What does it mean to show off and get slapped in the face?

Xiao Lin, who had read countless popular novels before transmigrating, knew this very well.

Although since coming to this world, he hadn't really had the chance to show off and get slapped in the face—mainly because the atmosphere in the Flowing Cloud Sect was quite harmonious and loving, with everyone helping each other. Ever since Xiao Lin became the Senior Brother, no one had ever expressed dissatisfaction, let alone challenged him. So how could he have any opportunity to show off and get slapped in the face?

The closest thing to it might be when new inner disciples joined and, upon learning of his past "achievements," would admire him with utmost reverence... But Xiao Lin couldn't derive any sense of achievement, superiority, or satisfaction from such things.

So, in his more than twenty years of cultivation, today might be the closest he's come to a show-off and slap-in-the-face scenario—though it seemed the other party was willingly offering their face for him to slap, the result was the same.

However, looking at Lin Aotian's expression, mixed with shock, confusion, and embarrassment, Xiao Lin still didn't feel any satisfaction, his heart as calm as still water, and he even felt a slight embarrassment akin to "praising oneself in public."

"Aotian, if you really want to set a goal first, Nephew Xiao is indeed a good choice," Dongfang Yu said lightly, stroking his white beard. "In fact, most of the disciples in the sect take him as a goal to pursue. You still have a good chance; you can try to catch up with Nephew Xiao's speed in breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Realm... By the way, Nephew Xiao, when did you break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm?"

Having somewhat forgotten this detail, Dongfang Yu looked at Xiao Lin and asked.

"At fourteen."

"..."

Upon hearing this answer, both Dongfang Yu and Lin Aotian fell into silence.

"Ahem, Aotian, actually, you don't necessarily have to compare breakthrough speeds. We can..."

"Master, I can do it!" Lin Aotian, recovering from his shock and embarrassment, said with determination before Dongfang Yu could finish his sentence. "I can definitely reach the Foundation Establishment Realm before fourteen!"

[Breaking through in two years? As expected of the protagonist, so confident... But seeing this guy just makes me uncomfortable. Why hasn't Senior Brother left yet?]

Ning Yunmiao, hiding behind Xiao Lin, was inwardly complaining.

Fourth Junior Sister, I brought you here to provide me with some information about Lin Aotian, not to despise him...

Xiao Lin sighed inwardly, realizing this trip might not yield much.

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However, what Xiao Lin didn't know was that although he didn't gain any information, he did gain a heap of resentment.

Not only was he being intimate with his own harem, but he also embarrassed me in public. Fine, very well, this Xiao Lin, I've decided to kill him. Is reaching Foundation Establishment at fourteen that hard? With the System, I can refine Qi in a day, maybe even reach Foundation Establishment in a few days. Just wait to be crushed by me!

While setting his goals with Dongfang Yu, Lin Aotian's mind was filled with thoughts of Xiao Lin.

In his mind, Xiao Lin was already a stepping stone for him to show off and slap in the face.

"Junior Brother Lin is truly ambitious... In that case, Uncle-Master Dongfang, Junior Brother Lin, we'll take our leave first." Xiao Lin bowed to Uncle-Master Dongfang and said respectfully.

"Go on, go on, be careful when catching the celestial cranes, don't make too much commotion." Dongfang Yu waved his hand, internally lamenting once again why Xiao Lin wasn't his disciple.

Xiao Lin nodded, glanced at Lin Aotian, and was about to leave with Ning Yunmiao when Lin Aotian's voice rang out again.

"Master, since I've joined the Flowing Cloud Sect, shouldn't I pay my respects to the sect leader?"

"Uh..."

Upon hearing this, both Xiao Lin and Dongfang Yu's expressions stiffened, while Ning Yunmiao... still wore an undisguised look of disgust.

[This guy wants to see Master? No way, if he really follows the novel's plot with Master, then I'll have to see this guy often? No! Absolutely not!]

Ning Yunmiao clenched her small fists behind Xiao Lin.

Standing in front of Ning Yunmiao, Xiao Lin actually shared the same thought.

According to Fourth Junior Sister's inner voice, following the original novel's plot, Lin Aotian should connect with Master, and Master might even fight immortals for Lin Aotian in the future... No, I can't let the plot go this way!

Ever since learning about the plot involving Master and Lin Aotian, Xiao Lin had resolved to change this storyline.

It's not that he wanted to monopolize Master or had any special feelings for Leng Youxue; it was purely because Xiao Lin didn't want to see Leng Youxue fighting immortals for Lin Aotian.

What a joke, those are immortals. Even if Master could fight an immortal without losing, what if the immortal had some powerful weapon? What if those shameless immortals ganged up on her? What if Master was in a bad state or injured that day?

Any of these "what ifs" would mean Leng Youxue would be at a disadvantage or even in danger when fighting immortals.

So Xiao Lin thought it best not to fight immortals unless absolutely necessary.

And fighting immortals for Lin Aotian clearly didn't fall under "absolutely necessary."

"Junior Brother Lin, actually..."

Just as Xiao Lin was about to speak, Dongfang Yu spoke first, "Aotian, I understand you want to meet the sect leader, but in our Flowing Cloud Sect, meeting the sect leader isn't easy. Even for your Master, it's hard to meet the sect leader."

"Huh?" Lin Aotian was dumbfounded upon hearing this.

If I can't even meet her, how am I supposed to woo the sect leader?

Feeling anxious, he wanted to argue further but found he had no suitable reason—his only asset was his talent, but it seemed his performance wasn't particularly outstanding in the Flowing Cloud Sect. Why would he deserve an audience with the sect leader?

What? Why isn't it like I imagined? Normally, shouldn't my talent shock the entire sect, even alarming the sect leader, who would then take me under her wing, giving me a chance to woo her?

Lin Aotian was inwardly frustrated, yet he maintained a shy and bashful expression on his face. "Then... will I have a chance to meet the sect leader in the future? Master said the sect leader is so powerful, I really want to see her, even if it's just from afar."

"This..." Dongfang Yu looked troubled, then turned to Xiao Lin and said, "Nephew Xiao, you heard him. If possible, could you pass a message to the sect leader explaining the situation?"