Lin Tao

Father looked at his child with a hint of worry, hesitating whether to continue speaking. If this was merely a formidable magical tool, perhaps it could be considered a stroke of fortune. But this object was likely a personal artifact belonging to a powerful demon cultivator. Who knew what trouble might arise? For now, there was nothing to do but proceed cautiously, step by step.

“Father, may I ask where you obtained this incomplete body-tempering technique?”

“Why do you ask? If you intend to gather the rest of the scrolls and complete it, I advise you to abandon that idea.”

“Why?”

“If you go now, you’d be walking to your doom. Don’t overthink it—I don’t mean to belittle you, just stating the truth,” his father said solemnly.

Yu Daoyi fell silent.

“That place was dangerous even for me, back when I ventured there. I acquired this fragment purely by chance. If you truly wish to go, I’ll tell you when your cultivation is higher.”

“Is it that small secret realm where thunder rages day and night?”

His father’s brows furrowed deeply, and he asked with gravity, “How did you know?”

“I saw it. Or perhaps it let me see it,” Yu Daoyi replied, tapping his brow obediently.

Could this child have really fallen into some peculiar snare? And such a coincidence—that realm is right in the demon race’s territory. For a human to meddle in demon affairs… Why does this child invite so much trouble? Yu’s father felt a headache coming on.

“Did you see anything else?” he questioned sternly.

“No, nothing else.” For reasons he couldn’t explain, Yu Daoyi instinctively withheld the fact that he’d seen two other people.

His father sensed the evasion, but chose not to press further.

“If possible, I truly hope you avoid dangerous matters.”

This time, Yu Daoyi saw a side of his father rarely revealed—gone was the usual levity and carelessness, replaced by a depth and seriousness that spoke of sudden, hard-earned maturity.

“Yet sometimes, it seems we have no choice in the path we walk,” Yu Daoyi smiled.

Ah, it’s as if my father has grown.

His father snapped out of his reverie, and without hesitation delivered another sharp flick to his son’s head.

“You’re still a child—why pretend at profundity? Do you think you’re qualified? You haven’t even grown up yet!”

Damn it!

“Enough, let this matter rest. If you wish to continue cultivating, I won’t stop you. It’s true I hadn’t fully considered the implications. If you want to give up, I can teach you other body-tempering arts—though inferior to this one, they are still remarkable. As for the magical tool in your spiritual sea, I can also help seal it temporarily, so it won’t trouble you anymore.”

“Ancient Demon’s Nine Transformations—train diligently.”

Yu Daoyi couldn’t help but recall the words that young man had spoken to him, feeling instinctively that there was no ill intent. He even suspected the incomplete technique had been left for him on purpose. It seemed absurd, yet felt so real.

“No need,” Yu Daoyi replied with a pure, clear smile.

“Your path is your own; I won’t interfere. Since you’ve decided, walk it well, and remember what I said,” his father paused, then added, “No matter what happens, I’ll always be here. You need not worry.”

“Yes, I’ll remember your teachings, Father.”

“Now get up—are you planning to lounge in bed all day?”

“Alright!”

Brilliant sunlight. Soft, dappled light. The swaying shadows of trees. A rustic wooden house. A pair of not-too-reliable father and son.

There was nothing to worry about. All talk of the future was but empty words. Only by advancing step by step, steadily and earnestly, could he hope to reach his father’s level and dream of more.

…

Qingshan Town, Lin Mansion.

Lin He lounged on his recliner, eyes half-closed, while two young maids gently massaged his shoulders in an attempt to please him.

Yet both maids wore uneasy expressions, tinged with fear. Lately, everyone in the household knew their young master had been slapped twice and was in a foul, unpredictable mood. Even the personal attendants had been severely punished over trivial matters, leading to several replacements.

“Are you two afraid of your young master?” he asked.

“We wouldn’t dare, young master. You are overthinking it.”

“Hmph! As mortals, you should know your place! In the end, you’re nothing but commoners.”

Even in cultivation clans, many mortals were required to handle various chores—only mortals could manage certain affairs properly.

Looking at the two maids before him, Lin He grew irritated.

“Cousin, you seem unsettled lately,” came a cheerful voice from the doorway. Lin Tao, dressed in a white robe and holding a black paper fan, leisurely entered.

“Brother, what wind brings you here? Come, don’t just stand there—will you not have tea? Must I prepare it myself?” Lin He shot up from his recliner, putting on a show of hospitality while scolding the maids to hurry and serve tea.

“No need for all that. You may leave now. It’s been a while since I’ve spoken to my cousin; we have much to discuss,” Lin Tao smiled warmly, his handsome demeanor leaving the maids momentarily dazzled.

“Yes,” they replied, cheeks slightly flushed, and quickly withdrew.

“Brother, you’re usually so busy—what brings you here today?”

Lin He was surprised, even flattered. After all, unlike himself, Lin Tao was the acknowledged future head of the Lin family—this was taken for granted by everyone in the household.

“It’s been some time since I last visited you, and I felt guilty after hearing you’d suffered humiliation because of me. I came to apologize,” Lin Tao’s face showed a trace of shame.

Recalling the humiliation, Lin He’s expression turned awkward.

“Nonsense—it was just a few reckless brats. You needn’t concern yourself on my account.”

“I heard that both the Yu and Song families were present that day. That Yu boy has already reached the ninth stage of Qi Refinement?”

This was Lin Tao’s true purpose in coming. He had no need to bother with a wastrel like Lin He. But for there to be a youth of the ninth stage of Qi Refinement in a small place like Qingshan Town—this demanded serious attention. The town was small, but it would be the first step in his broader plans. Any unpredictable element had to be erased; even the slightest miscalculation could bring disaster.

“It’s embarrassing to admit, but when I first clashed with the boy, the spiritual energy he displayed was indeed at the ninth stage. But thinking about it now—how could one so young reach such a level in this backwater? Perhaps I was mistaken,” Lin He replied with a forced laugh.

Mistaken? This fool was clearly unreliable. Whether it was true or not, Lin Tao knew he must treat this matter with caution.

“Did you know he has an older brother?”

“Just a waste, at the third stage of Qi Refinement at most. Good with words, but lacks real ability; he even needed his younger brother to fight for him,” Lin He said indifferently.

How fitting, Lin Tao thought. A prodigious younger brother and a useless elder brother—just like my own family. Of course, such thoughts would never be voiced. As long as someone hadn’t been discarded, they all had their uses.

“A highly talented younger brother and a hopeless elder brother—that is interesting.” Lin Tao smiled lightly.

“However, I’ve heard rumors that this so-called useless Yu Daoyi is gifted in alchemy. Whether that’s true or not, I can’t say,” Lin He added, as if recalling something.

“The Yu family is quite something—producing nothing but misfits,” Lin Tao said without mercy.

“Just a bunch of clowns. You, brother, have both outstanding cultivation and alchemy talents. Why bother with such flawed specimens?” Lin He flattered.

“I’m merely curious. But rest assured, cousin, we are family. The humiliation you suffered—I’ll see it repaid tenfold, a hundredfold if need be. Even that little girl from the Song family—if you desire her, I’ll do my best to deliver her to you.”

Lin He’s face lit up with delight at the mention of the pretty Song girl, an infatuated look spreading across his features.

“Brother, your thoughtfulness puts me to shame.”

“Aren’t we family? It’s just that I’m busy with cultivation and alchemy—my time is limited. Please be patient for a little while longer.”

“Nonsense, brother. Your cultivation is what matters most. My grievances are nothing. And if you don’t mind my lowly status, anything I can do, just say the word—I’ll never refuse,” Lin He vowed eagerly, still unable to conceal his infatuation.

So, he really is a man lost to wine and lust—just as well, it saves me a lot of trouble, Lin Tao mused inwardly.