Unfortunately, Yin Jiuxiao didn’t have enough strength right now, so the shadow he’d summoned wouldn’t last long. He had to go back soon; otherwise, he would have definitely followed Lin Qinghen to see what kind of person he really was.

For Lin Qinghen, the morning’s events were just a minor interlude, something he’d already forgotten as he returned to the Planting Garden.

Although his little field trip to gather information had caused a bit of a hassle, it was worthwhile. By the end of the day, Lin Qinghen had finally managed to teach the Bee Crystal Butterflies how to spread pollen.

Communication between him and the butterflies was becoming increasingly smooth.

By carefully controlling the concentration of the ripening agent, he was able to get the experimental Red Round Wheat to bloom at just the right time for the butterflies to pollinate it.

Spirit Beasts were indeed on a different level, with their unique abilities. They didn’t need to land on each flower; they could simply hover in front of a cluster, give a slight shake of their wings, and the pollen would gently disperse, falling precisely where it needed to go.

Standing beside them, Lin Qinghen watched in awe, feeling it was truly magical.

In just a few seconds, the butterflies finished their work effortlessly and perched in his hair to rest.

Lin Qinghen carefully harvested the experimental batch of Round Wheat to check the results.

The outcome proved that his theory was correct.

With controlled pollination, his Round Wheat showed significant improvements.

Pollination was the process by which plants reproduce, and controlling it manually meant better fertilization, a higher fruit set rate, and improved quality—essentially, a form of “superior breeding” in the plant world.

The first improvement was in the yield.

Previously, his Round Wheat yielded about 1.5 times the usual amount. But with this adjustment, the increase was astonishing. The yield had now tripled.

Lin Qinghen couldn’t precisely assess the quality, but he could sense a noticeable improvement, although it was likely still within the Four-Star range.

He was more than satisfied.

With doubled production, the cost of making elixirs would drop. From a business perspective, this improvement was just as valuable as breaking into the Four-Star level.

This would undoubtedly make his future business ventures much smoother.

He figured he’d tell his master as soon as she returned since he didn’t have the ability to command the butterflies. He’d definitely need her help in the future.

Now that he’d completed Task Three, he could save some energy. However, the system’s alchemy speed was stuck as usual, so even if he accelerated farming, he still had to wait twenty days.

Lin Qinghen continued quietly working on his grand project within a formation that was soundproof and invisible to the outside world. Yu Yinyin had her own skills; she’d hidden these two acres of land within a hollow tree, allowing sounds from outside to filter in so that he could avoid unexpected encounters on his way in or out.

While Lin Qinghen was busy, there was just as much activity outside.

About two days later, more people from the Lin family arrived, and the Planting Garden wasn’t idle.

Lin Qinghen overheard that before the big banquet, the Lin family had other events planned for today.

He actually already knew from what Lin Qingshuang had mentioned earlier—one of the events was Lin Fei’s alchemist examination.

Lin Fei had been stuck at Yellow Level Three-Star for years. Advancing as an alchemist wasn’t as straightforward as it was for Spirit Masters; they couldn’t just use a Soul Testing Stone. They had to actually produce elixirs.

Between Three and Four Stars lay the gap between inferior and mid-grade quality, which was difficult to bridge, both for elixirs and for those who crafted them.

To eliminate any chance of luck, alchemists had to produce three furnaces of elixirs on the spot during the examination. Each furnace had to meet the required standard to pass.

Typically, these exams were held at Fu Xin Hall’s branch in each city, and only the ring-shaped certification issued afterward served as proof of an alchemist’s rank and skill. The ring that the receptionist at Bai Lu Pharmacy had mentioned was just that.

But today, the alchemist examination at Tong Tian Mansion was being held right here at the Lin family’s grounds.

This was, of course, more than just an examination; it was a showcase.

Many of those attending the upcoming banquet had arrived, including representatives from second- and third-rate forces eager to catch the excitement alongside the Big Three, the Seven Noble Families, and the rest.

Lin Fei’s exam was relatively low-level and lacked much of an audience. Positioned at the edges, he was merely background; today’s main focus was on others.

Among the younger generation of the Lin family, the one with the highest alchemy talent was Lin Yun Si, who was somewhat related to Lin Fei, as he was the son of the Ninth Elder, Lin Shushu’s official husband. He was a few months younger than Lin Fei.

Generally, in a family like the Lin, which had a powerful dual-blade legacy of Marrow and Lapis, those with alchemical talent were rare. But Lin Yun Si was an exception. Despite his young age, he had recently advanced to Mysterious Level Seven Star and was likely to take the Eight-Star test today, outperforming even some prodigies from families dedicated to alchemy.

Although this event was called an examination, it was really a chance for different powers to discreetly compete by showing off their younger generation.

Listening to the passing servants gossiping, Lin Qinghen learned that around three hundred cauldrons had been fired up in the plaza. The alchemists’ control of the flames looked like fiery dragons, and the fragrance of elixirs filled the air—a rare and grand spectacle, even if it was a battle among the younger generation.

Lin Qinghen wasn’t interested in the commotion. With a bit of free time on his hands, he could only think of one possibility:

—He was fairly certain that Lin Fei intended to cheat in this examination.

It wasn’t that he was particularly cynical, but Lin Fei’s skills weren’t enough to pass the Four-Star test.

Lin Qinghen knew him too well. Last time, Lin Fei had beaten up some farmworkers out of frustration because he couldn’t manage a single success with his elixirs, let alone the three needed for the exam. Even getting one right was a struggle.

With so many eyes watching and him representing the Lin family’s reputation, he’d face serious consequences if he failed. Failing to pass would definitely earn him a brutal punishment from the Ninth Elder, yet he was still out there with Lin Qingshuang, looking completely unconcerned.

If he wasn’t planning on using some underhanded tricks, there was no other explanation.

Even though Lin Qinghen realized this, he merely frowned, uninterested in stepping forward to expose him.

In his current position, it was already enough to mind his own business; there was no need to risk it by seeking revenge on others.

What he didn’t know was that today, someone would do it for him.

Today, the atmosphere in the Lin family’s alchemical plaza was far from usual.

The excitement was palpable. The circular plaza was organized so that the closer to the center, the more prestigious the spot.

Standing in the center were two people: Lin Yun Si from the Lin family and Yuan Rongrong from Fu Xin Hall. Both were of similar age and gifted, the most prominent figures of the event.

Even the seating arrangement in the stands was unusual; the best spots at the front were taken by people from the major powers.

But if one looked closely, something was off. In a seemingly squeezed-in spot in the front rows, two people sat who hadn’t been part of the original seating.

One was a young man in plain clothing, with his head slightly lowered, his eyes invisible as if he felt a bit uneasy sitting there. The other was a slightly plump middle-aged man, smiling as he tried to chat with those around him, though few from the prestigious families paid him any attention.

Lin Zhongtian sat in the very front. His face was handsome, scholarly in appearance, yet there was an air of authority about him. The combination of his bookish looks and his dignified presence made him stand out.

Right now, however, he wasn’t particularly happy because of the sudden arrival of the Yin family.

The two people who had squeezed in were, in fact, Yin Jiuxiao and a Yin family elder representing their proposal, Yin Miao, who was, by seniority, Yin Jiuxiao’s uncle.

Today, Lin Zhongtian had been at the entrance welcoming guests from the Three Mountain Alliance when the Yin family’s group arrived out of the blue, perfectly timed.

Lin Zhongtian’s attendants had tried to stop them, pointing out that the Yin family hadn’t received an invitation and suggesting that they leave. But Yin Miao, unfazed, announced in front of the Three Mountain representatives that they weren’t there to attend the banquet—they’d come to propose marriage.

“Everyone knows Jiuxiao and Qingshuang have a marriage contract arranged by their elders. Both children are now eighteen, so it’s time to fulfill it.” Yin Miao smiled warmly. “We’ve come especially to discuss this matter with Family Head Lin.”

Had it not been in such a public setting, Lin Zhongtian would have dismissed them outright. He could easily deal with a mere Mysterious Level One-Star like Yin Miao and his Earth-Level guards. But with representatives from the Three Mountains there, acting rashly would only provide them with more ammunition.

Relationships among top-tier forces were complex, with both cooperation and competition involved. The Lin family had been growing in influence recently, making it necessary for others to remain wary. They’d be quick to exploit any weakness if given the chance.

Lin Zhongtian had no intention of honoring this marriage contract. Lin Qingshuang, with her extraordinary talent, was the candidate for the next family head, and her marriage was a family affair—it couldn’t possibly be tied to a “waste” like Yin Jiuxiao.

But with the oaths made to the heavens, how could he go against them?

Even the Three Mountain representatives hadn’t expected the fallen Yin family to be this bold, making the long journey and demanding marriage at the Lin family’s doorstep.

The people from Bai Lu, always eager to stir up trouble, had invited them in with a few words, along with all their guards.

Some from the Three Mountains even chimed in, arranging rooms for the Yin family in the Lin family’s guest quarters and escorting Yin Jiuxiao and Yin Miao straight into the plaza.

There was no real purpose behind it other than to irritate Lin Zhongtian, a touch of mischief in the guise of diplomacy.

Lin Zhongtian was furious but remained composed.

The Yin family wasn’t worth the trouble, but with so many people aware of the marriage contract, it wouldn’t be easy to break it in front of such a large audience.

Marriage oaths made to the heavens and elder promises carried weight. If he handled it too harshly, it would be taken as an excuse for his rivals to act against him.

Yin Jiuxiao understood this point well.

But it wasn’t enough.

He knew that most were just here to watch the show, stirring the pot without any real intention of standing up for the Yin family.

But what if, at this very moment, a competing interest arose within the Lin family?

Initially, people had glanced at him out of curiosity, but soon after, they dismissed him. The former golden child was now a mere shadow of himself, his spirit dulled by the Yin family’s decline, and his blindness made him appear even more insignificant.

Soon, fewer people paid him any attention.

Yin Jiuxiao continued to sit with his head slightly lowered, his eyes unfocused. But at a certain moment, he subtly shifted his gaze toward someone on the field.

Lin Fei.

Lin Fei was testing for Yellow Level Four-Star at the edge of the area, unnoticed by most, his cauldron surrounded by smoke and flames. He looked especially anxious.

Perhaps that dumb ugly duckling named Lin Qinghen should thank me.

Yin Jiuxiao thought, a faint, barely noticeable smile appearing on his face.

I suppose this is my way of helping him vent his grievances.