The Third Elder's gaze fell upon Fang Ming.
As for the people on the ground, those whose cultivation had been crippled were no longer worth considering.
Before, they had considered Lin Xuan a cripple, someone they could bully at will.
But now, the tables had turned. Lin Xuan had shed the mantle of a cripple and risen powerfully, while they were the ones whose cultivation had been destroyed, turning them into virtual cripples.
Before, Lin Xuan was the cripple.
Lin Xuan was a cripple with a naturally废体 (waste body).
And now, they were the cripples.
Their dantian had been destroyed, making them true cripples, comparable to those with a naturally waste body.
Fang Ming didn't spare them another glance.
He looked at the Third Elder and nodded.
Thus, the Third Elder transformed into a rainbow light, carrying both of them away.
The sensation of flying through the air was enough to enthrall those who had never experienced it.
From Lin Zhuyu's happy expression, Fang Ming could feel her longing for flight.
And Fang Ming himself also greatly yearned for this ability to fly.
Without flight, he would always have a fatal flaw compared to cultivators at the Dao Foundation realm.
Although the Third Elder was flying at a low altitude now, within his reach.
But who knew if the Third Elder could fly even higher?
Some things were simply unavoidable.
And outside the Hall of Salaries.
After Lin Zhuyu and Fang Ming left with the Third Elder.
Some time passed.
A long while.
Seeing that the key figures had departed.
The crowd present began to discuss again.
"Young Master Lin Xuan is truly going to rise this time!"
"This kind of body cultivation talent is second only to spiritual body aptitude. His future is limitless!"
"You don't need to tell us, we all know his future is limitless. Didn't you see the Third Elder directly cripple these people for his sake?"
A collateral branch disciple pointed at the incapacitated attendants lying on the ground.
Those whose cultivation had been completely abolished.
As for how those attendants felt, these collateral branch disciples no longer cared.
Before, these attendants could boss them around, relying on the disparity between the direct and collateral branches of the family.
But the situation was different now.
Having had their cultivation crippled, they were now cripples. And the treatment of cripples could be seen in Lin Xuan's past life. What was the point of being from a direct lineage if one lacked talent and cultivation? They would still be bullied.
These collateral branch disciples had previously treated the attendants of the Hall of Salaries with respect.
But now?
Now, in the hearts of the collateral branch disciples, these attendants were less than nothing.
Let alone using them as an example.
Even verbally abusing them to their faces and getting revenge, these collateral branch disciples could do it.
And these attendants, seeing how the collateral branch disciples treated them, could only rage silently.
Some attendants, after uttering a curse, were immediately slapped repeatedly by a collateral branch disciple.
Clearly, the treatment Lin Xuan had suffered before was now being inflicted upon these attendants.
The wheel of fortune turns.
It had always been this way since ancient times.
In the end, it was merely a matter of replacing the former Lin Xuan with the current attendants.
The people changed, but the bullying remained.
"Young Master Lin Xuan."
"Fortunately, I never offended him before. Do you think I should go to his residence and send some gifts to foster a relationship?"
After the collateral branch disciples had finished humiliating the attendants, they immediately proposed this suggestion.
And this suggestion was actually met with unanimous approval.
At this moment, in the eyes of everyone, there was no longer any disdain for Lin Xuan, only respect.
Only envy for his limitless future.
As for how miserable Lin Xuan had been before, not a single one of them actively recalled it.
When a person succeeds, others only remember their glory, never their past struggles.
Such is human nature.
...
This was a magnificent and resplendent hall.
The hall, at first glance, was extremely imposing. The beams and pillars were carved with exotic beasts, and the incense used was of the highest quality.
In the courtyard, pavilions and garden trees complemented each other, birds and butterflies flew into the courtyard, and a lake was built within, with fish leaping from the water.
The environment within the courtyard was free of noise, only natural scenery, creating a serene atmosphere.
The Third Elder led Lin Xuan and Lin Zhuyu into this courtyard.
"Lin Xuan, this is the courtyard I've prepared for you. What do you think, are you satisfied?"
The Third Elder looked at Fang Ming with a smile.
"If you are not satisfied, feel free to tell me, and I will arrange for another set of courtyards."
The Third Elder adopted an attitude of letting him choose.
It seemed that as long as Fang Ming uttered a word of dissatisfaction, he would immediately arrange for another set of residences for him.
Before Fang Ming could speak, Lin Zhuyu walked into the courtyard, touched the exquisite bed covered with ice silkworm silk, and exclaimed, "Brother Xuan, this is ten thousand times better than our old bed."
Previously, Lin Zhuyu and Lin Xuan had lived in dilapidated houses with leaking roofs, and their beds were made of hard wooden planks. They had never seen such a luxurious and noble residence.
It was no wonder Lin Zhuyu's eyes were dazzled the moment she saw this courtyard.
"Brother Xuan, am I really not dreaming? To be able to live in such a good courtyard?"
Lin Zhuyu now felt a strong sense of unreality.
She was afraid that when she woke up tomorrow, she would discover that today was just a dream.
And she was still living in that dilapidated house with a leaking roof.
"Zhuyu, the Third Elder said it himself, it can't be false."
Fang Ming said naturally, "Are you satisfied? If not, please ask the Third Elder to change it for us."
Fang Ming was currently fiddling with the pills the Third Elder had given him. The quality of the cultivation environment did not matter much to him. Whether it was a dilapidated house or the luxurious courtyard before him, there was no difference in spiritual energy.
In the end, it was just a replica of mortal things.
The speed of cultivation was still the same. Things that brought pleasure were not what he valued.
His heart had long since let go of these things, only to move forward, to cultivate, and to pursue greater power.
Others sought the Dao to pursue powerful strength and status.
Seeking the Dao was a means, and cultivation was a means.
More lifespan and a better life, the status of commanding others, countless fame, and respect were the fundamental purposes of their seeking the Dao.
Fang Ming merely sought the Dao for the sake of seeking the Dao. What he wanted was the act of seeking the Dao itself.
Therefore, he did not care about the difference in environment at all.
As soon as Fang Ming spoke, the Third Elder smiled heartily. He understood the high status Lin Zhuyu held in Lin Xuan's heart, and he also understood the correctness of his investment.
Thus, he quickly said, "It's alright. If you feel anything is unsatisfactory, feel free to tell the elder."
"This is compensation from the clan. If you are not satisfied, we can completely discuss and arrange for a better location."