C13 Bitter Heart

Zi Hanyue was on the verge of screaming in shock. Setting aside Ye Tian's sudden breakthrough, what truly astounded her was his victory over Gu Kun!

It was common knowledge that Ye Tian was leagues behind Gu Kun in terms of cultivation, and the disparity between them wasn't something that could be easily explained.

Ye Tian, once the butt of every joke among his classmates, had undergone a complete reversal of fortune.

"Go fetch Ye Tian for me," Zi Hanyue instructed her assistant urgently, her chest still heaving despite having switched off the recording crystal.

In the now-empty martial arts field, only the students of Class 3 remained. Du Chun could no longer afford to look down on Ye Tian with the same disdain as before.

Regardless of the potential subterfuge, Ye Tian's defeat of Gu Kun was indisputable. Du Chun was left wondering if Ye Tian had any more aces up his sleeve.

Having completed his business, Ye Tian turned on his heel and exited the martial arts field, leaving alone. The rest of the students departed in groups, their conversations still buzzing about Ye Tian.

Before he could even make it back to class, Zi Hanyue's assistant intercepted him.

Upon seeing Ye Tian again, Zi Hanyue's gaze shifted subtly. She beckoned him over and probed him for details about the earlier events.

"The Spirit Cloud Nine Swords? Oh, I just browsed through it in the library for a few days and picked up a thing or two. Why do you ask?"

Ye Tian shrugged nonchalantly, seemingly indifferent to the whole affair, as if it hadn't made the slightest impression on him.

Knowing he couldn't disclose his own transformation to anyone, Ye Tian was acutely aware of his current vulnerability. Any real danger would spell trouble for him.

Zi Hanyue's anxiety dissipated with Ye Tian's response. She concluded that Ye Tian's win was nothing more than a fluke—a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse. Had Gu Kun been truly prepared, the outcome would surely have been different.

"Even though you've put in the effort, I must remind you that your foundation is weak. It's far too soon to be drawing attention to yourself. Don't be led astray by this minor success," Zi Hanyue cautioned, her seductive eyes growing icy. A minor victory due to the opponent's lack of vigilance was hardly noteworthy.

Moreover, being at the fourth level of the Qi Profound Stage hardly merited attention. Even with Ye Tian's newfound insight, his prospects weren't expected to be particularly bright.

"Alright, we've covered a lot today. Tomorrow's the weekend, so I hope you'll dedicate yourself to your studies going forward."

With a graceful wave of her hand, Zi Hanyue dismissed Ye Tian. The weekend was a time for everyone to take a well-deserved break.

Ye Tian couldn't be faulted for leaving the office promptly, gathering his things, and heading out from the academy to return home.

Meanwhile, within the Ye family home, Ye Chengfeng had already learned of Ye Tian's academic performance through his inquiries. Despite knowing his son's limitations for many years, Ye Chengfeng had never given up on him, pouring his heart into aiding his recovery.

Seeing Ye Tian's exceptional results now filled Ye Chengfeng with joy, knowing his son would require even more resources for his future endeavors.

"We can't let the family cut off Tian's resources; that simply won't do. I must secure resources for Tian to ensure his path ahead is smooth," he resolved, a testament to the universal concern of a parent's heart.

The Ye family had written off Ye Tian as a lost cause, steadily decreasing their support. Determined, Ye Chengfeng sought alternative means to procure the necessary resources for his son.

At that moment, Ye Chengfeng's face was flushed, perhaps from the intensity of his emotions, which triggered a fierce bout of coughing.

Shakily, he reached for the tea on the desk, sipping it to soothe his throat, which helped his complexion improve slightly.

"I must visit the Lin family now. They've always been amenable to my requests," he thought, his eyes shining with determination. Before his injury, he had come to the Lin family's aid on numerous occasions, contributing to their current status.

Ye Chengfeng had never before asked the Lin family for favors, but for his son's sake, he was willing to swallow his pride.

"Xiao Xue, I'm off to the Lin family. When the young master returns, prepare some of his favorite dishes. The boy has truly made me proud today!"

Summoning all his strength, Ye Chengfeng straightened his posture, trying to appear more robust. Yet, to those familiar with the Spirit Profound Stage, his efforts were a poignant sight.

"Understood, Master!"

Su Xue promptly responded. As she watched Ye Chengfeng leave the house with great difficulty, a pang of sorrow filled her heart.

In his heyday, Ye Chengfeng could have reached the Lin family in mere moments using his Spirit Profound strength.

Yet now, that same journey took him as long as an incense stick to burn!

"Brother Ye, there's no need for you to come all this way. Just send a servant with your message. You should be resting," Lin Yuting chided gently as Ye Chengfeng entered the Lin family's main hall, where Lin Yuting sat in the seat of honor.

Lin Yuting's half-closed eyes observed Ye Chengfeng, his words causing a flush of embarrassment.

Since his injury, Ye Chengfeng's standing in the Ye family had been waning. The costly treatments had drained his resources, leaving only Su Xue to care for him and his son, Ye Tian, with no means to afford additional servants.

"Master Lin, you jest. I'm here to ask a favor of you. It wouldn't be like me, Ye Chengfeng, to put on airs under such circumstances..."

Ye Chengfeng had to swallow his pride, no longer able to maintain his former haughtiness as he bowed his head.

Lin Yuting, the patriarch of the Lin family, had been a close friend during Ye Chengfeng's more prosperous days, often deferring to him.

When his daughter, Lin Zhilan, was born, Lin Yuting had eagerly promised her hand to Ye Tian, hoping to solidify an alliance with the influential Ye Chengfeng.

Even Ye Tian's congenital meridian obstruction didn't deter Lin Yuting. But when Ye Chengfeng's fortunes turned, so did Lin Yuting's intentions.

Despite the lofty excuses given for breaking off the engagement, Ye Chengfeng understood the true motives.

Now, in need of assistance, he had to set aside past grievances and focus on the task at hand.

"Head of the Lin family, I've come to request some medicinal pills to enhance meridians. My son, Ye Tian, is in need of these pills for his nourishment..."

As he spoke, warmth spread across Ye Chengfeng's face, though his frailty betrayed him with a series of light coughs.

Lin Yuting, previously in high spirits, now furrowed his brows upon grasping Ye Chengfeng's implication. His fingers drummed restlessly, signaling his growing indecision.

"Brother Ye, as you're well aware, my niece has ascended to the sixth level of the Qi Profound Stage. The Lin family's expenses have been substantial of late..."

Lin Yuting's voice carried a somber undertone, his words lingering with a hint of foreboding, sparking an uneasy premonition in Ye Chengfeng.

"However, Elder Brother Ye, your word is my command. For nephew Ye Tian, I'll find a way!"

With a decisive snap of his fingers, Lin Yuting summoned his attendants. "Come now, fetch ten Marrow-Cleansing Pills for the Ye Family's Second Elder Brother!"

His feigned magnanimity hung in the air, leaving Ye Chengfeng momentarily stunned.