Myth Beyond Heaven

Yun Ling glared at them angrily as she spoke. "Please, Young Master, ignore them. They're just barking dogs."

Yun Lintian chuckled softly, the sound strangely devoid of anger. "Little Ling," he said, his voice calm and collected, "they're merely characters playing their parts. Let them have their fun."

His nonchalant demeanor caught the Chen Clan youths off guard. Their laughter faltered, replaced by a flicker of confusion. Was this the same Yun Lintian they knew, the one prone to explosive outbursts?

"Are you deaf, you useless cripple?" another Chen Clan youth spat, attempting to rekindle the mockery. "We're talking to you!"

Yun Lintian stopped, turning to face them with an impassive gaze. His eyes, devoid of anger, held a depth that sent shivers down the spines of the Chen Clan youths. It was as if they were staring into an abyss, one that held an unsettling indifference to their taunts.

"If you have nothing of value to contribute," Yun Lintian spoke, his voice a low rumble, "then I suggest you move along. This world doesn't revolve around your childish theatrics."

The air crackled with a sudden tension. The Chen Clan youths, accustomed to bullying the meek Yun Lintian, found themselves at a loss. This new, composed version of the Third Young Master was unnerving, to say the least.

Just then, a booming voice echoed through the bustling street. "What's the commotion here?"

Heads turned towards the source of the voice. A man strode towards them, his figure radiating an aura of power. He wore a crimson robe emblazoned with a roaring lion, the symbol of the Azure Cloud City's City Guard.

The Chen Clan youths, recognizing the City Guard Captain, straightened their backs and bowed respectfully. "Captain Zhang," they chorused in unison.

Captain Zhang, a man with a weathered face and a bushy black beard, narrowed his eyes at Yun Lintian. "And who might you be?"

Yun Lintian, unfazed by the imposing aura, offered a courteous bow. "Yun Lintian, of the Yun Clan."

A flicker of surprise crossed Captain Zhang's face. He had heard whispers about the Third Young Master's fall from grace, but this young man exuded an unexpected calmness.

"The Yun Clan, huh?" Captain Zhang muttered, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "What seems to be the problem here?"

The Chen Clan youths, emboldened by the presence of the City Guard, seized the opportunity. "Captain Zhang," one of them piped up, "this fool created a ruckus at the White Lotus House a few days ago. He's a disgrace to the Azure Cloud City!"

Before Yun Lintian could respond, Captain Zhang let out a hearty laugh. The sound boomed through the street, silencing the whispers and drawing curious onlookers.

"A ruckus, you say?" Captain Zhang chuckled, wiping a tear from his eye. "Young Master Yun, a man of refined tastes, I see! Unlike some who cause trouble out of sheer boredom."

His gaze swept over the Chen Clan youths, sending shivers down their spines.

"If I recall correctly," Captain Zhang continued, his voice turning stern, "it was the Chen Clan who caused quite a stir at the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion last week, wouldn't you agree?"

The Chen Clan youths stammered, their faces paling. The incident at the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was a hushed-up affair, a stain on their reputation.

Captain Zhang snorted. "Now, scram before I lose my temper. And remember," he addressed the crowd, his voice booming, "respect is earned, not demanded. Don't judge a book by its cover."

With a final glare at the Chen Clan youths, Captain Zhang turned and left, his booming laughter echoing once more. The crowd, emboldened by his words, dispersed, muttering amongst themselves.

Yun Lintian straightened, a faint smile playing on his lips. This Captain Zhang was a man of keen observation, it seemed. Perhaps, in this bustling city, there were still those who valued fairness.

"Young Master," Yun Ling whispered, relief washing over her features. "That was close."

Yun Lintian turned to her, a smile on his face. "It seems there's more to this city than meets the eye."

Yun Ling was confused. She couldn't understand what Yun Lintian tried to convey.

Yun Lintian resumed walking, his steps lighter despite the lingering stares. The encounter with the Chen Clan youths had sparked a flicker of intrigue within him. This world was far more interesting than he had initially anticipated.

As they walked, Yun Lintian noticed a bustling teahouse nestled amidst the shops. The air around it was fragrant, hinting at a variety of exotic teas. A sudden craving for a calming beverage struck him.

"Little Ling," he announced, "let's have some tea."

"Yes, Young Master." Yun Ling nodded eagerly.

Stepping into the teahouse, Yun Lintian was greeted by a wave of warmth and a gentle melody played on a stringed instrument. The air hung heavy with the rich aroma of various teas, each promising a unique experience for the discerning palate.

The teahouse bustled with activity, a colorful tapestry of cultivators from all walks of life. Merchants in vibrant robes haggled over deals, while lone warriors nursed steaming cups, their faces etched with the weariness of travel.

A group of young disciples giggled as they recounted their latest escapades, their youthful energy a stark contrast to the stoic demeanor of the older cultivators.

Yun Lintian, ever the observer, took in the scene with a detached amusement. Here, life unfolded in a more organic manner, a chaotic beauty that held its own unique charm.

Yun Ling led him to a secluded corner table, its polished surface reflecting the soft glow of lanterns hanging from the low ceiling.

As they settled in, Yun Lintian couldn't help but notice a group of cultivators occupying a table in the far corner. Their figures were shrouded in shadows, their auras subtly veiled, a clear indication of their desire for anonymity.

A faint flicker of Divine Sense brushed against Yun Lintian's periphery. He recognized it instantly – the telltale signature of cultivators in the Divine Sovereign Realm.

"Interesting…" A subtle smile played on Yun Lintian's lips. It seemed even this seemingly innocuous teahouse harbored its share of secrets.

Though Divine Sovereign Realm cultivators weren't a rarity, the sight of a group congregating so inconspicuously piqued Yun Lintian's curiosity.

However, their presence here was none of his concern.

"Little Ling," he said, turning to his attendant, "recommend me a tea that will invigorate the mind and spirit."

Yun Ling's eyes lit up. "Certainly, Young Master."

At this moment, a group of youths, adorned in finery, entered the teahouse. Their eyes instantly fixated on Yun Lintian.

"You are here, brother."