C16 Big Brother Chen Family

Upon hearing his words, the old man's face twisted into an even deeper sneer.

"If anyone should be saluting, it's you who should be saluting him."

"Tower Guarding Elder, one might be careless with food, but words should be chosen carefully. As an Elder of the Outer Sect, how could I possibly salute an Outer Sect Disciple?" Even Inner Sect Disciples must address an Outer Sect Elder as 'senior brother.'

To Elder Chen, Ye Feng was nothing more than the old man's insignificant disciple.

The old man's grin widened, his amusement at Elder Chen's presumption clear. "Who told you he's an Outer Sect Disciple? He's my youngest junior brother. By seniority, you all ought to address him as Martial Uncle."

"What? Impossible!" Everyone there thought they must have misheard.

Cheng Yu, who had been sprawled on the ground unable to rise, wore a look of utter astonishment. He could never have imagined that Ye Feng, a worthless nobody, not only had a breakthrough in the Body Tempering stage but had also risen above them in rank to become their Martial Uncle.

It took a moment for Elder Chen to regain his composure. "Tower Guarding Elder, you must be joking, right?"

Since when did one take a junior brother for oneself?

Elder Bai, too, slowly came to his senses. "Elder Tan, you're not serious, are you? Does the Ancestral Master approve of this?"

The old man yawned, "Why would there be any objections? What I decide to do is none of your concern."

He was not accustomed to explaining himself to others.

Elder Bai clamped his mouth shut, realizing that even he would have to pay his respects to Ye Feng.

With the verdict clear, Elder Chen had no choice but to leave in a huff with his grandson, not daring to reclaim the treasured sword.

"Young Martial Uncle, that was impressive!" Zhang Dashao approached Ye Feng, intending to embrace him, but then he remembered Ye Feng's new status and instead, he respectfully bowed from a distance.

"Eldest senior brother, our kitchen has become truly formidable. With both you and Young Martial Uncle here, I doubt anyone will dare to speak ill of us again," Liu Ann added, nodding in agreement.

Ye Feng gave them a resigned glance. "Big Brother Zhang, please don't call me Young Martial Uncle anymore; it feels odd. From now on, I'll just call you Big Brother Zhang, and you can call me Ye Feng."

He had intended to address Zhang Dashao as Senior Brother, but after a glance at the elder, he quietly swallowed his words. He also didn't want Zhang Dashao to refer to him as Young Martial Uncle, as it would create a sense of distance between them.

Zhang Dashao and the rest exchanged looks before bursting into laughter. "Alright, we'll address each other as brothers from now on."

"Um... Young Martial Uncle, may I interrupt for a moment?" Bai Yunxue's voice broke through their conversation.

Ye Feng turned to her, "What's up? Do you need something?"

Bai Yunxue hesitated before asking, "Young Martial Uncle, are you planning to compete in the Elite Disciple selection?"

Ye Feng looked to the elder. "Senior Brother, what are your thoughts?" He was inclined to participate, but he was uncertain if the elder had other plans for him.

"If you're going to participate, you need an event to officially reveal your identity, despite being my youngest junior brother," the elder said with a yawn, seemingly indifferent.

Ye Feng turned back to Bai Yunxue. "I'll be taking part. What do you need?"

"Well, in that case, could I possibly secure a spot to accompany a senior brother on a training expedition down the mountain?" Bai Yunxue's cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke; this was her first time extending such an invitation to a man.

"I'll have to get back to you after the selection is over," he replied, not one to make hasty promises.

Bai Yunxue clenched her fists and bit her lip, taking a moment before responding, "Okay, then I'll extend my invitation to senior brother later."

Ye Fann noticed her shooting him a fierce glare as she walked away.

Following Elder Bai's departure, the elder seized the night wind and hauled it back to the Nine-level Demon Tower for further training.

Elder Chen, upon returning to his room, was so infuriated that he smashed a tableful of teacups.

"Grandfather…" Chen Yu called out tentatively.

His response was met with Elder Chen's fury, "Silence! You can't even beat a nobody like Ye Feng. You have no right to call me grandfather."

Chen Yu had no choice but to close his mouth.

Just then, footsteps sounded from outside the door, "Grandfather, what's gotten you so upset?"

Upon hearing the voice, Chen Yu's face lit up with joy as he turned around, as if he had found a lifeline.

"Big brother, you've returned?"

"Feng'er, what brings you back?" Elder Chen, looking weary, sat down and massaged his forehead.

Indeed, it was Elder Chen's eldest grandson, Chen Feng, whose presence alone justified Elder Chen's status as an Outer Sect Elder.

"The Elite Disciple Selection Competition is about to start, isn't it? My master sent me to assist the eldest senior brother in overseeing the competition, as a learning opportunity," Chen Feng explained succinctly.

"So, big brother, you're overseeing the Elite Disciple Selection Competition this time?" Chen Yu asked, his excitement evident.

"No, I'm just assisting. The real person in charge is the eldest senior brother," Chen Feng clarified immediately.

"That's almost the same thing. In my eyes, big brother, you're always the best." Chen Yu's words brought a pleased smile to Chen Feng's face.

Chen Yu knew his flattery had hit its mark.

Sensing the timing was right, Elder Chen revealed the issue at hand.

"Feng'er, someone has been bullying your brother."

"Who dares to bully my brother? Can't even you, grandfather, protect him?" Chen Feng stood up, his anger palpable.

"Alas, your grandfather is only an Outer Sect Elder, and the bully is an Inner Sect Elder's disciple. I'm not in a position to confront him," Elder Chen said with a sigh of resignation.

"What does it matter if he's an Inner Sect Elder's disciple? I am the Sect Master's disciple. Surely a mere Elder can't overstep the Sect Master?" To others, an Inner Sect Elder might be an insurmountable peak, but to Chen Feng, a Sect Master's disciple, it meant little.

Elder Chen had been waiting for such a declaration, yet he couldn't help but offer a word of caution, considering Elder Bai's stance towards the old man.

"Feng'er, I've heard you're vying for the title of Young Sect Master against the eldest senior brother. It's best to proceed with caution in your endeavors."

"But I can't stand by while an outsider bullies my younger brother," Chen Feng retorted with indignation.

"You could have the eldest senior brother take action. That way, if anything goes awry, he'll be the one to shoulder the blame, not you," Elder Chen advised.

After a moment of contemplation, a calculating grin spread across Chen Feng's face. "Grandfather, your foresight is impeccable. I know exactly what to do now."