Lin Chen staggered out of the mountain, covered in wounds. Rain poured down relentlessly, mingling with blood as it dripped down the young man's clothing.
"Lin Chen, we actually killed that old geezer!" Tuntun jumped up and down with excitement. "He was at the tenth level of the Earth Spirit Realm. We're only at the sixth level! We defied the odds and vanquished a formidable foe!"
"He was severely injured, which weakened his combat power. If he were at full strength, we'd be no match for him," Lin Chen said, a smile on his face. This had been a life-or-death struggle.
Since Tuntun's hatching, this was the first time they had fought side by side in such dire circumstances.
"We're still too weak. We need to grow stronger," Lin Chen remarked, his voice resolute.
He slowly made his way back to his residence, cleaned himself up, and retired to his room. Thanks to Wan Mu Zhengrong's powerful physique, his injuries had fully healed within an hour. Lin Chen fell into a deep slumber, utterly exhausted from the ordeal.
The next morning, Lin Chen awoke early. Stretching, he realized that his wounds had almost completely mended.
He changed into fresh clothing and stepped outside.
"Greetings, Senior Brother Lin!"
"Good morning, Senior Brother Lin!"
Along the path, many outer disciples greeted Lin Chen respectfully. After Lin Chen's remarkable performance in the sect competition, he had become an inner disciple, gaining access to unparalleled cultivation resources.
Initially, some outer disciples had been envious of him, but after his recent exploits, they no longer dared to harbor ill will. His strength was undeniable, who would dare to challenge it?
Lin Chen responded to the greetings with a smile and a nod.
"Senior Brother Lin is such a kind person," whispered some outer disciples.
"Indeed. He still treats us with respect."
"He's not arrogant at all."
"We were wrong to judge him harshly before."
Back when Lin Chen was an outer disciple, they had been dissatisfied with his success. They couldn't understand why he, despite being an outer disciple like them, could ring the bell five times.
In the past, they would even gather outside his residence and clamor. However, now that Lin Chen had risen to prominence, they suddenly realized that he had become an unapproachable figure. Yet, he still responded to their greetings, which they found endearing and humble.
Lin Chen hadn't changed; it was their perception that had. Human nature is fickle indeed.
Before leaving the sect, Lin Chen stopped to chat with the gatekeeper.
Out in the city, people thronged the lively streets. As Lin Chen walked among them, a sense of peace washed over him.
Recalling the events of the previous day, Lin Chen sighed. "I, Lin Chen, am just an ordinary inner disciple with modest desires. I seek to cultivate diligently and protect my sister. Yet, some persist in bullying and attempting to kill me, forcing me to live in constant fear."
"Zhao Peng wanted to kill me for a mere beast crystal."
"I killed Zhao Peng, and Elder Zhao sought revenge..."
"If I kill Elder Zhao, there will be others..."
"The Zhao clan is a festering sore that has escaped justice due to the protection of their inner disciple and elder. If they are not eradicated now, my life will be in perpetual danger!"
The Zhao clan's crimes were undeniable. Without the protection of their inner disciple and elder, they would have been punished long ago.
Under normal circumstances, Lin Chen would have avoided trouble.
But this time, for the sake of himself and his sister, he resolved to wipe out the Zhao clan.
The main gate of the Zhao residence was imposing, adorned with iron gates carved with fierce animal faces. Passersby hurried past, fearing to linger.
"Bang, bang, bang!" Lin Chen rapped on the gate.
"Creak..." The gate opened, revealing an impatient face. "Who dares to knock so early in the morning? You're courting death!"
'As expected, the Zhao clan are a cruel and heartless lot,' Lin Chen thought to himself.
He was threatened as soon as he appeared. No different from Zhao Peng and Elder Zhao. Truly, like attracts like.
"Is this the Zhao residence?" Lin Chen asked, his expression calm, confirming his suspicions.
"You know it's the Zhao residence, so why don't you leave? Who let you in? Get out!"
The servant was arrogant, reaching out to grab Lin Chen by the neck.
His domineering behavior suggested he was accustomed to bullying others.
Suddenly, Lin Chen's eyes flashed with intent. His finger moved with blinding speed, piercing the servant's eyebrow with a sickening pop.
His actions were swift and merciless. The servant died instantly.
"The Zhao clan is steeped in evil. If heaven will not punish you, I will!"
Lin Chen pushed open the gate and stormed into the Zhao residence, his movements astonishingly fast.
Zhao family members rushed out, their voices filled with anger. "Who dares to trespass on our territory? Do you have a death wish?"
"This boy is filled with malicious intent. He means us harm!"
"Kill him!"
Lin Chen charged forward like an enraged beast, his strikes swift and deadly.
"Thud!"
"Thud!"
Each blow carried immense force. The Zhao family members were no match for him and were killed one after another.
Lin Chen's murderous intent was palpable. He showed no mercy, knowing that the only way to protect himself and his sister was to eliminate his enemies.
After a massacre, not a single member of the twenty-odd Zhao family survived.
The courtyard was stained with blood, the pungent smell of death permeating the air.
"Let this be a warning. Those who commit injustices will be punished!"
Lin Chen's expression was cold. He turned and disappeared into the night.