The Lay Flat Life: My Wife's Cultivation Makes Me Stronger - Chapter 24

Although Han Feng knew that Jiang Huayang, given his status, probably looked down on him as nothing more than a “waste,” that didn’t bother him. Han Feng had long grown accustomed to being called useless by others.

Jiang Huayang continued, “Let’s get the official matters out of the way first. Do you know the identities of the assassins who came for you tonight?”

“Well, it’s pretty obvious they were sent by Ye Longyuan. He’s the only person I’ve crossed, so who else could it be? I even overheard one of the men in black mention a ‘young master.’ It was definitely Ye Longyuan.”

Han Feng laid everything out plainly, just as he had done when Jiang Surou questioned him. He felt no need to save Ye Longyuan’s face.

Jiang Huayang nodded, “Hmm, I see. Do you have any evidence to back this up?”

“If I had any, I would’ve gone straight to the Enforcement Hall,” Han Feng replied with a chuckle.

“Well then, has anything like this happened to you before? Any previous attempts on your life?”

“No, this was the first time. Scared me half to death.”

Han Feng smiled innocently, looking as harmless as ever.

Jiang Huayang’s expression remained unchanged as he responded calmly, “Is that so? Because just the other day, my junior brother and I personally watched you kill two Qi Refining fifth-layer cultivators in just two moves. You were quick, decisive, and ruthless.”

At these words, Han Feng’s expression froze. His eyes widened, and he stared sharply at Jiang Huayang.

Jiang Huayang smiled faintly. “Let me educate you on something, Junior Brother Han. Once a cultivator reaches the Foundation Establishment stage, they develop a ‘sea of consciousness’ that allows them to project their divine sense. This enables them to detect the cultivation levels of others. As long as the person’s cultivation is lower than theirs, or not much higher, they can easily sense it.

You’re eighteen years old and already at the peak of the seventh layer of Qi Refining. You’re even a bit stronger than my sister and just below Ye Longyuan, both of whom have Heavenly Spirit Roots.

Clearly, you’ve got some fine talent.”

Han Feng let out a dry laugh. “It seems there’s no hiding anything from you, Senior Brother.”

“There’s no need to hide it. Any Foundation Establishment cultivator could easily sense your true cultivation level. With your abilities, you must have surpassed the fifth layer of Qi Refining a long time ago. So why have you been content to remain a servant disciple for five years instead of becoming an outer disciple?”

If only you knew—I was still a waste just a few days ago…

Han Feng thought for a moment and replied, “When you stand out too much, you invite trouble. I just want a peaceful, quiet life.”

“Hmm, that’s a good mindset. You’re young, talented, but not arrogant or showy. You prefer to keep a low profile and live quietly—an attitude that’s all too rare in the cultivation world. Many young prodigies are too brash in their youth, making enemies left and right, and it often leads to their early demise. A real shame.”

“You flatter me, Senior Brother,” Han Feng said with a polite smile.

“But still, despite your efforts to avoid trouble, fate had other plans. My sister saw the brilliance in you—the talent that no one else noticed. She chose you over Ye Longyuan. Her judgment was spot-on. Out of all the people she could’ve chosen, she picked you.

“Unfortunately, that decision has made you an enemy of the Ye family, and now your life is in danger.”

Hold up… what kind of misunderstanding is this?

Han Feng was absolutely certain that Jiang Surou had chosen him simply because she didn’t like Ye Longyuan and had no better options at the time. He hadn’t even had a sliver of cultivation back then, so what “brilliance” was there to notice?

But Jiang Huayang didn’t seem to think so. In fact, the more he looked at Han Feng, the more he liked him.

Good talent, a steady temperament, and the ability to keep a low profile. With the right guidance, this kid could become a true asset to the Jiang family.

“Does my sister know that you were attacked recently?” Jiang Huayang asked.

“No, I didn’t tell her.”

“Good. You’re a man. You take responsibility for yourself and don’t drag women into it. I like that.”

Jiang Huayang’s impression of Han Feng improved even more.

“Thank you for the compliment, Senior Brother,” Han Feng replied, though inwardly he was sweating. This misunderstanding is getting way out of hand…

“Alright then. Since you and my sister are now Dao partners, we’re practically family. I won’t interfere with whatever you two have planned for your future. It’s your life to live as you see fit. After all, daughters eventually leave the family when they marry.

“Rest assured, I won’t tell her about tonight’s incident. No need to worry her.”

“I appreciate your understanding, Senior Brother.”

Jiang Huayang suddenly glanced at the formation surrounding Han Feng’s courtyard and asked, “This formation—where did you get it?”

Han Feng smiled. “I bought it from the Treasures Pavilion in town. Since I’ve made enemies, I figured I’d need some protection. As we saw tonight, someone came to try and kill me.”

“That formation must have cost a pretty penny. How did a servant disciple like you afford it?”

“I’ve saved up bit by bit over the years. Poured everything I had into this formation. After all, my life’s at stake.”

“Why not stay with the Jiang family? Our defenses are far superior to anything you could set up here.”

Jiang Huayang looked at Han Feng’s awkward expression and suddenly seemed to understand. He smiled knowingly and said, “Ah, I see. You don’t want to live off someone else’s wealth, right? You don’t want people accusing you of mooching. I get it.

“You’re a man with pride, wanting to stand on your own two feet. I respect that.

“Still, now that I know your situation, I can tell you this: If my father or any of the Jiang family elders learn about your talent, they’ll definitely provide you with resources to help you cultivate. After all, you’re my sister’s Dao partner, which makes you practically part of the family.

“But I understand if you have your own plans. I won’t push it. Like I said, you two can handle your lives however you see fit.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Senior Brother.”

Han Feng couldn’t help but admire Jiang Huayang’s ability to fill in the blanks and make his own assumptions. It was truly something.

Jiang Huayang’s gaze fell on the sword in Han Feng’s hand. “That sword you’re holding… I recognize it. It’s the Xianshou Sword I gave my sister for her fifteenth birthday.”

“Oh, she gave it to me a few days ago. If you’d like it back, you’re welcome to take it,” Han Feng offered, placing the sword on the table.

“What? Do you think I’m the type of person who would take back a gift from my sibling? If she gave it to you, then it’s yours. The fact that she gave it to you shows that you mean something to her. Why would I go against her wishes?

“My little sister is different from our older sister. She’s cold and distant, keeps everything to herself, but she’s fiercely competitive and doesn’t like to lose.

“In other words, she’s strong-willed and hard to communicate with. But as her older brother, I hope you can be patient with her.”

“Of course, of course. I’m just like Senior Sister Jiang. I enjoy peace and quiet, and we don’t disturb each other as we cultivate. It’s a good arrangement.”

Jiang Huayang nodded in approval. “That’s good to hear. Now, about Ye Longyuan’s ongoing attempts to assassinate you. All of this trouble stems from my sister’s decision, so in a way, it’s our Jiang family’s fault that you’ve been dragged into this mess. Naturally, it’s our responsibility to protect you.

Give me your communication jade slip. I’ll leave a mark on it. If you’re in danger again, contact me immediately, and I’ll come to help.

Officially, I’m a member of the Enforcement Hall, so it’s my duty to protect disciples. But personally, you’re in this position because of our family, and it’s only right that I help you.”

Hearing this, Han Feng couldn’t help but be impressed by Jiang Huayang’s ability to create an entire narrative in his mind.