40: Family changes

He paused, as if composing himself, then slowly began to speak, recounting the story he had prepared: “On that day, in Huangsha Market, I encountered a Cultivator who tried to rob me, and I fled outwards. On my way back to Black Reef Island, as I reached the edge of the ‘Shattered Star Sea,’ I suddenly encountered a violent thunderstorm, a rare celestial phenomenon seen only once in a hundred years! The thunderclouds appeared without warning, covering the sky and the sun, with thunderous power, as if the sky was falling! My Moon Shuttle was completely powerless to resist and was instantly swept into it, its protective shield shattering almost instantly…”

He described it vividly, presenting the terrifying power of the thunderstorm, the thrilling loss of control of the Moon Shuttle, and the despair of his own Spiritual Qi depletion.

Everyone listened with solemn expressions; they had all heard of the dangers at the edge of the Shattered Star Sea.

“I was swept into the core of the thunderstorm, my Moon Shuttle was completely destroyed, and my own Meridians were injured by the violent power of the lightning. I fell unconscious, drifting with the chaotic currents of the storm… I don’t know how long passed before I woke up on an unknown barren reef.

That reef island was extremely small and uninhabited, with only some seabirds nesting there.

My Meridians were damaged, and my Spiritual Qi circulation was not smooth. I could only barely survive on the accumulated water in the rock crevices and by hunting some seabirds and sea fish, slowly healing my injuries… It took me more than a month to barely stabilize my injuries and regain some mobility.”

He skillfully omitted the specific location of the barren island and any valuable details about it, describing it only as a desolate place with nothing but rocks and bird droppings.

“Once my injuries were somewhat stable, I was consumed with anxiety, wanting only to return to the Family land as soon as possible. Without a Moon Shuttle, I could only risk navigating the nearshore waters, trying to find passing fishing boats or merchant ships.

Heaven rewards the diligent; after drifting for more than ten days at sea, I finally encountered a Mortal merchant ship heading to the ‘Huangsha Islands.’

I used the last few Spirit Stones I had to persuade the ship owner to give me a ride. After resting for a few days in the Huangsha Market and recovering my physical strength, I also repaired my Moon Shuttle and rushed back day and night.” Lin Feng’s tone was sincere, his eyes showing the fatigue of surviving a disaster and his longing for his Family.

This explanation's timeline matched, the location was vague, the encounter was reasonable, and the increase in his cultivation also had an explanation.

More importantly, he acted genuinely throughout, without any flaws.

Clan Chief Lin ZhengNan listened carefully, his gaze sharp, scrutinizing Lin Feng’s expression and aura.

Lin Feng’s sorrow, fear, and fatigue were all extremely natural, and his aura, suppressed at Qi Refining Sixth Stage, also conformed to the characteristics of “recovering from severe injuries, with slight improvement.”

Although he still had doubts in his heart, Lin Feng’s explanation was logically consistent, and seeing him return safely, the joy of having him back ultimately outweighed his doubts.

“It’s good that you’re back! It’s really good that you’re back!” Lin ZhengNan heavily patted Lin Feng’s shoulder, his eyes full of relief, “That you could survive such a dangerous situation and even, due to misfortune, Breakthrough to Qi Refining Sixth Stage, is truly a great fortune! It’s the ancestors’ blessing!”

He no longer delved into the details, simply attributing it to Lin Feng’s Luck.

At this moment, Lin QingYuan, who was standing nearby, took a step forward. His face was paler than two months ago, and his aura appeared unstable andVanity, with an lingering sense of melancholy between his brows.

He looked at Lin Feng, his voice low and hoarse: “Lin Feng, I’m relieved that you’re back safely. You… must have heard about the Market matter?” A hint of pain and deep unwillingness flashed in his eyes.

Lin Feng knew what he was referring to and immediately showed a concerned and solemn expression: “Second Uncle… When I was resting in the Huangsha Islands, I heard some rumors… that the Family acquired a Foundation Establishment Pill, but… Second Uncle, you…”

Lin ZhengNan sighed heavily, taking over the conversation, his tone filled with weariness and helplessness: “Alas, this matter… is hard to explain.

On that day, after acquiring the Foundation Establishment Pill, to prevent covetous individuals, your Second Uncle decided to rent a quiet room in the Market and consume it on the spot to attempt Foundation Establishment. Unfortunately… Heaven did not grant his wish.

When your Second Uncle was attempting to Breakthrough the bottleneck, his Spiritual Qi circulation went awry. Although the Medicinal Pill’s power protected his Heart-Nature and his life was not in danger, his Meridians were severely damaged. In this life… it will be difficult for him to glimpse the door of Foundation Establishment again.”

After he finished speaking, he seemed to age several years instantly. The Lin Family was already weak, and losing a key member with the most hope of Foundation Establishment was a huge blow.

Lin QingYuan pressed his lips together, clenching his fists until his knuckles turned white, ultimately only letting out a silent sigh. The surrounding Elders also shook their heads, and the atmosphere became heavy.

Lin Feng quickly bowed and said: “Second Uncle, please take care of your body! As long as the green mountains remain, there will be no shortage of firewood! The Family still needs you to oversee it!”

His comfort was truly heartfelt. Although Lin QingYuan was not a close relative to him, he was fair.

Lin ZhengNan nodded, changing the subject: “Lin Feng, now that you have returned safely and broken through to Qi Refining Middle Stage, according to Family rules, you should serve the Family and undertake tasks to receive your monthly Spirit Stone stipend. Do you… have any plans?”

Lin Feng’s heart stirred, knowing that the crucial moment had arrived. He looked up, his gaze frankly meeting the Clan Chief’s, his voice carrying a hint of earnestness and determination: “Grandpa Clan Chief, having experienced life and death this time, Lin Feng deeply feels his own weak strength and shallow knowledge.

If not for Luck, I would have long been buried in the belly of a fish. Therefore, Lin Feng earnestly requests the Clan Chief to allow me to go out for training! I want to go to more distant seas, to experience different customs, to temper my Dao Heart, and to seek opportunities for Breakthrough!”

As soon as these words came out, everyone was stunned. Going out for training was not uncommon in the Family, but it was usually only considered by elite disciples in the Qi Refining Late Stage who were preparing to attempt Foundation Establishment.

It was very rare for someone like Lin Feng, who had just entered the Qi Refining Middle Stage, to propose going on a long journey for training.

Lin ZhengNan frowned slightly: “Going out for training? Lin Feng, have you thought this through? The outside world is far more dangerous than the Family land, and the journey is long, without Family protection…”

“Grandpa Clan Chief!” Lin Feng interrupted, his tone even more resolute, “Lin Feng deeply knows the dangers! But precisely because of this, I need more tempering! Staying confined to one place, working behind closed doors, is not what I desire! We Cultivators should advance bravely and diligently! This experience has made me understand that only by becoming strong myself can I stand firm on this vast immortal Dao! Please grant my request, Clan Chief!”

He bowed deeply.

Lin ZhengNan looked at the young man before him, whose eyes were firm and whose demeanor was completely different from two months ago, and his heart was filled with emotion.

He recalled the few Spiritual Trees Lin Feng brought back, which added to the Family’s foundation; this was a great merit.

He also thought of his second son, Lin QingYuan’s, failure in Foundation Establishment, and the bleak future hopes of the Family. Although this young man with a Four Spiritual Root had ordinary Aptitude, his Heart-Nature and courage after experiencing life and death made him see a different kind of light.

After a long silence, Lin ZhengNan finally spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of complexity: “Alright… Since you have such ambition, I will not stop you. Just remember, always act within your capabilities, and survival comes first! The Family… cannot afford to lose another disciple.”

His words carried deep fatigue and expectation.

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