Chapter 86: Repaying Him with an Ocean
For you, it’s too late. For him, however, it’s not too late. As long as he’s willing, the Snow Moon Holy Academy will focus on cultivating him.
Duan Tianlang looked at Nangong Ling as he spoke. Lin Feng’s talent, which he had witnessed with his own eyes, was outstanding even among the finest disciples of the Hao Yue Sect and the Cloud Sea Sect. Even if he entered the Snow Moon Holy Academy, his talent would be considered exceptional, worthy of significant attention.
Of course, there was also Wenren Yan. Though he had lost to Lin Feng, his talent and strength were undeniable. His abilities were nearly flawless, with almost no weaknesses. If not for Lin Feng’s shocking and heaven-defying performance today, Wenren Yan would undoubtedly have been the most dazzling figure of the Cloud Sea Sect.
“Indeed, Lin Feng’s talent is unparalleled. Even if the sect is destroyed, he won’t be in danger. Even Duan Tianlang holds him in high regard.”
“Lin Feng’s future is limitless.”
Many sighed inwardly. Exceptional talent truly made a difference—no matter where one went, they would be valued.
Moreover, just as Lin Feng had questioned the Sect Leader earlier, he had never received respect in the Cloud Sea Sect, only humiliation and scheming. There was no reason for him to be buried alongside the sect.
“If the two of you nod your heads, the gates of the Snow Moon Holy Academy will open for you. Moreover, we will provide treatment far superior to what the Cloud Sea Sect could offer.”
Duan Tianlang looked at Lin Feng and Wenren Yan, beginning his recruitment.
“The Snow Moon Holy Academy again.”
Lin Feng thought to himself. Liu Fei had already tried to recruit him several times, but he had refused.
Unexpectedly, in such a short time, someone else was trying to recruit him. Yet the circumstances were completely different, and the meaning behind the two recruitments was worlds apart.
Wenren Yan’s eyes flickered. He glanced at the old woman beside him and then coldly addressed Duan Tianlang.
“Hmph. I, Wenren Yan, was taught by my master and benefited from the sect. How could I be a traitor?”
Hearing Wenren Yan’s words, the old woman’s face showed a trace of relief. She had set aside her old face to save Wenren Yan from Lin Feng’s sword, and it seemed it hadn’t been in vain.
“Wenren Yan has indeed received many favors from the sect. Staying is only natural. It’s just a pity for a genius.”
“Though Wenren Yan lost to Lin Feng, he’s still a man of integrity.”
The crowd murmured. At that moment, Wenren Yan glared furiously at Duan Tianlang.
“The Cloud Sea Sect’s thousand-year foundation is about to be destroyed in one fell swoop. How tragic. I, Wenren Yan…”
As he spoke, Wenren Yan’s martial soul was released, and the Blue Bamboo Demon Beast Martial Soul reappeared.
With a tremor of his body, Wenren Yan moved with incredible speed, lunging toward Duan Tianlang. At the same time, a voice rang out.
“I, Wenren Yan, will revive the sect in the future.”
As his words fell, Wenren Yan’s body had already reached Duan Tianlang’s side, his gaze indifferent.
“…”
The crowd froze, staring at the scene in shock. Then, furious gazes fell upon Wenren Yan.
“What a shameless scoundrel.”
“How despicable. The sect nurtured a genius, and this is his character? Utterly shameless.”
Many couldn’t help but curse aloud.
“Haha…” Duan Tianlang was also stunned for a moment before bursting into laughter. “A wise man submits to circumstances. Wenren Yan, rest assured, your future achievements will far surpass what you could have achieved today.”
“Wretch.”
The old woman trembled with rage. A chilling aura radiated from her as she lunged toward Wenren Yan.
But at that moment, the old man beside Duan Tianlang moved. The massive sword strapped to his back suddenly erupted with dazzling light, slashing toward the old woman in an instant.
A rumbling tremor shook the Life and Death Platform, forcing the old woman back to her original position, her attack thwarted.
“Master, rest assured. I will surpass you in the future. I won’t diminish your authority.”
Wenren Yan looked at the old woman with confidence, nearly causing her to spit blood. She had invested years of effort, only to produce such a beast.
“Don’t rush. There will be a time for you to act.”
Duan Tianlang glanced at the old woman before turning to Lin Feng. “What about you? Even Wenren Yan has betrayed the sect. The Cloud Sea Sect has never shown you any favor. Do you still need to think it over?”
Lin Feng looked at Duan Tianlang, his expression still calm, as if nothing could stir his heart.
All eyes were fixed on Lin Feng, waiting for his answer.
“Lin Feng, he’s right. The Cloud Sea Sect has never shown you any favor. Go. I won’t blame you, and the people of the Cloud Sea Sect won’t stop you.”
Nangong Ling spoke from the viewing platform. Wenren Yan’s betrayal was unforgivable because he had been nurtured by the sect since childhood and taken as a disciple by the sect’s guardian, the old woman. But Lin Feng was different; he owed the Cloud Sea Sect nothing. Nangong Ling, though he deeply hoped Lin Feng wouldn’t betray them, had no reason to ask him to stay.
Even if Lin Feng agreed to Duan Tianlang, Nangong Ling would only feel a pang of sorrow, not blame him.
“You saw it with your own eyes. He and I are irreconcilable. Now you take him under your wing and try to recruit me. Do you think I’ll agree?” Lin Feng’s indifferent voice rang out, causing Wenren Yan’s eyes to narrow. If there was one person he hated most now, it was undoubtedly Lin Feng.
“In this world, there are no eternal enemies. Besides, even if you truly hate him, I’ll let you both join the Snow Moon Holy Academy and give you a fair environment. Whoever performs better and receives more favor—after a few years, I won’t interfere in your grievances and grudges. Whether you kill him or he kills you, it’s none of my concern. It will be decided by your strength.”
“No.” Lin Feng shook his head. “It’s either him or me.”
Lin Feng’s tone was firm and brooked no argument, causing Duan Tianlang’s brow to furrow.
“Then what do you want?”
“Kill him, and I’ll agree. Right now.”
Lin Feng’s tone was utterly indifferent, making Wenren Yan’s expression turn icy. Bastard…
“No other choice?” Duan Tianlang asked.
“No. This is my bottom line,” Lin Feng replied.
Duan Tianlang pondered for a moment, his eyes flickering. After a brief silence, he said, “I agree. But you must first agree to join us and come to my side. Then I’ll immediately fulfill your condition.”
“Boom!” Wenren Yan’s body went cold, trembling. If Lin Feng nodded, Duan Tianlang would kill him?
He had betrayed the sect, endured public scorn, and this was his end? Ridiculous.
The crowd was also shaken. Indeed, Duan Tianlang valued Lin Feng far more than Wenren Yan. He was even willing to kill Wenren Yan to get Lin Feng to join.
It seemed Wenren Yan was doomed to die.
“No. Kill him first.” But Lin Feng shook his head, persisting.
“What if you go back on your word after I kill him?” Duan Tianlang also shook his head. “In that case, wouldn’t I, Duan Tianlang, become a blade in your hand, used by you?”
Hearing Duan Tianlang’s words, Lin Feng suddenly smiled. “You’re very clever. Your mind is too ruthless and meticulous. I’ve never liked such people.”
“So, you mean to refuse me?”
“Yes.”
Lin Feng nodded lightly, causing everyone’s gaze to freeze once more.
Lin Feng had never intended to join the Snow Moon Holy Academy. He was just toying with them, trying to use Duan Tianlang’s hand to kill the traitor, Wenren Yan.
A strange feeling arose in the crowd’s hearts, one of confusion.
“Wenren Yan, do you see now? You’re nothing but a waste, a waste that can be discarded at will. Even if you don’t die, you’re destined to live in my shadow.”
Lin Feng’s words struck like a heavy hammer, shattering Wenren Yan’s pride into pieces.
Indeed, if Lin Feng had nodded, he would have been abandoned. How pathetic.
“Enough.” Duan Tianlang’s face also turned cold as he stared at Lin Feng. “I admire your courage, but can you give me a reason? A reason for refusing me?”
In Duan Tianlang’s view, the Cloud Sea Sect had never valued Lin Feng, while he was willing to kill Wenren Yan for him. Lin Feng had no reason to refuse.
“Though the Cloud Sea Sect has shown me no favor, at least within it, Elder Bei had the grace of recognizing my talent and valuing me. He gave me a drop of water, and I should repay him with an ocean. Moreover, in the Cloud Sea Sect, there are my friends and brothers. How could I, to save my own life, become their enemy?”
Lin Feng’s voice remained calm and unruffled. “I, Lin Feng, do not seek grandeur. I only strive to stay true to my heart and uphold my own bottom line.”
His voice was not loud, but everyone heard it clearly.
“Elder Bei gave me a drop of water, and I should repay him with an ocean.”
“How could I, to save my own life, become enemies with my friends and brothers?”
Such simple, plain words, yet they struck like a morning drum and evening bell, resonating deeply within the crowd. The shock lingered, refusing to fade.
How simple those words seemed, yet who could truly live by them, if not Lin Feng?
Elder Bei, whose heart had not stirred in years, now had a hint of redness in his aged eyes. This was the person he valued.
Elder Bei felt that only two things in his life filled him with pride: one was taking Liu Canglan as his disciple; the other was knowing Lin Feng.
This young man’s simple words had deeply moved his soul.
“Elder Bei, you didn’t misjudge him. It is I, Nangong Ling, who was blind, only now realizing the sect had such a talent.”
Nangong Ling’s gaze carried a hint of self-mockery.
The old woman also looked at Elder Bei and said lightly, “Your judgment is far better than mine. Remember our agreement.”
“Rest assured.” Elder Bei nodded heavily, leaving others puzzled, wondering what the agreement they mentioned for the second time referred to.
At this moment, only Duan Tianlang’s face was extremely grim.