Chapter 941: The Cai Family Descendant

Early the next morning.

After finishing breakfast, Ling Feng prepared a few modest gifts and set out for the residence of the Tiger Awe General, just as he had promised.

No matter what the circumstances had been, General Cai had once spoken on his behalf.

That alone was reason enough to show proper respect.

As for the claim that he belonged to the Cai family by blood, that was something he intended to set straight.

When he reached the general's estate, he was met at the gates by more than a dozen guards. Moments later, an elderly butler stepped forward, smiling brightly as he spoke. "General Ling, our master has been expecting you."

"

Mhmm

." Ling Feng gave a slight nod. "Please lead the way, Senior."

Although the man was only a butler in name, he was a king-tier expert. Addressing him as "Senior" was both proper and respectful.

The butler looked quite pleased with Ling Feng's courtesy and quickly led him inside.

Under the old butler's guidance, Ling Feng made his way into the main hall of the residence. Seated within were not only General Cai Yong himself but also several elders of the Cai family, along with some younger members. Among those of direct bloodline, only one remained. That person was Cai Yan, standing off to the side by herself.

General Cai had spent half a lifetime in war. He had fathered two sons and one daughter. His eldest son, Cai Lang, had fallen in battle, leaving behind only his daughter, Cai Yan. The general had raised her alone after that.

His second son, Cai Hang, had been expelled from the family more than twenty years earlier due to repeated misconduct.

Though the Cai family still held considerable status within the imperial capital, their main lineage had nearly withered away. General Cai's greatest wish now was to bring back his second son and continue the family line.

So when Ling Feng appeared and displayed the Cai family's unique secret art, the Word Spirit Curse, it was no surprise that General Cai believed he had found a descendant of his own blood.

"Young man, you really kept this old man waiting," General Cai said as he narrowed his eyes at Ling Feng.

Ling Feng stepped forward and offered a respectful bow. "My apologies, Senior. I've only just come out of seclusion and was delayed. These are a few small gifts. I hope you'll forgive the lateness."

"Forgive what? We're family now!

Hahaha!

"

General Cai stood up and walked over to him, taking hold of his arm without any hesitation. "Come. In front of these elders and uncles, today you will acknowledge your ancestors and return to the family. From this day forward, your name shall be Cai Feng."

"..."

Ling Feng's expression darkened. He had not expected the old man to be so impatient.

"Senior, I believe there has been a misunderstanding. I didn't come to recognize ancestry. I'm not a descendant of the Cai family," Ling Feng said with a faint, helpless smile.

General Cai's face turned rigid. "Boy, must you still behave like a child? I'll say this clearly. Once I'm gone, you will lead the Cai family."

Around them, the younger members of the family glanced at one another. Jealousy flickered across their faces.

But with Ling Feng's current standing in the capital, none of them dared to speak a word in protest!

"Senior, I am serious. As for the Word Spirit Curse, I do have an explanation."

"An explanation?" General Cai's expression turned stern. "Then speak. This old man is listening."

The Word Spirit Curse might not have been exclusive to the Cai family, but their version had been passed down and refined over generations. The hand seals and incantations were distinctive. More importantly, the art was carefully guarded by the direct bloodline and never taught to outsiders.

Unless Ling Feng had somehow learned it from Cai Hang, the disowned second son, there was no other explanation.

Yet no one in their right mind would believe that Ling Feng had mastered such a profound technique in a single glance using only the Emperor's Eye.

Ling Feng let out a quiet breath. He realized that speaking the truth would not resolve the matter. So he chose to fabricate a tale.

"General Cai, although I lack true talent, I've studied medicine and barely earned the title of divine imperial physician."

General Cai's eyes twitched. Around them, the younger Cai disciples too rolled their eyes.

To claim he was "barely qualified" as a divine imperial physician? That sort of modesty bordered on arrogance!

"Get to the point!" General Cai snapped, frowning with impatience.

"I'm getting there," Ling Feng replied with a glint in his eye. "Years ago, in the Western Wilderness, I came across a middle-aged man who had been badly wounded. He was near death. I saved him without thinking much of it. Out of gratitude, he taught me a few fragments of the Word Spirit Curse. However, it was only the foundation, not the complete technique."

He glanced at General Cai with meaning in his eyes. "Looking back now, that man was most likely your second son."

General Cai's face grew solemn. "Boy, are you speaking the truth?"

Ling Feng smiled faintly. "Do I look like someone who would lie to you? If I truly were a descendant of the Cai family, why would I refuse to acknowledge it? If I accepted, I'd become young master of the estate overnight and receive your full support. What reason would I have to turn down such good fortune?"

He met the general's gaze steadily. "But the truth is, I'm not part of your bloodline. If I claimed otherwise, I'd carry that lie with me for the rest of my life. That's something I cannot do."

His words quieted General Cai. The excitement of having found a worthy heir faded from his expression.

"So you're truly not Hang'er's son," General Cai murmured. "Forgive me. I lost my composure."

General Cai's gaze remained fixed on Ling Feng as he said solemnly, "General Ling, if what you just said is true, then the man you saved must have been my Hang'er."

"That's my guess." Ling Feng rubbed his nose with slight awkwardness.

"

Sigh

..." General Cai let out a long sigh. "Was he... well?"

"He made a full recovery," Ling Feng answered, though a slight pang of guilt rose in his chest.

"I see. Back then, I let my anger take control," General Cai muttered, clenching his fists before slowly releasing them. "No matter what happened, you saved Hang'er's life. That makes you a benefactor to the Cai family. Since you already possess some affinity with the Word Spirit Curse, I will pass on the complete art to you as repayment."

The surrounding Cai juniors could hardly contain their jealousy. Even as an outsider, Ling Feng would be taught one of the family's most closely guarded techniques!

But learning the Word Spirit Curse required natural aptitude in soul cultivation. Without that innate talent, even a lifetime of study would amount to nothing.

"

Ah? Ahem..

." Ling Feng cleared his throat and looked slightly embarrassed. "There's no need to go that far."

"It's not up for debate."

General Cai struck him on the shoulder with a heavy hand. "What this old man decides is final."

Left with no other choice, Ling Feng cupped his hands and bowed. "Then I thank you, Senior."