A Skyrocketing Contribution

Lin Feng ignored the taunts from Wang Xiong and the others, flipping his wrist.

A neatly folded set of clothes, sewn from black brocade with a ferocious tiger head pattern embroidered in dark gold thread on the cuffs and collar, appeared in his hand.

A faint demonic aura and the scent of blood still clung to the attire; it was the Black Wind Stronghold leader's signature outfit.

"Cao Meng is not a human martial artist, but a Black Tiger Demon who has cultivated successfully," Lin Feng stated calmly, his voice like a stone dropping into a deep pool. "This head is proof. This leader's attire is what remained after he shed his human form and reverted to his true shape, tearing it in the process."

"Absurd!" Wang Xiong slammed the table, his beard and hair standing on end. "You insolent brat, spouting nonsense! Cao Meng has ruled Black Wind Village for years. Though a bandit, he is a martial artist. How could he be a demon? You expect to claim credit for eradicating the bandits with a random beast's head and a tattered outfit, deceiving the Commander and fooling us? This is outrageous!"

Li Wanshan chimed in with a sinister tone, "Commander Lin, your lie isn't very convincing. Everyone knows Black Wind Stronghold's Cao Meng's palm techniques were fierce, purely human martial arts. A demon? Hmph, I think you failed your mission and couldn't report back, so you came up with this lame excuse to get by!"

Nalan Qing also shook his head, his tone laced with "sympathy." "Nephew Lin, if you truly lacked the strength, you could have just admitted it. Why fabricate such an unbelievable lie and tarnish your own reputation?"

The heads of the Three Great Families, united in their cause, unleashed a torrent of curses and mockery towards Lin Feng. The hall was filled with disdain and distrust. They were all convinced Lin Feng was lying and eagerly awaited his embarrassing exposure.

Facing the accusations of everyone present, Lin Feng's expression remained as calm as a still lake. He merely turned his gaze to Shen Mo, who sat at the head of the hall, and spoke loudly.

"Commander, please see for yourself. The demon's head cannot be faked; the demonic energy and traces of its origin still remain. I implore you to personally examine it to discern the truth."

"A joke!" Wang Xiong scoffed. "What is the Commander's status? Would he waste his time on your baseless claims?"

"Precisely. Does the head of a filthy beast deserve to stain the Commander's hands?" Li Wanshan added in agreement.

Though Nalan Qing remained silent, the contempt in his eyes said it all.

Shen Mo, seated on his throne, swept his profound gaze between the tiger head on the ground and Lin Feng's face. After a moment, he slowly spoke, "Present it."

His voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable authority. The mockery from Wang Xiong and the others ceased abruptly. Their faces shifted slightly, but they dared not obstruct further.

Lin Feng stepped forward as instructed, placing the Black Tiger's head on the official desk before Shen Mo. Shen Mo extended a finger, and a wisp of pure True Essence flowed out, coiling around the ferocious tiger head like a spirit snake. He closed his eyes, concentrating, carefully sensing every trace of residual aura, the origin of its bloodline, and the unique imprint of its demonic power.

The hall fell so silent that only the sound of breathing could be heard. Wang Xiong, Li Wanshan, and Nalan Qing stared intently at Shen Mo's expression. Although they were certain Lin Feng's claim was false, seeing Shen Mo examine it so solemnly couldn't help but stir a sliver of unease within them. However, this unease was quickly suppressed by their continued mockery, waiting for the result to be announced so they could attack again.

A moment later, Shen Mo withdrew his True Essence and opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them. He scanned the crowd below, his gaze finally settling on Lin Feng, and announced in a steady, clear voice:

After my examination, this head indeed belongs to a Black Tiger Demon. The residual demonic power origin and bloodline aura within it perfectly match the records in the dossier and the previously known secret characteristics of Cao Meng, the leader of Black Wind Fortress. Lin Feng's words are not false; he has indeed successfully slain the leader of Black Wind Fortress, the Black Tiger Demon—Cao Meng.

"What?!"

"Impossible!"

Wang Xiong, Li Wanshan, and Nalan Qing exclaimed in unison, disbelief etched on their faces. Wang Xiong even took a forceful step forward, his eyes wide as bronze bells. "Commander Shen! You... did you perhaps misjudge? How could Cao Meng truly be a demon? Lin Feng... how could he possibly kill him..."

All their doubts and mockery were instantly shattered by Shen Mo's authoritative appraisal result. Looking at the still-dripping tiger head on the ground, and then at the calmly composed Lin Feng, a storm raged within the three men. This kid actually did it? At the initial stage of Seventh Rank, to defeat a Black Tiger Demon comparable to the peak of Sixth Rank? What an astonishing feat!

After the shock came intense apprehension and unwillingness. If such a world-shattering accomplishment were confirmed, Lin Feng's position in the Northern Garrison Command would become unshakeable, severely threatening the interests of their Three Great Families!

Before they could fully recover from their shock, Lin Feng spoke again, his voice still calm but carrying an undeniable firmness. "Since the bandit leader has been slain and his identity confirmed, I, according to the regulations, hereby report this meritorious deed to the Commander and request commendations for all the brothers who participated in this campaign!"

This statement was like cold water poured into boiling oil. Wang Xiong reacted instantly, his face ashen, and he urgently shouted, "Unacceptable! Commander Shen, there are still doubts about this matter! Even if this head truly belongs to Cao Meng, Black Wind Stronghold has many bandits, and the situation within the stronghold is unclear. Are there still remaining enemies? Did Lin Feng abandon his post? Did he act rashly to seek glory? These all require thorough investigation! How can we so hastily request commendations?"

Li Wanshan quickly chimed in, "Brother Wang speaks the truth! The matter of bandit suppression is of great importance. How can it be considered a complete success just by beheading one leader?"

What if this oversight leads to the resurgence of Black Wind Stronghold, who will bear that responsibility?

Nalan Qing's eyes flickered, and he said solemnly, "Lord Shen, Qianhu Lin is still young and eager to achieve merit, which is understandable. However, rewards and punishments for merits and demerits must be carefully assessed.

Perhaps we could temporarily set aside the request for commendation. Once the remnants of Black Wind Stronghold are thoroughly cleared out and all details are investigated, it will not be too late to discuss the merits.

The patriarchs of the Three Great Families knew that Lin Feng had made a great contribution and were filled with jealousy and hatred. At this moment, they could no longer care about their reputation and spoke out, questioning, delaying, or expanding the scope of the investigation.

Their goal was singular—to obstruct Lin Feng's immediate request for commendation, preventing him from so smoothly claiming this immense credit!

The atmosphere in the hall instantly became tense and confrontational.

Shen Mo's gaze narrowed slightly as he looked at Lin Feng, who stood firm below, and the three family heads, who were clearly harboring ulterior motives. He had not yet expressed his stance.

Lin Feng faced the obstruction from the three great family heads, his eyes suddenly becoming as sharp as knives...

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