Chapter 132: The Feng Family

In a mountain range opposite the Linlang Blessed Land and the Lin family estate, Feng Ye, patriarch of the Feng family, sat holding a teacup. He sipped the fragrant tea from time to time, his gaze fixed on the distance as if lost in deep thought.

"According to what you have reported, it seems the Lin family has brought in an outside helper," Feng Ye said suddenly.

Standing beside him were two young men: Feng Shen, who had just returned from the marketplace, and a man dressed in black.

"Grandfather is correct, though this helper is only at the mid-stage of cultivation. While he possesses some methods, he is not a cause for concern," Feng Shen replied.

Feng Ye ignored Feng Shen and turned to the man in black. "Buyun, what is your take on this?"

"In response to the Ancestor, I do not believe this young man is simple. He seems capable of contending with a late-stage cultivator. If that is the case, the Lin family now has two capable individuals, which might allow them to stand their ground in the upcoming competition. Furthermore, in my estimation, this hired help’s true strength likely surpasses that of Lin Hao," the man named Buyun stated.

"How is that possible?" Feng Shen shook his head, unconvinced. "No matter how impressive this youth is, he is only at the mid-stage. I have seen and believe he can fight against a late-stage Qi Condensation cultivator, but to say he is stronger than Lin Hao—who is himself at the late stage—is something I find hard to accept." Most cultivators knew that even a small gap in cultivation realm usually represented a massive disparity in strength, making it nearly impossible to bridge, let alone surpass.

"Buyun, your judgment has always been sharp. If that is your assessment, it seems we must indeed pay more attention to this helper the Lin family has secured," Feng Ye said, appearing to place great trust in the man in black as he sank back into contemplation.

"Grandfather, why worry? Even if this person is strong, what of it? None of those wretches in the Lin family are a match for our clan. Even that boy Lin Hao, despite reaching the late stage, cannot compare to our family's late-stage cultivators. We have trained within the Spirit Array; we are leagues ahead of someone like Lin Hao, who has never stepped foot in one. Not only could I take him, but my brother Feng Yi could also easily dispose of him," Feng Shen said proudly, his words dripping with disdain for the Lin family disciples.

"Hmm, either of you two brothers should be able to take down Lin Hao. However, this newcomer the Lin family has hired seems difficult to handle. Be careful when you face him; do not let a mistake cause us to lose the competition," Feng Ye warned.

"Grandfather worries too much," Feng Shen retorted sharply. "Let us do this: my brother Feng Yi will handle Lin Hao, and I will take care of this newcomer. I want to see if he truly has three heads and six arms to dare interfere in the struggles of the Linlang Blessed Land. When the time comes, I will make sure to cripple him."

"I had intended for Buyun to step in this time," Feng Ye remarked, looking toward the man in black.

"Ancestor, whether I take the field or not is secondary. The priority is for the Feng family to achieve victory. The foundation of the Feng family is solid; I believe winning will not be an issue," Buyun said, bowing his hands.

"Buyun, you are a man who understands the bigger picture. Very well, let us arrange it this way. If either of those two falters and fails to secure a win, you will participate in the remedial matches. That will put my mind at ease," Feng Ye said with a smile.

"I will strictly obey the Ancestor's decree. If there is indeed a need for additional matches, I shall step forward. I will never forget the grace of your cultivation over these years; I am committed to serving you with all my strength until my final breath," Buyun vowed repeatedly.

"Good. With this arrangement, I can rest easy," Feng Ye said, his face beaming.

"Next is the forging segment. The Lin family has recently produced a girl named Lin Ling who, I hear, possesses a Spirit Root for forging. We must not underestimate her," Feng Ye continued with his instructions.

"In response to Grandfather, the reason Brother Buyun and I went to the marketplace was because we received intelligence from Feng Wei that this girl had appeared there. We rushed over, intending to use Feng Wei to eliminate her. Who would have thought we would run into Lin Tian and that new helper? They rescued the girl, and it was only then that we discovered the Lin family had hired outside help," Feng Shen explained.

"I see. It is a pity; once the girl returns to the Lin family, it will be difficult to strike at her in the shadows," Feng Ye said, clearly regretting the failure of Feng Shen’s plan. "However, even if her forging skills are superior, I have other ways to deal with her."

"Indeed. Does our family not have Feng Jian, who also possesses a Spirit Root for forging? Feng Jian has been practicing for many years; he won the championship in the last competition. After these few years, his techniques must have advanced even further. Isn't it easy for him to defeat that girl, Lin Ling?" Feng Shen asked, appearing entirely unconcerned.

"Feng Shen, you think too simply. When two people possess the same Spirit Root, determining a winner is not so easy. Moreover, I demand an absolute victory; there cannot be a single mistake," Feng Ye stated.

"Does Grandfather mean to suggest another assassination attempt on that girl, Lin Ling?" Feng Shen asked.

"Certainly not such a crude tactic. Regardless, I have other means to significantly enhance Feng Jian's forging level. I am confident he will be able to defeat Lin Ling this time," Feng Ye said, full of certainty.

"If Grandfather says so, then it seems our Feng family's victory is guaranteed," Feng Shen laughed. "Our family's foundation is deep. It is impossible for the Lin family to turn the tables. For the past hundred years, have we not won every single competition? Their strength has been steadily declining. It is truly laughable that they think they can make a comeback this time."

"Indeed, I want certainty. The prosperity of our Feng family is at hand, and it is not impossible that we may soon suppress the Lin family completely," Feng Ye said with a cold, sinister tone.

"It is just a pity that the Bu and Wei families, once Linlang disciples themselves, have weakened over the years. Otherwise, they could have been a great asset to our Feng family. But fortunately, Buyun has been able to rise within the Bu family and successfully reach the late stage of Qi Condensation, which can also be of some help to me," Feng Ye said, changing the subject.

"I am ready to serve the Ancestor as a loyal dog or horse," Buyun hurriedly bowed, pledging his loyalty once more.