C54 You Provoked Me

Lin Chongtian remained unfazed, not sparing Lin Chongzhi a single glance.

His attention was fixed on Chu Yan, awaiting his reply.

Lin Chongzhi, red-faced with urgency like a boiled crab, protested, "Big brother! This isn't right! Chu Yan isn't even part of our Lin Family. How can he, how could he possibly represent us? He doesn't have the slightest idea..."

"Thank you for your goodwill, Uncle. I assure you, I won't let you down," Chu Yan interjected, his voice resonating with an indescribable presence that instantly subdued Lin Chongzhi's outburst.

Lin Chongzhi stared at him, speechless, pointing a trembling finger in Chu Yan's direction, shaking so much that onlookers might worry it would fly off.

"Should the opportunity to enter the Immortal Gate arise, I will never forget Uncle Lin's support, nor the Lin Family's," Chu Yan said with a glance at Lin Chongzhi, then addressed Lin Chongtian directly.

Lin Chongzhi looked like he was on the verge of spitting blood in frustration.

He sought support from his kin, but they all avoided his gaze, heads bowed, pretending not to notice his plight.

No one could deny Chu Yan's commanding presence today.

A martial arts prodigy, a potential Inscription Master, with the colossal Master Li He backing him.

Even Lin Chongtian's favor seemed less impressive by comparison.

With such status and support, picking a fight with him was tantamount to suicide.

"Good. Then let's not disappoint Uncle," Lin Chongtian said cheerfully. "When you have a moment, acquire another mid-tier Mortal Realm martial technique. Later, I'll have someone deliver two thousand Spirit Money to you. Oh, and it's about time you upgraded your living quarters."

After a brief contemplation, Lin Chongtian nodded decisively, "Lin Liqiang has shamed the family and made a serious error. He no longer needs to hold his position in the clan; I'll appoint someone else. As for his residence, once it's been cleared out, it's yours to occupy."

Lin Liqiang hailed from the main branch of the Lin Family and even held a position within the family. Consequently, his residence was significantly superior to the secluded estate where Chu Yan had previously lived—a considerable upgrade that could be seen as Lin Chongtian's way of compensating Chu Yan.

Chu Yan readily accepted the martial skills, Spirit Money, and the new courtyard. He was indeed in need of resources to elevate his strength to the next level. After all, he had only just secured the qualifications to enter the Celestial Gate; the actual entry was still a distant prospect.

Chu Yan's assertive display today prompted Lin Chongtian to effectively transform the council hall into a one-man show, swiftly reassigning several positions within the Lin Family. These changes were made openly, in Chu Yan's presence, signaling a gesture of goodwill and acceptance into the inner circle.

The faces of the Lin family members present, especially Lin Chongzhi, grew increasingly grim. The individuals Lin Chongtian had dismissed were from his faction, which significantly diminished his influence within the family. Given the circumstances, Lin Chongzhi was powerless to dissent.

Yet, deep down, Lin Chongzhi's resentment toward Chu Yan seethed with intensity. Since this unwelcome son-in-law had arrived, Lin Chongzhi's misfortunes had piled up ceaselessly. As this realization sank in, the murderous intent in Lin Chongzhi's eyes simmered, threatening to overflow.

Later, as the family meeting concluded, Lin Chongtian took Chu Yan aside for a private conversation, offering detailed advice and encouragement. Chu Yan didn't see anything amiss with Lin Chongtian's newfound warmth. As the patriarch, Lin Chongtian's decisions were naturally driven by the welfare of the entire clan.

Having demonstrated his capabilities, Chu Yan understood that Lin Chongtian was motivated to win him over with empathy and reason, or at the very least, to ensure that past neglect would not breed resentment. In this regard, Lin Chongtian had performed admirably.

When Chu Yan finally took his leave and strolled back along the Lin Family's pathways, the night had deepened. He could sense the complex gazes of the Lin family members around him—mixtures of respect and fear—as they watched him pass by.

Merely mastering the art of Inscription was enough to intimidate many, let alone the fact that the revered Master Li He was backing Chu Yan.

Chu Yan himself was puzzled as to why the enigmatic Master Li He chose to support him today. He planned to visit the Wan Hai Chamber of Commerce in a few days to sell his Inscription Patterns, to express his gratitude, and to clear up any doubts. Chu Yan didn't believe that his knowledge of Inscription alone warranted such high regard from the other party.

Chu Yan was no longer returning to his previous secluded courtyard, but rather to the residence that once belonged to Lin Liqiang.

This small estate was far superior to Chu Yan's former abode, both in location and ambiance. The Lin family's servants had begun preparations the moment Lin Chongtian made his decision, so Chu Yan could move in immediately.

However, before Chu Yan could get there, someone called out to him.

"Chu Yan! I've been waiting for you for quite some time." An unfriendly voice announced the arrival of a young man, about Chu Yan's age, who stepped out from behind a large tree, arms crossed and frowning: "I'm Lin Yun. I won't waste words on pleasantries—hand over what you owe me."

Chu Yan paused, gave Lin Yun a once-over, and smirked slightly, "What do I owe you?"

"You!" Lin Yun bit back his anger, barely containing his fury, and scoffed, "I saw how you strutted around the council hall this afternoon, even the Patriarch on your side. But make no mistake about where your newfound confidence comes from!"

Chu Yan chuckled, "So enlighten me, who's behind this confidence?"

"Naturally, it's my Lin family!" Lin Yun was fuming, but he kept his composure and pressed on, "Were it not for the Patriarch's favor, do you think you'd have received any rewards today? Everything you've acquired is courtesy of my Lin family! Without us, you'd have nothing. Remember your place—you're just an upstart son-in-law!"

Lin Yun spat out the words through clenched teeth, a surge of satisfaction rising in his chest. He sneered, "As the son-in-law, you ought to know your place. I'll let it slide that you roughed up my men this afternoon, but the weapon you took—you must return it."

The destruction of the small courtyard earlier was clearly the fault of those Lin family members, but Lin Yun's tone now suggested he was being generous, not holding a grudge against Chu Yan.

In that moment, Chu Yan realized who had been behind the afternoon's aggression.

"And if I refuse?" Chu Yan said with a smile.

"You'd be challenging me," Lin Yun replied, his expression turning stormy.