Morning sunlight slowly spread across the mountains.
After a night full of battles, treasures, and life-threatening danger, Fan Lin and Lin Yueqing stood at the edge of Black Wolf Mountain.
The forest behind them looked peaceful again, as if the chaos of the previous night had never happened.
But both of them knew the truth.
The Wind Spirit Ruins had disappeared forever.
And the treasures they obtained would soon change their destinies.
Fan Lin stretched his arms lazily.
"Well, it's time to leave the mountains."
Lin Yueqing looked toward the distant road that led out of the forest.
"I'll head north from here."
"My sect is several days away."
Fan Lin nodded.
"Then this is where we part ways."
Lin Yueqing studied him quietly.
Despite only knowing him for a short time, she had already realized something unusual about him.
His strength grew at a frightening speed.
His personality was carefree, but his mind was sharp.
And his sword technique…
It was something she had never seen before.
"Take care," she said softly.
Fan Lin smiled.
"You too."
She turned and walked away without another word.
Her blue robe disappeared slowly between the trees.
Fan Lin watched her leave for a moment.
Then he turned toward the opposite direction.
The road leading to Azure River City.
His home.
His past.
And the place where many people once laughed at him.
Fan Lin's eyes slowly became colder.
"Well…"
"Let's see how surprised they'll be this time."
The Road Home
Two hours later, Fan Lin reached the main trade road that connected several cities in the region.
Merchants, travelers, and hunters moved along the path with wagons and horses.
Fan Lin walked calmly among them.
His clothes were slightly worn from battle, but his aura had completely changed.
His posture was straight.
His steps were confident.
Even the wind around him seemed to move differently.
Inside his mind, the system panel appeared.
HEAVEN-DEFYING SYSTEM
Host: Fan Lin
Realm: Spirit Warrior Level 2
Strength: 55
Agility: 60
Spirit: 45
EXP: 50 / 1800
SP: 300
Skills:
• Wind Shadow Sword Technique
• Wind Phantom Blade (Earth Rank)
Items:
• Wind Spirit Jade Sword
• Crimson Flame Beast Core
• Storage Ring
Fan Lin nodded with satisfaction.
"I've come a long way already."
But the system suddenly displayed another reminder.
CURRENT MISSION
Return to Azure River City
Objective:
• Confront Zhao Ming
• Strengthen Fan Clan
Reward:
• 500 EXP
• 200 SP
• System Shop Level 2 Unlock
Fan Lin chuckled.
"Zhao Ming…"
The name brought back old memories.
Zhao Ming was the young master of the Zhao Clan, one of the strongest families in Azure River City.
In the past, he had constantly humiliated Fan Lin.
Even during martial training competitions, Zhao Ming would deliberately beat him until he could barely stand.
At that time, Fan Lin had been weak.
Powerless.
But now…
Everything had changed.
Fan Lin's smile slowly turned dangerous.
"Let's see if he still dares to bully me."
Azure River City
By afternoon, the tall walls of Azure River City finally appeared in the distance.
The city stood beside a wide river that sparkled under the sunlight.
Large gates welcomed travelers entering and leaving the city.
Fan Lin stopped for a moment outside the gate.
Many familiar memories flashed through his mind.
His childhood.
His family.
His humiliations.
And his determination to become stronger.
He took a deep breath.
Then he walked toward the city gate.
The guards barely glanced at him.
Fan Lin entered the city smoothly.
The streets were lively.
Merchants shouted about their goods.
Children ran through the marketplace.
Martial artists from different clans walked proudly along the main road.
But something quickly caught Fan Lin's attention.
A crowd had gathered near the central training square.
Loud cheers echoed through the area.
Fan Lin frowned slightly.
"What's going on?"
He walked closer.
Soon he saw the scene clearly.
At the center of the square stood a young man wearing expensive robes.
His posture was arrogant.
His expression proud.
Several martial artists lay defeated around him.
Fan Lin recognized him instantly.
Zhao Ming.
Zhao Ming stood proudly with his hands behind his back.
His voice echoed across the square.
"Is there no one in Azure River City who can challenge me?"
The crowd whispered nervously.
"He already defeated three young masters today."
"His cultivation reached Body Tempering Level 8."
"He's too strong."
Zhao Ming laughed proudly.
"Pathetic."
"Is this the best Azure River City can offer?"
Fan Lin slowly pushed his way through the crowd.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Well…"
"Looks like I arrived at the perfect time."
He stepped into the training square.
His calm voice suddenly echoed across the crowd.
"I'll challenge you."
The entire square fell silent.
Everyone turned toward him.
Zhao Ming's eyes narrowed.
Then he recognized the face.
For a moment—
He froze.
"Fan Lin?"
The crowd erupted in laughter.
"The weak young master of the Fan Clan?"
"He dares challenge Zhao Ming?"
Zhao Ming smirked.
"Fan Lin… have you forgotten how badly I beat you last time?"
Fan Lin smiled calmly.
"No."
"I remember clearly."
His eyes suddenly turned cold.
"That's exactly why I'm here."
The wind gently lifted his robe.
His hand slowly moved toward the Wind Spirit Jade Sword at his waist.
The atmosphere of the square instantly changed.
The humiliation of the past…
Was about to be repaid.