Chapter 13: The Tree Desires Calm, but the Wind Will Not Cease

The entire day, Lin Fengmian was on edge, his focus scattered even during cultivation.

By the next day, he managed to calm his mind somewhat and left his room, heading toward the training grounds of Qingjiu Peak. 

To deceive these "chives" (a term for the disciples treated as resources), Hehuan Sect had created a whole system, complete with a library, training grounds, and mission hall. It seemed elaborate, but Lin Fengmian knew better—it was all just to fatten the disciples up, to make "harvesting" them later more satisfying. Just like how humans let chickens roam a bit to improve their meat quality.

It was Lin Fengmian's first time visiting the training grounds. When he arrived, there were already plenty of disciples diligently practicing, intent on improving their strength.

Lin Fengmian wandered around, noticing that all the weapons were made of wood—wooden swords, staffs, and even wooden knives without a sharp edge. As he searched for a wooden sword with a scabbard, he quickly realized he was asking for too much. Who would bother to make a scabbard for a weapon that couldn't even cut?

Feeling somewhat frustrated, Lin Fengmian resigned himself to the idea of crafting a wooden scabbard later for his sword.

"Isn't this Senior Brother Lin? What brings you to the training grounds today?" A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.

Lin Fengmian turned to see Xie Gui approaching with two others, his expression unfriendly.

"Ah, Junior Brother Xie, I'm just here for a look around," Lin Fengmian replied, trying to leave, but Xie Gui blocked his path.

"I heard you're quite skilled, Senior Brother Lin. Care to give us a demonstration?" Xie Gui said with a smirk.

Lin Fengmian glanced at him, a bit annoyed. He had always kept a low profile, but now it was clear Xie Gui was deliberately trying to make trouble.

"You're too kind, Junior Brother Xie. My skills are meager; I wouldn't dare show off in front of a master like you, a cultivator at the sixth level of Qi Refining," Lin Fengmian said, attempting to deescalate.

Despite joining later, Xie Gui had advanced to the sixth level of Qi Refining after several visits to Hongluan Peak. His cultivation wasn't low by any means.

But Xie Gui wasn't about to let it go. Loudly, he called out to the surrounding disciples, "Everyone, come see! Senior Brother Lin has been with us here at Qingjiu Peak for three years. Even though he's never made it into the inner sect, he's favored by the senior sisters. Surely he has some hidden talents. Why don't we ask him to show us?"

The nearby disciples began to snicker and egg him on.

"Senior Brother Lin, let's see what you're capable of!"

"Yeah, show us some tricks!"

"Three years and still at the fifth level of Qi Refining? Come on, show us something!"

Their taunts and curious gazes focused on Lin Fengmian, scrutinizing him from head to toe.

For the first time since learning the sect's dark secrets, Lin Fengmian found himself thrust into the spotlight. His patience was wearing thin—did they expect him to perform some kind of absurd act?

Xie Gui's intention was obvious: he wanted to expose Lin Fengmian's unique position and stir up animosity among the other disciples, ensuring that Lin Fengmian could no longer remain under the radar. Xie Gui hoped the attention would even reach Hongluan Peak, forcing the sect to "deal with" Lin Fengmian as they had with others before him.

Suppressing his irritation, Lin Fengmian tried to leave again, but Xie Gui once more stood in his way.

"Junior Brother Xie, must you insist on this?" Lin Fengmian asked coldly.

Xie Gui sneered, "Senior Brother, you either give us a demonstration or spar with me. Or..." He smiled wickedly, pointing to the ground. "You crawl out of here, and maybe I'll let you go."

Lin Fengmian's gaze turned icy. He knew Xie Gui was trying to regain his pride from their previous encounter when he had been forced to kneel. But Lin Fengmian hadn't forced him—he had knelt on his own. And now, this fool dared to provoke him again.

"I'm choosing a fourth option," Lin Fengmian said, his voice cold.

"A fourth option?" Xie Gui asked, amused.

"I'll make you kneel and crawl out of here!" Lin Fengmian spat, his tone fierce.

Xie Gui laughed, baring his yellowish teeth. "I'd like to see you try."

"As you wish," Lin Fengmian replied, balling his fists and delivering a powerful punch straight to Xie Gui's face, sending him flying across the training grounds. Xie Gui crashed to the ground, dazed.

"You... you sucker punched me!" Xie Gui shouted in disbelief.

"I don't need to announce when I'm about to hit you. You think I'm your father?" Lin Fengmian retorted, leaping up and stomping toward Xie Gui.

Xie Gui rolled to the side, avoiding Lin Fengmian's foot, and quickly scrambled to his feet. He grabbed a wooden staff thrown by one of his companions and swung it toward Lin Fengmian in desperation.

Lin Fengmian took the hit head-on, gripping the staff tightly and pulling Xie Gui toward him. With a swift motion, he slammed his shoulder into Xie Gui's chest, knocking the wind out of him. Xie Gui stumbled back, and Lin Fengmian seized the opportunity to deliver another punch, sending Xie Gui sprawling to the ground.

Pinning Xie Gui down, Lin Fengmian twisted his arms behind his back, immobilizing him.

"Didn't anyone teach you to respect your elders?" Lin Fengmian mocked.

"You're despicable! What kind of cultivator are you? Fight me again, properly this time!" Xie Gui gasped, trying to save face. But his plan had backfired spectacularly. He had hoped to force Lin Fengmian to reveal his hidden powers, but instead, Lin Fengmian had simply resorted to brute force.

Lin Fengmian smirked. "You want another round? I'll beat you until you can't even stand."

Without hesitation, Lin Fengmian pummeled Xie Gui repeatedly, ignoring his cries of pain. The ground thudded with each blow as Xie Gui's face swelled and his screams echoed through the training grounds.

Xie Gui's two companions, seeing their leader so thoroughly beaten, hesitated to intervene. Lin Fengmian's fierce glare made them take a few steps back in fear.

After a while, Lin Fengmian stood up, planting a foot on Xie Gui's unconscious body. "Anyone else want to stop me?" he asked, his voice icy.

The crowd quickly shook their heads, retreating even further.

"Pathetic. You made me do this," Lin Fengmian muttered, grabbing a wooden sword before leaving the training grounds in frustration.

Though he had vented some of his anger, he knew this incident had only drawn more attention to himself. The days of quietly lying low were over.

"The tree desires calm, but the wind will not cease," Lin Fengmian thought. Yet, having beaten that fool senseless had at least lightened his mood a little.