C90 Was the Punishment Enough?

Lin Kongtong shuddered. Knowing that Lin Xiao had witnessed everything, he realized there was no way he could twist the truth or slander Chu Yan. Lin Xiao's delayed emergence must have been for a reason, and Lin Kongtong's actions had, in a sense, forced him to come forward, potentially ruining some plan of Lin Xiao's. This thought soured Lin Kongtong's expression further, his blood seeming to freeze and his limbs growing cold.

In the past, his status and power might have made him fearless, but now, with Lin Xiao's return at the peak of the Second Level of Pulse Condensation Stage, far surpassing Lin Kongtong, he knew better than to provoke him. A confrontation could leave him with no chance to fight back.

Lin Xiao, meanwhile, seemed to pointedly ignore Lin Kongtong, surveying the crowd before offering praise to Lin Miaoran. Her unexpected advancement clearly delighted him. For the Lin Family, this day was one of triumph: the Great Elder's successful ascension and the Eldest Miss's rise to the Pulse Condensation Stage would be etched into their history for posterity.

The joy of the Lin Family members only highlighted the isolation of Lin Kongtong, Lin Chongzhi, and Lin Ao. Lin Kongtong, standing on the platform, felt a prickling sensation on his back as Lin Xiao did not utter a single word to him.

Lin Chongzhi was a picture of defeat, slumped on the ground with a collapsed shoulder, unable to speak without agonizing pain that threatened to knock him unconscious.

Lin Ao had briefly regained consciousness during Lin Kongtong's attempt on Chu Yan's life, his eyes flashing with excitement. However, upon learning of Lin Miaoran's advancement, he spat a gush of blood and once again succumbed to unconsciousness.

"The preliminaries should be over by now; it's time to announce the rankings," Lin Xiao remarked after a brief pause.

The room fell into a hushed silence.

All eyes instantly focused on Chu Yan.

He was undoubtedly the day's highlight, impressing and dazzling everyone.

"You've earned the top spot without question," Lin Xiao said, clapping Chu Yan on the shoulder.

Chu Yan smiled, but out of sight, he grimaced, "Was that much force really necessary?"

"Following tradition, the top two finishers in our clan competition will represent us at the Evergreen Town contest in a month and a half. Those spots go to Chu Yan and Lin Ao. Despite Lin Ao's minor injury today, he should be fine," Lin Xiao said, his gaze cool as it swept over Lin Chongzhi.

With injuries of his own, Lin Chongzhi didn't dare to object, only managing a pained nod. "I'll make sure he trains diligently."

"And as for you, Lin Shan and the others," Lin Xiao continued, his voice dropping into a cold snort.

Lin Chongzhi nearly collapsed at the sound.

"You've disregarded the rules and tarnished the Lin family's reputation. As such, you'll forfeit half a year's salary. Furthermore, you'll vacate your current positions. If, after six months, your conduct improves, you may reclaim them," Lin Xiao decreed.

The punishment hit Lin Chongzhi and the others hard, especially for Lin Chongzhi and Lin Shan, who held lucrative positions as Deputy Chief and family tutor, respectively. But with a single sentence from Lin Xiao, they were stripped of their roles, left with no choice but to grit their teeth and accept it.

"Lin Kongtong, I expect such behavior from the younger members, but for you to follow suit is truly disappointing," Lin Xiao said, turning his gaze to Lin Kongtong.

Bitterness swirled in Lin Kongtong's heart, yet he dared not let it show, simply bowing respectfully. "I admit my oversight. My intentions were for the good of our younger kin. I ask for the Grand Elder's understanding."

"Are you really willing to make an enemy of an inscription master for the sake of your clan's younger generation?" Lin Xiao asked with a sneer.

"Chu Yan hasn't reached the Second Level of the Pulse Condensation Stage, so he's not an inscription master," Lin Kongtong said through gritted teeth.

"And what about Master Li He?" Lin Xiao inquired.

In that moment, Lin Kongtong's complexion turned ashen, and a cold sweat streamed down his back.

He had been so intent on eliminating Chu Yan that he had completely overlooked the fact that Li He, the only inscription master in Evergreen Town, was Chu Yan's supporter.

"I... I failed to consider all aspects. Grand Elder, I ask for your punishment," Lin Kongtong admitted defeat.

If Master Li He were to take offense, the Lin Family would lose their standing in Evergreen Town, given his status and reputation. The other families in town wouldn't hesitate to suppress the Lin Family in order to ingratiate themselves with Master Li He.

"You still have some sense left in you," Lin Xiao huffed coldly. "Since you've asked for punishment, let's proceed. You've undermined the clan leader's authority and nearly brought disaster upon us. If you remain an elder, others will surely question it. Step down from your position now.

"As for you, reflect behind closed doors for a year, forfeit a year's salary, and after that, based on your conduct, we'll decide your future role," Lin Xiao stated icily.

Lin Kongtong's face fell, but he didn't dare to object. He bowed slightly and stepped aside, remaining silent.

The other Lin Family members, after their initial excitement, now felt the weight of Lin Xiao's words as he swiftly restructured the clan's leadership. The air was heavy with a chilling silence, and they were too afraid to even let out a breath.

"Chu Yan, are these decisions to your satisfaction?" Lin Xiao asked at that moment.

Chu Yan hadn't expected to be consulted on the Lin Family's internal affairs.

However, he quickly understood.

These punishments were typically handled within the clan, but being carried out in his presence was meant to show him they were taking the matter seriously and to offer him reassurance.

If Chu Yan were to speak for himself, he would say that the punishment was hardly sufficient.

Especially since Lin Ao, Lin Chongzhi, Lin Kongtong, and their cohort had been plotting against his life.

But Lin Xiao, as the Grand Elder of the clan, had to weigh the welfare of the entire family. Executing these individuals would undoubtedly lead to unrest within the family.

Neither Lin Xiao, Lin Chongtian, nor any of the other elders present desired to witness such upheaval.

"I leave it all to Grandfather Lin's judgment," Chu Yan said with a respectful bow.

"Heh, you've gone and called me grandpa, so I ought to respond in kind," Lin Xiao chuckled, reaching into his robe and tossing an item to Chu Yan. "Catch. Let's call this a welcome gift from me to you."