Chapter 1037: Humiliation

The Lin family’s ancestral mansion.

The seven clan leaders gathered together, discussing among themselves.

“These disciples that Han Yu brought back from the sect seem quite domineering.”

“It’s obvious they don’t take us seriously at all. The way they look at us is like looking at livestock.”

“Now, that’s going too far. How could they see us as animals?”

“I’m just saying, that’s how I feel.”

“Sigh, sometimes when your strength is lacking, you’re always at someone else’s mercy. Take Lin Xiong for example—his children entered the sect, his son has had no contact for three years, and now his daughter brings back a senior apprentice sister who’s so arrogant. Lin Xiong must be having a hard time.”

“Shall we go check it out?”

“No, we’ll only stir up trouble. Let’s just wait and see what happens first.”

“Alright.”

What the clan leaders were discussing was indeed happening.

Lin Haoming was currently in a terrible headache. These people acted as if they were ancestors of the Lin family, treating the household like their servants. If it weren’t for their overwhelming strength, he would have already confronted them.

At the dinner table.

Lin Haoming wasn’t sitting at the main seat; instead, Ning Tiekun occupied it.

“Please, everyone, enjoy the meal,” Lin Haoming said politely with a smile.

Lin Feixue, Lin Lan’er, and Madam Lin sat there silently, sensing that something was off with the current atmosphere.

“No need. Mundane food is not fit for our mouths,” Ning Tiekun replied, then took out a pill and swallowed it.

Of the three senior apprentices who had returned with Lin Hanyu, one who had a good relationship with Hanyu picked up chopsticks and began eating. “Not bad, the taste is quite good.”

Lin Hanyu shot a grateful glance toward Senior Apprentice Sister Xiao Yuya.

The other two apprentices, however, followed Ning Tiekun’s lead and didn’t touch the food, clearly unimpressed.

“Very well then, please eat more. My daughter has been under your care at the sect,” Lin Haoming said.

“Yu’er, I heard from your father that you’ve become an outer sect disciple. How is it? Is it much better than before? Better than being a regular disciple?” Madam Lin asked.

Lin Hanyu was actually unsure how to respond. Outer sect disciples held little status in the sect, much lower than inner sect disciples, and were treated like ants. But to reassure her family, she naturally nodded. “Yes, it’s much better now that I’m an outer sect disciple.”

“As long as it’s good, that’s all that matters,” Madam Lin sighed in relief.

Lin Feixue and Lin Lan’er continued eating silently.

Then Lin Lan’er looked up. “It would be nice if Brother were here.”

“Dad, has there really been no word from my younger brother in three years?” Lin Hanyu asked.

After joining the sect, she had learned how things worked there—fierce competition and constant danger. If there had been no news for three years, the situation was hard to imagine.

Lin Haoming nodded. “Yes, no news at all. I don’t know what that kid is up to.”

“I’d say the odds are against him,” Ning Tiekun remarked casually.

He didn’t seem to care about the atmosphere at all.

As expected, after Ning Tiekun spoke, the expressions of Lin Haoming and the others subtly changed.

Lin Lan’er immediately retorted, “You’re lying! My brother is fine!”

“En?” Ning Tiekun’s expression darkened, clearly growing angry.

Lin Hanyu, knowing Ning Tiekun’s background, turned pale with fear. She wasn’t close to him—only one of the senior apprentices was. This time, on their way back, they had encountered Ning Tiekun, and she barely knew anything about him. But since the senior apprentices treated him with respect, she naturally understood not to provoke him.

“You dare say I’m lying?” Ning Tiekun’s expression hardened, his anger rising. Lin Lan’er was immediately frightened, sitting there frozen.

“Senior Ning, please calm down. My younger sister is still young and doesn’t know better,” Lin Hanyu quickly interjected.

Beside her, Senior Apprentice Xiao Yuya also chimed in. “Senior Ning, are you really upset over this?”

Lin Haoming also hurriedly apologized.

This visit from Hanyu had brought people they disliked, but what could they do? Clearly, these people were not to be trifled with. If they offended them, what power did the Lin family have to resist?

Besides, their daughter was still in the sect. If they angered these people and they retaliated against her, what would they do then?

“Hmph!” Ning Tiekun coldly snorted, like a king looking down from above. “If this happens again, I won’t show mercy.”

“Waaah!” Lin Lan’er burst into tears and immediately ran out.

Lin Hanyu felt anger rising inside her but dared not show it.

Lin Feixue and Madam Lin chased after her.

Though Lin Haoming was displeased, he could only force a smile and apologize awkwardly.

Seeing the scene, Xiao Yuya helplessly shook her head at Lin Hanyu, indicating there was nothing she could do.

Ning Tiekun’s status was extraordinary—beyond their ability to oppose. They could only endure it.

The meal ended in extreme awkwardness, with Lin Haoming and the others barely daring to breathe.

Though Lin Hanyu was an outer sect disciple, in Ning Tiekun’s eyes, she was no better than an ant—expendable and insignificant.

The next day.

News of Lin Hanyu’s return had spread throughout Shenglong City, but everyone knew she had brought others with her—people whose status surpassed even hers within the sect.

Some wanted to make contact, but upon hearing that these people didn’t even respect the Lin family, they gave up. People this difficult to deal with weren’t worth the trouble.

On the street.

Ning Tiekun and others walked ahead while Lin Haoming followed behind, introducing the sights of Shenglong City.

Ning Tiekun held his head high, seemingly looking down on everyone.

People passing by immediately scattered, afraid to approach or even look.

Beside him, Lin Hanyu felt extremely embarrassed and filled with resentment.

“Senior Ning, this is the most prosperous area of Shenglong City,” Lin Haoming said.

“Hmph.” Ning Tiekun nodded.

Suddenly, Ning Tiekun’s eyes lit up, and he immediately pushed Lin Haoming aside, rushing forward.

Lin Haoming nearly fell but was caught by someone.

Ning Tiekun was so excited because he had spotted someone familiar.

“Senior Zhou, Senior Wang, long time no see!” Ning Tiekun approached a stall and greeted with a bow.

The two men, who were buying some worldly goods, looked up in surprise upon hearing his voice. “Oh, it’s Ning Brother.”

Lin Haoming and others quickly approached.

Ning Tiekun disdainfully glanced at Lin Haoming and the others. “Let me introduce you two—these are Senior Zhou and Senior Wang, inner sect disciples of the Heaven and Earth Sect.”

Hearing their identities, Lin Hanyu’s senior apprentices were immediately excited. “Greetings, Senior Brothers.”

The Heaven and Earth Sect was a major sect across the Infinite Continent, and its inner sect disciples were far superior to those from other sects.

Upon hearing they were disciples of the Heaven and Earth Sect, Lin Haoming was overjoyed and rushed forward to grab their hands. “May I ask—”

But before Lin Haoming could finish speaking, Ning Tiekun’s expression darkened, and he kicked Lin Haoming aside.

“Reckless! How dare you touch the seniors? Lin Hanyu, control your father, or there will be serious consequences,” Ning Tiekun coldly warned.

“You—” Lin Hanyu could no longer hold back her anger, but she sighed and helped her father up. “Dad, ask later when there’s a chance.”

Lin Haoming nodded.

Ning Tiekun coldly snorted, then turned back to the two seniors with a smile. “Senior Brothers, why don’t I treat you both to a welcome feast?”

“That would be wonderful. Thank you, Senior Ning,” the two readily agreed. Naturally, they were delighted at the offer.

At this moment, Ning Tiekun whispered to Lin Hanyu, “Quickly, have your father and those from the clans prepare something.”

Before Lin Hanyu could say anything, Xiao Yuya tugged at her sleeve and nodded, signaling her not to speak.