Lu Tian

Wei Cheng stopped eating upon hearing the disdainful remark, but he didn't react impulsively. He simply resumed chewing slowly, as if the insult wasn't even aimed at him.

But if Yun Feng had seen this scene, he would've been thoroughly shocked.

Because this was the same Wei Cheng who had once taken his storage ring with a smug laugh back in the Wei Clan.

Wei Cheng possessed Low-Grade 4 Spiritual Roots, placing him firmly among the elites of the clan. That level of talent gave him confidence, arrogance, and entitlement—he believed he was the rightful Young Master.

Yet, that position had gone to Yun Feng, someone he deemed trash.

From the day that decision was made, Wei Cheng's resentment had bloomed like a poisonous vine. He loathed Yun Feng. He schemed against him again and again, but the bastard always managed to slip through, outsmarting his traps.

That was why the young man's mocking remark just now stung him even more. Somewhere deep inside, he knew Yun Feng was far more clever than him.

But pride was a stubborn wall. He never admitted it.

Still, despite his pride, he didn't dare say a word back to the young man who sat across the room.

Even Wei Cheng, arrogant and prideful as he was, felt an instinctive tension in the presence of that calm yet commanding figure.

Clad in pristine white robes embroidered with the twin sword crest of the Celestial Sword Pavilion, the young man sat with unshakable elegance.

His raven-black hair was swept back in a handsome, refined style. An amused smile tugged at the corners of his lips but his gaze was sharp.

Lu Tian.

An Inner Court Disciple of the Pavilion. A genius with Mid-Grade 5 Wind Spiritual Roots—a level of talent that made even other geniuses look ordinary.

He wasn't just some random Inner Disciple. He was one of the top prospects for the Core Court, and he had an excellent chance of becoming a disciple of the Celestial Sword Sect itself.

That kind of future… was terrifying.

Even if Lu Tian had no background, no backing, and no allies, the Pavilion would still bend over backwards to support him.

That was why Wei Cheng didn't even dare breathe too loudly in his presence. He had been quietly trying to earn Lu Tian's favor for a while now, and finally, an opportunity had arrived.

Lu Tian had recently heard about Yue Liangxue—a girl with Peak-Grade 4 Talent—and considered her a potential Dao Companion.

But for some reason, she still hadn't shown any interest in him.

She hadn't even bothered to meet him since joining the Pavilion.

In fact, Lu Tian had traveled all the way to Blackwood City just to meet her and still, he was rejected without even an audience.

It displeased him. Greatly.

But Lu Tian wasn't the kind of man who would rage like a child. He didn't force things. Especially not with someone he considered a future Dao Companion.

Instead, he simply started gathering information.

That was when he learned about her former fiancé...Yun Feng.

And that was when Wei Cheng saw his chance to grab the thigh of this celestial giant.

After Yun Feng left the premises earlier, Lu Tian finally retracted his gaze and spoke with casual indifference.

"He's pretending to be insane."

"He's crafty, but that's all he's ever been," Wei Cheng replied with a scoff. "That's the only reason he's managed to survive this long."

"I don't care about your history with him," Lu Tian said calmly, his fingers lightly tapping the table. "I just don't want him in the Pavilion. That's all you need to ensure."

"You can rest easy, Young Master Tian," Wei Cheng said with a confident smile, trying not to show the sweat starting to gather on his brow. "As you know, there's absolutely no cure for damaged Spiritual Roots. And even if by some miracle he found one… his Spiritual Roots are garbage anyway."

Lu Tian raised an eyebrow, continuing to eat his meal with elegant restraint. "Oh? Explain."

"It's not widely known, even inside the Wei Clan," Wei Cheng said, leaning in slightly, voice lowering. "But my father told me once—when Yun Feng's roots were discovered to be damaged, they also checked the grade of his Spiritual Roots."

"And?"

"They were Grade 1. The absolute bottom."

Lu Tian's brows twitched slightly. "Hard to believe, considering his father had Grade 4 Spiritual Roots."

"Exactly. That's why the Elders all thought he was a bastard child," Wei Cheng said with a smirk. "His mother was executed in secret shortly after, and no one even tried to cure his disability. But his marriage agreement with the Yue Clan managed to save him."

Wei Cheng chuckled coldly. "So you see? Even if he somehow restores his roots, without some heaven-defying stroke of luck, despair is all that awaits him."

Lu Tian paused for a moment, then asked calmly, "And what if he gets that stroke of luck?"

"…Huh?" Wei Cheng blinked.

"That opportunity," Lu Tian repeated. "What if he obtains one?"

"Do you… do you suspect something, Young Master?" Wei Cheng asked nervously, sensing something sharp behind the calm words.

"No. His cultivation base is still stagnant. But I don't want problems," Lu Tian said flatly. "If you're accepting my support, I expect results."

His voice dropped into something cold and absolute.

"If you fail in this matter… you know what happens."

Wei Cheng forced a smile, though sweat now soaked his back. "Please be assured, Young Master Tian. Even if I have to sacrifice my life, I will complete this task."

"Good." Lu Tian smiled faintly and stood up. "I haven't forgotten my promise either."

With that, he turned and left the room.

Wei Cheng exhaled sharply the moment the door closed.

He was relieved to be alone again—Lu Tian's presence was like a sword hanging overhead.

Even if one forgot his background or talent, just he alone was enough to put pressure on the entire Wei Clan. Let alone someone like Wei Cheng.

A bitter sigh escaped his lips. Then, with a snarl, he slammed his fists onto the table.

"Damn you, Feng. You've always been a thorn in my side… But for once, you're finally useful. Heh… I suppose this should be enough compensation to forgive you."

A malicious glint flickered in his eyes.

"But don't get the wrong idea. You still need to be crushed."

…

Unaware of the schemes forming in the shadows, Yun Feng strolled through the bustling streets of Blackwood City with a casual expression on his face.

He looked relaxed on the outside but inwardly, he was deep in thought.

His mind replayed the events from earlier. Especially those three Outer Court Disciples who had blocked his path. They weren't just being bullies.

They were probing him.

'That didn't feel like something Wei Cheng would arrange,' he thought. 'He already knows everything about me. There's no need for observation.'

'Then who? The Yue Clan? But they wouldn't waste their time on someone like me…'

He shook his head. It didn't make sense. The Wei Clan had personal motives. Anyone else? Not so much.

'Tch. Whatever. I'll just have to stay alert. Someone's definitely trying to get in my way.'

Just then, hurried footsteps echoed behind him.

He turned, and saw Tang Lie running toward him, face pale with worry.

The tension faded from his expression as soon as he saw Yun Feng unharmed.

Back at the Pavilion branch, Yun Feng had sensed danger and quietly distanced himself from Tang Lie, whispering for him to wait somewhere safe.

Thankfully, Tang Lie had understood right away. He wasn't a fool, he knew he'd only be a burden in that kind of situation.

"Brother Feng! You were amazing!" Tang Lie grinned. "You managed to walk out without looking like a coward even once."

"Haha!" Yun Feng chuckled, amused. "They already think I'm a madman, so I just used that to my advantage."

Then, with a tilt of his head, he asked, "By the way, do you know any place around here that sells training weights?"