The outer yard was busy that morning.
The sound of wood splitting echoed again and again.
Crack!
Ye Feng stood beside a pile of firewood, swinging his axe steadily. His movements were calm and controlled, far more stable than before.
Some nearby disciples began to notice.
"Doesn't he seem… different?"
"Different? He's still trash."
"Yeah, don't overthink it."
Even so, they kept watching.
Just then—
A figure walked into the yard.
Ye Lin.
He was followed by two others, all wearing mocking expressions.
"Well, well… if it isn't our 'five-element genius.'"
His voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.
The courtyard quieted slightly.
Ye Feng paused for a moment.
Then—
Crack!
He split another piece of wood, ignoring him.
Ye Lin's smile faded.
"I'm talking to you."
His tone turned cold.
Only then did Ye Feng look up.
"What do you want?"
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
The surrounding disciples froze.
Ye Lin narrowed his eyes.
"Oh? You've got some courage now?"
He stepped closer.
"A trash like you dares to talk back?"
Ye Feng didn't move.
"I'm doing my work."
He said quietly.
"It has nothing to do with you."
Silence fell.
Ye Lin's expression darkened.
"Good. Looks like you need a lesson."
Without warning—
He attacked.
His fist shot forward quickly, aiming straight at Ye Feng.
Several people gasped.
But—
Ye Feng moved.
He took a small step to the side.
The punch missed.
"What?!"
Ye Lin was shocked.
Before he could react—
Ye Feng countered.
Bang!
The hit landed on Ye Lin's chest.
He stumbled back a few steps.
The courtyard went silent.
Everyone stared in disbelief.
"He dodged…"
"And hit back?!"
Ye Lin's face turned ugly.
"You… how is this possible?!"
Ye Feng lowered his fist.
"Don't bother me."
His tone was calm.
That only made Ye Lin angrier.
"You're asking for death!"
This time, Ye Lin used spiritual energy.
His aura rose as he charged again.
The pressure in the air increased.
But Ye Feng remained calm.
He focused.
Watched.
At the last moment—
He moved again.
A simple step.
A slight turn.
The attack missed once more.
And—
Bang!
Another punch.
Stronger than before.
Ye Lin was forced back again.
His expression completely changed.
Shock filled his eyes.
The surrounding disciples were stunned.
"This… this can't be…"
"Isn't he supposed to be trash?"
No one laughed anymore.
Ye Feng stood still, breathing slightly heavier.
But his gaze was steady.
He looked at Ye Lin and spoke:
"From today on…"
"I'm not trash anymore."
His voice was not loud.
But everyone heard it clearly.
Under the sunlight, he stood tall.
For the first time—
No one dared to mock him.