Looking at Qin Feiyang's piercing gaze, the Lin Family Head furrowed his brows slightly.
Previously, the boy he remembered didn't even dare to breathe loudly in his presence. How had he become so confident today?
Upon closer scrutiny, a hint of surprise flickered in his eyes.
Why does it feel like this boy looks a little different today than before? He seems stronger, tougher. The sickly pallor on his face also appears to have vanished.
But he didn't dwell on it, saying indifferently, "You know best what you've gained. Don't come looking for Yiyi in the future, or don't blame me for being ruthless and breaking your legs."
He turned and left, dragging Lin Yiyi with him, without a backward glance.
Just as Qin Feiyang was about to give chase, Uncle Yuan grabbed his arm, shaking his head. "There's no need to prove anything to anyone. As long as you have a clear conscience, that's all that matters."
"But…" Qin Feiyang frowned.
"Feiyang, although you have been reborn, your cultivation has not yet recovered."
"The priority now is to cultivate diligently and strive to regain the rank of a Nine-Star martial master as soon as possible."
"Remember, strength is the only true currency."
"If you still possessed your cultivation, if the Lin Family Head knew you were a Prince of the Great Qin Empire, would he have treated you this way all these years?"
"This may sound cruel, but it's a harsh reality," Uncle Yuan said.
Qin Feiyang took a deep breath and nodded. "Uncle Yuan, I understand."
But at that moment, the Lin Family Head returned. He was alone; Lin Yiyi was not with him.
"What are you here for again?" Uncle Yuan frowned.
"Yiyi was here just now, so there were some things I couldn't say."
The Lin Family Head glanced at them, then turned, clasping his hands behind his back as he gazed at the tranquil lake. He said coolly, "Qin Feiyang, you've repeatedly visited the Elixir Palace, undoubtedly for a Marrow-cleansing pill. I can procure one for you from the Elixir Palace. However, in exchange, you and Qin Yuan must leave Iron Bull Town permanently and never return."
Qin Feiyang's brow furrowed instantly.
This man is truly going too far!
Uncle Yuan extended a hand, signaling Qin Feiyang to remain silent. "Family Head Lin, don't you think this is too cruel to both children?"
The Lin Family Head replied, "Indecision only invites trouble. Qin Yuan, I believe you've also noticed that Yiyi has already developed feelings for Qin Feiyang."
Uncle Yuan nodded.
"This is absolutely unacceptable. Yiyi is only fourteen, already a Nine-Star Martial Artist, with a luminous future ahead."
"But Qin Feiyang still cannot cultivate. Even if he could start now, he has already missed the crucial period for laying a foundation. He won't achieve anything significant in the future."
"Tell me, how can such a person be worthy of my daughter?" the Lin Family Head stated indifferently.
"Not worthy?"
Uncle Yuan was momentarily stunned.
Feiyang was already a Nine-Star martial master at the age of ten. Can your daughter compare? Although Feiyang is currently in dire straits, the blood of the Great Qin Empire's imperial family flows through his veins. Can your daughter compare?
But he kept these thoughts to himself. He wanted Qin Feiyang to experience firsthand the bitter taste of human fickleness.
The Lin Family Head continued, "Although obtaining a Marrow-cleansing pill from the Elixir Palace will undoubtedly come at a considerable cost, it's still better than all my Lin family's assets falling into the hands of two outsiders like you, right?"
"Enough!" Qin Feiyang roared, his patience exhausted.
"I, Qin Feiyang, haven't sunk so low as to need your charity!"
"Prick up your ears and listen carefully!"
"I've always considered Yiyi my best friend. I've never had any improper thoughts about her, let alone asked her for a single copper coin."
"I don't know how you concluded that I have designs on your Lin family, but let me tell you clearly right now: I, Qin Feiyang, wouldn't even glance at your Lin family's paltry assets!"
"Good day!"
Qin Feiyang stood tall, his words sharp, blunt, and unsparing.
After speaking, he gestured towards the lake's entrance, his expression glacial.
The Lin Family Head was astonished.
He actually hadn't expected this boy to refuse his goodwill?
Yet, he didn't seem to realize that his so-called goodwill was trampling upon the dignity of Qin Feiyang and Uncle Yuan.
Perhaps. That was the purpose of his visit.
"Since things have come to this, I won't waste any more words."
"One last piece of advice."
"You might be able to fool Yiyi, but you can't fool me."
"If you dare to pester Yiyi again, I'll inform Ma Hongmei that you're both still alive!"
With a flick of his sleeve, the Lin Family Head departed, leaving behind his chilling words.
"Lin Family Head… Ma Hongmei…"
Just wait and see. Soon enough, you'll realize just how laughable your current behavior is! Qin Feiyang clenched his fists, his eyes glinting with a cold light.
"Alas." Uncle Yuan sighed deeply, his sigh tinged with regret.
To be honest, he was quite fond of Lin Yiyi. He had even considered mentoring her. It was a pity she had such an arrogant father.
"Uncle Yuan, the Lin Family Head is narrow-minded. He might actually tell Ma Hongmei we're alive. Should we consider relocating?" Qin Feiyang asked worriedly.
Uncle Yuan waved his hand. "No need. We'll meet soldiers with generals, and floods with earth."
Qin Feiyang was deeply shaken. He hadn't expected Uncle Yuan to be so bold.
As if by magic, Uncle Yuan produced a palm-sized jade box from his robes and handed it to Qin Feiyang. "Here are twenty Body-refining Elixirs," he said with a smile. "They should be enough for you to become a Five-Star Martial Artist."
"Body-refining Elixirs?"
Qin Feiyang took the jade box and opened it. Rows of red pills, each the size of a pellet, met his eyes. There were twenty in total, lustrous in color, and exuding a rich, medicinal fragrance.
Gazing at these twenty Body-refining Elixirs, Qin Feiyang was immensely thrilled.
There are two methods for a Martial Artist to refine their body.
The first is through external pressure. The most common method involves strenuous exercise, like running or climbing mountains while carrying a heavy stone. This gradually tempers the physique and improves physical conditioning. However, this method is slow and extremely painful.
The second method is through elixirs. Elixirs contain vast amounts of energy that can accelerate the body refinement process, and the entire procedure is painless.
But compared to the former, the cost of elixirs is prohibitive; ordinary families simply cannot afford them. Some people, desperate for even a single Body-refining Elixir, would forsake their dignity to become indentured servants to powerful families, toiling like beasts of burden.
Once, as a Prince of the Great Qin Empire, he naturally had no shortage of Body-refining Elixirs.
But times had changed. He had lost everything five years ago. He no longer possessed a powerful family backing or financial resources.
If not for Uncle Yuan's care over these past five years, it was uncertain if he would even be alive today, let alone possess Body-refining Elixirs.
Now, Uncle Yuan had given him twenty Body-refining Elixirs at once. How could he not be ecstatic?
Qin Feiyang looked at Uncle Yuan with gratitude. "Uncle Yuan, thank you."
Uncle Yuan shook his head and smiled. "I can only help you get started, Feiyang. The path ahead is one you must walk on your own."
The implication was clear. He only had these twenty Body-refining Elixirs. If Qin Feiyang wanted more, he would have to rely on his own abilities.
"I will work hard."
Qin Feiyang nodded. He walked to the lake's edge and sat on a smooth, round stone, gazing at his reflection in the water, his eyes shining with unwavering determination.
Previously, he wouldn't have possessed such confidence.
But now, the Qin Feiyang of five years ago had returned.
He was confident that he could rely on his own strength to face all unknown dangers in the future.
Moreover, from this day forward, it would no longer be Uncle Yuan taking care of him.
It would be him, taking care of this old man.
"Great Qin Empire…"
"Those who betrayed me…"
You probably never imagined that I, Qin Feiyang, am not only alive but have also set foot on the path of cultivation once more. Just you wait. The day I return will be your reckoning!
A cold glint flashed in Qin Feiyang's eyes. He took out a Body-refining Elixir and placed it in his mouth.
The elixir dissolved instantly.
A torrential surge of energy, like a mighty river, coursed through his limbs and meridians, refining every inch of his flesh, every single cell.
Before his cultivation was crippled, he was a Nine-Star martial master; body refinement was naturally familiar to him.
In less than two hours, he broke through the first barrier on the path of cultivation, becoming a one-star Martial Artist.
However, this speed surprised him.
More importantly, the energy from that Body-refining Elixir was not yet depleted.
He clearly remembered that when he became a one-star Martial Artist at the age of five, it had taken him a full four hours and two Body-refining Elixirs—twice the time and resources it took now.
"Although your cultivation was crippled, your foundation remains. It's normal for your speed to be faster and your consumption lower than before. Don't doubt it," Uncle Yuan's voice reached his ears.
"So that's how it is."
Qin Feiyang understood. Setting aside his doubts, he continued to refine his body.
「Throughout that day and night,」
his cultivation soared like a rocket.
「Until noon the next day,」
Qin Feiyang finally finished refining the last Body-refining Elixir.
SWISH!
He opened his eyes, and two beams of brilliant light shot forth.
He was incredibly excited at this moment.
He had initially thought that twenty Body-refining Elixirs would only allow him to reach the level of a Five-Star Martial Artist.
But to his astonishment, they had propelled him all the way to becoming a Six-Star Martial Artist!
As long as I have enough Body-refining Elixirs, I'm confident I can reach the Nine-Star Martial Artist level within three days, and perhaps even step into the realm of a one-star martial master!
Qin Feiyang was exultant, an unparalleled self-confidence radiating from him.
Five years. The talent he had lost had finally returned.
This is the real him! Confident, wise, and calm. As a Prince of the Great Qin Empire, these qualities are indispensable.
"Feiyang, what are the results?" Uncle Yuan asked.
Throughout that day and night, he had not left Qin Feiyang's side, watching over him.
Qin Feiyang scanned the lakeside, his gaze finally settling on a winnowing-basket-sized stone about ten meters away.
He didn't answer Uncle Yuan but walked directly towards the stone.
Uncle Yuan, slightly taken aback, turned and watched Qin Feiyang with folded arms, a curious look on his face.
"Uncle Yuan, watch carefully."
Qin Feiyang reached the stone, focused his energy for a moment, then grinned at Uncle Yuan before unleashing a punch.
BANG!
With a loud crash, the stone instantly shattered into pieces, which tumbled into the lake, sending up splashes of water.
"The Strength of Six Bears!"
As the stone shattered, Uncle Yuan's aged eyes flashed with brilliant light.
He actually exceeded my expectations? The Strength of Six Bears is equivalent to a Six-Star Martial Artist! In Iron Bull Town, Qin Feiyang finally has the power to protect himself.
This is the feeling of power. It's exhilarating, Qin Feiyang thought, looking at his fist, his heart surging with emotion.
PHEW!
He took a deep breath, then ran back to Uncle Yuan, beaming. "Uncle Yuan, how was that? I didn't disappoint you, did I?"
"Aren't you asking the obvious?" Uncle Yuan rolled his eyes at him, then reached out to pat Qin Feiyang's head, smiling. "You wait here. I'll go hunt a wild beast and prepare a celebratory meal for you."
Qin Feiyang quickly interjected, "No, no, no, Uncle Yuan! It's a small task, I can do it. You haven't slept all night. Please rest here."
Without giving Uncle Yuan a chance to reply, he finished speaking, turned, and sprinted towards the entrance.
After Qin Feiyang disappeared, Uncle Yuan murmured to himself, his eyes gradually moistening, "Your Majesty, I have not failed your trust. After five years of trials, Feiyang is no longer the naive boy he once was. He has grown up. His steadfast temperament far surpasses his peers, and he is now capable of standing on his own. You must hold on until the moment we return to the Imperial Capital."