Attitude Shift

The last sliver of sunlight sank completely behind the western mountains, the final glow swallowed by dusk. A biting wind swept scattered snowflakes across the silent mountain path. When Li Bufan, leading his horse alongside Lin Zhiyan, Nanny Wu, and Qin Shi, finally emerged from the vast Cloud Dusk Mountain Range and spotted the familiar silhouette of Black Rock City—its scattered lights flickering in the night—he couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh of relief, even with his greatly enhanced physique.

The brief but harrowing experience deep in the mountains, especially the earth-shattering battle between those two Qi Condensation Beasts and the Young Miss's fleeting, unfathomable display of power, was etched into his mind like a brand. It was a martial world he had never touched, let alone imagined—powerful, mysterious, and brimming with both danger and opportunity.

The journey passed in silence, broken only by the clatter of hooves on frozen ground and the howl of the wind. The atmosphere was heavy but not oppressive—more like the calm after surviving a great ordeal.

By the time they reached the towering gates of Black Rock City, night had fully fallen. The gate guards clearly recognized the Lin Family insignia, and upon spotting Lin Zhiyan on her horse, they respectfully waved them through without a single question.

Inside the city, the streets were nearly empty. Only the light spilling from shopfronts and the occasional vendor's cry painted a scene of human warmth, a stark contrast to the dead silence of the deep mountains.

The clatter of hooves echoed on the blue stone road, finally stopping before an imposing, grand mansion. Hanging lanterns illuminated two gilded characters—Lin Manor—gleaming in the firelight. The vermilion gate was shut tight, flanked by two solemn stone lions.

They had arrived.

Lin Zhiyan dismounted gracefully, her movements fluid and untired. Her gaze swept over the attendants on duty, who immediately straightened their backs and bowed respectfully. "Young Miss!"

"Mm." Lin Zhiyan responded flatly, then turned her eyes to Li Bufan. Her tone was as cool and steady as ever. "This is Lin Manor. Li Bufan, you may do as you please."

She paused, then continued, "Nanny Wu, Coach Qin, follow me into the manor. Immediately inquire whether Lin Gong has returned safely."

"Yes, Miss." Nanny Wu and Qin Shi bowed in unison.

Qin Shi glanced at Li Bufan, as if wanting to say something, but only nodded before following Lin Zhiyan and Nanny Wu toward the slowly opening vermilion gate.

Li Bufan stood still, bowing respectfully to Lin Zhiyan's retreating back. "Farewell, Young Miss."

Only after the three figures disappeared behind the gate and the heavy doors closed again did Li Bufan straighten up. He led the equally exhausted horse over to the stable attendant who had rushed over, giving a few brief instructions.

With that done, he stood alone under the dim light outside Lin Manor, taking a deep breath of the cold, familiar city air. The suffocating pressure and terrifying aura of the mountains faded, but the fire kindled in his heart by witnessing a higher realm burned ever brighter.

"Qi Condensation... drawing on the Vital Energy of heaven and earth..." he murmured to himself, his fists clenching involuntarily. The Young Miss's Sword Qi that had blocked the beasts' self-destruction, her casual ease in deciding the fate of two terrifying monsters—these scenes replayed before his eyes.

Compared to that kind of power, his own Minor Success in Skin Refining was nothing but a speck of dust. Wang Zheng's schemes, others' mockery, even his own small pride—all of it now seemed laughable and insignificant.

But this didn't discourage him. Instead, it ignited an unprecedented fighting spirit and hunger!

"I have the 'Heaven Rewards Diligence' destiny! As long as I put in enough effort, I will be rewarded!" Li Bufan's eyes gleamed with determination in the night. "The Five Body Tempering Gates are by no means my end! One day, I too will uncover the secrets of Vital Energy and master that kind of power!"

This belief was stronger than ever. It was no longer just about surviving in Lin Manor or getting back at petty people—it was about truly stepping onto the martial path and witnessing the higher vistas!

With this resolve, Li Bufan strode toward the side courtyard where the guards lived. His steps were steady and powerful, as if each one planted a foundation on the road to greater strength.

But when he entered the side courtyard, the atmosphere was completely different from when he had left.

At this hour, the yard would usually be lively—guards chatting, sparring, or tending to personal matters. But now, though people were present, it was strangely quiet... even eerie.

Many eyes immediately fixed on him. The looks no longer held contempt, mockery, or schadenfreude. Instead, they carried a complex mix of emotions: awe, curiosity, awkwardness, even... fawning?

Li Bufan's face remained calm, as if he noticed nothing unusual, and walked straight toward his simple room.

"Uh... Bufan, you're back?" a dry voice called out. Li Bufan vaguely recognized the speaker—one of the guards who used to follow Wang Zheng and mock him.

Li Bufan didn't stop, only casting a faint glance at him without any response.

The man's face twisted into an awkward grin. He opened his mouth but couldn't find the words.

Another guard stepped forward, forcing a smile. "Brother Bufan, you must have worked hard on the Winter Hunt! I heard you did great things and even saved someone? Amazing!"

"Yeah, yeah! We were blind before—don't hold it against us..."

"Wang Zheng and those scum deserved to die! Plotting against their own comrades!"

"Brother Bufan, if you ever need anything, just say the word!"

In an instant, several guards crowded around, spouting flattery and apologies, their tones dripping with sycophancy and caution.

Li Bufan sneered inwardly. These people sure changed their tune fast. They had seen the Young Miss's slight favor toward him, heard of his performance in the hunt, and especially how Wang Zheng's trio had met a miserable end. Fear drove them to distance themselves from the past and try to cling to him.

True respect was never won through others' charity or fear—it was earned through strength.

He had no interest in their hollow flattery, only disgust. He didn't stop or respond, his face as impassive as still water, as if they were nothing but air.

Under their complex gazes, he walked expressionlessly across the yard, entered the shared dormitory, and closed the door with a soft click, shutting out all the noise, praise, and awkwardness.

Outside, the guards exchanged glances, faces pale and flushed by turns, finally settling into helplessness and chagrin. They knew that past wrongs couldn't be wiped away with a few light apologies. The former herb-carrying servant they had looked down on had already, through strength and fortune, left them far behind. He didn't need to say a word—his indifference was the clearest statement.

Inside, Li Bufan slid the bolt shut, sealing off the outside world. He lit the oil lamp, its dim glow illuminating the simple but tidy room.

He let out a long breath, casting aside all external distractions. Others' attitudes no longer mattered to him.

He sat cross-legged on the bed, not immediately starting to cultivate, but closing his eyes to replay every detail of the day's events in the mountains—especially the beast battle and the Young Miss's every move—trying to glean any insight.

At the same time, a clear plan formed in his mind: make full use of the "Heaven Rewards Diligence" destiny and train like mad! Consolidate the peak of Minor Success in Skin Refining, then gather enough resources to break through to Major Success in Skin Refining! Only greater strength could support his ambitions.

As night deepened, silence fell over Lin Manor. The other new guards in the dormitory gradually returned.

Li Bufan paid them no mind, still sitting with eyes closed, nourishing his spirit.

But the tree may crave stillness, yet the wind will not cease.

Though he didn't care, those who had once bullied and mocked him were living in dread, their hearts like fifteen buckets drawing water—seven up, eight down.

Especially the new followers of the manor's young masters, or the children of long-serving servants and guards who had some standing in Lin Manor. They had joined Wang Zheng in jeering, throwing cold words, or even secretly tripping him up.

Now Wang Zheng's trio had met a miserable fate, reduced to Hard Labor with uncertain survival. Meanwhile, Li Bufan had clearly gained some favor from the Young Miss, his strength skyrocketing, and he had even escaped a ferocious wolf pack alive.

How could this stark contrast not terrify them? They feared that once Li Bufan gained power, he would settle old scores, using his new status and strength to retaliate. Given his potential and the Young Miss's attitude that day, if he wanted to go after them, their petty backers wouldn't stand a chance.

This fear spread like a plague through certain circles. Li Bufan opened his eyes, about to head home to report his safety to his younger brother and bring back some of the mountain spoils to improve their meals, when he found seven or eight people gathered around him.

These were all familiar faces—people who had never missed a chance to mock him in the past. Now, every single one of them cowered like quails, necks tucked in, faces plastered with nervous, fawning smiles. In their hands, they carried various offerings: some clutched small money pouches, others held strips of dried beast meat that looked decent quality, and one even lugged a small jar of wine.

When they saw Li Bufan emerge, they visibly tensed up. After some shoving among themselves, the apparent ringleader—a young man whose father worked as a minor purchasing steward in the manor—steeled himself and stepped forward. He presented the money pouch with both hands, his voice dripping with sycophancy and trembling:

"Brother Li... hard at work cultivating... This, this is just a small token from us, unworthy of your notice... We were young and foolish before, and offended you plenty. We hope Brother Li will be magnanimous and not hold it against us..."

"That's right, that's right, Brother Li, please don't take it to heart!"

"Just a little something to help Brother Li replenish his strength..."

The others chimed in hastily, thrusting their "gifts" forward.

Li Bufan stopped in his tracks. His gaze swept calmly over their terrified faces, then fell on the offerings that, for ordinary guards, counted as decent tribute. Understanding dawned on him.

He had originally planned to ignore them entirely. After glimpsing the broader vistas of martial arts, past grudges had become trivial. But seeing them like this now, a thought suddenly struck him.

Though he had gained some fortune, his foundation was still shallow and he had no backing. To keep a stable foothold in Lin Manor, acquire resources, and climb higher, relying solely on the Young Miss's vague "regard" was far from enough. Pushing these people completely into opposition would bring no benefit. Though their own status was low, they were connected to various courtyards and levels of the manor's network—thin threads, but tangled and interwoven.

Better to have nodding acquaintances than enemies. Stabilizing them would save him plenty of unnecessary trouble.

With this in mind, Li Bufan's expression softened slightly. He didn't immediately take the items but spoke calmly: "I accept your intentions. What's past is past."

The crowd froze for a moment, then faces lit up with disbelief and joy.

Li Bufan paused, then continued: "I, Li Bufan, have always been clear about favors and grievances. If you don't provoke me, I won't come looking for trouble. From now on, we all serve in Lin Manor—let's keep to our own paths and just do our duties properly."

With that, he reached out and took the money pouch from the ringleader, then nodded amiably at the others: "Take your things back. I don't need them. I've received your apology."

They looked as if pardoned from a death sentence, nearly weeping with relief as they showered him with thanks:

"Thank you, Brother Li! Thank you!"

"Brother Li is generous!"

"From now on, if Brother Li has any orders, we'll obey without a word!"

The weight finally lifted from their hearts. Their eyes toward Li Bufan now held gratitude and relief, and the fear had transformed into genuine respect. They chuckled nervously, retrieved their gifts, thanked him repeatedly, and retreated respectfully.

Watching their relieved backs as they left, Li Bufan weighed the heavy money pouch in his hand, his expression unreadable.

This money meant little to him, but it was a signal—a sign that he was beginning to understand and apply the rules of handling interpersonal relationships. In the depths of this sprawling manor, sometimes proper compromise and winning people over could take you much further than sheer stubbornness and aloofness.

He tucked the pouch away and turned toward the dining hall. The road ahead was still long, and he had already learned how to take each step more steadily.