C25 Lin Chongtian's Attitude!

After Ye Hengkong stormed off with the severely wounded Ye Chen, Lin Chongtian cast a brief glance at Chu Yan and commanded, "Follow me."

With that, he strode out of the training grounds.

Chu Yan quirked an eyebrow and resumed his slightly languid demeanor as he followed in Lin Chongtian's wake.

The Lin Family's other senior members, including Deputy Chief Lin Chongzhi, hesitated briefly before trailing behind. It was clear to even the least perceptive among them that Lin Chongtian's treatment of Chu Yan was not at all what they had anticipated.

Had Lin Chongtian truly been intent on forging an alliance through marriage with the Ye Family, he could have seized this moment to eliminate Chu Yan.

Yet, Lin Chongtian had just intervened to protect him.

This unexpected stance left the Lin Clan's upper echelon somewhat bewildered.

Filled with curiosity, they followed, leaving the training grounds suddenly quiet save for the Lin Family members who had been watching the events unfold.

After a moment of stunned silence, these onlookers burst into animated discussion, their astonishment palpable.

"I wouldn't believe what I just witnessed if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes!"

"Ye Chen was no match for Chu Yan—he looked like a mere chickling in comparison!"

"Exactly!"

"It's no wonder the old patriarch insists on a marriage between the eldest miss and Chu Yan. Apparently, Chu Yan is not without his talents!"

"But it's odd, isn't it? I'd heard Chu Yan was useless, without any real skills."

"I heard the same."

"If he's truly that formidable, why would he agree to marry into their family?"

"Shh! Are you out of your mind discussing such matters? Didn't you notice the clan leader's reaction? I'm telling you, there's more to this situation than meets the eye."

"Are you suggesting that the patriarch is considering giving away another spot in the Profound Moon Sect—"

"Zip it! Do you have a death wish? We can't just blabber about these things!"

"Whatever the case may be, after today's drama, some folks are bound to be on edge. I suspect we're in for quite a spectacle soon."

In hushed tones, clusters of Lin Family members gathered in twos and threes, speculating over the day's shocking events.

Unnoticed by all, Zhao Ji and Feng Ru slipped away from the crowd with complex expressions, following the path recently taken by Lin Chongtian and Chu Yan.

In a square room within the Lin family estate, Patriarch Lin Chongtian sat at the head, with Chu Yan standing resolutely before him. They were alone, the room sealed tight, the air heavy with solemnity.

Lin Chongtian held a scroll, his gaze shifting between it and Chu Yan, a flicker of intrigue in his eyes. Chu Yan remained silent, his posture neither submissive nor arrogant.

Eventually, a subtle look of admiration emerged in Lin Chongtian's eyes. He spoke, "You've endured much on your journey, Nephew Chu."

"It wasn't particularly arduous," Chu Yan replied. "With the aid of Brother Zhao and Brother Feng, I've actually gained quite a bit."

"Is that so?" Lin Chongtian nodded thoughtfully. "It seems Zhao Ji and Feng Ru have played a significant role in honing your character."

He then unfurled the scroll in his hand, revealing a portrait identical to the one Zhao Ji had shown Chu Yan, depicting Chu Yan's likeness.

Chu Yan was acutely aware that, despite the striking physical resemblance to the deceased Chu Yan, their temperaments were the stark difference. The portrait betrayed a man of weak and timid nature, while Chu Yan himself exuded a hidden ferocity, a latent intensity that could shatter wills when unleashed.

This glaring discrepancy demanded a convincing narrative, one that could persuade others that a mere four months could bring about such a transformation.

Fortuitously, the past four months had provided ample time for Chu Yan, Zhao Ji, and Feng Ru to craft their tale, weaving it seamlessly.

As Chu Yan now recounted this fabricated journey, Lin Chongtian listened, nodding ever so slightly in acknowledgment.

After Chu Yan finished his explanation, Lin Chongtian was silent for a moment before his tone turned severe: "Nephew Chu, how do you intend to explain today's events? Are you aware that you've single-handedly sabotaged the marriage alliance between my Lin Family and the Ye Family? This could very well lead to hostilities between our two families in the future!"

Chu Yan rolled his eyes in frustration.

If you were so intent on this alliance with the Ye Family, would I have needed to intervene today?

He kept these thoughts to himself, knowing it wasn't the time to voice them. The best strategy was to toss the problem back to Lin Chongtian, who Chu Yan suspected already had a solution in mind.

"I acted rashly today, and I offer my sincerest apologies to Uncle Lin," Chu Yan said. "I am ready to accept any punishment you deem fit, without a word of complaint."

"You're not a clansman of the Lin Family, so any punishment from me would hardly be proper," Lin Chongtian said with a furrowed brow, clearly troubled by the situation.

Chu Yan couldn't help but roll his eyes again.

After a brief pause, Lin Chongtian continued, "Your engagement to Miaoran was arranged by our elders, and I must admit, I'm not fully versed in the details. For now, you'll stay at the Lin Family's guest residence until the Grand Elder, Lin Xiao, emerges from his seclusion. He will have the final say."

Speaking of Miaoran, Lin Chongtian's face reddened slightly. "As for Miaoran, you won't be able to see her for a while. She's in seclusion as well, deep in meditation. Perhaps in the future, you'll have the opportunity to meet."

In truth, Lin Miaoran's so-called seclusion was merely a pretext. Several months earlier, upon learning that her marriage had been arranged by her family before she was even born, she had vehemently objected.

If Lin Miaoran were just an ordinary member of the Lin Family, her views might have been disregarded. But Lin Miaoran was no ordinary family member; she was the daughter of the Patriarch, the esteemed young lady of the Lin Family, and a chosen disciple of the Xuan Yue Sect, destined for a future beyond the ordinary, thanks to her exceptional talents and the full support of her family and sect.

Even her father and grandfather couldn't disregard her personal desires.

Thus, Lin Chongtian resorted to a strategy of delay, settling Chu Yan for the time being and putting other matters on hold. At the year's end, Lin Miaoran would depart for the Profound Moon Sect, and their separation would last several years. Lin Chongtian surmised that by then, Chu Yan would recognize the vast divide between immortals and mortals, and the issue would likely resolve itself, with no further discussion necessary.