C31 Wang Family Came to Visit

In the early morning, as the grass and trees awoke, the roadside flora glistened with dew, infusing the air with a sense of freshness.

Lin Xuehan had risen early and was strolling leisurely through the Lin Family estate.

The morning sun, not yet harsh, cast a warm, reddish glow. Lin Xuehan looked up towards the horizon, her gaze tinged with unusual contemplation.

After parting ways with Wang Fei following last night's event at the Treasure-seizing Organization, she could sense the fury and murderous intent radiating from him, and she knew what he intended to do.

Yet, she did not intervene.

It wasn't that she feared offending Wang Fei, but rather, the revelations from Xiao Yu at the event had sparked a twinge of regret within her.

She regretted her past treatment of Xiao Yu, regretted the rigidness between them that had reached a point of no return.

As the Heavenly Girl of the Lin Family, she would never bow to anyone, admit to any mistakes, or allow herself to harbor regrets.

So when she witnessed what Xiao Yu had exposed, she felt the onset of potential regret and knew she had to nip it in the bud.

Now, she realized that the childhood friend who had once guided her cultivation, securing her the status she held today, could never return to the Lin Family.

For Lin Xuehan, there was no sense of loss, only a chilling indifference.

After traversing a cobblestone path, Lin Xuehan entered a grand hall.

Inside, Lin Wentian was seated, savoring his morning tea.

"Father."

No sooner had Lin Xuehan stepped into the hall than a terrifying surge swept through the Lin Family estate. The overwhelming presence, one that seemed to dominate the very heavens and earth, instantly altered their expressions.

"Which formidable figure has graced our Lin Family?" Lin Wentian, previously content with his tea, rose abruptly, his eyes wide with astonishment.

The presence was so intimidating that even he felt a reluctance to confront it. Should such a power decide to act, the Lin Family could be extinguished with but a mere thought.

The disturbance arrived swiftly and vanished just as quickly, leaving no trace behind, as though it had never existed.

"Has it passed?" Lin Wentian was still reeling from the shock, unable to regain his composure for quite some time.

"Father, what was that?" Lin Xuehan asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Her abilities might not match Lin Wentian's, but among the youth of Giant Stone City, few could rival her. She had never encountered anyone who could completely overpower her with their presence alone. Yet, the recent disturbance had left her feeling as if the very sky was pressing down upon her.

"It seemed to originate from the Outer Mansion. But why would such a disturbance occur there?" Lin Wentian gradually regained his composure, though his breaths were still short and rapid, his mind filled with questions.

"The Outer Mansion?" Lin Xuehan echoed, bewildered. How could such a powerful disturbance emanate from their Lin Family's Outer Mansion?

Father and daughter stepped out of the grand hall, gazing toward the Outer Mansion, but the disturbance had dissipated entirely. It had swept through like a fleeting breeze, leaving behind nothing but stillness, its source undetectable.

"Perhaps a powerful figure was merely passing by our Lin Family," Lin Wentian mused, though it was unclear whether he was trying to reassure Lin Xuehan or himself.

They returned to the grand hall and resumed their conversation, discussing the upcoming Martial Academy selection in two months, the impending marriage between Lin Xuehan and Wang Fei, and various issues related to cultivation.

Despite the casual nature of their talk, both father and daughter were distracted, their minds unsettled. Whether it was the earlier disturbance or a premonition of events yet to unfold, they couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was on the horizon.

"Clan Master, the Clan Master of the Wang Family has arrived!"

Out of the blue, a servant announced the arrival of Wang Yue, the Clan Master of the Wang Family.

"The Clan Master of the Wang Family is here? Please, invite him in!" Lin Wentian rose swiftly, then decided, "No, I will go and welcome him personally!"

Eager to forge a marriage alliance with the Wang Family, Lin Wentian was wholeheartedly invested. He was determined to strengthen the bond between the Lin and Wang families, ensuring a smooth path for Lin Xuehan once she joined the Imperial City Martial Academy.

At that point, the Lin Family would truly flourish!

"There's no need!" A chilling voice rang out as Wang Yue strode into the room.

He was a towering figure, exuding the presence of a mountain, yet his face was frosty, and his eyes brimmed with lethal intent.

Following Wang Yue was a group of more than a dozen people, both old and young, each wearing a hostile expression.

"Brother Wang, you should have let me know you were coming so I could have greeted you at the door," Lin Wentian said, managing a smile despite sensing trouble.

Even though the Wang Family was formidable, they were still guests in the Lin Family's home. Wang Yue's unannounced entry, without waiting for a response, seemed to show a lack of respect for the Lin Family.

But seeing Wang Yue's dark countenance, accompanied by his entourage who appeared to be on a mission of vengeance, Lin Wentian felt a mix of indignation and apprehension. He dared not voice his displeasure, instead feeling a sinking sensation that something unknown had transpired.

"Go out to welcome you? How could I possibly!" Wang Yue retorted with a sneer. "Lin Wentian, has your Lin Family grown so bold that you no longer regard the Wang Family with any respect?"

"Brother Wang, what do you mean by that?" Lin Wentian replied. While he had hopes of an alliance through marriage with the Wang Family, deep down he was confident that Lin Xuehan would lead the Lin Family to new heights, potentially rivaling the Wang Family's strength in the future.

Wang Yue's tone, however, left Lin Wentian feeling somewhat displeased.

"What am I talking about? Hmph!" Wang Yue dismissed the question with a wave of his hand and turned away, seemingly uninterested in elaborating.

It was only then that Lin Wentian noticed a stretcher among Wang Yue's entourage. On it lay a young man, ashen and barely clinging to life—it was Wang Fei, Lin Xuehan's fiancé!

Wang Fei was stretched out, his breath faint, a stark contrast to his once boastful demeanor. He was indistinguishable from a corpse.

"How could it be him?" Lin Xuehan murmured, a tremor of unease running through her as she witnessed the scene.

Last night, when Wang Fei left, Lin Xuehan was acutely aware of what he was off to do. Yet, as dawn broke, she was confronted with the shocking transformation that had befallen him. She couldn't help but consider Xiao Yu's involvement.

However, Xiao Yu had only recently managed to form two Spirit Rivers. The thought that he could be responsible was something Lin Xuehan found hard to believe.

Seeing the man she was engaged to in such a state left Lin Xuehan at a loss for words.

"Brother Wang, what happened here? How did my nephew end up so grievously injured?" Lin Wentian was genuinely worried.

With Wang Fei's injuries so severe that he was nearly crippled, Lin Xuehan's future seemed bleak. Even if she went through with the engagement, her life would never be the same. Besides, with Wang Fei in his current condition, the validity of their engagement was questionable.

"You should be the one to tell us!" Wang Yue said darkly, "Last night, Fei'er attended the Treasure-seizing Organization event and was ambushed by someone from your Lin Family upon his return. If it weren't for Fei'er's brother securing a Netherpassage Talisman from the Imperial City Martial Academy, which saved Fei'er's life, he would likely be dead now!"

Lin Wentian felt his heart sink at these words.

Could it be that someone from the Lin Family had the audacity to attack Wang Fei? But everyone in the Lin Family recognized Wang Fei and knew about his engagement to Lin Xuehan. Not to mention, with the formidable power of the Wang Family, who would dare to provoke Wang Fei?

"Fei'er may have survived, but his heart meridian is severed. Even if he recovers, he'll never be able to cultivate again and will at best lead the life of an ordinary person," Wang Yue continued, his face growing more troubled with each word.