Great Villain: Starting by Humiliating the Son of the Heavenly Fate

"What I, Jiang Chen, say, will naturally hold true."

"However, you must also recognize the worth of this Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng."

Jiang Chen gazed at Lin Feng and spoke earnestly, "It's exceedingly valuable. I cannot merely hand it over without receiving anything in return. Wouldn't you agree?"

"That is indeed true."

Lin Feng nodded in concurrence.

This was a treasure of the Mysterious Platform Realm. If Jiang Chen genuinely offered it without expecting anything in exchange, that would be illogical!

The others also believed that Jiang Chen's statement was entirely reasonable.

"Thus,"

Jiang Chen smiled faintly and continued, "I am willing to give it to you, but on one condition."

"What condition?"

Lin Feng inquired composedly.

Yet, he suddenly experienced a hint of irritation in his heart. Conditions, conditions, and more conditions. It was like this at the mountain gate earlier, and it was the same now!

Why did Jiang Chen always seem to have him ensnared like this?

"The condition is quite straightforward."

"As long as you agree to follow and serve me, this Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng shall be yours."

Jiang Chen's words were accompanied by a warm smile that danced at the corners of his mouth.

As the protagonist, Lin Feng was proud and sensitive. Would he be willing to submit to Jiang Chen in front of so many people, including Ning Xian?

Certainly not!

Then Lin Feng would not be able to obtain the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng!

As expected.

Upon hearing Jiang Chen's condition,

Lin Feng's expression abruptly shifted, and he couldn't help feeling both humiliated and reluctant in his heart.

He despised being spoken to condescendingly!

This reminded him of the days when he was mocked and ridiculed by others after his dantian had been shattered.

Nonetheless,

In Lin Feng's eyes, this was Jiang Chen's disdain for him.

But in the eyes of the others, this was Jiang Chen's high regard for him!

"Young Master Jiang Chen actually proposed such a condition. It's incredible!"

"Yes, being a follower of Young Master Jiang Chen is something we could only dream of! Even without compensation, I'd still be willing to do it!"

"Wow, Young Master Jiang Chen truly values Lin Feng, even offering him a treasure of the Mysterious Platform Realm!"

"I wish I could replace Lin Feng immediately, but I'm not fortunate enough."

"..."

The people whispered among themselves, believing that Lin Feng would undoubtedly agree to Jiang Chen's condition and become his follower, consequently soaring to new heights.

Ning Xian and Qiu Liaoxi exchanged glances and thought to themselves that Jiang Chen was indeed attempting to win over Lin Feng once more.

At that moment,

"I must decline, Young Master Jiang."

Lin Feng shook his head and spoke with a steady voice that resonated throughout the venue.

As he said this,

The surrounding whispers vanished instantly, leaving the atmosphere as quiet as a mouse.

Almost everyone gazed at Lin Feng in disbelief, their faces etched with confusion, as though they were staring at a fool.

Becoming Jiang Chen's follower, gaining the backing of the formidable Jiang Clan, and receiving a treasure of the Mysterious Platform Realm, and yet Lin Feng actually rejected the offer!

After a brief silence,

More murmurs of varying opinions emerged once more.

"What on earth is Lin Feng thinking? He turned down such an incredible chance to change his destiny!"

"Good heavens, I seriously question if Lin Feng has a brain. He must be daft!"

"..."

The sound of whispers reached Lin Feng's ears, prompting him to furrow his brows slightly.

He resolved to prove himself and demonstrate that the Jiang Clan was not worthy of making him bow his head!

In the future, he was determined to prove them wrong and show them he was capable of achieving greatness!

'The current scene is a classic setup for a "slap in the face" plot.'

'Unfortunately, Lin Feng, you might not have the opportunity to prove yourself and give these people a figurative slap.'

Jiang Chen observed Lin Feng's slightly furrowed brows and discerned what he was contemplating. A faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"It's alright."

"If you don't want to, I won't compel you."

"This Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng will be reserved for you. Should you ever change your mind, it will be yours."

Jiang Chen smiled subtly, flipped his wrist, and stored the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng in the Moondust Ring.

Lin Feng remained quiet, simply nodding. A cold, mocking smile graced his face.

A mere Jiang Clan, a mere Jiang Chen — not to mention the Inquiring Journey Realm — when he reaches the Mysterious Platform, he will dominate effortlessly!

However,

Although Lin Feng was rather annoyed, feeling that Jiang Chen was acting high and mighty,

He was successfully misled by Jiang Chen, which further convinced him that Jiang Chen held him in high regard.

In Lin Feng's view,

Jiang Chen was an arrogant and conceited young master, who thought highly of himself. He desired to have him, Lin Feng, as his follower, but harbored no other malicious intentions.

Thus,

Lin Feng's wariness towards Jiang Chen had diminished significantly.

"Let's go, let's continue exploring."

"Who knows, perhaps we'll even discover some valuable items!"

Jiang Chen chuckled and waved his hand, dispersing the crowd before proceeding towards the front.

Ning Xian, Qiu Liaoxi, and a somewhat hesitant Lin Feng also advanced and followed him.

Since the trade fair had not yet commenced and there was nowhere else to visit, they could only roam about.

Lin Feng also hoped to see if he could secure a good deal.

Regrettably,

This stroke of remarkable luck was something that, even with his protagonist status, he couldn't expect to encounter again in a short span of time.

After meandering for a while, they managed to purchase only some marginally superior spiritual plants.

These spiritual plants were not especially rare, and Jiang Chen did not prevent Lin Feng from acquiring them at a slightly lower price.

Moreover,

From the spiritual plants that Lin Feng had procured, Jiang Chen discerned a pattern: most of them possessed the fire attribute.

"It appears that Lin Feng's cultivation gravitates towards the five-element fire attribute."

"Next, I should prepare more measures to counter fire cultivation techniques. Better to be safe than sorry!"

Jiang Chen contemplated.

At that moment,

A voice called out from behind them: "Excuse me, please wait a moment, all four of you!"

They pivoted to look.

A slender-faced man with a friendly expression approached them.

Villain's Eye!

With a single thought, Jiang Chen activated his Villain's Eye and instantly discovered that this was a supporting character with low Fate Value, named Lai Peng.

'Another supporting character!'

'It seems the second act of Lin Feng's display of prowess is about to commence!'

Jiang Chen mused, a slight smile forming at the corner of his mouth.

"Young Master Jiang Chen!"

"I am Lai Peng."

"I have long heard of your illustrious name, and it is indeed an honor to meet a young hero such as yourself today!"

Lai Peng approached Jiang Chen's group, smiling and bowing with his hands clasped in front of him.

"You flatter me too much."

Jiang Chen offered a faint smile and said, "I wonder what brings Your Excellency to halt us. Is there something you require?"

"Hahaha!"

"Yes, indeed!"

Lai Peng laughed heartily and looked at Lin Feng. "I heard that this young friend Lin Feng just identified the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng. You are indeed exceptional for your age!"

"It's just a minor skill, nothing worth mentioning."

Lin Feng slightly clasped his hands together in salutation and shook his head.

"Young friend Lin Feng is too modest."

"To be able to identify the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng, your alchemy skills must be extraordinary. I wonder where the young friend has acquired such abilities?"

Lai Peng's smile remained constant as he posed the question.

"I cannot disclose my master's identity."

Lin Feng frowned slightly and inquired, "Is there something else?"

"Yes, there is!"

"It doesn't matter if you don't wish to reveal your master's identity, young friend!"

Lai Peng smiled and said, "Actually, I would like to invite young friend Lin Feng to participate in the pre-trade fair appraisal!"

Upon hearing this,

Jiang Chen's eyebrows immediately lifted, and he thought to himself, 'Here it comes, the classic setup of an appraisal competition!'

'According to the original plot, Lin Feng managed to dominate the competition and secure the championship, obtaining numerous benefits in the process.'

'Hehe, let's see how I can thwart you!'