Chapter Thirty-Three: The Power of Gossip

Lin Feng had been deep in conversation with Tang Yunyun, discussing the so-called realms of “becoming an immortal or a Buddha.”

“To become an immortal is for a cultivator—once one’s practice reaches a certain pinnacle, they must face the heavenly tribulation. If they survive the thunderous trial, their mortal body dissolves, leaving only the soul, which is then reshaped into an immortal body. That is what we call ‘an immortal.’”

“As for a Buddha…”

Everything Lin Feng spoke was true cultivation lore, secrets rarely shared in the cultivation world. Tang Yunyun, however, simply listened as if to a legendary tale, completely enthralled, feeling as though some supreme wisdom was contained within, elevating her very soul.

Yet, just as Lin Feng began to elaborate on the state of “becoming a Buddha,” Qin Chao suddenly barked out, rudely cutting him off.

“Who are you? You’re not an invited guest, are you? Just look at those cheap clothes—you’re nothing but a broke loser. Do you even have an invitation? If not, kindly leave on your own before I call security.”

Lin Feng turned, meeting Qin Chao’s gaze with a slight frown, his tone calm and composed. “Whether I have an invitation or not is none of your concern. Are you the host? By what right do you question me?”

Qin Chao sneered, “Still playing dumb? You think I don’t know who you are? You’re just the live-in son-in-law of the third-rate Yao family in Binhai City. What self-respecting man would take that role? Clearly, you’re here to cozy up to some heiress and secure yourself a meal ticket. Am I wrong, you mooch?”

Qin Chao’s words rang out, quickly drawing the attention of the crowd, who began to gather round.

“That’s right, he’s just a nobody who married in for convenience. What right does he have to be at an auction like this?”

At Long Yaoyang’s prompting, Liu Jian chimed in, steering the crowd’s opinion.

“What? A live-in son-in-law in the same room as us? Who let him in?”

“Look at him—he sticks out like a sore thumb. Maybe he’s a thief who snuck in!”

“Exactly! And now he’s pestering Miss Tang? He must have a death wish, doesn’t even know his own worth!”

Under Long Yaoyang’s subtle guidance, the crowd’s jeers grew louder, their scornful glances like blades stabbing toward Lin Feng.

Lin Feng glanced at Qin Chao, eyelids lowered, a flicker of anger rising in his chest.

Sensing Lin Feng’s growing displeasure, Qin Chao only seemed more pleased with himself, shouting, “Steward Tang! Hurry, there’s a thief among us!”

“A thief? Where?” At his call, a middle-aged man in a black tailcoat rushed over.

“Master Qin, where’s the thief?”

“Right there! That penniless bum who sneaked in without an invitation—if he’s not a thief, who is?”

Steward Tang followed Qin Chao’s pointing finger, sizing Lin Feng up and down. Years of service in the Tang family had made him an expert at reading people. One look at Lin Feng’s shabby attire told him all he needed to know about his likely income. Coupled with Qin Chao’s accusation, he was nearly certain.

He straightened his back, approaching Lin Feng with an air of authority. “Sir, please show your invitation, or I’ll have to ask you to leave.”

“Show my invitation? Why don’t you ask him to show his? If we’re all guests, why single me out?”

Lin Feng’s voice was low but firm.

“Him? He’s Master Qin of the Qin family—he has no need to be checked. But you, sir… May I ask which prominent family you hail from, or are you the CEO of a billion-yuan company?”

Steward Tang’s smile was courteous, but his words were edged with contempt.

“Neither,” Lin Feng replied evenly.

“In that case, what makes you think you deserve to be compared to Master Qin? If you still refuse to show your invitation, I’ll have no choice but to remove you.”

Relying on his authority, Steward Tang clapped his hands, summoning two security guards.

At that moment, Li Yating stepped forward, holding out her own invitation, standing protectively in front of Lin Feng.

“You want an invitation? Here it is. Lin Feng came with me.”

Steward Tang barely glanced at it. “This is only a standard guest invitation; it doesn’t grant you a plus-one. That means he’s still an uninvited intruder. Guards, escort him out!”

With a wave of his hand, the two guards advanced.

Li Yating immediately panicked. This was the Tang family’s auction banquet—her position as an employee at a small company was no match for such a powerful family. Still, she clung to Lin Feng’s arm, tears brimming in her eyes, determined to shield him.

Witnessing this, a strange jealousy flickered through Tang Yunyun’s heart—a rare feeling for the proud heiress—and she felt a surge of anger.

“Tang Jun, what are you doing? He’s my guest. Are you planning to throw me out as well?”

Usually gentle and refined, Tang Yunyun now spoke with uncharacteristic fury, startling Steward Tang into panic. This was the family head’s only daughter, the old master’s most beloved granddaughter, and a major contender for the future leadership of the Tang family.

“N-no, Miss Tang! If he’s your guest, I wouldn’t dare. I swear, I won’t do it again—please forgive me.”

“There’s no need. Collect this month’s pay and leave the Tang family.”

“Miss Tang! Please, no! It was just a misunderstanding. Sir, I was only following orders—please, have mercy…”

Steward Tang was utterly flustered. Realizing the gravity of his mistake, he fell to his knees, begging and weeping, but Tang Yunyun showed no mercy. With a wave of her delicate hand, the two guards dragged him away.

A collective gasp swept through the audience—everyone was stunned.

Not just Qin Chao, but also Feng Jing, Liu Jian, and Wang Jie stood frozen in shock, spilling their drinks in disbelief.

Tang Yunyun, known for her composure, had lost her temper for the sake of a penniless live-in son-in-law she’d just met!

Watching the dramatic turn, Long Yaoyang’s eyes darkened, his grip tightening around his glass, rage simmering in his heart. He hadn’t expected Lin Feng to hold such importance for Tang Yunyun—but perhaps this could be useful. He quickly sent the video he’d just recorded to someone else.

He added a mocking message: “Young Master Sun, did you see that? This pretty boy has quite the charm—Tang Yunyun’s already smitten after just one meeting.”

Seeing the furious reply, Long Yaoyang’s lips curled into a cold smile.

Lin Feng, your days are numbered.

Meanwhile, Qin Chao, momentarily stunned, recovered and barked at Lin Feng, “You really are something—two beautiful women standing up for you at once! I guess you’re a true master of freeloading. But you’re finished. Do you know whose woman Tang Yunyun is? She belongs to Young Master Sun!”

“I can’t wait to see him crush you!”

As soon as Qin Chao’s words fell, the entire hall plunged into silence.