C20 Gain and Loss(1)

Lin Feng gazed icily at Tao Mo Lin, who had fallen to one knee, and remarked with a dismissive tone, "So this is the extent of an Outer Sect Disciple's prowess."

Tao Mo Lin, clutching his arm in agony, remained kneeling, his eyes wide with shock and fear. Despite the pain, he believed Lin Feng's recent sword strike was a result of his own oversight. Biting back his frustration, he vowed, "One day, I will return that strike to you in kind!"

"Anytime you're ready," Lin Feng responded, unbothered by such a feeble threat. His last strike had not only wounded Tao Mo Lin's body but had also severed his future as a prodigy, leaving a scar far more challenging to heal.

"You have some nerve! Are you aware that Tao Mo Lin is an enforcer? By openly defying an officer, it seems you're brazenly challenging the Sunfire Order!" This heavy charge was squarely placed upon Lin Feng.

Confronted with Ye Fu's unashamed demeanor, Lin Feng offered no defense. Yet, he etched this enmity deep into his memory, determined to claim the head of this treacherous elder should the opportunity arise.

Seeking to carve out a chance for himself, Lin Feng turned his attention to the Sunfire Order's Sect Master, addressing him with neither arrogance nor subservience, "Sect Master, I would like to know what crime I am accused of committing. On what grounds does Elder Ye so confidently accuse me of such treachery?"

Lin Feng's jaw was set firm.

"In a rush, are we? If I declare you guilty, then guilty you are!" Elder Ye blurted out the harsh truth in his urgency.

Realizing his blunder, Elder Ye's gaze turned venomous, wishing he could tear Lin Feng to pieces. He hadn't anticipated that his esteemed status would be so thoroughly mocked by a mere Outer Sect disciple.

Lin Feng feigned a sudden understanding with a nod.

"What crime, you ask? Murdering your kin, challenging your superiors—aren't these reasons enough?" Lin Mei fixed her eyes on Lin Feng, barely containing her urge to strike due to the sects' binding agreement.

"Have you listened? These are the charges against you!" Ye Fu said coldly, staring down Lin Feng.

"Oh, so disciples from other sects are free to defame those of the Sunfire Order, and Elder Ye is here to help the Outer Sect disciples get justice!"

"You!"

At that moment, Ye Fu found himself at a loss for words. Overcome with anger, he disregarded his status as an elder and strode towards Lin Feng.

Lin Feng remained motionless, yet his heart raced with anxiety. He was reluctant to reveal his last ace in the presence of an audience, as it would undoubtedly invite greater trouble. But if he chose not to, his only hope would rest with the Sunfire Order Master.

As the rapidly approaching figure drew closer, Lin Feng's back was soaked with cold sweat, but his gaze remained fearless.

The Sunfire Order Master was deep in thought. Despite being the leader of the sect, his power was not absolute. Ye Fu, as an inner sect elder, held a revered position, especially with the Great Elder as his supporter. Lin Feng, though talented, was merely an Outer Sect disciple.

His future was riddled with uncertainties. He might reach the pinnacle of greatness or perish prematurely—no one could predict the outcome. In contrast, Ye Fu was a genuine elder, a cornerstone of the Sunfire Order.

With each step Ye Fu took, Lin Feng's throat grew inexplicably sweet, and his blood vessels began to rupture under the unbearable pressure.

Lin Feng realized the Sunfire Order Master would not intervene. Just as he was about to reveal the secret of the Iron Tower, the intense pain vanished, replaced by a soothing sensation that flowed through his entire body. His wounds were healing at a rate visible to the naked eye.

Simultaneously, a white beam of light flickered in the sky above. Ye Fu, previously enraged, now looked on with intense fear. The beam was more than light; it held a power that could obliterate him in an instant.

"Insolence! Stand down now!"

Sensing the fury within the light, Ye Fu dared not even take a deep breath and involuntarily stepped back.

The Sunfire Order Master was equally startled by the beam of light, recognizing its significance. The Great Elder, too, was taken aback before he commanded, "Ye Fu, stand down at once!"

Ye Fu's legs shook as he backed away, feeling as though he had narrowly escaped death itself. His life had hung by a thread.

"Who graces the Sunfire Order with their presence? Would you reveal yourself?" The Great Elder gestured respectfully into the void.

"Should this occur again, I will not be so lenient!" With those words, the beam of light vanished as if it had never been, leaving no trace.

As the light faded, everyone relaxed, though they were already soaked in a cold sweat.

"Who could be so powerful?"

"Shush, it's likely an esteemed elder of our Sunfire Order!"

"Indeed, incredibly powerful. If they were to fully manifest, they could obliterate us with a mere gesture!"

The Sunfire Order Master, usually so composed, managed a wry smile. The words had been meant for him. As the leader of the sect, his indifference to the challenges from other sects' disciples was a severe blow to the Sunfire Order's prestige.

With this in mind, the Sunfire Order Master cut to the chase. Clearing his throat, he gestured dismissively, "Leave now. I have other plans regarding today's events."

Me?

Lin Meng, who had thought her task complete, was suddenly taken aback. She turned to Kong Yu with a look of appeal. Opportunities like this didn't come by often, especially not with the Sunfire Order, which was not to be trifled with by mere juniors.

"Sect Master, in that case, I'd relish the chance to measure myself against the Sunfire Order's talents and see how I stack up," Kong Yu said, bowing his fist in respect.

"There's no need for a contest. If there's nothing else, please leave," the Sunfire Order Master dismissed with a wave of his hand.

"But..."

Before he could continue, the Sunfire Order Master's complexion shifted, and a surge of powerful spiritual energy caused the space around them to quake, his gaze icy.

"What's the matter? Do you require your father to come fetch you?" The Sunfire Order Master asked icily.

As the Sect Master, the Sunfire Order Master's presence was overwhelming, far beyond what any junior could hope to match. Despite Kong Yu's ranking on the Soaring Cloud List, he was only comparable to his peers.

Kong Yu, having been around the block, gave Lin Feng a cool look before cupping his fists in farewell. "I shall take my leave now. But I do hope your luck holds up at the morning assembly!"

Lin Feng watched the two figures depart without a trace of emotion in his eyes. He was resolute; the next time they crossed paths, he would repay today's humiliation in full.