NOVEL NEXT Chapter 101: Star Disciple who isn't a Senior Brother and Senior Brother who isn't a Star Disciple.
Wu Fengtian stood there, still reeling in shock.
"Wha..."
His family showered Yang Wei with attention and affection, treating him like the golden child while he, battered and burdened, went unnoticed.
Then, Wu Fengtian's father, Wu Shu, lumbered in, carrying a load of firewood. He didn't even notice Wu Fengtian's presence, he turned to Yang Wei. "Oi! Wei'er, you might need to share some of those your tree-chopping secrets?" he asked with a hearty chuckle.
Yang Wei flashed a charming smile. "Of course, Uncle."
Wu Shu laughed, his round belly jiggling. "Ah, no need for 'uncle'. Just call me father. You're practically family already."
Yang Wei joined in the laughter, and Wu Fengtian could only watch, dumbfounded.
His mouth hung open, but no words came out.
He'd been standing there for what felt like ages, yet nobody noticed.
What really threw him for a loop wasn't so much how they were doting on Yang Wei like he was some kind of precious gem. It was more like, was he just so easily replaceable that they'd shower Yang Wei with all that love and attention like he'd been part of the family forever? Or maybe Yang Wei was just that social that he could win over every single family member in a matter of seconds?
Either way, it was a shocker, no doubt about it.
Yang Wei and Wu Shu suddenly halted their laughter in perfect sync.
Rising to his feet, Yang Wei said, "Okay, Dad, let me lend a hand with those firewoods, the trick is just t..."
But before he could finish, Wu Yifei seized Yang Wei's arm, sandwiching it between her breasts protectively. She turned to Wu Shu, exclaiming, "Shu! How could you even think of making Wei'er do all this work? He just got here from Tiancheng City, he needs some rest!"
Wu Shu sighed and dropped the firewood he was carrying, "But if we don't stock up now, we'll be in trouble come rainy season. Remember how we had a damaging shortage last year? We couldn't cook proper food for days!" he protested.
Wu Yifei tightened her grip on Yang Wei's arm, causing it to sink deeper into the cleavage of her motherly breasts. Then, she countered, "Well, we can always do it tomorrow. Today, Wei'er deserves a break."
Wu Shu grumbled, clearly displeased. "This isn't fair..."
Yang Wei glanced at Wu Yifei and reassured her, "It's fine, really. I wouldn't mind helping chop down all the firewood the village needs."
Wu Yifei frowned and asserted, "My word is final. You should rest first."
But Yang Wei attempted to interject, "But..." before being swiftly interrupted by Wu Yifei, who firmly stated, "No, no, no. You're not chopping any wood today. I'd rather you have some fun and relax, maybe keep your sisters company." With a gentle nod, she directed his gaze towards Wu Xinqi and Wu Meixiang.
The two girls waved at him, Wu Xinqi with a cheerful, childlike grin and Wu Meixiang with a more flustered, embarrassed smile that could barely be called a smile. She quickly averted her gaze, blushing.
Wu Yifei chuckled and teased, "Oh? Are you perhaps already attracted to your Senior Brother, Meixiang?"
Wu Meixiang's face flushed even more, and she retorted, "Mother! Absolutely not!"
Yang Wei chuckled and agreed with Wu Yifei, "Sure thing then, no problem. I'll rest."
Wu Fengtian couldn't take it anymore.
He dropped the heavy sacks with a thud and let out a frustrated scream.
"THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING!!"
Finally, everyone noticed him.
Wu Yifei glanced over. "Oh, Feng'er, you're back," she spoke casually. "We've been waiting for you." There was a mild smile on her face, looking at her boy all strong and healthy, there was nothing a mother wanted more than that.
Wu Shu wasted no time in assigning him a task. The robust man cleared his throat and glared at Wu Fengtian as he scratched his itchy, stubble then said, "Alright, boy, change into your work clothes and start chopping wood. We need at least six hundred for the whole village."
Wu Meixiang folded her arms and rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh, look who's back, our Senior Brother who isn't a Star Disciple. How wonderful," she sneered. It was obvious from her tone and her attitude that she was being sarcastic; her usual behavior around Wu Fengtian—one that deeply contrasted the sweet angel she is around Yang Wei.
Infuriated, Wu Fengtian snapped back. "Respect me, you bitch!"
Wu Yifei shot him a stern look, pointing an accusatory finger. "Is that any way to talk to your junior sister? How dare you use such language!"
With a plain face, Wu Fengtian uttered, "Eh?" he was surprised that he was the one being yelled at. Soon, his confusion quickly turned to anger. "But did you hear what she said to me? She disrespected me!" veins were already popping up across his forehead.
Wu Yifei crossed her arms, her expression turning sour as she looked to the side and pouted. "Hmph! She only spoke the truth. Maybe if you were a Star Disciple, we'd be living a much more comfortable life."
Wu Xinqi jumped to her brother's defense. "Don't say that, Mommy! Feng Feng is doing his best to support the family with his small sect earnings. He'll make us proud one day!"
Touched by his sister's faith in him, Wu Fengtian placed a hand over his heart, tears welling in his eyes. "Thank you, Xinqi," he sniffled.
Even when everyone's against me, she's still that sweet little angel I always protected from those little rascals who tried to play marriage with you... worth it.
Wu Yifei softened, smiling at her daughter. "You're right, dear."
Wu Xinqi continued, "Even if you're not as famous, handsome, talented, well-respected, tall, powerful or did I mention as handsome as Wei Wei, I know you'll achieve something great, no matter how small."
...
...
...
"No matter how small..."
Those words echoed 10 good times in Wu Fengtian's head.
Wu Fengtian froze, overwhelmed by the ignorant support from his little sister.
Wu Fengtian clenched his teeth and let out a piercing scream, "AHHHHHH!!" He frantically raked his hands through his hair like a madman before charging towards Yang Wei and grabbing him by the collar. "How dare you seduce my entire family?!" he bellowed. "I thought your seductive powers were limited to women, but it seems even my father would spread his legs for you if you asked him to!"
Yang Wei just yawned in response, calmly stating, "Feng, I don't want to have to discipline you in front of your parents, but if I have to, I will."
Wu Fengtian screamed even louder, "You might as well do that! Show them your true colors!"
Suddenly, Wu Xinqi rushed to Wu Fengtian and embraced him from behind, her small frame burying her head into his lower back. "Feng Feng, stop! Yang Wei's going to be my husband someday, so you shouldn't treat him like that!" she pleaded.
Wu Fengtian felt his heart shatter as he collapsed to his knees.
"I... I truly... underestimated your charms..."
...
Meanwhile, in a nearby dense farmland, Mu Lingxi gritted her teeth and crushed the stone she held in her hand to dust. "That little child would dare fight for Yang Wei with me, his First Martial Sister? She's too young to be courting death!" she seethed.