Chapter 1: The Unconventional Prodigy: Lin Tian's Destiny Unveiled
In the bustling city of Tianyang, anticipation hung in the air as the Lin Family's martial arts arena prepared for the grand coming of age ceremony. This event marked the first step for every disciple of the renowned Lin Clan to make their mark on the world.
The stage was adorned with influential members of the Lin Family, their dignified presence commanding respect. However, amidst the important figures, a peculiar sight caught the attention of the crowd. A young lad, appearing to be around fifteen or sixteen years old, was engrossed in playing with mud. Ignoring the grandeur of the occasion, he wore a mischievous smile and whispered to himself, "Come, transform into a dragon!"
His carefree demeanor and whimsical imagination intrigued the surrounding disciples, who exchanged puzzled glances and whispered to each other.
"Is this kid for real? Playing with mud during such a significant event!"
"I wonder why our patriarch chose to adopt him. He seems a bit eccentric."
"Well, at least the patriarch has someone to carry on the family name. It's better than having no heir at all."
"That may be true, but it's quite unusual to adopt someone rumored to have come from the forbidden zone in the Cloud Demon Mountain."
Indeed, this young lad, named Lin Tian, was not a blood descendant of the Lin Family. He was the adopted son of the current patriarch, Lin Yao. Rumors circulated that Lin Tian had been rescued by the patriarch from the perilous depths of the forbidden zone over a decade ago.
Ever since his arrival, however, it was apparent that Lin Tian's mind wandered in realms unknown to others. He possessed a unique madness that had gripped him from a tender age, leaving him with an intellect resembling that of a three or four-year-old child.
Despite Lin Yao's unwavering dedication, even after ten long years of providing care, seeking renowned doctors, and administering various medicinal herbs, Lin Tian's condition remained unchanged. The young man's unique affliction seemed impervious to any form of conventional treatment, leaving Lin Yao with a heavy heart.
One day, as the Lin Family patriarch sat by the side, deep in contemplation, a worried middle-aged man dressed in white scale armor approached him. This man, Mayor Tian Wu of Tianyang City, had a reputation for his astute judgment and commitment to the welfare of his people. He regarded Lin Tian with concern, unable to hide the skepticism in his voice as he asked, "Patriarch Lin, has your son shown any signs of maturing?"
Lin Yao, his face etched with lines of concern, met the mayor's gaze and replied, "Yes, Mayor Tian Wu, he has grown in stature and physical appearance."
Mayor Tian Wu frowned, his worry increasing. "While physical growth is important, it is his behavior that concerns me. Your son's current disposition... How can I, as a father, consider betrothing my daughter to him?"
Understanding the mayor's perspective, Lin Yao sighed, acknowledging the valid concerns that arose from Lin Tian's unconventional behavior. Mayor Tian Wu's daughter was renowned throughout Tianyang City as the epitome of beauty and a prodigious talent with a thousand-year legacy. It seemed unfathomable to consider uniting her with an outsider—a young man whom Lin Yao had picked up.
Yet, despite the doubts and uncertainties, Lin Yao couldn't deny the bond that had formed between him and Lin Tian over the past decade. The patriarch had showered Lin Tian with love and care, treating him as a cherished treasure. It would be disingenuous to claim that he felt no attachment or affection for the young man.
With a gentle expression, Lin Yao caressed his long white beard, his eyes twinkling with understanding. He then chuckled and said, "Heavenly Mayor, let us not forget that more than ten years ago, you yourself casually mentioned the idea of marrying your daughter to that so-called 'fool.' Let us not dwell on it too much."
Mayor Tian Wu remained silent, but his pensive expression hinted at the complex web of emotions entangling his thoughts. It was widely known that Lin Wang, a rival of Lin Yao and a vocal opponent within the Lin Family, sought to exploit the coming of age ceremony as an opportunity to undermine the patriarch's authority and potentially force his abdication.
Lin Wang, ever astute and aware of the deep connection between Mayor Tian Wu and his daughter, understood that he needed to employ drastic measures to sway the situation in his favor. Thus, seizing the opportune moment when Mayor Tian Wu remained silent, he donned a sly smile and began his calculated maneuver.
"Heavenly Mayor, allow me to present my grandson, Lin Yan, who has already reached the remarkable ninth level of Qi Refinement," Lin Wang declared, his voice dripping with confidence.
The mention of the ninth level of Qi Refinement immediately caused a visible shift in Mayor Tian Wu's expression. It was a significant accomplishment, one that commanded respect and admiration from all. The elders of the Lin Family, whom Lin Wang had managed to influence through his persuasive tactics, burst into jubilant cheers, endorsing Lin Yan's remarkable feat.
"That's extraordinary! Lin Yan has achieved such a feat at such a young age," Mayor Tian Wu remarked, momentarily swayed by the impressive achievement. He couldn't help but ponder the immense wealth and prestige that would accompany an alliance with the Lin Family, particularly if it involved someone as talented as Lin Yan.
Amidst the excitement, one of the elders chimed in, "Indeed, with Lin Yan's exceptional abilities, he can undoubtedly match the wealth of the esteemed Mayor himself!"
The words reverberated in Lin Yao's ears like a painful echo. The weight of the situation pressed upon him, reminding him of the stark contrast between his beloved but unconventional adopted son and the burgeoning power of Lin Yan. It became evident that if given the choice again, Mayor Tian Wu would readily opt for Lin Yan's prospects rather than bestow his daughter upon someone considered a "fool."
Yet, Mayor Tian Wu, unwilling to engage in a heated argument with Lin Yao, mustered an awkward laugh and responded, "Regarding the matter of marriage, it should ultimately be left to the younger generation to decide for themselves, free from our interference."
Although Mayor Tian Wu attempted to maintain a diplomatic stance, his words conveyed his implicit shift in preference. Lin Wang, sensing the flicker of hope for his grandson's prospects, couldn't hide his satisfaction as he revealed his triumphant smile and declared, "I believe the gold has arrived, hasn't it?"
With a gesture, Mayor Tian Wu directed his gaze toward the crowd, pinpointing the location of Lin Tian.
As Lin Tian continued to play with mud, a woman wearing a veil approached him, squatting down to observe him closely. Her enchanting eyes blinked with curiosity as she addressed him, "Are you Lin Tian?" It was none other than Tian Luo, Mayor Tian Wu's daughter and Lin Yao's potential betrothed.
Lin Tian, with his innocent laughter, responded in a whimsical manner, "If I desire the sky to darken, it will dare not stay lit. If I wish for the heavens to part, they will dare not close!"
Tian Luo's expression turned somber, her hopes of engaging in a meaningful conversation with her potential fiancé dashed by his nonsensical response. Onlookers, initially assuming she was a mere servant accompanying the Heavenly Mayor, were astounded to discover her true identity. Countless whispers and discussions erupted among the crowd, as men sought glimpses of Tian Luo's unveiled beauty.
Some individuals even harbored thoughts of approaching her for a closer look or attempting to remove her veil. However, with the Mayor present, they suppressed their impulses, aware of the impropriety of such actions.
Lin Wang, seizing the opportunity, subtly reminded Tian Wu, "Mayor, it would be best for your daughter to retreat for now. We wouldn't want her to get soiled by the mud later on."
Tian Wu, his gaze flitting between Lin Yao's weary countenance and the playful antics of Lin Tian, found himself at a loss for words. With a resigned sigh, he uttered, "Let her be, allow her to enjoy herself."
Understanding the complexity of the situation and the strained dynamics at play, Lin Yao, physically and emotionally drained, rose to his feet. Casting a glance at the assembled crowd, he declared, "Let the coming of age ceremony commence!"
One by one, individuals lined up and approached a colossal black rock. They infused the rock with their Qi, forming a concentrated ball of energy within. A designated individual began counting the numbers, measuring the strength of each participant's Qi infusion. The air buzzed with anticipation as the ceremony unfolded, marking a crucial milestone in the lives of the Lin Clan disciples.
The significance of this moment was not lost on Lin Tian. Despite his peculiar nature, his inner world thrummed with unexplained power and potential. Little did he know that his role in the ceremony held the key to unraveling his mysterious affliction and altering the course of his fate forever.
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