Chapter 56: The Gathering Storm

Hearing the old man’s words, Lin Cheng was momentarily stunned, uncertain of the elder’s intentions. He replied with a respectful bow, “Miss An’an is kind-hearted and generous, sweet and charming—a rare woman indeed.”

At his praise, An’an, standing nearby, blushed shyly and pouted, “Grandfather, why are you asking him such things…”

The old man laughed heartily, his eyes twinkling as he looked at the pair. An Zhan seemed to sense the elder’s thoughts and nervously glanced at Lin Cheng, “Brother Lin, please don’t stand on ceremony. Treat our An family as your own home.”

Lin Cheng gradually realized what was happening—were they hoping to take him as a son-in-law?

“Um… Elder An, An’an is still young…”

“I am not that young!” An’an interrupted before Lin Cheng could finish.

The old man stroked his beard and laughed, “This is the first time I’ve seen An’an act like this. Ah, girls grow up so quickly!”

“Grandfather… I’m not talking to you anymore…” An’an, her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment, ran out of the courtyard as if fleeing.

Now, only three remained in the courtyard. An Zhan hesitated for a moment, then said, “An’an told me you both went to the southern mining site last night. Brother Lin, you single-handedly slew two Spirit Realm experts from the Qiu family… Is that true?”

“It is, indeed. I simply couldn’t stand the Qiu family’s actions and sought to uphold justice. On reflection, I fear my actions may have implicated your An family. I apologize for any trouble…” Lin Cheng replied.

“No, no, Brother Lin, please don’t say such things. I believe you acted not only out of distaste for the Qiu family but also for An’an’s sake… Rest assured, we elders won’t interfere too much in your affairs. As for your concern that the Qiu family may target us—what is there to fear? I haven’t even settled scores with them over matters in Qiuming City…” An Zhan said gravely.

“Be at ease, Young Hero Lin. Our An family does not fear the City Lord’s residence. Especially now that you have deprived them of two Spirit Realm experts… If they wish for battle, then battle it shall be,” the old man declared.

An Zhan added, “Father, perhaps this is an opportunity… The Qiu family has lorded over others for years. It’s time they were brought down.”

The elder stroked his beard, pondered briefly, then looked at Lin Cheng. “Young Hero Lin, may I ask, are you from the mountain?”

Lin Cheng decided not to conceal it any longer. “Indeed, I am a disciple of Qingyang Sect, traveling the world for experience. It was by chance that I met Miss An’an.”

“So it is… To reach the level of True Qi Master at your age, I imagine you are among the outstanding disciples of Qingyang Sect,” the old man said.

He and An Zhan exchanged a glance, their satisfaction clear as they looked at Lin Cheng. If he became their son-in-law, the Qiu family would surely have to submit.

“Elder An, you flatter me. I am fortunate, nothing more,” Lin Cheng replied.

“Haha, a remarkable talent—humble and composed. Excellent…” The old man laughed, clearly admiring Lin Cheng greatly.

“Senior, if you praise me any more, I fear I’ll be ill at ease…” Lin Cheng offered modestly.

At that, An Zhan clapped his hands and laughed. “It’s been many years since I’ve seen the old man so happy. Brother Lin, if you don’t mind, why not call me Uncle An from now on?”

“Uncle An, you humble me,” Lin Cheng responded.

Seeing Lin Cheng’s conduct, the two men laughed heartily once more.

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“Since you are a disciple of Qingyang Sect, Lin, there’s no need to fear the Qiu family. They wouldn’t dare touch a Qingyang disciple,” An Zhan said.

“Uncle An, our sect forbids involvement in worldly conflicts… So I can only act on my own behalf, and cannot call upon my sect’s experts for aid,” Lin Cheng explained.

Elder An nodded. “We understand, Young Hero Lin. You need not worry. As long as the Qiu family knows you’re from Qingyang Sect, you’ll be safe. We’ll handle the rest.”

He was well aware of the three sects’ rules. Their desire to confirm Lin Cheng’s identity was partly out of curiosity, but mostly to verify their suspicions. They had no intention to exploit him.

“I have made my choice and am prepared to face the consequences. Elder An, do you know the level of the Qiu family’s strongest expert?” Lin Cheng asked.

“After so many years, the Qiu family’s old man must have reached the Earth Spirit Realm, same as myself,” the elder replied.

“Earth Spirit Realm… If that’s so, even if I cannot defeat them, they can do nothing to me,” Lin Cheng said confidently.

At his words, both men raised their brows in surprise, staring at Lin Cheng. Yet, considering how he had slain two Spirit Realm experts with his True Qi Master Eleventh Rank, it was not so unexpected that he could stand against the Earth Spirit Realm.

Still, his battle prowess astounded them. Was it true that all three sect disciples possessed such ability to fight above their level?

They sighed inwardly, realizing how limited their perspective had been. Perhaps it was time they broadened their horizons…

“Lin, you are truly a peerless talent. With this strength, you could dominate Dragon City,” An Zhan said.

“Uncle An, there you go again…”

An Zhan could only laugh.

The three shared a hearty laugh.

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In the City Lord’s residence, deep in the rear courtyard of the Qiu estate.

Qiu Batian stood respectfully, hands clasped behind his back, before a meditation cushion where an old man with graying hair and a red face sat cross-legged.

The elder’s eyes flashed with sharp light as he listened to Qiu Batian’s report in silence.

“Is the news reliable?” the elder finally asked.

“Our informants confirm that Qingyang Sect does have a disciple named Lin Cheng, and he is far from obscure within the sect,” Qiu Batian answered.

“Lin Cheng cannot be touched,” the elder said.

“What about the young man in the purple robe?” Qiu Batian asked.

“Tell him that the boy is beyond our ability to confront. We can only restrain the An family. As for Lin Cheng… he will have to deal with him himself.”

“But what if he decides to walk away? His strength is beyond our reach. I am concerned…” Qiu Batian said.

The old man smiled faintly. “Don’t worry. He came here precisely because of Lin Cheng… All that talk about not tolerating injustice is nonsense. Just do as I say.”

“Yes, Father,” Qiu Batian replied with a bow.

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In the guest courtyard, Qiu Batian walked to the door of the young man in purple robes.

He cleared his throat and called respectfully, “Are you there, Sir?”

“What is it?” came the reply from within.

“I have something to report,” Qiu Batian said.

“Enter.”

Inside, the young man in purple robes opened his eyes from meditation and looked at Qiu Batian.

“Forgive me for disturbing your rest, Sir,” Qiu Batian apologized.

“No matter. What have you to say?” the youth replied.

“Well… I have considered it carefully. This Lin Cheng… no one in our Qiu family is his equal. I hope you will assist us…”

Hearing this, the young man’s eyes narrowed and a cold smile curled at his lips.

He quickly concealed his expression and said, “Just find a way to lure Lin Cheng here. I will deal with him myself.”

Qiu Batian was overjoyed and replied eagerly, “Rest assured, Sir, I will arrange it at once. As for the An family, we will do our best to restrain them…”

“The An family is insignificant. I have never regarded them as anything worth my attention,” the youth said disdainfully.

“Yes, yes, you are right. The An family is not worthy of your concern,” Qiu Batian agreed.

“Go now. The sooner he is dealt with, the sooner I can leave this wretched place. The thin spiritual energy here makes every breath uncomfortable…” The youth waved his hand and closed his eyes.

“Qiu Batian takes his leave.”

Leaving the courtyard, Qiu Batian glanced back at the youth’s room, his face filled with resentment.

He thought to himself, if not for your strength, how dare you treat me so arrogantly? I would have buried you in the mines long ago.

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