Chapter 41: The Petty Man Triumphant

This person was dressed in a crimson ensemble—a cropped athletic tank top revealing her waist, and fitted yoga pants that accentuated her long, slender legs. Her hair, dyed a deep wine red, was pulled back into a neat ponytail, and her delicate features radiated a spirited and heroic aura.

Such a bold hair color would look gaudy on most people, yet on this woman, it was not only appropriate but heightened her presence. Sitting there, she resembled a blazing flame—vibrant and exuding an energetic charisma.

Lin Yang didn’t notice her at first; his focus was entirely on absorbing the purple energy and refining his Double Pupils. The arrival of the purple aura from the east was brief; as soon as the sun rose fully, the energy dissipated.

“So, he’s a Double Pupils bearer. Who would have thought that in Luocheng, such an exceptionally rare talent would emerge?” The woman in red watched Lin Yang, a look of admiration in her eyes.

If Lin Yang knew that this woman had seen through his secret, he would be utterly shocked. His master, the Sage of Medicine, had said that a Double Pupils bearer was a once-in-a-millennium prodigy, blessed with innate advantages, and that ordinary people could never recognize their kind.

Once he’d finished his cultivation, Lin Yang didn’t hurry to descend the mountain. Instead, he assumed a stance and began practicing his techniques. Scenes from recent battles replayed in his mind as he deconstructed his opponents’ moves one by one, then imitated them.

If his Double Pupils had reached the second stage, he could have simply learned on the spot and instantly replicated any move. But for now, he had to rely on diligent practice.

It was then that Lin Yang noticed the woman in red not far away. She seemed to be practicing as well, but her movements were soft, fluid, and graceful—less like martial arts and more akin to a beautiful dance. Her elegant form flowed seamlessly; at times, her hands glided like a fish swimming in water, graceful and effortless, and at other times, she moved against an unseen current, battling wind and waves.

Her slender waist moved with the supple agility of a water serpent. One might think her movements were just dance or yoga, but Lin Yang saw that her postures possessed a natural wholeness, an ineffable mystique.

Unconsciously, Lin Yang watched in rapt attention, his Double Pupils activating on their own, reflecting each of her movements in his eyes.

Eventually, the woman in red finished her routine, collecting her energy and exhaling a deep breath. With his enhanced vision, Lin Yang saw that the breath she expelled did not disperse loosely like an ordinary person’s, but shot out like an arrow, traveling several meters.

“This… She must be a true master!” Lin Yang was stunned. To expel breath like an arrow was something even he, a Grandmaster, could not accomplish. Perhaps his own level was not high enough yet, but it was clear that this woman was formidable—her strength at least surpassed his.

What surprised him most was her youth; she looked to be barely in her twenties.

“Luocheng is said to have only four Grandmasters. Who is she?”

After completing her practice, the woman in red glanced toward Lin Yang. He nodded politely, and she returned the gesture, then leapt away with the lightness of a startled swan, disappearing from the mountaintop.

“A Grandmaster of such caliber… If I could spar with her, it would surely benefit my training immensely.” Lin Yang resolved that if fate allowed them to meet again, he would challenge her to a friendly duel.

He didn’t continue practicing, instead heading down the trail to descend the mountain. Just then, a young man and woman approached.

“Lin Yang?” The woman greeted him first.

Lin Yang recognized them—they were former classmates. The man was Dou Jun, once a top student at school, known for his diligence and exemplary character, though his family was not well-off. The woman was Lin Yimo, the class monitor and school beauty.

“What a coincidence, old friends,” Lin Yang greeted them with a smile.

Dou Jun’s expression was full of disdain; he ignored Lin Yang.

“Let’s exchange numbers. Next time we have a class reunion, you should come,” Lin Yimo suggested.

“Why bother giving him your number? He doesn’t deserve to attend our reunions. Do you still think he’s the young master of the Lin family?” Dou Jun sneered without restraint.

“Dou Jun, watch your words. We were classmates, after all,” Lin Yimo said awkwardly.

“I’m just blunt. You don’t mind, do you?” Dou Jun raised his eyebrows, smirking.

“But I do mind,” Lin Yang replied coolly.

Since Dou Jun had taken to open mockery, Lin Yang saw no reason to be polite.

Dou Jun was momentarily taken aback, then snorted, “Mind? Who the hell do you think you are? Lin Yimo’s only being kind because she pities you. Don’t flatter yourself. Others may not know your situation, but I know it all too well.”

“That’s enough, Dou Jun,” Lin Yimo interjected, trying to defuse the situation, ever the diplomatic class monitor.

“What’s wrong with telling the truth? Does this loser deserve any courtesy?” Dou Jun ranted on, “Don’t let me see you around here again. Do you think you belong in this place?”

“I remember now—you used to live in the Imperial Garden below, so you could come here anytime. But now, I live there, while you probably sleep on the street, don’t you?”

Dou Jun was clearly basking in his own triumph.

“Remember, this viewpoint is reserved for Imperial Garden residents. Outsiders like you belong down below. Get lost,” Dou Jun added smugly.

Lin Yang narrowed his eyes. “Petty men flaunt their minor successes with ugly faces. I see that in you now.”

Back in the day, Dou Jun had been a lackey, always eager to please. Lin Yang had treated him well. But now, this was the face he showed.

“What did you just say? Who are you calling petty? You looking for a beating?” Dou Jun shoved Lin Yang and clenched his fist, ready to strike.

“Let it go—we’re all classmates,” Lin Yimo said, holding Dou Jun back, just as her phone rang.

She answered, and her face changed instantly. “Dou Jun, hurry—my grandfather’s been attacked!”

“What? Who dares lay a hand on your grandfather? Don’t worry, I’ll back you up. I’ll make whoever did this pay!” Dou Jun declared, then jabbed a finger at Lin Yang. “Count yourself lucky. I’m letting you off today, but next time, you won’t be so fortunate.”

With Lin Yimo urging him on, Dou Jun hurried away.

“Idiot,” Lin Yang said under his breath. If not for Lin Yimo’s intervention, Dou Jun would already have received a resounding slap.

Dou Jun and Lin Yimo hurried down the mountain, where a crowd had gathered. Lin Yimo’s grandfather sat on the ground, his head bleeding, clinging to a middle-aged man.

“You can’t leave. My granddaughter will be here soon!”

“Old fool, you’re asking for trouble! Let go of me!” Qi Tianyong roared, raising his other foot to kick the old man twice.

“Stop!” Lin Yimo arrived just in time to witness the scene, her face contorted with rage and indignation.

“Yimo, Jun, you’re finally here! He’s going to beat me to death—help me!” The old man cried out for help, seeing his granddaughter and prospective grandson-in-law arrive.