📖 Chapter 1 – The Banquet
The Lin Clan's ancestral hall blazed with golden lanterns. Dozens of tables filled the vast chamber. The strongest clan of the lower realm gathered, disciples and elders drinking under the gaze of their Patriarch.
At the head, Lin Tian (Martial King Realm) raised his cup.
"Tonight, we celebrate the growth of the Lin Clan. Drink."
The hall echoed with cheers. Servants poured wine, juniors whispered, elders exchanged nods.
At the far side of the patriarch's table sat a man of thirty-five, silent and cold: Lin Wu (Grandmaster Realm), the third son. Born from a maid, his mother dead at birth, he had grown into a man whose face showed no joy, no sorrow.
Laughter broke the air. Lin Feng (Martial Apprentice Realm), the son of the eldest brother, swayed to his feet with wine in hand.
"Uncle Wu," he slurred, "your mother must be proud in the afterlife—to give birth to a fool who only knows how to sit and stare."
The table went quiet. Some covered their mouths to hide a smile. No elder spoke.
Lin Wu set down his cup and rose. His steps echoed across the floor as he approached Lin Feng.
"Repeat that."
Lin Feng sneered. "What? Did I—"
Steel flashed. A scream tore through the hall. Lin Feng collapsed, clutching his mouth, blood streaming between his fingers. His tongue fell to the ground.
Lin Wu bent, picked it up, and tossed it toward the chained beast at the gate. The creature snapped it up with a wet crunch.
Gasps filled the hall.
Lin Hao (Martial Master Realm) shot to his feet, face red. "Lin Wu! You dare lay hands on my son?"
Lin Jian (Foundation Realm) leaned back in his chair, eyes glinting, but said nothing.
At the head, Lin Tian's palm struck the table with a thunderclap. His voice silenced the room.
"Lin Wu. From this moment, you are no longer my son. You are stripped of the Lin name. Leave."
All eyes turned to Lin Wu.
He looked once at his father, then at his brothers. His face did not change. He simply said,
"Alright."
He turned, walked through the silent hall, and left without looking back.