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墨書 Inktalez
Exiting the Arhat Hall, a carriage was parked not far across the street, pulled by four horses, indicating its high specifications.
At this moment, a man dressed in a tight-fitting blue outfit resembling a steward was respectfully standing beside the carriage, drenched in sweat under the scorching sun.
It was evident that he had been waiting there for quite some time.
Upon seeing Ye Tian and Lin Qingshan come out, the man hurriedly approached, first bowing in greeting before speaking, "I am Lin Rui, the steward of the Lin family. I have been instructed by the family head to await you both here."
Without saying a word, Lin Qingshan lifted the curtain and entered the carriage. His emotions were complex; after being away from the Lin family for over ten years, he was naturally filled with indescribable excitement at returning.
However, Ye Tian did not immediately board the carriage. Instead, he stared at the man who called himself Lin Rui for a few moments before coldly asking, "Is this all?"
Lin Rui was taken aback. Before coming here, he had heard Hua Yu Gongzi speak of Ye Tian, noting his profound background and extraordinary strength, as well as his somewhat unpredictable personality. It was clear that he was a difficult person to serve.
"Young Master Ye, please clarify; I am rather dull and do not fully understand," Lin Rui replied. As a genuine steward of the Lin family, although his strength was not particularly high, his daily work involved dealing with various powerful figures. Thus, he maintained a calm demeanor, respectful yet aware of hierarchy.
"I am asking if Lin Qingfeng has instructed you to convey this?" Ye Tian did not seem angry, but his icy tone sent chills down one's spine.
"Yes," Lin Rui replied while bowing, never lifting his head.
Ye Tian acknowledged him with a sound and then boarded the carriage after a moment. Lin Rui waved his hand, signaling the driver to begin heading toward the Lin family estate.
Inside the carriage, Lin Qingshan turned to glance at Ye Tian. He understood why Ye Tian had questioned Lin Rui earlier; it was because Lin Rui had not brought news about Lin Qingfeng relinquishing his position as family head. This had been a pre-agreed condition, and it seemed that the other party might have reconsidered.
Ye Tian gently nodded at Lin Qingshan, indicating that he would ensure justice would be served no matter what.
In truth, Ye Tian had wanted to explode in anger earlier but refrained since Lin Rui was merely a steward. Even if he made things difficult or even killed him, it would be of no use. Moreover, since the other party had not explicitly stated their unwillingness to fulfill their promise, they would have to go to the Lin family first and make a judgment there. If Lin Qingshan dared to go back on their agreement, Ye Tian would make him regret it profoundly.
Although there were four horses pulling the carriage, the speed was not very fast. Along the way, Lin Rui personally directed the journey, clearing the way wherever there were dense crowds to ensure that the carriage could pass smoothly.
Seeing this scene, Lin Qingshan sighed lightly and thought to himself, "With the carriage moving forward and the steward clearing the path, it is evident how powerful the Lin family is under Lin Qingfeng's control in Southern Wilderness Town. Thinking back to when I was the head of the family, I never had such glory. Perhaps having Lin Qingfeng as the head of the family is indeed the best thing for the Lin family..."
Ye Tian seemed to sense Lin Qingshan's thoughts and gently patted his shoulder in comfort.
Due to Lin Qingshan's heavy heart, the two of them did not speak much along the way. After about an hour, they finally arrived at their destination.
With a simultaneous neigh from the four horses, the carriage came to a steady stop.
Ye Tian and Lin Qingshan got off the carriage one after another and immediately began to stretch their limbs. Although they did not have to walk during this journey, sitting in a slow-moving carriage was not comfortable for martial cultivators like them.
Both raised their eyes simultaneously, and what they saw was a pair of heavy Bronze Doors standing ten feet tall, with eight strong men stationed on either side. Above the gatehouse hung a golden plaque with black characters—Lin Family.
Ye Tian nodded, already comparing it to the Cold Family from years ago. This had become a habit of his; whenever he encountered local families, he liked to compare them with the Cold Family. He then imagined what the Cold Family would look like if it had not fallen.
His actions seemed to be reminiscing about something while also reminding himself that the past was ultimately gone.
"Home at last..."
Lin Qingshan murmured hoarsely, feeling deeply emotional. He recalled how he had been framed and persecuted by Lin Qingfeng back in the day; not only was he expelled from the Lin family, but he almost lost his life as well. He never expected that today he could return to the Lin family with dignity. Everything felt like a dream; although he had thought about it day and night, he could not help but shed tears in reality.
At first, he sobbed quietly, but soon he broke down into loud cries. At this moment, this seventy-year-old man could no longer contain his emotions. It had been too long—truly too long...
Everyone watched in silence, including Ye Tian. They understood that the bitterness of being away from home for decades and the joy of finally returning could not be comforted or needed any consolation.
After a long while, Lin Qingshan finally began to regain his composure. He took a deep breath, his spirit restored, and strode confidently through the door of his home.
A group of people closely followed, the sunlight casting a golden hue on Lin Qingshan's back, making it seem as if the true head of the Lin family had returned.
...
The Lin family's Garden was vast, significantly larger than the Cold Family's estate, filled with grass, stones, trees, ponds, and arched bridges, with pavilions standing majestically throughout.
Butler Lin Rui led the way, while Ye Tian and Lin Qingshan walked quietly behind him. Occasionally, Lin Qingshan would let out a light sigh, indicating his astonishment at the significant changes in the Lin family over the years.
In a moment, a group appeared at the arched bridge ahead, led by Hua Yu Gongzi. Behind him were nearly twenty members of the Lin family, all of whom clearly possessed some level of cultivation based on their appearances.
Ye Tianxin felt a chill; could they be planning to make a move here?
As both sides drew closer, Hua Yu Gongzi stepped forward with a smile that lacked any hint of flattery.
"Senior Lin, Young Master Ye," Hua Yu Gongzi said, bowing respectfully with a humble demeanor.
The two nodded in response. Ye Tian scanned the group behind Hua Yu Gongzi and coldly asked, "What does this mean?"
"Haha, Young Master Ye is overthinking it. To express our sincerity, all the elders of the Lin family are here to welcome you; there is nothing else intended," Hua Yu Gongzi replied.
"Sincerity?" Ye Tian scoffed dismissively and continued, "If this is to express sincerity, then why isn’t Lin Qingfeng here to greet us personally?"
Upon hearing this, the crowd behind Hua Yu Gongzi began to murmur among themselves. Although their voices were low, Ye Tian could hear them clearly. They were discussing how arrogant this young man was.
"Cough cough." Hua Yu Gongzi's expression changed slightly as he cleared his throat twice, silencing those behind him.
"The family head has important matters to attend to and cannot come out to greet you personally. I hope Young Master Ye can understand."
"Important matters? Perhaps they are plotting something," Ye Tian pressed on aggressively, sensing that things between him and Lin Qingfeng would not end well.
"Young Master Ye, you are overthinking it. Please come this way," Hua Yu Gongzi said, no longer engaging in conversation. He stepped aside and gestured invitingly.
Ye Tian let out a cold snort but, due to Hua Yu Gongzi's humility, he refrained from expressing his displeasure, as that would be losing his composure. Thus, he took a step forward and proceeded.
After a moment, a lake appeared ahead within the garden, its waters clear and fish visible. Clusters of lotus flowers of an unknown variety were blooming vigorously even in autumn.
In the center of the lake stood a Pavilion, quietly situated, surrounded by winding walkways. Occasionally, maidens in gauzy skirts would pass by, all of them graceful and striking in appearance.
"Young Master Ye, please," Hua Yu Gongzi said. After crossing the arched bridge, it was now Hua Yu Gongzi leading the way, while the steward Lin Rui followed closely beside.
"Lin the Elder, you go first," Ye Tian said, allowing Lin Qingshan to proceed. However, he was contemplating that Lin Rui should be from the Lin family by surname, but his status seemed far inferior to Hua Yu Gongzi's. Over the years, Lin Qingfeng had likely already sidelined the legitimate power of the Lin family. That said, since Lin Rui could still serve as steward, it appeared that Lin Qingfeng had not harmed the legitimate members of the Lin family.
Of course, this was merely Ye Tian's speculation. Lin Qingshan had not introduced any members of the Lin family to Ye Tian. Although Lin Rui shared the surname Lin, he might not be a legitimate member of the family. Moreover, Hua Yu Gongzi could very well be named Lin Huayu; these were all uncertain matters.
Moments later, they arrived before the largest hall within the Pavilion. Hua Yu Gongzi turned around and dismissed several elders and stewards but kept Lin Rui behind.
The hall was at least thirty zhang in square area. As they approached, a peculiar wooden fragrance wafted through the air; it was evident that the materials used for construction were extraordinary.
Upon entering the hall, there were cauldrons at each corner—greenish-blue in color with mottled copper rust—but they did not appear old; rather, they exuded an ancient charm.
At this moment, wisps of white vapor were rising from the cauldrons, filling the hall with a unique aroma that did not clash with the wooden scent but complemented it instead, creating a sense of tranquility.
"Young Master Ye and Senior Lin, please take your seats," Hua Yu Gongzi indicated towards some seating nearby. There were no chairs; instead, cushions were laid flat on the ground with a long table in front holding fresh fruits and beverages.
Since all seating consisted of cushions, it was impossible to distinguish which was the main seat or secondary seat; thus Ye Tian had no opportunity to assert himself. Of course, this did not mean there was no hierarchy; it was simply that customs here differed and Ye Tian could not discern them.
While Ye Tian could not tell, Lin Qingshan clearly could. He lingered his gaze on one cushion for quite some time before finally sighing and taking his seat.
"That must be the head of the family's seat," Ye Tian remarked, pointing at the cushion that Lin Qingshan had been looking at earlier.
Hua Yu Gongzi felt a bit awkward about Lin Qingshan taking on the position of family head, as he had personally promised to do so. Now that Ye Tian brought it up, he couldn't pretend to be deaf.
"Yes," Hua Yu Gongzi nodded, while thinking about how to respond.
However, this time Ye Tian unexpectedly did not ask further questions and simply looked away after a few glances.
Hua Yu Gongzi and Lin Rui exchanged a glance and both sighed in relief.
But just then, Ye Tian suddenly posed an even more difficult question.
"What about Lin Qingfeng? I want to see him."
"…"
"The family head is occupied and will likely be unavailable for several days," Hua Yu Gongzi replied.
"Oh…" Ye Tian nodded, seemingly accepting this explanation. However, after a moment, he spoke again: "In that case, we won't wait for him. Gather all the members of the Lin family shortly; let's proceed with reinstating Lin the Elder as the family head."
Upon hearing this, both Lin Rui and Hua Yu Gongzi were taken aback, speechless in shock.
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