Lin Yi nodded in satisfaction.
With this fourth-tier palm technique, he no longer needed to eliminate his enemies one by one in future battles.
He tucked the storage ring away and didn't linger any longer, turning to leave the Tang estate.
…
After Lin Yi stormed through the South Gate of Qingfeng City, killing two commanders of the city guard, news of the Tang family's annihilation spread like wildfire. In just half a day, the entire city was abuzz.
"Never thought this kid, Lin Yi, would be so ferocious—he even wiped out a second-tier clan like the Tang family!"
"I heard he also killed the daughter and younger sister of the Luo family's head."
"Ah? He even provoked the first-tier Luo family?"
"Looks like this kid won't last long."
…
In Qingfeng City, the first-tier Luo family.
Luo Yunshu, the head of the family, furrowed his brows, his expression as cold as still water, and spoke in a sharp tone:
"You're saying the Tang family has been wiped out, and my daughter Luo Qionghua and niece Luo Luo also died there?"
A bodyguard in black armor knelt nervously before him, voice trembling slightly.
"Yes, Family Head!"
A cold glint flashed across Luo Yunshu's eyes. "Do you know who destroyed the Tang family?"
The bodyguard hurriedly replied, "I've already investigated. The culprit is a young man from the Lin family in Qingshan County."
Luo Yunshu's expression flickered with surprise. From a small place like Qingshan County, someone of such extraordinary talent had emerged.
Beside him, a young man of flawless, almost feminine beauty frowned slightly.
"Has he already broken through to the Breath Condensation Realm?"
This young man was Luo Yunshu's son. Among Qingfeng City's younger generation, his strength firmly ranked in the top five.
The bodyguard kept his head lowered, speaking respectfully:
"Master Luo, from our investigation, all his fights are close-quarters combat. It doesn't seem like the work of a Breath Condensation Realm cultivator."
Upon hearing this, Luo Chen's frown relaxed immediately, a faint smile forming on his lips. Not even reaching the Breath Condensation Realm—good.
He turned to his father, voice loud and confident:
"Father, leave this brat to me. I'll kill him myself. I am on the verge of breaking through to the Breath Condensation Realm—let this arrogant kid be the stepping stone for my breakthrough!"
Luo Yunshu hesitated slightly. "This kid isn't weak. He wiped out two city guard commanders and annihilated the Tang family. I worry that you may be in danger."
Though he knew his son's power, Luo Yunshu had only one son. Naturally, he didn't want him to take unnecessary risks.
Luo Chen lifted his head slightly, confidence radiating from his face:
"Father, I am already at the peak of the Meridian Clearing Realm, just a hair away from the Breath Condensation Realm.
"My third-tier martial skill, Frost Blossom Sword Technique, is already perfected. Below the Breath Condensation Realm, almost no one in Qingfeng City's younger generation can challenge me.
"How could I possibly lose?"
"Don't you have any faith in me, Father?"
Luo Yunshu hesitated, just as a woman with a slightly plump figure but still graceful and noble features walked over.
She spoke softly:
"Yes, Husband. Since he hasn't broken through the Breath Condensation Realm, he cannot possibly be Chen'er's match. Why worry?"
She was Luo Yunshu's wife, Xiao Yue.
After a moment's silence, Luo Yunshu finally nodded. Even if his son lost, he should be able to survive.
"Very well. Leave this brat to Chen'er," he said lightly.
"Yes, Father!"
Luo Chen quickly acknowledged, then turned to the bodyguard. "Do you know where that kid is now?"
"Yes, Young Master. He is currently staying at Taotao Residence in the city," the bodyguard replied.
Taotao Residence, a well-known tavern in Qingfeng City.
Luo Chen waved his hand, giving an order:
"Go. Deliver this message to him. Tomorrow night, I, Luo Chen, invite him to the Qingfeng City arena for a battle. Let's see if he dares to accept!"
True to his nature, Luo Chen loved to act flamboyantly, showing off his prowess in front of others, basking in their admiration.
He paused, then continued:
"If he refuses, I'll go to Taotao Residence myself tonight and take his life!"
"Yes, Young Master!"
The guard bowed and was about to turn when Luo Chen's voice cut through again.
"One more thing."
The guard paused.
"Go tell Madam Chen, the proprietor of Taotao Residence, that she had the nerve to harbor someone who offended the Luo family. I don't see any reason for her tavern to keep operating."
…
Taotao Residence was one of Qingfeng City's most famous taverns. Its patrons were the city's powerful and privileged; ordinary folk barely had the right to set foot inside. The front building held tiers of halls for dining and revelry; behind it lay a refined courtyard for guests to lodge.
Lin Yi, having looted no small fortune from the Tang estate, lacked for nothing. He rented a quiet single house in Taotao Residence's rear garden. Now he sat at ease beneath the pavilion, watching a small rockery and a trickling stream where a few koi darted about. The place was serene.
"City Guard, the Luo family… once I settle these grudges, I'll head to the Academy," he murmured to the fish. Qingfeng City's highest public techniques topped out at the fourth tier; to study higher arts, one had to go to the Academy.
Footsteps approached, soft and measured. A woman in a red fitted dress glided into the pavilion. Her black hair fell like a waterfall; her figure was graceful, her skin like polished jade, and a faint fragrance trailed her. She was, without question, alluring. Lin Yi's brow lifted—he'd glimpsed her once when he entered earlier. She was Madam Chen, proprietor of Taotao Residence.
"Anything I can help you with?" he asked mildly.
She paused at the pavilion's edge, voice gentle. "Young Master, my name is Chen Shuyao. I manage Taotao Residence."
"I know. Get to the point." Lin Yi waved a hand as if dismissing pleasantries.
Chen Shuyao bit her lip, steeled herself, and spoke. "I never imagined—you are the youth who angered the City Guard and destroyed the Tang family."
When she'd first seen him, he'd looked harmless—youthful, clean-featured. She hadn't suspected the monster beneath. Yet now she'd learned: he had slain two commanders of the City Guard and extinguished the Tang clan.
"And?" Lin Yi prompted, voice flat.
Chen Shuyao's skin prickled beneath his gaze. She drew a breath. "Young Master, you have offended both the City Guard and the Luo family. Those are not foes a small tavern like mine can afford to anger. For their wrath, Taotao Residence could not survive. So I cannot, in good conscience, shelter you any longer."
Lin Yi's frown deepened. "You mean you want me gone."
Chen Shuyao flushed and hurried to explain. "You misunderstand—I do not mean to drive you off. Only…the City Guard and the Luo family are terrifying. If they take vengeance, Taotao Residence will be ruined. Please understand my difficulty."
Lin Yi returned his gaze to the koi and said coolly, "I will shoulder this matter alone. You need not worry. You may go."
Chen Shuyao's composure cracked—this youth was terrifyingly strong, yes, but the City Guard and the Luo family were leviathans. He could not withstand both. Taotao Residence was her life's work.
"Please, Young Master," she begged, voice trembling, "seek lodging elsewhere. I worked so hard to build this place."
Impatience creased Lin Yi's face. "If you waste my time further, I'll burn Taotao Residence to the ground right now."