Lin Feng returned to the Lin family estate, the weight of his victory still heavy in his chest. The battle against Chen Wei had been intense, but it was more than just a personal triumph. The task given by the system had propelled him forward, and now, the respect he had longed for in the Lin family seemed within reach. However, the journey to true recognition was never straightforward.
As Lin Feng entered the grand halls of the Lin family's manor, he couldn't help but notice the shift in the atmosphere. The servants who had previously ignored him now gave him respectful nods, their eyes filled with awe. The elders, who once regarded him with nothing but scorn, now looked at him with a mix of surprise and curiosity.
But it wasn't just the servants and family members who had noticed the change. The news of his victory against the 3rd stage Qi Condensation cultivator had spread like wildfire, reaching the ears of many influential figures within the Lin family and beyond.
As Lin Feng walked through the corridors, he came across his eldest brother, Lin Tao, who had always been the family's pride—handsome, powerful, and the embodiment of a promising future. His eyes, however, were no longer filled with the usual disdain. Instead, they held a sense of cautious respect.
"Lin Feng," Lin Tao said, his tone surprisingly neutral, "I heard about what happened. You've… surprised me."
Lin Feng smirked, his usual arrogance tempered by a hint of pride. "Seems like I'm not as useless as you thought, huh?"
Lin Tao didn't respond immediately. Instead, he gave Lin Feng a once-over, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I wouldn't go as far as calling you useful just yet. But... I've got to admit, you've got potential. Don't waste it."
With that, Lin Tao walked away, leaving Lin Feng standing in the hallway. A sense of accomplishment swelled within him. Though his brother's words weren't entirely warm, they were a far cry from the insults he had been subjected to in the past.
---
Later that evening, the entire Lin family gathered for a formal dinner, a tradition that took place every week. It was a rare occasion, but now, Lin Feng had a seat at the table, his presence no longer seen as an embarrassment.
As he sat down, his father, Lin Wei, who had always been a stern and composed figure, regarded him with newfound attention. The head of the family's gaze was sharp, calculating. For a moment, Lin Feng felt a pang of nervousness. His father had always been distant, focusing most of his attention on his two older brothers, and now, Lin Feng was the subject of his scrutiny.
"You've done well," Lin Wei said, his voice steady. "But don't let this small victory cloud your judgment. You are still far from being worthy of standing among the true elites of our family."
Lin Feng's heart sank, but he quickly masked his disappointment with a neutral expression. His father's praise, though faint, was better than the dismissive words he had once received.
"And yet," Lin Wei continued, his eyes piercing, "you have accomplished something that many of the so-called geniuses of our family could not. Keep your focus. This world is unforgiving, and only the strongest survive."
Lin Feng nodded, determined not to show weakness. "I understand, Father."
The conversation turned to other matters, but Lin Feng couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted in the way his family viewed him. For the first time, he was no longer invisible in their eyes. Perhaps the system had been right to push him toward this confrontation. Perhaps this was just the beginning of a much greater rise.
---
The following day, Lin Feng spent most of his time in isolation, meditating and refining his cultivation techniques. While his victory over Chen Wei had earned him some respect, Lin Feng knew that the true test of his abilities lay ahead. The cultivation world was vast, and one battle, no matter how significant, wasn't enough to secure his place at the top.
As he sat in the quiet of the family's training hall, Lin Feng closed his eyes, focusing his Qi. The system's interface appeared before him, the familiar glow of blue text lighting up his vision.
---
System Update:
Quest Completed: Eliminate Chen Wei
Reward:
+500 System Coins
Unlock Heavenly Thunderstrike (Secret Skill)
Qi Condensation Realm Level 5 attained
---
Lin Feng's eyes widened as he took in the reward. The Heavenly Thunderstrike was one of the most powerful techniques in the system's repository—a skill that combined speed, precision, and immense destructive power, all harnessed through the element of thunder. With the skill unlocked and his cultivation level now raised, Lin Feng felt an overwhelming surge of confidence. He was no longer the weak waste he once was; he had become a force to be reckoned with.
But as always, Lin Feng knew that power alone wasn't enough. He had to continue growing, continue learning, and continue challenging those around him.
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door.
"Master Lin Feng," came the voice of one of the servants, "the elders wish to speak with you. They've called for a family meeting."
Lin Feng stood up, a sense of anticipation settling in his chest. The Lin family elders rarely called for such meetings unless something important was at stake. Could this be related to his recent victory? Or perhaps there were other matters at play?
With a nod, Lin Feng followed the servant through the grand halls of the estate, his mind racing with possibilities. Whatever the reason, one thing was certain: the Lin family was no longer treating him as a mere waste.
As he entered the large meeting room, Lin Feng saw the familiar faces of the elders—grizzled men and women, each with their own reputation and power. They were seated around a long table, their expressions serious.
"Lin Feng," the eldest of the elders, Lin Cheng, spoke, his voice gruff, "your recent performance has caught our attention. It's rare for someone of your background to show such potential. We've decided to give you a chance to prove yourself further."
Lin Feng's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean, Elder Cheng?"
Lin Cheng's gaze was piercing, his tone heavy with significance. "We have a task for you. A test of your abilities. There is a dangerous cultivator causing trouble for our allies in the south. We need someone capable of handling him."
Lin Feng's thoughts raced. A test? This could be his chance to prove that he wasn't just a fluke. This could be the opportunity that would cement his place in the Lin family as someone worthy of respect.
He bowed low, his eyes filled with determination. "I accept."
The elders exchanged glances, some nodding in approval. Lin Cheng's lips curled into a slight smile.
"Very well. Your mission begins tomorrow."