C32 The Sorrow of Being Humiliated

"Cough, cough!"

Upon seeing Aotian's expression, even the battle-hardened Loong Ming found himself at a loss for words.

"Happy birthday, Aotian! Congratulations on becoming an adult!"

Loong Qian, who was known to be closest to Aotian within the family, stepped in to relieve the tension.

Truth be told, Loong Qian felt compelled to intervene—if she didn't, the silence would have been unbearable! She herself was quite unhappy with the family's treatment of Aotian. After all, her own coming-of-age celebrations, as well as those of her two older brothers, had been lavish affairs, yet Aotian's birthday had barely been acknowledged by the family. This disregard was something Loong Qian found deeply unfair on Aotian's behalf.

"Yeah, Aotian! Happy birthday!"

Loong Yu and Loong Ying joined in, offering their well-wishes.

"Thank you," Aotian responded, acknowledging their greetings.

"Pfft, what's the big deal? I sure won't be congratulating him!"

A discordant voice suddenly echoed through the hall.

"Little sister, what are you saying?"

Loong Yu rebuked, as the others in the hall cast disapproving glances at Loong Ruolan.

"I'm just telling it like it is. There wasn't even a proper birthday celebration, and I refuse to recognize that low-born waste as my brother!"

Loong Ruolan, emboldened by her grandfather's usual favoritism, continued unabated.

"Ruolan, what did you just say?!"

Even Loong Kun, who typically paid little attention to Aotian, raised his voice in reprimand.

"You all can side with him. I certainly won't be offering any congratulations!"

Loong Ruolan persisted, undeterred by the reactions around her.

"You!"

Loong Kun's anger flared once more.

At that moment, everyone in the hall watched Aotian anxiously, fearing he might react impulsively.

"Aotian, don't be upset with Ruolan. He's just a kid; he doesn't understand," Loong Qian quickly interjected, trying to calm the situation as she noticed Aotian's icy demeanor and the fury in his eyes.

"Indeed, Aotian, pay it no mind," they echoed, hoping to soothe any hurt feelings.

Everyone in the hall could sense Aotian's presence, prompting Loong Ying to quickly intervene. He even scolded Loong Ruolan, "Ruolan, how can you speak to your brother like that?"

"I'm not wrong! He's a failure. Just ask Sister Loong Qian, she knows he barely scraped by on his graduation exam, making him the academy's worst graduate in the last fifty years!"

Loong Ruolan retorted, clearly unhappy with Loong Ying's rebuke.

"Ruolan, that's enough. You don't have a say in this. Spend the afternoon in the family's reflection chamber and think about your behavior," Loong Ming interjected, unable to stand by any longer.

"Grandfather, are you taking his side too?" Ruolan asked, feeling aggrieved.

"Grandfather, I'd like to handle this myself," she pleaded.

At that moment, Aotian, who had been quietly observing, spoke up, "This is my issue, and I will resolve it myself."

He paused briefly before continuing.

Aotian was seething with anger upon hearing Loong Ruolan's insults. He would have confronted her if not for being restrained by Dark Night Zhan.

"Aotian, hold back. If you confront her now, you'll be the one to lose out. Remember, there are at least three people here who could stop you. Take a moment to cool down," Matt urged, seeing Aotian on the verge of action.

Thanks to Matt's persistent counsel, Aotian managed to regain his composure, though his anger was palpable to all present.

"Aotian, Ruolan is just being immature. Let it go," Loong Qian implored, her voice laced with anxiety.

"She's not a child! Is fifteen still considered young?" Aotian shot back, his frustration evident. He felt betrayed, as not one family member stood up for him; they all sided with Ruolan, deepening his disappointment.

"Aotian, please, she's still your sister," Loong Ming chimed in, attempting to defuse the tension.

"Sister? Ha! Do I really have such a sister? I'm not so fortunate. I'm well aware that none of you have ever truly seen me as part of the Loong family. But today, Ruolan has insulted not just me but my mother's honor! Yes, I am afflicted with the Nine Yin Meridian; I am the 'trash' you speak of. You've hurt me before, and I've held my tongue, but understand this—I am a man, and I have my dignity. You can take anything from a person, but you cannot take away my dignity!"

Aotian declared with a raised voice, "I'm only speaking the truth. What's the issue with that?"

Loong Ruolan retorted with equal fervor, "You need to leave! Butler Zhang, please escort Ruolan out."

Loong Kun, observing Ruolan's unapologetic demeanor, bellowed, "Hold on, we're going to resolve this now before she leaves!"

As Uncle Zhang moved to take Ruolan away, Aotian interjected, "Aotian, that's enough! No more words!"

Loong Kun, responding to Aotian's outburst, turned and commanded, "If you're so capable, challenge me to a duel. I'm ready for your revenge anytime!"

Ruolan, undaunted, taunted Aotian before preparing to exit with Housekeeper Zhang, "I'm ready to take on your challenge right now!"

A visibly agitated Aotian blurted out, "You? A mere nobody—I could take you down in three moves!"

Ruolan shot Aotian a scornful look and turned away.

Provoked by Ruolan's words, Aotian accelerated and charged forward, arm outstretched, ready to strike!

With a loud "Bang," Aotian was soon sent flying out of the hall.

"I warned you to stop!" Loong Ming announced, arriving at the spot Aotian had just vacated.

Aotian, picking himself up and wiping blood from his mouth, laughed bitterly. "Hahaha... so everyone's on her side. I get it, I get it! Hahaha..." He gazed up at the sky, a picture of sorrow.

"Loong Ruolan, mark my words, you'll pay for today's events. I'll make sure of it!" Aotian glared at everyone before addressing Loong Ruolan. Then, turning on his heel, he headed toward the courtyard.

"Aotian! Wait!" Loong Qian called out to the retreating figure.

"Little Qian, don't bother. Bringing him back now will only complicate things," Loong Yiming advised as Loong Qian made to follow.

"But Aotian's hurt!" she protested.

"Don't worry. I used a gentle force to eject him; he's not injured," Loong Yiming reassured her. He then turned to Loong Ruolan, who stood smugly, and ordered, "Go to the reflection room and contemplate your actions for a week! Xiao Qian, check on Aotian later tonight."

Loong Ming let out a sigh and, having said his piece, exited the hall.