Chapter 25: Shock

Looking at Lin Hao, many found his boldness remarkable. Some even showed admiration in their eyes; countless people had suffered under Zhou Yichen, but none had ever dared to confront him so openly and directly as Lin Hao had just done.

Moreover, after Lin Hao's words, Zhou Yichen, though furious, did not explode as everyone expected. He did not resort to extreme measures against Lin Hao, but instead stood there, somewhat apprehensive, breathing heavily.

His eyes bloodshot, Zhou Yichen glared at Lin Hao and said, "Don’t spout nonsense here. I am a man of status. I never did the things you claim, so don’t pin them on me. Besides, who would believe you have a Mystic Origin Pill? Maybe you stole it from someone, only to have it stolen back. You talk yourself up, but didn’t you only get in here riding on Senior Qingyun’s reputation? If you’re so capable, prove it with your own strength, not someone else’s influence. And you have the audacity to say you’re Senior Qingyun’s cousin? With your character, who would recognize you?"

Zhou Yichen grew increasingly agitated as he spoke, his words becoming reckless and his gaze filled with contempt for Lin Hao.

At that moment, a young man of imposing stature stepped forward with a large meteor hammer in hand, standing beside Lin Hao and facing Zhou Yichen. He sneered, "Hmph, what does whether he’s qualified have to do with you? You’re just jealous, aren’t you? If you have the ability, find yourself a sect master’s disciple as a cousin and see if anyone acknowledges you!"

Lin Hao paid little mind to Zhou Yichen’s words. In his eyes, Zhou Yichen was already a dead man walking. Lin Hao didn't intend to tolerate him any longer and was about to act when someone unexpectedly came to his aid.

Lin Hao glanced at the young man beside him, surprise flickering in his eyes. He hadn’t expected anyone to stand up against Zhou Yichen and side with him. Amused, Lin Hao remained silent, simply standing his ground.

Zhou Yichen, hearing the young man's words, did not get angrier but instead snorted coldly, "Is it any of your business? This matter has nothing to do with you."

Lin Hao stepped forward, responding, "If it’s unrelated to him, then it must be related to me. After so many words, aren’t you feeling parched? Would you like to take a flight outside?"

Lin Hao pointed to the ship’s exterior.

Although Lin Hao didn’t know his supporter, the man had helped him, and Lin Hao didn’t want to involve others—Zhou Yichen was not to be trifled with.

So Lin Hao took the initiative, facing Zhou Yichen directly.

Zhou Yichen glared at Lin Hao, his eyes fierce, stepping forward, "What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing much. Just that your mouth reeks, and I thought it needed some fresh air. Unless you agree, do you want to go outside for a stroll?" Lin Hao said, grabbing Zhou Yichen’s collar.

Zhou Yichen looked at Lin Hao in disbelief, shocked that Lin Hao dared to lay hands on him in public.

Sensing Lin Hao’s seriousness, Zhou Yichen panicked.

Two of Zhou Yichen’s friends hurried over, prying Lin Hao’s hand away and tried to mediate, "Let’s talk it out. We’re all disciples of the Purewind Sect; if we make a scene, other sects will laugh at us. Let’s all calm down."

Lin Hao had no intention of escalating things and released Zhou Yichen with their help.

Initially, Zhou Yichen had been intimidated by Lin Hao, especially when Lin Hao grabbed his collar. But seeing his friends come to his rescue and Lin Hao release him, Zhou Yichen assumed Lin Hao was afraid, and his confidence returned.

Standing beside his friends, Zhou Yichen addressed Lin Hao, "Lin Hao, you’ve got some nerve. In front of all these Purewind Sect members, you dare act so insolently and disrespectfully."

Lin Hao had expected letting Zhou Yichen go would put an end to things and he would stop provoking him. But Zhou Yichen, ever the petty man, was undeterred, flaunting himself before Lin Hao.

Seeing Zhou Yichen still challenging him, Lin Hao’s expression turned cold. He stepped forward, ready to act.

Zhou Yichen instinctively retreated several steps at Lin Hao’s approach, then, feeling embarrassed, pointed at Lin Hao in anger.

Lin Hao, seeing Zhou Yichen frightened by just two steps, smirked with ridicule, "Looks like you really want to go outside for a spin, breathe in some fresh air."

"Junior Brother Lin Hao, you shouldn’t waste words on people like him. Just let him face the punishment he deserves," the young man beside Lin Hao said impatiently, his gaze at Zhou Yichen full of disdain.

Zhou Yichen, glaring furiously at Lin Hao, was unsettled by the young man’s words, but his rage got the better of him.

He glared at the young man, about to speak, when his friends intervened, pulling him back. One of them, with a wary look, said, "Senior Brother Wu Wen, this is between the two of them. We shouldn’t get involved, and we don’t know the full story. Your help may only complicate things further."

Hearing this, Lin Hao realized his supporter’s name was Wu Wen. He recalled Qingyun mentioning this name before—a person he had only remembered in passing, never intending to seek favor. But now, Lin Hao genuinely admired him.

After the friend finished speaking, Lin Hao stepped forward, ignoring everyone else, seized Zhou Yichen’s collar, and said, "Yes, this is between the two of us. No one else has the right to interfere. So, I think I’ll take you outside for a flight."

With that, he dragged Zhou Yichen towards the ship’s exit.

Seeing Lin Hao’s intent, Zhou Yichen lost all composure, cursing, "Lin Hao, you bastard! You’re just Qingyun’s cousin, what’s so special about that? Who knows who’ll be sect master in the future! You want to throw me out? Do you have the guts? Don’t you know what consequences you’ll face for this? I won’t let you get away with it!"

Since boarding the ship, Zhou Yichen had been suppressed by Lin Hao. Now, his young master’s temper finally boiled over, and his anger eclipsed his fear.

Hearing Zhou Yichen’s rant, Lin Hao wasted no more words. He stomped his foot, rising into the air, ready to fly out of the ship.

At that moment, the accompanying elder, unable to suppress the situation any longer, spoke up, "Wait, Lin Hao, what are you doing? Don’t violate the sect rules."

Lin Hao glanced calmly at the elder.

The accompanying elder, meeting Lin Hao’s earnest gaze, felt unnerved and looked away, embarrassed.

He had witnessed the confrontation from the start. Yet, Zhou Yichen was Elder Zhou’s son and Lin Hao was Qingyun’s cousin; neither could be easily offended.

Seeing Zhou Yichen unharmed and Lin Hao dominant, the elder had hoped to avoid trouble and kept silent. But now, seeing Zhou Yichen about to be tossed from the ship, he had to intervene—he’d received favors from Elder Zhou and couldn’t let Lin Hao go through with it.

Yet, under Lin Hao’s piercing gaze, the elder felt exposed, his old face reddening with shame. Still, he forced himself to stop Lin Hao; otherwise, he’d be in trouble upon returning.

Zhou Yichen, noticing the elder unwilling to meet his eyes, felt a surge of mockery and replied indifferently, "Elder, Zhou Yichen asked if I dared take him outside. I’m merely fulfilling his request."

With these words, the elder was at a loss; everyone had heard the exchange, and Lin Hao was telling the truth.

The situation grew awkward; the elder didn’t know what to do.

Just then, the main supervising elder emerged from the ship.

He looked at Lin Hao and asked, "What is your cultivation?"

Lin Hao regarded the elder, who appeared upright and solemn. After a moment’s thought, Lin Hao replied, "Third layer of Foundation Establishment."

At this, the elder showed surprise at Lin Hao’s answer. Those nearby were equally incredulous, scrutinizing Lin Hao.

"Hey, did I hear that right? Lin Hao’s strength doesn’t even meet the inner sect standard!" someone exclaimed in shock.

Others shared the same sentiment.

Yet, everyone had witnessed Lin Hao’s exchange with Zhou Yichen, and with such cultivation, he was still hailed as this year’s top candidate, even able to fly freely.

It left everyone dumbfounded.

They looked at Lin Hao with suspicion, as if he were joking with them.

But Lin Hao’s serious and resolute demeanor suggested otherwise.

The elder then fixed Lin Hao with a stern look, a wave of pressure bearing down. Lin Hao wavered in the air, retreating two steps.

However, the elder’s pressure vanished as quickly as it came, withdrawn once more.