What the hell? Had the world gone mad, or were their ears playing tricks on them?
Everyone looked at one another in disbelief. With doubts flooding their minds, Lin Hanyi and the rest hurried toward the guest hall.
Sure enough, the hall was packed with people—all heads of major families in Fengtian City. Outside the guest hall, bundles of gifts and heaps of gold, silver, and jewels were piled up like a small mountain.
When Lin Hanyi led the Lin Family members out, those waiting immediately rushed forward to greet them.
“Aiya, Brother Lin, long time no see!” The head of the Fang Family was the first to step forward. He grabbed Lin Hanyi’s hands like they were lifelong friends and said with a broad smile, “Brother Lin, do you still remember that time eighty years ago when we were digging mudfish outside Fengtian City? What a memory, unforgettable even now!”
“Of course, aside from reminiscing, I also came today because I recently heard that some unworthy scoundrel from my Fang Family coveted Brother Lin’s shops, which caused some misunderstanding between our families.”
“Sigh, it’s all my fault for being in secluded cultivation. I only just came out and found out about this mess—it was a terrible mistake on our part!”
“But don’t worry. As soon as I heard, I severely punished that scoundrel from the Fang Family and stripped him of all his positions. I also rushed over with these gifts to apologize to Brother Lin.”
“So please, Brother Lin, don’t take offense. Come, bring up the gifts!”
With that, several storage rings filled with priceless treasures were presented.
But before the Fang patriach could finish, the Gu patriach stepped forward with a dramatic stride.
“Brother Hanyi, I’ve wronged you!” The Gu patriach let out a wail, shaking his head and sighing. “My clansmen told me about an unclaimed mine outside the city, so I took people to mine it. Who knew it actually belonged to your Lin Family?”
“When I found out, I was overwhelmed with guilt. I mined someone else’s property without verifying ownership, and it caused such a massive misunderstanding between our families.”
“I—I’m no better than a beast. I’ve let the Lin Family down.” He even slapped himself twice in regret and continued, sighing, “Brother Hanyi, I came today solely to clear up the misunderstanding between our two families. Please don’t hold it against me.”
“To make amends, I plan to give your Lin Family our Gu Family’s two best mines outside the city as compensation.”
“Our people have already withdrawn. You can send someone to take over at any time!”
At that moment, the entire Lin Family guest hall turned into a stage of exaggerated performances. All the patriachs went all out to win the Lin Family’s favor—some came proposing marriage, some wanted to swear brotherhood with Lin Hanyi, some invited the entire Lin Family for a feast. Enjoying the story? Read on at novelping(.)com.
One patriach, desperate to curry favor, knelt on the ground and begged Lin Hanyi to take him as a godson—even though he was half a year older than Lin Hanyi.
The entire scene was ridiculous and disgraceful—yet painfully realistic.
Since ancient times, in all eras and places, things have always been like this. It was a vivid portrait of reality.
Lin Hanyi and the others stood wide-eyed, completely baffled. Looking at the fawning crowd in front of them, it all felt like a dream.
Just moments ago, these people had been threatening to destroy the Lin Family. Now, they were groveling at their feet—the shift in attitude was enough to leave one speechless.
“You all…” Lin Hanyi looked at them with utter confusion.
Just then, a servant rushed in and reported, “Patriarch! Patriarch! Young Master has returned!”
“What? Feng’er is back?” Lin Hanyi and the others no longer cared about the crowd of patriachs. They rushed out to greet him.
“Lin Feng?”
“Let’s go! Hurry!” The patriachs, hearing this, quickly followed behind.
At the entrance, Lin Feng had just stepped in, carrying large bags of gifts, with Zhong Qing and his puppet trailing behind.
“Feng’er!” Lin Hanyi was instantly overwhelmed with emotion. Tears welled up as he rushed forward and hugged Lin Feng tightly.
Ever since the Murong Family annulled the engagement, Lin Feng had vanished from Fengtian City in despair. Rumors even spread that he had died outside.
Now, seeing him return safely, Lin Hanyi couldn’t contain his joy.
“It’s good you’re back. That’s all that matters.”
The Lin Family elders also gathered around, fussing over him and checking him from head to toe. Seeing he was safe and sound, they were all visibly relieved and happy.
“Father, uncles, these are the gifts I brought for all of you,” Lin Feng said as he handed out the bags.
“You silly child. We’re just glad you’re okay, and yet you were still thinking of us,” Lin Hanyi said, laughing with the other elders. Though the gifts weren’t very expensive, they were touched beyond words. Follow the newest chapters on novelping.com.
“Right, who are these two?” Lin Hanyi finally noticed Zhong Qing and the black-clad man behind Lin Feng.
“Father, elders, let me introduce them. This is my Master, Zhong Qing, and the uncle next to him… I actually don’t know his name yet.”
“What? Feng’er has a Master now?” Upon hearing this, Lin Hanyi and the others couldn’t contain their excitement. Finally, someone had accepted Lin Feng as a disciple despite his talent.
“We greet Feng’er’s Master and this gentleman.” Lin Hanyi and the others bowed in unison.
“No need to be so formal,” Zhong Qing said with a gentle smile. “This one behind me is my attendant. You may call him Heibai.”
As he spoke, Zhong Qing transmitted a message to the puppet behind him, “From now on, you’ll be called Hei Bai.”
“Yes,” the puppet responded, lowering his head slightly.
“So it’s Mister Heibai! Everyone, stop standing around. Please, come inside!” The crowd of patriachs quickly stepped aside, watching Zhong Qing and Heibai with awe in their eyes and whispering among themselves.
“That black-clad man was the one who released Moon Profound Realm aura at the tavern.”
“And judging by his posture and words earlier, he really is the white-robed man’s attendant—and that white-robed man is Lin Feng’s Master.”
“Yes, the rumors are true. The Lin Family has struck an incredible fortune.”
“Good thing we were smart and quick to show support.”
At that moment, Lin Hanyi suddenly remembered the crowd of patriarchs still waiting outside.
He quickly invited Zhong Qing to the seat of honor and said, “Master Zhong, please rest here a moment. I have a few minor matters to handle, but I’ll be back shortly.”
“Elders, please entertain Master Zhong well.”
Then, Lin Hanyi turned back to the gathered patriarchs. But before he could speak, they all waved their hands and shouted, “Patriarch Lin, no need, no need! Just focus on entertaining the immortal. We’ll just wait here, squatting is fine!”
“Yes, yes, we’ll just squat here. Don’t worry about us!”