I Just Wanted To Live but I Somehow Became Better Than the Protagonist

By the time Ye Yong arrived at the Reverse Horse Tavern, following the patrolman’s directions, it was already more than ten minutes later. This was a special period; everyone was on edge, and even the streets were sparsely populated. The tavern was even more desolate, and under the guidance of a small attendant, Ye Yong made his way to the fifth floor, where there were only two tables occupied.

One table had familiar faces, while the other was entirely unfamiliar.

Although he had never seen Lin Junran, it was hard not to recognize him as the only young male at that table. Moreover, he was seated in such a way that he faced Long Tian directly; the two could lock eyes with just a glance, unintentionally increasing their mutual animosity—truly invincible.

Damn this world’s consciousness, always digging pits and designing death traps at the slightest oversight. Do the antagonists not deserve to live well?

Ye Yong cursed inwardly, yet outwardly approached Lin Junran’s table with an air of indifference.

Possessing a divine body and cultivating divine techniques, Ye Yong’s aura was not something an ordinary cultivator could compare to. As soon as he ascended the stairs, he attracted the attention of everyone present.

“It’s Young Master Ye Yong! What is he doing here?” Qiu Li was very excited, as if he had spotted an idol.

“Most likely here to find those people,” Long Tian noted, observing Ye Yong’s gaze linger on the opposite table, curious about their relationship with him. Although Long Tian had never spoken to the people at the opposite table, their condescending looks and the superior aura they exuded made him uncomfortable, especially Lin Junran’s aloof and disdainful gaze, which was even more pronounced.

“Is he Ye Yong?” Lin Qiuyah heard Qiu Li’s voice speaking softly. Coming from a prominent family, although the man before her was indeed more extraordinary than anyone she had ever seen, she wouldn’t be so infatuated as to lose her composure.

“His appearance is quite impressive, but in terms of talent… hmm? This young master can’t even sense his cultivation level?” Lin Junran looked at Lin Feng and the others from the Void Realm, who all shook their heads, clearly unable to see through Ye Yong’s cultivation.

If they were to meet by chance, unaware of Ye Yong’s identity and age, just based on his appearance and demeanor, they might mistake him for some kind of rejuvenated elder.

“This kid has a half-saint level or even saint level concealment artifact.” Lin Feng voiced his speculation and said, “Hiding his cultivation, he must be ashamed to let the public know his talent is lacking. Just a little yellow boy, nothing special.”

“Exactly.” The others from the Void Realm echoed in agreement: “He must have heard that Young Master Junran came personally but was rejected by the demoness, so he hurried over to apologize.”

In terms of looks and demeanor, Ye Yong had indeed surpassed Lin Junran, but they certainly couldn’t praise him; they had to find a way to belittle him, lest their young master feel displeased.

The onlookers were clear-headed; a proud and confident young man like Lin Junran would naturally not think that Ye Yong could outshine him. In the Central Continent, aside from a few renowned prodigies, Lin Junran never felt that any young man could pose a threat to his appearance. Yet, it was undeniable that Ye Yong made him feel a bit of pressure.

Soon, Ye Yong arrived at the table. Lin Feng and the others didn’t even think to lower their voices, and Ye Yong naturally heard their disparaging remarks.

Angry? Not at all. This was the attitude a typical villain should have. As long as someone was not as good as him, he would trample them down. If one possessed a humble heart, capable of discovering and appreciating others, then they wouldn’t be called a villain.

Moreover, villains come in various ranks.

Ye Yong was an early-stage villain, holding significant weight in the Eastern Continent, capable of overshadowing the other villains there. The Lin family belonged to the mid-stage villains; in terms of background and cultivation, they far surpassed Ye Yong. Not to mention equality, just not being treated as a little brother was already a blessing.

“My apologies, everyone. I was previously occupied and couldn’t attend to you in time.” Ye Yong performed a respectful gesture typical of cultivators, neither overly polite nor obsequious: “My surname is Ye, with the given name Yong. May I ask what brings the esteemed guests of the Lin family to seek me?”

“Sit down and let’s talk.” Lin Junran felt that Ye Yong was relatively sensible, unlike those young masters from small families who would swell with pride after a few compliments from those around them. He was also not like the person sitting across from him, who had a face full of arrogance and a deadpan expression, completely unknown to him.

Ye Yong smiled in thanks and promptly took a seat. Although it was uncomfortable to be at the same table as the protagonist, he certainly did not want Lin Junran to send him away, only to form enmity with the protagonist in a place where he couldn’t see.

“Since you know the Lin family, I won’t go into too much detail,” Lin Junran said, taking control of the situation. “I am Lin Junran; you can call me Young Master Junran. This is my sister, Qiuya.”

Lin Qiuya nodded gently at Ye Yong as a greeting.

Lin Feng and the others adopted a senior’s demeanor, showing no expression whatsoever.

“I sought you out merely because I heard some rumors after coming here and wanted to see for myself the so-called top talent of the new generation from the Eastern Continent.” Lin Junran looked Ye Yong up and down. “But now it seems, you are nothing special.”

Every talented individual has their own pride and self-respect. Lin Junran had expected Ye Yong to be angry upon hearing this, but to his surprise, Ye Yong not only remained calm but even smiled as he poured a drink for Lin Junran. “What Young Master Junran says is quite right! Rumors are not to be trusted! They are merely the fabrications of those with ulterior motives trying to elevate or belittle me. In fact, even from afar in the Eastern Continent, I have heard of Young Master Junran’s achievements.”

“Oh?” Lin Junran was somewhat taken aback.

“At just ten years old, you made it into the top hundred of the Central Continent’s Crystal Rankings. By seventeen, you reached the Golden Core stage, and now, at not even thirty, you are already half a step into the Nascent Soul stage. Such talent cannot be underestimated, even in the talent-rich Central Continent. You are truly the light of the Lin family’s future.”

After this round of flattery, Lin Junran felt a bit elated. See? The so-called top talent from the Eastern Continent still worships and admires me, Young Master!

Lin Feng and the others also felt they had underestimated Ye Yong, thinking he was quite good at flattering.

Lin Qiuya’s impression of Ye Yong, however, diminished significantly. She had originally thought that even if Ye Yong’s family background and talent were lacking, he would at least have some backbone. Little did she know, he was no different from those small families, only knowing how to say nice things to please her brother. Instantly, she lost all interest in Ye Yong.

At the next table, Long Tian furrowed his brow. The current Ye Yong was different from the Ye Yong he remembered—unyielding in the face of power, disdainful of flattery. Now, Ye Yong was hard to read, making Long Tian wonder if he had misjudged him in the past.

‘This young man truly possesses a remarkable character, showing restraint and humility, concealing his brilliance. If throughout history there were more young talents like him, the celestial realm would surely have more great immortals. Perhaps the outcome of that battle would have been different,’ the old fallen immortal suddenly praised.

‘What do you mean?’ Long Tian asked, puzzled.

‘It’s obvious he’s feigning weakness. His talent and abilities are of a monstrous caliber, among the best I’ve seen in young people. But he cannot grow strong too quickly; after all, he is not yet powerful. Currently, their statuses are worlds apart. If he were to confront the other party with a hard stance, it would only endanger himself and his family. Showing weakness is the best choice,’ the old fallen immortal spoke at length. ‘In my time, many talented individuals lost everything for the sake of so-called pride, while those who knew their limits and understood when to yield ultimately became great celestial beings.’

Long Tian suddenly understood; no wonder he felt Ye Yong was different from usual. Indeed, even if he didn’t consider himself, he had to think of his family. Unlike Long Tian, who was alone and had no ties.

Indeed, Ye Yong was still the Ye Yong he remembered.

Although Long Tian had pride and didn’t know how to bow his head, it didn’t prevent him from admiring Ye Yong, who silently endured for the sake of himself and his family, even praising those he disliked.