Chapter 7: Penalties

"Yu'er, Han Wei has always been like this, do not take it to heart." Glancing at the boy in front of her, who possessed a maturity beyond his peers, Han Zixuan could not help but sigh in her heart, "If his mother were here, what a precious status she would hold! How could my second brother dare to look down on him like this?"

At this moment, Han Zixuan showed a hint of contemplation, "Could it be that Yu'er is not of mediocre talent, but rather possesses an extraordinary gift that has only just begun to reveal itself, like the tip of an iceberg?"

"You can't even deal with a couple of useless individuals, and you still find it embarrassing? Go home and practice properly. If you can't reach the seventh level of body tempering within a month, don't even think about coming out." Han Jinpeng shouted sternly, leaving with a face full of disinterest. In his heart, he couldn't help but mutter, 'This little brat Han Yu, clearly of mediocre talent, how could he have advanced to the sixth level of body tempering in such a short time?"

When Han Zifeng heard Han Wei and Han Jun speak disrespectfully and intend to take action against Han Yu, a flash of anger crossed his eyes. However, considering his current situation, he could only sigh and say, "Yu'er, in the future, avoid associating with these people. If you achieve something in the future, no one will dare to look down on you."

"Yu'er, you should explain the reasons for this matter in detail. With your aunt here, no one can bully you." Han Zixuan analyzed the situation slightly in her heart and already knew some of the truth, but she was surprised that Han Yu could obtain such a high-level demon wolf.

"Not coming to the training ground?" Han Yu touched his nose bridge and then said lightly, "Even without the cultivation of the Han family, I can still grow through my own efforts."

The words were melodious and enchanting, like the sound of heavenly music, especially that delicate tone of playful reproach, which was even more intoxicating. Han Yu felt a slight stir in his heart and could not help but gaze at the girl before him, who resembled a budding blue lotus.

"Practice, practice, and then you break through?" Han Xueying rolled her eyes and said with a hint of playful reproach, "Who would believe that? It's fine if you don't say anything!"

Han Yu, I will not let you off the hook for the *picture* book!" Han Wei glared fiercely at Han Yu, leaving behind a threatening remark before quickly following his father in a dejected manner. He realized that at this moment, countless unusual gazes were directed at him from all around. He knew that today he had completely fallen into Han Yu's hands, and for a long time to come, he would likely become the laughingstock of others.

Uncle, you do not know, if I had not called mother to come in time, Brother Han Yu would have probably been rendered powerless by Second Uncle.

This... Han Jinpeng frowned. He was well aware that this demon wolf did not belong to Han Wei; he had merely sought an excuse to teach Han Yu a lesson. However, if he were to distort the truth at this moment, would it not be an admission of his own incompetence, unable to distinguish right from wrong

Han Jinpeng frowned slightly; the punishment of not being allowed to enter the training ground posed no loss to Han Yu. This is because once one's cultivation reaches the sixth level of body refinement, one can practice combat skills without needing to train physical abilities in the training ground. As for the explanation of the techniques, with the former genius Han Zifeng present, it would not hinder Han Yu's path of cultivation.

Pity the person? Upon seeing the determined gaze in Han Yu's eyes, Han Zixuan was slightly taken aback, and then as if recalling something, she asked, "Yu'er, didn't you just recently enter the fifth level of body tempering? How is it that you have now reached the sixth level of body tempering?"

Sighing softly, Han Zixuan's gaze immediately sharpened as she coldly said to Han Jinpeng: "Second brother, this was initiated by Wei'er's provocation; what more do you have to say?"

When Han Zifeng returned to that humble courtyard and saw Han Zixuan and Han Xueying, a rare smile appeared on his pale face. Upon hearing that Han Yu had gone alone to the back mountain to pick Fire Flame Fruits for him, a look of relief flashed in his eyes.

The unusual phenomena and the mysterious beads on this day are of great significance, and Han Yu would certainly not casually inform others. Although he is only sixteen years old, he is aware of the story that a common man is innocent while the one with a secret is guilty.

After encountering an opportunity today, Han Yu, reflecting on his suddenly awakened abilities, had an inexplicable premonition that the mysterious orb was anything but ordinary. The attacks from others seemed to slow down in his eyes, clearly indicating the uniqueness of this object. All of this was an anomaly that had only appeared today

After a pause, Han Zixuan, feigning difficulty, said, "In that case, let Yu'er be punished by not being allowed to enter the training ground for martial arts or to listen to the explanations of battle achievements and techniques in the future, how about that?"

Indeed, Father, you must seek justice for your child!

"A pitiful person, why would I bother to argue with him?" Han Yu smiled faintly. Han Wei's talent is mediocre, and it is likely that he will find it difficult to break through the Ninth Layer of Body Refinement in this lifetime, destined to be unrelated to high-level cultivators. However, he, through his own efforts, will one day reach the peak and attain a level that others cannot afford to underestimate.

"Second Brother?" Han Zifeng's gaze darkened, and he soon fell into a brief contemplation

So it turns out you went to collect the Fire Flame Fruit to help Third Brother suppress the cold poison in his body, and that is how you encountered this demon beast. It truly puts you in a difficult position!" Gently stroking Han Yu's head, Han Zixuan's eyes flickered with a hint of guilt, "Third Brother has suffered from the torment of cold poison for over ten years, yet I have not been able to contribute even a little bit.

Han Zixuan frowned slightly. If this matter escalated and was known by Old Master Han, it would be extremely detrimental to Han Yu. As her gaze swept towards Han Yu, a flash of brilliance suddenly crossed her eyes, "The sixth level of body tempering has been achieved?"

This is merely your one-sided statement; who can testify to it? The fact that Wei Er was beaten is undeniable; how can you possibly argue against it?" Han Jinpeng's gaze sharpened as he spoke coldly

Father!" Han Wei shouted with a face full of unwillingness

It turns out that my father values me so highly! Han Yu was deeply moved by his father's words, his tightly clenched fists trembled slightly, and the blood in his body seemed to be boiling, as certain beliefs in his heart became even more resolute at that moment

"Tsk tsk, Han Fatty is truly shameless. You have not left the Han family today, so where did this Crimson Flame Demon Wolf come from? Moreover, I clearly saw you and Han Jun trying to seize the Demon Wolf from Brother Han Yu, only to be injured by him. Now you are turning black and white upside down here, truly thick-skinned like a wall." Beside her, Han Xueying smiled charmingly, her lively eyes flashing with a hint of mockery, "With Second Uncle's intellect, you should already understand the reason behind this matter, so there is no need for your niece to say more, right!"

Indeed, Brother Han Yu, how have you cultivated so quickly? If this continues, in a short while, even Xin Er will not be able to compare to you.

For more than ten years, this son has been so understanding that he has never caused him any worry

Indeed, it was clearly Han Yu who stole the Crimson Flame Demon Wolf from Westbrook and even injured it. Uncle Han, you must punish Han Yu severely!" Beside him, Han Jun's eyes lit up, and he quickly put on a look of righteous indignation, saying this while a glint of cunning flashed in his gaze as he glanced at Han Wei nearby

Han Jinpeng's expression was indifferent, and he knew in his heart that he could not convince Han Zixuan by relying on himself. Therefore, as soon as he opened his mouth, he brought up the family rules of the Han family. With this significant authority in place, even Han Zixuan would have her reservations. It is important to understand that within aristocratic families, the family rules hold a sacred and inviolable status, much like the laws of a dynasty that cannot be challenged

What a person who turns black and white upside down, do you really think you can cover the sky with one hand in the Han family? Han Yu's face turned pale with anger, as he never expected that these two could be so thick-skinned.

Hmph, consider yourself lucky this time, but if you give me any leverage in the future, I will not let you off easily. Han Jinpeng's face turned ashen, and after glaring at Han Yu with resentment, he immediately turned and left

Crimson Flame Demon Wolf! Upon hearing the words of the two members of the Han army, Han Jinpeng finally noticed that Han Yu had been carrying the body of a demon wolf on his shoulder.

En! Han Yu nodded slightly, and then recounted in detail his encounter with the Crimson Flame Demon Wolf while picking Fire Flame Fruits on the back mountain, as well as the disrespectful words exchanged with Han Jun upon returning to the Han family, who intended to seize the demon wolf. However, he did not mention the strange phenomenon in the sky or the mysterious bead, instead attributing the death of the Crimson Flame Demon Wolf to its prior injuries.

Han Wei stood frozen in place, displaying a timid expression. He truly could not fathom why his father was in such a great rage today that he would scold him.

This... no matter what, he should not have acted so harshly! Han Jinpeng's face flushed red; facing Han Zixuan, who was at the half-step True Martial realm, he felt helpless. However, he was unwilling to let the matter end like this.

"Third brother, rest assured, with me here, no one from the Han family can bully Yu'er." Han Zixuan felt a tremor in his heart; this third brother, once as brilliant as the stars and enjoying boundless glory, now had to rely on the favor of others to survive. What a blow this must be for him. Who can understand the pain in his heart?

Although unwilling in his heart, Han Jinpeng could only nod slightly. With Han Zixuan's protection, he was fundamentally unable to do anything to Han Yu. At this moment, if he did not take the opportunity to step down, he would only end up in a disgraceful and embarrassing situation.

The indifferent words were sharp and forceful, the pallor of his face fading away. At this moment, Han Zifeng resembled a blade radiating coldness. No one would question the credibility of his words. Although he was afflicted by cold poison, if it truly came to a life-and-death struggle, no one from the Han family could stand in his way

"Hmph, don't get too proud!" Turning his head and letting out a cold snort, Han Wei finally transformed into a figure that gradually disappeared from the training ground

"Han Yu, what else do you have to say?" Han Jinpeng said coldly, regardless of the facts, today he would not easily let Han Yu off the hook

Hmm. Han Yu nodded. He was naturally very willing to bypass the issue of his cultivation level. Although this aunt was the closest person in the Han family, the matter of the mysterious bead was too strange. Not only would it be hard to believe if he were to speak of it, but it would also bring him endless trouble.

I practiced and practiced until I broke through to the fifth level of body tempering said Han Yu, touching the bridge of his nose

Fourth Sister, Han Yu has acted ruthlessly, severely injuring Wei Er, completely disregarding the bond of brotherhood. This matter must be handled impartially; you must not show favoritism towards him, otherwise, where would the clan rules of the Han family stand

Yes, the child understands!" Han Yu nodded seriously

In the future, Yu'er will be under the care of Sister Xuan. Han Zifeng nodded slightly; Han Yu was his only hope. If it were not for the cold poison afflicting him at this moment, how could he allow anyone to touch even a hair on his son?

Upon recalling the terrifying talent of Han Yu's parents, the thought settled firmly in his mind. After a pause, he turned to Han Zixuan and said, "Yu'er, go with your aunt to see your father"

"This wolf must have been at the peak of the seventh level of body tempering in its previous life. How could Yu'er possess such a thing?" Han Zixuan was also greatly astonished

After a pause, Han Zifeng still felt somewhat uneasy. He furrowed his brows, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes, and said, "At the same time, inform the other members of the Han family that if anyone dares to harm Yu'er in the slightest, I, Han Zifeng, will risk my life to ensure they pay with theirs!"

"You are welcome at any time, but I fear you may not have the ability to do so!" With a shrug of his shoulders, Han Yu appeared indifferent to the threatening words.

"It was clearly Han Wei who spoke disrespectfully and acted first. If we are to punish according to clan rules, he should also be punished!" Han Yu clenched his fists and shouted sternly, how could he allow Han Jinpeng to distort the truth like this!

Feeling the unusual gaze of the young man, Han Xueying's face flushed with a hint of crimson, her head slightly bowed. Her delicate and petite hand nervously grasped the hem of her clothing, which only added to her charm.