Chapter 31: The Arrival of the Second Child of Destiny, the Envious Seventh Prince

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, a fifteen-year-old boy stepped onto the sparring platform. He was thin and slight, his expression tense, his head hung low, not daring to meet the gaze of those below.

"Look who it is—it’s that piece of trash, Lin Yan!"

"I heard that since he joined the sect, his cultivation has been at a complete standstill. Still at the early stage of the Body Tempering Realm—utterly useless!"

"Having poor talent is one thing, but his comprehension is like that of a pig. He can't even grasp a Yellow-grade martial art. It’s a disgrace to have him as a fellow outer disciple."

"What a waste of space. If I were him, I’d be too ashamed to show my face; I would have packed up and left long ago. Staying in the sect is just a waste of time."

Many outer disciples recognized the boy and began to jeer without restraint. Among the new recruits, Lin Yan was universally acknowledged as the biggest loser, looked down upon even by the menial servants.

Hearing the mockery from all sides, Lin Yan’s body trembled slightly. His fists, hidden within his sleeves, tightened, his eyes filled with bitterness. He did not retort, nor did he pay heed to the ridicule. Instead, he bowed to Li Wudao and said earnestly, "Senior Brother Li, I am willing to pay one low-grade spirit stone. Please, teach me this martial art."

"Why? Are you not afraid that I might cheat you?" Li Wudao smiled. The boy’s temperament was quite admirable—neither servile nor overbearing.

"I am not... because I have already lost everything. I have nothing left to lose." Lin Yan’s reply was blunt and desperate.

Li Wudao was stunned. These words did not sound like they came from a fifteen-year-old boy; they sounded as if they had been forged by the trials of a long and weary life. Subconsciously, a strange light flickered in his pupils as he sized up Lin Yan.

[Name: Lin Yan]
[Age: 15]
[Realm: Early Body Tempering Stage]
[Talent: Low-grade Yellow (Trash Constitution)]
[Special Physique: None]
[Fortune: Low-grade Emperor (Child of Fortune)]
[System Evaluation: Tenacious temperament, grateful and loyal, turbulent destiny, a late bloomer.]
[Recent Events: His family was annihilated, suffering a great tragedy; he is the sole survivor, having joined the Xuantian Sect with a heart set on revenge. However, due to his poor aptitude, he feels his vengeance is hopeless and is currently plagued by sorrow...]

After reading the system's profile, Li Wudao froze, his expression turning bizarre. Low-grade Yellow talent combined with Low-grade Emperor fortune? Two extremes that should never intersect had appeared on the same person!

Suddenly, Li Wudao’s pupils constricted. "Family destroyed... trash constitution... Child of Fortune..." This was the textbook profile of a classic underdog protagonist!

Li Wudao’s mood was complex, though mostly filled with joy. Adding Lin Yan to Jiang Churan, this was his second protagonist of fortune. He knew all too well how rewarding it was to reap the returns from a destiny-favored protagonist. In an instant, his mind raced, already calculating how to "fleece the sheep." As a Child of Fortune, the rewards Lin Yan would trigger were sure to be impressive—though he wondered if they would match those of the girl, Jiang. If he could trigger an Emperor-grade reward, like an Emperor-level scripture or weapon—or better yet, an Immortal Herb—that would be ideal.

Thinking of this, the corners of Li Wudao’s mouth curled upward, and he nearly drooled.

"Senior Brother Li, why are you starting to drool?" Lin Yan asked, his voice tinged with doubt and a hint of regret for having come up here. This Senior Brother Li was clearly gifted, but he seemed a bit... strange.

"Nothing, nothing. Just lost in thought, haha." Li Wudao hurriedly wiped his mouth. "Junior Brother Lin, what martial art are you practicing? Bring it out and let me see."

Lin Yan produced a Yellow-grade high-rank martial art manual: *Thundercloud Spear*. It was a spear technique that, when mastered, allowed the user to move with the speed of rising clouds and the suddenness of thunder, rivaling a top-tier Yellow-grade technique. However, it was notoriously difficult, and few outer disciples ever reached perfection.

Li Wudao flipped through a few pages and asked casually, "What is it that you don't understand, Junior Brother Lin?" To him, this technique was mundane and unremarkable.

"This..." Lin Yan sighed, embarrassed. "To be honest, Senior Brother, my aptitude is too dull. Ever since I joined the sect, I have studied it day and night, yet I have never grasped the essence of it, nor even found the right path."

A roar of laughter erupted from below. Lin Yan’s reputation as the sect's biggest failure was now firmly set.

Li Wudao couldn't help but glance at him, speechless. Lin Yan’s talent for cultivation was on par with his own fishing skills—a bit like trying to prop up a wall of mud. Yet, Li Wudao felt no disdain, only a growing sense of gravity. Based on his knowledge of "underdog" protagonists, the boy would likely stage a sudden comeback, shocking everyone and ascending to the peak of his life. He had to befriend him; he must not offend him.

"Lend me a spear. I will demonstrate it for you once on the spot. Watch closely." Li Wudao suppressed his impatience.

"Ah? Alright..." Lin Yan was stunned, unable to believe that the other had grasped it so quickly. He didn't dare to doubt him and quickly produced a black iron spear. The shaft was dull and plain; it had cost him five low-grade spirit stones—half a month’s stipend.

Li Wudao took the spear, feeling a flicker of sympathy. The craftsmanship was poor, made from scraps of black iron, barely qualifying as a low-grade Yellow spirit tool. "This lad hasn't had it easy," Li Wudao mused, deciding to teach him with genuine care.

Under the gaze of the crowd, Li Wudao began to wield the black iron spear on the platform. To ensure Lin Yan understood, he deliberately slowed down every movement. A routine that should have taken a quarter of an hour was drawn out to the duration of an incense stick.

By then, the mocking jeers from below had faded away. The crowd watched the boy dancing with the spear, all of them lost in a trance. Gradually, the only sound left was the whistling wind of the spear.

"No way, he actually knows it?!"

"Holy hell, that really is the *Thundercloud Spear*. Every movement is fluid, the thrusts are like thunderbolts—it’s clearly at the level of perfection!"

"Damn, it took me a whole year to master this spear technique. This guy is way too strong!"

Many inner disciples who had practiced the same technique were shocked. Li Wudao had just joined the sect, yet he could execute a Yellow-grade high-rank technique to perfection—enough to make them look at him with new eyes.

"How was it? How much did you learn?" Li Wudao finished his routine and returned the spear to Lin Yan.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Li. I feel I have gained much, but..." Lin Yan scratched his head, his eyes filled with both excitement and confusion. Having an expert demonstrate the technique live had been immensely helpful.

"You are the first who has been willing to trust me. I will make an exception and teach you a bit longer. Go up and practice it yourself; I will point out your mistakes." Li Wudao pondered for a moment. If it were anyone else, he wouldn't bother, but Lin Yan was a Child of Fortune—the treatment had to be different. Most importantly, teaching him would yield rich returns.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Li." Lin Yan bowed again, a glimmer of emotion in his eyes. Ever since his family was wiped out, he had wandered alone, and no one had shown him care. Li Wudao was the only one willing to lower his status to help him.

After an hour of patient guidance, Lin Yan successfully reached the "Subtle" stage, able to execute the technique fully, needing only further refinement.

"I... I really learned it!" On the stage, Lin Yan gripped the black iron spear tightly, a flush of excitement on his young face. "Thank you, Senior Brother Li. I will remember your kindness in my heart. If you ever need anything, I will not hesitate to serve!"

The boy bowed deeply. He then fumbled for three low-grade spirit stones and carefully handed them over. "Forgive me, Senior Brother. I’ve wasted so much of your time, and this is all I have left. Please take it; I will compensate you properly later."

Lin Yan scratched his head, embarrassed. If not for Li Wudao’s patient teaching, he might never have found the way. Such grace could not be measured by mere spirit stones.

"It is nothing. As fellow disciples, we should help one another." Li Wudao put on a righteous expression, spouting nonsense—he couldn't possibly reveal his true intentions. "I said one spirit stone for one lesson. Keep the rest, Junior Brother Lin."

Under the surprised gazes of the crowd, he took only a single low-grade spirit stone. Lin Yan was already miserable enough; if he weren't afraid of being suspected, he wouldn't have taken a single cent.

This scene moved many disciples, changing their view of Li Wudao entirely. Consistent in word and deed, ungreedy for wealth, unperturbed by praise or blame, and concerned for others—he was like a saint! Many disciples felt ashamed, deeply guilty for their earlier harsh words. Some were moved to tears, whispering, "There are still good people in the world..."

In an instant, the martial arena erupted in cheers, the earlier mockery drowned out by voices supporting Li Wudao. Li Wudao was bewildered. What happened? He hadn't done anything; why had they stopped cursing him and started praising him instead?

Below, those who were close to Li Wudao wore strange expressions. "Brother Li is truly full of surprises..."

"Indeed." Wang Zhao and Qiu Zishi exchanged a bitter smile.

Jiang Churan’s beautiful eyes flickered as she watched the refined boy on the stage. Her heart felt as if a container of a thousand flavors had been overturned. She hadn't expected Li Wudao to take a "trash" disciple and bring him to the "Subtle" stage of a martial art in just one hour. She had watched the whole process, and even with her own martial experience, reaching such a level in so short a time was difficult.

What surprised her most was that Li Wudao had only accepted one spirit stone! Such a thankless task, yet he had done it with patience and a genuine, pure smile. She could tell his smile was from the heart—he seemed truly happy.

Jiang Churan was puzzled. What was there to be happy about in such a thing? Did he really not seek a reward, simply enjoying the joy of helping others? Once this thought surfaced, the girl's gaze changed. If that were true, Li Wudao’s actions truly carried a shadow of the ancient sages. Even as a reincarnated Empress, she couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. In this world of "survival of the fittest," where right and wrong were blurred, such selfless, saintly spirit was truly rare.

"He really seems to have changed. What kind of person is he..." she murmured, her eyes reflecting the boy's profile, filled with curiosity and the desire to explore. In her past life, the only person in the entire Xuantian Sect who could catch her eye was the Head of the Misty Peak. Now, besides Xia Gucheng, there was a Li Wudao.

"Damn it! What is so interesting about that pretty boy?" The scene was not lost on Qi Xingyu. He gritted his teeth, his jealousy bordering on madness. In terms of looks and background, he believed he didn't lose to Li Wudao. In terms of talent, both were Earth-grade. Though the other had better comprehension, he had practiced martial arts since childhood and was confident he could easily defeat him.

"No, I can't let this kid keep putting on this act. I must find a way to make him embarrass himself." Qi Xingyu paced, his face flushed with anger. He was used to being a bully and could not stand seeing the woman he desired admiring another man—not even for a second.

Suddenly, a scheme formed in his mind. He called over a fellow disciple from the Blazing Sun Peak. Qi Xingyu produced a martial arts manual and whispered, "Wu Shan, I will lend you a Heaven-grade technique. Go and challenge him. If you learn it, it will be your good fortune..."