Chapter 36: The Weak Will Be Bullied
Dan Ding City.
The streets were bustling with people, full of noise and vitality—a scene of peace and prosperity. Compared to the outside world, this place felt like another realm, far removed from slaughter and strife.
Under the protection of the Yao Clan, life in the Realm of Pills was undoubtedly more comfortable and safer than elsewhere. Even those without any cultivation talent had nothing to worry about. The realm was filled with abundant natural energy, which made crops grow in abundance—ensuring food and shelter for all.
And due to the strict rules of the Yao Clan, no one dared to act recklessly within its borders—let alone commit robbery or murder.
The Realm of Pills was home to countless strong individuals. Every city was guarded by a Dou Zun-level powerhouse, capable of suppressing any threat.
Therefore—
Ordinary people living in the realm could enjoy a peaceful life… as long as they didn't reach for things that didn't belong to them. Where there are rules, there are classes. The strong had access to more resources, while the weak could only rely on what they were given—unless they possessed exceptional talent that allowed them to break the rules. Otherwise, they had to venture into the outside world and fight for survival, like the mercenaries of Shennong City.
On this matter, the Yao Clan didn't restrict freedom. Whether one chose to venture outside or enjoy the comfort of life inside the realm—it was entirely up to them.
All in all—
Compared to the outside world's brutal, cutthroat cultivation environment, the Yao Clan's realm was quite decent—especially for those with talent, who were treated with generous favor.
If not for the ever-watchful Hun Clan lurking outside, Yao Yan might have stayed in the realm to continue his cultivation. But alas, beauty is fleeting, and the peace of this realm was nothing more than an illusion. The more tranquil it appeared now, the bloodier it would become in the future. In a world where strength reigns supreme, you can't rely on the mercy of others.
"All beauty is born from great strength…"
Yao Yan stood on a bustling street, Ling'er perched on his shoulder. He looked at the familiar shops and pedestrians and whispered to himself.
He wore a mask that covered half his face.
A face too attractive would only draw attention—and trouble.
He hated unnecessary trouble.
But clearly, Yao Yan had underestimated how much attention he still attracted. Though his face was hidden, his physique and presence couldn't be concealed. And perched on his shoulder was an exceptionally adorable second-rank Greenwood Fox—a rare sight even in Dan Ding City.
Moreover, most of the city's long-time residents recognized one another. Someone like Yao Yan—a "stranger"—stood out immediately.
"Grandpa, is that a second-rank Greenwood Fox? Why is its fur greenish? That's not what the teacher said," a little girl tugged her grandfather's sleeve, pointing at Ling'er and asking.
The old man looked at the fox and, after a moment's thought, replied, "Probably a variant. When a second-rank Greenwood Fox breeds with another beast, sometimes rare types are born."
"So cute! Grandpa, I want one too!"
"Then I'll take you to the spirit beast store later."
"No! I want that one!"
"Well, um… huh? Where did that young man go?"
The old man blinked in confusion. When he looked up again, the spot where Yao Yan had stood was empty. He quickly scanned the street—but Yao Yan had vanished without a trace.
…
Yao Yan, of course, had already slipped away—tucking Ling'er into his robes. He hadn't expected to draw this much attention even while keeping a low profile. Ling'er's charm, especially among children and women, was proving problematic. With a headache forming, he decided to flee.
Fortunately, once he left the busy streets, the number of pedestrians thinned out.
Yao Yan rubbed Ling'er's chin and looked into her emerald eyes, chuckling softly, "I forgot… girls like cute little creatures… and big ones, too."
Ling'er tilted her head, her furry ears twitching, clearly not understanding.
Yao Yan didn't explain. It was better for the little fox to remain innocent. He gently pressed her head back under his clothes and strode toward his old home. Soon, he arrived at the courtyard where he had once lived. The gate wasn't tightly shut; through the slightly open crack, he could see everything inside.
It was still that simple little courtyard. Nothing seemed to have changed.
Creak—
Yao Yan stood in silence for a moment before pushing the gate open and walking inside. Everything was familiar to the eye, yet it all felt strangely distant—like the courtyard had become something unreachable.
Nearly four years had passed. He had changed greatly—both in mindset and in every other way.
Ying ying~
Ling'er poked her head out of his robe, lifting her face and drooping her fluffy ears as she called softly.
"This was my home," Yao Yan murmured, looking down at the curious little creature. He gently placed her on the ground and began to clean the courtyard. He would be staying here for a few days. According to Yao Nong, Yao Ding was due to return home by the end of the year. That would be Yao Yan's chance.
Yao Ding was twenty-four years old, a seven-star Dou Wang, a fifth-tier alchemist, and possessed a sixth-grade bloodline—considered quite outstanding even among the Yao Clan's core members.
His parents were ordinary branch-line members, just like Yao Yan's parents had been. But because Yao Ding was accepted into the core clan, their status had risen. They had moved from a small courtyard to a lavish estate.
And that was only the beginning of the perks. There were many more benefits.
As the saying goes—when one person rises to glory, even their chickens and dogs benefit.
It all stemmed from that one Violet-Gold Spirit King Ginseng!
According to Hun Xuzi, Yao Yan's father had painstakingly acquired the ginseng from the Shennong Mountain Range, suffering heavy injuries in the process—only to be ambushed by Yao Ding's father and others who stole it. He later died from his wounds. Yao Yan's mother had tried to seek justice but found no one to speak for her and passed away from grief.
That story was likely true.
Yao Yan didn't believe Hun Xuzi would lie about something like that. Whether the setup was orchestrated by Hun Xuzi himself was another matter. But when it came to this incident, Yao Yan didn't harbor resentment toward the Yao Clan.
The Yao Clan had its own rules. Within the realm, the clan protected all—even talentless branch members.
But outside the realm, those rules no longer applied.
Once you chose to venture beyond, you had to bear the risk. The Yao Clan couldn't be everyone's babysitter.
Yao Yan's family was no exception.
Especially since his father had been a pawn placed by Hun Xuzi—an undercover agent sent by the Hun Clan into the Yao Clan.
If you want exceptions made for you, you need to be worth the trouble. At the time, Yao Yan's family simply wasn't. A family of branch-line nobodies—what grounds did they have for justice? Meanwhile, Yao Ding had already consumed the ginseng and was far more valuable.
Understanding all the twists and turns, Yao Yan didn't blame anyone—not even Hun Xuzi.
The weak will always be trampled. That's how it has always been.
And likewise—
Yao Yan hoped that when he destroyed Yao Ding's family, they wouldn't hold a grudge either.
(END CHAPTER)
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