Chapter Seventy-Two: A Triumphant Return

In the depths of the night, two figures concealed themselves within the forest, thick with the scent of smoke and fireworks. One was shrouded in a flickering blue-green aura, and as his arms twisted, a faint and indistinct silhouette appeared behind him—this was Wuzhui, immersed in the study of the Thousand Illusions Fist. The other formed a hand seal, and a gentle spiritual energy surged from his core, swiftly sweeping over his body like a tide and solidifying on the surface as a tangible protective barrier—this was Lin Feng, channeling the Spiritual Armor Technique.

Aside from the peculiar Wind Escape Technique, Li Chi had taught him two more simple spells that day: the Protective Spiritual Armor, and the Heavenly Eye. In Li Chi’s words, Lin Feng was the most hopeless fool he’d encountered in two lifetimes; if he didn’t take some drastic measures to train him, next time Lin Feng would surely drag him to his doom as well. The Spiritual Armor Technique could form a shield of spiritual power—the stronger the practitioner, the stronger the armor—simple and effective. Heavenly Eye allowed one to discern an opponent’s strength, but it could not be used recklessly; if used on someone more than two ranks above, it was easily detected and could even fail outright.

Curious, Lin Feng turned his Heavenly Eye on Wuzhui, only to see a blue wolf sitting on the ground. He couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

The next day, after noon, the two passed through Lotus Town, where they purchased several sets of clothes, shoes, and socks, then enjoyed a hearty meal at a tavern. They stocked up on meat and wine before setting off toward Heaven’s Gate Peak.

“Wuzhui, who would’ve thought you’d look so dashing in human clothes? Let’s see if Songzi and Senior Sister Helian recognize you when we meet them,” Lin Feng teased from atop his horse, as Wuzhui raced alongside them, keeping pace with the fleet steed.

“Big brother, you’re teasing me again…”

The mountains remained picturesque as ever. Beneath Heaven’s Gate Peak, the bell still tolled, the scenery unchanged. Gazing at the familiar faces and the staircase leading up the mountain, Lin Feng leapt from his horse, overwhelmed with emotion. “I’m back, Grandpa Huo, I’ve returned. From today on, I’ll never be looked down upon again…”

“Hey, look! Who is that?” A group of outer sect disciples hurried by, swords at their sides. Catching sight of Lin Feng, his companion, and the extraordinary horse, they retraced their steps, standing atop the mountain path with their arms folded, looking down at them.

The path was narrow—barely wide enough for three. With these men blocking the way, the road was instantly clogged. It was near dusk, and many outer sect disciples were coming and going. Sensing a commotion, they gathered in twos and threes, pointing and whispering.

“Isn’t that Lin Feng? The one who challenged Young Master…”

“I heard he couldn’t gather spiritual energy before, is that true?”

“Bah, who cares? Anyone who crosses Young Master Shi is doomed…”

Wuzhui’s eyes blazed with anger at the scornful words and sneers around them. He stepped forward, but Lin Feng stopped him with a hand.

“I’ll take care of this.” The four words were spoken quietly, but they startled Wuzhui. There was an irrefutable authority and a hidden murderous intent in Lin Feng’s tone.

Wuzhui naturally fell back. He knew Lin Feng was no longer the docile youth he once was; those who bullied him now would surely regret it.

“Please step aside.” Lin Feng led his horse forward, raising an eyebrow as he spoke calmly.

“Haha, look at this! The trash learns a few tricks and thinks he can order us around. Should we move, everyone? Haha!” One man, dressed in a warrior’s robe, laughed exaggeratedly, preening for the crowd.

Before his laughter ceased, Lin Feng struck. With a flick of his palm, a surge of energy enveloped the man, tossing him into the air. He crashed down onto the stone steps behind, not even managing a scream.

“Ah… You all saw that! He dared strike me! Get him!”

With a shout, seven or eight men charged at once. They were all Nangong Ke’s lackeys, bullies who dominated the outer sect by sheer numbers. The strongest among them had only just reached the late stage of Qi Refinement and lacked Lin Feng’s understanding of techniques. The rest were insignificant—mere beginners.

Lin Feng sneered, his feet a blur as he shot forward, fists striking out. Two men at the front crumpled with a dull crack, their chests caving in as they flew backward. They crashed into their comrades, who collapsed beneath them, howling in pain.

“Pathetic.” Leading his horse, Lin Feng brushed past them. The proud steed stamped its hooves, trampling the fallen men, who screamed in agony. One unfortunate soul was caught squarely and rolled down the steps, clutching his groin, face contorted in a silent scream.

“Clap! Clap!” Applause rang out behind him. Lin Feng turned, pupils contracting—it was none other than Nangong Ke and Jiang Baifeng.

A fateful encounter! Lin Feng could think of nothing else.

“It’s been months, and Junior Brother Lin’s brilliance hasn’t dimmed. And this is…?” Nangong Ke, dressed in white, flicked his iron fan, his smile sharp as a blade, scrutinizing Lin Feng and Wuzhui.

A sudden weariness rose in Lin Feng, akin to the disgust of gorging on fat meat. His gaze sharpened as he unleashed the Heavenly Eye, sweeping over them and seeing through their facades.

Nangong Ke and his companions shifted uneasily under his gaze, as if Lin Feng’s eyes had stripped them bare.

“Tomorrow afternoon, Snakevine Valley. You and I—let’s settle this once and for all.” With those words, Lin Feng strode away, ignoring the stunned crowd.

Young Master Shi’s eyes flashed, snapping his iron fan shut. He stared at Lin Feng’s retreating back and shouted, “Very well!”

There was no room for courtesy now. The news spread through Heaven’s Gate Peak like wildfire, quickly becoming the sect’s hottest topic.

On Gentleman’s Peak, in Zhang Hui Garden, Jun Wuji sat cross-legged in a plain white robe, eyes closed, with Feng Yiyuan standing respectfully three paces behind.

“Tomorrow at Snakevine Valley, be vigilant. Do not let anything untoward happen,” Jun Wuji said softly. Though his words were gentle, each one struck Feng Yiyuan like thunder.

“Yes, Master. I will obey,” Feng Yiyuan replied, then hesitated. “If the two fight to the death, what should I do?”

Jun Wuji was silent for a moment. “Nangong Ke is of no consequence. His heart is twisted, and he has no place in the inner sect. As for Lin Feng—let him do as he will…”

Feng Yiyuan trembled, glancing at his master before lowering his voice. “Yes.”

Jun Wuji nodded with a sigh. “Go and rest.”

“Yes!” Feng Yiyuan bowed and flew back to his quarters on his sword. Yet in the darkness, a nagging question gnawed at him like the mysterious Milky Way in the sky: Why does Master value Lin Feng so highly? He’s far less gifted than Fang Xiaotian; there’s no reason for it…

At the small house beneath Heaven’s Gate Peak, after months away, Lin Feng, Du Songzi, and Wuzhui sat around a table, talking excitedly.

“Wow, boss, did you strike it rich on your journey? Wuzhui, tell me—did he marry into some wealthy family?” Du Songzi teased, counting the silver Lin Feng had laid out.

“N-no, Brother Du. Big brother just turned down a young lady’s…” Wuzhui began honestly, but Lin Feng shot him a glare, swallowing the rest of the sentence.

“Alright, don’t interrupt! Wuzhui, spill it—what’s her name, where does she live?” Du Songzi continued, waggling his brows.

“That’s enough. Let’s be serious—Songzi, how have you progressed these months? Do you stand a chance of placing in the tournament?” Lin Feng asked.

Du Songzi instantly deflated. “Not likely. I’m still stuck at the middle stage. Forget the top ten—I’ll be lucky to make the top hundred.”

“If I’d known, I would’ve saved you some Blood Ginseng. The outer sect tournament is almost here… We need to think of something.” Lin Feng sighed. Without reaching the late stage of Qi Refinement, even a winning rank wouldn’t get him into the inner sect.

Du Songzi didn’t seem to mind. He glanced at Wuzhui, then slapped his forehead. “I almost forgot—I have something for you two. Wait here.” He winked at Lin Feng before dashing off.

In that moment, Lin Feng realized what he was going to fetch—the Celestial Wolf Claw.

Composing himself, Lin Feng spoke gravely, “Wuzhui, there are some things you need to know. Prepare yourself.”

“Big brother!” Wuzhui’s eyes flashed coldly as he struggled to speak. “I know… How did my parents really die?”

Lin Feng’s heart tightened. He exhaled and said, “Your father was killed by Zhou Kuigang of the Hundred Flowers Sect. As for your mother, I suspect she was slain by the Earth Bear…”

As Lin Feng recounted the tale, Wuzhui clenched his fists, his gaze icy and frighteningly calm.

“I’m back.” Du Songzi appeared in the doorway, holding the Celestial Wolf Claw.

In that instant, rage welled in Wuzhui’s eyes. His hands trembled, barely restrained.

(Wishing you a pleasant weekend.)