Chapter 38

Watching Lin Qing’er’s departing figure, Lin Yanran smiled slyly. “Brother Lin Xuan, Qing’er has really changed a lot. Do you regret it now?”

Lin Qing’er was no longer the little girl with hands on her hips from years ago. Now, wherever she went, she drew attention as a stunning beauty. Even from behind, her graceful posture and those impossibly long legs captivated most of the young men in the Lin family.

Even Lin Yan, standing nearby, couldn’t help but stare in awe.

Lin Xuan shook his head, glanced at Yanran’s delicate face, and gently ruffled her soft hair. “You little imp, your courage is growing. I’ve always seen Qing’er as just a normal friend.”

Though he once shared a close bond with her, now there seemed to be an unspoken distance between them. Not that it mattered to Lin Xuan—perhaps it never did. 

Yanran’s smile grew brighter at his words. She blinked playfully at him and teased, “Then, Brother Lin Xuan, what kind of feelings do you have for me?” 

Looking into Yanran’s angelic face, Lin Xuan spoke earnestly and softly: “A very good, very close, unique family bond.” 

“Family…” 

A warm, comfortable feeling spread through Yanran’s heart at his words, making her feel at ease. 

With a mischievous smile, she whispered to herself, “Qing’er, giving up on Brother Lin Xuan was the biggest mistake you ever made.”

—

The matter between Lin Yan and Lin Feng was merely a small disturbance. The Lin family’s coming-of-age ceremony continued smoothly.

“Truly worthy of being called a Lin family genius,” remarked Wang Jun, the Lord of Taian City, seated among the guests. He smiled as he watched the events unfold. “His aura is impressive. I can’t even see through his strength. It won’t be long before that boy surpasses even me.” 

“Haha, City Lord, you flatter him. How could Xuan’er possibly compare to you?” Lin Baye responded humbly, though the smile on his face was impossible to hide. 

“Lin Feng! Body Tempering, Eighth Level! Grade B+!” 

The loud announcement brought murmurs from the crowd, and the Fourth Elder of the Lin family beamed with pride.

“Who would’ve thought that Lin Feng broke through another level! The eighth level of Body Tempering—he’s practically guaranteed admission to the Dayan Academy.” 

“Indeed! A B+ grade is quite rare.” 

“Excellent! Well done!” 

Lin Feng stood below the platform, radiating smugness as he cast a mocking glance toward Lin Yan. Among the younger generation of the Lin family, only the real prodigies surpassed his level. This strength was the reason no one dared challenge his arrogance. 

“Next, Lin Yan!” 

Hearing his name, Lin Yan’s face lit up with excitement. He had waited for this day for so long, determined to prove himself at last. Just as he prepared to step onto the platform, a thunderous voice echoed through the hall.

“Lin Family Head! You invited every faction in Taian City to your coming-of-age ceremony, yet you excluded my Chu family. Are you looking down on us?” 

Boom!

The Lin family’s front gate burst open as a group of Chu family experts, dressed in their clan’s distinctive robes, flooded in and surrounded the area. Leading them was a middle-aged man with a smug expression—Chu Xiong, the head of the Chu family. Accompanying him were several elders, each exuding the powerful aura of the True Essence realm.

The sudden intrusion stunned everyone present, leaving even the guests bewildered. 

Lin Zhan, one of the Lin family’s senior members, leapt to his feet, unleashing his formidable aura. His overwhelming presence cracked the granite beneath him as he roared, “Chu Xiong! What is the meaning of this? Do you wish to declare war on the Lin family?” 

Several Lin elders also stood, releasing their True Essence auras and confronting the Chu family group head-on. 

“Declare war?” Chu Xiong sneered with disdain. “I advise your Lin family to choose wisely. I’m here under orders from the Young Prince. If you resist, it will be considered treason.” 

“Treason! Do you understand what that means, Lin Family Head?” 

Chu Xiong’s arrogance knew no bounds, and even City Lord Wang Jun, sitting among the guests, was completely disregarded. 

“The Young Prince’s orders?” 

The Lin elders exchanged troubled glances. In Taian City, there was only one Young Prince: the son of the Duke of Chu. 

Lin Zhan and Lin Baye’s expressions darkened further. It was clear that the Chu family had come with malicious intent. The Young Prince was known for his cruel and capricious nature, and the Chu royal household was a force that even powerful clans dared not offend.

Clenching his fists, Lin Zhan asked grimly, “What does the Young Prince want from us? If it’s within reason, the Lin family will do our best to comply.” 

Chu Xiong chuckled, enjoying their discomfort. “The Young Prince’s request is simple. He’s heard of two exceptional talents in your family, one of whom is known as the most beautiful woman in Taian City. The Young Prince is quite taken with her.” 

“You need only send her to serve him, and riches and glory will be yours.” 

“As for the other one…” Chu Xiong’s smile grew sinister. “He offended my son. Abolish his cultivation and hand him over, and we’ll consider this matter settled.” 

“What do you say, Lin Family Head?” 

Chu Xiong stroked his chin, savoring the moment as the Lin family elders struggled with anger and fear.