Chapter 35: Let's Put the Squabbling Aside for Now

Surprisingly, Reyna did not refute Reybin’s words, nor did he lecture him any further. He knew he lacked the standing to do so.

He had never fulfilled a single iota of his duties as a father; he had never ensured Reybin was well-fed or properly clothed, and thus, he had no right to dictate how Reybin ate.

He understood well that when a full meal is a luxury, there is no need to worry about table etiquette. At such times, simply being full is the only thing that matters.

He understood the sensation of hunger. In his youth, he had experienced countless adventures in the wild. There were times when food was scarce, and he had even seen others resort to cannibalism. When people are starving, morals and shame can be cast aside, let alone table manners.

Seeing Reyna fall silent, Reybin found himself at a loss for how to continue his provocation. He had expected another lecture.

"Eat," Reyna said calmly, and began his meal. His movements were truly elegant—each gesture was harmonious and graceful, almost like a dance.

Reybin curled his lip slightly, then sat down to eat as well. While his posture was not as refined as Reyna’s, it was at least proper. After all, he had spent two years in the military, where uniform sitting posture and discipline were strictly enforced; one couldn't be too casual. Yesterday, he had only acted that way to pick a fight.

Today, as Reyna did not strike first, Reybin ate quietly, pondering how to provoke him later.

Watching him, Reyna and Leihuan noted that although he ate ravenously and lacked grace, his posture was at least decent, which was enough. As a Marshal, Reyna had seen how soldiers ate. While Reybin’s behavior might be considered inappropriate at an aristocratic banquet, it was perfectly acceptable for a soldier. Therefore, Reyna did not press the issue.

Within five minutes, Reybin finished his meal. He had grown accustomed to the military’s requirement for quick eating. "I’m done. I’m heading back," he said, wiping his mouth and turning to leave.

"In a few days, it will be the funeral for your brothers and your second uncle," Reyna said slowly. "As a descendant of the Rey family, you must perform the kowtow and return the bows. Leihuan will teach you the proper etiquette these next few days. Learn it well; do not cause any trouble."

Hearing this, Reybin sneered. "Don't drag me into Rey family business. Why should I kowtow to them? In this world, I have only one relative: my old man. What do other people's funerals have to do with me?"

Reyna’s expression darkened immediately. "You may have your grievances with me, but as a member of the Rey family, you must show respect to your deceased elders and brothers. That is a fact that will not change even in death. If you say such disrespectful things again, do you believe I will make you suffer even more than yesterday?"

Reybin replied with disdain, "It’s not like you haven't beaten me before. Do you think I’m afraid?"

Reyna let out a fierce snort, his anger erupting. In a flash, he was in front of Reybin.

*Bang! Bang! Bang!*

Reybin was reduced to a punching bag, grabbed and pummeled throughout the dining room for over ten minutes before being tossed aside. "Take him back," Reyna commanded.

*Damn it... you old pervert...* Reybin cursed internally, but he couldn't make a sound. He found it strange that Reyna’s blows were even more painful than being butchered by Xingmeng in his consciousness. It was as if every pain receptor in his body had been ignited, causing him excruciating agony.

As Reybin was carried away, Leihuan approached slowly. "The young master’s physique is indeed gifted, but his willpower is even more admirable. Most people would be traumatized after enduring such pain once, but he treats this extreme, unbearable suffering as if it were a daily chore. His resolve is truly impressive."

Leihuan could not know that Reybin’s willpower had been forged through the brutal torment inflicted by Xingmeng—being hacked to pieces thousands of times a day made everything else seem trivial.

Reyna nodded, his gaze flickering. "I wonder what suffering he endured in his childhood to hone such a spirit. It is no wonder he is resentful and rebellious; he must have endured too much."

"Indeed. But the blood of the Rey family flows through him. In time, he will come to see himself as part of the family. You cannot be blamed for what happened back then, sir," Leihuan sighed helplessly.

Reyna remained silent for a long time before speaking. "Teach him the etiquette well. There must be no mistakes at the funeral."

"Yes, sir," Leihuan bowed.

For the next few days, Reybin continued to pick fights to infuriate Reyna, only to be carried back like a pile of dead meat.

"Damn it, this old pervert. I’ve tried so hard to piss him off, yet he still won’t kick me out. It seems my efforts aren't enough. I need a better plan. Xingmeng, any ideas? Help me think."

Xingmeng replied, "There are many ways to make him angry, but I estimate he will not exile you from the family. After all, you are currently the sole heir."

"Dammit, am I stuck in the Rey family for life?" Reybin sneered. He had no affection for the family and did not want to stay.

"You often say that life is like being raped; if you cannot resist, you should try to enjoy it," Xingmeng said. "Even if you stay in the Rey family, you don’t have to consider yourself part of it. Isn't it good to use their power to enjoy your life?"

Reybin considered this. His father was here, and he had nowhere else to go. He felt a flicker of interest. Was he going to be "raped" by fate again?

"Damn it, what sin did I commit to be treated like this?" Reybin cursed at the heavens, though the heavens ignored him.

"Actually, you’re right, Xingmeng. The Rey family brought me back to bring them glory, but I can deliberately bring them shame. Let everyone know that the Rey family’s descendant is a hoodlum. Hahaha! That way, I can take revenge and enjoy life at the same time. If they want to force themselves on me, they’ll have to endure my counter-attack." Excited, he decided to stay in the Rey family for now.

"If I’m going to make a scene, the funeral is the perfect time. Many people will be there. If I cause trouble, their reputation will surely suffer," he thought triumphantly.

For the next few days, Reybin kept a low profile, spending his time training in the gym or undergoing Xingmeng’s conditioning.

Three days later, the funeral took place. Leihuan had taught him all the necessary protocols. Reybin acted the part of an obedient student, nodding and agreeing, though he hadn't remembered a single word.

Leihuan saw through this but had no choice but to simplify everything, instructing Reybin to just kowtow when the time came.

Seeing that Reybin had stopped causing trouble, Reyna frowned. He knew Reybin hadn't accepted the family; he was merely biding his time. "Sometimes, the ability to see through things, to suppress one's pride, and to endure is a strength. His father lacked that," Reyna sighed, thinking of Lei Xingfeng with a sense of melancholy. He had held such high hopes for him; his love was deep, and his demands were strict, which had led to such a tragic end.

Since Reybin was behaving, Reyna had no excuse to beat him. Yet, he knew the boy needed more tempering to fully unlock his potential for practicing ancient martial arts. Thus, under the guise of teaching him martial arts, he summoned Reybin to the training room every night to give him a brutal beating.

"Damn it, you think I’m afraid? You’re beating me every day—are you addicted to it? The more you beat me, the tougher I get. Sooner or later, I’ll surpass you and beat you black and blue."

Reybin didn't fear the torment. He showed up whenever called, never showing weakness. After all, he had endured Xingmeng’s cruelty; what were these beatings? He realized that each time Reyna hit him, his physical strength improved significantly. He hoped to reach the first stage of martial arts soon so he could "caress" Loulan in his mind.

*Heh, the old guy doesn't know that every time he hits me, my strength grows,* Reybin thought smugly.

Three days later, the funeral arrived. To honor the Rey family’s contributions to the Federation, President Havrey declared a day of national mourning, with all flags at half-mast and all entertainment banned for the day.

Only the Rey family commanded such honor. Havrey had wanted to hold a state funeral, but Reyna had refused, insisting on a private family ceremony. This seemed like humility, but it was actually Reyna’s arrogance—the family was more important than the state. Havrey knew this, merely snorted, and forced a smile. He wouldn't dare provoke Reyna now; everyone knew Reyna was a powder keg, and whoever lit it would be the one to suffer.

On that day, almost everyone of any status in the Federation stood in a long line to pay their respects to the fallen Rey family members.