C17 Challenge!(1)

"I've heard that the Xia family has sent someone to discuss dissolving the alliance," the man replied.

Lin Feng's expression chilled as he strode toward the Lin family's council hall.

Inside the council hall, Lin Yuanshan sat at the head of the table, sipping tea with an air of authority that seemed to emanate naturally from him. Such a commanding presence could only belong to someone who held power.

Setting his teacup aside, Lin Yuanshan's gaze swept over the three individuals to his right: an elderly man, a young man, and a young woman.

"Patriarch Xia, are you truly intent on severing ties with the Lin family? Is there truly no possibility for reconciliation?" Lin Yuanshan's grip tightened within the folds of his robe.

The elder before him responded with an icy demeanor, "You're well aware that Qing Yan is my only daughter. I cherish her so much that I can hardly bear to see her hurt, and yet your son, Lin Feng, has committed an unforgivable act against her. There's no room for negotiation in rescinding the alliance."

Xia Shanhou's declaration cast a heavy shadow over Lin Yuanshan's face, and the Lin family elders simmered with rage.

The Lin family, second in stature only to the ruling Governor's Estate in the Heaven Flipping Domain, had seen the Xia family rise from a tenth-tier to a ninth-tier family, reaping many benefits from their association. Now, with the Xia family poised to break the alliance, not only would they sever relations, but they would also strip the Lin family of significant business dealings, inflicting substantial losses.

Such a blow could be more than the Lin family could bear.

"My son Lin Feng will arrive shortly, and I will provide the Xia family with a satisfactory explanation," Lin Yuanshan seethed internally, almost wishing he could strike down his own disloyal son.

"Hehe, even if that worthless son of yours shows up, he won't change the outcome," Xia Qingyan thought to herself with a sneer, her gaze softening as she turned to the young man beside her. In comparison to Lin Feng, this young man, Loong Tianfeng, was in a league of his own—ten Lin Fengs would not measure up to him.

Among the elders, Fifth Elder Lin Yuanqing rose, his expression stern, "How dare you accuse Lin Feng of such a deed based solely on your accusations? Lin Feng isn't even here to defend himself, and yet you speak as if the matter is settled?"

Xia Shanhou briskly rubbed his hands together, his eyes icy as they swept over Lin Yuanqing.

"You!" The Fifth Elder grunted, reeling as if struck by a heavy blow. Clutching his chest, he stumbled backward three steps, his complexion souring instantly.

"Uncle Yuanshan, even though Lin Feng and I are friends, we never pledged a lifelong commitment. How can I face anyone after what he's done to me?" Xia Qingyan dabbed at her eyes with her sleeve, feigning tears. "You must stand up for me, Uncle. Otherwise, how can Qingyan ever be with Brother Tianfeng again?"

Lin Yuanshan's expression darkened.

"Tianfeng? Could it be Loong Tianfeng, the young master of the Loong family from the Holy City?"

The Lin family elders' attention snapped to the teenager standing behind Xia Shanhou.

The youth, merely fifteen or sixteen, harbored a formidable energy within him—an energy characteristic of the Innate Stage!

"A fifteen-year-old at the Innate Stage already?" The Lin family elders were astounded.

"He's not just an Innate Stage expert; he's opened five martial meridians!" Xia Shanhou said, barely concealing his smugness.

Loong Tianfeng stood with an air of arrogance. Possessing five martial meridians, he was considered a top-tier prodigy throughout the entire Holy City.

The Lin family elders' faces turned a ghastly shade of pale. Clearly, the Xia family was resolute in dissolving their alliance with the Lin family, having even brought a prodigious youth to reinforce their position.

A youth of fifteen or sixteen at the Innate Stage with five martial meridians—what kind of formidable backing did he have that the Lin family wouldn't dare provoke?

Xia Qingyan, her cheeks flushed with coyness, gazed longingly at Loong Tianfeng.

"The alliance between the Xia and Lin families is over, and this isn't up for discussion," Loong Tianfeng declared.

The Lin family elders erupted into chaos.

"Father, we can't concede to their demands!" At that moment, the doors to the council hall swung open, and Lin Feng strode in, positioning himself at the heart of the chamber.

"Is that really Lin Feng from before?" Xia Qingyan's eyes narrowed as she watched the young man stride through the door.

Sunlight bathed the youth, infusing him with an air of vitality. He exuded a powerful confidence, showing none of the defeatism expected of a failure.

"Lin Feng, this is a significant family affair. It's not your place to speak. Step back immediately," Great Elder Lin Yuandong commanded, rising to his feet.

"Lin Feng, matters like these are beyond your grasp. The elders will handle the decisions."