him.
"Hmph! Lin Feng is my husband, and we are one. The ten-thousand-year creed of the Huayue Sect says: there are only disciples who die in battle, never a sect master who is forced to death. Since you push us so hard, don't blame the Huayue Sect for ignoring the bigger picture!"
"Huayue Sect disciples, form the array!"
*Hum!*
Thousands of disciples responded. Above the Huayue Sect, two sword arrays—one upright and one inverted—appeared out of thin air.
"Hmph, you still won't give up!"
"The Wishful Sacred Body must have the potential to restore the Lin family lineage!"
"If you want to die, I will grant your wish!"
Shen Xuanyue was intent on a scorched-earth battle, and others were already attacking.
"No matter what happens, I will ensure your safety. Do you trust me?"
The battle broke out instantly. What else could Lin Feng do but believe her?
*These people have such patience—won't you come and hit me already?*
It was the first time in his life he’d held a woman’s hand, and such a beautiful one at that. Lin Feng couldn't keep his mind from wandering, so he could only nod.
**Chapter 3: The Reason**
It wasn't that he was a natural lecher; it was simply that the aura and Dao rhythm radiating from Shen Xuanyue were too powerful. He had thought that given his condition, it would be best for someone to beat him to death, but he hadn't expected her water-like sword Dao to have the same effect.
"I trust you!"
He was firm and utterly trusting. Shen Xuanyue was stunned. She didn't know him at all; it had just been a last-minute arrangement because the situation was so dire.
"Can I make one request before I die?"
He had just said he trusted her, and now he was making a final testament. Lin Feng didn't feel embarrassed at all, looking at Shen Xuanyue with burning eyes.
"You may."
"Just like this, don't move."
Lin Feng pulled her into his arms. The powerful sword intent forced the demon soul within him to retreat step by step, allowing the fragmented aura of his Jade Emperor Sutra to reconnect.
He felt wonderful. Being embraced so shamelessly, Shen Xuanyue felt extremely awkward. Yet, under the gaze of everyone present, she reached out one hand to hold Lin Feng, while the other guided her sword stance for defense, her figure elegant as she merged into the sword array.
In the war between the two races, people only knew of Shen Xuanyue’s cold, decisive killing; they had never seen her tender side. The affection she showed Lin Feng couldn't be faked!
Everyone present was an old fox. If there wasn't enough inherent talent as a foundation, could the dignified Shen Xuanyue really marry a piece of trash from the Lin family?
*Could this piece of trash truly have the potential to defy the heavens and change his fate?*
The Lin family lineage had been severed, and by Lin Feng's generation, he was considered a waste. Under the scrutiny of those interested, the bloodline of the Heavenly Emperor had long ago become a joke.
But it was, after all, the Heavenly Emperor's lineage. No one could guarantee there wouldn't be exceptions, especially now that Lin Feng had come of age. No one knew if there would be changes. Thus, the time to pry into the Heavenly Emperor's bloodline was now.
However, seeing Shen Xuanyue walk into the sword array while holding Lin Feng, her determination to fight to the death was clear. Curiosity about Lin Feng grew, yet no one dared to risk total destruction.
The sword array stood before them, and they were stuck, unable to advance or retreat.
"Audacious Huayue Sect, daring to harbor a descendant of the Lin family! Hand him over at once!"
His Divine Soul felt refreshed. Being held by Shen Xuanyue, Lin Feng felt a sense of peace, like an infant in a mother’s arms. Before he could stabilize his spirit, the roar from outside caused Shen Xuanyue’s sword aura to scatter.
"Oh no, that old monster is here. I can only do my best to protect you. If you die, I will die with you!"
Even knowing he was just a substitute, and knowing her devotion might not be born of true intent, Lin Feng was touched.
"No need, I have my own way to survive!"
Burying his face in her chest, he took a deep breath and pointed to the ground.
"What are you doing?"
Fortunately, the array’s sword light shielded them, but Shen Xuanyue was blushing deeply, feeling extremely shy and annoyed.
"Put me on the ground and protect yourself!"
Suddenly, Lin Feng felt he had grown up; he was a man. But how could she let him face it alone?
"Put him down!"
At the critical moment, a voice transmission from Daoist Wuji arrived. Skeptical but obedient, Shen Xuanyue set Lin Feng on the ground.
Lin Feng walked out of the sword array, stumbling through the flying dust. Before him stood a muscular old man with white hair and beard, looking like a savage dragon. The other was a middle-aged scholar in black and white robes, hands tucked into his sleeves, feet unseen; he seemed to float in the air.
As they appeared, the sword array was withdrawn, and the experts of both races landed, standing behind them.
"The Heavenly Emperor's bloodline is of great importance. Would the two of us arriving today be considered bullying the young?"
The white-haired old man radiated authority without anger. Shen Xuanyue sheathed her flying sword and stepped out slowly.
"Senior Qingniu, you are a supreme being of the Demon Race! Wuyou King, since when has the Nether Ghost Race started meddling in the affairs of the Human Race?"
With Shen Xuanyue’s tone, the two experts knew exactly whether they were bullying the young.
"I am here only for the bloodline of the Heavenly Emperor!"
"This King only wishes for the cycle of reincarnation to remain normal. There is no need for such questions, Sect Master Shen!"
Ignoring all else, their gazes remained fixed on Lin Feng.
Before the Heavenly Dao collapsed, the Demon Race was prosperous, all races coexisted harmoniously, and order was maintained. The Demon Race possessed great strength and natural gifts; they coexisted with nature, maintaining the balance and tranquility of the continent. The Human Race, after the world clarified, learned from nature and all other races, rapidly becoming the masters of all things. They once created a highly advanced cultivation civilization, becoming the darlings of the heavens.
However, an unknown catastrophe caused the Heavenly Dao to collapse, shattering the original order. All races fought, and the continent fell into endless chaos and war, eventually evolving into a melee between humans, demons, and ghosts. Even the place of reincarnation in the netherworld was affected.
Later generations, through relentless investigation, finally realized that the root of the collapse was related to the last Heavenly Emperor of the Human Race! He was unsatisfied with his position, and in his quest to become a god, he invited extraterrestrial demons to enter the Dao, leading to the rise of the Demon Race and the fragmentation of order.
He was the last of the seven emperors of the Lin family, a name that had become a taboo.
This truth had been uncovered by experts of all races; no one could fake it. Hearing that it was a human emperor who caused the disaster, Lin Feng felt as if someone was gripping his throat, his momentum deflating by a third.
"Everything has been explained. Do you have any grievances?"
Stunned by their presence, Lin Feng hadn't reacted, feeling as if his own ancestor had done something wrong. But why? Even if the ancestor had done wrong, his descendants hadn't. Even if he had ascended to the Nine Heavens, his descendants hadn't enjoyed a single benefit, but were suppressed everywhere instead. Why should they be punished for him?
Just as he was about to speak, he spread his hands.
"No grievances. I trust the wisdom of those who came after. May I ask, seniors, how do you intend to dispose of this little one?"
Lin Feng looked relaxed!
*Why should I feel guilty? These two old things—aren't they just using their status to influence me?*
The more he thought about it, the more he felt it was a ruse. Lin Feng was not panicked at all. *Who says free lunches don't exist? Even if it's dangerous, the rewards are tangible. If I take a gamble, maybe the Sect Master will be so moved that she really marries me!*
Just as Lin Feng was reveling in his own imagination, someone grabbed his hands from both sides.
"It truly possesses the sensation of majestic heavenly might. The demonic aura isn't obvious, but it cannot be underestimated!" the Wuyou King said quickly, causing the people behind them to widen their eyes in shock.
"What? Is it really possible for him to restore the Heavenly Emperor's bloodline?"
"How is that possible? Wasn't the Wishful Sacred Body a crippled body?"
On the other side, the old man nodded, which undoubtedly confirmed the Wuyou King's assessment.
*What? This works?*
Lin Feng naturally knew what that "majestic heavenly might" and "demonic aura" were. But this wasn't right—if the Wishful Sacred Body could be faked this easily, wasn't it too "crippled" for its own good?
"Shen Xuanyue, you check for yourself. Is there any falsehood in what we said?"
This was a direct confrontation. Shen Xuanyue approached, half-doubting, and her expression flickered with surprise. Had she not known Lin Feng was a fake, she would have almost believed he was the real one.
In his blood, what gave the feeling of majestic heavenly might was the Profound Jade Emperor Sutra, but where did that faint, pure demonic aura come from?
Recalling Lin Feng’s shamelessness while holding her, Shen Xuanyue suddenly thought of a possibility.
Seeing her nod, the Wuyou King said solemnly: "According to the agreement between the races, the Heavenly Emperor's bloodline must be abolished!"
No one spoke; everyone just nodded. This time, even Shen Xuanyue agreed.
Qingniu scanned the area, and the Demon Race’s Little Dragon King immediately jumped out.
"I have plenty of blood, use mine!"
Since Lin Feng had just berated him, it was clear that his kindness was far from genuine.
The old man nodded. Lin Feng had no power to refuse. He watched his own blood drain away, feeling the burning pain of fresh blood being introduced. It was a pain that erupted from the depths of his bone marrow, inescapable.
He let out a beast-like howl. Lin Feng was held up while so many experts watched his blood transfusion; no one felt anything was wrong.
"To prevent him from stealing the cultivation techniques of the two races, the seal of the Blood Spirit Art will remain in his body for now. As long as he does not practice it recklessly, his life will be safe!"
The Wuyou King applied the seal, and Lin Feng's expression shifted.
"Bullying people too far!"
The words seemed squeezed from his throat, yet people remained indifferent.
"You came from so far; if you don't take a personal look, can you return with peace of mind? Come on, I can take it!"
With a supreme being of the Demon Race and the Wuyou King of the Ghost Race having acted, the others, being of lower status, felt uneasy about taking further action. But Lin Feng insisted on giving them the excuse.
"According to the agreement between the races, the Lin family lineage is indeed subject to supervision. Everyone, please help yourselves!"
Qingniu spoke with a bureaucratic tone, and the Little Dragon King rubbed his hands together. Even if Lin Feng took the initiative, the status gap was too great for others to truly lose their dignity to trouble him. But with Qingniu’s permission, they had a justification and no longer held back.
"Come, come! Whatever seals or means you have, feel free to use them on me!"
He courted death, and others were not polite. In a moment, various seals accumulated within his body, blooming with colorful light that made him look absurd.
The Wuyou King left once the seals were applied. Qingniu stood by until the last person had finished their inspection, then left with the Demon Kings.
Like a drunkard, Lin Feng swayed, his vision doubled. He felt that if he exerted even the slightest force, he would shatter the earth. With seals placed on every part of his spirit, he even saw things separately through his left and right eyes, as if having two perspectives.
He was sealed inside and out; only then were the people satisfied.
"Let's go!"
Taking Lin Feng to a hidden location, Shen Xuanyue looked around and carried him into a cave. Powerful sword intent destroyed the seals on Lin Feng’s meridians, but as it reached his Consciousness Sea, it slowed down.
"Why did you go looking for trouble?"
"Looking for trouble?"
Lin Feng was currently so happy he just repeated the words and started giggling stupidly. Facing away, Shen Xuanyue thought he was mocking her.
"The matter is of great importance. I will tell you when you have sobered up!"
The violent sword intent transformed into a gentle stream that nourished his meridians.
"Old matters and old people, there is no need for the Sect Master to tell me."
"It was never my intention for you to experience such danger. Your bones and bloodline were changed because of my selfishness. From this day forward, I am willing to live in seclusion, accompanying you for the rest of your life. If you wish to have children, I will follow you all my life."
The person behind him suddenly sounded exhausted. Lin Feng couldn't turn his head, but he wasn't a fool!
A mortal's life is but a hundred years. What is her accompanying him for a lifetime? To high-level experts like them, a hundred years is just the time for a single retreat. However, he was, after all, a kind-hearted man.
"Is the suffering I endured today worth you breaking your principles and acting against your heart?"
It was an easy choice to make, and it wasn't hard for Shen Xuanyue to decide. She nodded.
"Then that is enough. I only hope he is not a piece of trash!"
**Chapter 4: Vicious Intent**
With a painful expression, Shen Xuanyue infused a strand of energy into his body and then stood up, looking elsewhere.
In the distance, lush flowers and grass carpeted the horizon. A bright moon hung in the sky, and buildings were nestled among the mountains. She gazed into the distance as if watching from a window, appearing deeply saddened.
The scenery here was vastly different from the Qingluan Continent Lin Feng was familiar with; even during the day, the moonlight was like water.
"This is the Huayue Secret Realm!"
She spoke slowly, and Lin Feng walked over, observing everything around him. From ahead came the faint sounds of celebration. Looking from another angle, he could see the decorations and lights. After listening for a while, he walked back to Shen Xuanyue’s side.
People here were getting married too. He really didn't know what to say.
"Let's go. From now on, there will be no Huayue Sect in the Qingluan Continent."
"Why?"
"You are special, and I am also somewhat special. Regardless of whether it’s true or false, others will not be at ease with us marrying."
Lin Feng could understand such news. He stopped, looking back and forth between the celebration ahead and her.
"You don't mean that the wedding taking place in there..."
"It is him. But the danger he must face is a different matter. Let's go!"
Seeing her expression of heartbreak and despair, Lin Feng wisely shut his mouth. He hadn't expected it to be like this.
Inside, the crowd was noisy; outside, the cold wind blew. Lin Feng couldn't describe his feelings, so he just took off his outer robe and draped it over her.
"I’m just a thick-skinned person. Given the urgency, it was a measure of expediency, and I’m safe now. Sect Master, there’s no need to take this seriously. I hear the Taixu Realm is full of people living in perfect freedom. Why don't you go do what you want to do?"
Lin Feng never thought he could gain huge benefits just by helping a little. He walked slowly forward, feeling unable to describe his emotions.
Touching the rough fabric with both hands, Shen Xuanyue felt a sense of disbelief—or rather, confusion. She never expected that the one to drape a robe over her would one day be a mortal man.
"Once words are spoken, how can there be room for regret? The Huayue Sect has others to look after it; I have no burdens left."
She summarized it in one sentence, and Lin Feng found it hard to pursue the matter. *Forget it. A mortal like me, what can I do even if I know?*
"No, Sect Master, you have a thousand things to attend to, and now with the war between the races... why don't you go get busy? As for me, just drop me off at the Baishui Sect, and I’ll find my way home."
Afraid she wouldn't agree, Lin Feng quickly added, "You can also seal my memory. After I go back to the village, I’ll live a quiet life."
He finished in one breath and stared at her.
"How about that?"
*My goodness! Who would dare?*
To pick up a top expert as a wife! Lin Feng couldn't believe his ancestral grave was smoking with fortune.
"Is it because I don't look good?"
"No, no! Sect Master, you are beautiful, with heavenly grace and a peerless appearance..."
"Then it's because you think it's unsafe for me to follow you!"
"With a top expert like you around, I’ve never felt safer!"
Unexpectedly, Shen Xuanyue turned her sorrow into a smile, inquiring with great interest.
"But when you were taking advantage of me earlier, you didn't seem to think so?"
*Meals can be eaten randomly, but words cannot be spoken randomly! What do you mean I took advantage of you? Could I even take advantage of you?*
Feeling his secret was about to be exposed, Lin Feng stepped back as if nothing was wrong while denying it.
"Little brother, why don't you come here?"
Her temperament shifted. Shen Xuanyue regained the dominance of a sect master; her words were like those of an aloof queen, only her movements were not entirely dignified.