Chapter 27: Cheap Gifts_1

For both the Elixir Palace and the Martial Palace to issue invitations simultaneously and make such a promise was unprecedented in Iron Bull Town. It clearly showed how highly the Third Palace Master and the Hall Master of the Martial Palace valued Qin Feiyang.

The Lin Family Head's heart was once again filled with regret. He had never imagined that events would escalate to this extent. Now, as long as Qin Feiyang agreed, he could become a Disciple of either the Elixir Palace or the Martial Palace. His status would rise instantly! Furthermore, with his talent, his future entry into the Elixir King Palace or Martial King Palace was an absolute certainty! His future prospects were truly bright!

Oh heavens! Why would you play such a cruel joke on me! the Lin Family Head lamented in his heart, so upset he couldn't even cry.

At this moment, Qin Feiyang once again became the center of attention, with all eyes on him. Everyone eagerly awaited his decision. Would he join the Elixir Palace? Or the Martial Palace? If the choice were theirs, they would undoubtedly choose the Elixir Palace without hesitation. In this world, nothing was more important than elixirs.

However, as the person in question, Qin Feiyang seemed oblivious, swiftly descending the stone steps with Uncle Yuan. The crowd automatically parted, creating a path to the main street. Watching Qin Feiyang and Uncle Yuan enter the main street, a hint of disappointment crept onto the faces of both the Hall Master of the Martial Palace and the Third Palace Master. This boy was a true talent. It was just a pity they couldn't secure him.

Lin Baili's gaze flickered. He turned towards Qin Feiyang and smiled, "Qin Feiyang, today is Yiyi's fifteenth birthday. We've arranged a grand banquet and invited all the prominent figures of Iron Bull Town. Would you do us the honor of attending as our guest at the Lin family?"

"Yiyi's birthday?" Qin Feiyang was momentarily stunned. So much had happened recently that he had almost forgotten Lin Yiyi and he were born in the same year, month, and on the same day. He was born in the morning, and Lin Yiyi in the evening. That was why Lin Yiyi called him 'brother.' This was the main reason for their close relationship.

If this were the past, he would have undoubtedly accepted the invitation. Now, however, he no longer wished to set foot in the Lin family's home, unwilling to face their hypocritical expressions.

Just as he was about to decline, Uncle Yuan spoke first, "I'll accept on Feiyang's behalf. He'll be there punctually in the evening to offer his congratulations."

"Then it's settled. When the time comes, I will personally greet you at the door," Lin Baili said with a laugh.

Uncle Yuan turned his head, gave Lin Baili a meaningful glance, then swiftly departed with Qin Feiyang.

"Baili, why did you invite them?" the Lin Family Head asked Lin Baili, puzzled.

"Uncle Lin, don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I have something urgent to attend to, so I must leave first," Lin Baili said with a smile. He nodded at the Hall Master of the Martial Palace and the others, then quickly turned and left.

Urgent business? The Lin Family Head frowned but didn't dwell on it. He then cordially invited the Hall Master of the Martial Palace, the Third Palace Master, and the Zhao Family Head. None of them refused, all promising to attend the banquet on time. After all, the Lin family was large and influential in Iron Bull Town; superficial courtesies still had to be maintained. More importantly, they were very curious about Lin Baili's identity.

「On the street.」

Qin Feiyang and Uncle Yuan walked side by side. Lin Baili followed at a distance, his eyes twinkling. The townspeople were no longer as aloof as before; they now warmly greeted Qin Feiyang and Uncle Yuan as they passed.

"These people are so pragmatic," Qin Feiyang said with disgust.

Uncle Yuan glanced at Lin Baili trailing behind them and said nonchalantly, "It's not just them. Everyone in the world has a pragmatic side."

Qin Feiyang nodded. He had long since experienced the fickleness of human nature.

Suddenly, he also noticed Lin Baili behind them and frowned in confusion. "Uncle Yuan, why did you make me go to the Lin family? It's clear that this Lin Baili harbors ill intentions."

Uncle Yuan teased, "What? Scared by a mere Lin Baili?"

Him? Qin Feiyang scoffed. Lin Baili was indeed exceptionally talented, but only within this town. In the Imperial Capital, his talent would be considered insignificant.

Uncle Yuan smiled and said, "Lin Baili's background may not be as impressive as yours, but he's still considered a scion of a prominent family. Your paths will cross again in the future. It's good to get to know him beforehand. After all, to know yourself and your enemy is the key to emerging victorious in every battle."

That can't be. What kind of interactions could I possibly have with him? Qin Feiyang thought, unconvinced.

Uncle Yuan just smiled without commenting, appearing mysteriously profound as they left the small town.

Uncle Yuan waved his hand, and he and Qin Feiyang flew into a dense forest.

Qin Feiyang surveyed the surroundings, confused. "Where are we going?"

"We're here." Uncle Yuan landed beneath a large tree and looked back at Qin Feiyang with a smile. "Were you satisfied with your birthday gift?"

"Satisfied," Qin Feiyang said with a wide grin. For five years, he had endured humiliation, but today he finally felt vindicated.

Uncle Yuan chuckled, opened his palm, and with tendrils of black light emerging, an ancient castle suddenly appeared.

Qin Feiyang looked puzzled. The ancient castle was only palm-sized, pitch-black, and radiated a mysterious aura. But strangely, the castle had no doors or windows. It was seamlessly whole!

"Uncle Yuan, what is this?" Qin Feiyang's curiosity grew as he observed it. How could such a strange, small castle exist in this world?

Uncle Yuan said, "I don't know its origin, its name, or the materials used to make this castle. But I do know that it's incredibly hard; even I can't break it. Furthermore, people can hide inside it."

"That hard?" Qin Feiyang said in astonishment. Suddenly, he seemed to realize something. "Could it be…"

Before he could finish, Uncle Yuan nodded with a smile. "Yes, you're correct. That secret room where you took the elixir and broke through the Martial Artist Extreme State was indeed its internal space."

"That's amazing!" Qin Feiyang exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder. Could such a small thing really hold a person inside? If he hadn't experienced it himself, he wouldn't have believed it even if it killed him.

"Feiyang, I'm now officially handing this castle over to you." Uncle Yuan presented the ancient castle to Qin Feiyang.

"For me?" Qin Feiyang was taken aback.

Uncle Yuan nodded.

"Why?" Qin Feiyang was puzzled.

"No reason," Uncle Yuan replied with a shrug.

For a moment, Qin Feiyang was at a loss.

Uncle Yuan simply thrust it into Qin Feiyang's hands and chuckled. "This ancient castle requires a blood bond with its owner to be used. Then, with just a thought, you can enter its internal space." He continued, "By the way, do you remember the iron box inside the castle?"

Qin Feiyang replied, "I do." How could he forget the pill in the iron box that had helped him break through the Martial Artist Extreme State?

Uncle Yuan said, "There's a book made of iron plates in that box. When you have time, you can read it. It might be useful to you."

Qin Feiyang nodded and asked, "Can I claim ownership now?"

Uncle Yuan shook his head, laughing. "No rush. You can do it after we return from the Lin family. For now, put it away. I'll help you practice your Martial Arts Techniques."

"Alright." Qin Feiyang curiously examined the castle once more before temporarily placing it into his Qiankun Bag. He looked up at Uncle Yuan and grinned. "You'll have to go easy on me, old man!"

Uncle Yuan rolled his eyes, his expression turning serious. "Less talk, let's begin!"

"Charging Thunder Killing Fist!" Qin Feiyang wasted no more time. He seemed to transform into a humanoid tyrannical dragon, fighting fiercely with Uncle Yuan.

「On the small path outside the forest.」

Where did they go? Lin Baili thought, glancing around suspiciously. When he heard movement from within the forest, his eyes lit up, and he stealthily entered. What are they doing? A moment later, Lin Baili hid behind a large rock, watching Qin Feiyang and Uncle Yuan sparring, his eyes filled with confusion.

The sun set, and twilight descended.

Qin Feiyang finally stopped, collapsing on the ground, gasping heavily. Even though Uncle Yuan was only sparring, he had been relentless. Not only was Qin Feiyang's face bruised and swollen, but his body was also covered in injuries. However, the gains were substantial. After a day of intense combat, the Martial Arts Techniques he had mastered were honed to perfection. No longer would they only unleash half their power, like when he fought Ma Hongmei.

Uncle Yuan looked down at Qin Feiyang. "Do you know why I went so hard on you?"

Qin Feiyang shook his head.

Uncle Yuan said, "I wanted to teach you that when facing enemies, regardless of their strength, you must give it your all. Otherwise, you'll be the one to suffer."

"I'll remember," Qin Feiyang nodded heavily.

Uncle Yuan looked up at the sky and smiled. "It's getting late. Hurry to the Lin family. Remember to bring a decent gift."

Qin Feiyang painfully got to his feet, his wounds aching all over. "Aren't you coming, Uncle Yuan?"

Uncle Yuan shook his head, laughing. "I'm an old man. Why would I join in the excitement? Go on, I'll wait here for you."

"Alright!" Qin Feiyang found a pool, quickly washed up, changed into clean clothes, and headed towards Iron Bull Town.

But Qin Feiyang didn't notice the melancholic look in Uncle Yuan's eyes, filled with a deep reluctance to part.

Feiyang, all good things must come to an end. Please forgive Uncle Yuan for leaving without saying goodbye.

WHOOSH!

Once Qin Feiyang entered the town, Uncle Yuan sighed deeply, turned into a streak of light, shot into the sky, and disappeared without a trace.

Qin Yuan is gone? Lin Baili thought, emerging from behind the large rock and looking in the direction Qin Yuan had disappeared, his face filled with astonishment. Hehe, now that Qin Yuan is gone, Qin Feiyang, let's see how long you can act so arrogant! Suddenly, he let out a cold laugh and rushed towards Iron Bull Town.

WHOOSH!

Just as Lin Baili entered the town, Uncle Yuan reappeared, looking towards the town, a sharp light flashing in his old eyes. However, this cold light soon dissipated, replaced by a trace of a smile.

I don't need to worry. I believe that with Feiyang's current ability, he can handle the immediate crisis. Besides, with the ancient castle, his life is more than secure. Child, your journey is just truly beginning. You must persevere. Lin Baili, the Lin family of Yan City, you are merely the first stepping stones for Feiyang's rise! Mumbling to himself, Uncle Yuan once again turned into a streak of light and vanished.

Due to the hot weather, Iron Bull Town only truly came alive in the evening. On the main street, the crowd was dense, with people shoulder to shoulder. Qin Feiyang walked silently among them, his brow furrowed. He was reluctant to go to the Lin family in the first place, and now Uncle Yuan had told him to prepare a gift. What a nuisance.

"Huge clearance sale…"

"All kinds of jewelry available…"

"One silver coin each, pick and choose, take a look…"

A hawker's loud cries reached Qin Feiyang's ears. He walked over to see a street vendor energetically promoting his wares. There were indeed many pieces of jewelry on the stall, a dazzling array even. But they were all inferior goods, nothing of quality.

Qin Feiyang glanced over them, grabbed a jade bracelet, and said, "Boss, I'll take this."

"Young Master Qin, I didn't expect you to patronize my stall! If you like this jade bracelet, consider it a gift from me," the stall owner said generously.

"Then thank you." Qin Feiyang didn't stand on ceremony and put it directly in his robes.

"Young Master Qin, wait." Seeing Qin Feiyang about to leave, the stall owner hurried out. "Young Master Qin, are you going to the Lin family's banquet now?"

Qin Feiyang nodded.

The stall owner's expression immediately turned strange. "Young Master, don't tell me you're planning to give this jade bracelet as Lin Yiyi's birthday gift?"

"Is there a problem?" Qin Feiyang asked.

"Of course there is! The Lin family is powerful and influential; my trinkets are hardly suitable as gifts! I don't want to get you into trouble. Please, give it back," the stall owner said, reaching out to take it.

"Thank you for your concern, but I know what I'm doing." Qin Feiyang gave a small smile, turned, and strode away.

The stall owner watched Qin Feiyang's retreating figure and murmured to himself, This Qin Feiyang is truly different. Tonight, the Lin family is sure to put on a good show. Then he resumed his hawking.