The streets of Azure River City were still buzzing with excitement after the shocking fight in the training square.
Everyone had witnessed the same unbelievable scene.
Fan Lin, the once weak young master of the Fan Clan, had defeated Zhao Ming in public.
And not just defeated him.
He had humiliated him.
Slapped him repeatedly in front of the entire city.
The news spread like wildfire.
But Fan Lin himself didn't seem concerned about the rumors.
He walked calmly through the city streets toward the Fan Clan residence.
His mind was focused on something far more interesting.
Inside his head, the Heaven-Defying System panel appeared.
DING
Mission Completed
Reward Distributed
EXP +500
SP +200
System Shop Level 2 Unlocked
Fan Lin's eyes gleamed.
"Finally."
He had been waiting to see what the upgraded System Shop offered.
He opened the interface immediately.
A glowing panel appeared before him.
SYSTEM SHOP – LEVEL 2
Current SP: 500
Available Categories:
• Martial Skill Manuals
• Pills & Cultivation Resources
• Weapons & Armor
• Special Items
Fan Lin rubbed his chin with interest.
"Let's see what good things are inside."
Martial Skill Manuals
Several scrolls appeared in the shop window.
Wind Blade Technique – 200 SP
Shadow Step Movement Skill – 250 SP
Earth Breaking Fist – 300 SP
Fan Lin considered them for a moment.
But then he shook his head.
"I already have the Wind Phantom Blade, which is stronger than these."
He closed that category.
Pills & Cultivation Resources
Another set of items appeared.
Spirit Recovery Pill – 50 SP
Body Tempering Pill – 120 SP
Spirit Gathering Pill – 200 SP
Fan Lin's eyes stopped on the last one.
Spirit Gathering Pill
Effect:
• Grants 400 EXP
• Improves spiritual energy control
Fan Lin smiled.
"That's useful."
He bought two pills instantly.
SP -400
Remaining SP: 100
He swallowed the first pill while walking.
Warm energy spread through his body.
The system voice sounded.
DING
Spirit Gathering Pill consumed
EXP +400
EXP: 450 / 1800
Fan Lin nodded with satisfaction.
He swallowed the second pill.
DING
Spirit Gathering Pill consumed
EXP +400
EXP: 850 / 1800
"Not bad."
He still needed some experience to reach the next level, but the progress was steady.
Weapons & Armor
Fan Lin opened the weapon category next.
A new list appeared.
Iron Battle Armor – 200 SP
Silver Spirit Dagger – 250 SP
Wind Speed Boots – 300 SP
Fan Lin paused.
The last item looked interesting.
Wind Speed Boots
Grade: Low Spirit Equipment
Effect:
• +20% movement speed
• Enhances wind techniques
Fan Lin laughed.
"That fits perfectly with my sword technique."
But unfortunately…
He only had 100 SP left.
"Looks like I need more points."
He closed the shop panel for now.
Returning Home
By the time Fan Lin reached the Fan Clan residence, the sun was already setting.
The large wooden gates stood open.
Clan guards stood on both sides.
When they saw Fan Lin, their expressions changed instantly.
"Young Master!"
The guards bowed respectfully.
Fan Lin nodded casually and walked inside.
Several clan members stared at him in surprise.
Whispers spread quickly.
"That's Fan Lin…"
"The one who defeated Zhao Ming today."
"I heard he used a spirit weapon!"
Fan Lin ignored the attention and walked toward the inner courtyard.
Suddenly—
A familiar voice called out.
"Lin'er?"
Fan Lin turned.
A middle-aged man stood near the hall entrance.
His face was stern but kind.
This was Fan Rong, the patriarch of the Fan Clan.
And also Fan Lin's father.
Fan Rong looked at his son carefully.
"You fought Zhao Ming today."
Fan Lin shrugged.
"News travels fast."
Fan Rong sighed.
"You embarrassed the Zhao Clan badly."
"That will cause trouble."
Fan Lin smiled slightly.
"I know."
His father frowned.
"But I also heard something else."
Fan Rong's eyes sharpened.
"They say you defeated Zhao Ming easily."
Fan Lin did not deny it.
Fan Rong studied him for a long moment.
Then he said quietly—
"You've changed."
Fan Lin looked toward the evening sky.
"People change when they face death."
Fan Rong nodded slowly.
"Come to the clan hall tonight."
"There's something important we need to discuss."
Fan Lin raised an eyebrow.
"What is it?"
Fan Rong's expression turned serious.
"The Zhao Clan has already sent a message."
"They want revenge."
Fan Lin chuckled softly.
"Of course they do."
But inside his mind, the system panel suddenly flashed again.
NEW MISSION
Protect the Fan Clan
Objective:
Defeat Zhao Clan retaliation
Reward:
EXP +800
SP +400
Special Item
Fan Lin's smile slowly widened.
"Perfect."
Because if the Zhao Clan wanted revenge…
Then Fan Lin would simply turn them into more EXP and SP.
And this time—
The humiliation would be far worse.