章 2: The Coming Storm
The air crackled with anticipation as the names of the Lin Clan disciples resounded throughout the martial arts arena.
"Lin Feng, fifth level of Qi Refinement."
"Lin Shan, eighth level of the Qi Refinement realm!"
The crowd erupted into an uproar, their expressions tinged with envy. Achieving the eighth level of Qi Refinement at such a young age was a feat rarely witnessed, occurring once in a hundred years. Lin Shan, a remarkable young girl, had already attained this extraordinary level of cultivation.
The accomplishments of the Lin Clan didn't end there. The Lin Family's prodigious genius, Lin Yan, had boldly unveiled his mastery of the ninth level of Qi Refining, leaving the onlookers from other clans green with envy.
Congratulatory words flowed towards Lin Wang as his grandson's limitless potential became the subject of admiration. "Old Lin, your grandson possesses a future without bounds."
A contented smile stretched across Lin Wang's face, basking in the well-deserved praise. However, amidst the jubilation, a voice cut through the crowd, targeting the big bearded middle-aged man who had remained silent throughout the proceedings. It was Lin Yao's younger brother, Lin Xiong, also known as San Ye due to his third rank in the family hierarchy.
San Ye harbored deep-seated ambition, constantly coveting the position of patriarch. With a cold and cutting tone, he directed his words at Lin Wang, his partner in crime, "But what does it matter? My elder brother, Lin Yao, has squandered all our family's resources on a fool."
The disparaging comment hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the arena. Other families, ever watchful and eager for discord within the Lin Clan, seized the opportunity to observe the unfolding family drama.
Lin Wang's brows furrowed, his expression betraying a mix of frustration and concern. The tension between the brothers had always simmered beneath the surface, threatening to erupt at the slightest provocation. Now, with their dirty laundry aired for all to see, it became fuel for the gossipmongers and those who reveled in the downfall of their rivals.
However, Lin Yao, though weary from the weight of his responsibilities, refused to engage in a public quarrel. Instead, he chose a path of patience and composure, knowing that revealing his emotions would only play into the hands of their adversaries. He composed himself and signaled for the ceremony to proceed, striving to maintain an air of unity and strength within the Lin Family.
As the crowd resumed their attention on the ongoing ceremony, the simmering tensions within the Lin Clan threatened to boil over, setting the stage for a clash of ambitions that could shape the future of the Lin Family and Tianyang City itself.
Lin Yao fixed his gaze upon his younger brother, Lin Xiong, his voice resonating with a serious tone. "Third brother, the cultivation materials I distributed were indeed the same for everyone."
Lin Xiong's disbelief was palpable. "The same? But he's an idiot! You're giving it to me too?" His incredulity threatened to erupt into a torrent of frustration. Lin Yao intended to offer an explanation, but before he could speak, a wicked laughter emanated from below the stage. It was Lin Shan, Lin Xiong's own daughter, wearing a mischievous smirk.
"Father, I don't need those materials. I can surpass that fool and become even stronger," she proclaimed confidently.
Lin Xiong couldn't tolerate his own daughter's arrogance and sought to make Lin Yao step down from the stage. His gaze fixed upon Lin Shan, he reprimanded her sharply. "If I had given you and Lin Yan those resources, you would have already achieved Foundation Establishment!"
The Elders, who harbored their own grievances towards Lin Yao, saw an opportunity and seized it, using the moment to criticize him openly, their words a thinly veiled attempt to coerce him into abdicating his position in front of the entire assembly.
Meanwhile, beneath the stage, a golden-haired figure emerged—Lin Yan. With an air of arrogance, he chuckled. "I must say, patriarch, you have no children. Furthermore, due to the decline in cultivation levels several years ago, it would be best for you to step down."
The audacity of Lin Yan's words left Lin Yao's expression contorted with anger, but Lin Wang, wearing a fake smile, interjected, "Yan'er, enough with the mischief."
Though everyone could see through Lin Wang's pretense, Lin Yan merely smiled and continued, "I may not claim the title of patriarch, but can I at least enjoy certain privileges?"
His words hung in the air, fraught with the weight of underlying ambition and rebellion. The atmosphere in the martial arts arena turned tense, and the once celebratory coming-of-age ceremony had transformed into a battleground of family intrigue and power struggles.
Lin Yao's face darkened, his patience pushed to its limits. He had dedicated himself to nurturing the Lin Clan, treating Lin Tian as his own son despite his limitations. Yet, the shadows of discontent and treachery threatened to tear the family apart.
As the tension grew in the martial arts arena, the mention of "privileges" intrigued those who were unaware of its significance. Lin Shan, well-versed in the clan's traditions, sported a mischievous smile as she explained, "The one who attains the highest cultivation level during the coming-of-age ceremony gains the qualifications to challenge anyone."
Realization dawned upon the crowd, and Lin Yao's heart sank as he had a foreboding feeling. He couldn't help but ask, his voice laced with concern, "Whom do you wish to challenge?"
Lin Yan pointed confidently at Lin Tian and declared, "Him!"
A wave of commotion swept through the observing disciples, while Lin Yao's expression grew increasingly grave. "You..."
Lin Yan smirked, reveling in his audacity. "It's a clan rule, after all."
Indeed, there was a strict rule within the Lin Clan that prohibited private fights, except during the coming-of-age ceremony or in specially designated arenas. Lin Yan had chosen this critical moment to challenge someone seemingly defenseless like Lin Tian, fully intending to cripple or even kill him.
"Patriarch, my grandson lacks talent. He wishes to challenge that fool," Lin Wang remarked, a peculiar smile playing on his lips as he addressed Lin Yao.
Lin Yao understood the sinister intent behind Lin Wang's words. If he agreed, it would be tantamount to condemning Lin Tian to certain death. On the other hand, refusing the challenge would violate the clan rules.
Just as Lin Yao found himself trapped in this predicament, a sudden disruption shattered the tension. Lin Tian unexpectedly threw a handful of mud into the air, emitting a startled cry. His eyes turned bloodshot, and an alarming transformation overcame him.
Witnessing this sudden change, Tian Luo, who stood beside him, was overcome with fear. Tian Wu swiftly rushed to her side, pulling her away from the unfolding chaos. "Be careful!"
As the profound energy coursed through Lin Tian's body, Lin Yao's instincts kicked in. With a mix of urgency and determination, he swiftly made his way to Lin Tian's side, clutching a small pill tightly in his hand. Without hesitation, he forced open Lin Tian's mouth and gently placed the Spirit Cleansing Pill on his tongue.
Lin Yao rushed over to Lin Tian's side and stuffed a pill into his mouth, urging him, "Quick, swallow the Spirit-Cleansing Pill!"
The Spirit-Cleansing Pill was meticulously concocted by the renowned Divine Doctor Nie Qingling, using rare and precious medicinal ingredients. It had been a crucial part of Lin Tian's treatment whenever he entered a state of uncontrollable rage. However, as he grew older, the pill's effectiveness diminished. It now required multiple doses to have a significant impact. Lin Yao lamented the hefty cost, knowing that the Pure Spirit Pills consumed over the past few years were equivalent to several years' worth of the Lin Family's income.
Some of the elders couldn't help but grumble, especially Lin Wang, who coldly remarked, "These years of sacrificing Pure Spirit Pills for that fool could have benefited Lin Yan and the others. Imagine what realm they could have reached."
Lin Yao, focused on his son's well-being, paid no heed to the murmurs. He swiftly carried the unconscious Lin Tian away, intending to help him circulate his energy and ensure the absorption of the pill's benefits.
Left behind, Lin Wang sneered, addressing the other families and mayors, "Allow me to take charge from here."
As the tense atmosphere lingered, an hour later, a figure arrived, breaking the silence. Dressed in regal purple attire, with a golden sword strapped to his back, the individual strode towards the crowd and remarked with a cold tone, "Seems like things have become quite lively here."
When the voice echoed through the crowd, every head turned in unison to locate its source. Among them, Tian Wu was the first to recognize the speaker and swiftly approached, bowing respectfully. "It's Purple Cloud Taoist," he uttered with reverence.
The mere mention of Purple Cloud Taoist's name sent shivers down the spines of countless onlookers, for his reputation preceded him. The individuals hailing from other prominent families were well aware of his esteemed identity.
Lin Wang, ever the gracious host, stepped forward with a warm smile. "Purple Cloud Taoist, it is an honor to have you here," he greeted.
"I have come today to deliver an important message. In one month's time, the Tianyang Sect will be conducting its annual disciple selection," Purple Cloud Taoist announced in his characteristically impassive manner, as if he were detached from the mundane affairs of the mortal realm.
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