Volume One, Chapter 19: As His Name Rises Within the Sect, the Winds of Envy Begin to Blow

The setting sun cast its lingering glow upon the mountain gate of the Ancient Path Sect, bathing the imposing plaque in a layer of golden radiance. Lin Fan and his companions, basking in this warm light, stepped into the sect. Though dust-streaked and weary from their journey, their eyes sparkled with the light of victory.

“Look, they’ve returned!”
“It really is them! I’m not mistaken, right?”

The disciples gathered before the gate erupted like a boiling pot, their shouts and murmurs rising in waves. They surged forward, curiously scrutinizing Lin Fan and his group as if beholding heroes returning from the battlefield. Lin Fan became the center of attention.

Cheers and praises swelled like a tide. Surrounded by the crowd, Lin Fan felt the rare honor wash over him. He scanned the faces around him, each filled with curiosity and admiration, a swell of pride rising within his heart. He could sense that he was no longer the unnoticed menial disciple; he had become the focus of everyone’s gaze.

Yet amid this sea of joy, a faint unease stirred within him. Beneath the calm surface, he sensed a lurking undercurrent. Among the crowd, some outer disciples cast sideways glances at Lin Fan, who was embraced by the crowd. One of them, Wang Chong, wore a sneer. He curled his lips and muttered low to his companion, “Hmph, what’s so great about him? Just lucky, picking up scraps others discarded, and suddenly a hero?”

“Exactly. I don’t see what there is to brag about,” another disciple chimed in.

Their whispered words spread stealthily like a breeze through the crowd. These words, like tiny seeds, began to take root in the hearts of some disciples. The once enthusiastic atmosphere subtly shifted.

Wang Chong clenched his fist tightly, his nails digging into his palm as he stared at Lin Fan surrounded by admirers. He thought bitterly: Why should Lin Fan receive such attention? I’m no less worthy!

The murmurs grew, evolving from whispers into veiled doubts, forming an invisible net that enveloped Lin Fan. He keenly sensed this change; the atmosphere around him felt strange. His brows furrowed lightly, the unease in his heart intensifying. He knew that this sudden attention, while bringing honor, might also invite jealousy and trouble.

At that moment, a voice whispered in his ear, “Lin Fan, you’ve truly achieved great merit this time...” The voice abruptly stopped, as if foreshadowing what was to come.

Though the murmurs were soft, Lin Fan’s ears caught every word clearly.

---

He smiled faintly, his face devoid of anger or resentment. Raising his gaze to the sky, he watched as the sunset’s glow gradually faded, leaving only a pale orange-red hue on the horizon. Yet his heart remained unmoved, as if those words had no effect on him.

“Just idle gossip, not worth mentioning,” Lin Fan murmured with a hint of calmness in his voice.

Shouldering his belongings, he strode steadily toward his residence. The disciples nearby, observing Lin Fan’s seemingly indifferent demeanor, exchanged puzzled looks. They couldn’t understand how he could remain so composed in the face of jealousy and suspicion.

However, Lin Fan’s tranquility did not quell those harboring ill will. On the contrary, they became more active, even deliberately creating noise to disrupt his cultivation. Whenever Lin Fan entered his meditation, attempting to calm his mind, someone nearby would shout or make strange noises on purpose.

These disturbances pierced Lin Fan’s spirit like arrows, preventing him from fully immersing himself in cultivation. His brows tightened, and a wordless irritation welled up inside him. The noise was like invisible shackles, binding his heart tightly. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, but the oppressive feeling lingered.

He stood, a flicker of determination flashing in his eyes. He knew he must not be troubled by such petty tricks, yet the fire of anger quietly burned within him.

Just then, a voice sounded beside him: “Lin Fan, you can’t keep enduring this forever. Some people simply don’t deserve your magnanimity.”

Turning, Lin Fan saw Zhang Meng standing not far off, his eyes shining with resolve and concern. Their gazes met, both understanding that this might only be the beginning; the real test still lay ahead.

Zhang Meng couldn’t stand it any longer; his brows knitted tightly as he strode over, placing one hand firmly on Lin Fan’s shoulder while pointing with the other at the outer disciples causing the disturbances.

“You all have gone too far! Lin Fan has made great contributions. You may be jealous, but you cannot deliberately sabotage his cultivation like this!”

The jealous disciples froze, unprepared for someone to openly defend Lin Fan. Wang Chong shot Zhang Meng a cold glare, a sneer curling his lips. “Great contributions? Just luck. What’s there to brag about! You menial disciples always think too highly of yourselves.”

Lin Fan’s eyes calmly swept the crowd. Though his heart burned with anger, his face remained composed. Zhang Meng, however, was less restrained. He stepped forward to confront Wang Chong face to face.

“If you’re jealous, just say it straight. Stop with these low tricks!”

The onlookers began to murmur—some worried for Zhang Meng, fearing he’d be at a disadvantage; others delighted, anticipating a spectacle. The air thickened with tension as both sides’ momentum escalated, seemingly on the verge of explosion.

Suddenly, a commanding voice rang out: “Enough!”

Everyone turned to see an elder in a blue robe, his face lined with wrinkles, walking slowly toward the scene. His gaze swept over the assembly like a sharp sword. The jealous disciples immediately lowered their heads, silenced by his presence.

---

The elder’s eyes finally settled on Lin Fan, a trace of admiration gleaming within them.

“Lin Fan, your achievements this time are recognized by all within the sect. Those who envy you do so because you truly are outstanding. However, this behavior is unbecoming.”

The elder’s words struck like a hammer, awakening everyone. The jealous ones bowed their heads in admission, no longer daring to resist.

A surge of relief coursed through Lin Fan’s heart as he finally felt the recognition he deserved.

The elder turned to Lin Fan and said, “Remember, true strength is not disturbed by petty tricks. Keep striving forward, and you will become the pride of the sect.”

The elder’s words gradually quelled the fire within Lin Fan’s heart. He nodded slightly, filled with gratitude.

The surrounding disciples dispersed, the tense atmosphere easing.

Just as Lin Fan prepared to leave, a gentle voice whispered in his ear, “Lin Fan, you did well.”

Turning, Lin Fan saw Xia Jiang standing nearby. She approached gracefully, exuding a faint, delicate fragrance like wild lilies blooming in the mountains. Her gentle gaze sparkled with starlight, as brilliant as the brightest star in the night sky.

She softly linked her arm through Lin Fan’s, her tender hand warm against his. A comforting warmth instantly spread through his body. The surrounding air seemed sweetened, filled with a tender, romantic aura.

Lin Fan felt the warmth of Xia Jiang’s kindness flood his chest, and a faint smile naturally curved his lips.

Yet this peaceful moment did not last long.

Just as everyone thought the matter had settled, a sudden announcement thundered through the sect: a contest was about to be held, with rare cultivation resources as the prize!

Like a stone cast into a still lake, the news stirred up waves throughout the sect, setting it abuzz with excitement and tension.

Disciples rushed to spread the word, discussing fervently, the air thick with anticipation.

Upon hearing this, Lin Fan clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within him, his heart blazing with fighting spirit. He knew that in this contest, he must give his all to claim ultimate victory.

Drawing a deep breath, he soaked in the charged atmosphere.

“Lin Fan, you must be careful...” Xia Jiang’s voice carried a hint of worry. She gripped his hand tightly, as if transmitting her strength to him.

Lin Fan turned to look at her—

At that moment, a figure approached slowly and stopped before Lin Fan. Looking down at him with a cold smile, the man said, “Lin Fan, we meet again.”

It was Wang Chong, his eyes flashing with jealousy and resentment, his tone laden with provocation.

Lin Fan met Wang Chong’s gaze without a trace of fear, replying slowly, “I know what you’re after...”