After Lin Yun’s visit to the Wind Thunder Sect, Lin Yi’s true identity was revealed. It was clear he could no longer stay, as remaining would risk attracting the attention of the demon clan.
Lin Yi’s purpose in venturing out was to gain experience in the martial world, to learn and grow through real-world encounters.
As for advancing his strength, returning home with the support of family resources would allow for rapid progress.
Having trained abroad for so long, it was time for Lin Yi to return and focus on elevating his abilities.
“Father, the more I experienced during these years abroad, the more I came to admire you,” Lin Yi said with a sigh.
“Oh? Why is that?” Lin Yun asked with a smile.
“You came from a small world with no support here, yet you achieved such heights. I can imagine how difficult your journey must have been. I ask myself, if I had none of your resources to rely on, I could never reach your level. I truly feel inferior and deeply admire you, Father!” Lin Yi said earnestly.
“It seems you’ve faced your share of hardships. But enduring some difficulties is a good thing,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
It was rare for the father and son to have such a heartfelt conversation.
Lin Yun could see that his son had matured significantly during this journey.
“By the way, Father, I’d like you to meet someone,” Lin Yi said with a grin, looking slightly embarrassed.
“Go on then,” Lin Yun nodded.
Lin Yi turned and descended to the square below.
As he landed, he walked straight into the crowd. Wherever he went, disciples, both new and old, parted like a tide, clearing a wide path for him. No one dared to block his way.
Their gazes toward Lin Yi were filled with awe.
They couldn’t fathom why the son of such a prominent figure would conceal his identity completely and join the Wind Thunder Sect as an ordinary rogue cultivator to endure hardships.
Take Mu Hu, for example. He, too, was out training, but he constantly flaunted his status as a member of the Mu clan, acting arrogantly and domineeringly.
That was the difference!
“Brother Tiger, he… he wouldn’t be coming to cause trouble for us, would he?”
“If he really wants to settle scores, we’re done for!”
The disciples behind Mu Hu were visibly panicked.
Hearing this, Mu Hu swallowed hard, his legs trembling slightly, clearly terrified.
He knew full well that he had often troubled Lin Yi in the past. If Lin Yi chose to settle the score now, how could he possibly withstand it?
At that moment, Mu Hu felt nothing but fear and regret. How had he managed to provoke the son of such a prominent figure?
Lin Yi continued forward and stopped in front of Xia Xuan.
“Xuan’er, come with me to meet my father,” Lin Yi said with a smile.
“Brother Zhou Yi, I… I…” Xia Xuan seemed very nervous.
Xia Xuan came from an ordinary background. To her, an immortal like Lin Yun was an impossibly distant figure. Even the Sect Leader of the Wind Thunder Sect was someone she looked up to.
“I’m sorry, Xuan’er. I never told you my real name. I’m Lin Yi. For certain reasons, I had to hide my name and identity. I hope you can forgive me,” Lin Yi said.
During this training journey, Lin Yi had kept his identity hidden thoroughly, even from Xia Xuan, whom he trusted most.
“Brother Lin Yi, but I… I’m just an ordinary cultivator. I’m not worthy of you,” Xia Xuan said, biting her lip nervously.
“Don’t overthink it. Come on, let’s go meet my father.”
Lin Yi took Xia Xuan’s hand and led her forward.
As they passed by Mu Hu, Lin Yi stopped and looked at him.
“Lin… Young Master Lin, please forgive me!”
Mu Hu, unable to hold himself together, dropped to his knees before Lin Yi, begging for mercy.
“Mu Hu, do you still think I’m unworthy of Xia Xuan? Do you still think I’m arrogant and conceited?” Lin Yi asked, looking at him.
“This, this, this… Young Master Lin, I was blind before. I deserve to be punished, I deserve to die! Please spare me!”
Mu Hu, while speaking, slapped himself hard. Sweat dripped from his forehead, sliding down his cheeks, revealing the depth of his fear and anxiety.
Mu Hu knew that if Lin Yi wanted to crush him now, it would be easier than squashing an ant.
“If this were years ago, with all the exclusion, suppression, and humiliation you put me through, I could have you die a hundred times over. But now, you’re lucky. My father taught me not to bully others with my status.”
With that, Lin Yi took Xia Xuan and soared into the air, heading toward Lin Yun, ignoring Mu Hu entirely.
“Son, that fellow who knelt before you, did he bully you?” Lin Yun asked.
“He’s a disciple from a minor branch of the Mu clan. He often used his status to act domineeringly. But I don’t care anymore. His exclusion, suppression, and humiliation taught me a lot,” Lin Yi said.
“Son, I did teach you not to bully others with your status, but that doesn’t mean others can freely bully you,” Lin Yun said.
“I understand. Oh, Father, let me introduce her. This is Xia Xuan. We met while out in the world and joined the Wind Thunder Sect together,” Lin Yi said, introducing her.
“This humble girl, Xia Xuan, pays respects… pays respects to the revered Lin Yun,” Xia Xuan said, bowing nervously. Facing an immortal like Lin Yun naturally brought immense pressure.
“Lin Yi, she’s your girlfriend, isn’t she?” Lin Yun asked with a smile.
Having been young once, Lin Yun understood. After all, Lin Yi was no longer a child.
“Um… we’ve already become cultivation partners,” Lin Yi admitted, blushing slightly at his father’s direct question.
“Haha, wonderful! Wonderful! It won’t be long before I might be holding a grandchild,” Lin Yun laughed heartily.
Lin Yi’s face reddened further at his father’s words.
Xia Xuan, standing nearby, was flushed with embarrassment.
“Xia Xuan, since you’re my son’s cultivation partner, come back with him this time. Our family has abundant cultivation resources that can help both you and my son advance. This is an opportunity for you as well,” Lin Yun said.
Lin Yi, hearing this, thought to himself that his father truly understood him.
He had wanted Xia Xuan to return with him but hadn’t known how to bring it up. To his surprise, his father had taken the initiative.
“But… this humble girl comes from a lowly background. I dare not aim so high,” Xia Xuan said, still nervous.
