Under General Deng's repeated pleas, and because Ling Feng needed the Demonic Shen's crystal core, he reluctantly agreed to become the teacher of the headstrong young lady, Deng Yongshi.
"Come, young friend Ling Feng, follow me to a place. Haha..."
General Deng said with a smile, his eyes narrowing in joy. "I've already prepared a small feast at the Orchid Pavilion to celebrate your acceptance as Little Shi's teacher."
Ling Feng forced a smile and bowed slightly, saying, "I'll follow your lead, Senior."
Ling Feng sighed inwardly. Although he was the sect leader of the Wenxian Sect and taking on students wasn't a big deal, having Deng Yongshi—a headstrong and unruly young woman—as his first student was quite troubling.
Moreover, thinking about how to obtain the crystal core from Deng Yongshi made his future seem even more uncertain.
With a sigh, Ling Feng could only follow General Deng to the so-called Orchid Pavilion, where they were to have the feast.
The Orchid Pavilion was located on the southern side of the General's mansion. They crossed a clear, shallow river by boat to reach the tranquil manor on the opposite bank.
This manor, known as the Orchid Pavilion, was a gift from General Deng to Deng Yongshi on her fourteenth birthday, a testament to his deep affection for his granddaughter.
Inside the main hall of the Orchid Pavilion, a group of servants, under the direction of an older middle-aged woman, were preparing a lavish banquet. The table was laden with delicacies, fine wine, and an array of gourmet dishes.
"Aunt Lan, who are we hosting today?"
A graceful young girl in a green dress wrapped her arms around the middle-aged woman's waist from behind, her eyes narrowing into crescent moons as she laughed. "Could it be that grandpa has finally relented and is letting me go out?"
Aunt Lan gently pried Deng Yongshi's hands off her waist and smiled, shaking her head. "Miss Yongshi, these are the general's arrangements. How would I know what he's thinking?"
Deng Yongshi pouted. Ever since her return from the auction, she had been clamoring to find Ling Feng and settle the score, which angered her grandfather. As a result, the usually indulgent General Deng had confined her to the Orchid Pavilion for a month, forbidding her from going anywhere.
Having endured nearly a month of this confinement, Deng Yongshi felt like a caged bird and longed to fly free in the open sky.
"Aunt Lan, can you give me a little hint? Is Grandpa coming?" Deng Yongshi asked with a hopeful smile.
"Little Shi, no need to guess. Here comes grandpa, hahaha..."
At that moment, General Deng's hearty laughter echoed from outside the courtyard. Deng Yongshi leaped up in excitement, determined to plead with her grandfather and persuade him to let her out.
Deng Yongshi rushed out to greet him, only to see a young man in a white robe following behind her grandfather.
To her surprise and annoyance, this young man was none other than Ling Feng, whom she loathed!
Her joyful expression froze and was instead replaced by a look of anger.
This wretched guy has the nerve to come here!
The month-long confinement I endured was all because of him!
Ignoring the anger on his granddaughter's face, General Deng turned to Ling Feng with a smile, saying, "Young friend Ling Feng, this is the Orchid Pavilion. Come, the feast is ready. Join me for a drink!"
"Alright," Ling Feng nodded. "Since you think highly of me, Senior, I'll accompany you no matter what!"
"Hahaha..." General Deng stroked his long beard and laughed heartily. Pulling Ling Feng into the hall, he turned and looked at Deng Yongshi, who was frozen in the courtyard. "Little Shi, aren't you a bit too excited to see your new teacher?"
"New teacher?" Deng Yongshi's eyes twitched. She glanced at General Deng and then at Ling Feng, quickly understanding her grandfather's intentions.
"You’re making him my teacher?" Deng Yongshi nearly jumped out of her skin. "No way, absolutely not! I refuse to have this scoundrel as my teacher!"
"Nothing is impossible. Your grandfather has already made up his mind." General Deng smiled calmly as he led Ling Feng to a seat. "Come, Ling Feng, make yourself at home."
Ling Feng sat down with a composed smile. "Thank you, Senior Deng."
"Hehe, we're family now. No need for thanks," General Deng said with a chuckle. "Someone, pour wine for Mr. Ling!"
Aunt Lan approached gracefully with a jug of exquisite jade wine, filling cups for Ling Feng and General Deng with a warm smile before stepping back to stand by attentively. Other servants readied the dining utensils and stood by the table, prepared to serve at a moment's notice.
General Deng lifted his cup and took a small sip. Seeing his granddaughter still standing in the courtyard, he stroked his beard and called out, "Little Shi, why are you still out there? Come in!"
"Grandfather, who does he think he is? Why should he be my teacher? I won't accept it!" Deng Yongshi clenched her fists, fuming with anger.
"Because I chose him," General Deng said firmly. "Tell me, how many teachers have you driven away over the years? It's time for some unconventional methods to set you straight!" He slammed his cup on the table, his voice cold and commanding. "Today, you will accept him as your teacher, whether you like it or not!"
"I won't, I just won't!" Deng Yongshi was on the verge of exploding, her eyes blazing with fury. "It's all your fault, you scoundrel! You've bewitched my grandfather—I'll kill you!"
With that, she drew a flexible sword from her waist and charged at Ling Feng.
General Deng's expression turned icy. His voice carried a terrifying chill as he commanded, "Sit down!"
The general's battlefield-honed authority sent a shiver down Deng Yongshi's spine, freezing her in her tracks. She had never seen her grandfather so angry before, and she knew that if he meant business, her punishment would be far worse than mere confinement.
Reluctantly, she slumped into the seat opposite Ling Feng like a shocked kitten with her head bowed. But her eyes, filled with smoldering anger, were still glaring at Ling Feng from under her lashes, as if she could burn holes through him.
This is all your fault, you wretched boy!
Seeing Deng Yongshi finally comply, General Deng's face softened slightly. He turned to Ling Feng with an apologetic smile, saying, "Young friend Ling Feng, I leave her in your capable hands. Please, do your best to guide her well."