C12 One Flower One Leaf One Layer of the Sky!

"My name is Wu Yan!"

After Lin Xi nearly perfected the first level of the "Flight of Fallen Leaves and Flying Flowers Steps," the purple stick man, having exhausted its energy, finally vanished.

Yet, as it faded away, the nearly faceless stick man left Lin Xi with a name, leaving him utterly astonished.

"Can it be? It can actually speak and has a name?"

The voice was so devoid of emotion that it was chilling, low and rhythmic.

Lin Xi was certain he had never heard such an odd voice before. An ancient and mysterious aura emanated from the four words spoken by the stick man.

Somehow, Lin Xi understood that the name the stick man mentioned was indeed Wu Yan, and not any homophonic names like Wu Yan or Wu Yan.

He even sensed that this name held a special significance, although he was still unclear about what that might be.

He felt a mix of excitement and regret.

The vitality contained within a single Life Pill was immense, not something that other families in Rosehaven could possess.

For the Lin family, the Life Pill was a strategic asset. Ordinary members wouldn't receive such a pill for their injuries.

The Life Pill was scarce within the Lin family, and no alchemist in all of Rosehaven could produce such a medicine.

The pill originated from the Qiu family of Rosehaven.

Lin Batian's legitimate wife hailed from the Qiu family.

The Qiu family boasted a peak yellow-level alchemist and was recognized as one of the four major families in the Rosehaven Province. Next to the Qiu family, the Lin family seemed insignificant, like an ant to an elephant, not even in the same league.

Particularly since the Qiu family aimed to ensure Lin Qiu's dominant influence within the Lin family, they would periodically provide a limited but significant supply of yellow-level pills.

A Life Pill could typically heal wounds within a day or two, showcasing the formidable energy it contained.

However, this only triggered the function of the half-portal in Lin Xi's mind, among the three flying eaves, specifically the one on the lower right-hand side.

This led to the creation of the wondrous stick man, which could autonomously practice and break down the movements of the first level of the Fallen Leaves and Flying Flowers Steps for Lin Xi. In less than ten breaths, Lin Xi had mastered the essence of this first level of the agility technique and could instantly demonstrate it.

However, that was the extent of it. After the stick man had practiced with the life-force pill for the tenth time, its energy was finally depleted, unable to sustain the stick man's form any longer.

Lin Xi marveled at the portal's magic, yet he couldn't help feeling disappointed that the stick man had failed to demonstrate the second or even the third level of the Fallen Leaves Flying Flower Step.

At that moment, with strength slightly surpassing that of three pythons, he should have been able to learn and execute the third level of the Fallen Leaves Flying Flower Step, in theory.

But with the life-force pill's energy spent, no matter how intently he recited the incantations for the second and third levels, the stick man showed no inclination to respond.

This realization hit him: to summon the stick man and continue practicing the Fallen Leaves Flying Flower Step, along with other martial arts techniques, he would need a significantly stronger source of energy.

Just then, he felt the pangs of hunger once again.

The nearly complete drop of dew on his left hand hesitated to fall. Perhaps just a bit more energy would suffice to fully mature it, propelling him to the strength of four pythons.

So, under Lin Buji's astonished and weak-kneed gaze, Lin Xi eagerly withdrew his hand from his storage bag, clutching a hefty handful of Fasting Pills, which he promptly shoved into his mouth.

Boom!

All fifty-three Fasting Pills he had won from Lin Huan and Lin Fan were tossed into his mouth, where, with a thought, he willed them to transform into Green Dew.

He needed greater power, and he needed to advance more swiftly.

As for the Fallen Leaves Flying Flower Step and the other techniques, wasn't he on his way to the restaurant?

To eat meat!

To feast on the flesh of demonic beasts!

To consume the meat of Level 1, Level 2, and even Level 3 demonic beasts.

Could the stick man possibly resist appearing?

The purple light surged around the dew, which spun and swelled to perfection.

At last, it fell, saturating his skull and permeating his entire body.

Roar!

There was no agony, no excruciating transformation, just a torrent of boundless energy that nearly made Lin Xi roar with delight.

Lin Buji's eyes nearly burst from their sockets as he watched Lin Xi shudder uncontrollably, feeling the immense power burgeoning within him, and he couldn't help but inwardly cheer.

"Oh my God! What kind of incredible stroke of luck has Lin Xi come across? To advance levels twice in just one morning?"

Lin Buji had a strong premonition that with enough energy, Lin Xi would rapidly grow stronger, as if invigorated.

What would the emergence of such a prodigy mean for the Lin family, or even the entire world?

...

At dawn, at the mouth of the alley, people began to trickle onto the streets.

After a brief shudder, Lin Xi managed to contain his aura, appearing as frail as before, yet his skin was noticeably fairer.

"Lin Xi..."

Lin Buji swallowed hard, his mouth dry.

Lin Xi knew what the butler was thinking, but he didn't want to explain, nor could he.

The half-archway was his greatest secret, one he wouldn't even share with his own parents.

And as for Ke'er...

It was better she remained in the dark for now.

"Lord Butler, shall we head to the tavern now?"

Lin Buji gave Lin Xi a penetrating look, moving his feet as if walking on clouds, feeling surreal.

"Lin Xi... I realize something extraordinary has happened to you, but... you're being too hasty. It's dangerous..."

Lin Xi nodded, acknowledging Lin Buji's concern.

"I'm aware... I have my own strategy..."

Your strategy...

Lin Buji was at a loss for words.

Even if you're planning a comeback, you should at least wait until you can face the entire Lin family without fear, right?

By revealing your newfound power so abruptly, you've alarmed the Lin family's adversaries. Do you think they'll just let you grow unchallenged?

Seeing Lin Buji pacing nervously, almost stumbling, Lin Xi felt a stir of emotion.

He couldn't help but catch up and say in a low voice,

"I'm alright, don't worry..."

You...

Hearing this respectful address, Lin Buji felt a surge of warmth.

"At the very least, until this child has grown, I'll do everything within my power..."

The delicate and beautiful image of Lin Xi's mother resurfaced in Lin Buji's mind, bringing moisture to his eyes.

...

At that moment, a peculiar and unsettling atmosphere pervaded the Lin family estate.

In one of the houses, lying on a bed in a side room, was Lin Fan, his body battered and bloodied, his bones broken.

Lin Rong, Lin Chang, and Lin Sheng, Lin Huan's cronies, stood by the bed, facing down a middle-aged man in a rage.

"I oversleep for once, and this is what happens? You all just stood by and watched that good-for-nothing beat my son to a pulp? Are you even family?"

The man speaking was Lin Fan's father, Lin Yutian.

Lin Fan's mother, Mrs. Lin Hu, was sprawled on the edge of the bed, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Dear, our son has been beaten to a pulp; we can't let that scoundrel get away with it! He must pay for his actions! Otherwise, I'll resent you for the rest of my life..."

Lin Yutian was furious with Lin Rong and the other two, but he knew they were all under Lin Huan's influence.

Seeing his son in such a state only intensified his resentment towards Lin Huan.

However, Lin Huan was the son of the clan leader. Although Lin Fan and Lin Huan were cousins, the disparity in their status was immense.

He dared not disrespect Lin Huan, but he was forthright in his contempt for Lin Rong and the others.

"You three better listen up. From now on, keep a close eye on Lin Xi's every move. If he shows any signs of leaving Rosehaven, inform me immediately. Understood?"

Lin Rong and the others broke into a cold sweat. Their uncle's murderous intent was palpable; it seemed he was moments away from taking out Lin Xi himself.

They didn't dare to lay a hand on Lin Xi, but tailing him was within their capabilities.

The three men hastily agreed, and Lin Yutian, losing patience, dismissed them with a curt "Get out!"

Exhaling deeply, Lin Yutian clenched his teeth in anger, "That boy better not cross my path..."

...

In another opulent residence, Lin Huan stood resolute before his mother.

"Mother, you must give me that item. Without it, I can't eliminate that waste Lin Xi. I'll be restless, plagued by inner demons, driven to madness!"

Lin Huan's mother, the second wife of Lin Batian, Mrs. Lin Huang, sighed deeply.

"What's the rush? Always so impulsive, without a shred of foresight. Do you really think you're the one most eager to get rid of Lin Xi?"

Lin Huan bared his teeth in frustration.

"I won't be satisfied until I kill him myself. Mother, please, just give me that item!"

Lin Huang shook her head, looking at Lin Huan with disappointment. "There should be some developments within three days. If Lin Xi remains unscathed after that time, I'll give you what you want. But..." She fixed her gaze on Lin Huan. "Are you prepared to face your father's wrath?"

Lin Huan was taken aback, then quickly scoffed, full of disdain and disbelief. "Do you really think my dad would take up for that loser? The family's discipline is no joke!"

Lin Huang gave a wry smile. "The question is, can we still consider Lin Xi a loser?"

...

Meanwhile, Lin Batian and his wife were in the midst of a heated argument. "My love, when I married into your family, you promised my father and brother that I would never be mistreated. Have I ever suffered in all these years?" Lin Batian felt a bitter twist in his heart but remained silent.

His wife pointed at his forehead. "We should never have left that menace alive. Who knows what stroke of luck he's had, but he's turned everything upside down overnight. My dear, I'm terrified. If one day he comes to seek revenge for his mother, will you protect me? Or will you protect him?"

Lin Batian swallowed hard. "How could such a thing..."

His wife erupted with the fury of a lioness. "How could it not? How can you be so sure he won't? I'm asking you, who will the Lin family choose: me or him?"

Lin Batian let out a bitter chuckle and bowed his head, lost for words. Then, his wife burst into a coy giggle.

"Darling, my brother sent word he'll visit in a few days. I want to use this chance to show him whether that wretch is cursed or not. You won't object, will you?"