Inside the banquet hall of the Fang Family manor, Fang Lin held a white bag in one hand, heavy with spiritual stones, as he walked toward his friends.
Tian Xueya, who was standing near the entrance of the hall with Mu Chen and Vren, looked at Fang Lin with a calm, unreadable gaze.
I have no interest in his spiritual stones, she thought. I have plenty of those myself.
But that treasure… what exactly was it?
Was it offensive or defensive? What rank was it?
Can it be used without primal essence, or does it require essence to activate?
By the time these thoughts crossed her mind, Fang Lin had already reached them.
Without hesitation, he reached out and gently held one of Vren's hands, speaking naturally, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"Come on," Fang Lin said softly. "We should go now."
Vren looked up at him, his fingers tightening slightly around Fang Lin's hand, as if afraid he might disappear again. He didn't speak, but his eyes were clearer than before, quietly following Fang Lin's lead.
Mu Chen watched this scene with a faint smile. He shook his head lightly and muttered, half-amused, half-sincere,
"Seriously… you really have a strange talent for picking up little brothers wherever you go."
Fang Lin glanced at him and replied casually,
"What? I didn't force him."
Tian Xueya's eyes narrowed just a little as she observed Fang Lin more carefully.
He doesn't look excited. He doesn't look greedy either, she noted.
After receiving so many things today, he's still acting… normal.
That, more than anything else, made her uneasy.
The group slowly began moving toward the exit of the hall, while behind them, countless gazes—some curious, some jealous, some calculating—followed Fang Lin's back.
Unaware of it all, Fang Lin simply walked forward, holding the white bag in one hand and Vren's hand in the other.
But deep inside, he knew—
From today onward… things won't stay this simple.
Mu Chen walked a step behind Fang Lin, hands clasped behind his head, eyes casually scanning the surroundings. Compared to the tension inside the hall, the outside air felt strangely refreshing.
He glanced at the white bag swinging lightly in Fang Lin's hand and then at Vren, who was still holding on tightly.
Mu Chen chuckled.
"Fang Lin, you know… if people see this, they'll think you went to the banquet to collect treasures and adopt a kid."
Fang Lin gave him a sideways look.
"You're exaggerating."
"I'm serious," Mu Chen continued, lowering his voice slightly. "First the sword chance, then manuals, then storage ring, now spiritual stones—and on top of that, a loyal little brother."
He shook his head with mock disbelief.
"At this rate, even elders will start eyeing you suspiciously."
Vren tilted his head up, looking at Mu Chen for a moment, then tightened his grip on Fang Lin's hand again, clearly choosing sides.
Mu Chen paused, then laughed awkwardly.
"…Oi, I wasn't trying to steal him."
Fang Lin finally smiled faintly.
"He's just scared. That's all."
Mu Chen's expression softened a little when he heard that. He looked at Vren again, this time more carefully, and spoke in a calmer tone.
"Hey, kid. Don't worry. As long as you stick with us, no one's going to bully you."
Vren didn't reply—but his shoulders relaxed just a bit.
Tian Xueya, walking slightly ahead, listened quietly to their conversation. She didn't turn back, but her pace slowed almost imperceptibly.
Mu Chen leaned closer to Fang Lin and whispered,
"Still… you should be careful. Today was too eye-catching. People don't like it when someone rises too fast."
Fang Lin nodded once, his voice steady.
"I know."
Mu Chen's eyes drifted to the white bag in Fang Lin's hand. It was clearly heavy, and as Fang Lin walked, it drew more attention than it should have.
Mu Chen stepped forward casually and said,
"Hey, Fang Lin. Give me the bag."
Fang Lin stopped and looked at him.
"Why—"
Before he could finish, Mu Chen had already taken the bag and slung it over his shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"You walk ahead," Mu Chen said lightly. "A future young master shouldn't be walking around holding a bag like this."
Fang Lin was momentarily stunned.
Mu Chen continued walking beside him and added in a relaxed tone,
"Besides, if people see you like that, they'll only think one thing."
Fang Lin glanced at him.
"What's that?"
Mu Chen kept his gaze forward and replied calmly,
"That you're someone who's rising."
The words were simple, but they carried weight.
As they moved forward, the eyes of servants, guards, and younger clan members subtly followed Fang Lin.
The bag was no longer in his hands.
His posture was calm, his steps steady, and the people walking beside him only made his presence stand out more.
Fang Lin—
an emerging star of the Fang family.
Vren looked up at Fang Lin's face—calm and confident—and unconsciously tightened his grip on his hand.
Fang Lin spoke softly,
"…Thanks."
Mu Chen smirked slightly.
"You can thank me later. For now, just walk."
**********
Inside the banquet hall,
all eyes subtly shifted toward Fang Qinxian. His presence alone seemed to command the space, the air thickening around him with unspoken authority. He stood tall, every movement precise, his gaze scanning the room, weighing every elder, every expression.
Fang Qinxian's sharp eyes lingered on Fang Lin, a faint smile of approval forming. He could sense the subtle envy, the cautious admiration, and the silent calculations around him.
To him, this hall was not just a place for celebration—
it was a chessboard, and he held the first move.
Beside him, Fang Hanbo and Su'er exchanged glances, sensing the controlled power radiating from their family head.
Even Fang Qinxian's wife felt the weight of his presence, her pride mingled with a tinge of irritation at how much influence he wielded effortlessly.
Kael Rukhan and his elder, standing a few steps away, were visibly affected, their respect evident, yet curiosity sharp in their eyes—
they too understood that Fang Qinxian was no ordinary family head; he was a force shaping the future of his clan.
Every elder of the Fang family felt it, too: subtle envy, calculated caution, and awe mixing in the hall. Yet none dared to challenge the calm storm that was Fang Qinxian.
Fang Qinxian turned his gaze toward Kael Rukhan, the head of the Deepwild lineage, and the elders standing behind him. A quiet, calculating thought passed through his mind.
"Because of Fang Lin, the child Vren showed signs of recovery today. This favor alone has deepened the debt the Rukhan lineage owes us. From this point on, their loyalty toward the Fang family will only grow stronger. In future events, they will stand firmly on our side."
Keeping his tone calm and measured, Fang Qinxian spoke.
"Lineage Head Kael, elders of the Deepwild rukhan lineage—would you be willing to stay within the Fang family manor for the time being, until all awakened disciples depart for the sect?"
He paused briefly, his eyes steady.
"Vren has only just begun to recover from his trauma. If he returns to the mountains too soon, the memories tied to his elder brother may resurface and hinder his recovery."
Fang Qinxian continued evenly,
"Remaining here with fang lin, in a stable environment, may allow him to recover more completely. It will be better for the child—and safer for everyone involved."
Kael Rukhan froze for a brief moment.
For someone who had survived countless hunts and buried more family than he wished to remember, his expression rarely changed. Yet this time, his pupils trembled slightly.
He lowered his head toward Fang Qinxian, pressing a fist to his chest in the traditional hunter's salute.
"Family Head Fang…" Kael's voice was deep, steady, but the weight behind it was unmistakable.
"You are thinking for the sake of my child."
He took a slow breath.
"To be honest, when Vren spoke today—when he called someone 'big brother' again—I feared it was only a fleeting moment."
Kael clenched his fist unconsciously.
"But if what you say is true… then forcing him back into the mountains now would indeed be cruel."
He straightened, eyes sharp yet sincere.
"If remaining within the Fang family manor can help my son recover, then the Deepwild rukhan lineage will accept this kindness without hesitation."
Kael bowed again, deeper than before.
"From this day onward, the Rukhan lineage will remember this favor.
As long as our blood still flows and our bows can still be drawn, the Fang family will never stand alone."
Behind him, the Deepwild elders lowered their heads in unison—silent, absolute acknowledgment.
*************
It was noon atop Taimu Mountain.
Sunlight poured down from above, illuminating the long stretch of the Tianjian Clan Market, which ran like a living artery from the Fang Family Manor at the lower slopes all the way toward the higher regions near the Tian Family territory.
Below the Fang manor, the mountain descended into dense, untamed forest. Ancient trees stood tightly packed, their shadows dark and deep, as if hiding countless unknown dangers.
But above the manor, the mountain path widened—and with it, life flourished.
The market followed the mountain's natural rise.
Closest to the peak was the Tian Family, occupying the most elevated and prestigious section. Below them lay the Yan Family, then the Que Family, followed by the Lin Family, whose territory rested just above the Fang Family lands.
Each family had its own stretch of stalls, clearly divided yet seamlessly connected, forming one continuous marketplace along the stone road.
Every family had set up their own stalls.
Some were simple wooden stands, others reinforced with formations. Clan banners fluttered gently in the mountain wind, embroidered with swords, beasts, clouds, and ancient symbols.
The air buzzed with activity—voices overlapping, bargains struck, laughter mixed with sharp arguments.
Cultivators walked openly through the crowd.Young disciples examined weapons with hungry eyes. Elders moved slowly, hands behind their backs, occasionally stopping to inspect pills or spirit herbs. Merchants loudly advertised their goods—low-grade manuals, spirit stones, beast cores, talismans, and forged weapons.
Spiritual light flickered everywhere.
A pill stall released faint blue mist. A weapon rack hummed softly as sword intent leaked out. At one corner, a formation master demonstrated a defensive array, drawing a small crowd of curious onlookers.
Fang Lin entered the market as well.
He was holding Vren's hand with one hand, guiding him steadily through the crowded stone path. At his side walked Mu Chen, a large white bag slung over his shoulder—
the bag filled with spiritual stones. A wide smile sat on Mu Chen's face, mixed with unmistakable pride, as if he were carrying something far more valuable than stones.
Along with them walked a young girl.
She wore a blue dress that carried a quiet, royal aura. Her red hair flowed freely down her back, swaying gently with each step. Her expression was calm, almost detached, as if she were not part of the crowd but merely observing it—from people to stalls to the spiritual fluctuations in the air.
The moment they stepped deeper into the market, soft murmurs spread like ripples.
A man whispered to those beside him,
"Look… isn't that the one who received A-grade aptitude in the awakening ceremony?"
Another voice replied in disbelief,
"Is that really him? He doesn't look that special."
More whispers followed.
"So young…"
"That's Fang Lin?"
"No wonder the Fang family is being talked about."
A young disciple jabbed a finger toward Vren, his lips twisting with malice.
"Hah, so this is the so-called genius?"
he sneered. "Always surrounded by people who carry his burdens for him. A loyal dog to handle his chores, and a beautiful woman fawning at his side like he's something special."
His eyes then fell on the small boy whose hand Vren was holding, and his expression grew uglier.
"But what about that thing?"
he scoffed.
"Who drags trash like that into the market?"
He laughed sharply.
"Look at him—skinny, dirty, dressed like a beggar who crawled out of the forest. And yet he dares to walk beside an A-grade awakened?"
The disciple's voice dropped into a venomous whisper.
"Disgusting. Just seeing him there lowers the value of everyone around him."
The boy standing beside him—
slightly older and far more mature—quickly grabbed his mouth and hissed in a low voice,
"Lower your voice. If he hears you and reports it, we could be barred from joining the sect."
The first disciple brushed his hand away impatiently.
"Tch, let go of me. What are you afraid of?" he scoffed.
"He's just an outer younger disciple like us. Do you really think we'd be expelled so easily just because of his words?"
The mature boy's eyes narrowed as he replied calmly, his tone heavy with caution.
"Because he's from the Fang family."
He paused, then continued in a quieter voice,
"A family strong enough to contend with the Tian family. And that's not all—
I've heard the Patriarch personally gave him a storage ring."
The disciple's expression stiffened slightly.
"If we provoke him," the mature boy said flatly, "things won't end well for us."
He clenched his fist subtly.
"Our family is already in decline… and our young master only awakened with a C-grade aptitude."
His gaze lingered on Fang Lin for a moment longer, filled with bitterness and helpless restraint.
"This is not someone we can afford to offend."
Mu Chen noticed it as well.
The moment those whispers reached his ears, anger flared in his chest.
"Did that bastard just call me a dog…?"
he thought coldly.
"I've been Fang Lin's best friend since childhood."
His fingers tightened instinctively.
"Damn vermin—
so jealous that their insides must be burning."
Just as Mu Chen was about to turn his head, he noticed that someone had already silenced the loud-mouthed disciple. Seeing this, he let out a slow breath, suppressing his rage.
"Hmph," he sneered inwardly.
"Stay obedient like that. Families like yours deserve nothing more."
At the same time,
Tian Xueya also sensed the strange glances and mocking whispers directed their way.
Her expression, however, remained calm and composed—
no trace of anger or irritation showing on her face.
"They are always like this," she thought indifferently.
"Only daring to bark behind others' backs."
Her gaze swept across the market casually, as if those disciples didn't even exist.
"Besides… their words don't matter to me in the slightest."
A faint chill flickered in her eyes.
"Their families are already destined for decline."
Since leaving the Fang family manor, Fang Lin hadn't been paying much attention to his surroundings.
Most of his focus was consumed by Lingyi—by how it had suddenly awakened, what is it the concept of spiritual stones, and how it spoke as if it could read every single thought forming in his mind.
The experience itself was strange enough to keep him distracted.
He had already heard many whispers along the way.
Envy. Doubt. Disbelief.
Fang Lin ignored all of it.
But this time was different.
This time, their words crossed a line—dragging his friends and Vren into their filthy mouths.
Fang Lin's steps slowed slightly.
His eyes shifted, calmly locking onto the group of whispering disciples.
"So people like you exist here as well…" he thought coldly.
"I've seen countless characters like you while reading novels."
His lips curved upward.
"You burn inside, wondering why I got it and you didn't."
A faint, devilish smile appeared on his face.
"Don't worry. I won't lower myself to fight you."
"I'll just make you burn even more—
so much that you'll remember my name every time you feel envy."
Then, as if nothing had happened, Fang Lin bent down slightly and looked at Vren.
His expression softened.
"Vren," he said gently, "is there something you've always wanted since childhood?"
He placed a hand lightly on the boy's shoulder.
"You can tell me. You call me Big Brother, don't you?"
"Then I'll buy it for you."
Vren froze.
His eyes slowly shifted—
not to the market stalls,
not to the people—
—but to the sword hanging at Fang Lin's waist.The blade reflected faint light as it rested there, quiet yet imposing.
Vren swallowed.
"Big Brother…" he said hesitantly, his voice trembling just a little.
"I want… that."