Chapter 37

The young members of the Lin family gathered together, seemingly enjoying a lively spectacle. In the midst of the bustling crowd, two young men stood facing off. One of them was Lin Yan, and the other was Lin Feng, the grandson of the fourth elder of the Lin family, who enjoyed a certain degree of notoriety among the younger generation thanks to his grandfather’s influence, giving him a reputation akin to an alpha wolf.

In the distant past, this spoiled troublemaker had once provoked Lin Xuan over Lin Yanran, only to be knocked to the ground with a single slap and forced to recover in bed for half a year. Since then, he had toned down his behavior—until today, when conflict arose again during the Lin family’s coming-of-age ceremony.

“Lin Feng, if you dare stand in my way again, don’t blame me for showing no respect to the fourth elder!” Lin Yan’s gaze was cold. He had only wanted to participate in the ceremony peacefully, to resolve his father’s long-standing burdens and prove himself. But meeting Lin Feng here stirred up old grievances—especially considering how Lin Feng had mocked him endlessly during the period when his cultivation mysteriously vanished.

If it weren’t for the presence of several important figures today and the need to maintain the family’s reputation, Lin Yan wouldn’t hesitate to teach Lin Feng a lesson like his older cousin once did.

“Lin Yan, you useless fool. If your father wasn’t the head of the family, do you really think you’d deserve to stay in the Lin family?” Lin Feng sneered. “Don’t think being the family head’s son grants you special treatment.”

“Lin Feng!” An overwhelming force erupted from Lin Yan. Though he tried to keep the peace, Lin Feng’s provocations had pushed him to his limit. Just as Lin Yan was about to act, a calm voice interrupted.

“That’s enough. What kind of behavior is this? Have you all forgotten the Lin family’s rules?”

The gathered crowd of young men and women immediately turned their heads toward the source of the voice, parting to create a path.

“It’s Young Master Lin Xuan!”

“The Lin family’s greatest genius!”

“Lin Xuan is so handsome! If I confessed my love to him today, do you think he’d accept?”

“Keep dreaming! Look who’s standing beside him!”

Two figures were approaching from the distance.

The young man in white stood tall and proud, his hair cascading like a waterfall. His eyes sparkled like stars, and his aura carried a faint pressure, making him seem like an immortal descended from the heavens. To the others, his presence was akin to that of a deity.

Beside him walked a young woman in a flowing blue dress, graceful and elegant, her neck raised like a swan’s. Though her expression still held some youthful innocence, her beauty was undeniable—enough to captivate nations once she fully matured. A gentle smile adorned her delicate face, but it was reserved solely for the young man by her side. To everyone else, she radiated an untouchable aloofness, even when smiling.

The one who had just spoken was Lin Xuan.

His arrival instantly attracted the attention of everyone present, including both Lin Yan and Lin Feng.

“Greetings, Cousin Xuan,” Lin Yan said respectfully, cupping his hands. A cold sweat broke out on his back. If Lin Xuan hadn’t shown up, acting against Lin Feng in public might have cost him dearly—even if it would have brought temporary satisfaction, it would have shamed both his father and the Lin family.

Lin Xuan gave a slight nod, his demeanor causing whispers to ripple through the crowd.

“Is Young Master Xuan here just to resolve this situation for Lin Yan?”

“Not only is Lin Xuan a genius, but he also cares about the family! How can someone be so perfect?”

“With Lin Xuan here, Lin Feng wouldn’t dare go too far.”

“Lin Feng always acts like he’s the king of the world just because his grandfather is the fourth elder. It’s about time someone like Lin Xuan put him in his place.”

Seeing Lin Xuan, Lin Feng’s expression turned fearful. Yet when he noticed the girl standing beside him, admiration flickered in his eyes. Then, glaring at Lin Xuan, resentment and jealousy filled his gaze, making his youthful face appear sinister.

“Lin Xuan! Stay out of my business!”

Lin Feng’s angry roar was met with indifference. Lin Xuan didn’t even raise an eyebrow, and the girl beside him didn’t spare Lin Feng a glance. His tantrum seemed laughably childish in comparison.

“Enough! Lin Feng, you’ve disgraced our grandfather’s name!”

A woman pushed through the crowd and stood in front of Lin Feng. She wore a light green robe marked with the emblem of the prestigious Dayan Academy. Her tall figure and high-tied hair gave her an air of authority, her brows furrowed in anger, and her delicate face flushed with rage.

Without hesitation, the woman grabbed Lin Feng by the ear, ignoring his struggles. Her firm grip was an expression of dominance, backed by the suppression of shared bloodline.

“Lin Xuan, long time no see. I hope you’ve been well…” she said, her harsh expression softening slightly as she looked at him.

“Big sis…” Lin Feng tried to protest but was cut off by a swift kick that sent him stumbling.

“Go back to Grandfather and stay put! Stop causing trouble!” she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Lin Feng could only glance back reluctantly before slinking away in disgrace. His sister had no qualms about punishing him, showing no mercy even in public.

“Lin Qing’er?” Lin Xuan asked, recognizing a familiar face from his memories.

“Yes, it’s me. Surprised you still remember,” Lin Qing’er replied with a faint smile. The loose folds of her robe subtly hinted at her graceful figure, while her long, shapely legs gleamed like smooth jade. Although she lacked the ethereal beauty of Lin Yanran, Lin Qing’er was undoubtedly a celebrated beauty in her own right.

“Greetings, Cousin Qing’er,” Lin Yanran said, clinging to Lin Xuan’s arm with a triumphant smile, her bright eyes full of mischief as if she had just won a competition.

Lin Qing’er’s expression dimmed briefly upon seeing Lin Yanran, but she quickly composed herself. Her time at Dayan Academy had exposed her to many prodigies. Although Lin Xuan was exceptional, she knew that beyond him, there were even greater talents in the world.

“Congratulations, Yanran,” Lin Qing’er offered warmly before apologizing to the crowd for Lin Feng’s behavior.

“Lin Xuan, have you ever considered attending Dayan Academy?” she asked, extending an invitation.

“I appreciate the offer, but I must decline,” Lin Xuan replied with a shake of his head.

Though Dayan Academy was renowned, it held no value for him. To Lin Xuan, it was merely a shallow pond unworthy of his time.

Lin Qing’er didn’t press him further. After exchanging a few more words, she gracefully took her leave, her long legs carrying her elegantly through the crowd.