Chapter 13: The Unseen Power
Xiao Feng decided to visit one of the most high-end venues in Haicheng to relax and observe the city's elite. The place was a hub for the wealthy and influential, filled with people who flaunted their status and wealth. Xiao Feng, dressed simply but elegantly, entered the venue with the quiet confidence that came naturally to him.As he walked through the opulent surroundings, he couldn't help but notice the glances thrown his way. Some were curious, while others were dismissive. To those unfamiliar with the world of cultivation, Xiao Feng appeared to be an ordinary young man, and in this place, appearances mattered more than anything else.He found a quiet corner and ordered a drink, his mind more focused on his plans than the people around him. However, it didn't take long before he became the target of unwarranted attention. A group of young women, dressed in designer clothes and dripping with jewelry, noticed him sitting alone. One of them, a particularly haughty girl named Wei Ling, took an instant dislike to him."Look at that guy," she whispered to her friends, loud enough for Xiao Feng to hear. "He doesn't belong here. He probably spent his last yuan just to get in."The girls giggled, their laughter a mix of mockery and disdain. Xiao Feng ignored them, sipping his drink calmly. But fate had other plans. As one of the waiters passed by, a glass of juice accidentally tipped over, splashing onto Wei Ling's expensive dress.Wei Ling shrieked, her face turning red with anger. Before the waiter could apologize, she turned her wrath on Xiao Feng, assuming he was somehow responsible. "You! Do you have any idea how much this dress costs? How dare you ruin it, you filthy peasant!"Her voice cut through the room, drawing the attention of other patrons. Xiao Feng remained seated, his expression impassive. He had no interest in engaging with someone so shallow and rude, but Wei Ling wasn't done."You think you can just walk in here and act like you belong? You're nothing!" she spat, her voice dripping with venom. Her friends joined in, their insults echoing around the room, each word meant to belittle and humiliate.Just as the situation was escalating, a young woman, who had been watching the scene unfold from nearby, stood up. She was strikingly beautiful, with a calm demeanor that commanded attention. Though she didn't know Xiao Feng personally, she could tell that the blame being placed on him was unjust."Stop it," the young woman said, stepping forward. Her voice was firm, but it lacked the arrogance of Wei Ling's. "It wasn't his fault. You're blaming him for something he didn't do."Wei Ling turned to the girl, eyes narrowing. "And who are you to defend him? Do you even know who I am?"The young woman remained unfazed. "It doesn't matter who you are. What's wrong is wrong, no matter how much money you have."Wei Ling scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You must be new around here if you think you can talk to me like that." She turned back to Xiao Feng, dismissing the young woman as beneath her notice.Although the girl's influence wasn't as significant as Wei Ling's, her courage didn't go unnoticed by those around them. Xiao Feng appreciated the gesture, but he knew this confrontation wouldn't be resolved so easily.Just as Wei Ling was about to continue her tirade, a sudden shift in the atmosphere occurred. Several businessmen, who had been sitting at a nearby table, recognized Xiao Feng. These were some of the very people he had met during the recent meeting to discuss the pills. They knew his true identity and the power he wielded, and they weren't about to let anyone disrespect him.One of the businessmen, Mr. Zhao, stood up and approached the scene with a serious expression. "What seems to be the problem here?" he asked, his tone commanding respect.Wei Ling, sensing an ally, pointed at Xiao Feng. "This man ruined my dress! He shouldn't even be here!"Mr. Zhao glanced at Xiao Feng, then back at Wei Ling. A cold smile appeared on his face as he realized the misunderstanding. "Miss Wei, do you have any idea who you're speaking to?"Wei Ling blinked, taken aback by the sudden change in Mr. Zhao's demeanor. "What do you mean? He's just—""This is Mr. Xiao Feng," Mr. Zhao interrupted, his voice firm. "He is a man of considerable influence and power, someone you should show the utmost respect to. Insulting him is a grave mistake."The color drained from Wei Ling's face as she realized the magnitude of her error. The other businessmen, who had also recognized Xiao Feng, approached as well, each one offering him respectful greetings. The contrast between their treatment of Xiao Feng and Wei Ling's earlier insults couldn't have been more stark.Wei Ling and her friends were now trembling, their earlier arrogance replaced by fear. They understood that offending someone of Xiao Feng's stature could bring ruin not just to them but to their entire families. Wei Ling fell to her knees, her voice shaking as she begged for forgiveness. "Mr. Xiao, I-I didn't know… Please forgive me!"Xiao Feng looked down at her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, he considered letting her suffer the consequences of her actions. But in the end, he decided against it. "Stand up," he said calmly. "I'm not interested in holding a grudge. Just remember this moment the next time you decide to judge someone by their appearance."Wei Ling nodded frantically, tears streaming down her face as she struggled to her feet. The businessmen exchanged glances, impressed by Xiao Feng's restraint. They knew that with his power, he could have easily destroyed her life, but he chose not to.As Xiao Feng left the venue, the entire room buzzed with whispers. Those who had witnessed the scene now had a newfound respect for him. He had proven once again that true power wasn't in wealth or status, but in how one wielded their influence.