C38 Not a Member of the Lin Family

Shortly thereafter, Lin Wentian and Wang Yue, who had gone out to greet him, returned to the grand hall. Both were exceedingly courteous in Jiang Yuanhong's presence, careful not to raise their voices too much.

Upon entering the grand hall and seeing the crowd, Jiang Yuanhong didn't immediately spot Xiao Yu. He assumed the Lin Family had arranged such a reception in his honor. "I apologize for not informing you of my visit in advance," Jiang Yuanhong said as he took his seat, his tone warm and gentle.

In his view, as Xiao Yu was affiliated with the Lin Family, it was only proper to show them respect. After all, why would an ordinary family merit such consideration from him?

"It's our privilege to have Pavilion Master Jiang visit us," Lin Wentian responded, clearly flattered. He had always wanted to ingratiate himself with Jiang Yuanhong but never had the opportunity. Now, with Jiang Yuanhong approaching him so cordially, Lin Wentian was thrilled.

The rest of the attendees in the main hall were silent, too intimidated to even breathe loudly in Jiang Yuanhong's presence, their nerves on edge.

"Master Lin, is there someone named Xiao Yu in your household?" Jiang Yuanhong inquired, not wishing to exchange pleasantries with Lin Wentian any longer than necessary. He didn't consider Lin Wentian someone with whom to cultivate a relationship.

Jiang Yuanhong was puzzled. Xiao Yu's surname was Xiao, which clearly indicated he wasn't a direct member of the Lin Family. Unsure of Xiao Yu's role within the household, Jiang Yuanhong felt compelled to ask.

Previously, Jiang Yuanhong had been wary of Xiao Yu and refrained from making assumptions, thus he hadn't looked into Xiao Yu's background and was unaware of his standing within the Lin Family.

"Xiao Yu?" Lin Wentian was taken aback, his mind racing with the thought that Xiao Yu might have crossed not just the Wang Family but the Tianming Pavilion as well.

Ultimately, Lin Wentian couldn't fathom Xiao Yu, with his level of influence and strength, being acquainted with the Pavilion Master of the Tianming Pavilion—a figure he himself had never met. It seemed more likely to Lin Wentian that Xiao Yu had somehow offended the Tianming Pavilion, prompting Jiang Yuanhong's visit to seek redress.

Reflecting on the situation, Lin Wentian cursed inwardly.

While there might be a sliver of hope after offending the Wang Family, provoking the Tianming Pavilion was a different story. Not even several Lin Families combined could withstand their wrath!

"Xiao Yu, you scoundrel, have you somehow crossed the Tianming Pavilion? Get over here, now!" Lin Wentian wasn't certain if Xiao Yu had indeed offended the Pavilion, but he deemed it unlikely that Xiao Yu was acquainted with Jiang Yuanhong.

At that moment, his eyes blazed with murderous intent as he bore down on Xiao Yu with a fierce shout.

It was then that Jiang Yuanhong's gaze followed Lin Wentian's to finally land on Xiao Yu, who was bound to the side, causing his complexion to turn steely.

He had come with the intention of thanking Xiao Yu and hoped to foster a closer relationship. But to his shock, Xiao Yu was bound and helpless.

While berating Xiao Yu, Lin Wentian also covertly gauged Jiang Yuanhong's reaction.

Noticing the immediate shift to an ugly expression on Jiang Yuanhong's face upon seeing Xiao Yu, Lin Wentian felt a sinking feeling, now more convinced than ever that Xiao Yu had indeed offended Jiang Yuanhong. Why else would the Pavilion Master react so strongly?

"Pavilion Master Jiang, please, contain your anger. This young man is not of the Lin Family. We merely took him in out of pity," Lin Wentian hastily explained, distancing himself from Xiao Yu with even more resolve than he had shown towards the Wang Family.

"Oh, really? Didn't you just say he had also offended the Wang Family?" Jiang Yuanhong's voice was ominously calm, yet he held back his fury.

He was curious about the circumstances leading to Xiao Yu's current predicament. From Lin Wentian's explanation, it appeared to be connected to the Wang Family.

"Indeed, without a doubt!" Lin Wentian quickly affirmed. "This young man, Xiao by surname, is no kin of ours. His cultivation may only be at the third level of the Spirit Origin Stage, but his arrogance knows no bounds. He was bound here for offending the Wang Family's young master. Had I known he had also offended the Tianming Pavilion, I would never have dared to wait for your arrival. I would have personally escorted him to the Pavilion to apologize!"

At this moment, Lin Wentian was almost certain in his heart that Xiao Yu had somehow crossed Jiang Yuanhong and was now desperate to distance himself from the situation.

"Are you saying he was brought here solely because of the Wang Family?" Jiang Yuanhong struggled to suppress his fury.

Could the Wang Family really dare to treat Xiao Yu in such a manner?

"Indeed, that is the case!" Wang Yue, finding himself compelled to step forward and confirm, nodded.

He had been mostly silent until now, firstly because the Lin Family were the hosts and he was a guest, and secondly, he didn't share Lin Wentian's preconceived notions and was still unsure of Jiang Yuanhong's reasons for coming.

"Bring Xiao Yu up here to apologize to Pavilion Master Jiang!" Lin Wentian, fearing a sudden outburst from Jiang Yuanhong, sought to quickly handle Xiao Yu to calm Jiang Yuanhong's anger.

The Lin Family's servants hastened to comply, not daring to delay, and moved to bring Xiao Yu forward, subjecting him to further indignity.

Jiang Yuanhong could restrain himself no longer. His palm crashed down onto the armrest of his chair as he bellowed, "Insolence!"

Who was he? His cultivation had long since reached the Spirit Origin Stage. With his furious palm strike, the ground trembled violently, and the entire hall quaked. The floor beneath him even collapsed from the force of his blow.

His roar also caused many of the younger attendees to feel their blood surge. Coupled with the trembling ground, several of them fell, their faces turning pale.

"Pavilion Master Jiang..." Lin Wentian, seeing Jiang Yuanhong's sudden anger, grew even more uneasy but dared not speak further.

The others were utterly stunned, silent in their shock. Who would dare to utter a sound?

For a moment, the hall was deathly quiet, filled only with the echo of heavy, rapid breathing.

"Patriarch Lin, won't you inquire as to why I have come to the Lin Family?" Jiang Yuanhong's cold gaze settled on Lin Wentian.

"Could it be for a reason other than Xiao Yu?" Lin Wentian suddenly realized he might have misinterpreted the situation, a deep sense of unease taking hold.

"Indeed, it is about Xiao Yu, but do you know why I am here?" Jiang Yuanhong gave Lin Wentian a chilling look, then turned to Qin Yuxuan and instructed, "Yuxuan, bring it here."

"Yes, Master!" Qin Yuxuan had been holding back for what felt like an eternity. Had Jiang Yuanhong not been there, she would have lost her temper long ago.

It should be noted that when Wang Fei had merely insulted Xiao Yu verbally, she didn't hesitate to eject him from Tianming Pavilion. Now, witnessing Xiao Yu bound and subjected to such indignity, how could she possibly stand by?

Heeding Jiang Yuanhong's command, Qin Yuxuan exited the hall, only to return shortly with an exquisitely crafted box in her hands.

"My master has come to present Xiao Yu with a significant gift. Xiao Yu is a valued collaborator of Tianming Pavilion. How dare you bind and insult our partner in such a manner? What do you think you're doing to the reputation of Tianming Pavilion?" Her pretty face turned frosty, her icy gaze sweeping over each person in the room.