Chapter 6: Clash at the Ye Clan
The grand gates of the Ye Clan estate loomed before Lin Feng, their polished metal surface etched with runes that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. Guards in dark armor flanked the entrance, their eyes sharp and watchful.
As Lin Feng and Ye Qinglan approached, the guards bowed slightly to Ye Qinglan but barely glanced at Lin Feng.
"Madam Ye, the elders are waiting," one murmured.
Ye Qinglan placed a gentle hand on Lin Feng's shoulder. "Stay calm, Feng'er. No matter what they say, remember who you are."
Lin Feng nodded tightly, his heart pounding. This is it.
Inside, the estate was vast, with elegant pavilions and pristine gardens. Servants hurried by without acknowledging them, but Lin Feng could feel their curious glances.
At the main hall, several Ye Clan elders sat in a row, their gazes cold and assessing. At the center sat Ye Qinglan's father, Ye Tianming — an imposing figure with a sharp jaw, silver-streaked hair, and eyes like cold steel.
"So this is the boy," Ye Tianming said, voice calm but heavy with judgment. "The one with… Sword Control."
A ripple of laughter spread through the gathered juniors and cousins standing to the side. Lin Feng recognized the mocking tones instantly.
A tall youth in dark green robes stepped forward. "Cousin Lin Feng, welcome. I am Ye Chen. I hear you have… an interesting talent. Shall we test it?"
Lin Feng's eyes narrowed. A test. Of course.
Ye Qinglan frowned. "Father, this wasn't—"
Ye Tianming raised a hand. "It's only fair we see his ability. Ye Chen will not go too far."
Ye Chen smirked, already stepping into the courtyard. A training dummy was placed at the center. "Lin Feng, why don't you show us how a 'common' talent handles a simple target?"
Lin Feng's fingers closed around the hilt of his sword. The jeers and snickers around him faded into the background. He took a slow breath.
Focus. Remember your training. Feel the blade.
The sword floated from his hand, wobbling slightly at first — but then, under his steady control, it stilled, point aimed forward. With a flick of his fingers, the blade shot forward, slicing cleanly through the thick wooden dummy.
Crack!
The top half toppled to the ground. For a heartbeat, silence reigned.
Then Ye Chen chuckled. "Not bad… for cutting wood."
He raised his own sword. "But can it handle this?"
Without waiting, Ye Chen lunged.
Gasps erupted from the crowd as Lin Feng instinctively threw his floating sword up to parry. Steel rang against steel, the impact sending a jolt up Lin Feng's arm. His feet slid back, but he didn't fall.
He's fast… but so am I.
Ye Chen pressed the attack — a flurry of thrusts and slashes — but Lin Feng's floating sword darted between them, parrying one strike, deflecting another, nicking Ye Chen's sleeve.
For a moment, Ye Chen's smirk slipped.
With a sharp exhale, Lin Feng called on everything he had — his focus sharpened, his control refined. His sword split into two — one real, one illusory, born of spiritual energy — and struck from two angles.
Ye Chen's eyes widened as his guard broke.
Clang!
The tip of Lin Feng's blade hovered at Ye Chen's throat.
Silence.
Then, unexpectedly, Ye Tianming chuckled — low and pleased.
"Well," the old patriarch said, leaning back, "perhaps this boy is not as ordinary as we thought."
Ye Qinglan let out a slow breath, her fingers tightening over Lin Feng's shoulder.
Lin Feng met Ye Chen's stunned gaze calmly, then withdrew his sword.
One battle won — many more to come.