Heavenly Rebellion: The Human Race's Rise to Prominence
Chapter 96: Walk Back

Chapter 96: Walk Back

After Chen Mei and Chen Li had left, one of the two remaining guards was the first to speak.

"Honored guests, please follow me. I am to escort you back to your quarters," said one of the guards, Chen Yu, as he gestured toward Lin Feng and the others.

Meanwhile, the other guard returned to the front gate to resume his duties.

Yan Hao and Yan Li exchanged a glance before grinning in a lewd manner.

Turning toward Lin Feng and Huang Bei, they spoke with feigned righteousness.

"Big Bro Huang, Big Bro Feng, Yan Li and I have some important business to attend to back in the city, so we’ll take our leave first," Yan Hao declared, attempting to sound serious.

"That’s right," Yan Li chimed in, nodding eagerly.

"We need to meet with certain people and have some ’fun’ with the reward money we just received."

Hearing their excuse, Lin Feng wore a strange expression. He didn’t know exactly what the two were planning, but he had a hunch.

I guess they’re about to meet up with some girls.

"Just don’t get into any trouble," Huang Bei said seriously, his tone laced with concern.

"I won’t be able to save you for a while since I’m injured, so whatever you idiots are up to, be careful."

"Don’t worry, Big Bro Huang! You can count on us," Yan Hao declared, patting his chest as if to emphasize his reliability.

"That’s right! And if we do run into any problems, we’ll just run right back here," Yan Li added, grinning as he tried to sound reassuring.

Huang Bei sighed but eventually nodded. "All right then, you guys take care."

With that, Yan Hao and Yan Li waved goodbye to Lin Feng before scurrying off, their excitement barely contained.

Chen Yu glanced at them and asked, "Are you ready to go, sirs?"

Huang Bei and Lin Feng exchanged a glance before nodding in unison, then began following Chen Yu toward their quarters.

As they walked through the Chen Clan estate, Lin Feng took in his surroundings.

The first thing he noticed was the surprising lack of snow—while the air remained cold, the grounds were mostly clear.

The second thing was far stranger.

Everyone they passed seemed to be watching them from a distance.

Some gazes were filled with hostility, others with curiosity, while a few, after observing them for a moment, quickly averted their eyes.

Noticing the confused look on Lin Feng’s face, Chen Yu spoke up to clarify the situation.

"Word has spread that the reason Young Master Chen Yang was punished is because he tried to kill Elder Chen Li—and that the people the Young Miss brought here are the reason he failed," Chen Yu explained, his tone calm as he continued walking without looking back.

"The Chen Clan has a lot of internal conflicts these days," Chen Yu continued, "Young Master Chen Yang’s father, Elder Chen Baole, is vying for power against the Clan Master, Chen Su—who also happens to be Young Miss Chen Mei’s father. The different looks you’re receiving come from the various factions that either support Clan Master Chen Su or Elder Chen Baole."

His words hung in the cold air as they walked, the faint crunch of their footsteps the only other sound. The Chen Clan estate stretched around them—elegant yet imposing.

Despite the winter chill, there was barely any snow on the paths, as though the clan had taken special care to keep their grounds clean.

But no amount of tidiness could conceal the invisible cracks forming beneath the surface.

Lin Feng quietly observed their surroundings.

Wherever they passed, disciples and servants alike stole glances at them.

Some faces were openly hostile, while others were curious or indifferent.

Yet, even those who looked on quickly averted their gaze after a moment, as if afraid to be caught staring.

A power struggle...

The realization settled in Lin Feng’s mind, deepening his sense of caution. Hmm... So the Chen Clan is caught in a power struggle.

Although I don’t know how strong Chen Su is compared to Chen Baole, it’s reasonable to assume that Chen Su is more powerful—after all, he’s the clan master.

His brows furrowed slightly as his thoughts continued. But if that’s the case... where does Chen Baole get his courage from?

In a world ruled by strength, challenging the authority of a clan master wasn’t something done lightly.

Either Elder Chen Baole was extremely confident in his abilities—or there was something else, some unseen power backing his ambitions.

The cold breeze brushed against his face as another question began to form in his mind.

This time, instead of keeping his thoughts to himself, he turned his gaze toward Chen Yu and asked, his voice carrying a trace of doubt.

"Why are you telling us this?"

Chen Yu, hearing the question, suddenly chuckled softly.

With a brief glance over his shoulder, he met Lin Feng’s eyes and responded, "You don’t have to be so on guard. I support the clan leader, Chen Su, and since you arrived with the Young Miss and Elder Chen Li, I’m guessing we’re on the same side."

His tone was casual, but there was a deliberate calmness to his words—a practiced ease that suggested he had grown used to walking the fine line between loyalty and survival in the midst of clan politics.

Lin Feng studied his expression carefully.

While Chen Yu’s explanation seemed reasonable on the surface, it wasn’t enough to entirely dissolve his wariness.

Still, it was logical—if Chen Yu aligned himself with Chen Su, then helping them could only strengthen his own position.

For now, Lin Feng decided, he would trust—but not completely.

Beside him, Huang Bei, who had remained quiet until now, finally broke his silence.

"How is your Young Master faring?"

At the question, Chen Yu’s steps hesitated for a heartbeat.

He cast a quick glance around them, his sharp eyes noting the distant figures who still lingered within earshot.

After ensuring no one was close enough to overhear, his voice dropped to a near whisper.

"We’re not sure... but according to the rumors, Elder Chen Xizi brought Chen Yang to his father for punishment."

Huang Bei snorted coldly, the sound cutting through the crisp air.

"Hmph, that bastard is probably going to get off scot-free," he said, his contempt for Chen Yang barely concealed.

Chen Yu gave a wry smile but chose not to comment.

It was clear to everyone present that Elder Chen Baole wouldn’t allow his son to suffer too harsh a punishment—if there was any real punishment at all.

Still, voicing such thoughts openly could be dangerous, and Chen Yu wasn’t about to risk it.

Huang Bei, on the other hand, had no such reservations.

Seeing the guard’s cautious silence only fueled his irritation. With another sharp snort, he turned his attention to Lin Feng.

His expression was grim carrying a sense of urgency.

"Lin Feng," he said, his voice lowering but sounding serious, "you’d better be careful of Elder Chen Baole. He’s not the type to act openly, but if he holds a grudge, he won’t hesitate to send assassins after those who cross him. Always watch your back."

The warning was clear and heavy with meaning. Huang Bei wasn’t the type to worry without reason—and if he thought Lin Feng was a potential target, then the danger was very real.

Lin Feng, feeling the gravity of the advice, gave a respectful nod. "Thank you, Huang Bei," he said sincerely.

Though he spoke simply, the warmth behind his words reflected his genuine appreciation. It wasn’t often that people truly looked out for him—but Huang Bei had done so without hesitation.

Huang Bei, seemingly satisfied with his response, returned a brief nod before falling back into silence.