Chapter 1037: Humiliation

The Lin family's old residence.

The heads of the seven great families gathered together, discussing among themselves.

"Those sect disciples that Hanyu brought back seem quite overbearing."

"It's obvious they don't take us seriously. They look at us like we're livestock."

"That's not quite right, is it? How could they see us as livestock?"

"I'm just saying. Anyway, that's how I feel."

"Ah, sometimes when you're weak, you're always under someone else's thumb. Take Brother Lin, for example. His children entered the sect. His son hasn't been heard from in three years, and the senior sister his daughter brought back is so arrogant. Brother Lin must be having a hard time now."

"Should we go check on him?"

"No, if we go, we'll just cause trouble. Let's wait and see."

"Alright."

What the heads of the seven great families had said actually came true.

Lin Haoming had a splitting headache. These fellows were like ancestors; after arriving at the Lin residence, they acted as if the Lin family were their servants. If not for their overwhelming strength, he would have turned against them.

At the dinner table.

Lin Haoming did not sit in the seat of honor; that seat was taken by Ning Tiekun.

"Please, enjoy the meal," Lin Haoming said politely, with a smile.

Lin Feixue, Lin Lan'er, and Mrs. Lin sat there in silence, feeling that something was amiss.

"No need. Mundane things are not fit to eat," Ning Tiekun said, then took out a pill and swallowed it.

Among the three senior sisters who had returned with Lin Hanyu, one had a good relationship with Hanyu. She picked up her chopsticks and began to eat. "Not bad, it tastes good."

Lin Hanyu cast a grateful look at Senior Sister Xiao Yuya.

The other two senior sisters, like Ning Tiekun, did not touch the food, clearly looking down on it.

"Good, then eat more. My daughter has been in the sect, and I thank you all for looking after her," Lin Haoming said.

"Yu'er, I heard from your father that you've become an outer disciple. How is it? Is it much better than before?" Mrs. Lin asked.

Lin Hanyu didn't know how to answer. As an outer disciple in the sect, she had little status—less than inner disciples, all mere ants. But to reassure her family, she nodded. "Yes, it's good. Becoming an outer disciple is much better than before."

"As long as it's good," Mrs. Lin said, relieved.

Lin Feixue and Lin Lan'er ate with their heads down.

Lin Lan'er looked up. "If only big brother were here."

"Father, has there really been no news from little brother in three years?" Lin Hanyu asked.

After entering the sect, she had learned about its conditions: fierce competition among disciples and full of dangers. If there had been no news for three years, the situation was unimaginable.

Lin Haoming nodded. "Yes, no news for three years. I don't know what that boy is up to."

"I think it's more likely that he's in grave danger," Ning Tiekun said.

He seemed completely indifferent to those around him.

Sure enough, after Ning Tiekun spoke, Lin Haoming and the others' expressions changed slightly.

Lin Lan'er spoke up, "You're lying! My brother will be fine!"

"Hmm?" Ning Tiekun's expression shifted, as if he was getting angry.

Lin Hanyu knew Ning Tiekun's background and turned pale with fear. She wasn't familiar with Ning Tiekun; only one senior sister knew him well. On this trip back, the three senior sisters had accompanied her, and they had met Ning Tiekun on the way. She knew little about him.

But since her senior sister treated him with respect, she knew he was not to be trifled with.

"You say I'm lying?" Ning Tiekun's expression hardened, anger boiling. Seeing this, Lin Lan'er was frightened and sat there dumbfounded.

"Young Master Ning, please calm down. My little sister is young and doesn't understand," Lin Hanyu said.

The senior sister Xiao Yuya also chimed in, "Young Master Ning, are you really going to get angry over this?"

Lin Haoming quickly apologized as well.

This time, Hanyu had brought back people they didn't like, but what could they do? The visitors were clearly not simple, and if they offended them, the Lin family had no means to resist.

Moreover, his daughter was still in that sect. If they offended them, they might make things difficult for her.

"Hmph," Ning Tiekun snorted coldly, like a lofty king. "If there's a next time, I will not spare you."

"Wah..." Lin Lan'er was frightened into tears and immediately ran out.

Lin Hanyu felt anger inside but dared not show it.

Lin Feixue and Mrs. Lin chased after her.

Though displeased, Lin Haoming could only force an awkward smile.

Xiao Yuya looked at the situation, then shook her head helplessly at Lin Hanyu, indicating there was nothing she could do.

Ning Tiekun's status was extraordinary; they couldn't oppose him. They could only endure.

The meal was extremely awkward. Lin Haoming and the others hardly dared to breathe.

Although Lin Hanyu was an outer disciple, in Ning Tiekun's eyes, she was like an ant, no different from cannon fodder.

The next day.

News of Lin Hanyu's return had spread through Shenglong City, but everyone knew that some people had come back with her, people of higher status in the sect than Hanyu.

Some wanted to make connections, but when they heard that even the Lin family was treated with disrespect, they held back. Such difficult people were best avoided.

On the street.

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

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

Passersby quickly scattered, not daring to approach.

Lin Hanyu stood by, feeling both embarrassed and indignant.

"Young Master Ning, this is the busiest area of Shenglong City," Lin Haoming said.

"Mm," Ning Tiekun nodded.

Just then, Ning Tiekun's eyes lit up, and he immediately pushed Lin Haoming aside and rushed forward.

Lin Haoming, caught off guard, nearly fell but was steadied by someone.

Ning Tiekun was so excited because he had seen an acquaintance.

"Brother Zhou, Brother Wang, long time no see!" Ning Tiekun said, cupping his hands at a stall.

The two men, who were buying some mundane items, looked up upon hearing the voice, then paused. "Oh, it's Brother Ning."

Lin Haoming and the others quickly approached.

Ning Tiekun looked disdainfully at Lin Haoming and the others. "Let me introduce you. These are Inner Disciples of the Tiandi Sect, Brothers Zhou and Wang."

Lin Hanyu's senior sisters, upon hearing their identities, became excited. "Greetings, Senior Brothers."

The Tiandi Sect was a major sect in the Endless Continent, and its inner disciples were extraordinary, not comparable to those of their own sect.

When Lin Haoming heard they were disciples of the Tiandi Sect, he became excited and immediately stepped forward to grab them. "Excuse me..."

But before Lin Haoming could finish, Ning Tiekun's expression changed, and he kicked Lin Haoming away.

"How dare you! These two senior brothers are not for you to grab. Lin Hanyu, keep your father in line, or there will be trouble," Ning Tiekun said coldly.

"You..." Lin Hanyu couldn't take it anymore, but then sighed and helped her father up. "Father, we'll ask another time."

Lin Haoming nodded.

Ning Tiekun snorted coldly, then turned to the two senior brothers with a smile. "Senior Brothers, how about letting me host a welcome feast for you?"

"Then we'll thank Brother Ning," the two said without objection. A free feast was welcome.

Then Ning Tiekun said quietly to Lin Hanyu, "Hurry up and tell your father and those family members to prepare."

Lin Hanyu wanted to say something, but Xiao Yuya tugged at her and nodded, signaling her not to say more.

……