Chapter 27: A Reckless Stand

“Are you truly willing to make an enemy of our Lin family for the sake of these few individuals, Sir? You should understand that you would be offending the entirety of the Lin family. A young cultivator such as yourself ought to consider their future prospects.”

“Heh, is the Lin family truly so formidable? Even if you hadn’t sought me out, I intended to settle a few scores with you. Today, I guarantee their safety. I advise you not to waste any more breath. Let our fists speak the truth.”

Hearing the unspoken threat in Lin Hong’s tone, Lan Wu Xi couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle. Did they genuinely believe he feared the Lin family? He had harbored a deep aversion for this family ever since they dared to lay hands on Lin Yufei.

Now, they had even extended their reach to his own family. Such a profound hatred could not be resolved with mere words. The next time he encountered Lin Yunxi, Lan Wu Xi vowed to impart a lesson he would carry for a lifetime.

The Lin family, one of the three great clans of the Yunxiao Kingdom, had admittedly experienced some decline over time. Nevertheless, the foundation accumulated through generations remained terrifyingly formidable.

For years, the Lin and Yun families had regarded each other as sworn enemies, locked in disputes over territory and profit. Yet, despite this animosity, neither side had ever truly engaged in battle. Their clashes were, at best, ceremonial skirmishes, never resulting in significant casualties.

Even observers understood the reason for this stalemate. The cost of one family truly overthrowing the other would be immense. At best, both would be severely weakened; at worst, they would be devoured by other ambitious clans lurking in the shadows. They were not merely local powers, but a tempting, succulent prize.

Consequently, while the Lin family engaged in illicit activities behind closed doors, others could only turn a blind eye, intimidated by their influence. Though the Yunxiao Royal Family had repeatedly dispatched forces to dismantle some of the Lin family’s hidden underground casinos and other venues, these efforts yielded little lasting impact. Such measures merely treated the symptoms, never addressing the underlying issue.

At that very moment, Lan Wu Xi declared his intention to protect Xiao Xue’s family right in front of the Lin clan members. Such boldness was truly admirable. Even Xiao Xue herself was momentarily stunned by his words, particularly by his incredibly domineering proclamation that she was “his person.” A sudden blush swept across Xiao Xue’s cheeks, while her mother, standing nearby, appeared utterly shocked.

“Oh my, oh my~ When did my Xue’er become so captivating? This young man seems quite passionate, and he’s rather handsome. He’s also Xue’er’s senior martial brother. I approve!”

Upon hearing those teasing words, Xiao Xue shot a playful, exasperated glare at her mother. She then turned her gaze to Lan Wu Xi, who stood before her, her thoughts unreadable.

‘Heh heh, how was that? Wasn’t what I just said incredibly dashing? I’m certain that after this matter is settled, the female lead won’t be so indifferent towards me.’

[Beep, system notification: Host is shamelessly arrogant!]

Though he couldn’t discern Xiao Xue’s expression behind him, Lan Wu Xi was confident that his “down-to-earth romantic declaration” had landed well. The female lead would surely owe him a favor now. Even if she still rejected him later, his objective would have been met. By his calculations, he stood to lose nothing; it was an absolute windfall!

“You brat, do you truly take our Lin family for a bunch of pushovers? You two, attack! I’ll bear the responsibility for whatever happens.”

At this moment, Lin Hong’s rage surged. Did this young man truly believe the Lin family was a meek rabbit, simply because they hadn’t yet bared their fangs? He was merely a Profound Wheel cultivator. While such strength wasn’t abundant in the Lin family, it was far from rare.

If Lin Hong desired, he could even summon a Golden Core expert from their clan to aid them. Then, crushing this presumptuous fool would be effortless.

The two Profound Wheel cultivators accompanying Lin Hong were equally resolute. The moment Lin Hong gave the command, they surged forward, aiming to fell Lan Wu Xi with a single punch.

Their slightly weaker cultivation level afforded them no room for hesitation. Their rapid attacks, infused with fierce astral winds, possessed enough power to shatter even massive boulders.

Lan Wu Xi was far from arrogant. Even with a slight advantage in cultivation, he dared not be complacent. His spiritual energy manifested as a protective shield, deflecting their incoming fists.

With a powerful forward thrust, he sent both men stumbling back several paces. Exploiting the brief opening, he struck their chests with two palms, akin to surging rivers. The cultivators reeled back violently, clutching their chests, their gazes fixed on Lan Wu Xi with furious indignation. In this exchange, they had clearly suffered a minor defeat.

“You two, step away from here, lest I accidentally injure you.”

Lan Wu Xi called out over his shoulder, then advanced a step. Simultaneously, potent spiritual energy, like converging river currents, surged into his palms. A dark gleam flashed in his eyes as he powerfully pushed off with his legs, leaping a staggering ten meters into the air.

The thunderous power radiating from his fists compelled the two cultivators to unleash their most potent techniques. The collision of three Profound Wheel realm experts’ attacks instantly reduced Xiao Xue’s already dilapidated home to a chaotic mess. The turbulent shockwaves even crushed the wooden water bucket on the spot, sending its contents rocketing skyward like a geyser.

“Get out of my sight!”

Lan Wu Xi’s body had long since undergone a spiritual transformation, its resilience now rivalling that of any peak Profound Wheel expert. Moreover, the fist technique he wielded was the ‘Mountain-Splitting Thousand-Fist,’ a rare low-grade martial art. It was considered the optimal technique for cultivators who had just completed Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment to hone their physical power.

This style involved channelling all spiritual energy in one breath, without reservation, into a devastating punch—devoid of any flashy moves, just pure, overwhelming force.

Through Lan Wu Xi’s profound enlightenment, a new philosophy had emerged: the suppression of all things through sheer force. While an ordinary person’s peak strength might allow them to lift a heavy cauldron, a cultivator’s true apex power was capable of shattering heavens and sundering the earth. With a mere flick of the wrist, they could overturn mountains and seas, rendering them invincible beneath the sky.

Thus, the fist technique unleashed its full, intended might in Lan Wu Xi’s hands. Limitless power surged through his entire being. Each punch felt capable of cleaving the very earth, and with just two strikes, he sent both men hurtling backward.

They slammed directly into the already fragile wall, which instantly ruptured and collapsed with a resounding crash.

“How can this be! Was that truly accomplished by a mere Profound Wheel cultivator?”

Lin Hong, too, was utterly aghast. His mouth gaped open as if he could swallow an apple whole. To him, the bizarre power Lan Wu Xi had just demonstrated far surpassed the capabilities expected of a Profound Wheel realm cultivator. A profound chill snaked down his spine.

“Impressive, young man! I’m rooting for you!”

Xiao Father was helped to his feet by Xiao Mother and Xiao Xue. He finally opened his eyes after Xiao Xue offered him a low-grade healing pill, just in time to witness Lan Wu Xi decisively knock out the Profound Wheel cultivator who had kicked him earlier with two swift punches. His previously aching chest instantly felt much clearer, replaced by a surge of exhilaration, as if a long-awaited vengeance had been spectacularly achieved.

“Husband, don’t speak carelessly. He is…”

Xiao Mother leaned in and whispered something into Xiao Father’s ear, though its content remained a mystery. Xiao Father’s face cycled through a series of emotions: from excitement to disbelief, then rapidly to unbridled euphoria. Finally, he simply roared his encouragement for Lan Wu Xi.

“Go, my prospective son-in-law! I’m rooting for you!”

These words startled Lan Wu Xi so profoundly that he nearly stumbled. ‘What did I just hear? Were they calling out to me?’

“Father! How can you be so improper now too!”

In her anger, Xiao Xue simply let go of her father’s arm. Fortunately, Xiao Mother quickly helped support him, preventing Xiao Father from falling.

“Why are you so senseless, child? I merely remarked that the young man came all this way to see you because he has feelings for you. It seems one person is smitten, while the other is oblivious~”

“Father, don’t talk nonsense! I don’t like him at all. We’ve only met once.”

“Oh, please. You can fool others with that, but you’re too naive to fool me. Tell me, if you’ve only met once, why would he risk offending the Lin family to protect you?”

‘I… I want to know that too…’ Xiao Xue muttered softly to herself, realizing she couldn’t possibly explain things clearly to her foolish parents. She genuinely didn’t like her senior martial brother. Her heart already belonged to someone else.

She wasn’t entirely sure if her feelings for that person were love or merely gratitude, but he always managed to capture her attention. Perhaps it was a shared plight, or some unspoken commonality, but regardless, that young man never surrendered easily.

Even when mocked and ridiculed by countless others, reduced to an object of scorn for others’ self-consolation, his face still radiated confident brilliance. Many times, she had wanted to confess her feelings to him.

Although she wasn’t particularly beautiful, and sometimes when she went out with her sister, people would question if they were even related, she believed she understood that young man better than anyone. They shared similar circumstances.

Despite the vast chasm in their backgrounds, she believed that one day she could express her true feelings to him. Xiao Xue was confident in her judgment of people. In her heart, Lan Wu Xi was entirely different from that other person. In fact, she couldn’t see through him at all.

Each of his actions seemed to be a calculated conclusion. While he appeared outwardly carefree, a deeply shadowed side lay hidden within him. No matter how much he gained, his inner desires remained unfulfilled. It was as if he constantly feared losing everything he had acquired, as if someone was perpetually pursuing him, demanding his life.

“Master, what do you think?”

“Hmm?”

“What exactly does this senior martial brother want from me? We had no prior connection… Could it be that he truly likes me, as Father says?”

“This… you’re asking the wrong person. After all, I’ve always been immersed in cultivation, never developing romantic feelings for any man. However, I was considered a peerless beauty in my time. Countless talented young men sought to be my partner, but I rejected them all. Alas~”

“Then tell me, should I accept his suggestion? I’m afraid he might have discovered our secret and has ulterior motives…”

“That depends on your thoughts. Personally, I believe that with my current concealment abilities, even a Nascent Soul realm expert would find it extremely difficult to detect me. I don’t think such a young man could possibly sense my presence. Perhaps we should wait and see. If he truly has any intentions, dealing with a mere Profound Wheel cultivator would be effortless for me.”

After sending two cultivators of the same rank flying with two punches, Lan Wu Xi felt an unreleased surge of energy within him. He longed to find someone to unleash it upon, and his gaze fell upon the stunned Lin Hong, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

“Useless trash! I’ve wasted so much time on you.”

As if sensing Lan Wu Xi’s ominous gaze, Lin Hong’s body stiffened. He glanced at the two unconscious men lying amidst the wall rubble, cursed under his breath, then immediately turned to flee. Simultaneously, he shouted loudly:

“I’ll be back!”

However, just as his front foot stepped out of the Xiao family’s main entrance, the collar of his robe was suddenly yanked back. No matter how Lin Hong twisted and struggled, he couldn’t put his other foot down. Lan Wu Xi had anticipated Lin Hong’s small maneuver, seizing his collar the moment he stepped out the door, rendering him immobile.

“Trying to run? We haven’t settled the matter of you injuring their father yet.”

“Let go of me, let go! If you lay a hand on me, the Lin family will never forgive you!”

“Oh, then I’ll let go now~”

He said with an exaggerated, mocking tone. The hand clutching Lin Hong’s collar abruptly released its grip. Due to inertia, Lin Hong’s upper body plunged out the main gate, while his lower half remained inside. His waist slammed directly onto the threshold, and a faint sound of something cracking could be heard.

“Hiss~, how ruthless. You told me to let go, so don’t blame me…”

Watching Lin Hong sprawled face-first on the ground, utterly disheveled, Lan Wu Xi felt a sudden, visceral pang in his lower body. He swallowed hard, a lingering sense of dread in his heart.

‘Good thing I didn’t fall like that last time. Truly, one misstep can lead to eternal regret~.’