The great battle in the northern outskirts of the imperial capital caused a massive uproar throughout the city.
First, two demon kings clashed. Then, the empire’s legend, Yan Jinghong, faced off against a mysterious young man. To top it off, two half-step emperors appeared[1]. Such a spectacle was truly terrifying.
Although the martial artists who were alerted to the scene watched from several thousand zhang away, it was enough for them to exaggerate the event for an entire month.
The story became more and more sensational as people spread the news of a mysterious genius comparable to the empire’s legend, Yan Jinghong, who had emerged suddenly and even planned to challenge Yan Jinghong. This news spread quickly throughout the imperial capital.
While everyone knew Yan Jinghong, no one knew the name of the mysterious genius. Some had seen that this person possessed the combat strength to face Yan Jinghong head-on. Although he was at a disadvantage, he wasn't instantly defeated.
Moreover, some sharp-eyed observers noticed that the mysterious young man wore the uniform of Tianwei Academy, leading to speculation that he must be a genius student from Tianwei Academy.
Some guessed it might be Li Yunting, the captain of the Central Court's sword team, or Mu Liufeng, who held the title of Invincible War God in the Hundred Battles Ranking.
In any case, all the speculation revolved around the Central Court. No one imagined that the extraordinary genius challenging Yan Jinghong was a virtually unknown yellow-tier student, Ling Feng.
To avoid attracting attention, Ling Feng had long since put away his despicable donkey into the Five Elements Heavenly Palace. However, as he left the northern outskirts, he saw a large crowd heading there, eager to catch a glimpse of the mysterious genius.
"Look, there's a student from Tianwei Academy over there!"
"Oh my, could he be the mysterious genius who challenged Yan Jinghong?"
Despite Ling Feng's efforts to keep a low profile, many sharp-eyed martial artists noticed him hurrying back from the northern outskirts, still wearing the Tianwei Academy uniform.
In an instant, a large crowd surged forward, buzzing with excitement.
"A mysterious genius! Can you tell us your name? Which family or clan nurtured you?"
"Wow, a genius! Tell us how it felt to face the empire’s legend!"
"We heard you issued a suicidal challenge to Yan Jinghong. What drove you to such a desperate act? Is it a twist of human nature or a moral collapse?"
As the crowd peppered him with questions, Ling Feng frowned and was about to say something when a martial artist in the front suddenly shouted, "Oh no, he's just a yellow-tier student! And his cultivation level is only at the Pulse Formation Realm. Sorry, my mistake!"
"My goodness, this guy is such a schemer, sneaking out now to make us think he was the one who fought the empire’s legend. Ridiculous!"
"Yeah, he should take a look at his own cultivation level before trying to show off!"
"Damn, what a waste of time. The real mysterious genius must have left by now. We can't waste any more time here!"
In an instant, the crowd dispersed like a receding tide, rushing towards the northern outskirts.
Ling Feng's mouth twitched slightly. Did I say anything just now?
Shaking his head with a bitter smile, Ling Feng touched his nose and muttered softly, "What a bunch of idiots."
In the next moment, Ling Feng utilized the Boundless Sword Steps, his figure flashing and disappearing from sight.
With Ling Feng's speed, he arrived at the Lin family residence in the west city after about half an hour.
The old steward at the General's Mansion naturally recognized Ling Feng. Seeing him arrive, he quickly called him "benefactor" and led him inside.
As they walked through the garden outside the Lin Mansion, they saw the little girl, Ling'er, chasing butterflies. The moment Ling'er spotted Ling Feng, she rushed over, throwing herself into his arms and looking up with a big smile. "Big Brother, you've come to see me!"
"Yes," Ling Feng replied with a smile, lifting the little girl by the waist and pinching her nose. "By the way, Ling'er, where are your mother and aunt?"
"They're busy, so Ling'er has to play by herself. It's so boring." Ling'er pouted.
"Ling'er, you're such a good girl," Ling Feng said, pinching her cheek. Just then, Lin Moyao and Lin Moyun emerged from the loft at the back, accompanied by several family elders and Tuoba Cheng, who had recently been staying at the Lin residence to help.
Lin Moyun, having heard of Ling Feng's arrival, had adjourned the temporary meeting immediately and rushed over. After all, Ling Feng was a benefactor to the entire Lin family.
"Master, you've finally come to see me!" Tuoba Cheng rushed over excitedly, shouting, "Master, have you finally made up your mind? Are we heading back to Wangduan Mountain now?"
Ling Feng shook his head and glanced at Tuoba Cheng, noticing that he had reverted to wearing youthful attire, which gave him a somewhat handsome look despite his roguish nature.
"Who allowed you to call me master?" Ling Feng glared at him before turning to greet Lin Moyao and Lin Moyun with a smile.
Lin Moyao smiled at Ling Feng and softly said, "Mr. Ling, why didn't you tell us you were coming?"
"I have some questions for Tuoba Cheng," Ling Feng replied, setting Ling'er back down so she could return to her mother's arms. "Mrs. Lin, could you find a quiet place for us?"
With so many people around, it was best to be cautious.
"Yes, please follow me." Lin Moyun nodded and led the group to a study in the loft.
"This study has a soundproof array, so you can speak freely, Mr. Ling," Lin Moyun said with a smile, exchanging a glance with Lin Moyao. "Then, Mr. Ling, we'll take our leave."
"No need. Mrs. Lin and Ms. Lin, you can both stay. I trust you both."
Ling Feng smiled lightly. In fact, he was considering bringing the entire East Court's sword team to Wangduan Mountain. The Royal Sword Team was immensely powerful, and if the East Court Sword Team hoped to rival them, he couldn't rely solely on his own strength.
He would eventually inform Lin Mochen, so it didn't matter if his sisters knew as well.
"Master, what's going on?" Tuoba Cheng asked curiously, unable to contain his curiosity at Ling Feng's mysterious demeanor.
Ling Feng rolled his eyes. It seemed impossible to get Tuoba Cheng to stop calling him master.
1. Because Yan Cangtian did not show himself, he was not included ☜