Because the Murong and Lin families had always maintained a good relationship—their ancestors having been fellow villagers who escaped to this region together—the Murong family desperately pleaded for help. Bound by their history, the Lin family sent troops to their aid.
That battle was brutal. The Murong family was nearly wiped out, and the Lin family lost most of their top experts before finally annihilating the enemy. Although the Lin family was severely weakened, they were, after all, the former overlords; they managed to maintain their standing in Fengtian City, and with the Lin family’s support, the Murong family got back on its feet.
It could be said that this was the peak of their relationship. It was also at that time that the two families reached an agreement: if their direct descendants were both boys, they would become brothers; if both girls, sisters; and if a boy and a girl, they would marry, generation after generation.
In Lin Hanyi’s generation, the direct descendants were all boys, so from a young age, Lin Hanyi and the head of the Murong family—Murong Xue’s father, Murong Hai—became sworn brothers. When Lin Feng and Murong Xue were born, both families looked forward to the union, and a betrothal was set while they were still toddlers. They thought it was the beginning of two families becoming one; they never imagined it would be the beginning of their rift.
***
**Chapter 31: Zhong Qing’s Better Safe Than Sorry**
A year ago, an elder from the Tianyun Sect passed through Fengtian City and immediately took a liking to Murong Xue’s talent, accepting her as a disciple on the spot. When the news reached the Lin family, they were happy for her, as was Lin Feng. Having grown up together as childhood sweethearts, and with her being his fiancée, Lin Feng naturally wished her well. After all, the Tianyun Sect was a top-tier powerhouse in the Eastern Region; rumor had it that within a hundred years, it would become one of the Eastern Region’s sacred grounds.
But everything changed once Murong Xue joined the Tianyun Sect. She was found to have "Golden Talent" and was immediately named the Holy Maiden of the Tianyun Sect. Six months later, she descended the mountain and went straight to the Lin family. The Lins welcomed her warmly, thinking she was there to share the good news. Instead, it was a bolt from the blue.
In her words, the entire Lin family, including Lin Feng, was belittled until they were worthless. The implication was clear: the current Lin family was no longer worthy of her.
That day, Lin Feng’s grandfather died of rage, and Lin Hanyi coughed up blood in fury. Lin Hanyi went to demand an explanation from his sworn brother, Murong Hai, only to be turned away at the door. From then on, Lin Feng and the Lin family became the laughingstock of Fengtian City. They were targeted from all sides, and the family’s status plummeted from a top-tier clan to second-rate.
Deeply wounded, Lin Feng shouted: "Give me three years! In three years, I will defeat you, wash away today’s humiliation, and make you regret this decision!"
The "Three-Year Promise" was born from that moment. Naturally, it was met only with Murong Xue’s cold sneer. "What can you do in three years?" She left with a parting shot: "A grain of rice dares to compete with the moon for brilliance?" She then led the entire Murong clan to relocate directly to the Tianyun Sect.
"Sigh, another cliché story," Zhong Qing couldn't help but sigh.
People, really. If you’ve made it, fine. If you want to break off the engagement, fine—Lin Feng and the others understood the gap between them and Murong Xue; they weren't being unreasonable. But to deliberately stomp on those who once helped you just to satisfy your own vanity? That’s something no one can understand.
Even if he couldn't personally empathize with Lin Feng, as his master, hearing this made his blood boil. So what if she had Golden Talent? His disciple had a hundred-fold amplification plus an Emperor Tier cultivation technique; who was really unworthy of whom?
"So, when do you plan to go to the Tianyun Sect?" Zhong Qing asked.
"One month from now," Lin Feng said, tightening his fists. "Although I want to head up there now and have the confidence to defeat her and wash away my shame, it’s not enough yet. I want to use this month to break through as much as possible, so that in front of her proud sect, I can instantly defeat her and trample her underfoot."
Lin Feng gritted his teeth. "I want to see the expression on her face when the person she deemed worthless instantly turns the tables and stomps on her! I want to see her shock. I want her to repent—repent for coming to my Lin family so ruthlessly and hurting my family!"
"Good, that’s my good disciple," Zhong Qing said with an appreciative look. "Either you don't go, or you go and achieve the ultimate impact immediately. Go ahead and do what you think is best; as I’ve said before, your master is always behind you."
"Thank you, Master. This morning, I already sent a letter telling them I will arrive at the Tianyun Sect in one month," Lin Feng said.
"Very well. Then you must cultivate even harder," Zhong Qing said.
"Don't worry, Master. I will definitely cultivate diligently and will not let you down." After a respectful bow, Lin Feng withdrew.
Once Lin Feng was gone, Zhong Qing stood with his hands behind his back. A top-tier sect—they were far more powerful than the Xianjiang Sect. But if his disciple wanted to vent this bitterness, he, as the master, certainly couldn't be a drag. Still, he could foresee that if Murong Xue was truly trampled in public, the Tianyun Sect wouldn't just sit by and watch her be humiliated. It seemed he needed to make a few preparations.
"Heibai," Zhong Qing called out.
"This subordinate is here." Heibai appeared respectfully by his side.
"How are things going with the task Leng and Ning gave you?"
"Reporting to Master, the tasks the two ladies gave me have been completed. There is nothing else at the moment," Heibai replied.
"Good. Since there’s nothing else, run to Mufu Peak for me." Zhong Qing frowned. "First, bring all those ten thousand wooden carvings from my warehouse. Oh, and the scarecrow at the entrance—bring that too."
"Yes, Master. I’ll leave immediately."
Zhong Qing nodded, provided the coordinates, and Heibai turned into a stream of light, speeding toward Mufu Peak. With Heibai’s cultivation at the Moon Profound Realm, he made great time. Including the time spent searching, he was back in less than two days. He carried a storage ring full of over ten thousand wooden carvings and had a scarecrow slung over his shoulder.
Zhong Qing inspected the goods and let out a sigh of relief. These were all items accumulated from years of "check-ins." The wooden carvings were one-time use; once activated, they would transform into humanoid forms for half a day, with cultivation levels ranging from Star Profound Realm to Sun Profound Realm. Having these on hand was "better safe than sorry." If the Tianyun Sect really didn't know what was good for them, he’d release all ten thousand of them and thrash them.
As for the scarecrow, it was his ultimate trump card. Zhong Qing didn't even know what its specific effect was; he only knew it came from one of his rare "ultimate check-ins."
With these preparations made, Zhong Qing felt at ease and reclined back on his lounge chair.
***
**Tianyun Sect. A luxurious side hall.**
A middle-aged man with a handlebar mustache sat upright in a grand chair. Dressed in a silk robe, he looked elegant and radiant. This was the head of the Murong family, Murong Hai.
While his own cultivation was not high, his status within the Tianyun Sect was terrifying because of his daughter. Even the sect’s elders treated him with great courtesy. His daughter was the Holy Maiden, and while she was ostensibly the disciple of the Grand Elder, the sect’s Supreme Elders couldn't help but step in to teach her. She was pampered beyond measure.
At that moment, he was reading a letter. His face showed disdain, and he was just about to burn it when he heard footsteps. A woman in white entered—cold, elegant, and exquisite, exuding a noble aura.
Seeing her, Murong Hai’s face lit up, and he hurried over. "Daughter, why aren't you cultivating today? What made you think of visiting me?"
The newcomer was none other than Murong Xue!
***
**Chapter 32: The Ant’s Struggle**
"Nothing much, just came to see you, Father," Murong Xue said. "Are you getting used to living here?"
"Used to it? Of course, I am!" Murong Hai smiled broadly. "Living here is nothing like that godforsaken Fengtian City. In the time I've been here, I feel like my long-stagnant cultivation level is starting to loosen."
"That’s good to hear. I happen to have some Star-Passing Pills." Murong Xue flicked her wrist, and a translucent jade bottle appeared on the table. "These Star-Passing Pills can increase your success rate in breaking into the Star Profound Realm."
"This..." Murong Hai’s eyes widened. He opened the bottle to find seven pills inside, and a rich, fragrant scent filled the room. "These are rare treasures," he sighed. "Back in Fengtian City, I couldn't even beg for one, and here there are seven."
"They're just Star-Passing Pills, Father. Use them freely. If you need more, I have plenty," Murong Xue said with pride. "With my status in the Tianyun Sect, getting such pills is just a matter of saying a few words."
"My daughter is truly formidable." Murong Hai was filled with relief. "By the way, why can't I perceive your cultivation level? What level are you at now?"
"Chen Profound Realm (mid)," Murong Xue said with a slight smirk.
"Chen Profound Realm (mid)?" Murong Hai gasped, excited. "You’re almost catching up to me! I spent decades to reach Chen Profound Realm (late), and you’re only in your teens. You truly deserve that Golden Talent."
"For me, increasing my cultivation is just a matter of time," Murong Xue said, curling her red lips. "The reason you can't see my cultivation is that my progress was too fast. In just one year, I went from the Houtian Realm to my current level. If word of such speed got out, it would inevitably attract jealousy, so the Supreme Elders taught me a technique to hide my aura."
"That’s good," Murong Hai laughed. "Every sect has enemies. If others knew your speed, it would be detrimental to you. The sect is doing this for your own good."
Murong Xue nodded proudly.
Just then, Murong Hai remembered something and picked up the letter. "The Lin family’s Lin Feng sent a letter. He says he wants to challenge you in one month, fulfilling the 'Three-Year Promise' early."
"Lin Feng?" Murong Xue tilted her head. "That Lin Feng from the Fengtian City Lin family?" If Murong Hai hadn't brought him up, she would have forgotten he existed. "Didn't he scream about 'three years' half a year ago? There are still two and a half years left; what is he trying to challenge?"
"I don't know. This is his letter. Would you like to see it?" Murong Hai offered it.
Murong Xue didn't take it; she didn't even glance at it. "I really don't know where he finds the courage." She sneered.
"I heard some news from Fengtian City," Murong Hai said, unable to help himself. "They say Lin Feng got lucky and found a master. That master’s strength seems quite formidable—he even helped clear out a Moon Profound Realm beast in Fengtian City. I fear his strength is already at the late Moon Profound Realm. Perhaps Lin Feng has managed to cultivate thanks to this person’s help."
Murong Xue remained expressionless. "A master at the Moon Profound Realm, is that all? My Tianyun Sect could produce dozens of those, and every one of my instructors started at at least the Moon Profound Realm."
"True, it’s just the Moon Profound Realm, nothing worth mentioning." Murong Hai nodded, a hint of arrogance on his face.
"Perhaps I know why he wants to challenge me now," Murong Xue said with a playful tone.
"Oh?"
"He’s only doing this because he thinks he has that Moon Profound Realm master to rely on," she said dismissively. "He wants to prove to me that he’s not a piece of trash. But even so, so what? Houtian? Xiantian? In my eyes, he’s still trash. Does he think this kind of 'proof' will make me look at him twice?"
Her expression turned icy. "If he wants to come, let him come. But once he comes, he doesn't need to leave."
"You want to kill him?" Murong Hai was startled.
"Isn't him dying on the arena floor the best result?"
"Daughter, let's spare his life," Murong Hai pleaded. "Regardless, the Lin family once did us a favor. And aside from the betrothal, you grew up together—you’re basically childhood sweethearts."
"Shut up!" Murong Xue’s face contorted, and she shrieked, "What betrothal? What childhood sweethearts? Do you have any idea who I am? I am the Holy Maiden of the Tianyun Sect! That so-called betrothal is a stain on me! A stain, do you understand? If I don't clear this stain, I feel like everyone’s eyes are on me, filled with mockery. It makes me feel like ants are crawling all over me at all times. He must die!"
"Fine, fine." Murong Hai was terrified by her sudden outburst and dared not say another word.
"I’m leaving. Don't say anything more. Just let him come in a month to meet his death," Murong Xue said coldly, then turned and left.
Meanwhile, Lin Feng’s challenge letter reached the Tianyun Sect. As it was a formal challenge, the sect had to be informed. The Tianyun Sect didn't make a formal statement, effectively accepting it, but they clearly didn't give it much thought. To a top-tier sect, daily high-level affairs were endless; a matter with no suspense didn't warrant their attention.
It was just the jumping of an ant.
***
**Chapter 33: Tiannan**
A few days passed. At the Lin residence, Zhong Qing was lying lazily in his courtyard.
"Ding: Disciple Lin Feng has broken through to the Chen Profound Realm (mid)."
"Ding: Congratulations to the host for breaking through to the Sun Profound Realm."
"Oh? Sun Profound Realm already?" Zhong Qing felt the breakthrough and curled his lips. With his disciples' hard work and the ten-thousand-fold feedback, the speed was truly impressive. As his cultivation level rose, the amount of energy required increased, and he had expected it to take longer to reach the Sun Profound Realm.
"Host: Zhong Qing"
"Cultivation: Sun Profound Realm"
"Disciple: Lin Feng, Chen Profound Realm (mid), 100x amplification active"
"Disciple: Su Ye, Xiantian Realm, 100x amplification active"
"Excellent."
Zhong Qing rose from his chair and entered his "Small World." Over the past few days, the world had changed dramatically. It was a paradise on earth. Because the Small World was no different from the outside, it possessed spiritual energy, and thanks to the layout, the energy here was even denser than in the outside world.
He arrived at the pavilion the two women had built for him. Standing on the balcony, the lake and the distant waterfall were in full view. If he were in his previous life, not even a billionaire could afford such a view.
"We greet you, Senior." The two women flew over, looking a bit dusty.
"You’ve worked hard these past few days. Your design truly satisfies me." Zhong Qing didn't shy away from praise; he had watched them work tirelessly since they started.
"Serving you is our honor, Senior." The women wiped the sweat from their brows, smiling. "Senior, the main work is finished. The finer details will require your personal touch later."
"Thank you both."
After a final inspection, they exited the Small World. "Senior, since there’s nothing else, we should head back," they said.
"Why not stay a couple more days?" Zhong Qing laughed. "Fengtian City has plenty of delicacies. I could take you out to taste them."
The two women were flattered. For a figure like him to offer to take them out? It was an honor. They hesitated, wanting to go, but remembered their sect’s orders. "Senior, we would love to, but we received word that something major happened at the sect. We were told to return immediately, regardless of whether our mission was finished. We cannot disobey orders, so..."
"In that case, I won't hold you back," Zhong Qing smiled. "But given your hard work, let me give you two small gifts."