C7 The Newcomer Ling Yunfan

In the early morning, a massive mountain peak was enshrouded in dense fog, creating a blurred and hazy landscape that obscured visibility.

"Huff... Huff..."

Deep in the forest at the mountain's summit, the sound of labored breathing echoed incessantly. Drawing closer, one could see a young man lying on the ground beneath a tree, gasping for air, drenched in sweat.

It was Ling Yunfan, who had managed to scale the cliff in one determined effort.

"I never imagined the cliff would be so tall. I nearly didn't make it," he said to himself, a hint of fear in his voice as he eyed the daunting precipice nearby. "If it had been even a few dozen meters higher, I doubt I could have climbed it with my current level of cultivation. It must be over two hundred meters."

Time passed, and as the fog lifted, Ling Yunfan regained his strength. He set off down the mountain, eager to get back to the Ling family and reassure his father and Ms. Ling Hong of his safety. Four days had elapsed since his fall, and after three exhausting days of cultivation, he had taken an extra day of rest before making the climb from the cliff's base.

Ling Tianba, his father, would surely be fraught with worry over his son's four-day disappearance. Before vanishing, Ling Yunfan was only at Body Refining Level Two—a level at which an encounter with either a demonic beast or a criminal would likely be fatal.

Hiss... Hiss... Hiss...

Lost in thought about how to secure more resources for his cultivation once he returned, Ling Yunfan was interrupted by a sound that struck a chord of familiarity.

"Bloodthirsty Purple Pattern Snake!" His eyes sharpened as he spotted the large purple snake blocking his path. Yet, he soon spoke with a half-smile, "We meet again. You know, you're somewhat of a savior to me. Without you, I wouldn't be here today. So, I'll let bygones be bygones. Scram before I change my mind—I'd rather not take a life." With that, Ling Yunfan couldn't help but show a look of feigned difficulty.

Upon hearing Ling Yunfan's taunting words and seeing his infuriating smirk, even the Bloodthirsty Purple Pattern Snake, which couldn't comprehend human speech, was instantly provoked. Its eyes, brimming with murderous intent, glinted with ferocity. With a guttural growl, it launched a swift tail strike at Ling Yunfan.

Ling Yunfan's demeanor shifted to one of grave focus as he quickly extended his hand in a defensive posture.

*Crack!*

The snake's tail, carrying a force of 2,500 kilograms, struck Ling Yunfan's hand with a resounding smack, only to be flawlessly parried. But Ling Yunfan wasn't finished; he reached out with his other hand, seizing the snake. Using his full strength to grip it, he rendered the struggling Bloodthirsty Purple Pattern Snake motionless, its inability to withstand the pain forcing it into submission.

The snake, realizing that the human before it could not only withstand its full-force attack with a single hand but also effortlessly subdue it, shifted its gaze from shock to terror. Its body quivered uncontrollably, a pitiful expression emerging as if pleading for mercy.

Bang!

Yet, Ling Yunfan harbored no sympathy for the pitiful creature before him. With an impassive face, he gathered all his might, over five thousand kilograms of force, into his fist and struck the snake's vulnerable spot.

No matter how formidable its defenses, the Bloodthirsty Purple Pattern Snake couldn't survive the blow from Ling Yunfan's powerful punch and soon lay lifeless.

"I didn't want to resort to violence, but you left me no choice by seeking your own demise. Besides, I'm in need of some cash, and you've just made my day," Ling Yunfan said with a nonchalant shrug before continuing his descent down the mountain.

...

Back at the Ling family estate, Ling Hong, with a hint of concern on her face, addressed the weary Ling Tianba, "Mr. Tianba, please don't worry too much. I'll head back to the forest where Mr. Yunfan frequently trains. Perhaps he's simply lost track of time while engrossed in his cultivation. I'm sure he's fine."

"I sure hope so. I'll head out and search for him in a bit," Ling Tianba said slowly, rising from his chair upon hearing the news.

"Is someone missing from the family? Who are you looking for?"

At that moment, a voice both of them recognized all too well drifted in from outside.

"That voice is—!" Ling Hong's face lit up with joy as she turned around, beaming. "Ha, isn't that Yunfan? He's finally returned!"

Ling Tianba, who was nearby, caught sight of Ling Yunfan in his ragged clothing and innocent smile, and couldn't contain his excitement.

As Ling Yunfan approached them, he immediately apologized, "I'm so sorry for causing you and Ms. Ling Hong such concern."

"As long as you're safe, that's all that matters," Ling Tianba replied, his face filled with affection as he checked his son for any injuries. But upon feeling Ling Yunfan's energy, he exclaimed in astonishment, "Fann, you've reached Body Refining Level Six! Have you broken through?"

Ling Tianba's words left Ling Hong, who had been smiling at the scene, equally stunned. After a moment of sensing the energy emanating from Ling Yunfan, she asked incredulously, "How did you manage to advance from Body Refining Level Two to Six in just a few days, Mr. Yunfan?"

Confronted with their astonishment and excitement, Ling Yunfan stuck to the story he'd concocted on his way back, "I really can't explain it. I was famished in the woods one day and ate a strange fruit. After that, I noticed my cultivation was improving at a rate several times faster than before. Before I knew it, I had advanced to Body Refining Level Six."

After spinning such a dubious tale, even Ling Yunfan couldn't help but feel he was underestimating his father and Ms. Ling Hong's intelligence.

"Mr. Tianba, now that Yunfan has returned unharmed and even advanced his cultivation, I should head back and start preparing for the Family Great Competition next month," Ling Hong addressed Ling Tianba, then made her way to the door. As she passed by Ling Yunfan, she offered words of encouragement, "Keep up the hard work with your cultivation, Mr. Yunfan!"

Ling Tianba barely gave a second thought to Ling Hong's departure. His attention was now wholly on his son, Ling Yunfan. He felt a genuine sense of joy for Yunfan's recent breakthrough in his cultivation, especially considering the significant progress made in such a short span of time. If Yunfan kept up his training, there was a real chance he could survive the looming two-year challenge.

"Yunfan's words earlier might have come off as dismissive, but I'm convinced he's stumbled upon some incredible fortune. Maybe that strange celestial event we witnessed is connected to him. It's hard to notice, but it's clear that Yunfan has changed; he's like a man reborn. It's absolutely astonishing!" Ling Tianba mused to himself, a warm smile on his face as he watched his son.

Gurgle... Gurgle...

"Hahaha..." The sound erupting from Yunfan's belly snapped Ling Tianba out of his reverie, and he burst into laughter. Heading towards the door, he called out, "I'll have someone whip up a meal for you. Then, let's you and I share a toast to celebrate your advancement in cultivation."

With that, Ling Tianba was gone, and Ling Yunfan, without a word, took a seat on a nearby chair to wait.