C23 The Last One Lying There!

As the thought crossed his mind, the once-clear image of Chu Yan blurred once again in Zhao Ji's heart. Lost in reverie, Zhao Ji was brought back to reality by the sound of Ye Hengkong's voice.

Ye Hengkong, with a gentle lowering of his eyelids, spoke, "Should this matter become public, it would certainly tarnish the Lin Family's reputation. Yet, the alliance through marriage is crucial for the long-term growth of both our clans. I trust that Patriarch Lin will find a mutually beneficial solution."

Lin Chongtian offered a wry smile. "A perfect solution is not so easily found. You're aware, Brother Ye, that my father arranged this auspicious match long ago. He's currently in seclusion, striving to reach the Great Circle of the Second Level of Pulse Condensation Stage. I've heard he'll emerge successfully in a few days."

Though Lin Chongtian's words seemed casual, they caused Ye Hengkong to tense, a glint of intensity flickering in his eyes.

Unaware of Ye Hengkong's reaction, Lin Chongtian continued, "Imagine his reaction upon discovering that his sons have defied his wishes, bringing the stigma of a woman marrying twice upon the Lin Family. The consequences would be dire. However—"

At that moment, Lin Chongtian shifted the conversation. "Ye Chen is a shining talent in the Ye Family, a fact I'm well aware of. His union with Miao Ran could bring immense benefits to both our families. So here I am, caught between a rock and a hard place. Brother Ye, could you help me devise a strategy to persuade my father once he emerges from his seclusion?"

Ye Hengkong had expected Lin Chongtian to steer the conversation toward a resolution, yet the burden was unexpectedly passed back to him, stirring his irritation.

Still, what truly preoccupied him was Lin Chongtian's revelation: Lin Xiao was about to complete his seclusion, and not just any completion, but a breakthrough! This signified that the Lin Family was on the verge of welcoming a cultivator at the pinnacle of the Second Level of Pulse Condensation Stage.

Despite both being at the Second Level of Pulse Condensation Stage, there's a world of difference between someone who has achieved great success and one who has reached great perfection. A single individual at the peak of the second level could easily handle five who have merely achieved great success.

Ye Hengkong's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. He knew he needed to rush back and alert the clan's higher-ups about the situation. Yet, the idea of leaving right then was unbearable; he couldn't stand the thought of the Ye Family losing face.

In a seemingly casual manner, Ye Hengkong shot a glance at Lin Chongzhi. Without any outward sign of agreement, Lin Chongzhi nodded subtly and sidled up to Lin Chongtian, whispering, "Big brother, I've got an idea."

"Oh? Let's hear it," Lin Chongtian said, his interest clearly piqued.

"Big brother, I think the best course of action is to have Ye Chen challenge Chu Yan," Lin Chongzhi proposed. "Miaoran possesses the Pure Jade Physique, advancing in her cultivation at an incredible pace with boundless potential. Whoever she chooses as a husband must at least be her equal, don't you agree?"

"Hmm, you have a point. Go on," Lin Chongtian encouraged with a nod.

In the background, Ye Hengkong couldn't help but silently give a thumbs-up in approval.

Ye Hengkong knew Ye Chen's capabilities better than anyone. In a contest of equals, he had absolute confidence in his younger relative.

From a distance, Chu Yan overheard their conversation and let out a derisive snort.

Lin Chongzhi continued to lay out his case, "If Ye Chen and Chu Yan face off and Chu Yan loses, it's simply a matter of skill, and he would naturally withdraw without complaint. Should Chu Yan be defeated, we'll have a solid explanation for our father once he emerges from seclusion. What do you think of my proposal, brother?"

Lin Chongtian turned to Ye Hengkong, "Brother Ye, what's your take on this?"

At that moment, Ye Hengkong was practically beaming inside, but he managed to maintain a contemplative demeanor. After a brief pause, he nodded and called out, "Chen'er."

"Present," responded a young man of about sixteen or seventeen, stepping forward with confidence.

He was a towering figure with a square jaw, clad in a short shirt that showcased his brawny arms. Emerging from behind Ye Hengkong, he fixed his gaze on Chu Yan: "I am Ye Chen of the Ye family, currently at the Third Stage of Genuine Force. I'm eager to test out Brother Chu's formidable skills."

"You're the one who's old," Chu Yan retorted with a huff, directing his attention to Lin Chongtian, "I have no objections."

A flicker of malice crossed Ye Chen's eyes as his expression darkened, "Brother Chu seems quite sure of himself, but I share that confidence. Be warned, in the heat of battle, fists and feet aren't discerning. Take care not to end up with broken limbs, entering the Lin Clan's estate on your feet and leaving it on your back."

"The last person who threatened to shatter my jaw is now lying over there," Chu Yan sighed, pointing to the still-twitching steward nearby. He looked at Ye Chen with a face full of pity, "You're more vicious, threatening to break my arms and legs."

Despite the calmness in his voice, his words sent a shiver down the spines of the onlookers, some involuntarily gasping in shock.

"Enough about the rules," Lin Chongtian interjected, "let's keep it to a point and maintain good relations." His eyes then settled on Chu Yan, "Nephew Chu, though your grandfather and my Lin family have an agreement, and your father and I are old friends, you've broken our gate and our customs today. If you win, all is well, but if you lose, don't hold it against me for being unsympathetic."

"He won't stand a chance at victory," Ye Chen sneered with venom.

"Rest easy, Uncle Lin. Should I indeed lose, I assure you I can still break both of Ye Chen's arms and legs," Chu Yan said confidently, barely sparing Ye Chen a second glance.

Chu Yan's dismissive stance instantly infuriated Ye Chen to the point where he nearly crushed his own teeth.

"Very well, let's proceed to the Martial Arts Practice Grounds," Lin Chongtian said, giving Chu Yan a meaningful look before leading the way.

Under the guidance of Lin Chongtian, the crowd soon reached the Lin family's martial arts training field.

The spectators gathered along the edges of the field, leaving only Chu Yan and Ye Chen in the central area.

At that moment, the most anxious individuals in the crowd were undoubtedly Zhao Ji and Feng Ru.

They knew all too well that if Chu Yan emerged victorious, it would be fine, but if he lost, their scheme would surely unravel. The repercussions they would face then would be a hundredfold more severe than merely botching a task.

With this grim thought, a bitter taste filled their mouths, and they could do nothing but silently offer up prayers.

In the arena, Ye Chen confronted Chu Yan with a menacing sneer, whispering a threat audible only to them: "Chu Yan, I'm not sure if the Ye Family orchestrated your arrival today, but one thing is certain—you're a dead man!"

"First broken limbs, now a death sentence," Chu Yan responded with a shake of his head. "Don't you realize that such talk only makes your defeat more pitiful?"

"Scoundrel!" Ye Chen cursed.

Chu Yan's nonchalant demeanor was a clear sign of his disregard for Ye Chen.

"Today, I'll show you why I, Ye Chen, am hailed as the prodigy of Evergreen Town!" Ye Chen gritted his teeth, his body tensing with power. In an instant, his muscles twisted and contorted with a sound that sent shivers down the spine.