Wasting Cultivation resources on Maidens makes me the STRONGEST

As Wei Jin waited for the attendant to finalize the arrangements, faint whispers reached his ears.

The cultivators around him were murmuring in hushed tones, their eyes occasionally darting in his direction.

"Did you hear that? He's fighting barehanded."

"Is he crazy, or does he have some sort of hidden trump card?"

"He's from the Wei Family. Maybe it's something to do with their lineage."

Wei Jin ignored the chatter, keeping his composure intact. However, the atmosphere grew heavier as the whispers became louder.

Suddenly, the crowd parted slightly, and a young man, surrounded by several attendants, approached him.

The young man's aura was calm but commanding, his robes bearing the intricate insignia of the Wei Family.

His posture and the way his attendants moved around him suggested he wasn't just any cultivator—he was someone of significance.

Stopping a few paces from Wei Jin, the young man gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. "Wei Family, greetings."

Wei Jin turned to face him, his expression neutral but curious. "Greetings," he replied.

The young man's lips curved into a polite smile. "I am Wei Rutong. And you are?"

Wei Jin's eyes narrowed slightly. The name was familiar—Wei Rutong was a well-known figure within the Wei Family's younger generation.

A genius who had consistently stood out in every competition and trial, Wei Rutong was revered not just for his cultivation prowess but also for his strategic mind and unwavering determination.

"I am Wei Jin," he said, returning the courtesy with a nod.

Wei Rutong's gaze sharpened, as though he were assessing Wei Jin. "Wei Jin… I've heard of you. You've kept a low profile among our generation. Yet here you are, preparing to fight a beast barehanded. Intriguing."

Wei Jin's expression remained calm. "It's just something I wish to attempt," he said simply, offering no further explanation.

Wei Rutong chuckled softly. "You're humble. Tell me, what realm are you currently in?"

Wei Jin took a moment to reply, aware that the question was a veiled test of his capabilities. "Tenth Stage of Mortal Cultivation," he answered calmly.

The moment the words left his lips, a murmur rippled through the surrounding crowd.

The Tenth Stage of Mortal Cultivation was the pinnacle of the Mortal Realm, a stage where most cultivators prepared to break through into the Spiritual Realm.

It was a realm where every ounce of power mattered, and yet, for Wei Jin to choose barehanded combat at this level was seen as both bold and reckless.

Wei Rutong's brows lifted slightly, his expression thoughtful. "The Tenth Stage, and you choose to fight barehanded. A bold decision indeed. Most would rely on their strongest weapons or spiritual tools at such a critical juncture in their cultivation."

Wei Jin met his gaze evenly. "I prefer to rely on my own strength."

Wei Rutong tilted his head, as though weighing Wei Jin's words. "Interesting. Your confidence suggests you have something extraordinary to rely on. Tell me, when did you awaken your Inverse Eyes?"

At this, the crowd's murmurs grew louder, their interest piqued.

"The Inverse Eyes! So that's why he's fighting barehanded!"

"That makes sense. The Wei Family's Inverse Eyes grant incredible insight and reflexes in combat."

"With those eyes, fighting barehanded isn't reckless—it's strategic."

The attendants around Wei Rutong exchanged knowing glances, their admiration evident.

It was widely known that the Wei Family's Inverse Eyes were a rare but powerful blessing.

Those who awakened them were said to gain unparalleled clarity in battle, capable of predicting and countering their opponent's every move with precision.

To wield such power was to stand out even among the most elite cultivators.

Wei Rutong's tone turned more casual, almost conspiratorial.

"You needn't hide it, Wei Jin. I can understand why you wouldn't want to announce it outright, but here among family, there's no need for pretense.

"Awakened Inverse Eyes are nothing to be ashamed of—it's a gift that places you among the best of our lineage."

The surrounding cultivators nodded in agreement, their expressions ranging from envy to admiration.

However, Wei Jin's reply cut through the mounting assumptions like a blade. "I didn't awaken my Inverse Eyes."

The murmurs ceased abruptly, and an almost tangible silence fell over the hall. Wei Rutong's smile faltered, his brow furrowing in confusion.

The cultivators nearby exchanged startled looks, struggling to process what they had just heard.

"What…?" someone whispered. "He's fighting barehanded without the Inverse Eyes?"

"Is he insane?!" another muttered.

"How can he possibly survive against a beast of the same realm without such an advantage?"

Wei Rutong's expression shifted, a mix of disbelief and intrigue crossing his features. "You… don't have the Inverse Eyes?" he repeated, as if to confirm he hadn't misheard.

Wei Jin simply nodded, his expression calm and unwavering, despite the rising tension in the room.

The heavy silence that followed Wei Jin's revelation was abruptly shattered by the sound of mocking laughter.

It was loud, condescending, and carried the unmistakable tone of someone who thrived on arrogance.

Heads turned as another young man strode forward, his posture radiating confidence, and a smirk plastered across his face. His attendants followed closely, their expressions showing a mix of smugness and disdain.

Wei Jin immediately recognized him.

Wei Zhuxan.

A member of the Wei Family, he was known not only for his talent but for his notorious arrogance and bullying nature.

He had made a name for himself by flaunting his strength and ridiculing anyone he deemed inferior—a category he clearly believed Wei Jin fell into.

"Hah!" Wei Zhuxan exclaimed, pointing at Wei Jin as though he were the punchline of a grand joke.

"I can't believe my eyes! Wei Jin, the disgrace of our family, standing here as if he belongs! What is this, some last hurrah before your impending punishment?"

The crowd stirred, intrigued by the unexpected confrontation.

Wei Jin's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing, waiting for the inevitable torrent of insults.

"Oh, don't give me that look," Wei Zhuxan continued, his voice dripping with mockery.

"Everyone here already knows. You caused a scene during your wife's success banquet yesterday, didn't you? Embarrassed the Wei Family in front of all those esteemed guests!

"And yet, here you are, acting like you've done nothing wrong. Tch, I suppose this is your way of avoiding punishment—coming here to throw your life away fighting beasts!"

Wei Zhuxan threw his head back and laughed louder, his voice grating in its arrogance.

"It's almost admirable in a pathetic sort of way. You didn't awaken your Inverse Eyes, and now you're trying to prove yourself by fighting beasts barehanded?

"It's suicide! But maybe that's what you want, isn't it, Wei Jin? To take the coward's way out rather than face the consequences of your disgrace!"

The crowd buzzed with murmurs, their attention fixed on the unfolding drama.

But Wei Jin wasn't about to let this go. Not anymore.

His lips curled into a smirk, his voice calm yet laced with venom.

"You're right about one thing, Zhuxan. I didn't awaken my Inverse Eyes. But let me tell you something—" he leaned forward, his tone sharpening. "—I don't need some fancy eyes to beat you into the ground. So why would I need them to take down a few beasts?"

Wei Zhuxan's laughter faltered for a moment before he sneered.

"Oh? Is that so? Big words for someone who's spent his entire life in the shadows. Tell me, Wei Jin, do you even have the guts to back up that mouth of yours? Or is this just another desperate attempt to cling to relevance before you fade into nothing?"

Wei Jin's smirk widened, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

"Guts? Coming from the guy who hides behind his Inverse Eyes? Tell me, Zhuxan, how does it feel knowing that without those eyes, you're nothing but a weakling with a big mouth?"

The crowd gasped, their murmurs escalating into a cacophony of excitement.

Wei Zhuxan's face darkened, his sneer giving way to a scowl. "Watch your tongue, Wei Jin. You might not care about your reputation, but I won't tolerate disrespect from someone like you."

"Someone like me?" Wei Jin echoed, his voice dripping with mockery. "You mean someone who doesn't need a crutch to stand tall? Face it, Zhuxan, you're scared. Scared that without your Inverse Eyes, you'd be exposed for the fraud you are."

The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken challenges.

Wei Zhuxan's fists clenched, his voice rising. "You talk a lot for someone who hasn't accomplished a single thing in his life. You think your empty bravado will save you? You're a disgrace, and everyone here knows it!"

Wei Jin stepped closer, his voice low but filled with menace. "Better a disgrace than a coward who hides behind his gifts. But I'll tell you what, Zhuxan. Let's settle this right here, right now."

The crowd erupted in murmurs again, their excitement reaching a fever pitch.

Wei Rutong, who had been watching silently, stepped forward, his voice stern. "Enough, both of you! There's no fighting allowed here in front of everyone. Keep your tempers in check. You are both from Wei Family. Do not embarrass the Wei Family!"

Wei Jin turned to Rutong, his expression neutral. "You're right, Brother Rutong. No fighting here. But how about we make it a competition instead?"

Wei Zhuxan raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued despite his anger. "A competition?"

Wei Jin's smirk returned, his eyes glinting with challenge.

"Let's see who can defeat more beasts barehanded. No weapons, no spiritual tools, just raw strength. And if you're so confident in your precious Inverse Eyes, feel free to use them. I won't need them to crush you."

The crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement now bordering on frenzy.

A competition between two members of the Wei Family?

This was a rare spectacle, and everyone wanted to witness it.

Wei Zhuxan's sneer returned, his confidence unshaken. "Fine. If you're so eager to humiliate yourself, I'll gladly oblige. But don't come crying when you realize you're out of your depth."

Wei Jin's grin widened. "We'll see who's out of their depth soon enough."