Martial Heart

Martial Heart was more important than many believed. It wasn't just a metaphor—it was the foundation of every cultivator's path.

It was the source of one's will, the invisible backbone that determined how far a person could truly go. Talent, technique, and resources were all crucial, yes. But without a firm Martial Heart, they were like a blade without an edge—pretty to look at, but utterly useless when the moment came to cut through adversity.

If a person hesitated too much, doubted their choices, or backed away in the face of pressure, their Martial Heart cracked. And once that happened… their path would either stop entirely—or worse—begin to crumble, dragging them down like a landslide burying a mountain trail.

That was why every battle, every decision, every single step forward had to be made with clarity.

The Martial Heart grew stronger through trials—whether it was enduring humiliation, surviving impossible odds, or sticking to one's principles even when the world called you a fool. It didn't mean being reckless but it did mean never running from what mattered.

A cultivator without a steady Martial Heart was like a house built on sand. No matter how grand it looked, the first storm would bring it down.

Yun Feng had already achieved a level of Martial Heart that many so-called geniuses wouldn't have reached even in their peak.

It wasn't because of sheer talent, it was because of his past. Because of all the pain and weight he had carried alone. That pain had shaped his will like steel beaten under relentless hammer blows.

He was a man devoted to martial arts but even more devoted to his own principles.

That was why he didn't run from challenges. He didn't bow his head when mocked. Because mockery, insults, and shame—they were nothing more than the kindling that fueled the blaze of his Martial Heart.

Of course, if the situation truly endangered his life, he would retreat. That wasn't cowardice—it was wisdom. His Martial Heart wouldn't suffer, because survival was part of his belief.

A dead man couldn't walk any path, let alone the martial one.

But this...this wasn't one of those life-threatening situations.

Right now, he was just being harassed by a few idiots.

Running away from this would absolutely leave a crack in his Martial Heart. Maybe a small one but a crack nonetheless.

After all, Yun Feng was a proud person. His current humility wasn't a personality trait—it was forced by the weight of his circumstances. He simply didn't have the strength to act proud yet. But deep down, his bones still burned with defiance.

How could a true martial artist take insults with their head lowered?

Especially when their life wasn't even being threatened?

Even back when he was branded the disgrace of the Wei Clan, he hadn't run from his problems unless the situation left him no choice. His spine might've bent, but it never broke.

A wise person knows when to retreat but a real Martial Artists also knows when to stand tall.

Yun Feng's gaze settled on the three Outer Court Disciples of the Celestial Sword Pavilion blocking his path.

He could sense it. All three of them were in the Awakening Realm. If they attacked, he'd be done for in seconds. They could crush him like an ant underfoot.

But he wasn't here to fight. And he definitely wasn't here to run.

There were more ways to resolve conflict than through fists or flight.

His demeanor suddenly changed, calm, confident, almost playful.

With a disarming smile, Yun Feng asked, "Are you the Elder In-Charge of this branch?"

The one in the middle frowned. "No, but that doesn't matter—"

"Then why are you blocking my way?" Yun Feng interrupted smoothly, still smiling. "As far as I'm aware, the Elder made it very clear that anyone could register freely."

He stepped forward, deliberately narrowing the gap, and his eyes gleamed with sharp amusement. "Or are you saying your words carry more weight than the Elder's?"

"Don't twist our words, trash," the disciple on the right snapped. "Just hand over your badge, and we'll let you go."

Yun Feng blinked. Then, he laughed.

Loud and wild.

It echoed through the square, drawing countless eyes in an instant.

The people waiting in line were already bored stiff, and this drama was exactly the kind of entertainment they were hoping for.

The three disciples stiffened. This wasn't going the way they expected. If they attacked him now, it would turn into a scene.

The onlookers might not care about Yun Feng, but rumors had power—and in a place like Blackwood City, rumors were currency.

If word got out that Celestial Sword Pavilion's disciples were stopping people from registering without cause, it could damage the Pavilion's reputation.

They had only approached Yun Feng in the first place because they thought he was an easy target. Back in the Wei Clan, he never fought back. Now, with no protection, they assumed he'd give in easily.

But now, standing before them and laughing like a lunatic, Yun Feng looked like a completely different person.

They exchanged glances as one thought ran through their minds.

'He's really gone mad.'

Yun Feng wiped a tear from his eye, grinning like a fox. "Are you… afraid of me?"

"What did you say?" the middle one growled, visibly restraining himself.

"I said…" Yun Feng leaned in slightly, smirking. "Are you afraid of a trash with damaged Spiritual Roots? Is that why you're so desperate to stop me from registering?"

He snickered. "Can't have someone like me surpassing your brilliant talented ass, huh?"

"Heh, you're just donating meager money to the Pavilion," one of them sneered. "You'll be disqualified in the first round when they check your talent."

"Then why stop me?" Yun Feng shrugged, eyes gleaming. "If I'm so pathetic, shouldn't you be encouraging me to make a fool of myself?"

He tilted his head mockingly. "Or… are you worried a trash like me might one day surpass you?"

The disciple on the left reached for his sword, rage flashing in his eyes but his hand stopped halfway, clenched tight with restraint.

They were also momentarily speechless.

After all, they hadn't even come of their own will. They were just probing his reaction on someone else's orders. But they couldn't admit that now, could they?

Yun Feng seemed to find joy in their silence.

He spread his arms wide and shouted for the crowd to hear, "Do you all see this? Three Outer Court Disciples trembling before me! This is the might of Yours Truly!"

Laughter erupted around him. The crowd didn't take him seriously, of course but that didn't matter. They were entertained, and the three disciples were humiliated.

The disciples felt the scornful gazes. People weren't mocking Yun Feng, they were mocking them. For wasting their time on someone they claimed to be trash.

The one with the sword nearly unsheathed it again, but his friend grabbed his arm and hissed, "Don't! He's baiting us. Break the rules and we're finished."

Yun Feng could see it. Everyone had gotten the message. He nodded with a self-satisfied smile.

"Just wait for the entrance exams," he said, voice full of promise. "I'll show you the true Majesty I've kept hidden all these years."

"Majesty, my ass!" the sword disciple finally exploded but still didn't draw.

"Say what you want." Yun Feng picked up a bun that had fallen on the ground, brushed the dust off, and took a huge bite. "But you still tried to take my registration plate, didn't you? Someone tell this guy actions speak louder than words."

"You want to stall for time, huh?" the middle one sneered, pulling back his angry companion. "Fine. Four months, right? Let's see what your broken roots can achieve in that time."

Yun Feng grinned, mouth still full. "You'll regret this. I only need one month to surpass you clowns. I'll spend the other three figuring out creative ways to humiliate you."

He waved them off like flies. "Now get out of my face."

With that, he turned and walked away from the branch without looking back. The crowd erupted into laughter again, chatting about the little drama they'd just witnessed.

And somewhere not far away, within a luxurious room at the top of the Pavilion's building, two young men were watching everything with curious eyes.

One of them let out a soft chuckle and said, "Your cousin's got more brains than you."